NPC PARTY MEMBERS
NPCs might join the adventuring party because they want a share of the loot and are willing to accept an equal share of the risk, or they might follow the adventurers because of a bond of loyalty, gratitude, or love. Such NPCs are controlled by you, or you can transfer control to the players. Even if a player controls an NPC, it's up to you to make sure the NPC i portrayed as a character in his or her own right, not just as a servant that the players can manipulate for their own benefit. (DMG pg. 92)
Så en NPC kontrolleras inte strikt av DM. Upp till 100 ft., Bör du kunna styra ut det direkt via telepatisk kommunikation. Utöver detta intervall och rimlig gräns skulle man anta att verbala kommandon på din tur skulle fungera och antingen DM eller du kontrollerar det. Vilket som helst villkor som orsakar att du inte talar eller kommunicerar, det skulle säkerligen kontrolleras av DM och fungera i enlighet med dess naturliga instinkter.