Good Characters, Evil Swords: Can They Coexist?

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, character alignment is a spectrum that ranges from Lawful Good to Chaotic Evil. 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, are often portrayed as nihilistic murderers who disregard traditions, hierarchies, and laws, acting only in their self-interest. The question of whether a Lawful Good character can wield a Chaotic Evil sword is an interesting dilemma that explores the boundaries of these alignments. While there may be no general alignment-based restrictions on attunement, a sentient Chaotic Evil sword may resist being wielded by a Lawful Good character, as their moral dispositions are inherently opposed.

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

A character's alignment can change for many reasons, and it may happen deliberately, unconsciously, or involuntarily. For example, a character might start acting according to a new alignment, or their circumstances may conspire against them, changing their alignment. A player might also have a change of attitude, or the character's personality may develop in an unexpected direction. Dungeon Masters are advised to keep track of a character's actions and note any unusual behavior that might indicate a change in alignment. If a character's actions consistently fit an alignment different from their chosen one, an alignment change is usually in order.

A character's alignment can also be changed involuntarily, typically as a result of a spell or magical item. These changes are immediate, and the character's previous actions do not influence the new alignment. In some editions of the game, a character who performs too many actions outside their alignment may find their alignment changed and may be penalized by losing experience points, making it harder to reach the next level.

The alignment system in Dungeons & Dragons is a broad categorization that simplifies the intricacies of morality and ethics. For example, a chaotic evil character is often portrayed as a nihilistic murderer, but this alignment can also include thieves and scammers who disregard the law to benefit themselves. A lawful good character, on the other hand, believes that laws exist to further the public good and that fairness and equality before the law are necessary for good to exist. However, even these characters may stray into neutral or chaotic territory if faced with a situation that demands they set aside their morals to achieve a goal.

Alignment is a spectrum, and a Chaotic Evil character is not necessarily a raving lunatic or mass murderer

The Chaotic Evil alignment is often associated with freedom, randomness, and a disregard for life and order. Chaotic Evil characters value their freedom above all else and believe that only those strong enough to keep it deserve it. They are motivated by personal gain and pleasure and will take whatever they want by any means necessary. However, this doesn't mean that they are mindless or compulsive in their actions. They can still make choices and weigh risks, and their actions can be subtle and manipulative rather than overtly violent or destructive.

In the context of a role-playing game like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), a Chaotic Evil character can provide an interesting narrative arc and opportunities for character development. For example, a player might explore the grey areas of moral choice, where a character's actions are driven by their alignment but don't necessarily conform to stereotypes or expectations. A Chaotic Evil character might also struggle with their alignment, questioning their actions or seeking redemption.

When it comes to wielding a weapon, a Chaotic Evil character's sword is an extension of their will and a tool to achieve their desires. It is not inherently a mindless agent of chaos. In the hands of a Chaotic Evil character, a sword might be used for arbitrary violence, but it might also be used for manipulation or coercion. The sword might even have its own agenda, subtly influencing its wielder or seeking to control them, adding an extra layer of complexity to the character's story.

In conclusion, while Chaotic Evil characters may be driven by selfishness, greed, and a desire for destruction, they are not one-dimensional villains. Their alignment exists on a spectrum, and their actions can be nuanced and complex. As such, a Chaotic Evil character can be more than a raving lunatic or mass murderer; they can be a dynamic and intriguing part of a story or role-playing game.

Chaotic Evil characters are deeply selfish, but this does not mean they are incapable of having moral standards

The alignment of a character in a role-playing game, such as Dungeons & Dragons, can be used as a role-playing guide and does not need to be rigidly adhered to by the player. The alignment system is a two-axis model, with 'law' versus 'chaos' on one axis and 'good' versus 'evil' on the other. The 'lawful good' alignment is often thought of as pertaining to the most blatantly good of the good guys. Lawful good characters tend to 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 are deeply selfish, but this does not mean they are incapable of having moral standards. Chaotic evil characters are impulsive and independent, but they can still have values akin to moral standards. For example, a chaotic evil character could be selfish and impulsive but love their family and so have no qualms about committing atrocities for them. They might be disgusted by others who do not value family as they do. Chaotic evil characters do not work well in groups because they resent being given orders and usually only behave when there is no alternative. They are likely to disregard the law as long as they can get away with it.

While chaotic evil is often portrayed as an absolutely nihilistic murderer, this does not have to be the case. The alignment system is a simplification of the intricacies of morality and ethics. Chaotic evil characters can be selfish and without honour, but they may still have some scruples. They can be against unnecessary cruelty, murder, and other such things.

It is important to note that alignments are broad categories and are an oversimplification of the complexities of character motivations and moral choices. A more nuanced view of chaotic evil characters is to see them as impulsive and selfish, but not necessarily devoid of all moral standards.

Lawful Good characters believe in fairness and equality before the law and that laws exist to further the public good

Lawful Good characters are inherently good and honest, with a strong sense of morals and justice. They believe in fairness and equality before the law and that laws exist to further the public good. They are group and order-oriented and will cooperate with authority to promote the common good. They uphold the rights of the weak and oppressed members of society, who should be allowed to enjoy the benefits of society with equanimity.

A Lawful Good character believes in the goodness inherent in all beings and that laws should promote the welfare of all members of society, ensure their safety, and guarantee justice. They respect the laws of other cultures and will not impose their values on others. They believe that no one is above the rules, not even themselves.

When faced with a situation that demands they set aside their morals, a Lawful Good character may stray into Neutral or Chaotic territory. For example, Roland Deschain from The Dark Tower novels often strays from his Lawful Good alignment when he deems it necessary to achieve a goal. Similarly, Ned Stark from Game of Thrones exemplifies Lawful Good with his fair and just rule, but his adherence to this alignment ultimately leads to his death.

In the Dungeons & Dragons character alignment system, Chaotic Evil characters are portrayed as nihilistic murderers, deeply selfish, and actively opposing traditions, hierarchies, and laws. They are willing to sacrifice others for their benefit and are often seen as lacking empathy. Chaotic Evil is considered harder to portray sympathetically compared to Lawful Evil, which can include characters who are organised, consistent, and rule-abiding.

A Chaotic Evil sword may resist a Lawful Good character's attempts to wield it, depending on the sword's will and personality

In the context of role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, character alignments are used to determine a character's moral disposition. The alignment system typically includes nine categories: Lawful Good, Neutral Good, Chaotic Good, Lawful Neutral, True Neutral, Chaotic Neutral, Lawful Evil, Neutral Evil, and Chaotic Evil.

While there are no general alignment-based restrictions on attunement, a Chaotic Evil sword may resist a Lawful Good character's attempts to wield it, depending on the sword's will and personality. Sentient magic items, such as swords, have their own will and alignment, and if a wielder acts in a manner opposed to the item's alignment or purpose, conflict can arise. For example, a sword's purpose may be to fight evil, and it may communicate by transmitting emotions to its wielder. If a Lawful Good character's actions contradict the sword's alignment or purpose, the sword may resist the character's attempts to attune to it or even turn its properties against the wielder.

On the other hand, a Lawful Good character who acts in accordance with the sword's alignment and purpose may find it easier to attune to the sword and access its properties. In some cases, a sword may be specifically designed to be wielded only by a Lawful Good character, and it may offer its power only to those who are worthy in terms of roleplay and alignment.

It is worth noting that character alignments are not fixed and can change depending on the circumstances. A sword's alignment may also influence its behaviour, with a Chaotic Evil sword being more unpredictable and potentially causing harm to its wielder or others.

Frequently asked questions