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Favorite Kind of Villain

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
Crackerjake
Aug 02, 2009 23:07:56 My favorite kind of villains are the kinda that just flat out don't give a f***. The kind that'll walk away with nonchalance after shooting someone in the back with a shotgun, much like Brother Sum from Kung Fu Hustle. Come on, he even went as far as to lead his gang in complex group choreography while they invaded that hotel or casino, it's been a while. AFTER shooting that poor woman in the back with a shotgun (I think, like I said, it's been a while.)
I also like Jarlaxle-like villains, always in control and full of surprises that can get them out of those few tight spots that are outside of their control, while giving commentary filled with dry wit (going back to the 'You've got the upper hand, but I don't give a f***')

What about you? Favorite kinds of villains (or even just favorite villains will work, mine are the Joker and Jarlaxle)
#2
ekaziel
Aug 02, 2009 23:16:19 I prefer villains with a sense of honour (however twisted), such as Rā's al Ghūl or Two-Face to name some commonly well known villains.
#3
pigknight
Aug 02, 2009 23:22:36 I like villians that think they're good guys.

Light Yagami for example.
#4
Ragnar_Lodbrok
Aug 02, 2009 23:30:04 My favorite villains are the ones who manipulate the protagonists into fulfilling their plans, who think everything through, who have contingency plans for many situations, and are still powerful warriors or casters. In other words, well-played liches, ilithids, and other evil masterminds.

I also like those who make everyone think that they're on the side of good, while enacting their plots behind their so-called friends' backs.
#5
Novacat
Aug 02, 2009 23:59:03 I think my favorite type of villain is the kind that I'm using as a BBEG in my current campaign.

• He's unrepentantly evil, and he loves being so. If you've heard Voltaire's When You're Evil, you know the kind of baddie I'm talking about.

• There's something important to him. Someone he loves, or something he treasures. Most importantly, the PCs have the power to rob him of it. Doing so will be a vicious blow to the villain, but will likely drive him to an insane homicidal rage.

• He's way too fond of the Xanatos Gambit, but he's so damned good at it.

• He's a manipulator, who prefers to work exclusively through minions, but if he needs to handle something himself, he's more than powerful enough to do so with extreme prejudice.
#6
EscherEnigma
Aug 03, 2009 0:13:42 I think it might just due to re-reading the Girl Genius archives, but I like complex "villains" with realistic motivations and goals that aren't strictly evil, but still having fantastic reasons for being set against the heroes.
#7
Forgember
Aug 03, 2009 0:24:06 Completely twisted evil to the core so much so that its often never written about or portrayed in movies/comics. ****, torture, and general cruelty to others are just the tip of the ice berg, imagine a really nasty version of Kurgan from Highlander.
#8
LordManshoon
Aug 03, 2009 1:01:27
My favorite kind of villains are the kinda that just flat out don't give a f***. The kind that'll walk away with nonchalance after shooting someone in the back with a shotgun, much like Brother Sum from Kung Fu Hustle.

