Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Meldread 12-06-06, 04:53 PM	I am interested in the villains you have either played or created over the course of your games and campaigns. Which were your favorites and why? What were they like? I'm using this thread as a source of inspiration as well as a way to see other creations by other individuals. I'm normally a big fan of tragic evil. The villain who you can feel sympathetic toward, making you feel revolted at your own emotions because they are plainly twisted and sadistic in their methods and ways. I enjoy a villain who is evil - not because they want to - but because they either gradually became that way or something forced them into the situation. One of my favorite villains was a former human male who was a former slave of Drow. That experience left such an emotional scar upon his soul that it shaped his actions from the moment he escaped to the moment he died. When he first escaped he quickly fell into the service of a minor noble family. This family was an ambitious family, but over all he agreed with their ambitious objectives. Above all things, the thing that disgusted him most about the Drow was their lack of loyalty. Thus when he eventually found out that the house he served had made a bargain with a devil he was thrust into a conflict. The Nobleman asked him to give his soul to the devil. He knew it was wrong and wanted to say no, but he was bound by his oaths to obey and he also knew refusal would mean death. He signed his soul away as a result and it was an action that haunted him. His best friend was a Priest of Kelemvor who existed outside of his House, and he confided in him what had happened. He wanted to free himself from the bargain but couldn't see how to get out of it. He was asking for help. His friend agreed, but at the same time he felt guilty as he was betraying the oath he swore. He also began to become increasingly paranoid that the devil would find out about his betrayal. In public the Noble House and the Knight were well loved and admired individuals. No one really knew what darkness was brewing behind closed doors. Eventually, fear, panic, paranoia and the slow deterioration of the relationship between the would be villain and the priest prompted a strong confrontation. In that confrontation he killed the priest, and out of spite he performed a dark ritual which bound the spirit of the priest to serve him as a sentient undead minion. From his point of view, his best friend was betraying him, and he was going to punish him by doing the worst thing he could do to a Kelemvorite: Torture his spirit by making him undead. It was at that moment that he became a true villain and that he fully lost his humanity. Over the course of time his paranoia increased and more murders followed. He divorced himself from human emotion as he became consumed with ambition and power. Loyalty was still important but it had to be loyalty to him. He eventually found himself in a rather difficult position. He learned that his lord eventually sought to betray the devil, and he had to decide where his true loyalty laid. At the mortal man who he had pledged to serve or the devil who he had pledged his soul? It was a difficult choice, but he sided with the devil. The reasoning came down to that he felt betrayed and felt that he was sacrificed needlessly - that he would suffer eternal damnation and torment for another mans ambitions. That wasn't something he was willing to do. In the end he ended up murdering the lord and replacing him. A reign of terror began. Those that served him were loyal to a fault, because they learned what happened to those who were disloyal. To say that he elevated torture (both physical and psychological) to an art form would be an understatement. He grew to enjoy the perverse pleasures of dominating other individuals, of holding their lives in his hands and being in total and complete control. With the backing of the devil his power seemed almost unlimited, and he brought the devil many souls. But he was a destructive type of evil. He sought an illusion of security - the feeling that he was finally safe - through dominating others. For most of his life he was the slave or pawn of one individual or another. First it was the Drow, then it was his deceptive lord and then it was the devil. He wanted to be free, but he was afraid. Fear ruled every choice he made and it was his own fear which consumed him. Fear of betrayal. Fear of losing control. Fear of forever being enslaved. He secretly hoped that one day he could eventually gain enough power to destroy the devil he served and regain his soul. He saw himself as biding his time until he could do that, playing the role of the good servant. Yet the truth of the matter is he could have never had enough power. He was a destructive force that seemed to consume everything in his path, everything that he could not bend to his will or corrupt to his advantage. In essence he eventually became more Drow than Human, and did things that at times would have even given a Drow pause for concern. It was easy to look back over this characters life and see that he had the potential to be a good person. That he had the potential to bring about positive change to the world, but because of others he was corrupted and