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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Li Shenron" data-source="post: 6206521" data-attributes="member: 1465">[MENTION=29398]Lanefan[/MENTION], I just meant that there is no real need to have a DMPC i.e. a DM-played character that is on equal grounds with players-played PCs.The line between a DMPC and an NPC (which is anyway controlled by the DM) is blurry. Is a "pet NPC" that the DM regularly makes show up, and save the PC's day, already a DMPC? I would say yes.When I mention "NPC, mercenaries (hirelings) or companions", I have my own habits for using these words, they may mean something different to others, but generally what I had in mind is:- characters bound by the story (generic NPC that the PCs befriend and ally with)- characters bound by hiring or other in-game method of varying strength (e.g. summoning), not necessarily lower-level- characters bound by an off-game method, which I call "companions" and include familiars or anything acquired with a class feature, feat etc.That's my own typical classification, based on how I personally (as a DM) treat those bounds, which I see  in increasing order of strength.In all those cases tho, I still prefer to run those characters myself, although I am aware that other DMs let the players fully control their companions and maybe even their hirelings.The key for me is then, not to make any of these on equal grounds with the PCs. Of course if you only let them be of lower level, this already helps, but it is not strictly necessary.Instead, I prefer to focus on just not giving them spotlight, not fully featuring them in the story and the action. For instance, if the party doesn't have a Cleric and we agree on a Cleric NPC or hireling, I might make up a cowardly character that hides under the table when a battle erupts, then cast healing spells only when really needed and possibly after the fight. I have such character not suggest the others what to do, not participating in planning and tactics. If the NPC is a Fighter instead, he will fight but he'll be expecting the others to plan for him, and if they don't he would probably stick to basic tactics. These are just example, it doesn't have to be always like this, there can be sometimes a Fighter NPC with high Int that actually provides better tactics. But my general rule of thumb is that really all the non-PC characters should "blend with the background" and not steal the spotlight.</blockquote>

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