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Message: <blockquote data-quote="RSKennan" data-source="post: 1996735" data-attributes="member: 8256">I don't really have empty slots. However many players I have- even one- is the party. Still, if a group sought backup that was meant to be equally capable to them (say they needed a fighter), that NPC would expect the same as a PC; not because he's a DMPC ; he's not. In my opinion, a character is a character is a character. If a new player came in and wanted to assume play using the NPC fighter, I might question it, but could see allowing it. I'd prefer to arrange things properly though; the NPC fighter could introduce the new PC....*After NPC and PC greet each other with bearhugs- uncharacteristic for the grim NPC*"This here's Bor; he and I fought together on the Skarakis front. This magnificent bastard's the guy you want with you when everyone else wants you dead."  and then I'd try to find a way for the NPC to go away if he was no longer needed. All that I'd ask for new characters joining a game in progress is that they be designed to fit in. What happens after that is to be helped along, but otherwise none of my business.  I think I understood you. I was just using hyperbole to point out that you can't have it both ways unless everyone is supending their disbelief like there's no tomorrow. If you see characters as game pieces that's fine (no insinuation intended), but if you want them to 'come to life' I think my way works. We agree that NPCs should treat each other appropriately but we disagree about how PCs (and ultimately the game world) should act towards NPCs.  It won't annoy all players everywhere; and obviously the style of play depends on the group. I prefer to play with people who like that they have to earn their value to the game, not just waltz in and expect 'authoritah'. It's like how a new stepfather has to earn respect. The better option IMHO is to let the situation sort itself out. The DM doesn't have to be driving everything- I see him as a shaper. If he's not able to take his hand off the levers without the game falling apart, there are bigger problems than style of play. I prefer to set the world spinning and let its momentum and the actions of the PCs carry it. People seem to look at the route I and others are talking about as if it's somehow less of a game; I think it's very much still a game, certainly not worse than the alternative. For me having a PC always win out over an NPC with the party is akin to cheating. All this said, I empower PCs in other ways- they are the center of attention, I'm pretty generous with firepower, and most of the interesting things happen to them. I also try to find ways to soften blows that might cause them to lose their character in the first place.  They're the stars of the show, but they have to earn their plot immunity.</blockquote>

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