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Message: <blockquote data-quote="payn" data-source="post: 8098011" data-attributes="member: 90374">To me GMPC is a pretty specific thing. For example, a retired PC or a contact that gives the party support or info regularly, isnt what I'd consider a GMPC. Now, if the NPC controlled by the GM travels with the party, fights with the party, and anything else like a card carrying party member, they become a GMPC. Often, the GMPC is just there to fill in a role or skill and doesnt make party decisions and gets a lesser take of the loot. There are a number of pitfalls to GMPCs. The first is the overpowered NPC that shadows the rest of the party. Sometimes this is because the GM wants to create their own version of Gandolf or the GM never gets to play so they are doing so through this misguided effort. The second is the walking healing wand NPC. This figure just heals the party and never argues. This NPC is solely there at the party's command. Sometimes the party takes advantage of this to unfortunate degrees. I like to avoid any creep between GM domain and party domain. Some might might see this separation as adversarial, but to me as GM, I have control of the entire world, the players should get control over their characters in it. I like those lines to stay distinct. Also, it avoids weird situations where a DMPC interacts with an NPC and the whole table watches the GM role play with their self. Just doesnt feel right. For some groups, it works out fine. The best example I've heard is the rotating GM table. These games usually have a continuity between sessions, but GMs change at regular intervals. This allows for a smooth transition between the PC and GM exchange.</blockquote>

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