In part one of an ongoing series, I wanted to discuss some ideas around bad guys- people you can write your campaign around. The Fallen Hero is a dark mirror of what the PCs can be- one who was, or could have been a hero, someone who started off perhaps treading the very same steps they do. For whatever reason- feeling let down, betrayed, or injured, or others’ failure to aid them when they needed it, the Fallen Hero has turned from the path of heroism and become a villain. This means you can do all sorts of fun things- have them be a previous apprentice to the PCs’ own mentor, or even someone they willingly assist and follow into battle. The Fallen Hero may gain some powers or abilities from their betrayal, like an Oathbreaker Paladin, or may just be skilled and powerful in their own right. The trick here is not just to “throw them away”, but to make the story truly tragic. Give them a chance at being saved, or at saving themselves. If your PCs can bring them back from the brink, they may (re)gain a powerful ally, or have a resource they can consult (in appropriate restraints, and with the potential for breaking out some day?). If they can’t, then the world is poorer for their loss, and you’ve helped tell a story. Example: Tai Lung is a mighty and cunning warrior, trained from an early age to be the most skilled monk in his monastery. However, when he came to adulthood, his Master sided with another, Master Oogway, who said he was not worthy of the position of Dragon Warrior. Furious, he devastated his monastery, shattered his former master in battle, and attempted to seize the position himself, stopped only at the last moment by Master Oogway. He has been imprisoned for the past twenty years, held in a remote prison guarded by a thousand warriors in an inescapable restraint. Then he escapes, and wants his former Masters to know he is coming. (Spoilers for Kung Fu Panda, obviously) How close is this to the story of Anakin Skywalker, though? The trope works because the Fallen Hero is one that strikes a sympathetic chord with many heroes, and poses a moral and martial challenge. (Originally posted on Game Masters Stash on 17 August 2018) Categories All Comments are closed.
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