I’m playing sorcerer for the first time, wild magic, human, lawful evil, and wondering if anyone has good tips for staying true to lawful evil. My PC is young and just coming into his own, so it’s important mostly that his arc ends at lawful evil. He was raised by seemingly normal goods sellers, though I soon will discover my moms connection to Asmodeus the demon. My worry is that in interactions I’m just trying to solve the puzzle best for my team, partly cause My teammates get bogged down in the wrong thing sometimes and I think I’m the best at keeping us moving in a good direction, rather than playing my character for who he is.
One of the fun things about alignment in D&D is that it doesn't matter so much about what you do, but rather why you do it. Evil alignments at their core are selfish and unscrupulous, i.e- you don't necessarily mind using or harming others to get what you want.
However, if what you want and what your group wants are currently aligned, then that can absolutely mean doing what's best for the group. Likewise it might be worth your while to gain goodwill with the group in order to protect yourself (as it's always good to have a few meat shields between you and any enemies and/or traps).
Some people fall into the trap of thinking that being evil means you must always be pushing for the worst options, but being evil doesn't mean a character is irrational. Sometimes helping people means getting something in return. However, on the other hand an evil character is more likely to want to take an easier path if there is one, i.e- instead of helping someone in exchange for some reward, you could just rob them blind and get the reward that way instead.
I'm currently playing a Neutral Evil character (who the group don't know is technically evil) but I play it as reluctance a lot of the time; i.e- he may be the one to raise the "correct" thing to do, but he'll also push for something more in keeping with his alignment, for example; "We could go out of our way to check on this village, but it will be a waste of time" (you can also flip the order, give your preferred option first but mention the "right" option reluctantly). Mechanically he will fight when necessary, and will do so efficiently but tends not to risk himself, but will do what he can to help others in the group if they're in serious trouble (as he can remind them about how they owe him later). He is also highly critical of what the group does "wrong" (in his mind), either saying so explicitly or just sighing pointedly. Sometimes it's the subtle things that are most fun to play. 😄
Lawful Evil is a little trickier because you're probably wanting to advance the schemes of whoever you serve (Asmodeus?) but you don't have to do that in a way that's obvious to the group, and sometimes it can be something innocuous like sending packages with information, artefacts etc. to someone and refusing to say who, hiding little idols through which Asmodeus can scry, gaining favours owed from NPCs that you can promise to call in later and so-on.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
A lawful evil villain methodically takes what he wants within the limits of his code of conduct without regard for whom it hurts. He cares about tradition, loyalty, and order but not about freedom, dignity, or life. He plays by the rules but without mercy or compassion. He is comfortable in a hierarchy and would like to rule, but is willing to serve. He condemns others not according to their actions but according to race, religion, homeland, or social rank. He is loath to break laws or promises.
This reluctance comes partly from his nature and partly because he depends on order to protect himself from those who oppose him on moral grounds. Some lawful evil villains have particular taboos, such as not killing in cold blood (but having underlings do it) or not letting children come to harm (if it can be helped). They imagine that these compunctions put them above unprincipled villains.
Some lawful evil people and creatures commit themselves to evil with a zeal like that of a crusader committed to good. Beyond being willing to hurt others for their own ends, they take pleasure in spreading evil as an end unto itself. They may also see doing evil as part of a duty to an evil deity or master.
Lawful evil is sometimes called "diabolical," because devils are the epitome of lawful evil.
Lawful evil creatures consider their alignment to be the best because it combines honor with a dedicated self-interest.
Lawful evil is the most dangerous alignment because it represents methodical, intentional, and frequently successful evil.
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* Need a character idea? Search for "Rob76's Unused" in the Story and Lore section.
Remember.... "EVERY VILLAIN IS THE HERO OF THEIR OWN STORY!"
