Goumindong
First Post
fertilizer.
What role does the DMPC need to fill?
- Thread starter Asmor
- Start date
StreamOfTheSky
Adventurer
I'm using a DMPC right now, since it's rotating DM, we're all technically DMPCs occasionally. I find in general, the DMPC should be more a support role. For the poll, I chose everything except striker, including other. It's also important to avoid specializing entirely in areas where it would become a "self conversation." Which 4E roles don't have a definition for. In 3E, a rogue is a terrible choice for a DMPC, as is any party "face." The DMPC should not be the one who has to be responsible and check for traps. Or the one doing the talking for the party. I even hesitate to make a "pokedex" (our group's term) DMPC, always insisting if I have one to make the other PCs try the knowledge checks first, and only roll mine if they didn't learn anything or enough to adequately deal with the situation. Any DMPC that's the party scout is also clearly a disaster waiting to happen.
Generally, a healer and buffer is the best route to go, though an arcane caster focused on battlefield control can also work. I'd avoid flashy evocations or save-or-lose spells in that case, though. A caster like sorcerer with an unchanging list of spells is preffered, though a prepared caster can work if you make sure to lay out the spells prepared and stick to them, so you clearly weren't abusing your "knowledge" of what the upcoming encounters would be.
Anything like a typical barbarian is just plain out, though. An atypical barbarian, maybe one that traded rage for ranged weapon feats (UA) that sets up flanks for the rogue and maxes intimidate to control the frontline could work, though.
It's definitely a tough balancing act, but I'm always surprised at how abominable people here find the situation. I've never seen players suspect the DM with his own PC of being unfair IME. It's just a matter of conflict of interest (including percieved conflict of interest), and keeping conscious of it while still keeping the DMPC useful. The only thing worse than an uber DMPC is a dead weight sponging off xp and treasure.
Generally, a healer and buffer is the best route to go, though an arcane caster focused on battlefield control can also work. I'd avoid flashy evocations or save-or-lose spells in that case, though. A caster like sorcerer with an unchanging list of spells is preffered, though a prepared caster can work if you make sure to lay out the spells prepared and stick to them, so you clearly weren't abusing your "knowledge" of what the upcoming encounters would be.
Anything like a typical barbarian is just plain out, though. An atypical barbarian, maybe one that traded rage for ranged weapon feats (UA) that sets up flanks for the rogue and maxes intimidate to control the frontline could work, though.
It's definitely a tough balancing act, but I'm always surprised at how abominable people here find the situation. I've never seen players suspect the DM with his own PC of being unfair IME. It's just a matter of conflict of interest (including percieved conflict of interest), and keeping conscious of it while still keeping the DMPC useful. The only thing worse than an uber DMPC is a dead weight sponging off xp and treasure.
roguerouge
First Post
What's the difference? Seriously.
Lord Xtheth
Explorer
I haven't used a DMPC in years. I do sometimes throw in one-shot NPCs to help the party out when the party may need it. Other things i've done is have the small group of adventuring NPCs for hire, waiting for the PCs to buy their help.
One time I had a group of NPCs follow the PCs to a dungeon, begging to be "PL'd" the entire trip, only to trigger the first death trap in a dungeon and die horribly. I was feeling weird that day.
I found with 4E, I don't need to fill any gaps, my players take on the rolls that they need rather efficiently, or pick powers to support what they lack when they level up.
In 3.5 I found I needed to make NPCs more readily available. Be it the Cleric/Healbot that no one wanted to play or the fighter/meatshield that the low-HPers wanted arround.
In AD&D 2E I always had a DMPC arround, but they didn't do much other than follow orders and take a hit or 2... as well as steal precious cuts of the XP.
One time I had a group of NPCs follow the PCs to a dungeon, begging to be "PL'd" the entire trip, only to trigger the first death trap in a dungeon and die horribly. I was feeling weird that day.
I found with 4E, I don't need to fill any gaps, my players take on the rolls that they need rather efficiently, or pick powers to support what they lack when they level up.
In 3.5 I found I needed to make NPCs more readily available. Be it the Cleric/Healbot that no one wanted to play or the fighter/meatshield that the low-HPers wanted arround.
In AD&D 2E I always had a DMPC arround, but they didn't do much other than follow orders and take a hit or 2... as well as steal precious cuts of the XP.
frankthedm
First Post
Dead weight is one of the least problematic DMPC types. If that type does not "get with the program" they can become Monster Chowtm easily. If the party is nice, they can inform the DMPC that his equal share of the treasure also functions as his severance pay.
DMPC = Healer Can be annoying since many healbots have moral codes the Players have obey, dance around or at least not openly offend. Even when it is not openly stated, just HAVING a NPC goody two shoes can easily affect party decisions.
Last edited:
El Mahdi
Muad'Dib of the Anauroch
Second this. DMPC's are there for the story only, otherwise they become Elminster. The players are supposed to be the Heroes, not the DMPC.
Putting aside the question of whether or not its a good idea to have a DMPC.
In 4E a DMPC is an NPC. It should have an NPC/Monster role.
For healy-types, I'd make 'em Artillery (leader) with lower to average damage and one, maybe two warlock/cleric-type powers. Make the PC's stand in front and take it, let the NPC plink away from the rear and buff.
For melee types, I'd make 'em Brutes. Let the NPC be a speedbump who does reasonable damage but needs support from the PC's to keep standing.
In 4E a DMPC is an NPC. It should have an NPC/Monster role.
For healy-types, I'd make 'em Artillery (leader) with lower to average damage and one, maybe two warlock/cleric-type powers. Make the PC's stand in front and take it, let the NPC plink away from the rear and buff.
For melee types, I'd make 'em Brutes. Let the NPC be a speedbump who does reasonable damage but needs support from the PC's to keep standing.
CleverNickName
Limit Break Dancing (He/They)
I dislike DMPCs. As others have said, they should only ever be used to fill the role of "the villager who leads the party to the entrance of the dungeon, then collects his fee and leaves immediately."
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