I'm wondering why NPCs from Adventure Modules (like Namdrin Quinn from "Carnival of Tears" or Merlokrep from "Throne of the Kobold King") have so high ability scores in general. Whenever I calculate their point costs (minus bonuses from equipment, race and level, of course), I usually end up with a total cost of 25+!
Is the typical Pathfinder Adventure Module made for Epic Fantasy? Where these scores simply rolled? Or are they so high in purpose to give the party a challenge should they fight the NPC in question?
Note that the two modules you reference are not actually for Pathfinder, but rather for D&D 3.5, and so the point-buy costs and racial modifiers can be different. If you look to more recent modules created specifically for Pathfinder (I spot-checked Masks of the Living God and City of Golden Death) you'll likely find the NPCs mostly use the elite array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) which works out to a 15 point buy. That said, module writers do at times boost specific creatures even beyond the elite array in order to ensure they are an appropriate challenge. Namdrin and Merlokrep, for instance, are both supposed to be significant challenges to the party.
Oh, yeah, makes sense that way ;)
Mmh... has anyone ever applied the Advanced Creature template to a NPC to balance out his higher-than-normal scores?
Oh, yeah, makes sense that way ;)
Mmh... has anyone ever applied the Advanced Creature template to a NPC to balance out his higher-than-normal scores?
Yes, but it can be dangerous.
Consider the Elite Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, & 8). If you apply the Advance Creature Template to that, you get (19, 18, 17. 15, 14, & 12), this would be the equivalent of 21+17+13+10+5+2 = 68 points (The 21 is extraplating for the 19 score)!
So, definitely make sure your characters are ready for the result before you do it.
Oh, right. In that case, I should stick with those +4, +4, +2, +2, +0, and –2 adjustments (which is basically like applying the Elite Array improvements again) ...