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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Glyfair" data-source="post: 3768620" data-attributes="member: 53">Of course, these types of NPCs evolved over time (admittedly, over a short period of time).  The recurring NPC that exists to be an adventure impetus (the "patron") or to save the PCs during certain game moments (the "deus ex machina"), or just to add continuity to the game (the "running character").  They add important and entertaining elements to many games when used properly.The problem was (and probably still is to some extent) that there is a gaming type that DMs had to protect the game from.  The "I kill it" player.  Put an NPC into the game that he decides he dislikes for any reason (and even dislike isn't always necessary), and he has to kill it.  In order to protect the characters in the above role DMs and game designers from the early days made sure those NPCs were far out-of-the-league of the PCs.  Sure there were other solutions (kicking the player out of the game), but they weren't always good options.That attitude has been around since the early days.  Look at all the stories of people bragging about killing Thor and bragging they now carry Mjolnir (the stories were pretty common in the old days).  Look at all the people who comment about Elminster with comments like "I wish I could kill him" and clearly mean it.  These are the people that caused much of the problem in the first place.Are there better solutions?  Sometimes.  However, there isn't a single "silver bullet" solution that works in all cases.  When designers put such a character in the products, the way to protect their role is took make them much more powerful than the PCs.  All this wouldn't be a problem if they were used judiciously.The problem is that many of these characters become very strong in personality and attractiveness.  The fact that they are close to "invulnerable" in a story sense means that DMs and designers can afford the time and effort to flesh out their background and personalities.  Many of them become fan favorites and the fans call for more material with them.  If there is one thing that a company learns is that when the fans want something, you try to give it to them.If Khelben only appeared once or twice, who would care how "annoying" he was?  However, the fact that he is popular means that he is seen more and more often in games.  He is a strong character for DMs to use, and many players like him as well.  These characters really don't keep appearing because they are unpopular.  These characters are popular.</blockquote>

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