Randimaxis Answers Questions

[Randimaxis 8,652]

I think it was 'Mystery At Chimney Stone'... it's been a long, long time.  But that name sounds right... I think.

[Rethajni 2,661]

you prefer warm or cold temperatures?

[Randimaxis 8,652]

I absolutely LOATHE heat - and I lived in Florida for about a decade.

 

I like it when it's nice and chilly - around 65 degrees F - and the wind blows up high, but not low.  Particularly, Autumn is my favorite season.

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

Hi there, Randi!

 

So, you got any tips on how to be a good sectional, IF an opening is available?

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Well, this is an interesting question indeed... (Hiya, @DwhitetheGamer!)

 

Being a sectional is fairly simple:

 

Stick to your section when it comes to settling problems.

Communicate with your section's head.

Support your fellow teammates whenever you can.

Keep an eye out for inappropriate posts at all times.

Make certain to REPORT before taking ACTION.

Make sure to have a Skype account, even if it's just the free one.

 

But, I'd have to say the number one piece of advice I can give anyone interested is this: DON'T BE AN ASSHAT.  I don't wield as much power as people seem to assume I do, and when I actually have to use it, I keep it extremely low-key.  No need to make a spectacle of someone for doing stuff wrong - shame is NOT acceptable - and those who made honest mistakes will appreciate the hell out of that...

 

Hopefully, that will help a bit.

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Randimaxis, 

 

Alright.  Next question.  Why a Skype?  And I can't really use one because I have limited Internet where I live.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

The interview process is done over Skype; unfortunately, no Skype, no interview... though they might work with those who can't do so - that would be a question for the higher ups, in this case.

 

Plus, the Forums team tends to keep in touch and communicate problems and changes over Skype; I don't get on it often, but I do so at least twice a week, just to make sure I'm up to date on things.

[Vulcan 3,254]

Any tips for going through life? 

[Rethajni 2,661]

what would be your reaction to this?

 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Vulc-... I mean, , there's actually a vid for that; I shall present it here, to you.  This was part of a graduation speech from an absolute genius of a person; that speech was put to music, and this is the result; I believe it says my thoughts on the matter perfectly.

 

(It's not me talking, but you can pretend it is, if it helps.)

 

 

 

Much love, fellow Brony.  *hugs*

 

 

@, my reaction, without a second thought, would be THIS:

 

 

Viral Vacuum was cute... but child's play compared to the weirdness I help serve up once every year at a local convention, where I co-host a viral video panel with a buddy of mine.  The panel runs three hours; I have to watch WEEKS of stuff to prepare for it - the vid you posted?  I like it - might make the third hour this year - that's the hour we play the REALLY GONZO SHTUFF that freaks folks out.  Thanks!

[Rethajni 2,661]

You like Horror/weird videos then?

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Are you kiddin'?

 

I LOVE all the viral/strange/dafuq videos out there!  The stranger, the better!

 

I was the kid who watched all the really surreal music videos and obscure animated movies - Fantastic Planet, Rock 'N' Rule, Heavy Metal, The Forbidden Zone... ALL stuff I grew up on (okay, my parents didn't know, but YOU know how that goes, I'm certain).  I would hunt through the ancient civilization once known as "Blockbuster Video", seeking relics and such from it's dust-cover-laden depths.

 

Imagine, IF YOU CAN, what happens when someone like that discovers YouTube...

 

THREE.  DAYS.  STRAIGHT.

 

And that was how I began my viral adventures.  So yeah - creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky, or altogether ooky... I love it.

[Rethajni 2,661]

Are you kiddin'?

 

I LOVE all the viral/strange/dafuq videos out there!  The stranger, the better!

 

I was the kid who watched all the really surreal music videos and obscure animated movies - Fantastic Planet, Rock 'N' Rule, Heavy Metal, The Forbidden Zone... ALL stuff I grew up on (okay, my parents didn't know, but YOU know how that goes, I'm certain).  I would hunt through the ancient civilization once known as "Blockbuster Video", seeking relics and such from it's dust-cover-laden depths.

 

Imagine, IF YOU CAN, what happens when someone like that discovers YouTube...

 

THREE.  DAYS.  STRAIGHT.

 

And that was how I began my viral adventures.  So yeah - creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky, or altogether ooky... I love it.

