In ICONS Superpowered Roleplaying: The Assembled Edition
(page 187), it's said that a villain's motivations help define their
goals and plans and establish the villain in the game setting. For those
Game Masters with problems devising motivations for their impromptu villains,
here it is a list to help you out. As always, please feel free to
discuss, critique and evaluate in the comments below.
VILLAINOUS MOTIVATION
Roll 2D6 or pick up the one(s) you deem appropriate.
2 Insanity: This villain is insane. Roll again, twisting the result to make it very extreme and deeply irrational. (For example, if you re-roll and get "Carnage", then perhaps the villain wants to destroy the entire world).
3 Vengeance:
Something was done to this villain that they think was unjustified. The
villain wants to pay back the ones he thinks are responsible.
4 Dystopian: The villain's world-view drives them to establish an evil, oppressive government, religion, or other authoritarian institution.
5 Thrill-Seeker: The villain is mainly driven by the thrill of accomplishing daring crimes.
6 Greed: The villain is overwhelmed by desire for wealth. Even when great wealth is achieved, more must be gained.
7 Anarchist: The villain enjoys inflicting harm on authoritarian institutions.
8 Prejudice: This
villain hates and despises some racial or ethnic group, wishing to undo
their accomplishments and subjugate them to his/her will.
9 For Hire:
The villain has no particular motivation of his or her own. But they've
got a reputation for being good at crime, leading other criminals to
employ them.
10 Egotist: The villain suffers from the delusion that she has a grand destiny, and deserving of wealth and power.
11 Publicity Seeker:
The villain loves to be talked about, to have his picture in the paper,
to collect newspaper clippings and watch TV coverage of his own crimes.
12 Carnage: The villain loves to destroy things, preferably ancient, famous, or venerated things.