A lawful evil character would not consider himself evil. He's right. He may be literally the only person in the world who's right - it's the WORLD that is wrong! Only YOU can see the truth. Only YOU can see what must be done. Only YOU have the courage to do what must be done. And sure, some people may get hurt along the way, but it's their own fault! They should've seen this coming. They should have known better. They should have stepped up and done this, but they didn't. Because they're weak. But not you. You're not weak. You're right, and you'll show everybody just how right you are, no matter what it takes. You're the only one who sees the truth. You're the only one who can see just how broken this world is. But you will restore it to order. You will put the broken pieces back into place. Everything will be put in it's place. EVERYONE will be put in their place! You will restore order to this broken world if you have to kill every last mother****er in the process! Then they'll see. Then they'll ALL see that you were right! That you are in control! They will all kneel to you... or else.
That's Lawful Evil.
Oh, and one little thing, in D&D Asmodeus is a devil, not a demon. And be sure to pronounce his name properly - it's not "As-MOE-dee-us", it's "Asmo-DAY-us". Like Amadeus but with an S thrown in. He's really kinda picky about that.
Lawful evil is the most dangerous alignment because they are completely capable of coming across as the most genial, friendly, cooperative, affable, kind of person. You might be close friends with an LE person and firmly and honestly believe that they are LN or even LG. That is... until that moment. Chaotic evil are wild savages who slaughter with abandon. Neutral evil are psychotics who murder with a tormented laugh. But lawful evil, they are the serial killers - calm, intelligent, patient, willing to play any role. The ends justify the means.
Lawful is obeying the rules/laws most of the time.
Evil is being selfish.
Lawful Evil is using the rules to benefit yourself.
This can be spun in several different ways depending on where your Stat strengths are. If your PC is Strong then bullying/intimidating others into doing what you want them to do is probably the way your PC gets things done. If your PC is Charismatic then smooth talking or trickery is probably your way.
If your PC's motivation is to solve the puzzle or keep the party moving because s/he thinks that they are wasting your time; that fits Lawful Evil. After all, the party is there to make you look good and get you money/fame/magic. Why else would you put up with all the stuff that you do for them. They are the stem, you are the flower.
They may not need to know this obvious fact so long as the results are in your favor.
I’m playing sorcerer for the first time, wild magic, human, lawful evil, and wondering if anyone has good tips for staying true to lawful evil. My PC is young and just coming into his own, so it’s important mostly that his arc ends at lawful evil. He was raised by seemingly normal goods sellers, though I soon will discover my moms connection to Asmodeus the demon. My worry is that in interactions I’m just trying to solve the puzzle best for my team, partly cause My teammates get bogged down in the wrong thing sometimes and I think I’m the best at keeping us moving in a good direction, rather than playing my character for who he is.
One of the fun things about alignment in D&D is that it doesn't matter so much about what you do, but rather why you do it. Evil alignments at their core are selfish and unscrupulous, i.e- you don't necessarily mind using or harming others to get what you want.
However, if what you want and what your group wants are currently aligned, then that can absolutely mean doing what's best for the group. Likewise it might be worth your while to gain goodwill with the group in order to protect yourself (as it's always good to have a few meat shields between you and any enemies and/or traps).
Some people fall into the trap of thinking that being evil means you must always be pushing for the worst options, but being evil doesn't mean a character is irrational. Sometimes helping people means getting something in return. However, on the other hand an evil character is more likely to want to take an easier path if there is one, i.e- instead of helping someone in exchange for some reward, you could just rob them blind and get the reward that way instead.
I'm currently playing a Neutral Evil character (who the group don't know is technically evil) but I play it as reluctance a lot of the time; i.e- he may be the one to raise the "correct" thing to do, but he'll also push for something more in keeping with his alignment, for example; "We could go out of our way to check on this village, but it will be a waste of time" (you can also flip the order, give your preferred option first but mention the "right" option reluctantly). Mechanically he will fight when necessary, and will do so efficiently but tends not to risk himself, but will do what he can to help others in the group if they're in serious trouble (as he can remind them about how they owe him later). He is also highly critical of what the group does "wrong" (in his mind), either saying so explicitly or just sighing pointedly. Sometimes it's the subtle things that are most fun to play. 😄
Lawful Evil is a little trickier because you're probably wanting to advance the schemes of whoever you serve (Asmodeus?) but you don't have to do that in a way that's obvious to the group, and sometimes it can be something innocuous like sending packages with information, artefacts etc. to someone and refusing to say who, hiding little idols through which Asmodeus can scry, gaining favours owed from NPCs that you can promise to call in later and so-on.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
I find this article useful with regards to alignments: http://easydamus.com/alignment.html
If you don;t want to read the whole thing then this is the LE bit:
Lawful Evil, "Dominator"
A lawful evil villain methodically takes what he wants within the limits of his code of conduct without regard for whom it hurts. He cares about tradition, loyalty, and order but not about freedom, dignity, or life. He plays by the rules but without mercy or compassion. He is comfortable in a hierarchy and would like to rule, but is willing to serve. He condemns others not according to their actions but according to race, religion, homeland, or social rank. He is loath to break laws or promises.