 

Can i PM you sending my personal collection? (plus the 1x1 RP)

[Randimaxis 8,652]

*chuckle*

 

How about I send you my email addy?  Might be better for the Forums if all that weird went through a different channel.

 

PMing it to you.

[Rethajni 2,661]

(I Copypasted my question because i wanna know all opinion)

i would like to know about your opinion in replacements speaking.

 

With all the problem of feed overpopulated countries and to stop tearing down natural enviroments to bring meat and vegetables do you think that food suplements like Joylent, synthetic meals and transgenic food are gonna be the food of the future?

 

 

people who wish to read books can't get a copy due living in another country plus they fear the book may broken, do you think that the e-books are gonna replace totally the common paper book?

 

a controversial one: in this generation movies are passing through a decandence, we only see only 

remakes

adaptations

sequels

prequels

spinoffs

reboot

 

and by the other hand the videogame market has increased it's demand more than ever, what was 30 years ago with random sounds and colorful pixels now it has became in a complex science of creation of a virtual enviroment with better appereance even than real life, the question is now obvious: do you think that Videogames will replace movies in the future? 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

With all the problem of feed overpopulated countries and to stop tearing down natural environments to bring meat and vegetables do you think that food supplements like Joylent, synthetic meals and transgenic food are gonna be the food of the future?

 

 

I think they may have a part in it, but I think we'll come up with hundreds of other things to fill the world's hungry face-holes; there's no telling what we could come up with tomorrow.  Of course, human beings can adapt to a number of things, like cardboard food...

 

... just look at McDonald's.

 

 

People who wish to read books can't get a copy due living in another country plus they fear the book may broken, do you think that the e-books are gonna replace totally the common paper book?

 

No, I do not.  I think literature has a chance to spread to a wider audience through the Internet, yes... but books are a special kind of magic on their own.  What's more?  They physically exist; you can clear a screen with the push of a button - but a book stays with you, in more ways than one.

 

Plus, when the big sci-fi-predicted solar flare reaches out from the sun in a few years and wipes out ALL technology on Earth, I'LL be the guy at the Library, smiling and reading while the rest of the world goes to handbasket in a Hell.

 

Yes, you that read wrong.

 

And that too.

 

 

Do you think that Videogames will replace movies in the future? 

 

I think the entertainment of the future will be an amalgam of video-games, movies and interactive chat; like actually living in an ongoing series, so to speak.  It could also be insanely dangerous to the human race, as we'll prefer the fantasy version of life over the REAL one, and eventually vanish into the machine...

 

Then John Connor shows up, and Neo lets Leeloo and Decker in through the secret entrance, while the rest of the X-Men fought off the Triffids.  It'll be BAD ASS.

[Rethajni 2,661]

i see you are open minded and don't mind my boring questions! i have more:

 

do you think that time travel will be posible in the future?

 

can you give me a picture of what would be the best invention posible?

 

if you can ask 3 wishes in exhance of a limb of yours (and you cant wish it back) what you give and what would you ask?

 

here are some controversial questions

 

do you think that some deadly diseaces are invented in a lab to reduce minorities like AIDS (there's a rumor that it was invented to damage black and gay comunities)

 

do you believe that a powerful Elite is ruling the world? (like Bliderber or Iluminati)

 

do you believe that a police state like the Nazis is posible in these days or in any future?

 

Finally! some funny questions!

 

do you believe Equestria as we know it can exist in the universe?

 

if a mad scientist wants to create ponies like the show would you suport him?

 

what changes (chars/places/ships/adventures) would you like in the show?

[Randimaxis 8,652]

 

Do you think that time travel will be possible in the future?

 

That's the thing; if it's possible in the future, then it's already happening, isn't it?

 

Can you give me a picture of what would be the best invention possible?

 

Peace.

 

If you can ask 3 wishes in exchange for a limb of yours (and you can't wish it back) what you give and what would you ask?

 

I would withhold my sacrifice until I got my wishes first; to be certain they weren't LOADED wishes... then I'd use the first one to wish away hunger all over the planet.  My second one would be for common sense and imagination to become the most sought after qualities of the human race.  The third would be for the world to discover and SHARE the cure for all known diseases.

 

Then, I would sacrifice my head, as the world would now be rather boring without so much potential for chaos anymore.

