Need certain guidelines, creating npcs..

[Kerilstrasz]

ok... 3,5.. no mags no HB..

assume all questions are about humanoid no LA Npcs..
Npcs are created the same exact way a PC is.. using wbl of PCs...
Consider that THESE NPCs are Main Chars in plot and will NOT engage in combat
or anything, but be there for advising & may help other ways if plot demands it.

questions...
1) Can i assume that a NPC that is a main char in the plot of a campaign may
have items/wealth above average wbl? (maybe through trading,adventuring etc)
2) In a book (phb2 or dmg) there is a rulling for "buying" feats, skills etc...
May i use this on NPCs? and is there a limit? (other than wealth and age)
3) Is there a problem if a NPC is overoptimized? (other than DM's work & bookkeeping)

[DonDuckie]

1) I say "items/wealth by plot" over items/wealth by level
2) again: If he/she needs a feat to accomplish his/her plot role - he/she has that feat
3) overoptimized - usually no... optimized often implies "for combat"

In general - if their feats/wealth/'ablility to summon a horde of angels' doesn't affect the PCs, there really isn't a problem.

You may use any rule you want for making NPCs. If they don't challenge the PCs - go nuts... if they do challenge the PCs - adjust CR and give more XP...