Constantine XI
Mongoose
Farming? Really? Is that what Conan stories are about? I must be missing something. Meanwhile, NPCs will continue to function exactly as the needs of the narrative would have them function, and rules be damned. That's what we did in the old days, that's what the current D&D rules are again recommending. If I need a dramatically-significant combat between my heroic PCs and some city watchmen, then, by God, dramatically-significant it will be. The rules are meant to promote fun, not hinder it. I like to think that the players trust me sufficiently to allow me to run an exciting game, for the benefit of all.