But a statement like “PCs beat NPCs at everything” doesn’t fit my model of the world at all—it’s purely a concept from fiction.
It doesn’t even hold in fiction. Many NPCs are effectively unbeatable by design. They just don’t happen to be fully engaged on achieving the goals of the protagonist.
Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow, Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow. None have ever caught him yet, for Tom, he is the master
It doesn’t even hold in fiction. Many NPCs are effectively unbeatable by design. They just don’t happen to be fully engaged on achieving the goals of the protagonist.
Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow, Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow. None have ever caught him yet, for Tom, he is the master