this post was submitted on 24 Nov 2023
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D&D Next - 5e Discussion

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Hello!

I need some insight about who to include in a rogues-gallery-type meeting of villains who my new group will overhear coordinating the downfall of a small kingdom. They are one session into surviving an attack on the capital, but I haven't decided who they will overhear in a secret meeting beneath the castle. It will be the royal court magician having a conversation with projected images of a group of villains who all coordinated to bring about the attack. Any ideas of characters to include in this group? I'm thinking about Asmodeus, a neighboring king/queen (specific recommendations welcome), maybe a modified Nilbog, and a God of vengeance or something. These ideas are all pretty loose, so recommendations welcome!

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Is the royal court magician has turned traitor? If not, I'd include a traitor.

I suggest having one or two obvious lackeys in the zoom meeting. They can refer to "my master" or something obvious. That way you can have a bit of mystery, and a "who is the baddy" subplot.

[–] Hitmonchad 3 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

Yes, he has turned against his kingdom. I think he will be saying something like "this isnt how it was supposed to go! I only worked with you for ________ reasons!", so he will still be somewhat loyal to the kingdom. He will have the first plot hook for them to follow, and his collaborators will be out in the world for the party to either actively chase down or come across more coincidentally.

Lackeys aren't a bad idea! It would give me some flexibility and mystery with whom they are serving

[–] [email protected] 3 points 11 months ago

he will be saying something like "this isnt how it was supposed to go! I only worked with you for ________ reasons!", so he will still be somewhat loyal to the kingdom

Doing the wrong thing for the right reasons. That's a good antagonist.

Lackeys aren't a bad idea! It would give me some flexibility and mystery with whom they are serving

I like having the mystery. It gives the baddies a bit of context and provides a few side quests.