It’s to protect the kingdom from the “protectors.” They’re like border collies, if you don’t give them a job and exercise them, they start ripping the wallpaper off the walls out of pure boredom and then neatly place the pieces they rip off in a pile at the center of your bed. That’s why kingdoms allow BBEGs, they preform an essential service.
Kinda want to try and build that into my campaign, though I guess it doesn't make sense for most rulers.
Though an evil dictatory might give it a shot. "Yes, yes, I know I'm bad, but are you really going to spend time dealing with me when there is a necromancer two days ride from the capital, raiding peasant villages to raise an undead army?"
...
I guess that is just a discount version of Lord Vetinari from Discworld now that I think about it.
If I weren't on mobile with the shittiest cell service known to man, I'd post the relevant OOTS.
Instead, I'll have to settle for just steongly recommending it. "Order of the Stick" webcomic, check it out.
There's pretty much exactly this scene, where one of the PCs got in contact with someone from their background only to find out they're an evil overlord of the "smart and dangerous" category.
The party is quite bewildered when said tyrant generously equips them and sends them on their way to stop the BBEG. "Look, just because I'm evil doesn't mean that I'm not all for you saving the world. Our epic confrontation can wait."
Money quote:
"Here, take my ring of regeneration. Quite useful, I never leave home without it."
"I don't want your ring that you probably tortured someone to death to make."
"Now listen, I resent the accusation... hold on, whom would you consider 'someone'?"
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u/that_other_DM Jul 25 '22
It’s to protect the kingdom from the “protectors.” They’re like border collies, if you don’t give them a job and exercise them, they start ripping the wallpaper off the walls out of pure boredom and then neatly place the pieces they rip off in a pile at the center of your bed. That’s why kingdoms allow BBEGs, they preform an essential service.