My campaign's villian is still being worked on, but here's my idea of the idea I had for a possibly intimidating villian. By the way, I am new to DMing.
I thought of having a manipulative dragon, (not sure about which kind), looked down upon others who weren't of dragon heritage. No ideas why yet, possibly due to the death of someone he knew caused by humans or any other human-like creatures. He wants to show how superior him, and his likeness are, so he tries to teach creatures like kobold his ways, and show races with no dragon heritage his dominance. Other dragons who beleives his morals, join along in his mission, and get high statuses, just under his. Obviously, people would be concerned, and try to deface the growing cult.
I think it'd be intresting for the villian to not just be like, "Lol, I just want to commit genocide just because," but because of human-like kind. This will make him confused by why they are trying to kill him for what they caused.
For being new to DM'ing - I think you're going about your villain design in the right way :)
Villains need motivations, and goals - and then the adventure is easier to run. You know what just happened in the world, you know how the villain will react - so you know what they'll try and do next.
Work out what allies and resources they have, what their personality is ( what will they do, what will they do only if threatened or desperate, what would they never do, how do they react emotionally? ).
Then sketch out their large-scale goals in more detail. Then I'd give them a shorter term goal, which will bring them into conflict with the party - the villains plans accidentally impact something the party cares about, or where they are, or someone who might hire the party. That puts the villain and the party in conflict.
The party reacts to the villain, the villain reacts to the party actions - and so the story unfolds.
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I listened to one song and then realized that it described a couple of my villains really well and gave me some ideas for them. Also I've been dropping hints here and there ever since first session, so even though one of my villains hasn't been brought in yet or even seen, these little clues help both myself and my party grasp a loose idea of them. Often I'm surprised that what comes out of my mouth in the moment can give me great ideas later when I try to piece everything together.
And even if you are going to make a villian "kill everyone because I want to" you can still make them human. Most humans have a want, or objective. Focus on what your villain wants. And if your villain is a sociopath (not to be confused with psychopath) then they might feel fear or paranoia if destabilized, which might cause them to lash out.
If I'm going for my choice of villains, I like ones I and my party can maybe relate to more, like broken lovers or people who are resentful of their wrong-doers. Also any emotion strong enough can make a good villain. Love, Hate, Sadness, Envy, even joy in excess can make someone into a villain.
If the dragon is obsessed with dragonkind and finds those who are not disgusting, it could be a cool idea to make him a dragon who is heavily invested in the creation of a new breed of dragonborn. He wants to use twisted arcane rituals to forge the new prime race, so that eventually there is nothing left but dragonkind and he is left to rule over this new superior dragon based world. Something like a cunning green dragon or a cruel black dragon could be really cool! Otherwise sounds like you have some really cool ideas!
When it comes to ally, I was planning on having a Dragonborn that the dragon beleives is not fit for leadership. The Dragonborn can be impatient, rude, or focused, while more concerned of bearing a strong, male for his heir. They usually bicker, usually about their thoughts on eachothers ruling. They aren't exactly allies, but they are making very slow progress... Maybe. Also maybe a Hobgoblin from a smaller group, but maybe they're too humanoid. Since the dragon cult mostly consists of kobold, and dragons, they will have a lot of gems and gold, that is traded with those who are more concerned on profit. Possibly they lack magic or advanced weaponry.
The group is mostly chaotic evil, caring about winning and war. Though some have another goal, usually for the curious or confused, and that is to find out why they attacked harmless dragon. This motive also goes for the dragon himself, taking any chance to ask why to human-like creatures. Though intimadating, and dangerous, he still shows sympathy, and usually attacks with reason.
If the dragon is obsessed with dragonkind and finds those who are not disgusting, it could be a cool idea to make him a dragon who is heavily invested in the creation of a new breed of dragonborn. He wants to use twisted arcane rituals to forge the new prime race, so that eventually there is nothing left but dragonkind and he is left to rule over this new superior dragon based world. Something like a cunning green dragon or a cruel black dragon could be really cool! Otherwise sounds like you have some really cool ideas!
Hope the campaign is awesome,
Cheers!
Oh my gosh, home brew Dragonborn can come out cool. Thanks!
Consider using half-dragons (humanoids with dragon heritage usually thanks to a polymorph spell) and drakes (dragon subspecies born with the help of an adult dragon and a magic ritual).
Hoard of the dragon queen also had a cult of the dragon, a group of non-Dragon tiamet worshipers which you may want to use.
A villain doesnt have to be the most powerful creature, as a king isnt always the best warlord in the kingdom, if you like the idea of a huh? moment, after they finally realise they have been manipulated and led on their path by a shadowy overlord of dragons who all his minions know is a dragon but no one has met in person (except his rumoured hand picked cadre) when they finally storm the final base and defeat the cadre they discover its a wicked little faery dragon who has been behind it all along. (it surrenders without a fight)
Wait, any reccomendations for home bre Dragonborns?
If you are just talking about monster stats. I have mentioned using humanoids with the 'any race' subtype and giving it dragonborn racial traits.
