The Complete Book of Villains

The Complete Book of Villains is a 2^nd-edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons accessory.

“

A paranoid warlord, a bitter drow priestess, a power-mad archmage, a sly dwarven assassin - not all the characters in the AD&D game went the way of the heroes. Villains (beings dedicated to committing evil) are the most dangerous of all foes, and thus the most useful of tools a Dungeon Master has to create a memorable campaign. This book presents the most complete guidelines ever offered on creating villains for role-playing games. Miss this advice at your own peril!

”

Description[]

The Complete Book of Villains is the 6^th book in the Dungeon Master's Guide Rules series.

The book presents various archetypal villain types, such as power-hungry despots, cunning masterminds, corrupt cult leaders, and more. It helps DMs understand the motivations, goals, and characteristics that make villains memorable. Guidelines are offered for creating villainous NPCs. This includes information on attributes, classes, and the unique traits and abilities that can set villains apart from ordinary NPCs. It also profiles of potential allies, henchmen, and contacts that villains might have. These NPCs can provide information, assistance, or challenges for the player characters.

The book includes information on the magical items, spells, and equipment that villains might possess. It offers suggestions for making the villains more formidable opponents.

The Complete Book of Villains delves into the motivations behind villainous actions, including greed, revenge, lust for power, and ideology. It explores how a villain's background and personal history can shape their behavior. It emphasizes the importance of well-developed and multidimensional villains. It provides tools for DMs to create complex characters with moral dilemmas, redeeming qualities, and personal flaws.

The book discusses villainous organizations, secret societies, and criminal syndicates that villains might lead or be associated with. It offers insights into their structures, goals, and methods. It explores the various ways in which conflicts with villains can be resolved, including combat, negotiation, and moral choices. It encourages DMs to tailor their storytelling to suit the preferences and actions of the player characters.

The Complete Book of Villains provides adventure ideas and plot hooks involving the villains and organizations described. It encourages DMs to integrate these villains into their campaigns as central antagonists or recurring threats. It discusses how the presence of villains can shape the course of events, influence politics, and impact the lives of ordinary NPCs.

Contents[]

Chapter 1: Defining Your Villain
Chapter 2: Henchmen. Flunkies. & Lackeys
Chapter 3: Villainous Organizations
Chapter 4: Introducing Your Villain
Chapter 5: Delivering the Goods
Chapter 6: Monsters into Villains
Chapter 7: Advanced Villains
Chapter 8: Creative Villainy
Chapter 9: A Compendium of Villains
Chapter 10: A Catalog for Villains

Also includes six Villains tables.

Gallery[]

Credits[]

Design: Kirk Botula
Edited: Kevin Stein
Black and White illustrations: Terry Dykstra, Larry Elmore, Graham Nolan
Color illustrations: Bruce Eagle, Jeff Easley, Keith Parkinson
Cartography: Dennis Kauth
Typography: Nancy J. Kerkstra
Production: Sarah Feggestad

Appendix[]

External links[]

Dungeon Masters Guild product page

References[]

↑ Kirk Botula. The Complete Book of Villains (2e). Dungeon Masters Guild. Retrieved on 2013-18-06.

[1] Kirk Botula. The Complete Book of Villains (2e). Dungeon Masters Guild. Retrieved on 2013-18-06.

[1]