destroyed. My second favorite villain was a female. She was an individual who sought to bring about positive change in the world. She was a Wizard and amateur philosopher of sorts, who was seeking to bring about a utopia like existence. She believed that the philosophy that she preached and held close to her heart could bring this existence about - if only people would embrace it. She wanted to end suffering in the world and bring about a true harmony. It was, of course, a radical approach which called for massive societal upheaval. No one was impressed. No one was interested. She loathed the world. She saw the world as a place of unnecessary pain and suffering. She firmly believed that if people let go of their materialistic ambitions and focused on themselves and each other that the world would dramatically change - for the better. When her ways were rejected and the response underwhelming a seething hatred and bitterness entered into her heart. She was offering them -THE WAY- and they just did not care. She saw them as fools and loathed them all, so she transformed who she was - she took the things that she despised the most about others who did not subscribe to her personal philosophy to the furthest extremes. She did this because she wanted to show others what they were - in her eyes - and she wanted to show them just how much she despised them. She eventually fell under the sway of Shar who used the bitterness and hatred to her advantage. The wizardess took a great deal of pleasure in dominating the minds of people she felt offended her (particularly before her transformation) and forcing them to do perverse acts for her amusement. She saw it as a twisted type of therapy - showing them what they looked like through her eyes. She was a very, very twisted individual and sick beyond imagination. Yet she eventually came to the world view that if people wanted to act like uncivilized animals, then she had every right to treat them in that way. And she did. Repeatedly. She wanted nothing more than to enthrall entire populations of people to force upon them the very suffering that she had wished to eliminate. Every bit of suffering and pain she caused was, to her, a validation that her way was correct. The way that they rejected and the pain and suffering that she was inflicting upon them was, in her eyes, a direct result of their own actions. Those were my two favorite villains. I'd be interested in hearing ideas cooked up by others.
Bonzai 12-06-06, 09:02 PM	Ok, here are some of the ones I came up with. Adamus (CE Hum Sorc 5/Blood Magus 10/Fleshwarper 2) History: Adamus was once a run of the mill Sorcerer/adventurer. He belonged to an adventuring band of little distinction. Ironicly, their biggest achievement led the party's demise. They helped defend a temple of Selune against a band of Sharists. The temple was saved, but the band died to a man. In gratitude, the Clerics of the temple rez'd who they could. The process of dying and coming back had shattered his mind. He became obcessed with blood, believing that it is the true container for the soul, and that it posses the spark of the divine. To substantiate this, he developed strange new powers. He began preaching his beliefs, and eventually gained a cult following (leadership feat). Seeing the flesh as nothing more than a flawed container for ones divine blood, he began experimenting with ways to improve it (grafts, and Mother Cyst feats). As his cult grew, it began to get noticed. The ruler of the local town started cracking down on the cult, and Adamus struck back. Several attempts were made to assasinate the ruler. He then hired a party of adventurers to put an end to the cult. The result was that cult in that area was crushed, but Adamus was able to blood walk to a distant cell, and start again. Personality: Adamus see's himself as merely a humble teacher, enlightening those who are willing to learn the truths of the universe. And that truth is that within man lies the power of the gods. The blood is the key, if only it can be awakened. The flesh is weak, it is flawed. It will one day age and die, but your blood and your essence is eternal. If it spills on the soil, it will nourish and become a part of the plants that grow there. If it is consumed, then it's power sustains the drinker. Awaken your blood, and you will be eternal. Adamus genuinly wants to help people, but his perception of reality makes that some what scewed. He won't let the un-enlightened hurt or impede his followers or his teachings, and will respond with force. It may even involve a willing sacrifice of one of his followers (blow them up with the cyst feat). He is working for the greater good after all. If he can, he will forcible convert the trouble maker (by implanting a cyst). Fate: Odds are, he will one day attempt to become a Vampire, to better explore the powers of blood. When that happens, expect him to become MUCH more dangerous. Mihkael Zanatosa (LE Necromancer 5/Pale Master 10/Wearer of Purple 5) History: A Necromatic prodigy of the cult of the dragon, he is one of their newest and brightest minds. His first major accomplishment for the cult was tracking and recovering the Phylactery of Red Eye, an old Red Dragon Dracolich. Latter, he established a tower near the spine of the world, near