The Ultimate Bad Guy

[Polaris]

I was looking over the ultimate products coming out, and noticed that there isn't a planned book on the "ultimate bad guy" (or gal).

The Ultimate Bad Guy (or, if you are into Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you could call it "The Big Bad") would fit nicely into the idea of being cross genre (whatever genre you play in, there are going to be bad guys... right?).

The book could consist of such things like: Conventions of bad guys for various genres, how to introduce your long term big bad and how to develop him/her into the feared/hated being he/she is, the Art of Villainy (how to be a bad guy), some sample evil plots, sample bad guys, maybe some skills or powers particularly fitting for evil, having bad guys that are "fighting the good fight" (as they see it), etc.

Okay, it is clear that I am not a qualified Game Line Developer, but I think you get the idea...:):)

What does everyone think??

Polaris

PS: I know that some might think that the differences between villains in various genres is too significant to include in the same book. I would suggest that there is plenty of common ground to have this book applied to various genres (and certainly there are not MORE differences than in a Vehicle book that includes chariots and starships, and that book turned out GREAT).

[BobGreenwade]

Before the Dark Ages, someone (I think it was Chris Avellone) was working up a book to be called Essential Villainy, a cross-genre treatise on villains and their practices. Dave Mattingly was (IIRC) working up a companion piece called Essential Heroism.

Personally, I'd like to see these books pursued once HERO is once again recognzied as a Force To Be Reckoned With. I'd imagine that a handful of other story roles could be built into an Essential line of books. (I'll take dibs on Essential Comic Relief!) ;)

[Steve Long]

I don't think what you're describing fits the definition of an Ultimate book, since Ultimate books tend to involve new rules. What you're describing sounds more like a compilation of the "Villains" sections of the various genre books, possibly as a section of a general book on GMing the HERO System or the like.

But however one thinks of it, it's not something currently on the radar. Plenty of bigger fish to fry first. ;)

[Derek Hiemforth]

If you're interested in a worthwhile book before Hero Games might be able to do one, here's a couple of tomes you could check out:

Gamemastering Secrets by Grey Ghost Games. A great book of general advice for the gamemaster, including info on creating memorable villains.

The Complete Book of Villains. This was an AD&D 2nd Edition supplement, and had a lot of interesting and useful info on creating engaging adversaries. Although of course aimed at fantasy in general and AD&D in particular, a lot of the concepts translate well to other game systems and other genres.

[Le Schtroumpf]

My copy of the Complete Villain repeats something like 20 pages twice. I read them but I never understood why they were so heavily emphasized.

[DaBadGuy]

Excellent idea! The Ultimate DaBadGuy! Why, it practically writes itself! It'll take a skilled artist to capture my rare combination of impending danger and sex appeal, but I think Storn can manage it.

Chapter One - DaBadGuy Writeup. It'll take at least 50 pages (maybe Andy can squeeze it down to 47) to detail my mighty powers and hobbies. Not to mention a history that spans all of space and time.

Chapter Two - Mock German Translator. It's essential to be able to speak and understand mock (and just plain bad) German when you're disposing of your (sad to admit) most powerful and hated rival, Der Rote Baron.

Chapter Three - DaBadGuy's special recipes for ShovelToad. ShovelToad stew, Toad in a blanket, Shovel pie.....

What? That's not what he's asking about? Steve Long isn't going to write it? Oh, never mind.

[Vondy]

This book has already been written and is public domain.

Author: Machiavelli
Title: The Prince

[Shaddakim]

Try also:

How to Be a Villain - Evil Laughs, Secret Lairs, Master Plans, and More!!!

by Neil Zawacki
illustrations by James Dignan
ISBN 0-8118-4666-0
$12.95 retail, 160 pages, hardcover

It is done in a retro, 50's look, how-to style that is a real hoot. The rate yourself "Am I Evil?" questionaire is wonderful. An example:

"What would you say is the greatest threat to society today?
A. Crime, drugs, and gangs
B. Multinational corporations
C. Nuclear war
D. Me"

I found my copy at my FLGS by chance - it was next to the register as I was being rung up. I have shown it to several co-workers (none of whom are gamers) and they have all asked where I got it and could they borrow it. I strongly recommend tracking it down and reading it.

[Bazza]

Originally posted by D-Man
This book has already been written and is public domain.

Author: Machiavelli
Title: The Prince In case anyone is looking for the book, I found it here: http://www.blackmask.com/page.php?do=search&query=Machiavelli

[VictorVonDoom]

Is there not an Ultimate Bad Guy in CKC? His name is Dr Destroyer :)

[GamePhil]

Well, there is Villainy Unbound.