But the community’s love for NPCs goes beyond that.

There’s something comforting about the presence of NPCs.

They’re practically a guaranteed factor in every game, making the players feel less alone in their adventures.

Van Richten’s Guide To Ravenloft - The Evil Beneath The House OF Lament Adds To Its Prison Of Souls

The Amber Tomb By Sam Keiser

A good subclass finds the balance between mechanics, lore, and flavor.

That’s why they should die.

Should I Kill An NPC?

A Sorcerer/Warlock character in Dungeons and Dragons

Ezmerelda d’Avenir In The Mists By Nikki Dawes

The short answer is yes.

The longer answer is yes,within reason.Before you kill a character, ask yourself a couple of questions.

First,ask what the death will serve.

Van Richten’s Guide To Ravenloft - Ezmerelda d’Avenir In The Mists surrounded by ghosts.

Ezmerelda d’Avenir In The Mists By Nikki Dawes

Is it a consequence?

Do not kill NPCs as a revenge tactic against players.

These deaths are the catalysts for change, both within the plot and the surrounding characters.

adventurers fight off kraken tentacles with sword and spell

Giant Octopus by Sam Keiser

Some Dungeon Masters leave NPC death directly up to the dice.

Sometimes, this is the best way to handle it.

You know your table best.

A rogue steals treasure while her accomplices attack guards in DND.

Concept Art from Keys from the Golden Vault by Evyn Fong

Or, for evenmoreof a blow,get rid of the seasoned veteran NPC.

At most tables,Healing WordandCure WoundsCANNOT regrow organs.

Keeping this in the back of your mind makes your unsavory job easier, especially in accidental cases.

featured image instruments ranked dungeons & dragons Inspiring Bard by Eelis Kyttanen, Wandering Troubadour by Rudy Siswanto, and Ellywick Tumblestrum by Anna Stein Bauer

Send Them On Their Own

Separate them from the party and put them on an independent path.

If your party is politicking frequently, this is also a good way to get in an execution.

It doesn’t do to orchestrate TPKs, because the story ends.

Tabletop

Make It Into A Choice

Your party is down to the wire.

You level a look at the party and ask, quietly,“Who do you save?”

Not only do you get to kill an NPC (yay!)

d&d

you also get tosow discord between your party members(bigger yay!)

to create dramatic situations.

Lycanthropyis also a good way to handle this, turning the NPC into a small boss.

Medical Issues

SURPRISE!

Monster Attack

It’s old but tried and true.

The point, after all,is to create an emotional impact.

Feel free todebrief after a sessionwhere you’ve killed a character.

Whether you sling silly insults or drop diabolical lines, there are so many ways to use Vicious Mockery.