I agree. Alex from A Clockwork Orange is my ideal villain (even if he really isn't a villain). He doesn't care who you are, what you're like, or what you stand for. If he can benefit from your suffering, he'll go to any extreme. Hells, he'll torment you simply for entertainment and to satisfy his baser instincts. He'll take whatever he wants, and do whatever he feels like doing. Laws and customs are of no consequence; he'll blend in just so he can survive and live to wreak havoc another day. He acts in accordance with nature, the blackest emotions in mankind.
#9
Crackerjake
Aug 03, 2009 2:42:54 I also kind of like my villains to have a certain charm. I feel this overall helps give them that sinister and dangerous feel, for that companion who so adamantly offered to have the first watch won't be questioned after getting on everyone's good side. Especially their backside. During the night. With a knife. When a villain has charm, they have a tendency to disable the oft common give away of a villain: suspicion. If you can get them to relax around you, so much easier to stick 'em when they aren't looking.
#10
Klirshon
Aug 03, 2009 8:11:20 The type of villains that I enjoy most are the methodical and complex ones. Villains that have reasons for their actions beyond a lust for slaughter. Being a villain doesn't necessarily mean being evil, but it does mean they are opposed to the protagonists. Even if the villain is evil, I'd rather they have a logical reason for wanting to destroy everyone than do it to just to be a tera-turd. As they say, "can't have manslaughter without laughter", but I would prefer it more akin to a thoughtful innuendo instead of a simple fart-joke.
#11
ADHadh
Aug 03, 2009 8:21:11 I've got two villains created by me that I think are the worst of mine. I think it says something about me.
The first one is a hobgoblin warlord, the kind that wants to rule and the best way to acquire something to rule is war. What's more, this guy gained immortality, somehow. His only weakness is a sense of honor that doesn't let him refuse a duel challenge.
The other one is a mage that wants to know everything. This wouldn't be so bad if he wasn't selfish at it, that is, being the only one possessing such knowledge. Thus he seeks ancient lore, learns it by heart and then destroys the source. And it's not like he's going to use or share that knowledge anyway.
#12
turalisj
Aug 03, 2009 8:34:07 Favorite kind of villian? The one that sets it up so he can get away with anything he wants, while making it look like the good guys are actualy the villians.
#13
Bloodsoul
Aug 03, 2009 15:13:52 I don't think I really have a particular villain-type that I'm most fond of. I like the plotters, the manipulators, the ravagers, the holier-than-thou'ers.

What I am particulary fond of is this quote from the final issue of Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, when the titular character is confronted by a fan of his work: "Admire me? You ^*$@! I'm the villain in this %#&*'n story!"
#14
mock26
Aug 03, 2009 15:54:35 I like villains where the good guys look at said villain and it NEVER crosses their mind that they are looking at said villain.
#15
baneofelves
Aug 03, 2009 17:32:15 The kind of villains that I love tend to have the following traits:

-The good guys never suspect that they're the baddie till way far in the game (or even at the very end)

-The ones that have a moral code, so that way they can make it seem like they've behaved better than the heroes.

-The ones that make the heroes seem like the villains.

-The ones that aren't afraid to get their hands dirty, and perform horrifying evils.

-The ones that don't explain their ****ing plans to you while they have you captured.

There's more, but those are the basics.
#16
Aerodyth
Aug 03, 2009 18:06:13 Dr. Horrible - The villain that does evil in the name of good, Aidrian from Watchmen makes a good example of this as well. They provide more of a moralistically gray view of morality. The Black/White division just isn't enough.

Also, Dr. Horrible has a good singing voice and a great arch nemesis.
#17
annoyinglizardvoice
Aug 03, 2009 18:25:05 Any kind of villain can be cool as long as they're done well. I do tend to hate the cheap villians that they don't bother giving any motivation to beyond "he's the villian".
#18
baneofelves
Aug 03, 2009 18:25:31
Any kind of villain can be cool as long as they're done well. I do tend to hate the cheap villians that they don't bother giving any motivation to beyond "he's the villian".

+ freakin' one.
#19
williamhm75
Aug 03, 2009 19:46:01
I think it might just due to re-reading the Girl Genius archives, but I like complex "villains" with realistic motivations and goals that aren't strictly evil, but still having fantastic reasons for being set against the heroes.

+1 I love girl genius. I like villians that may not be evil per se but oppose the heroes.
#20
toastedamphibian
Aug 03, 2009 19:59:20 I like the type of villian that I embody with my internet persona.
#21
noisrevni
Aug 04, 2009 0:08:55 I would have to say any villain with a purpose.

Ralph, the Blackguard who has been evil ever since he popped out of the womb, just doesn't seem as interesting as Daniel, the Lich that entered lichdom to extend his life, that he may find resurrect his slain son, and was eventually corrupted by the very negative energies that sustain him.
#22
Idolis
Aug 04, 2009 20:44:33 Villains like Ghost from the Cleric's Quintet are my favorites. Someone who violates someone in the most intimate way possible, their mind.