 

Do you think that some deadly diseases are invented in a lab to reduce minorities like AIDS (there's a rumor that it was invented to damage black and gay communities)

 

What I will say is that I hope better of humanity... but the realist in me is aware that such things already exist.  I just have to have faith that people are better than that, and pray that I never have to find out the hard way.

 

Do you believe that a powerful Elite is ruling the world? (like Bliderber or Illuminati)

 

No... but I'd be a fool to think certain parts of it weren't run that way.  The ENTIRE world isn't under the control of one big conspiracy; it's a lot of smaller ones.  Some strung together, some not.  All the same, there's no way to get anywhere in certain arenas without having at least one or two members of groups like these in your court.

 

Politics, labor, military, government, entertainment... each it's own Illuminati; each with it's own strengths and weaknesses.  

 

Each probably nowhere near as scary as we portray them to be in media.

 

Do you believe that a police state like the Nazis is possible in these days or in any future?

 

Understand this, my friend: The Nazis didn't conquer cities in the beginning; they were INVITED IN.  They made it seem like they were the utopian future of the world, and were accepted with open arms.  It wasn't until later that the truth reared it's ugly head, and by then it was ALMOST too late.

 

Do I think it's possible?  My answer is a very emphatic, nervous yes.

 

Do you believe Equestria as we know it can exist in the universe?

 

There is no proof that stands today that says the things we humans imagine aren't real SOMEwhere out there - I like to think that sometimes.  Sure, they could be out there right now - only way to find out is to boldly go where no human has gone before.

 

If a mad scientist wants to create ponies like the show would you support him?

 

That depends on three things:

     Will it hurt any living creature to do this?

     (If no:) Will they be free to live their own lives after being created?

     (If yes:) Can we have a pizza party to celebrate?

 

What changes (chars/places/ships/adventures) would you like in the show?

 

I want to see an expansion on the whole 'Special Agent Sweetie Drops' idea... an explanation of the Changeling child in Slice Of Life... more Vinyl, Octavia, Doc Whooves, Derpy, the CMC and, of course, Discord... and a funeral.

 

You heard me; a funeral.

 

Sesame Street was bold when it actually addressed the death of Mr. Hooper; it taught children about death, and how to cope with such a thing.  I would like to see how Hasbro and the pones themselves would conduct and deal with a funeral.  I think it could add an interesting dimension to the show.  I have no idea WHOSE funeral (random pony #86?), but just the event itself and the aftermath could potentially bring out some more character in our favorite ponies.

 

 

[Vulcan 3,254]

What's the first novel you've ever read? How was it? 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

You're asking me to go farther back in my mind than I may be capable of , but let me think.

 

The VERY first novel?  No, sir - I can't recall that one, as I've always been an apt and avid reader, but the earliest book that wasn't a workbook or a Choose Your Own Adventure that I recall reading was a little story called, "Bunnicula".

 

The story is narrated by the family dog, Harold.  It talks about how he and the family's cat, Chester, go through all sorts of trials and tribulations as they attempt to 'save' the Munroe family from a most peculiar rabbit that gets brought home.  Though it seems like any other bunny (except for the red eyes, the black patch like a cloak, and the sharp buck teeth), strange things are afoot (or apaw) when Harold and Chester discover vegetables that have been drained of all their color and juice.  Fearing the Munroes are next, Chester ropes poor, hapless Harold into a scheme to save all involved... but, is it all the horror it appears to be, or is there more going on here than meets the eye?

 

Bunnicula, by James Howe, I believe.  Even though it is a bit of a kid's book, I would recommend it to anyone - regardless of age.

[Rethajni 2,661]

is me AngelKiki, the human who ask you this:

 

 

do you believe that world is ruled by those who has "the Biggest Gun"

 

 

are you left handed? (i think you are)

 

 

would you whorship a creature like Discord? (one thing is to like the character, but other is make trubutes, altars, a religion a batism, a gospel ETC.)

 

if you have the chance, what message would you tell to a 8 year old you from the past?

 

besides MLP can you tell me the most 7 powerful inlfuences in your life?

 

finally what of my OCs you like the most?

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Do you believe that world is ruled by those who has "the Biggest Gun"

 

No... I think the world is run by a bunch of people who THINK they have the biggest gun - who actually has the biggest won't matter if we all blow each other to pieces.

 

Are you left handed?

 

Actually, no - right handed... however, my son is a southpaw.

