How Heroes Can Be Lawful Evil

In the context of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), a hero can be lawful evil. While D&D campaigns typically place parties in a heroic role, conflicting ideals and alignments can introduce conflict and dynamic storylines. Lawful evil characters are villains who prefer to operate within the system and from a position of power and authority, do evil. They tend to be disciplined, rule-followers with long-term plans and firm ideals. Lawful evil characters can be manipulative and undercover, covertly working towards their evil goals while associating with good-aligned people. They can also be openly evil, following a moral code that prevents them from, for example, killing those who can't fight back. In the context of D&D, lawful evil heroes can be untraditional heroes to NPCs who have experienced similar failings and turned to unconventional lifestyles.

Characteristics and Values of a Lawful Evil Hero

Lawful evil characters can be manipulative, working with good-aligned people to further their secret agenda

A lawful evil character might be a "hero" in the sense that they work with good-aligned people to achieve a common goal, but their true motivation is often self-serving and hidden. For example, a lawful evil character might help a group of heroes save the world, not out of any sense of altruism, but because it aligns with their secret agenda, such as wanting to rule the world themselves.

Lawful evil characters are often highly intelligent and strategic, and they can be very effective manipulators. They may be aware of the laws and social norms of the land and use them to their advantage, twisting them to suit their needs. They are also more likely to keep their word than other evil alignments, which can make them seem more trustworthy.

In role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, a lawful evil character might be a fun and interesting addition to a party of good-aligned characters. They can work with the group, as long as their goals align, but they may also be secretly steering the party to further their own agenda. For example, a lawful evil character might help the party defeat a rival deity, not out of any sense of good, but because that deity stands in the way of their own goals.

Lawful evil characters can be complex and multi-dimensional, and they often have a tragic backstory that has driven them to their extreme beliefs and actions. They may see themselves as the hero of their own story, following a strict code that justifies their evil actions.

Lawful evil characters are often self-righteous anti-villains who want to bring peace through fascism and brutality

Lawful evil characters are disciplined, rule-abiding, and plan meticulously for the long term. They are often manipulative and covertly evil, working within an established system to gain power and control. They may be driven by a tragic backstory or a sense of regret and self-assuredness. They are willing to do evil things and hurt people if it serves their self-interest or a higher cause they believe in.

In a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) context, lawful evil characters can be heroes too. They can work with good-aligned characters if there is a common goal, and their unique perspective can help protect their travelling companions from danger. Their understanding of criminal thinking can gain the loyalty of criminal organisations, and their experience with evil and law-breaking can help detect and deal with determined evildoers.

Examples of lawful evil characters include Thanos, Darkseid, and Dexter. Thanos is driven by a tragic backstory and a desire for a better society. Darkseid, a DC Comics villain, seeks to rule the universe by destroying everyone's free will except his own. Dexter, from the TV show of the same name, serves a greater good by taking out bad guys while also fulfilling his own needs.

Lawful evil characters walk a fine line, and it is essential to play them carefully to avoid ruining a D&D campaign. They can be manipulative and covertly evil, but giving them a goal that aligns with the heroes can help keep the campaign on track.

Lawful evil characters are the hardest type of evil to get rid of, especially when working within an established system

Lawful evil characters are the most challenging type of evil to overcome, especially when operating within an established system. This is because lawful evil characters tend to work within the system, using it to their advantage and exploiting loopholes to achieve their goals. They are often manipulative and covert in their actions, making it difficult to distinguish between the legal and illegal aspects of their plans. Lawful evil characters are typically disciplined, rule-following, and have long-term goals, which makes them even more challenging to counter.

In various media, such as Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) and comic books, lawful evil characters are often portrayed as villains who operate within a position of power and authority. They may be self-righteous anti-villains who desire to impose a particular order or peace, even if it involves fascism and brutality. These characters are aware of the laws and societal norms and use them to their advantage, making it hard to separate their legal actions from illegal ones.

For example, in D&D, a lawful evil character might be manipulative and covertly work against the interests of the other players while staying on their good side. They might also try to gain control or influence over other characters to further their secret agenda. Additionally, lawful evil characters in D&D can be beneficial to the party by efficiently detecting and dealing with evildoers due to their experience with breaking the law.