I like the villains that can't be stopped unless the "hero" is prepared to take the lives of innocent victims. Villains that leave no room for a goody goody to operate.
#23
Mechalibur
Aug 04, 2009 21:09:49 I like villians with a twisted sense of justice, and the ones that just kill you rather than holding you at gunpoint for a few minutes while the hero is sneaking up on them.
#24
Crackerjake
Aug 04, 2009 23:31:43 I find that Arsène Lupin depicts one of my favorite kinds of villain almost perfectly. (although he isn't really a villain, but if he were...)
#25
pigknight
Aug 04, 2009 23:39:50 I like the villian that's friends with the hero.
#26
Litigation
Aug 05, 2009 4:32:17 I like my villains remorseless and vile. Screw sympathetic "they're not really evil" or "it's not their fault" wussies. I like my Harry Limes, Noah Crosses, and yes, even my Jokers.
#27
stealthmarmot
Aug 05, 2009 6:25:47 I like villains that leave a feeling of seething raw hatred for them in your mind that makes you glad when they get their comeuppance.

My favorite is Dolores Umbridge.

Of course I love a villain with style, like the Joker.
#28
strand0
Aug 08, 2009 9:21:10 Darth Vader -
(As he appeared in eps 4, 5, and first half of 6)
Power, a willingness to do andthing to win, gets down in the mud, and is not satisfied with the huge amount of power he already has. Plus with all his power... he's still got a boss!

I hate his touchy-feely redemption!
#29
Cpt_Micha
Aug 08, 2009 9:44:47 Palpatine. Easily my most favored of the Classic Villian types.

Followed by Vader.

Third, the guy from Serenity.

Fourth, The Vorlans from Babylon 5

Fith, Villians with motivations, and actual reasons for doing the things they do.

Sixth; Khan from Wrath Of Khan.
#30
MusicOfCreation
Aug 08, 2009 11:14:58
Sixth; Khan from Wrath Of Khan.

KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!

I really enjoy villains who at one point were good guys/friends of the heroes, but have since become villains. Especially if it was because of some sort of personal tragedy.
#31
doomsought
Aug 08, 2009 14:18:32 The ones every one thinks is the hero.
Like Albus Dumbledore.
Yup, he's a villain.
next best are lawyers.
#32
EscherEnigma
Aug 08, 2009 14:30:27 Dumbledore isn't a villain, he's just criminally incompetent.
#33
subsistcyber
Aug 08, 2009 14:39:53 My kinda villain is the over-powerful god or primordial that manipulates the lesser villains that the PCs encounter until finally dueling it out with said god/primordial. Lesser villains are normal people that for seperate reasons are under the influence of the greater villain. I like my games to be near-world enders.
#34
turalisj
Aug 08, 2009 14:48:32 I have a habit of naming villians after board posters.... No PK, you don't get a cameo so don't ask :P
#35
subsistcyber
Aug 08, 2009 14:51:29
I have a habit of naming villians after board posters.... No PK, you don't get a cameo so don't ask :P

I think I'll try that. PK - I'll give you a cameo in my game. Right now they're in the shadowfell so it'll be easy having a dark pig-knight enter the scene with goals/objectives of his own. I'll have to flesh out his abilities though... good thing we have the monster builder...
#36
cherubaddon
Aug 09, 2009 6:08:57 My favourite villain is like the one my WFRP group will confront in the next few days:

- He's a Blood Dragon Vampire. In other words, not only is he immortal, but he is all but divine in combat skill.

- The Heroes have known him from the beginning (the first encounter in the entire campaign was a non-combat encounter with him).

- He was once one of them - in this case, a Bretonnian Knight.

- He isn't all that evil - in fact, he's helped the heroes a few times, has a strong code of honour, and is pretty much what my heroes aspire to be. He is to be killed for two reasons: first, he killed a PC's grandfather (in honourable duel), second, he's a vampire, and in WFRP, that's a big deal.

