The Legato

The obstacle/person that must be overcome before the party is able to confront the Big Bad. Usually the second in command, or at least the second greatest challenge to the party. In any case, the Dragon is LOYAL and is trusted enough by the Big Bad to be relied on as the last line of defence. (If they are not trustworthy, they are not the Legato, they are The Starscream).

Sometimes the Legato is actually smarter than the Big Bad, and/or stronger. But the Legato is willing to follow the Big Bad, who might have have political connections or leadership capabilities (the Legato is often a loner). The Legato might also be content as a second-in-command, and not dealing with the pressures of leadership.

The Big Bad might have some direct hold/power directly over the Legato, forcing him to obey and follow commands. In these cases, the hold had better be pretty good to use the Legato as a last line of defence, or else the Legato will find a way to go against his master in the end (often involving sacrificing himself to help the party and/or just to thwart the Big Bad.)

Will sometimes be the main opposition the party/hero will face during the adventure, while the true Big Bad works behind the scenes and only occasionally makes appearances. Hence, the Legato becomes more the primary villain than the real Big Bad (Legato is a prime example of this, as is Vader.)

Samples:
• Errtu is this to Akar Kessel.
• Legato (obviously) is this to Knives.
• Darth Vader is this to Emperor Palpatine.
• Transmetal Dinobot in Beast Wars is this to Megatron.
• Pasha Pook has TWO Legatos; Artemis Entreri and LaValle. Both are more powerful, but Pook is a better leader, has connections, and is willing to lead.