Villain Motivations

[Graybeard]

I use both in my games. The important villians have motivations, even if it is as simple as become ruler of kingdom X. Even the gangs in my main city have motivations of a sort. They started with nothing, poverty, etc. and want money and power. Even if that power is simply the fear the common people have of them.

I do use random encounters from time to time that are nothing but obstacles for the PCs.

I also have used random encounters that have motivations as simple as being hired by the BBEG to attack/kill the PCs.

It all depends on your players and what they are interested in. One of my favorite villians a past PC of mine encountered was a level 5 or 6 expert. He was a corrupt official in a city who had little or no combat abilities. What he did have was interesting motivation and the loyalty of the city guard.

 

[ssampier]

I agree a villian has to have motivation (means and motive, really). Perhaps a better example would be a evvvvvvil power-group. What's a group without a plan or goal of some kind? A bunch of evil buffoons making cookies.

That's not to say you can't have interesting crunch, too. It makes that final showdown oh-so satisfying.