Greetings gamers from all systems, places and timelines.
Every great cast of characters from a TV series, movie or in a TTRPG have moments where its members individually shine. Otherwise, even the most heroic bands could turn into a one-person show where everything predictably revolves around that character.
While there are too many examples to cite where such a type of group dynamic thrives, elements of it can be seen in everything from Dragon Ball Z to Star Trek.
But what if you, as the DM, took it upon yourself to be involved in the party’s casting, at least to some extent? This could provide you an opportunity to add someone to your player’s team who makes already decent chemistry nothing short of amazing.
Understandably, many DMs and players feel strongly against this. However, I am here to tell you that, if done correctly, this NPC – this DMPC – could not only be valuable to the party dynamic but also provide you with unique perspective that you’d never get from the other side of the DM screen.
A Perfect Chance to Round Out the Group
When casting this NPC, you have the luxury of sitting back, looking at the existing party and asking yourself: “So, what do they need?”
In fact, most of the parties I have played in have had an obvious weakness of some form or another. I can’t tell you how many times I heard a DM say, “Everyone just bring whatever character you want to the first game and we will run with that.” In some respects, that approach is extremely enjoyable. Or at least until everyone finds out that the party is made up entirely of wizards and warlocks. ( My kingdom for a meatshield!)
This is where you could suggest to the party that you would be willing to run an NPC. Then ask what they feel the group needs the most and bring that character into existence. This way, you are filling a gap in the party’s skills that will stand out in their collage of wizard robes and pointy hats.
Not to mention, I don’t think in the history of gaming any player has complained about a character with healing abilities being added to their group. (No, I don’t want your stupid healing words, I will just go rub some dirt into this wound which could use 14 or so stitches!)
Keep the Advancement Even and Fair
One of the most delicate balances of running a DMPC is to not allow this character to become overpowered. And, if you don’t think your players are watching the DMPC like a hawk for this, you are either playing with a very new group or lying to yourself.
So, the question is, how do you avoid this? Especially if this DMPC is a heroic character and inherently doesn’t have the attack power of a furious hamster?
The key is to make any powers, magical items or knowledge that fits your storyline available to the DMPC and the players alike. Case in point: If your DMPC is a wizard and they just found a staff of power in a dragon’s hoard, make sure the other players get a comparable reward. Or at least that they got a comparable reward in the game before or in an upcoming session, so you’re not always awarding enormous treasure dumps every few sessions. This goes doubly so if you are providing rewards that do not exist within the game’s published material.
The DM Special
Most of us have had the displeasure of playing in a campaign where the DM was running some custom OP character. Let me tell you that nothing will unravel the continuity of your game faster than this, so avoid it at all costs.
This type of overpowering can take many forms, but it can include everything from the DMPC being partially omniscient to constantly and conveniently getting the killing shot on the dungeon boss.
If the players see that the DMPC has become the star of the show, why should they bother to show up on game day? And trust me when I say, the last thing in the world you want is to create a factor that drains either the tension or consequence out of a session.
The Other Side of the DM Screen
Having a DMPC under your control will afford you a degree of understanding of how it feels to play in your games like nothing else. This will show you through the players’ eyes everything from how well you are balancing your encounters to how satisfying it feels to complete a quest at the end of a session.
So, don’t be afraid to put your player’s hat on and make adjustments to improve the flow of the game. For example, the DMPC you’re running may feel a certain way about not getting a magic item over X amount of sessions, or a level for that matter. You will also have a chance to ask yourself from the PCs’ point of view whether both their and the party’s goals are being met? Because, if from the players’ perspective the games are spent mostly spinning their wheels, that campaign won’t be long for this world without some adjustments.
Conclusion
The DMPC can be a true asset to the party and your growth as a DM. While the concerns surrounding this are understandable, don’t knock it until you try it.
Communicate with your group. If they are cold to the idea, never force it on them.
However, if they are open to the idea, avoid the cheese factor and promise everyone this NPC won’t have the powers of the reality infinity stone. (Because all that will get warped at the end of the day is the believability of your story.)
If you are going to add someone to your party’s cast, do so without any half measures. Make this character someone with personality who you also enjoy playing and makes the rest of your party happy to have on board.
for my first time players, I ran a librarian/paladin NPC alongside them. During initiative, he aided, or simple made a melee attack, but also provided healing. During exploration and social, he only spoke up to give me as the DM an opportunity to clarify the mission and practice PC conversations.