a small mining camp. Taking the camp under his protection, it grew into the city of Red Rock. It is now one of the cults few open refuges. It is tolerated, because it keeps the Orcs at bay, and thousands of civilians would perish without his protection. The year of the rogue dragon brought him a new revelation. He believes that he understands the First Speakers plan. A flight of Dracoliches would be an unstoppable force, and he plans to be the one in control of them. Then the prophecy would be fullfilled, and Faerun would be his. To this effect, he has began to stock pile dragon corpses, which the Rage has made plentiful. His next plan was to track down the phylacteries of the fallen chosen ones, and restore them to physical form. News of the First speakers destruction, didn't change his plans, because now he plans to become the new head of the cult. He will have to dispose of Algashon the bane lich, but hunting phylacteries is his specialty, and he will have a host of Dracoliches to back him up. Personality: He is ruthless, efficient, and ambitious. Yet at the same time, he is very lawfull. Red Rock is ruled with a harsh iron fist, yet it is fair. Law is kept, and transgressors are usually turned into Zombies, who in turn do public works (build roads, clean the streets, etc...) or defend the city. He is extremley intelligent, and always plots things several steps ahead. Fate: If his coupe is successful, he will unite the cult of the Dragon under his leadership. Then, he will continue to amass sacred ones, and eventually become a lich. When his forces are strong enough, he will unleash a rage of Dracoliches across Faerun, crushing kingdom after kingdom. If a sacred one falls, he will have a stock pile of replacement bodies ready. He will fullfill the prophecy, "And not will be left but shattered thrones, and dead dragons shall rule the world entire".... and he plans to be the master of the dead dragons! Dirge (Human CE Bard 10/Assasin 3/Zhent Spy 1) History: Raised as a ward of a temple of Tyr, he soon learned that charm and good looks will get you far in life. He had a talented voice, and the temple encouraged him to recieve bardic training. What they didn't see was that behind his pretty looks, and charm, was that he was a mean, cruel, vindictive, and manipulative person. He secretly started associating with shadowy characters, and became an assasin. Going by the trade name of Dirge, he made a name for himself in the underworld. A master of disguise, he could be anyone. Even worse, with his bardic abilities, he could charm and manipulate anyone into doing his bidding. His favorite tactic would be to use his reputation as a bard to open doors for him, learn the lay of the land, and then disguise him self (ring of the chameleon), and charm/dominate the victims closest friend into killing him for him. Even if the poor fellow is found out to be under a spell, there is no way they would know who was responsible. Personality: He comes across like a bard of legends. Charming, handsome, and the life of the party. That is just one of many faces. In truth he looks down on everyone in the world as either dangerous, or a potential mark. He knows how to get what he wants without asking, and he knows how to manipulate others. As a master of disguise, he can be anyone. Fate: Eventually, he was finally discovered. While he was a decent combatant in his own right, he was no match for the PC's once he was cornered. Vuel - Demon Binder (Hum CE Sorc 5/Fiend Blooded 9/Nar Demon Binder 7) History: Vuel was a mere 16 years old when a hobgoblin raiding party wiped out his Nar tribe. During the battle, his sorcerous powers manifested for the first time, slaying a few hobgoblins in the process. Fleeing into the mountains, the boy was forced to survive hobgoblin pursute, hungry wolves, and other monsters. He survived, and became stronger. He eventually took refuge in some old ruins, a remenant of Old Narfell. There he found relecs that further helped his sorcerous powers. He learned that he himself had demon blood within him. He became obcessed with this, and vowed to bring back the glory days of Narfell back. He delved into numerous ruins, collecting power, and growing stronger. When he was strong enough, he challenged the leader of a tribe, and won. With a tribe behind him, he set out to unite the tribes. One by one they either fell to, or joined his banner. He declared himself Nentyarch, but was constantly plagued by claimants to his throne. He needed a symbol of his power. Something that would make his claim indisputable. He needed the crown of Narfell. He learned that the crown had been split, and one resided in Impiltur, and the other in some heavily warded ruins. He managed to break the wards, and recover half the crown. He then let lose a horde of demons in impilure, and while the bulk of their forces were busy, he led an assault on the royal family it's self. They lived, though sorely wounded, and Vuel had claimed the crown. Through an epic ritual, he re-forged the crown, and now works toward a return of the kingdom of Narfell. Personality: Vuel honstly believes that he is destined to bring back the glory days of Narfell, and unite his people. He has romanticized the storys and legends of his people to the point of believing it to be a utopia (despite any evidence to the contrary). Without this dream, he would still be a lonley boy, all alone in the wilderness. It is what has kept him going, and is his justification for all that he has done. Fate: Impultir is rapidly recovering from the attack, and plans to declare war against Narfell. They will more than likley be joined by Gareth Dragonsbane, and the witches of Rashmen, neither of which take to kindly to the idea of a kingdom of demonologists at their borders. Against their combined might, it is unlikley that Vuel's reign will be a long one. Damian T'nathir (CE Soulborn 8) History: Nothing is known of his early days, but all his adult life he has been a devout follower of Cyric. The followers of Cyric have stumbled on a new form of power, one the black sun has jumped on. The power of Souls (incarnum). As Cyric at one time held mastery over unclaimed souls, his followers obtained rare insight to the workings of souls in the afterlife. They learned to draw on that power, and created a small cabal of champions (Soulborn). Damian was one of their most devoted. He followed Cyrics words without question, and attempted to uphold his precepts in everything he did. His last task was to kill off some followers of Mystra. He failed, and it cost him his life. Personality: Imagine the voices of 1,000's of the worst murderers in history in your head, urging you on to the darkest deeds imaginable. Imagine the maddest men in history babbling in your ear. Most men would crack under the relentless assault. The only thing holding what's left of Damian's mind together, is his utter and complete devotion to Cyric. That, and that he finds outlets for his impulses. He draws power from the souls of Cyrics greatest followers, and it is both a boon and bane to his existance. Fate: Obviously not the most stable of individuals, he ultimatly succumbed to his madness, and that made him vulnerable to his enemies. He is dead, but he was but one. Every day, others just like him are being trained, and set loose upon the world.
MerrikCale 12-07-06, 07:40 PM	Not to get into any major detail. Some of the main villians I have created include a knight order made up of vampires. I also have a group of powerful warlocks who control a lot of "behind the scenes" type stuff.
Arcavius 12-08-06, 12:44 PM	I've, once, made an epic villain, a cleric of Bane, destroyer at all, like a fighter. He was a Cleric 13 Hierophant 2 Blackguard 10, named Sarthas, with some awfull feats, like Dire Charge and with an Desintegrate as spell-like.
Ramenth 12-08-06, 04:17 PM	My villains don't tend to really be evil; They're just on the other side. Of course, then again, my party isn't exactly good either.
Deus_ex_Invictus 12-09-06, 12:17 AM	I have a penchant for overpowered villians... Dailzhat Class(s): Wizard 40/Archmage 5 Race: Human with a unique template I created for him Homeland: A unique alternate Material Plane I created. Dailzhat is a rather old fellow (25,000 or so years old... yes I like big numbers) who started out has a human, but then transformed himself into... something else (I never gave it a name), but lost all trace of humanity in return for incredible power. I'm too lazy to type out the enitre story, but suffice to say my PCs had a hell of a time fighting him, but then it was an Epic Campagin.
Dxzauvrinn 12-09-06, 01:42 AM	Not to get into any major detail. Some of the main villians I have created include a knight order made up of vampires. I also have a group of powerful warlocks who control a lot of "behind the scenes" type stuff. That knight order of vampires sounds awesome! Order of the Blood?
MerrikCale 12-09-06, 07:54 AM	That knight order of vampires sounds awesome! Order of the Blood? actually I made up a word for them, The Dhorgal Nath. They have in essence taken over Nesme in my campaign
miscellany 12-11-06, 12:40 AM	Wow I just liked reading all of that I hope I get to play against villians like yours some day I want to battle Vuel's demons and have my paladin and his buds face off against a regiment of Dhorgal Nath riding nightmares that would be sweet. MerrikCale could you tell us more please here or on another thread or by PM I would like to read more please where did you base them in the Realms? THank you!
MerrikCale 12-11-06, 04:09 PM	Briefly. The Dhorgal Nath is a small order made up exclusively of vampires who have troubled the PCs on previous occassions. At one point, they kidnapped and tortured the party's ranger (including killing his animal companion). I have been looking for a way to bring them back and with Nesme's recent troubles I decided that was the place. In short, they went into Nesme and cleaned up the mess. The general poplulation for the moment has set them up in power as they are "heroes". The group is lead by a vampire fighter, Malehorn Trask. His two leiutenants are a fighter, Kane Sgroi, and a ranger, Lydamur Vapnek. Many of the rest are their spawn. The Pcs are not yet aware of their return. I'm still woking out the details. The Pcs are currently in Neverwinter and I'm thinking maybe setting up an alliance between the Nath and the local Sharran Cell, who was recently uncovered by the PCs, could be a good way to bring them back. They do not currently ride Nightmares nor have they sworn alleigance with demons but I like it.
