I asked this in another thread, but it went unanswered.
Simplly, do NPCs gain favored class bonuses? Adding favored class bonuses isn't mentioned in the section on creating NPCs, but the favored class section says all characters gain a favored class bonus (unlike traits, which specifically call outs NPCs as not getting traits).
RAI, it seems like they shouldn't because this generates extra bookkeeping and potential errors in statblocks (like why synergy bonuses were removed).
Heh, my NPCs have whatever stats I want them to have. But to answer your questions, if I am following the character creation rules for my NPCs I give them the same benefits a PC character would get.
I choose a favored class for NPCs with PC class levels. and give them the bonus for levels in that class (or two if they are half-elfs), I do not give NPCs with strictly NPC class (warrior, adept, etc) levels a favored class bonus.
I am not sure if this is BTB or not though.
I choose a favored class for NPCs with PC class levels. and give them the bonus for levels in that class (or two if they are half-elfs), I do not give NPCs with strictly NPC class (warrior, adept, etc) levels a favored class bonus.
I am not sure if this is BTB or not though.
This is _exactly_ what I do. I am just curious what the rules are from a BTB/RAW perspective.
Heh, my NPCs have whatever stats I want them to have.
While I can understand that philosophy, I like to limit how far I stray from the rules.
While I can understand that philosophy, I like to limit how far I stray from the rules.
Well, while I can understand the philosophy of sticking to "the rules" there is, in fact, no "rule" I am aware of that says I have to build NPCs exactly the same as if I were building a PC.
I have created many NPCs who are completely made up with powers and abilities that were chosen purely for the purpose of providing a proper challenge to the party. I feel no compulsion whatsoever to explain to my players "how I built" an NPC.
While I can understand that philosophy, I like to limit how far I stray from the rules.
Well, while I can understand the philosophy of sticking to "the rules" there is, in fact, no "rule" I am aware of that says I have to build NPCs exactly the same as if I were building a PC.
I have created many NPCs who are completely made up with powers and abilities that were chosen purely for the purpose of providing a proper challenge to the party. I feel no compulsion whatsoever to explain to my players "how I built" an NPC.
Well, there is a page explicitly detailing how to build NPCs.
I also give NPCs screwy abilities, archetypes, and feats; but I always right them down in an objective format so that, in theory, the PCs could take them if they wanted/qualified. From an aesthetic perspective, I like when things work out like that; from a balance perspective, it makes me think a bit harder about NPC stats/balancing.
Publishing a guide to help people make boilerplate NPCs is not remotely the same thing as saying "you MUST make NPCs this way."
Although quite frankly, even if they did, I'd ignore such a rule. I own my world, not Paizo.
Publishing a guide to help people make boilerplate NPCs is not remotely the same thing as saying "you MUST make NPCs this way."
Although quite frankly, even if they did, I'd ignore such a rule. I own my world, not Paizo.
And I am not saying you should be a slave to any of Paizo's rules.
I am asking what is Paizo's intent or rule regarding NPCs and favored class bonuses. I do not think this is an unreasonable question.
Publishing a guide to help people make boilerplate NPCs is not remotely the same thing as saying "you MUST make NPCs this way."
Although quite frankly, even if they did, I'd ignore such a rule. I own my world, not Paizo.
And I am not saying you should be a slave to any of Paizo's rules.
I am asking what is Paizo's intent or rule regarding NPCs and favored class bonuses. I do not think this is an unreasonable question.
And I answered it by saying that I give NPCs the same character creation benefits as PCs when I use the character creation rules to make one.
I was just also pointing out that I feel no compulsion whatsoever to stick religiously to those character creation rules when creating an NPC.
Publishing a guide to help people make boilerplate NPCs is not remotely the same thing as saying "you MUST make NPCs this way."
Although quite frankly, even if they did, I'd ignore such a rule. I own my world, not Paizo.
And I am not saying you should be a slave to any of Paizo's rules.
I am asking what is Paizo's intent or rule regarding NPCs and favored class bonuses. I do not think this is an unreasonable question.
And I answered it by saying that I give NPCs the same character creation benefits as PCs when I use the character creation rules to make one.
I was just also pointing out that I feel no compulsion whatsoever to stick religiously to those character creation rules when creating an NPC.
As this is the rules board, I am interested in RAW/RAI and not in any particular poster's way of doing things.
I understand and acknowledge your method (and it is pretty much what I do in practice; for instance, I have no problem giving major NPCs traits even though that is a no-no by RAW), but it doesn't help me answer the question. Looks like I will just need to deconstruct some NPCs from that newish codex to see how it works out.
Whale_cancer, fair enough. I admit that I tend to be less aware of the fact I'm in the rules questions section than I should be. It's a personality failing and I apologize for it.
Whale_cancer, fair enough. I admit that I tend to be less aware of the fact I'm in the rules questions section than I should be. It's a personality failing and I apologize for it.
No reason good sir!
Yes they do.
Thanks!