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Old 8th July 2009, 07:34 AM   #15 (permalink)
AFGNCAAP
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AFGNCAAP Goblin Sharpshooter (Lvl 2)
Well, since you've had a PC go Evil & become an NPC, one potential idea is to make things personal.

This villain could have some motivation to act directly against the PCs. Perhaps he (I'm guessing he, based on the name Archibald) blames the PCs for his fall; perhaps he thinks they lack the conviction to see things through; perhaps he sees them as a potential obstacle to proactively eliminate; perhaps he has to as part of the deal for achieving his goals/gaining power; etc.

The action could be direct or indirect: sending assassins to kill the PCs, tipping off other enemies to the PCs location/plan of action, defaming the PCs, going after allies/loved ones of the PCs, etc.

I think knowing who the PCs are will help define the villains (and their goals). Perhaps using a uniting theme (and maybe even having a BBEG responsible for that "theme") will help provide a sense of continuity between adventures.

For example (just throwing it out there, based on the Evil PC idea), how about having a theme of Corruption &/or Betrayal? Allies or generally benevolent NPCs are seduced to Evil for some reason (lure of power, necessity, a perceived "lack of choice," etc.). Perhaps an Archdevil or Evil deity is using agents to spread corruption. Perhaps exposure to an ancient (demonic) evil & its legacy is "infecting" certain people, causing their fall. Perhaps a Vampire Lord is creating new followers. Perhaps a servant (mortal or not) of an Evil being is converting people to his sinister faith. Perhaps a conqueror is preparing invasion, and is using espionage to undermine/weaken the nation severely before actively sending out armies to conquer his targets.

One potential effect is PC concern over corruption/betrayal. Characters may be concerned that another character in the group may fall to Evil. New allies could be viewed with suspicion; trust in old allies may be constantly reevaluated after certain events. Or, characters may take on a zealous attitude to routing out corruption, potentially alienating allies or inadvertently causing more harm than good. The fear & paranoia over such things could lead to the PCs destroying themselves, which could be one of the key obstacles that they need to overcome.

In fact, the "who are the villains?" question could remain (somewhat) unanswered, leaving PCs to guess who's a threat and who's a red herring.

Hope this helps.
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