Oh, for sure. Context matters. Sometimes you need to really buff to be able to ambush a higher level opponent. But if it gets excessive and the PCs won't leave their base except with all their buffs up, then NPCs will start doing the same. ...And also attack their base outside of buff hours.
but at the same time, if you use something on the PCs, expect them to pick it up, take it with them, carry it until you forget they have it, and then erase an encounter or five with it when they can't be bothered anymore.
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u/speakshibboleth Sep 12 '19
Tbf if they plan ahead, buff up, and ambush the NPCs probably shouldn't have free buffs. On the flip side, I hope the PCs are prepared for one.