- Last, he's three hundred years old, speaks eight languages with Shakesperean mastery, has seen countries the PCs have never heard of and fought monsters they couldn't imagine. This will allow me to do a nice little Blade Runner-style soliloquy when he eventually falls.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Crackerjake Aug 02, 2009 23:07:56	My favorite kind of villains are the kinda that just flat out don't give a f*. The kind that'll walk away with nonchalance after shooting someone in the back with a shotgun, much like Brother Sum from Kung Fu Hustle. Come on, he even went as far as to lead his gang in complex group choreography while they invaded that hotel or casino, it's been a while. AFTER shooting that poor woman in the back with a shotgun (I think, like I said, it's been a while.) I also like Jarlaxle-like villains, always in control and full of surprises that can get them out of those few tight spots that are outside of their control, while giving commentary filled with dry wit (going back to the 'You've got the upper hand, but I don't give a f*') What about you? Favorite kinds of villains (or even just favorite villains will work, mine are the Joker and Jarlaxle)
#2 ekaziel Aug 02, 2009 23:16:19	I prefer villains with a sense of honour (however twisted), such as Rā's al Ghūl or Two-Face to name some commonly well known villains.
#3 pigknight Aug 02, 2009 23:22:36	I like villians that think they're good guys. Light Yagami for example.
#4 Ragnar_Lodbrok Aug 02, 2009 23:30:04	My favorite villains are the ones who manipulate the protagonists into fulfilling their plans, who think everything through, who have contingency plans for many situations, and are still powerful warriors or casters. In other words, well-played liches, ilithids, and other evil masterminds. I also like those who make everyone think that they're on the side of good, while enacting their plots behind their so-called friends' backs.
#5 Novacat Aug 02, 2009 23:59:03	I think my favorite type of villain is the kind that I'm using as a BBEG in my current campaign. • He's unrepentantly evil, and he loves being so. If you've heard Voltaire's When You're Evil, you know the kind of baddie I'm talking about. • There's something important to him. Someone he loves, or something he treasures. Most importantly, the PCs have the power to rob him of it. Doing so will be a vicious blow to the villain, but will likely drive him to an insane homicidal rage. • He's way too fond of the Xanatos Gambit, but he's so damned good at it. • He's a manipulator, who prefers to work exclusively through minions, but if he needs to handle something himself, he's more than powerful enough to do so with extreme prejudice.
#6 EscherEnigma Aug 03, 2009 0:13:42	I think it might just due to re-reading the Girl Genius archives, but I like complex "villains" with realistic motivations and goals that aren't strictly evil, but still having fantastic reasons for being set against the heroes.
#7 Forgember Aug 03, 2009 0:24:06	Completely twisted evil to the core so much so that its often never written about or portrayed in movies/comics. ****, torture, and general cruelty to others are just the tip of the ice berg, imagine a really nasty version of Kurgan from Highlander.
#8 LordManshoon Aug 03, 2009 1:01:27	My favorite kind of villains are the kinda that just flat out don't give a f**. The kind that'll walk away with nonchalance after shooting someone in the back with a shotgun, much like Brother Sum from Kung Fu Hustle. I agree. Alex from A Clockwork Orange* is my ideal villain (even if he really isn't a villain). He doesn't care who you are, what you're like, or what you stand for. If he can benefit from your suffering, he'll go to any extreme. Hells, he'll torment you simply for entertainment and to satisfy his baser instincts. He'll take whatever he wants, and do whatever he feels like doing. Laws and customs are of no consequence; he'll blend in just so he can survive and live to wreak havoc another day. He acts in accordance with nature, the blackest emotions in mankind.
#9 Crackerjake Aug 03, 2009 2:42:54	I also kind of like my villains to have a certain charm. I feel this overall helps give them that sinister and dangerous feel, for that companion who so adamantly offered to have the first watch won't be questioned after getting on everyone's good side. Especially their backside. During the night. With a knife. When a villain has charm, they have a tendency to disable the oft common give away of a villain: suspicion. If you can get them to relax around you, so much easier to stick 'em when they aren't looking.
