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Message: <blockquote data-quote="BlackMoria" data-source="post: 2091125" data-attributes="member: 424">I am in takyris's camp.  I have for years and years, had use what some would call a DMPC in my campaign.   We are a small group and there is always gaps in characaters - because everyone wants to play the character they want, not a character they have to because of a need or a lack.  My DMPC fill in the gaps.So, what is a DMPC in my definition?  There is four types of NPCs in my campaign.The lowest level NPC is simply window dressing characters.  They may or may not have a name.  They don't have stat blocks.  Their purpose is to give the PCs a sense that the fantasy world is dynamic and living.  The PCs can interact with them but they usually don't provide any sense of direction for the characters.The next level is the plot device characters.  This NPC will have a name and description.  He may or may not have a stat block.  His purpose is to inteact with the PCs and provide information (usually plot related) that the PCs may or may not followup on.The next level is the antagonist/protangonist NPC.  These are the villains and friends to the PCs. They always have names and descriptions.  They always have stat blocks.  They are the NPCs that the PCs are meant to beat upon or interact with with at a level that is more than just casual.  The final level is what many in this thread would call a DMPC.  This NPC is a member of the party.  Besides a name and stat block, this character has a complete back story and history.  He is close friend and comrade of the PCs, sharing their hopes and fears, and their victories and defeats.  He is the NPC that I put the most effort into developing and roleplaying his interaction with the party members, because he is a constant companion and a full time member of the party.   And I want him to be a fully 3D character, not some rogue or cleric hollow paper doll character who follow around the party to heal them or disarm traps.The BBEG is someone the PCs don't have conversations with around a fire at night, or to discuss the ramifications of this or that, or to ask his opinion.  The BBEG is someone the PCs want to beatdown, not blow the froth off a cold pint in the tavern with.If this NPC is what most would call a DMPC, then that is what he is then.  He never overshadows the other PCs, he never reveals or understands more that what he would know as a party member, and he never is the party lead.  He never get special treatment or favoritism as my 'DMPC'.  He doesn't get any magic items or treasure unless the rest of the party gives it to him.  And he is just a much a punching bag for monsters as the other PCs, if not more so.I can partition what this NPC knows from what I, as DM knows.  Many times, the players would try to pump me (the DM) for information through this NPC but they have never gotten anywhere.  To them, he is no different that another PC being run by a player, except, in this case, the player just happens to be the DM.I have asked time and again over the years if the players have a problem with the DMPCs of mine and they have all repeatedly said no.  In fact, they prefer them because it means they can focus on their characters exclusively and adventure with the knowledge that the NPCs are more than just two dimensional tag alongs who cast a cure spell or disarm a trap on cue...Granted, not all DMs can handle this.   And I can understand why some players would have their reservations about DMPCs.  But there is no right or wrong about it.... it is dependent upon the DM, the players and the nuances of the campaign if it works or not.</blockquote>

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