Interesting non-vile NPC's

[SemperJase]

Many people here plan on using the BoVD to help define their evil NPCs. I understand that, but I'm wondering what NPCs you encounter/created that were not "vile" but nonetheless were able to develop a deep sense of revulsion or animosity against them.

For instance, a DM I gamed with created a Baron that recruited adventurers to fight orcs around his keep.

When the PCs arrived, they found high taxes to enter the keep and confiscatory exchange rates (benfitting the Baron). When accepting and completing an assignment for the Baron, he complained about the results and did not reward the PCs. He then demanded they perform another duty on threat of execution. The basic unfairness outraged the players (me included). Here we are offering to help the Baron and risking our (PC) lives and he uses us to expand his personal wealth. It really chapped our hides.

Anyone else?

 

[Moe Ronalds]

Book of Moderately Vile Low-light Conditions, anyone?

 

[alsih2o]

theft and lying is vile, yes?

 

[SemperJase]

I was referring to vile as defined by BoVD or Dragon 300. My question is are there other ways to illustrate the "vileness" of villains.

 

[Monte At Home]

Sigh...

You don't know how the book of vile darkness defines vile because you haven't read it yet.

 

[SemperJase]

You are right. Sorry Monte.

How about vile as defined by Dragon 300 and your article "How far will you take it?"

 

[Monte At Home]

Well, keep in mind that only about 10% (tops) of the Book of Vile Darkness deals with material described in the "vile campaign" options in the article.

It's easy to take the title of "vile campaign" and assume that it means that the whole book of VILE darkness is going to be about that kind of campaign. That is, however, a misunderstanding and one that is entirely my fault. I should have called it the "really dark campaign" or some such just to avoid confusion.

I guess my point is, the book actually deals with lying, cheating, theivery, etc. as much (actually more) than the stuff mentioned in the article as being vile. The villain you describe could have theoretically come right out of the book.

It's a book about evil, in all of its forms.

 

[Piratecat]

Oh. Politicians!

 

[Bob Aberton]

Well, if you read my Storyhour (link in sig, hint, hint ), you'll find a villain who is not vile at all...more like comical. My players used to find him funny, actually. Emphasis on the used to .

 

[Piratecat]

Since SemperJase started a new thread, I'll close this one. Jason, if you want it reopened, please let me know.