NPCs past, present, future

I was wondering if there are others out there who would like a little consistency with the NPC from 1st to 3.5 ed. For example, Burne is an 8th level wizard in 1st ed and in ToEE, but there were no feats or skill points in existence when the module was originally published. What I propose is to compare the original module with Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil (3.0 ed.) and consider if the NPCs should be changed. I can get a hold of RToEE but I do not have the original module.

Another example is Prince Thrommel. In RToEE, he is a Blackguard Vampire who converted his levels of Paladin - there were no fighter levels. If he is, in 1st ed fact, a paladin, he would certainly interact differently and I suppose Fragarach would be different too.

Of course I understand and believe that if the original module and RToEE are not consistent, then we should follow the original module. If that is the case, perhaps we can still suggest what feats would be even better for characters like Burne.

 

Well in RtToEE Elmo is 6th Level Ranger, Otis was killed in the Temple, Burne is a 10th Level Wizard, Y'dey is a 10th Level Cleric, Rufus 8th Level Fighter, Spugnoir 7 level wizard, Terjon 6th level Cleric, Kella 9th level Druid, Zert 8th level Fighter, Lareth 7th Level Fighter, Hedrack Level 14 Cleric, Thrommel Level 3/9 Paladin/Blkguard (Once a 12th level Paladin but exchanged 9 levels to Blkguard upon becoming a Vampire.) Falrinth 14h level Wizard, Smigmal Redhand 5/2/7 Ftr/Rog/Assas, Senshock ghost 9th level wizard.

 

Is it even possible to implement a Blackguard in TOEE?

 

Um... nope. At least not until someone learns to write completely
new stuff into the dll without breaking it. Until we get the source
code it's not probable.

 

Blackguard is unnecessary since that would be the future for Thrommel. Does the original module state CG Fighter?

As for the wizards, are some of them specialists. I think Sitra has told us how to modify protos to create specialist wizards.

Poor Terjon - 20 years and never levelled up.


Edit: It seems that none of the returning wizards in RToEE are specialists.

 

The original module didn't give any stats for Thrommel.

 

Things change, but can anyone explain why? Or is it simply just a difference of story writing!? Because that is way off, and not really explained entirely by normal game and level developement within the core rules!?

 

In the original ToEE module Thrommel was said to appear to be a vampire but was really aPaladin Lord (with no stats),which would imply Lawful Good ,but Fragarach was still his sword(Chaotic Good).Inconsistent ,eh.

 

Thanks to Lightsfantastic, I read the original module - damn I missed a lot of secret doors! Thrommel is clearly a case of Monte Cook screwing up. I did not see any mention of him being a Paladin in that module.

But Otis should be a 10th level Ranger. I suppose others would not be on board to "correct" him. Or would you?

 

I'd settle for fourth level Ranger, but this argument has been done, apparently bloodily.

 

A late game NPC for good parties most people don't talk about is Taki from the Air node. He's a 7th level fighter specializing in Archery, which is a good thing since he only has 39 HP!!!! He worships Pelor, wears full plate mail, and is 7 feet tall. Not the most awesome of NPC's, but he is available.

 

The major Hommlet NPCs

It struck me that the title Canoness refers specifically to a 6th level cleric and, sure enough, in 1st ed. she was 6th level - not 9th - and so was Terjon "past and present"

I really do not understand the argument that the clerics need to be high enough level to raise characters. Y'dey has a staff of life; Terjon doesn't, but the party could go to Jaroo who, at 7th level, can reincarnate. I read the new official line that we will no longer be able (for the shortrun) to levelup the NPCs ourselves to promote immersion, but for PnP players' satisfaction, I still encourage keeping the faith of the original (as much as possible).

From RToEE:
Y'dey Clr 10 (LAWFUL good) - Law*, Protection Domains; Dodge, Combat Casting, Scribe Scroll, Brew Potion, Weapon Focus (HEAVY mace) - the latter most probably taken at 9th level (Cuthbertians favored clubs in the early days)
*Techincally, Y'dey could not have Law domain without being Lawful (she's NG in ToEE and 1st ed). She should also have Heal and Diplomacy rather than Search and Spot.

Terjon Clr 6 - Dodge, Combat Casting, Brew Potion, and Weapon Focus (heavy mace)

Calmert Clr 3 He should have Scribe Scroll as per RToEE text, but actually refers DM to the DMG for stats.

Rufus Ftr 8 - Blind Fight, Power Attack, Cleave, Weapon Focus (battleaxe), Dodge, Weapon Specialization, Mobility, Spring Attack*, and Improved Critical.
*Can the AI handle Spring Attack? Is that why that tree was replace by Great Fort and Diehard?

Burne Wiz 10 - Scribe Scroll, Improved Initiative, Combat Casting, Lightning Reflexes, Brew Potion, Spell Penetration, Maximize Spell, Spell Mastery - the latter two could be assumed to have been taken at 9th and 10th level respectively.

*In addition to protos.tab missing his two wizard feats, why should Burne have Spell Focus rather than item creation feats? Who else could be making the stuff that he sells?