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Message: <blockquote data-quote="William Ronald" data-source="post: 2686163" data-attributes="member: 426">I voted that I would like to see what a DM is doing, but  I have seen several bad examples of DMs using old PCs to dominate a campaign.I agree that the role is crucial.  However, I have seen DMs introduce NPCs that seemed to be deliberately designed to outshine specific PCs -- who worked hard for their power and reputation.  One DM I knew even kept revising the former PCs classes because he was unclear of how exactly his character should have grown from its earlier levels.  Essentially, at times it felt like the party existed to help the NPC.  This is the opposite of the concept of PCs as heroes.  (THe same DM would also create NEW NPCs who were meant to be the focus of a series of adventures.  Or altered an old NPC essentially beyond recognition.  Let's just say that continuity and verisimilitude ultimately became meaningless -- which is one reason I left that game.)Mind you, I think this can be done well if a former PC is used as an advisor but not as a protagonist.  If Obi Wan Kenobi had been at the peak of his powers in the Star Wars movies, Luke Skywalker would have just been along for the ride. This is not to say that a setting can't have powerful NPCs who can handle threats beyond those that the PCs can currently face.  (Even then, you can still have the PCs involved in some way, such as performing a related mission that wins them the accolades of potential friends and allies.) However, I think that every PC deserves a chance to shine.So, my advice is to consider how to use a former PC.  It may not always be appropriate.  Several of my PCs are from a homebrew that I no longer play in, and ultimately rejected. So, I will not be using those PCs.  I might be inspired to use some of the same concepts (ranger/wizard, powerful, knowledgeable and diplomatic wizard, wise priest, et cetera.)  Perhaps being inspired by an old PC might help in creating NPCs.  Alternately, a DM might make an old PC a historical figure whose deeds inspire later generations.</blockquote>

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