Not sure if this is the right board
Does anyone have any insight on how the enemy NPCs encountered are created for Plaguestone?
Because it doesn’t seem to be using normal PC rules when I tried to crunch the numbers
Assumption: like in PF1 a “level 3” enemy actually has 4 class levels . Without this then I think the numbers are even further away
Trying to avoid spoilers :
There is a character that appears to have twin feint (or the equivalent) m and 1d6 sneak attack but when you add the numbers they seem like they have master level of proficiency but still come one short
They can’t be a base rogue due to proficiency and can’t be multiclass rogue as the sneak attack is one die higher (although this is closest). There is also no AOO or shield block
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There is an archer who I think also has one higher attack roll than a fighter would allow with master. And again no shield block, aoo and only one class feat
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So at a very high level it seems like rather than NPCs having reduced gear and lower baseline point buy (1E) they have slightly better numbers (I guess based on some kind of table) but fewer “class abilities” / “feats” - perhaps to simulate the old warrior class or the like ?
Does anyone have any views or insight?
My guess is only Jason and perhaps a handful of others have a true “answer” at this stage
I am just a little confused in how i should be building humanoid any threats / what challenge they would be if I used PC rules...?
Monsters and NPCs use their own building guidelines. Those are not released yet (but will be soon in the GM guide).
It's been stated that you can totally build an NPC with the PC rules, but you can just as well use the (presumably faster) monster-building rules.
So I assume someone built using PC rules is equal level challenge to said PC? Or does that not work as it is 1 vs 4
If you build someone with the PC rules, he's as strong as an equal level PC of course. If you have 4 PCs of that level vs. that one guy, he's most likely toast.
If you have one or two NPCs using PC rules, you should add a few levels to them and/or give them superior equipment or maybe some bonus feats.
At 3 or more NPCs using PC rules, I'd acually lower their level a bit. 4 NPCs of equal level should literally have a 50% cahnce to wipe out the party, which seems a bit extreme unless you want a really brutal encounter.
I haven’t read the encounter rules but is a, for example, level 3 creature from the bestiary supposed to be as strong as a level 3 PC in this edition
If that is explained then forgive me as I haven’t had time
Note: The following is true for a party of 4 adventureres.
A creature at the party's level is worth 40 XP in encounter building. A "moderate" encounter should be worth 80 XP. Moderate means roughly "the party has to spend some resources and should fight using tactics".
A single creature at the party's level would make the encounter worth 40 XP, putting it at trivial difficulty, which basically means the party has to seriously screw up to be even remotely in danger.
If you pit Adventuring Party against Adventuring Party, all at the same level and both consisting of 4 members, you'd end up with an encounter worth 160 XP. That's extreme difficulty, and discribed as follow:
Extreme-threat encounters are so dangerous that they are likely to be an even match for the characters, particularly if the characters are low on resources. This makes them too challenging for most uses. An extreme-threat encounter might be appropriate for a fully rested group of characters that can go all-out, for the climactic encounter at the end of an entire campaign, or for a group of veteran players using advanced tactics and teamwork.