User blog:LiamFrostveins/Antagonists 2.0

Alrighty folks! I know I have already made a blog here on the thingy ma-jiggy, concerning a want for better villian groups. Since then, I myself have done some antagonizing on a large scale, running a few event type roleplays, most notable was the Hunger, where a Soul eating lich attacked Kandarin. That is not the subject of this blog....no.....the subject here is the lack of actual quality antagonists. Now, i am not here bashing anyone in particular, as such would only be in bad taste. I am here, to generally speak of the overall additude towards antagonists.

Now, I have noticed that most roleplayers want to simply sweep most antagonists under the rug. By that I mean, there are very few who actually look forward to a recurring villian. Yes, when your character is being antagonized they will mostly be exposed to hardship, or their life may be in danger, but so what? A good antagonist roleplayer won't just kill your character without consent, the worst most good ones would do, is maim you a bit. Maybe torture your character mentally. These acts of violence, or manipulation are meant for your character to overcome something greater than themselves. This brings me to my next point about MOST antagonists.

In order for an antagonist to pose a threat to you, or a group....they must have something about them that is imposing, or at the very least, mildly frightening. This doesn't have to be their looks, it could be their proficiency in certain combat skills, or all of them, depending on the antagonist. WIth this in mind, especially at the very beginning of a story arc....DO NOT EXPECT TO KILL THE MAIN VILLIAN. It just won't happen. They are supposed to be greater than the protagonists involved, at least in some way or form. If they were not, the protagonist would not find them imposing, and the protagonist would not grow from their conflict. With this in mind, it only makes sense that whomever plays the main antagonist of the story arc would be this particular arcs driving force. Just always remember, not to get upset because the main villian will not die. This is a narrative afterall, a living breathing narritive. Why cut a good story short?

As a closing statement, I would like to thank all of you for reading this rant type blog, as I'm sure you are all sick of me whining about antagonists. This Liam blog is brought to you by Kellogs*


 * Kellog's in no way shape or form endorses Liam's words or actions. He's actually crazy.