In comic books and popular culture, examples of lawful evil characters include Thanos, who is driven by a tragic backstory and a desire for power, and Darkseid from DC Comics, who seeks to rule the universe by finding the Anti-Life Equation, destroying everyone's free will except his own. These characters often have a rigid mindset and follow set formulas to achieve their goals, making them challenging opponents.

Lawful evil characters can also be portrayed as heroes or anti-heroes in certain contexts. In D&D, for instance, an evil-aligned character can become a hero to NPCs who have experienced similar failings and turned to unconventional lifestyles. They can also be the party's saving grace by dealing with evildoers and preventing future risks. Additionally, an anti-hero in a story might start as a virtuous character but gradually slip into lawful evil due to their actions or self-serving motives.

Lawful evil characters can be smart and play the long con, working with the party to reach a common goal

Lawful evil characters can be intelligent and cunning, opting to play the long con by working alongside the party towards a shared goal. This dynamic adds intrigue and complexity to the narrative, as the lawful evil character secretly pursues their ulterior motives.

Lawful evil characters are often associated with manipulation and deception, presenting themselves as allies while covertly serving their self-interest. They are patient and strategic, recognizing that immediate gratification of their evil desires may not be worth the risk of exposure. Instead, they bide their time, carefully planning their moves to achieve long-term objectives.

In a party setting, a lawful evil character might align themselves with the group's goals, at least superficially. They may even assist the party and contribute to their success, but always with an underlying agenda. Perhaps they steer the party towards targets that further their secret plans or use their companions as a means to an end, all while maintaining the appearance of camaraderie.

For example, a lawful evil character might join a quest to defeat a powerful villain, knowing that the party's success will inadvertently serve their own long-term evil ambitions. They might manipulate party members, using their skills and resources to advance their hidden agenda, all while maintaining the facade of a trustworthy companion.

This dynamic can create intriguing role-playing opportunities and complex relationships within the party. The lawful evil character must be cautious and subtle, carefully balancing their true nature with the need for cooperation to avoid arousing suspicion.

Additionally, lawful evil characters are often driven by a strict personal code or a desire for order. They tend to be disciplined, organized, and strategic, making them effective in pursuing their goals, even if those goals are ultimately self-serving or detrimental to others.

Lawful evil characters can be untraditional heroes to NPCs who have experienced similar failings and turned to unconventional lifestyles

Lawful evil characters can be unconventional heroes, especially when contrasted with lawful good characters, who are often more trusting of a villain's ability to turn good. Lawful evil characters, on the other hand, can be more discerning and efficient in detecting a determined evildoer because of their own experience with breaking the law and their manipulative tendencies. This can create tension within a party of good characters, but the long-term heroic effects can significantly benefit the group.

For example, a lawful evil character might be more manipulative and covert in their actions, staying on the side of other characters while secretly working towards their own agenda. They might also try to gain control of other characters through manipulation. If the heroes want to save the world, a lawful evil character might align with this goal because it serves their interests, such as having a world to rule over.

In the context of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), lawful evil characters can become untraditional heroes to non-player characters (NPCs) who have experienced similar failings and turned to unconventional lifestyles. D&D campaigns often place parties in heroic roles, but the inclusion of conflicting alignments and ideals can introduce dynamic interactions and moral complexities. Evil alignments allow Dungeon Masters (DMs) to explore the grey areas of fantasy worlds and the systemic flaws that exist within them.

Additionally, lawful evil characters can be beneficial in protecting their travelling companions from unnecessary danger brought on by leaving enemies alive. They can be relied upon to act consistently in accordance with their chosen rules and personal codes, and there are certain lines that even they won't cross. Lawful evil characters are also more likely to honour their word, making them more trustworthy in certain situations.

In conclusion, lawful evil characters can be unconventional heroes, especially to those who can relate to their failings and unconventional lifestyles. They can bring unique skills, perspectives, and benefits to a group, even if their presence creates tension and conflict.

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