Antagonist/Protagonist NPC

Question

I've been running a campaign for several months now, building up the lore and introducing the party to bits of it as they adventure through my own created world.

They have a mentor, Solara Merlin, who's background is... Both evil and good? He is the cause of the big bad, and doing bad things to try and stop it... But is doing it all for a good reason.

How do I introduce this concept to the party?

Incognito · Accepted Answer

You can check how Thanos was introduced in Marvel’s movies, as the antagonist/peotagonist sounds similar to Thanos. Maybe it will help you find inspiration ☺️

Spencer · Answer

You say there is a Big Bad, and then there are not-so-great countermeasures to the Big Bad. Here's my trick: Introduce them separately in the campaign (different nights) and let your players try to connect two and two. If you can pull it off, it'll make for an awesome plot twist and your players will feel super smart

Matthew Patrick · Answer

1. First thought is make a witness to their evil deeds. If they’re going back to their mentor, either from a quest or necessity. The witness could be hiding in an alleyway and one of the adventures notices them. Upon diverging from the party, the witness will show them evidence of the mentor’s crimes. Through the means of magic or proof of his assistance in this bad deed.

2. Another idea is that a find incantations, paperwork, or a journal. Going into detail about the wrongs they committed. Maybe there’s a countermeasure they’re trying to concoct. But again, make this known to only one player.

I think this is an interesting way to go about it. Adding elements of tension and mystery to the party itself. Will that person openly expose the evidence provided or will they keep it hidden in the shadows. Will they hold the mentor accountable or threaten them with the information. I believe this is a good way to stir up drama between party members. Since only one ☝️ person holds this information. And the rest have to take sides on whether this is true or not.

If not, then it’s a good excuse for the mentor to explain that the evidence is true. Either from guilty conscience or the reveal of his evil intentions.

David · Answer

Doing altruistic things, even if they seem like the bad thing, can be witnessed throughout both history and media. So, it really depends on the history and background of your NPC character Solara Merlin.

By the name, they sound to be a wizard or sage? If so, let's do an example.

They're traveling with the party, kind of like Gandalf in a way. They opened the door to Moria, and they started to venture deeper into the mines. They have issues the goblins and cave troll, and they get to that room with the well. This time, that book is a magical tome that releases the Balrog, who is now the big bad (in this scenario).

So, Solara Merlin knowing what this creature is, but not having the time to explain to the party for its danger. They have to flee. They get to the Athletics part and importantly the bridge part. This time, Solara Merlin knows he has to stop the Balrog before he gets close. The Halfling Fighter (Merry) failed an Athletics Check, so he's running behind by a round. Solara Merlin decides to destroy the bridge to block both the Balrog and Merry. Creating his first evil deed to the party, but in fact, it's a good deed preventing the Balrog coming into the world.

So, it's all about perception on how you do your deeds with the NPC character, does it fit his background, and the story you're trying to build. Obviously, do leave clues, insight rolls, and other methods for your players to figure out what is going on. But, biggest thing, fit the narrative of your story and character. Rest will fall into place ☺️

Antagonist/Protagonist NPC

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