If it's a big brawl I wouldn't expect the villagers or bandits to know whose side the PCs are on-- do random NPCs stab out at the PCs, or suddenly attack someone endangering the PCs? Who knows? That kind of thing being decided by dice roll each round or PC turn can ratchet up ...
CR/XP does not account for enemies using tactics, enemies having tools, particular terrain, etc. Very difficult encounters can be designed using only low-CR enemies by making proper use of terrain, hiding places for the enemies and giving the enemies a strategy. Speaking of enemy strategy, en...
With NPCs, locations, and plot hooks, these settlements can be used in any campaign. By Scott Marcley; illustrated by Indi Martin. Chessmasters & Commanders: The Noble Class. We have a special treat to round out August—a new class! The full 20-level noble class is able to command and...
Tidy5e color theme Default (light) --- --- Use classic item controls in list view Disabled --- --- Show item info cards in all layouts Enabled --- --- Show item info cards for NPCs/vehicles Enabled Disabled --- Item info cards float next to cursor Disabled --- --- Delay showing...
The other players (if present) can play "NPCs" and join him in that fight. Ensure somehow that the new PC gets the spotlight in this fight, however (use gimped NPCs compared to 1st level characters, or have them show up on round 2-3, or whatever). This combin...
My party started by going into the Ooze Grottos then progressed to the Forests of Slaughter, which are two of the sectors with the fewest NPCs which can be interacted with outside of combat and next to no hooks to the greater goals. The players r...
The unfairness comes in to play in that the DM and by extension the NPCs know what the limits of wish are, and what potential negative consequences might come from any particular wish. Players do not know this; if they a non-sanctioned wish they'll have to deal with unknown a...
Throw in a side quest with some NPCs in need of help. Put a time limit on how quickly this needs to get done. While under fire (under pressure) do not let wizards get long rests. That alone might push an extra day or two on resources if time is now...
Recently, whilst playing the 5e starter set with a fairly novice group, a player correctly guessed an NPC's motivations. She passed a wisdom check that gave her an inkling the NPC was hiding something. The exchange went something like this: [Spoilers for Lost Mines of Phalvender, 2nd/ 3r...
NPCs are are optimized for one encounter and they are expected to lose. The spreadsheet you have linked is factoring in hit/miss chances and critical damage - CR calculations don't do that. They assume all attacks hit for average damage and that AoE affect 2 creatures. Your 10th level ...