The weekly newsletter for Fed2 by ibgames

EARTHDATE: June 4, 2006

Official News - page 6

STAR CHAMBER

by Freya

So you want to be an Arch Villain... in 3 easy lessons

Part 1 - What an Arch Villian is not:

1. About their style of dress or grooming habits - These things do not make villains in a role-play game because, to be frank, they're usually archetypes used to fill in information for a reader. For example, when we're watching a movie or reading a comic, the guy in black and red is probably a villain. Sure, some of that comes into play on a role-play game, but chances are that where you see it isn't where true villainy lies - instead you're looking at someone with fashion sense or a lack thereof.

2. Obvious - This is probably the reason that everyone who fits into the generic description above is probably not likely to be an arch villain. It works for Marvel Comics, but it doesn't work in real life. If someone can pick out an villain by looking at them or listening to what they say in the local tavern, chances are it's not a real villain. In fact, things such as sitting in the local bar and insulting people frequently work against would-be villains becoming "the real deal".

3. Stupid or juvenile - If a persona comes off as stupid, more than anything else, they're unlikely to be able to be a true villain. This is because being a real villain requires the ability to convince people that they're at least moderately reasonable. They also are not juvenile. They do not fit into the mould of a child's idea of good or evil, because their concerns are material and practical. Children see things in the light of 'good or bad' whereas villains perceive the system as "this works" and "that doesn't" to achieve my selfish goals.

4. Alone - Villains have friends, and frequently powerful friends. No person can have the kind of impact that a villain does without people to back them up or enforce their will. Alone, a villain (no matter how good they are at combat) is fodder for a bunch of people who want to take him or her down.

5. Inactive - This isn't how often a person logs into the game or role-plays. Instead, it's referring to getting things done. Villains do not sit around and let the world go by, they meddle. If something displeases them, they do not let it be and irritate them, they fix it. They constantly work towards some goal, and that goal, no matter the specifics is first and foremost THEIR goal.

Next week: Part 2 - What an Arch Villain is
And the week after: Part 3 - Tips and Tricks on making a real Arch Villain persona.


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