This episode is about creating interesting characters, it is very much relevant to GMs and players alike.

### What’s a villain (2:25)

The difference between “a villain” and “the villain” and when to promote an NPC.

### Character prompts (4:25)

* The villain got to where they are today somehow - how did this happen? Rags to riches? Hard work? The rise and fall? Hubris of the mighty?

* The villain has their own sources of power - what is it? Is it their own abilities? Is it an organization? Is it a magical power? A specific associate? A network of spies?

* The villain has contacts - who are they?

* There are people that believe in them - who are they? Why do they believe in them? How did they earn their trust?

* There are people who are afraid of them- what did they do?

* There are people who hate them - why?

* There are people who love them - who are these people? What do they love about our villain?

* The villain has something that motivates them - what is it? What do they want to achieve? why?

*

[Marshall Rosenberg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Rosenberg) - nonviolent communication - behind every statement there is a need.

### Embellishing the villain (14:00)

Now we know who this villain is, let's dress him for the part: clothes based on the answers we provided, his manner of speaking, choice of abode.

Bear in mind that while some villains are not human, they should probably still be [human-like](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MostWritersAreHuman).

There are endless examples of archetypes of villains, from the classic James Bond villains to the latest Batman villains.

Making the players hate the villain: have him destroy or corrupt something that they love.

### Utilising the villain (17:30)

Concieve of them as a wide threat.

* Lieutenants

* Various enterprises, a finger in every pie

* Hidden threats, betrayals, surprises

* Fighting on their turf, rigged combat arena

* Still dangerous even when defeated

### Summary (25:50)

### Taking the load off (26:55)

Eran - [Fantasy High](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zZxCVBi7-k), [Adventuring Academy](https://intl.dropout.tv/adventuring-academy) (requires Droptout subscription, there's a free trial)