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Archives of Nethys

Archives of Nethys

Pathfinder RPG (1st Edition) Pathfinder RPG (2nd Edition) Starfinder RPG

Rules Index | GM Screen | Player's Guide
NPC Core / Relationships and Advancement / NPC Advancemetn

When to Advance NPCSs

Source NPC Core pg. 228
NPC allies typically advance at a slightly slower rate than PCs, and NPC enemies typically advance at the same rate. However, enemies might advance more slowly if they're building up alliances to face the PCs alongside or more quickly if they're achieving major accomplishments.

It's best to advance NPCs based on specific events rather than automatically. This way the players can recognize the progress of the character by hearing about the event or seeing the NPC with new equipment, different garments, scars, or other markers that show their story has continued “off stage.”

Some milestones an NPC might achieve to advance their level or abilities include:
  • The NPC accomplishes a significant goal. This might be a business milestone for a merchant, a major performance for an actor, or a lucrative kidnapping for a villainous rogue.
  • The NPC survives a major crisis. Usually this advancement also comes with a major change in their attitude and capabilities. Examples include a treacherous journey, a natural disaster, or a bloody battle. For enemy NPCs, this can include a battle against the PCs, after which it's usually best to both have the NPC level up and wait at least 1 level for the rematch so both sides come to the encounter with new abilities and counterplay tactics.
  • PCs help the NPC improve. This could involve doing a specific task for the NPC, helping them gain admittance to an institution, personally training them, or helping them realize their true potential. If you're using the connections system, these types of tasks usually overlap with favors, so you can use increasing their Connection Tier as a good point to advance the NPC.