The coolest, classic D&D BBEG!

[The Serge]

As the title indicates, we're looking at classic, big bad evil guys (or gals). So, that would exclude Vangal and the folks from the Scarred Lands, the various villains from Bastion Press, and the recent baddies.

For the most part, I used villains that have appeared at least once to a significant degree in a campaign's history (including novels), a module, or who has a huge reputation despite not being in much. So, Dispater, the driving force behind one of the best Planescape modules, Fires of Dis appears, while Geryon... who's Asmodeus' lackey in A Paladin in Hell does not.

Additionally, there are no multiple votes, so I'm making this one tough!

If there's someone you wish to add, feel free to check other and then explain who and why (also indicate the game world and or module/adventure in which the BBEG appeared) Remember, classic villains, not homebrew (if that was the case, I would win!). Also, explain why if he/she is listed if you'd like.

Let's go!

 

[hong]

I voted for Graz'zt, because he's an admin on this board.

And besides which, how can you not love someone with two z's in his name?


Hong "don't answer that" Ooi

 

[radferth]

What? No Iuz? Damn you, Rose Estes!

 

[Xarlen]

I voted for Cyric.

Cyric's a sneaky, scheming, twisted God of a man. He plays with dillusions and lies, and madness. How BBEG can you get? The puppetmaster, man in the shadows.

Of course, I've always loved Artemis Entrari (Yay for someone who could Kill Drizzt!), and Elaith Caulnober. Of course, Elaith has always been more of an Anti-Hero, Anti-Elf kind've twisted character, who I just delight in reading about. Entrari is somewhat of an Anti-hero. And, he could Kill Drizzt, so that's a thumb's up.

I'd toss a vote in for Jarlaxle, but he's more of a Grey area, then an actual, deep-seated villain. More a Neutral kinda guy.

 

[TiQuinn]

Yeah, I think Iuz is an oversight. He would definitely be a big vote getter. A couple of other possibilities would be Lord Soth of Dragonlance and Ravenloft fame and Iggwilv the Witch Queen of Perrenland. You might also throw Gruumsh in there. However, I think these would be more for the sake of completeness than anything else.

I voted for Lloth. There are others who may be more powerful and certainly just as wicked, but I couldn't think of any BBEG who has had more of an impact on D&D. She's the focus of a classic module, Queen of the Demonweb Pits, which in turn is the culmination of one of the most popular module series ever - the GDK modules (GDK? Or is it GDQ? That one always gets me!). She's the driving force behind one of the most popular bad guy races ever: the Drow. She's the behind the scenes villain for the Dark Elf Trilogy. She's had her fingers in more pies than any other god, uber mage, or demon out there!

 

[Xarlen]

Don't forget Temple of Elemental Evil!

 

[TiQuinn]

Trouble with Temple of Elemental Evil was I couldn't keep track of all the gods and demons involved in that one! Lloth, Iuz, Zuggotmoy! And then Monte Cook has to go and throw Tharizdun into the mix too! Sheesh!

But I loved it all the same!

 

[John Crichton]

Artemis Entreri.

Drizzt's dark shadow. When he finally got the spotlight, he was great. I wish R.A.S. would focus on Entreri more....

There are many others on this list that are cool, too. But his was the first name that came to mind.

 

[MasterOfHeaven]

Cyric. Definitely one of my favorite evil Gods of all time, and a decidedly wicked villian as well. Cyric is my favorite kind of villian. He's like The Joker, Satan, or even Loki. Insidious, brilliant, ruthless and slightly unhinged.

 

[Nightfall]

Darn you Serge!!! Still at least I have Orcus to fall back on.