Originally Posted by
MonkeySage
Now, in the big bad's eyes, the players are more of an annoyance; dangerous only because of what they know, not what they can do. Being a patient and deceptively smart villain, he's biding his time until he can claim that he was provoked. Once that happens, there's no power on the planet that could save them from his wrath.
This villain has managed to ascend the ranks of chivalry until he reached the very top; when his father died, he was named heir to the imperial throne. His sword is as sharp as ever. He has a reputation for his nigh-supernatural strength and speed.
The difference between overall party level and his challenge rating, by himself, already spells TPK. And he's accompanied by his knights, the 5 greatest knights of the realm.