This reluctance comes partly from his nature and partly because he depends on order to protect himself from those who oppose him on moral grounds. Some lawful evil villains have particular taboos, such as not killing in cold blood (but having underlings do it) or not letting children come to harm (if it can be helped). They imagine that these compunctions put them above unprincipled villains.
Some lawful evil people and creatures commit themselves to evil with a zeal like that of a crusader committed to good. Beyond being willing to hurt others for their own ends, they take pleasure in spreading evil as an end unto itself. They may also see doing evil as part of a duty to an evil deity or master.
Lawful evil is sometimes called "diabolical," because devils are the epitome of lawful evil.
Lawful evil creatures consider their alignment to be the best because it combines honor with a dedicated self-interest.
Lawful evil is the most dangerous alignment because it represents methodical, intentional, and frequently successful evil.
Remember.... "EVERY VILLAIN IS THE HERO OF THEIR OWN STORY!"
A lawful evil character would not consider himself evil. He's right. He may be literally the only person in the world who's right - it's the WORLD that is wrong! Only YOU can see the truth. Only YOU can see what must be done. Only YOU have the courage to do what must be done. And sure, some people may get hurt along the way, but it's their own fault! They should've seen this coming. They should have known better. They should have stepped up and done this, but they didn't. Because they're weak. But not you. You're not weak. You're right, and you'll show everybody just how right you are, no matter what it takes. You're the only one who sees the truth. You're the only one who can see just how broken this world is. But you will restore it to order. You will put the broken pieces back into place. Everything will be put in it's place. EVERYONE will be put in their place! You will restore order to this broken world if you have to kill every last mother****er in the process! Then they'll see. Then they'll ALL see that you were right! That you are in control! They will all kneel to you... or else.
That's Lawful Evil.
Oh, and one little thing, in D&D Asmodeus is a devil, not a demon. And be sure to pronounce his name properly - it's not "As-MOE-dee-us", it's "Asmo-DAY-us". Like Amadeus but with an S thrown in. He's really kinda picky about that.
Lawful evil is the most dangerous alignment because they are completely capable of coming across as the most genial, friendly, cooperative, affable, kind of person. You might be close friends with an LE person and firmly and honestly believe that they are LN or even LG. That is... until that moment. Chaotic evil are wild savages who slaughter with abandon. Neutral evil are psychotics who murder with a tormented laugh. But lawful evil, they are the serial killers - calm, intelligent, patient, willing to play any role. The ends justify the means.
Anzio Faro. Protector Aasimar light cleric. Lvl 18.
Viktor Gavriil. White dragonborn grave cleric. Lvl 20.
Ikram Sahir ibn-Malik al-Sayyid Ra'ad. Brass dragonborn draconic sorcerer Lvl 9. Fire elemental devil.
Wrangler of cats.
Amazingly helpful. Great. Thank you!
Lawful is obeying the rules/laws most of the time.
Evil is being selfish.
Lawful Evil is using the rules to benefit yourself.
This can be spun in several different ways depending on where your Stat strengths are. If your PC is Strong then bullying/intimidating others into doing what you want them to do is probably the way your PC gets things done. If your PC is Charismatic then smooth talking or trickery is probably your way.
If your PC's motivation is to solve the puzzle or keep the party moving because s/he thinks that they are wasting your time; that fits Lawful Evil. After all, the party is there to make you look good and get you money/fame/magic. Why else would you put up with all the stuff that you do for them. They are the stem, you are the flower.
They may not need to know this obvious fact so long as the results are in your favor.
Haha awesome love this