miscellany 12-11-06, 11:31 PM	Oooh torture I don't know if I could handle that damn hardcore! Yeah I guess nightmares are cliche some needs to come up with another four legged nasty for badguys to ride and look cool on but damn if I know what it could be. This is cool thank you for sharing and oh poor Nesme I wonder if your group might encounter NPC clerics sort of drawn to Nesme after visions of vampires fill their heads and then your group encounters one of those clerics a couple ten days later <at night see?> and it tries to suck their blood! See your cool set up has me thinking about fun adventures thank you1
Alurvelve 12-12-06, 01:29 AM	Well for females theres the Black Unicorns, they were featured in the MoF book. Or you could always use black dragons. It is near a swamp after all.
EvgO 12-12-06, 08:31 AM	Ironically, one of my best villains is one of the PCs gone bad. His name is Ander, he is an aasimar, fallen paladin, now an undead blackguard of Bane. The thing is, that he was searching for the Sword of Kas and when finally found it, was possesed, untill killed and ressurected as an undead. Likes to wear black spiked armor with an imposing helm with horns, a battered red cloak and a heavy flail. Time to time he feels strong emotional pain from his past life, with flooding memories that usually end with a rage. Has a habit of showing acts of mercy to those who win his respect.
MerrikCale 12-12-06, 09:18 AM	Oooh torture I don't know if I could handle that damn hardcore! Yeah I guess nightmares are cliche some needs to come up with another four legged nasty for badguys to ride and look cool on but damn if I know what it could be. This is cool thank you for sharing and oh poor Nesme I wonder if your group might encounter NPC clerics sort of drawn to Nesme after visions of vampires fill their heads and then your group encounters one of those clerics a couple ten days later <at night see?> and it tries to suck their blood! See your cool set up has me thinking about fun adventures thank you1 Thanks for asking
Bonzai 12-13-06, 03:43 AM	Oooh torture I don't know if I could handle that damn hardcore! Yeah I guess nightmares are cliche some needs to come up with another four legged nasty for badguys to ride and look cool on but damn if I know what it could be. My Cyracist Soulborn rode on a Necrocarnum zombie warhorse.... Faster than a normal warhorse, and able to go without food, or rest, makes for a nice mount.
Merlin_Durwood 12-13-06, 09:03 PM	If you're still looking for villains, I'd be happy to tell you of mine and his underlings. By the way, I loved the knight order of vampires.
MerrikCale 12-14-06, 09:22 AM	If you're still looking for villains, I'd be happy to tell you of mine and his underlings. By the way, I loved the knight order of vampires. spill it. and thanks
Ramenth 12-14-06, 09:33 PM	While I have not done the following, I've always wanted to DM two groups, one good and one evil, and set them up as eachothers main foes.
MerrikCale 12-15-06, 09:02 PM	I have used a evil band of adventurers in the past to pester the PCs. They are called the Fangs of Dragons
selunatic2397 12-15-06, 11:52 PM	One of the my favorite villains was a true neutral 23rd level bard...I am running a first edition campaign. she was totally trusted by my players for several real time years. They were predominantly chaotic good, and their actions ran from dragonslaying to hunting drow under Shadowdale. Her actions ran from replacing the slain monsters with suitable lawful evil ones...to restore balance...to mobilizing an opposition party that almost got them hunted down by the Zhents for things they never did. As the players got more powerful...so did her reactions... When they finally figured it all out the looks of shock and outrage made it all worthwhile. "But...But...But she's a NEUTRAL!!!!" they said.... In her quest for balance above all, she had made their lives a living hell...and had ended up killing more than they ever did. More than 6 years later, they still do not ever trust a Neutral. And druids are looked at with suspicion. I figure that I had to have done something right to get that kind of a long lasting reaction.
