D&D General Who are the iconic NPCs in each D&D campaign setting?

[ilgatto]

Greyhawk: Mordenkainen, Bigby, Otto, Tenser, Iggwilv (Tasha), Vecna, Robilar, Zagyg, Gord, Melf, Grazzt, Iuz, Eclavdra, Obmi, Tharizdun, Dragotha, Brazzemal the Burning

BLASPHEMY!

Robert J. Kuntz wrote:
"WG4 The Forgotten Temple of [HE WHOSE NAME IS UNSPEAKABLE DOOM], 1982
"Published by TSR. I contributed the idea for [HE WHOSE NAME IS UNSPEAKABLE DOOM] by informing Gary of my Dark God, [HE WHOSE NAME IS UNSPEAKABLE DOOM BUT THEN WITHOUT THE "I" AND WITH AN EXTRA "U"]."

Source. [BLURB] mine

#KalibruhnForever

 

[Kobold Avenger]

Dark Sun's iconic characters are:
Rajaat who made Athas the way it is
Borys the Dragon
Dregoth a Sorcerer King Dracolich or something like that
The Sorcerer Kings: Kalak, Tectuktitlay, Hamanu, Abalach-Re, Nibenay, Andropinis, Lalali-Puy and possible others.
The main characters from the Prism Pentad novels: Rikus, Sadira, Agis of Asticles, Neeva, Tithian and Rkard

The Prism Pentad was part of the metaplot of Dark Sun in 2e, and still was in 4e with the continuity reset to only the events of the first novel.

 

[JEB]

Thanks, all! So that leaves Spelljammer and Nentir Vale as the major settings without iconic NPC votes so far. Any ideas? (I know there are some other minor settings, too.)

 

[pukunui]

Thanks, all! So that leaves Spelljammer and Nentir Vale as the major settings without iconic NPC votes so far. Any ideas? (I know there are some other minor settings, too.)

Like Eberron, Nentir Vale hasn't really got any iconic NPCs. Can't really speak to Spelljammer.

 

[JEB]

OK, ChatGPT, answer the question for Spelljammer!

Identifying the most iconic non-player characters (NPCs) in the Spelljammer campaign setting involves looking at those who have made significant impacts across RPG products, tie-in novels, promotional artwork, and fan popularity. Here’s a list of key NPCs that represent the essence of Spelljammer, along with evidence of their prominence:

1. The Spelljammer (The Living Ship)​

Role: The Spelljammer itself is the ultimate representation of the setting—a sentient, living ship that is central to the Spelljammer experience.

Evidence of Iconicity:

• Sourcebooks: The Spelljammer is a central feature of the original "Spelljammer" boxed set (1989) and subsequent products like "The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook" (1990).
• Artwork: It appears prominently in cover art and illustrations, representing the setting’s unique space-faring theme.
• Fan Popularity: As the living embodiment of the Spelljammer universe, it holds a special place in the setting’s lore and fanbase.

2. Lareth the Beautiful​

Role: Lareth the Beautiful is a significant antagonist known for his cunning and malevolent nature, often appearing as a major villain in Spelljammer adventures.

Evidence of Iconicity:

• Sourcebooks: Featured prominently in "The Lost Ships" (1991), where he is portrayed as a key antagonist.
• Tie-in Novels: Mentioned in various Spelljammer novels, reinforcing his role as a major villain.
• Fan Popularity: His complex, villainous character makes him memorable and significant in Spelljammer lore.

3. The Illithids (Mind Flayers)​

Role: The illithids are a major antagonistic race in Spelljammer, known for their psychic powers and insidious plots. They represent one of the primary threats in the universe.

Evidence of Iconicity:

• Sourcebooks: Detailed in "The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook" and "The Illithiad" (1998), where they are central to many adventures.
• Tie-in Products: They feature prominently in Spelljammer novels and various D&D media.
• Artwork: Frequently depicted in illustrations, emphasizing their menacing and unique appearance.
• Fan Popularity: The illithids are iconic not only in Spelljammer but also in broader D&D lore, making them highly recognizable.

4. The Githyanki and Githzerai​

Role: The Githyanki and Githzerai are two factions of a once-unified race, divided by their conflicts with mind flayers and with each other. They add significant depth to the Spelljammer setting.

Evidence of Iconicity:

• Sourcebooks: Featured in "The Manual of the Planes" (1987) and "The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook," providing extensive background and lore.
• Tie-in Products: Appear in various novels and adventures, enriching the Spelljammer universe.
• Artwork: Illustrated in several pieces, highlighting their distinctive and striking designs.
• Fan Popularity: Their rich history and internal conflicts make them enduringly popular and significant in Spelljammer.

5. Astrobius​

Role: Astrobius is an influential figure in Spelljammer lore, known for his deep cosmic knowledge and involvement in major events.

Evidence of Iconicity:

• Sourcebooks: Mentioned in "The Astral Plane" and "The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook," where he plays a key role in the cosmic setting.
• Tie-in Products: His role in setting the stage for cosmic events highlights his importance in Spelljammer lore.
• Fan Popularity: Although less prominent in novels, his involvement in cosmic lore makes him a key figure.

Summary​

These NPCs represent the core of the Spelljammer setting. The Spelljammer ship is central to the setting’s concept, Lareth the Beautiful is a notable villain, the illithids are iconic antagonists, the Githyanki and Githzerai add depth with their complex backstory, and Astrobius represents the cosmic scale of the lore. Each has been referenced extensively across RPG products, tie-in novels, and artwork, and they hold a significant place in the fanbase due to their contributions to the unique flavor and narrative of the Spelljammer universe.

 

[Tonguez]

Lareth the Beautiful - is from Temple of Elemental Evil isnt he?

Not sure Chatgpt is a good source

 

[pukunui]

Lareth the Beautiful - is from Temple of Elemental Evil isnt he?

Not sure Chatgpt is a good source

Yeah, a Google search for "Lareth the Beautiful" + Spelljammer comes up with nothing. ChatGPT is hallucinating there. (Plus, Ed Greenwood's "Lost Ships" sourcebook was published in 1990, not 1991.)

I'm pretty sure Lareth only appears in The Village of Hommlet / Temple of Elemental Evil (and 3e's Return to ...) products.

 

[JEB]

Not sure Chatgpt is a good source

Didn't think it would be, but figured, what the hell.

"Astrobius" appears to be completely made up, as well. The only reference I can find to "Astrobius" and D&D is this blog post: Races of Altellus: Nymphidae for D&D 5e Which ties them to "phlogiston". Kind of impressed it could make that remote a connection, though - if a completely wrong one.

 

[R_J_K75]

SpellJammer/Tears of Sylune FR, Rock of Bral, "the Juggler"

 

[steeldragons]

Greyhawk: Mordenkainen, Bigby, Otto, Tenser, Iggwilv (Tasha), Vecna, Robilar, Zagyg, Gord, Melf, Grazzt, Iuz, Eclavdra, Obmi, Tharizdun, Dragotha, Brazzemal the Burning

Noice! Totally forgot about Obmi.

I would add Keraptis.