Crunch
If the main big bad of a game is a fallen paladin (blackguard/antipaladin/whatever the system provides), should the game be limited in character class options (as a wizard or any sort of full caster (tier 1 or 2 if you subscribe to tiers) can rip through them like tissue)? Should the villain have allies for that? Perhaps be the dark knight to a caster villain?

Fluff
Is it a good idea to, if such a villain is used, have a paladin in the hero group and insist on a connection between the two? Former mentor, previous apprentice to PC's current mentor, long lost scion of the PC's order, etc?

Is it better to go ruthless and craven with a fallen paladin, or honourable and the like? I'd suppose it depends on the needs of the game, but also on whether there's a PC paladin. If there is, I'd suppose the more chaotic and ruthless blackguard contrasts better?

Give the paladin minions, that will cover the tissue paper issue. As for fluff, rivalry ect can be a good thing. Have you ever thought about why the Paladin turned evil or fell from grace? The reason he turned from good can influence a good many things from cohorts/minions down to his gear.

I would be inclined for it not to be at all obvious that the Paladin has turned.  After all no interesting big bad thinks they are in fact evil - they think they are well justified in their actions.

See that's a great idea, but I too often make my villains far too evil (or conflicted) and I'd gladly take advice on how to strike the right balance on being evil for the greater good (or however else)

In reply to Sir_Chivalry (msg # 4):

As I'm doing other stuff today, I will be thinking about how to put down some of my ideas and tactics for this as general advice. I think this is a great question most of us would benefit from answering and reading other's answers to.

In the meantime, I have a source that I often use as a litmus test when I ask "Is this guy well-developed enough, and has that development softened his big bad edge too much?" (although a truly sympathetic villain can be a great hook too:) William "The Butcher" Cutting, the captivating villain from 'Gangs of New York' more commonly known as 'Bill the Butcher.'

His motivations were easily understandable, his moral code was questionable but well-defined, and yet he was SCARY.
This message was last edited by the user at 17:25, Sat 24 Jan 2015.

Hmm..

One of your first questions addresses power-level and Tier vs. the Blackguard..


Assuming you're playing some D20 variation -- Blackguards should be nearly immune to most of the 'crap' that a Wizard could throw at them.

If it's your BBEG - He should have one incredible stat, it's reasonable.  So an 18 Charisma is not out of the question.  This nets him/her/it a +4 to ALL saves.

This becomes in addition to say, 14s in the CON/WIS area (also logical for a Paladin-Former-Paladin type.)

So, other than dex-based abilities; this guy should laugh at most attempts to mess him-up, especially if he prepares protection and other spells.

One potential thing to consider is, will the PCs care?  Would they want to try to redeem him and care about his lore or are they just "Kill Him and Take His Stuff" (or "If you pay us enough, we'll join up with you!")?

Why does the big bad have to be a fallen paladin?  The paladin is nothing more than a holy warrior for his church and god, being blessed with the abilities of a paladin.  But where do you find these other paladins I am talking about.  Dragon Magazine issue #106, p.45 has the write for the other 8 paladins for the 7 other alignments.  If you already know the article, then you are like me and showing your age.  If not then google, "Plethora of Paladins" and enjoy.  You will definitely need to convert as these are 1st Ed. Paladins for AD&D.  Enjoy the read and enjoy the looks on your player's faces when they see these NPCs.

In reply to tulgurth (msg # 8):

Because those classes are almost universally terrible stats wise, and narratively the fall is interesting. There are even prcs built around it.

If I do go this route, should the pally be second in command or top dog to their spellcasting counterpart?

In reply to Sir_Chivalry (msg # 9):

I think the trope generally stands that the 'Arms' character is frequently the real leader except at the highest levels.  This is likely due to a respect factor in the trop-filled/classic sense of an evil horde that respects the guy who can rip out spines with just two fingers.  Whereas the caster will appear as a wimp and would likely be overwhelmed by the mid-ranking bruisers wanting to take his place.  At the extremely high levels (16+, or 13+) it seems to mysteriously make sense for the caster to take over; likely due to the extremely powerful spell-levels they suddenly possess.

From what I am reading I think the paladian needs to be the focus. Top dog does not need to matter if when the paladin is defeated the other power is also defeated. If you want to go with a spell caster possibly all their power was upon the paladin or their plan is useless with out him.

As for combat nothing spells bbeg like the right setting. Could be a corrupt alter feeding him power or a grove filled with dark spirits sending damage dealt to the paladin back at the PCs.

Or split the fight. If a demon is croupting the paladin it could be his death allows the demon to transport itself into the earthly plane leaving unexpectibg PCs with major resources expended.