Half-dragons are very similar to dragonborn in ability and appearance and are more closely related to dragons (literally). The template to convert humanoid monsters into half-dragons can be found here.
As for a homebrew dragonborn race, either for players or npcs, there is already a dragonborn for every true dragon color. The only suggestions I can think of is a shadow variant from the Shadowfell.
It's from the monster manual. If the link isn't working it may be because you don't have that book on DDB.
Basically, you give an NPC 60' darkvision, 10' blindsight, draconic language, and the element resistance and breath weapon of a dragon wyrmling color of your choice.
Aside from the darkvision and blindsight, it's very similar to dragonborn.
Be careful with the template it makes a great difference to a creatures difficulty (and you may have to modifiy hits / cr to make it 'fit' as the example creature altered substantially.
I thought of having a manipulative dragon, (not sure about which kind), looked down upon others who weren't of dragon heritage. No ideas why yet, possibly due to the death of someone he knew caused by humans or any other human-like creatures. He wants to show how superior him, and his likeness are, so he tries to teach creatures like kobold his ways, and show races with no dragon heritage his dominance. Other dragons who beleives his morals, join along in his mission, and get high statuses, just under his. Obviously, people would be concerned, and try to deface the growing cult.
I think this idea needs some cornerstones to work in the long term: - Decide on what "alignment" type your Dragon will be (even if you don't play with that concept). An "evil" dragon might just want to take revenge by causing harm to "killer group in general". This one will burn villages and attack the "killer" (e.g. the individual who hired the dragon slayer) spot on. Your Dragon might try to subdue other dragons in a fight (setting fields on fire in the process etc.); he won't care about "collateral damage". A "neutral" dragon might want to play different sides against each other, trying to win over the local Dragonborn settlement not to supply the town with their goods (e.g a rare resource they need, like controlling a dam for water supply); He will target the "dragon slayers" very specifically, by all kinds of means, including bribes from his dragon hoard. A "good" dragon might have suffered his loss from an overzealous individual (e.g. the duke's son, wanting to be a famous hero) and will seek justice for the death of his fellow dragon. The Dragonborn could be shown a magical echo of the killing as proof of the evil deed of the dragon slayer. The baron in the next county could get help from the dragon in his feud with the duke. If the adventurers have been hired by the duke to face the "good dragon", they will be in a moral dilemma, when they find out the truth about the motives of the dragon.
Long things short flesh out the motives of the dragon and how the party of players will play a role in that story. Keep it simple in the beginning (kobolds, other dragons, dragon cult, role of Dragonborn...a bit too many pawns to juggle at the beginning)
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My campaign's villian is still being worked on, but here's my idea of the idea I had for a possibly intimidating villian. By the way, I am new to DMing.
I thought of having a manipulative dragon, (not sure about which kind), looked down upon others who weren't of dragon heritage. No ideas why yet, possibly due to the death of someone he knew caused by humans or any other human-like creatures. He wants to show how superior him, and his likeness are, so he tries to teach creatures like kobold his ways, and show races with no dragon heritage his dominance. Other dragons who beleives his morals, join along in his mission, and get high statuses, just under his. Obviously, people would be concerned, and try to deface the growing cult.
I think it'd be intresting for the villian to not just be like, "Lol, I just want to commit genocide just because," but because of human-like kind. This will make him confused by why they are trying to kill him for what they caused.
This is W.I.P.
For being new to DM'ing - I think you're going about your villain design in the right way :)
Villains need motivations, and goals - and then the adventure is easier to run. You know what just happened in the world, you know how the villain will react - so you know what they'll try and do next.
Work out what allies and resources they have, what their personality is ( what will they do, what will they do only if threatened or desperate, what would they never do, how do they react emotionally? ).
Then sketch out their large-scale goals in more detail. Then I'd give them a shorter term goal, which will bring them into conflict with the party - the villains plans accidentally impact something the party cares about, or where they are, or someone who might hire the party. That puts the villain and the party in conflict.
The party reacts to the villain, the villain reacts to the party actions - and so the story unfolds.
Good luck, and have fun with it :)
My DM Philosophy, as summed up by other people: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rN5w4-azTq3Kbn0Yvk9nfqQhwQ1R5by1/view
Disclaimer: This signature is a badge of membership in the Forum Loudmouth Club. We are all friends. We are not attacking each other. We are engaging in spirited, friendly debate with one another. We may get snarky, but these are not attacks. Thank you for not reporting us.
I listened to one song and then realized that it described a couple of my villains really well and gave me some ideas for them. Also I've been dropping hints here and there ever since first session, so even though one of my villains hasn't been brought in yet or even seen, these little clues help both myself and my party grasp a loose idea of them. Often I'm surprised that what comes out of my mouth in the moment can give me great ideas later when I try to piece everything together.
And even if you are going to make a villian "kill everyone because I want to" you can still make them human. Most humans have a want, or objective. Focus on what your villain wants. And if your villain is a sociopath (not to be confused with psychopath) then they might feel fear or paranoia if destabilized, which might cause them to lash out.
