Thanks to Dungeons & Dragons, Wizards of the Coast‘s hit TTRPG, players can create worlds out of their imagination with just pen, paper, and dice. Moreover, thanks to official books and content, players and DMs can explore the vast realm of D&D. These materials show that Wizards’ hit IP has its own fair share of lore with engaging stories, interesting narratives, and open-ended tales aching for DMs to adapt their setting.
However, creative Dungeons and Dragons 5e (D&D 5e) DMs can add a unique spin to their campaigns thanks to campaign settings, modules, and adventures that give custom settings to game tables. These official materials introduce interesting individuals that may transform ordinary stories into epic adventures. For DMs looking for inspiration, just which NPCs seem to be a perfect fit for any adventure?
10 Lord Soth
Lord Soth or the Knight of the Black Rose serves as one of the secondary villains of the Dragonlance campaign setting. Once a proud Knight of Solamnia, the Knights exiled Lord Soth after he killed his wife and newborn son. Unfortunately, he cut short his only quest for redemption when he failed to stop the Cataclysm that befell Dragonlance‘s world of Krynn. As his mistress lay dying in the apocalypse, she cursed Lord Soth to live as an undead knight.
As an NPC, Lord Soth can prove to be a formidable opponent against an adventuring party. Lord Soth not only has a skeletal army serving him, he can also simply point at living thing and kill them by uttering “Die.”
9 Mordenkainen
Mordenkainen, author of Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes, serves as one of the most powerful spellcasters in the Forgotten Realms. As such, he’s seen as a threat by many powers in the land. In Barovia, Mordenkainen suffered from madness that made him paranoid, but in most cases Mordenkainen holds a permanent scowl.
As an NPC, players might search for Mordenkainen for his expertise in the magical arts. After all, Mordenkainen heads the Circle of Eight, a group of Wizards and prolific spell inventors. Campaigns planning on adapting Curse of Strahd may also include Mordenkainen as an NPC they need to save– or face, depending on the circumstances.
8 Strahd Von Zarovich
Count Strahd von Zarovich, not to be confused with Count Dracula, serves as the central antagonist of the Curse of Strahd module for D&D 5e. A mighty conqueror, Strahd forged a pact with the Shadowfell’s Dark Powers to gain immortality. Unfortunately, the process not only made Strahd into a vampire, but also made him kill his brother and cause the death of his love. Moreover, the Dark Powers sealed Strahd in Barovia, turning the nation into his prison.
DMs planning on introducing Curse of Strahd or modifying it into their campaign may reveal Count Strahd as a villainous NPC. He may even be incorporated as a Warlock Patron, with the Warlock’s story arc eclipsing in their arrival in Barovia. An alluring and attractive villain, Count Strahd can easily become a favorite villain with his cunning, unpredictable, and chilling nature.
7 Iggwilv
Iggwilv, or Natasha the Dark, becomes the person to call for anyone with the slightest interest in demonology. Her Demonomicon of Iggwilv (also a column in the Dragon magazine) highlighted her research into the many demons and terrifying magic that can be tapped from the Nine Hells. Iggwilv stands alongside Mordenkainen as one of the most powerful spellcasters not just in Forgotten Realms but the entire multiverse.
Players who want to venture into the Nine Hells might find Iggwilv a valuable source of knowledge. She resides in one of her many mansions throughout Hades, the Abyss, and the material plane. As such, adventurers lucky enough to find her should seek her counsel on matters concerning demons.
6 Minsc And Boo
Minsc remains popular among the people of Baldur’s Gate as a hulking but friendly Rashemaar warrior. He’s most commonly seen with Boo, who he believes is a “miniature giant space hamster.” People will recognize Minsc for his large stature and the purple tattoo on his face. Quick to fight what he believes is evil, Minsc maintains a kind and honorable heart.
For adventurers to encounter such a hero might lead to a fun but refreshing campaign. Minsc and Boo’s arrival may herald the start of more serious affairs in the world. For such a prominent figure to interact with the party, the party has garnered enough attention to attract more powerful allies… and enemies.
5 Jarlaxle
Jarlaxle, born Jarlaxle Baenre and sometimes known as Jarlaxle D’aerthe, is the Drow that leads the mercenaries of the Bregan D’aerthe. Despite his nobility, Jarlaxle chose a life of adventure with his mercenary troupe. Opportunistic and charismatic, Jarlaxle learned early on in his life that he has to take advantage of every opportunity he has. Despite his skill with the sword, Jarlaxle relies more on his words to turn things to his favor, often turning to subterfuge and deceit to get his way.
Adventurers who want to explore the Underdark and the confusing web of international politics may seek Jarlaxle’s aid. Of course, Jarlaxle might just have the party end up embroidered in businesses they shouldn’t have been touching in the first place.
4 Vecna
Vecna, popular across the multiverse as the Chained God, serves as one of the most powerful entities in all of Dungeons & Dragons. Unfortunately, historians and sages know little of Vecna’s true past. However, many spellcasters do know of Vecna’s successful attempt at achieving godhood despite his powers as a lich. Players might find themselves familiar with Vecna’s only “physical” remnants, his Hand and Eye, both extremely rare magical items.
Aside from being a deity himself, Vecna can take on the role of an Undying Patron for Warlocks. Campaigns with a focus on gods, the divine, and the infernal may benefit from having Vecna. Vecna’s cunning means he’ll likely have a scheme to achieve domination over whatever pantheon he becomes a part of.
3 Drizzt Do’Urden
Drizzt Do’Urden remains one of the most popular characters in the Forgotten Realms franchise. Unlike other Drow, Drizzt rejected the perceived evil notions of Drow society and forged his own path. As such, he eventually becomes the hero of the North and made significant changes to his Drow home in the Underdark.
A skilled ranger in his own right, Drizzt remains equally-adept in conversation. He’s always wary of danger, strives for perfection, and held himself to the highest standard. Meeting one of the most iconic figures in D&D could help make players feel important in their campaign.
2 Raistlin Majere
Raistlin Majere once had companions alongside the Heroes of the Lance. In the Dragonlance series, it’s Raistlin’s efforts that brought down the Queen of Darkness. He didn’t make his efforts for the good of Krynn, however. Rather, he used the Queen of Darkness to catapult his own desires– to become a god himself, for a price.
Many regard Raistlin as the most powerful mage who has ever lived. Adventurers who meet Raistlin may encounter him as a full-fledged Wizard. In this form, he possesses golden skin and hourglass eyes that pierce through the veil of time– and with it, whatever vision of the past or the future that awaits the campaign.
1 Xanathar
The Behold Xanathar, popular for his Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, remains as one of the most iconic characters in D&D lore. Present mostly in the Forgotten Realms setting, Xanathar leads Skullport’s Xanathar Thieves’ Guild. Moreover, he holds a considerable presence in Waterdeep, and holds significant sway over criminal matters in the city.
As an NPC, the elder Xanathar mostly keeps to himself and operates with intermediaries. He’s cunning, powerful, and oftentimes unintentionally leads the Thieves’ Guild into clashing with other evil organizations. Any D&D campaign might enjoy Xanathar’s presence, especially for DMs who want to establish their settings’ criminal underworld. Xanathar’s witty and sarcastic persona make him memorable for any table.
![\"IT電腦補習](\"http://itteacheritfreelance.hk/test/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/logo2-2.png\"){kind=logo}
www.itsec.hk
www.itsec.vip
www.itseceu.uk
Leave a Reply