XP for PC characters

[Blue]

No. Preexisting monsters with a class template applied are elite. An NPC with just a class is a normal monster of her level. For example, a tiefling sorcerer 9 is a normal level 9 monster. A succubus (level 9) with the sorcerer template has both sorcerer and succubus powers, thus making her elite.

I have to disagree. Monsters with equal XP should be roughly of equal power and threat. If a level X character is equal to a level X monster as foes then they would be an equal threat, so when they fight it would be a 50/50 who dies.

This is manifestly not true. So a level X character is tougher than a level X normal monster, and should, as a tougher foe, be worth more XP. Going for elite as previously suggested is a good deal.

 

[Lauberfen]

Except that an NPC is not as poweful as a PC of the same level- they are limited in several ways- most importantly, they only have 1 surge, like any monster.

Elite is too much XP for NPCs as the rules build them currently. However they are more dangerous than other monsters, so somewhere in between is probably accurate.

What I would do is either use NPCs rarely, or when you make them, compare to the guidelines for a regular monster of their level, and make sure they are close to that. And limit their healing, because this is simply annoying for the players unless they can act to prevent it.

 

[Paul Strack]

I use a lot of NPCs in my game. In my experience, they are a bit tougher than normal monsters, but not by as much as you might think. The reason is that NPCs don't have any more hit points than normal monsters, and therefore die just as quickly. They may have a couple extra cool powers, but often don't live long enough to use all of them.

I used to add +33% to the XP value of NPCs, thinking that 4 normal orcs were roughtly equal to 3 NPC orcs because the NPCs had better attacks. In actual play, though, this didn't bear out. Now I just stick to RAW, and give them the XP value of their level. If I did give a bonus, it would be a small one (maybe +10%).

What NPCs do add to combat is flexibility and variety, making NPC encounters a lot more interesting and fun.

 

[Nail]

I use a lot of NPCs in my game. In my experience, they are a bit tougher than normal monsters, but not by as much as you might think.

Are you using the PCs rules to essentailly "build a PC for the DM" (as an enemy of the player's PCs)? Explain the term NPC as you are using it in 4e, please.