Outfitting NPCs

[old school gamer]

Hi!

I was thinking of sending a group of NPC villians for my heroes to fight against. However, even though initially making them is easy I am trying to figure out a system for outfitting them as far as magic items are concerned. Do you have any ideas that may help?

[Dangersaurus]

old school gamer wrote:
Hi!

I was thinking of sending a group of NPC villians for my heroes to fight against. However, even though initially making them is easy I am trying to figure out a system for outfitting them as far as magic items are concerned. Do you have any ideas that may help?

I think the 2nd edition Monster Manual had a quick system. Later printings of the 1st edition DMG had something similar in the appendices, but mine's too old ... other than that, just pick a few items that you a) think the NPC might reasonably have, and b) you're okay with the items becoming part of the PCs arsenal.

[Omote]

I know CKs think they need a rule to cover situations like this, but fact of the matter is there is no way to determine precisely how to do this. Use common sense. If you over-power your NPCs with magic items, and during combat with PCs, realize that you've made this mistake, tone it down immediatly. Maybe the magic item was a one-shot deal or simply back up one stap and admit to your players that you made a mistake (worst case senario).

Just wing it, and adjust as the in-game senario changes.

............................................Omote

FPQ
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[Treebore]

My first rule is, like mentioned above, don't put anything in the NPC's hands that you don't want to be in the PC hands.

Two, done't have item after item be used by the bad guys and then be empty when the PC's get it. Have at least 3 uses left in it.

Magic weapons and armor. I actually have a "formual" for this. Weapons is a +1 for every 3 levels of the party (additional powers decided on by me, when I feel it will be appropriate, most cool, and fun). Armor is +1 for every 4 levels of the party.

This is a general guideline. I will have "exceptions" for one or two characters, because I thought it would be cool and fun.

So the essentials of my decision making process are:

What would be a cool item for the players to get now?

Will I be able to deal with them having the item, or items, and not ruin the game?

If I can say yes to all 3 of those questions I equip the NPC's with them.
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[Maliki]

I'm with Treebore on rule #1, after that I just wing it.
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