If I'm going for my choice of villains, I like ones I and my party can maybe relate to more, like broken lovers or people who are resentful of their wrong-doers. Also any emotion strong enough can make a good villain. Love, Hate, Sadness, Envy, even joy in excess can make someone into a villain.
If the dragon is obsessed with dragonkind and finds those who are not disgusting, it could be a cool idea to make him a dragon who is heavily invested in the creation of a new breed of dragonborn. He wants to use twisted arcane rituals to forge the new prime race, so that eventually there is nothing left but dragonkind and he is left to rule over this new superior dragon based world. Something like a cunning green dragon or a cruel black dragon could be really cool! Otherwise sounds like you have some really cool ideas!
Hope the campaign is awesome,
Cheers!
When it comes to ally, I was planning on having a Dragonborn that the dragon beleives is not fit for leadership. The Dragonborn can be impatient, rude, or focused, while more concerned of bearing a strong, male for his heir. They usually bicker, usually about their thoughts on eachothers ruling. They aren't exactly allies, but they are making very slow progress... Maybe. Also maybe a Hobgoblin from a smaller group, but maybe they're too humanoid. Since the dragon cult mostly consists of kobold, and dragons, they will have a lot of gems and gold, that is traded with those who are more concerned on profit. Possibly they lack magic or advanced weaponry.
The group is mostly chaotic evil, caring about winning and war. Though some have another goal, usually for the curious or confused, and that is to find out why they attacked harmless dragon. This motive also goes for the dragon himself, taking any chance to ask why to human-like creatures. Though intimadating, and dangerous, he still shows sympathy, and usually attacks with reason.
Oh my gosh, home brew Dragonborn can come out cool. Thanks!
Though maybe not from him directly, but from one of the higher rank dragons.
Consider using half-dragons (humanoids with dragon heritage usually thanks to a polymorph spell) and drakes (dragon subspecies born with the help of an adult dragon and a magic ritual).
Hoard of the dragon queen also had a cult of the dragon, a group of non-Dragon tiamet worshipers which you may want to use.
Okay. I'll do that.
A villain doesnt have to be the most powerful creature, as a king isnt always the best warlord in the kingdom, if you like the idea of a huh? moment, after they finally realise they have been manipulated and led on their path by a shadowy overlord of dragons who all his minions know is a dragon but no one has met in person (except his rumoured hand picked cadre) when they finally storm the final base and defeat the cadre they discover its a wicked little faery dragon who has been behind it all along. (it surrenders without a fight)
Wait, any reccomendations for home bre Dragonborns?
If you are just talking about monster stats. I have mentioned using humanoids with the 'any race' subtype and giving it dragonborn racial traits.
Half-dragons are very similar to dragonborn in ability and appearance and are more closely related to dragons (literally). The template to convert humanoid monsters into half-dragons can be found here.
As for a homebrew dragonborn race, either for players or npcs, there is already a dragonborn for every true dragon color. The only suggestions I can think of is a shadow variant from the Shadowfell.
Thanks, but the link doesn't work, what is its name so I can look it up?
It's from the monster manual. If the link isn't working it may be because you don't have that book on DDB.
Basically, you give an NPC 60' darkvision, 10' blindsight, draconic language, and the element resistance and breath weapon of a dragon wyrmling color of your choice.
Aside from the darkvision and blindsight, it's very similar to dragonborn.
Thanks man!
Be careful with the template it makes a great difference to a creatures difficulty (and you may have to modifiy hits / cr to make it 'fit' as the example creature altered substantially.
It won't significantly increase the difficulty of a CR already over 2 (according to the template).
I think this idea needs some cornerstones to work in the long term:
- Decide on what "alignment" type your Dragon will be (even if you don't play with that concept).
An "evil" dragon might just want to take revenge by causing harm to "killer group in general". This one will burn villages and attack the "killer" (e.g. the individual who hired the dragon slayer) spot on. Your Dragon might try to subdue other dragons in a fight (setting fields on fire in the process etc.); he won't care about "collateral damage".
A "neutral" dragon might want to play different sides against each other, trying to win over the local Dragonborn settlement not to supply the town with their goods (e.g a rare resource they need, like controlling a dam for water supply); He will target the "dragon slayers" very specifically, by all kinds of means, including bribes from his dragon hoard.
A "good" dragon might have suffered his loss from an overzealous individual (e.g. the duke's son, wanting to be a famous hero) and will seek justice for the death of his fellow dragon. The Dragonborn could be shown a magical echo of the killing as proof of the evil deed of the dragon slayer. The baron in the next county could get help from the dragon in his feud with the duke. If the adventurers have been hired by the duke to face the "good dragon", they will be in a moral dilemma, when they find out the truth about the motives of the dragon.
Long things short flesh out the motives of the dragon and how the party of players will play a role in that story. Keep it simple in the beginning (kobolds, other dragons, dragon cult, role of Dragonborn...a bit too many pawns to juggle at the beginning)