PCs training NPCs?

Jam The MF · May 03, 2021, 08:34:04 PM

Can a PC choose to train an NPC, and cause the NPC to gain levels in character classes?

In other words, can you train your own help?

I'd allow it at my table. How would you handle it?

Ratman_tf · May 03, 2021, 08:59:59 PM

Sure. I'd probably make it part of a "domain management" thing, even if it's a small domain, like a guild or faction.
Otherwise, henchmen were a part of the game. We had a ton of them back when I was playing AD&D.

S'mon · May 04, 2021, 01:45:43 AM

Quote from: Jam The MF on May 03, 2021, 08:34:04 PM
Can a PC choose to train an NPC, and cause the NPC to gain levels in character classes?

In other words, can you train your own help?

I'd allow it at my table. How would you handle it?

Yes, happened in my game just yesterday, using the 5e DMG training rules. A PC Barbarian-4 trained an NPC Barbarian-2 up to 3rd level. I ruled she made half the DMG training cost in profit - 10gp!

Jam The MF · May 04, 2021, 02:06:11 AM

Quote from: S'mon on May 04, 2021, 01:45:43 AM
Quote from: Jam The MF on May 03, 2021, 08:34:04 PM
Can a PC choose to train an NPC, and cause the NPC to gain levels in character classes?

In other words, can you train your own help?

I'd allow it at my table. How would you handle it?

Yes, happened in my game just yesterday, using the 5e DMG training rules. A PC Barbarian-4 trained an NPC Barbarian-2 up to 3rd level. I ruled she made half the DMG training cost in profit - 10gp!

Sounds good to me.

Omega · May 04, 2021, 03:18:22 AM

Pretty much been a feature of D&D from the get-go. NPCs, henchmen retainers, etc gain a cut of any EXP that they participated in. The NPCs were also the backup pool of potential replacement characters if a PC was killed or incapacitated.

5e has two systems now. The normal one for hirelings and NPCs, and a second one for the Sidekick/Companion system.

Other RPGs have approached it from various angles but most allow for NPCs to grow.

VisionStorm · May 04, 2021, 06:52:58 AM

Quote from: Omega on May 04, 2021, 03:18:22 AM
Pretty much been a feature of D&D from the get-go. NPCs, henchmen retainers, etc gain a cut of any EXP that they participated in.

This is pretty much how I've always handled it. I simply assume that any NPC the PCs take a liking to who tags along gets a cut of the XP and advances in level normally. But since the PCs are the ones in charge of the expedition or whatever they take a bigger cut of the treasure, while NPC tag-alongs take scraps, along with the benefits of tutorship from hardened adventurers.

FingerRod · May 04, 2021, 08:29:40 AM

This has been done a variety of ways across the editions, the main differences being how experience and treasure are handled. NPCs are typically controlled by the GM, but like all things, do whatever is fun.

The Rules Cyclopedia has a really good system for hiring retainers, and I have used a version of it for years.

Ghostmaker · May 04, 2021, 10:11:08 AM

Exalted had some fun Charms that let you turn ordinary schmucks into lethal warriors quickly (sure, they weren't a match for supernatural threats but it DEFINITELY made a difference in mass combat, IIRC).

This Guy · May 04, 2021, 03:11:31 PM

Yeah that sounds like domain-level stuff, tricky part would be figuring out rates of NPC XP gain but just make a chart based on your own tastes I guess

GeekyBugle · May 04, 2021, 05:35:16 PM

Quote from: Jam The MF on May 03, 2021, 08:34:04 PM
Can a PC choose to train an NPC, and cause the NPC to gain levels in character classes?

In other words, can you train your own help?

I'd allow it at my table. How would you handle it?

Been there done that, last time we were training them before the asshole/asshole that plays the wizard came to play with a couple drinks and got them all killed. Welp, there goes the help.