[quote=Psyga315]So, that is my question(s) for this thread: How do you define NPCs? What NPCs are acceptable for players to control? Are RPGs more enjoyable when the GM controls NPCs or when the players control NPCs?[/quote]

[b]How do you define NPCs?[/b]
[b]A:[/b] NPC's in role playing, though especially PbPRP (forum role playing) are a bit of a misnomer. It's a carryover term from tabletops to mean non-player characters, which are just that: Characters which are created and exist independent of player control. [i]However[/i], PbPRP's often skewer this line, because of the nature of PbPRP: That is, it's [b]turn-based[/b] and not [b]live play[/b]. The GM can't just answer your character's question in ten seconds, and sometimes a player just wants to buffer up their post with a conversation with an NPC. Depending on how authoritarian the GM is, this can be allowed, and it's perfectly acceptable.

Basically speaking, the term "NPC" in a PbPRP is typically used in place of what should be the proper term: [b]Side character[/b]. Players control protagonists, GMs control everyone else, so if the NPC is being controlled by a player, but isn't going to "stay" as part of the player's repertoire, it's just a side character.

[b]What NPCs are acceptable for players to control?[/b]
[b]A:[/b] Ordinarily? Random pedestrians, no name characters, and so on. Like asking for directions is fine. Anything that doesn't derail the GM's plot is fine. Possessing important NPCs should only be done with permission, and you should make your intentions clear. Consider NPCs important to the plot to basically be the GM's characters. It would be impolite to simply take them over as it would be impolite for him to simply take your character over, right?

[b]Are RPGs more enjoyable when the GM controls NPCs or when the players control NPCs?[/b]
[b]A:[/b] Completely up to personal taste. I prefer a mix of both. Let players toy with lesser NPCs but keep more important NPCs in my own pockets. To each their own, though.