Good Characters, Evil Swords: Can They Coexist?

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, character alignments are a spectrum of moral dispositions. The alignment system categorizes characters as Lawful Good, Neutral Good, Chaotic Good, Lawful Neutral, True Neutral, Chaotic Neutral, Lawful Evil, Neutral Evil, or Chaotic Evil. A character's alignment is not fixed and can change depending on the circumstances. Lawful Good characters believe that laws exist to further the public good and that fairness and equality before the law are necessary for good to truly exist. Chaotic Evil characters, on the other hand, actively oppose traditions, hierarchies, and laws, and are deeply selfish, always putting themselves first. While there are no general alignment-based restrictions on attunement to magical weapons, a Chaotic Evil sword may resist being wielded by a Lawful Good character due to conflicting alignments and purposes.

In Dungeons & Dragons, a character's alignment is not fixed and can change depending on circumstances

In Dungeons & Dragons, a character's alignment is not set in stone and can evolve over time. Alignment is a rule that describes a character's moral and ethical outlook, and the rules for alignment vary between editions of the game. The original version of the game offered three alignments: lawful, chaotic, and neutral. However, later editions introduced a second axis, allowing characters to be described as good, neutral, or evil, in addition to the original three alignments.

A character's alignment can change for various reasons, and these changes can occur deliberately, unconsciously, or involuntarily. For example, a character might start acting according to a new alignment, with the change happening quickly or slowly depending on the severity of their actions and the player's determination. Unconscious changes can occur when a character's actions align with a different alignment without the player realizing it. Involuntary changes can be the result of spells or magical items and are immediate, with the character's previous actions having little bearing on the new alignment.

Additionally, a character who performs too many actions outside their original alignment may find their alignment changed, as in the case of the paladin who burns down a village to prevent the spread of disease, committing a seriously evil act. This change can be gradual and temporary if the character's small actions are taking them outside their alignment, or immediate and permanent if their severe actions warrant a sudden shift.

While the alignment system in Dungeons & Dragons is a helpful guide, it is important to remember that it simplifies the complexities of morality and ethics. Characters, like real people, grow and change as their personalities develop and are influenced by various circumstances. Therefore, it is natural for their alignments to evolve throughout the game.

A Chaotic Evil character is often portrayed as a nihilistic murderer

The alignment system in role-playing games, such as Dungeons & Dragons, is a two-dimensional model that simplifies the complexities of morality and ethics. The Chaotic Evil alignment is often associated with a lack of empathy, a willingness to do anything to achieve personal goals, and a disregard for the well-being of others. This can lead to interpretations of Chaotic Evil characters as ruthless murderers or torturers.

However, it is important to note that not all Chaotic Evil characters are bloodthirsty maniacs or mass murderers. The alignment describes a character's general tendencies and does not dictate their every action. Some Chaotic Evil characters may be more nuanced, exhibiting traits such as intelligence, wisdom, or charisma that influence their actions and interactions with others.

Additionally, the Chaotic Evil alignment does not necessarily imply a complete lack of morals or standards. While Chaotic Evil characters may be selfish and independent, they can still have their own code of conduct or set of principles that guide their actions. They may also be selective in their targets, choosing not to harm those who are vulnerable or less fortunate.

In popular culture, examples of Chaotic Evil characters include the Joker from Batman, the Red Skull from Marvel Comics, and Alex from A Clockwork Orange. These characters exhibit a disregard for rules and laws, a tendency towards extreme violence, and a lack of empathy for their victims. However, it is worth noting that the interpretation of these characters can vary, and they may exhibit traits from other alignments as well.

A Lawful Good character believes laws exist to further the public good and that fairness and equality before the law are necessary

A Lawful Good character believes that laws exist to further the public good and that fairness and equality before the law are necessary. They believe that order is a vital part of good, and that without it, people will unintentionally or intentionally harm each other. To them, no one is above the rules, not even themselves. Concepts like justice, truth, and morality are important to them. They believe in treating all people justly, whether it is rewarding them for their services or punishing them for their misdeeds.

In contrast, Chaotic Evil characters are often portrayed as nihilistic murderers. Chaotic Evil means actively opposing traditions, hierarchies, and laws. Evil, in this context, means being deeply selfish and only doing things if there is a clear benefit for oneself. Chaotic Evil characters are often seen as lacking empathy and are willing to do anything to achieve their personal goals.

In the context of a role-playing game like Dungeons & Dragons, a character's alignment is not fixed and can change depending on the circumstances. A Chaotic Evil character can become Lawful Good, and vice versa. In terms of wielding a sword, a Lawful Good character might be restricted from using a Chaotic Evil sword, as the sword's alignment may conflict with their own. However, in some cases, a character of any alignment may be able to attune to a magic sword, but a sentient sword might resist if the wielder's alignment is opposed to its own.

A Chaotic Evil character is deeply selfish and does things only if there is a clear benefit for them

In contrast, a Lawful Good character believes that laws exist to further the public good and that fairness and equality before the law are necessary for good to truly exist. They believe that no one is above the rules, not even themselves. They tend to be altruistic and strive to behave in a good and moral manner, but when push comes to shove, they are likely to choose to follow the rules or obey authority over doing the right thing.

While a Chaotic Evil character might be willing to work with others to achieve their goals, they are ultimately only looking out for themselves and will betray those around them if it benefits them. They may even prey on those who could help them further their goals. On the other hand, a Lawful Good character might stray from their alignment if faced with a situation that demands that they set aside their morals in order to achieve a goal. However, they will always regret the need to act outside of their alignment and will never go against the law.

A Chaotic Evil character might be a thief or a scammer, stealing more than they need to get by as long as they can get away with it. They might also be an edgelord, someone who does offensive, controversial, or taboo things to appear cool or "edgy". On the other hand, a Lawful Good character might be a paladin or a cop, taking their oath to serve and protect very seriously.

Overall, a Chaotic Evil character is deeply selfish and does things only if they see a clear benefit for themselves, while a Lawful Good character believes in order, fairness, and equality and strives to behave in a good and moral manner.

A Lawful Evil character is evil but organised, consistent, and rule-abiding

A Lawful Evil character is devoted to a cruel, organised system. They methodically take what they want in life within the limits of their personally held beliefs. They care about tradition, loyalty, and order but have little to no regard for the freedom, dignity, or lives of others. They are comfortable within a hierarchy and are willing to serve and follow those above them to gain more power. They are likely to be found in charge, but they also make good henchmen. They respond well to concepts like "loyalty", "duty", and "honour" but respond poorly to bad bosses and dirty cowards.

A Lawful Evil character is more likely to do evil out of order and discipline than for enjoyment. They are selfish, vengeful, cruel, power-hungry, or even sadistic. They differ from Neutral Evil characters, who might obey some rules out of convenience or pragmatism, whereas Lawful Evil characters do so out of genuine, if self-serving, commitment. They are unlikely to break a promise but rarely put themselves on the line unless it is in their self-interest. They often have personal codes of conduct that they self-justifiably circumvent, such as not taking a life in cold blood but having underlings who kill without discretion.

Lawful Evil characters are likely to be seen by those outside their order as evil, but they might not perceive themselves that way. They might think they are doing what is right for society and the world, bringing peace to the kingdom, or using strict control measures to keep everyone in their place so that society works as it should. They are also likely to gain reputation or other rewards for their evil actions.

Frequently asked questions