Merlin_Durwood 12-19-06, 10:28 PM	spill it. and thanks Ok...this is going to be a long one, since to explain him, I'd have to explain his history a little. He is known as Graumm Braegen, a Lawful Evil elven Necromancer Chosen of Bane who is in command of the Zhentarim in my world. Many mistake him for a drow who is in disguise, but this is not the case. He is a moon elf, pure and simple and is a Prince of an elven community known as Silvenglade located in the Cormanthyr Forest. Graumm despises his own kind, for the murder of his own father because he was quickly gaining power amongst the people and the ruling council of his nation did not like that. So, the council banished Graumm's father and killed him on the day they were to banish him and made up an excuse of how he died. Graumm was witness to this all and on that day, saw how his own people were flawed, for their chaotic nature. He was approached by a Netherese Arcanist who taught him the ways of magic and who's school he would eventually burn to the ground all in attempts of destroying a rival. He took to wandering during this time and came across a party of elven warriors that had managed to capture a tanarukk. Graumm slew the three warriors all in cold blood and the tanarukk swore fealty to Graumm right then and there. Graumm also has two other associates, one being a fallen Paladin of Torm by the name of Amalric and is now a Blackguard of Bane and an Assassin who wound up not only bearing Graumm twins, but became his wife (all of which, was not planned). There are a few rules Graumm follows: -He keeps his word, no matter what. -No harm comes to any woman or child, due to what he was exposed to as a child. -Knowledge is sacred and valuable; none of his associates are allowed to destroy any book or library. -Any loophole he can find, he will exploit fully to his advantage. -He will go to any length to slay any surface elf he may encounter, providing he can do it unobserved or in a place where no one will report him. For example, he won't kill an elf he might meet in Waterdeep outright, but he would have his assassin do it for him. Or, if in a place where he has contacts and ties, he'll just do it and no one will question him. -He will always...ALWAYS be polite and pleasant to any and all guests, even if they may not like him. -Above all else, he will give fair warning to someone beforehand that he will not hesitate to kill them if he does something to cross him. Other than that, it's very hard for someone to gain his trust. He really only trusts his wife, Argush and Amalric. As for Argush and Amalric, they are similar in terms of their beliefs to Bane but differ in their personalities. Argush and Amalric are both loyal to Graumm and Ellderra, but that's where they differ. Graumm Braegen: LE Male Moon Elf Necromancer 42/Archmage 5 Ellderra Braegen (formerly Marshwind): LE Female Half-Moon Elf Fighter 8/Rogue 22/Assassin 13 Argush: NE Male Tanarukk Fighter 5/Barbarian 23/Legendary Dreadnaught 10 Amalric Ryhall Leighfield: LE Male Human Paladin 1/Fighter 30/Blackguard of Bane 15 If I were to provide stat blocks for them, I'd omit the Chosen status of Graumm. As soon as I finish up transferring over Ellderra from 1st ed. to 3rd, I'll post their stat blocks.
Walls 12-19-06, 11:55 PM	holy craps... 40+ level guys?! OH... EM... GEE... how have they not destroyed everyone in the world? My little 5th level guy sucks so bad now.
Merlin_Durwood 12-20-06, 12:59 AM	It's ok.... It's a villain that has been around since 1st Ed days. And he grew with the party. As for Graumm...yeah, he did destroy a lot of people in the world and had nearly conqured all of Toril. Of course, he doesn't see much action these days. I only used him when I ran an evil campaign (where a player of mine introduced Ellderra). She honestly was meant as a joke when we made her, but...it kinda grew out of hand from there. As she put it, we just made a bad situation even worse when we put them together.
MerrikCale 12-20-06, 08:56 PM	My little 5th level guy sucks so bad now. Those are always the best to play
MarkusTay63 12-21-06, 02:58 AM	holy craps... 40+ level guys?! OH... EM... GEE... how have they not destroyed everyone in the world? EXACTLY When you need to resort to 40+ NPC's something is seriously amiss. I can torture a high level party with just a couple of clever kobolds. ;) I don't know if I'd qualify him as a villain, but he was a memorable 'encounter' - Vladimer Yasger (ftr8, Wiz8, Vampire) - small time noble who inherited his family's lands (Yasger's farm) and keep (Vladstock). Initially he was a LN ruler over the local peasant village, and although he wasn't a bad ruler he wasn't all that great either. During one of his hunting expeditions, he was bitten by a vampire in the night. Realizing that he would soon become one of the living dead, he ordered his retainers to lock him up and seek help from a wizard. After securing him, they sought out a mage from the nearest large city. Only one offered them help, in the form of an accursed helm. They returned to their master, and placed the helmet (Helm of opposite alignment) upon his head, shifting it from CE to LG. Now he is a much nicer ruler, in fact better then original, and his people love him. For a long time he was only seen at night, leading to much speculation, but recently has been seen several times about during the day. He claims it is his poor health that keeps him indoors, but in actuallity he has been studying magic since being cursed and has recently succeded in casting mimic Mortal, a lev4 spell that allows him to walk about in the daylight. At first the PC's should here about this count that 'only comes out at night'. That and the name should be big clues, and the PC's should investigate the local lord. However, what they do once they learn the full story is up to the players and DM to decide. The spell is real, and from Ravenloft. I like to set up encounters more then just villains. I let the PC's take it from there.
