Top 5 Villain Modules for Superhero RPGs

published on 22 March 2025
  • Murderworld (Marvel Super Heroes): A trap-filled gauntlet that tests teamwork and strategy.
  • The Coriolis Effect (Champions): Features a physics-based villain who manipulates rotational forces, creating unique challenges.
  • Time Trap (Marvel Super Heroes): A time-travel adventure with encounters across different historical eras.
  • Death Duel with the Destroyers (Villains and Vigilantes): Focuses on group strategy against a coordinated villain team.
  • Emerald City Knights (Mutants & Masterminds): A flexible module allowing game masters to craft their own scenarios.

These modules offer a mix of combat, puzzles, and storytelling to push your heroes to their limits. Whether you’re into complex traps, time travel, or dynamic team battles, there’s something here for every group.

Quick Comparison

Module System Focus Area Gameplay Style
Murderworld Marvel Super Heroes Trap-based challenges Teamwork and strategy
The Coriolis Effect Champions Physics-based villain and puzzles Science and environmental puzzles
Time Trap Marvel Super Heroes Time travel and historical encounters Varied settings and challenges
Death Duel with the Destroyers Villains and Vigilantes Team-based combat Group strategy and coordination
Emerald City Knights Mutants & Masterminds Open-ended scenarios Customizable storytelling

These modules are designed to enhance your campaigns with memorable villains and engaging stories. Tailor them to your group’s preferences for maximum fun!

Villains and Vigilantes, Mighty Protectors and War Heroes

Villains and Vigilantes

1. Murderworld (Marvel Super Heroes)

Murderworld is packed with trap-filled challenges that require tight teamwork and careful planning to overcome.

2. The Coriolis Effect (Champions)

This villain module, The Coriolis Effect, brings science into the spotlight with physics-based challenges in the Champions game. It introduces a villain who wields control over rotational forces and momentum, creating unique obstacles for players. Heroes must tackle both physical dangers and puzzles involving gravity shifts and momentum changes, all while navigating areas where typical movement rules no longer apply.

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3. Time Trap (Marvel Super Heroes)

After The Coriolis Effect, the adventure takes a turn toward time travel with Time Trap. This module for Marvel Super Heroes sends players on a thrilling chase through different historical periods. Heroes track down villains across various eras, each presenting its own set of challenges and surroundings to keep the gameplay engaging and unpredictable.

4. Death Duel with the Destroyers (Villains and Vigilantes)

Death Duel with the Destroyers is an action-packed module that pushes players to rethink their strategies. It pits them against the Destroyers, a notorious group of villains known for their coordinated attacks and unique powers. To succeed, players must shift away from solo tactics and focus on synchronized teamwork, making every move count.

This module shines by emphasizing dynamic combat and group strategy, challenging players to refine their teamwork as they face a tough, unified enemy.

5. Emerald City Knights (Mutants & Masterminds)

Emerald City Knights leaves the specifics wide open, giving game masters the freedom to create their own thrilling scenarios. Much like earlier modules, the element of surprise adds an extra layer of excitement and keeps players on their toes.

Final Thoughts

These modules showcase the variety and depth available in superhero RPGs. Let’s break down some effective ways to bring them to life in your campaigns:

Story Integration: Tie the plot into your campaign naturally. For example, introduce Murderworld through local mysteries that hint at its existence, or lead up to The Coriolis Effect with subtle shifts in the environment.

Villain Development: Craft antagonists with clear goals and room to evolve. In Time Trap, the villains’ actions ripple across different eras, showing how their motives can shape the story in impactful ways.

Player Agency: Give your players the power to influence the story. Death Duel with the Destroyers does this well by offering multiple paths to victory instead of forcing a linear progression.

Flexibility: Emerald City Knights shows how modules can be adjusted to fit your campaign. Whether you need to expand or condense the story, its plot hooks work with various play styles.

As a game master, focus on keeping the tension high while allowing characters to grow naturally. The most memorable plots test your heroes both physically and morally, leaving a lasting impression long after the session ends.

Tailor these modules to suit your group’s preferences, whether you’re running a gritty street-level campaign or an epic cosmic adventure. They provide a strong framework for creating superhero stories where the villains truly shine.

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