Intelligent Antagonists

Killer Queen by Louise Docker

There are pitfalls when the PCs face intelligent antagonists.
These pitfalls make playing D&D less fun.
An intelligent villain done wrong makes players think of railroads and that they're powerless to face the antagonist because of his knowledge, power level, etc.

Tharaxus, Human Paladin

Tharaxus is a powerful paladin and local leader who is rumored to be invincible.
Will this antagonist end up as friend or foe?

Recurring antagonists

Recurring antagonists are essential in story telling as they oppose the PCs.
Their recurring nature creates a connection between them and the PCs which leads to a better story.

Creating NPCs with class levels in D&D 4E

NPCs with class levels and powers are not common in D&D 4E.
I like NPCs in an adventure that are similar to PCs, and I have a way to create them easily.

Zelenna, Night Hag

Zelenna is a Night Hag that grants people their desires but twists them.
She likes to toy with people and eventually wants to create a coven of hags.

Harvesting Monster Parts

Killed Monsters can be harvested for useful parts.
This turns those monsters into rewards for the PCs.

Steal Cockatrice Food quest

Someone keeps cockatrices in her apartment and has everlasting provisions to feed them. Can the PCs steal the everlasting provisions for the starving people in the city?

Vampire in Wine Cellar Quest

The PCs face a vampire who mixes his blood into wine to weaken his prey.
Can they stop him and his thralls?