#10 Klirshon Aug 03, 2009 8:11:20	The type of villains that I enjoy most are the methodical and complex ones. Villains that have reasons for their actions beyond a lust for slaughter. Being a villain doesn't necessarily mean being evil, but it does mean they are opposed to the protagonists. Even if the villain is evil, I'd rather they have a logical reason for wanting to destroy everyone than do it to just to be a tera-turd. As they say, "can't have manslaughter without laughter", but I would prefer it more akin to a thoughtful innuendo instead of a simple fart-joke.
#11 ADHadh Aug 03, 2009 8:21:11	I've got two villains created by me that I think are the worst of mine. I think it says something about me. The first one is a hobgoblin warlord, the kind that wants to rule and the best way to acquire something to rule is war. What's more, this guy gained immortality, somehow. His only weakness is a sense of honor that doesn't let him refuse a duel challenge. The other one is a mage that wants to know everything. This wouldn't be so bad if he wasn't selfish at it, that is, being the only one possessing such knowledge. Thus he seeks ancient lore, learns it by heart and then destroys the source. And it's not like he's going to use or share that knowledge anyway.
#12 turalisj Aug 03, 2009 8:34:07	Favorite kind of villian? The one that sets it up so he can get away with anything he wants, while making it look like the good guys are actualy the villians.
#13 Bloodsoul Aug 03, 2009 15:13:52	I don't think I really have a particular villain-type that I'm most fond of. I like the plotters, the manipulators, the ravagers, the holier-than-thou'ers. What I am particulary fond of is this quote from the final issue of Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, when the titular character is confronted by a fan of his work: "Admire me? You ^$@! I'm the villain in this %#&'n story!"
#14 mock26 Aug 03, 2009 15:54:35	I like villains where the good guys look at said villain and it NEVER crosses their mind that they are looking at said villain.
#15 baneofelves Aug 03, 2009 17:32:15	The kind of villains that I love tend to have the following traits: -The good guys never suspect that they're the baddie till way far in the game (or even at the very end) -The ones that have a moral code, so that way they can make it seem like they've behaved better than the heroes. -The ones that make the heroes seem like the villains. -The ones that aren't afraid to get their hands dirty, and perform horrifying evils. -The ones that don't explain their ****ing plans to you while they have you captured. There's more, but those are the basics.
#16 Aerodyth Aug 03, 2009 18:06:13	Dr. Horrible - The villain that does evil in the name of good, Aidrian from Watchmen makes a good example of this as well. They provide more of a moralistically gray view of morality. The Black/White division just isn't enough. Also, Dr. Horrible has a good singing voice and a great arch nemesis.
#17 annoyinglizardvoice Aug 03, 2009 18:25:05	Any kind of villain can be cool as long as they're done well. I do tend to hate the cheap villians that they don't bother giving any motivation to beyond "he's the villian".
#18 baneofelves Aug 03, 2009 18:25:31	Any kind of villain can be cool as long as they're done well. I do tend to hate the cheap villians that they don't bother giving any motivation to beyond "he's the villian". + freakin' one.
#19 williamhm75 Aug 03, 2009 19:46:01	I think it might just due to re-reading the Girl Genius archives, but I like complex "villains" with realistic motivations and goals that aren't strictly evil, but still having fantastic reasons for being set against the heroes. +1 I love girl genius. I like villians that may not be evil per se but oppose the heroes.
#20 toastedamphibian Aug 03, 2009 19:59:20	I like the type of villian that I embody with my internet persona.
#21 noisrevni Aug 04, 2009 0:08:55	I would have to say any villain with a purpose. Ralph, the Blackguard who has been evil ever since he popped out of the womb, just doesn't seem as interesting as Daniel, the Lich that entered lichdom to extend his life, that he may find resurrect his slain son, and was eventually corrupted by the very negative energies that sustain him.
