Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Jyrik Oct 27, 2014 16:07:23	Hello everyone I have been playing Dungeons and Dragons for a few years now and I want to start writing my own campaign and be its Dungeon Master, however I also want to play a character within the campaign. Does anyone have any tips on how the Dungeon Master should play a character in their own campaign?
#2 OrwellianHaggis Oct 27, 2014 16:19:56	I do this in every game. Personally I try to remember that my character can't be a focal point of any story, they can't make decisions (although they can suggest things if the group is really stuck), and they should fit in easily to the group. For that last one I'd suggest tying them closely to another character as a side kick of sorts. I'd warn that playing both DM and a character can be less than rewarding: often you're so busy running the game and attending to your player's needs (or, at least, you should be) that you feel like you're just running a stat block.
#3 ankiyavon Oct 27, 2014 16:22:23	The Dungeon Master plays every non-player character, but by definition, none of them are PCs.   You can't get the same experience as playing a PC while dungeon mastering.  It's simply not possible.  You can, however, play one or more members of the party if you so desire.   When doing this, it's very important to remember that the PCs are the stars, not whatever characters you're playing (whether those NPCs are aligned with the party or not, the PCs are the stars).  It is tempting to play Gandalf and guide and protect them.  Don't do it.  Ever.  Playing Gandalf is one of the most common and most damaging new DM mistakes.  It simply robs the players of any ability to do more than sit back and watch, and that's not fun.   Gollum is a much better NPC to play aligned with the party.  He's there, and he's major, but he's not in control.  He can lead the players to water, but they give him orders and in the end, he does what they say.  He's a member of the supporting cast.     The bigger question is; why do you want to play a character?  What is it that you're looking to get out of it?
(Reply to #3) Jyrik	Well the reason I want to play a character is because I want to enjoy what I've written from a characters perspective, creating and playing characters is the best part of the game in my opinion and I don't want to lose out on that simply because I am running the show.
#5 Theros Oct 27, 2014 16:33:46	Unless you have a lot of experience DMing I wouldn’t recommend it. I’ve done it a few times and they’ve all ended in disaster with the exception of playing dumb brutes. I suggest only dropping a DMPC into your game if the party is understaffed (3 or under).   Something that HAS worked out for me, has been allowing the quest giver to join the party for a very limited time. It allowed me to playtest a build and play the character to its fullest without being a threat to the players. Basically a NPC with benefits.
#6 Rhenny Oct 27, 2014 16:45:33	If the pcs mid quest and a player can't make the game, I DM npc the PC.   This keeps party and story continuity.  Generally, I don't like doing it though, and most of the times the PC I play fades to the background.     As DM, you can never truly experience your own game as a player.  You simply know too much.
#7 bawylie Oct 27, 2014 16:54:35	I've had NPCs join up. They usually take NPC classes with limited options. They also leave and come back a bit.
#8 ankiyavon Oct 27, 2014 16:56:38	Jyrik wrote:
(Reply to #8) Jyrik	Yeah I suppose your right. Thanks for your input
#10 Psikerlord Oct 27, 2014 18:12:23	I would recommend switching DMs rather than having DM PCs in the party. Works best for us at least. The DM's PC, while absent, still levels up like the rest of the party (doesnt get items though). Then just make up a cool story about why he wasnt avialable for the last adventure but has now returned.
#11 BRJN Oct 27, 2014 18:26:48	The closest thing to a DMPC that I would ever recommend is a recurring rival or BBEG.  The PCs are supposed to be the heroes and focal point (illuminated zone?) of the story; the DM is there to provide for the rest of the world happening around them.  Trying to provide your own spotlight character usually turns it into a spotlight hog.  The other players will rightly grumble.   If you can talk another member of the group into DMing sessions once in a while, you could have a character that shows up while HE is in the hot seat.  This will require some co-ordination, and cooperation from the other players.
#12 Thank_Dog Oct 27, 2014 18:55:02	Don't be selfish. A DMNPC is always a bad idea.
#13 Timborama Oct 29, 2014 12:36:55	Jyrik wrote:
#14 Touc Oct 29, 2014 15:34:05	If you're low on players (e.g. 2 players), it's not a bad idea as players know they need some extra roles filled. A couple caveats: the game needs to be about the players and their choices in building the story. A "DMPC" cannot take the limelight, solve problems no one else could solve (e.g. they "solve" the riddle you designed), or push the players to a particular route. A DMPC should be an enhancement to the story as well as a needed role. Also remember that a DM controls all the monsters in combat and if you're controlling a character as well, you're dominating more of the game-time that should be spread between all players.   In summary, I wouldn't unless you're at 2 players and neither wants to run a 2nd character.
#15 sleypy Oct 29, 2014 18:32:08	Would you be satisfied just adding a henchman to the party and giving it personality? I think that would be perfectly fine. I'd advise against it if your wanting a DMPC for reason other than role playing, e.g., mechanical reasons.
#42 Sorxores Nov 17, 2014 10:48:53	That how my group have been playing since the begining.   Here are some simple rule:   Try to be a supporting character (using mainly healing spells, buffing spells, etc... avoid spell like fireball, contagion or miracle (cleric of life, trickery, knowledge, or a bard) this way your not the one solving the problem that you created, but you are helping your party. Try to play your character as being very helpful, but doubt himself, so he will happily follow the group and help them the best he can, but very rarely will he attempt to lead the group himself and take decision Try to play the empty link in the party (if there is already a sorcerer who will love to receive a cloak of charisma giving 29 Charisma score, don't go play a charisma base Bard who will want the same cloak),   This character is a great way for the DM to remind the player about information the character discovered 3 hours ago, but that was 3 weeks ago in real life, or help the player that are lost and have no clue what to do.   Remember you create the adventure, you (the DM) know a lot of thing that your character don't know, and often thing that seem easy to guess when you know the answer are very hard to guess without knowing the answer, your character can help sometime nodge the party toward to right solution, but don't give it. when the party take a vote about going right or left, vote the wrong direction from time to time but try to avoid voting for the direction with the unavoidable doom.