What to do with a DM's PC?

[surfarcher]

My PC goes into the hands of the other players...

The problem with yanking the current DM's PC out each game is that you can resource starve the party. Especially if their PC is the only character in a critical role (often defender or leader).

In the end the whole party wants to stay alive. I haven't had a problem with this, as long as the group has the same goals and values.

 

[Shin Okada]

I prefer to let current DM's PC out of game somehow.

The main reason is that will make each game much faster. Using other person's PC is a burden and tend to take much time to decide each turn's moves.

Also, the player who is using other person's PC tend not to as effective as the original player. So, it often happens that the party ends up not having true power of a full-member party anyway.

And finally, if the DM uses his PC as an NPC, there may be several problems. The DM knows monster's tactics and can let his PC (now NPC) very effectively with that knowledge. And as a human, there always is a desire to treat his own PC in various ways (let him shine, give him good loot, etc.), conscious or not.

Regarding the lack of critical role, well, there are basically 3 ways to go.

First one is to use companion character rule in DMG 2. It is much easier for a player to use an additional companion character than to use another full-stat PC.

The second is that just go with 4-men party. In my experience, a 4-men party is at least capable, even if lacking one role.

The third is to make PCs so that the party works better even if one of the member is always out of game. Multiclass feats and hybrid rule may help. A dragonborn character of any class, with well-selected breath feat may complement the lack of controller somehow. A Cha/Wis paladin can be more than descent healer, etc.

I usually prefer the second or the third style.

 

[rangda]

We've had DMPC's in our gaming group for the past 10+ years across various game systems (3e, 3,5e, 4e, Shadowrun, Feng Shui) and I don't think it's caused any problems. If anything, they tend to be a bit more gear starved than the other PC's but that's about it.

Currently I'm running and if we get to a point where my PC's actions become critically important or there is something where I know the right answer, I'll throw it out the party as to what my character should do (and usually give them a few options).

 

[surfarcher]

*heh* Actually I often run "DMPCs". To me these are just NPCs and I'm happy to hand them over to the players if they want a shot at them.