#22 Idolis Aug 04, 2009 20:44:33	Villains like Ghost from the Cleric's Quintet are my favorites. Someone who violates someone in the most intimate way possible, their mind. I like the villains that can't be stopped unless the "hero" is prepared to take the lives of innocent victims. Villains that leave no room for a goody goody to operate.
#23 Mechalibur Aug 04, 2009 21:09:49	I like villians with a twisted sense of justice, and the ones that just kill you rather than holding you at gunpoint for a few minutes while the hero is sneaking up on them.
#24 Crackerjake Aug 04, 2009 23:31:43	I find that Arsène Lupin depicts one of my favorite kinds of villain almost perfectly. (although he isn't really a villain, but if he were...)
#25 pigknight Aug 04, 2009 23:39:50	I like the villian that's friends with the hero.
#26 Litigation Aug 05, 2009 4:32:17	I like my villains remorseless and vile. Screw sympathetic "they're not really evil" or "it's not their fault" wussies. I like my Harry Limes, Noah Crosses, and yes, even my Jokers.
#27 stealthmarmot Aug 05, 2009 6:25:47	I like villains that leave a feeling of seething raw hatred for them in your mind that makes you glad when they get their comeuppance. My favorite is Dolores Umbridge. Of course I love a villain with style, like the Joker.
#28 strand0 Aug 08, 2009 9:21:10	Darth Vader - (As he appeared in eps 4, 5, and first half of 6) Power, a willingness to do andthing to win, gets down in the mud, and is not satisfied with the huge amount of power he already has. Plus with all his power... he's still got a boss! I hate his touchy-feely redemption!
#29 Cpt_Micha Aug 08, 2009 9:44:47	Palpatine. Easily my most favored of the Classic Villian types. Followed by Vader. Third, the guy from Serenity. Fourth, The Vorlans from Babylon 5 Fith, Villians with motivations, and actual reasons for doing the things they do. Sixth; Khan from Wrath Of Khan.
#30 MusicOfCreation Aug 08, 2009 11:14:58	Sixth; Khan from Wrath Of Khan. KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!! I really enjoy villains who at one point were good guys/friends of the heroes, but have since become villains. Especially if it was because of some sort of personal tragedy.
#31 doomsought Aug 08, 2009 14:18:32	The ones every one thinks is the hero. Like Albus Dumbledore. Yup, he's a villain. next best are lawyers.
#32 EscherEnigma Aug 08, 2009 14:30:27	Dumbledore isn't a villain, he's just criminally incompetent.
#33 subsistcyber Aug 08, 2009 14:39:53	My kinda villain is the over-powerful god or primordial that manipulates the lesser villains that the PCs encounter until finally dueling it out with said god/primordial. Lesser villains are normal people that for seperate reasons are under the influence of the greater villain. I like my games to be near-world enders.
#34 turalisj Aug 08, 2009 14:48:32	I have a habit of naming villians after board posters.... No PK, you don't get a cameo so don't ask :P
#35 subsistcyber Aug 08, 2009 14:51:29	I have a habit of naming villians after board posters.... No PK, you don't get a cameo so don't ask :P I think I'll try that. PK - I'll give you a cameo in my game. Right now they're in the shadowfell so it'll be easy having a dark pig-knight enter the scene with goals/objectives of his own. I'll have to flesh out his abilities though... good thing we have the monster builder...
#36 cherubaddon Aug 09, 2009 6:08:57	My favourite villain is like the one my WFRP group will confront in the next few days: - He's a Blood Dragon Vampire. In other words, not only is he immortal, but he is all but divine in combat skill. - The Heroes have known him from the beginning (the first encounter in the entire campaign was a non-combat encounter with him). - He was once one of them - in this case, a Bretonnian Knight. - He isn't all that evil - in fact, he's helped the heroes a few times, has a strong code of honour, and is pretty much what my heroes aspire to be. He is to be killed for two reasons: first, he killed a PC's grandfather (in honourable duel), second, he's a vampire, and in WFRP, that's a big deal. - Last, he's three hundred years old, speaks eight languages with Shakesperean mastery, has seen countries the PCs have never heard of and fought monsters they couldn't imagine. This will allow me to do a nice little Blade Runner-style soliloquy when he eventually falls.