 

Would you worship a creature like Discord? (one thing is to like the character, but other is make tributes, altars, a religion a baptism, a gospel ETC.)

 

As much as I love the character and concept of chaos, I most emphatically say no - I'm quite happy with the religion I have, thank you very much.

 

If you have the chance, what message would you tell to a 8 year old you from the past?

 

Put all your money into Sony stock - when the Playstation comes out, you'll be RICH.  Oh, and never start smoking, no matter how bad things get.  And brush your damn teeth.  Oh, and take better care of your stomach; it's all sorts of wonky at this age.  

 

Oh yeah... tell your Mom you love her even more often than you already do, kid - you'll miss her something fierce.

 

*sniffle*  Dammit, Kiki... *wipes tears away*

 

Besides MLP, can you tell me the most 7 powerful influences in your life?

 

Jesus Christ

My Father

My Mother

Jim Henson

Stan Freberg

John Lennon

Lewis Grizzard

 

Finally which of my OCs do you like the most?

 

I've only interacted with Chatterbox, and she's sweet... but I've gotta admit, I dig the look of Soury Crunch - she seems like she'd be interesting to just pass the time talking to.

 

(Honestly, they all seem rather nifty to me - and they move, too!)

[Vulcan 3,254]

Any tips on playing as the main antagonist in roleplays?

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Oh-ho-ho-HO!

 

Lemme tell ya, I LOVE villains!  These are the folks that move a story along - whether menacing or mealy-mouthed, erudite or egotistical... it's the villain who gets the best lines, and that's because they pretty much are set-up from the get-go to LOSE.

 

But what MAKES a villain?  Well, that all depends on what KIND of villain you envision... and let me assure you, , there are many kinds of villains to be had.  Allow me to put forth some examples - and how to portray them - for your imagination's perusal.

 

VILLAIN ARCHETYPES

 

The All-Around Bad Guy: [basic]

Your typical, average villain.  Nothing fancy here; just do the job and move on.  Don't worry about motivations - make them shallow, like 'I want more bits' or 'this pony made me mad'.  Nothing outstanding in description or personality.  These are usually nameless henchmen or one-shot villains; something for your players to defeat between REAL villains.

 

Examples: Any lackey from any TV show, movie or book who tends not to last very long.

 

The Tragic Adversary: [Advanced]

This is a villain that is difficult for players to deal with - because they usually have a VERY good reason for doing what they're doing.  Robbing a bank for medicine money for a sick child, attempting to kill an individual because that character destroyed the villain's entire life, or even just trying to make a point because nobody will listen to them - all of these are hallmarks of the Tragic Adversary.  Be careful with villains like these: you want to keep them active, yet make sure they don't do anything TOO bad - the key to pulling this one off is to KEEP the characters in the gray area about this one.  Dance the line between 'we hate you' and 'we sympathize with you', because THAT is the entertainment draw for this kind of villain.  Keep a tragic feel to their speeches, and NEVER have them smile... unless it's their death scene, then have them make that one... last... statement, then die with a smile on.  If done right, there won't be a dry eye in the whole RP.

 

Examples: Light Yagami (Death Note), 'D. FENS' (Falling Down), Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader (Star Wars)

 

 

The Crafty Rogue: [Expert]

This one is a BLAST!  This villain relishes the idea of defeating the heroes... and has a decent damned chance of doing so.  This is the more flamboyant bad guy, who always seems to be two steps ahead of the group.  The motivations aren't usually fueled by pettiness or villainy; these are the Ego Trip Specialists!  They believe themselves superior to the characters, and enjoy nothing better than getting one over on them.  This type of villain is tricky to play accurately, as there is a need to remain attentive at ALL TIMES to your players - any little thing they slip up and say ('he's probably already waiting for us'), make sure to utilize (hmmmm, well he is NOW); this gives the appearance that the villain seems to be reading their minds.  Personality-wise, they tend to be jolly and jovial with their foes, mocking them in their own, unique way.  By the time this villain gets their Just Desserts, the whole group will either loathe them with a passion, or have a grudging respect for them.