darksyngr 12-21-06, 05:00 AM	A half moon elf warlord who grew up in the dredges of a kingdom. By all surface appearance the kingdom was all good and light... law abiding. This warlord knew what was under the surface and sought to bring done the old order and become king himself believing he could put things right. Through many battles he became increasingly ruthless against his enemies making him appear to the PC's newly involved within the intrigue that he was an evil man when in truth he was not. The real villains being the church and king the players worked for. Even then it was a difficult campaign because the kingdom was the law as well as not truly evil. They were pompous men who believed the poor deserved their lot in life because the gods willed it, and strict in their laws to the point of cruelty. Probably one of my favorite games because the characters had so much trouble trying to decide where to place their alliances and who to oppose.
Dunion 12-21-06, 05:59 AM	I remember one of my first villains in FR. The party started first met him when they were lvl2 or lvl3, and he was a lowly Zhentarim mage lvl5 who was actually covering the exit for his master from a small mountain dungeon, which was originally infested by goblins. Anyway, he managed to capture one of the PCs and by the time the rest of the group made it to the central room he set up a trap for them. The central room contained a throne of some sorts and there was a huge 100 feet corridor leading up to it. The wizard set his minions to fire two small ballistae at anyone who approached the room. When the PCs enetered the hall they failed their Spot checks and didn't notice the ballistae at first which gave them a good pounding. After some while they managed to break thru to the central hall, at which point they were all seriously wounded, and saw a guy sitting at the throne laughing at them. This time they failed their wisdom check and they didn't notice that the laughter produced no sound - coz it was an illusion! The party ranger, who was the most rash character, fired an arrow into the illusion, scored and confirmed a critical, only to see the illusion dissipate and an arrow lodged deep into their dead friend. The wizard left the mountain dungeon even before they got to the hall. Afte that i realized i wanted to keep this guy in my story line as a reccuring character so i made him part of the plot several more times. As he leveled thru next two years he became a lvl9 mage/lvl5 Zhentarim skymage and caused quite a rift in the party as he recognized the party's mage to be a morally unstable character - he approached him in hopes of making him his apprentice. He was especially a thorn in the side of the party's ranger (new ranger as the old one after killing his friend retired) and paladin coz they styled themselves as not only warriors but master strategists and he defeated them at every turn during one adventure that happened in Anauroch - they were practically playing cat and mouse over the Black route. He defeated them militarily, fooled them into thinking they defeated him in the second battle where he asked for truce and "gave" them his honor sword as a sign of an honorable surrender only to use the sword as a homing beacon for an aerial strike (he WAS a skymage :D) that almost killed the whole party and during which he managed to capture the party's mage (the unstable one :p). He eventually released the mage, but he gave him a sphere with which he could communicate with him if he ever wanted to - the mage, unsurprisingly, kept the sphere.
Bonzai 12-21-06, 10:23 AM	There is no real back story for this villian, other than he was a hired assasin that I had named the Harvester. He was LE Human Ranger 3/Fighter 2/Ghost faced Killer 10. The party had to treck through a stretch of wilderness, on their way to complete a quest. The villian of the story had sent this guy to take them out before they reached their destination. This guy tracked them down, and shadowed the party, occasionally ambushing them. Laying traps, and pouncing on the party. His signature weapons were a pair of sickles that were enchanted with the throwing and returning enchantments. He'd start off the fight by throwing them at the casters, then TWF'ing any one he injured, and ghost stepping away when the party organized enought to counter strike. He nearly killed the wizard and the parties cleric a few times. The party eventually got him, but he harried the hell out of them. If I had to do it again, I would implement some tome of battle to the mix, maybe the bloodstorm thrower prc, freeing up the weapon enhancements to make them Vorpal. :D