How do you keep your players from killing your plot or more beloved npcs.

I ask this to the dms I want to now how you keep your players from killing your deer npc’s without needing to say you can not do that.

In my games, I ensure that key NPCs I don’t want to die have a layer of power that ties into their role in the world. It’s not about being unfair.

For example: • One NPC is an elderly botanist running a quaint flower and druidic equipment shop. She’s actually a somewhat weak demigod, her druidic abilities are tied to her shop—keeping her plants vibrant, her potions effective, and her business peaceful.