 

Examples: Mandark (Dexter's Laboratory), Syndrome (The Incredibles), The Yellow-Eyed Demon (Supernatural)

 

 

The Angry Individual: [basic]

Hulk smash, right?  This is the VILLAIN'S side of that coin.  This is the bad guy (or gal) who holds a grudge, and they plan to get their revenge, come Hell or high water.  This villain is different than the Tragic Adversary, as THIS archetype will cross that line that Tragic won't.  Innocents don't matter to this one; neither does collateral damage or keeping any form of honor in a fight.  This is the one your Mama warned you about - they will do whatever it takes to accomplish their goals, which are usually rather self-centered.  This villain has no qualms with taking hostages, lying through their teeth, or taking advantage of a foe's weaknesses - they're MAD as Hell, and they aren't going to take it anymore.  While the Tragic Adversary might listen to reason, the Angry Individual will only use the time the heroes talk to launch a surprise attack.  Remember the last time a video game frustrated the ever-loving SHIT out of you?  THAT is the mindset of the Angry Individual ALL DAY LONG... just imagine the characters as the video game, and you're set!

 

Examples: The Juggernaut (X-Men), Solomon Grundy (Justice League), Dark Willow (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

 

 

The Crazed Lunatic: [Advanced]

This one is a personal favorite of mine.  Crazed Lunatics don't have to make sense, so by their very nature, they are random and unpredictable.  This can be a challenging villain to play properly, because you'll have to change the mindset every time the heroes start to figure them out; NEVER let them get the Crazed Lunatic's mindset down to a science, as this will effectively make the villain a PEST, and not a VILLAIN - keep them guessing.  The Crazed Lunatic can have any number of motivations for what they do, but the key here is to make certain the characters understand that there is NO WAY to predict what may happen with this villain.  Better still?  ANYTHING the Crazed Lunatic discovers about the heroes, they WILL NOT HESITATE to use against them - including family, friends, allies, lovers and more - simply for the laughs.  Playing a Crazed Lunatic can be difficult, but it can also make for one HELL of an RP, if done right.

 

Examples: The Joker (Batman), Gollum (Lord Of The Rings), Saddam Hussein (South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut)

 

The Brooding Scoundrel: [Expert]

This is the villain archetype that makes villains COOL.  This is the deep thinker, the schemer, the one who might actually WIN a few battles with the characters.  They tend to be vastly intelligent, and find those who can match wits with them to be 'worthy opponents'; anyone else is simply dealt with harshly and quickly.  This is a difficult villain to play properly, as you have to have a mind like a steel trap for it.  Every step of the way, the Brooding Scoundrel will be active and accomplishing goals - even if all the heroes are doing is bickering with each other.  This villain should have a precise timetable as to what they have to accomplish to meet their goals - and the heroes are nothing more than setbacks... and the villain won't hesitate to call them such.  This baddie sees themselves as the upper-crust of their kind; they know they're smart, and they have no qualms about proving it.  This is best used as a MAIN villain, as this kind of archetype is wasted on a one-shot or a lackey... unless that lackey BECOMES the villain...

 

Examples: Lex Luthor (Superman), Doctor Doom (The Fantastic 4), Q (Star Trek: The Next Generation) 

 

 

The list above, by the way, is BY NO MEANS exhaustive; re-visit your favorite stories, and take cues from your favorite baddies.  Stereotypes and tropes are used so frequently BECAUSE they're traits of favorite villain-types; there's no shame in using these as mental fuel for thinking up a doozy of a villain.

 

As for generalities, here's a few pointers:

 

*Decide RIGHT OFF THE BAT if a villain is 'redeemable', then stick to it; make it obvious that they're either reform material, or a lost cause.

 

*Villains like having control: when they have the advantage, make sure they let the characters know it - when they DON'T have any advantage, keep them speaking as if they believe they do.

 

*ALL VILLAINS HAVE A SOFT SPOT... but it doesn't have to be 'soft': let your villain have a special place in their heart for the absolute adorableness of Black Widow Spiders, or a deep-seated affection for sharp blades, or a habit to fondly recall their favorite victim.  That sweet/surreal mix can make a villain seem far more alien than even the flashiest spaceship.

 

*Give the villain a tagline.  Even if it's something simple, like "THAT is how the game is played" or "truly disappointing", give them a recognizable phrase that can easily be associated with them.

 

*Quirks can make a world of difference between a bunch of words on a screen and a real CHARACTER.  Give them two to three little idiosyncrasies: they chew bubble gum constantly, they scratch their elbow when nervous, they recite bad poetry to captive audiences... something like that.

 

*Keep in mind that the villain is SUPPOSED TO LOSE - try to arrange things accordingly.  Even if the villain seems invincible, keep in mind that a good trope for bad guys is how they get done in by their own hubris.  Make sure to have at least THREE different possibilities for defeating the villain before any battle with the heroes.

 

*Nobody respects a simpering, cowardly villain.  Don't make them pushovers - make them the pushers.  Antagonize the heroes, show no fear, and understand that villains are usually heroes in their own minds.

 

 

Hopefully, at least one or two things listed above will help you out.  Villains are wonderful fun - make them worth fighting against.

[Rethajni 2,661]

Oh-ho-ho-HO!

 

Lemme tell ya, I LOVE villains!  These are the folks that move a story along - whether menacing or mealy-mouthed, erudite or egotistical... it's the villain who gets the best lines, and that's because they pretty much are set-up from the get-go to LOSE.

 

But what MAKES a villain?  Well, that all depends on what KIND of villain you envision... and let me assure you, , there are many kinds of villains to be had.  Allow me to put forth some examples - and how to portray them - for your imagination's perusal.

 

VILLAIN ARCHETYPES

 

The All-Around Bad Guy: [basic]

Your typical, average villain.  Nothing fancy here; just do the job and move on.  Don't worry about motivations - make them shallow, like 'I want more bits' or 'this pony made me mad'.  Nothing outstanding in description or personality.  These are usually nameless henchmen or one-shot villains; something for your players to defeat between REAL villains.

 

Examples: Any lackey from any TV show, movie or book who tends not to last very long.

 

The Tragic Adversary: [Advanced]

This is a villain that is difficult for players to deal with - because they usually have a VERY good reason for doing what they're doing.  Robbing a bank for medicine money for a sick child, attempting to kill an individual because that character destroyed the villain's entire life, or even just trying to make a point because nobody will listen to them - all of these are hallmarks of the Tragic Adversary.  Be careful with villains like these: you want to keep them active, yet make sure they don't do anything TOO bad - the key to pulling this one off is to KEEP the characters in the gray area about this one.  Dance the line between 'we hate you' and 'we sympathize with you', because THAT is the entertainment draw for this kind of villain.  Keep a tragic feel to their speeches, and NEVER have them smile... unless it's their death scene, then have them make that one... last... statement, then die with a smile on.  If done right, there won't be a dry eye in the whole RP.

 

Examples: Light Yagami (Death Note), 'D. FENS' (Falling Down), Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader (Star Wars)

 

 

The Crafty Rogue: [Expert]

This one is a BLAST!  This villain relishes the idea of defeating the heroes... and has a decent damned chance of doing so.  This is the more flamboyant bad guy, who always seems to be two steps ahead of the group.  The motivations aren't usually fueled by pettiness or villainy; these are the Ego Trip Specialists!  They believe themselves superior to the characters, and enjoy nothing better than getting one over on them.  This type of villain is tricky to play accurately, as there is a need to remain attentive at ALL TIMES to your players - any little thing they slip up and say ('he's probably already waiting for us'), make sure to utilize (hmmmm, well he is NOW); this gives the appearance that the villain seems to be reading their minds.  Personality-wise, they tend to be jolly and jovial with their foes, mocking them in their own, unique way.  By the time this villain gets their Just Desserts, the whole group will either loathe them with a passion, or have a grudging respect for them.

 

Examples: Mandark (Dexter's Laboratory), Syndrome (The Incredibles), The Yellow-Eyed Demon (Supernatural)

 

 

The Angry Individual: [basic]

Hulk smash, right?  This is the VILLAIN'S side of that coin.  This is the bad guy (or gal) who holds a grudge, and they plan to get their revenge, come Hell or high water.  This villain is different than the Tragic Adversary, as THIS archetype will cross that line that Tragic won't.  Innocents don't matter to this one; neither does collateral damage or keeping any form of honor in a fight.  This is the one your Mama warned you about - they will do whatever it takes to accomplish their goals, which are usually rather self-centered.  This villain has no qualms with taking hostages, lying through their teeth, or taking advantage of a foe's weaknesses - they're MAD as Hell, and they aren't going to take it anymore.  While the Tragic Adversary might listen to reason, the Angry Individual will only use the time the heroes talk to launch a surprise attack.  Remember the last time a video game frustrated the ever-loving SHIT out of you?  THAT is the mindset of the Angry Individual ALL DAY LONG... just imagine the characters as the video game, and you're set!

 

Examples: The Juggernaut (X-Men), Solomon Grundy (Justice League), Dark Willow (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

 

 

The Crazed Lunatic: [Advanced]

This one is a personal favorite of mine.  Crazed Lunatics don't have to make sense, so by their very nature, they are random and unpredictable.  This can be a challenging villain to play properly, because you'll have to change the mindset every time the heroes start to figure them out; NEVER let them get the Crazed Lunatic's mindset down to a science, as this will effectively make the villain a PEST, and not a VILLAIN - keep them guessing.  The Crazed Lunatic can have any number of motivations for what they do, but the key here is to make certain the characters understand that there is NO WAY to predict what may happen with this villain.  Better still?  ANYTHING the Crazed Lunatic discovers about the heroes, they WILL NOT HESITATE to use against them - including family, friends, allies, lovers and more - simply for the laughs.  Playing a Crazed Lunatic can be difficult, but it can also make for one HELL of an RP, if done right.

 

Examples: The Joker (Batman), Gollum (Lord Of The Rings), Saddam Hussein (South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut)

 

The Brooding Scoundrel: [Expert]

This is the villain archetype that makes villains COOL.  This is the deep thinker, the schemer, the one who might actually WIN a few battles with the characters.  They tend to be vastly intelligent, and find those who can match wits with them to be 'worthy opponents'; anyone else is simply dealt with harshly and quickly.  This is a difficult villain to play properly, as you have to have a mind like a steel trap for it.  Every step of the way, the Brooding Scoundrel will be active and accomplishing goals - even if all the heroes are doing is bickering with each other.  This villain should have a precise timetable as to what they have to accomplish to meet their goals - and the heroes are nothing more than setbacks... and the villain won't hesitate to call them such.  This baddie sees themselves as the upper-crust of their kind; they know they're smart, and they have no qualms about proving it.  This is best used as a MAIN villain, as this kind of archetype is wasted on a one-shot or a lackey... unless that lackey BECOMES the villain...

 

Examples: Lex Luthor (Superman), Doctor Doom (The Fantastic 4), Q (Star Trek: The Next Generation) 

 

 

The list above, by the way, is BY NO MEANS exhaustive; re-visit your favorite stories, and take cues from your favorite baddies.  Stereotypes and tropes are used so frequently BECAUSE they're traits of favorite villain-types; there's no shame in using these as mental fuel for thinking up a doozy of a villain.

 

As for generalities, here's a few pointers:

 

*Decide RIGHT OFF THE BAT if a villain is 'redeemable', then stick to it; make it obvious that they're either reform material, or a lost cause.

 

*Villains like having control: when they have the advantage, make sure they let the characters know it - when they DON'T have any advantage, keep them speaking as if they believe they do.

 

*ALL VILLAINS HAVE A SOFT SPOT... but it doesn't have to be 'soft': let your villain have a special place in their heart for the absolute adorableness of Black Widow Spiders, or a deep-seated affection for sharp blades, or a habit to fondly recall their favorite victim.  That sweet/surreal mix can make a villain seem far more alien than even the flashiest spaceship.

 

*Give the villain a tagline.  Even if it's something simple, like "THAT is how the game is played" or "truly disappointing", give them a recognizable phrase that can easily be associated with them.

 

*Quirks can make a world of difference between a bunch of words on a screen and a real CHARACTER.  Give them two to three little idiosyncrasies: they chew bubble gum constantly, they scratch their elbow when nervous, they recite bad poetry to captive audiences... something like that.

 

*Keep in mind that the villain is SUPPOSED TO LOSE - try to arrange things accordingly.  Even if the villain seems invincible, keep in mind that a good trope for bad guys is how they get done in by their own hubris.  Make sure to have at least THREE different possibilities for defeating the villain before any battle with the heroes.

 

*Nobody respects a simpering, cowardly villain.  Don't make them pushovers - make them the pushers.  Antagonize the heroes, show no fear, and understand that villains are usually heroes in their own minds.

 

 

Hopefully, at least one or two things listed above will help you out.  Villains are wonderful fun - make them worth fighting against.

Lucile the Manticore: How Random can be being a Manticore on a pony page?