The Evil Paladin: Lawful Antagonist Or Chaotic Hero?

In the world of Dungeons and Dragons, players often wonder if a paladin can be lawfully evil. While paladins are typically portrayed as holy warriors who have sworn an oath to fight evil, it is important to note that any class can fall under any alignment as long as there is a backstory that makes sense. Paladins are united by their oaths to stand against the forces of evil, but some may willfully turn away from their oath and path, becoming what is known as an Oathbreaker or anti-paladin. This character concept explores the complexities of good and evil, challenging the notion that paladins are always destined for good.

Paladins are rarely evil, but it is possible

Paladins are holy warriors who have sworn an oath to fight evil, often in the name of a specific god or other powerful entity. They are united by their oaths to stand against the forces of evil and are comparable to the archetypal knight in shining armour.

While paladins are typically portrayed as good, it is possible for them to be lawful evil. A lawful evil character achieves their ends through means tempered by tradition, order, or some other guiding principle. For example, a paladin of tyranny must be of lawful evil alignment and loses all class abilities if he ever willingly commits a good act.

In addition, there are no alignment restrictions for paladins in 5e, and an Oath of Vengeance paladin could make sense as a Chaotic alignment. A paladin who upholds the tenets of the Oath of Vengeance is willing to sacrifice even their righteousness to mete out justice upon those who do evil.

However, paladins are rarely evil, and it can be challenging to act evil while following laws. A paladin who turns from their oath may become an Oathbreaker, an "anti-paladin" that starts at level 3 and provides an "evil" flavour with abilities like controlling undead and casting auras of fear.

The Oathbreaker Paladin is an anti-paladin

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, the Oathbreaker Paladin is a specific type of character outlined in the game's rules. This character is detailed in the Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG) on page 97, and it is described as an "anti-paladin". The Oathbreaker Paladin is a character who has broken their sacred oaths and now wields dark powers, such as controlling undead and casting auras of fear.

The Oathbreaker Paladin is a complex character, as their alignment is not simply "evil". They are lawful evil, which means they are driven by a strict code of conduct and a specific goal. This code may include traditions, orders, or other guiding principles that temper their actions. For example, a lawful evil character may refuse to harm children or cause collateral damage.

The Oathbreaker Paladin's strict code of conduct is not just a set of rules to follow but a defining characteristic of their alignment. If an Oathbreaker Paladin willingly commits a good act, they break their alignment and lose their class abilities. This shows that the line between "good" and "evil" is not always clear, and it is the player's perspective and personal morality that defines their character's actions.

Creating an Oathbreaker Paladin as a player character (PC) or non-player character (NPC) can be an interesting role-playing challenge. It requires a well-thought-out backstory and a clear understanding of the character's motivations and beliefs. The Oathbreaker Paladin may view themselves as a hero, fighting against a greater evil, even if they serve an evil god and perform evil deeds.

Lawful Evil is about The Code and The Goal

Lawful Evil is about adhering to a code and achieving a specific goal. This code could be a personal code of conduct or a more general set of rules, such as tradition or order. For example, a Lawful Evil character might be driven by a desire to maintain societal structure and their position of power within it. They might believe that anyone challenging this structure is evil and must be punished.

In the context of a Paladin, Lawful Evil could manifest as a character who upholds laws, values honour, and promotes teamwork, all while being driven by a selfish desire for more power. This type of character might be willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve their goals, such as crushing their enemies, ruining their names, and salting their fields.

A Lawful Evil Paladin might also be willing to work with or worship an evil god, as long as it serves their purpose. For example, they might believe that serving this god will ultimately bring balance to the world, justifying their actions as altruistic, even if they are considered evil by others.

It is important to note that Paladins are typically united by their oaths to stand against evil and are therefore rarely evil themselves. However, this does not mean it is impossible for a Paladin to be Lawful Evil. As long as there is a backstory that makes sense and the character's behaviour aligns with their oath, a Lawful Evil Paladin can be a unique and interesting concept to explore.

Lawful Evil Paladins can be selfish and greedy

In the world of Dungeons and Dragons, a Lawful Evil Paladin might be motivated by a strict personal code or a desire for vengeance. For example, they may believe that the current social hierarchy is inherently correct and that anyone challenging it is evil. This belief could lead them to ruthlessly pursue their own definition of justice, punishing those they deem evil by any means necessary.

The Oath of Vengeance, which revolves around punishing wrongdoers, can be a natural fit for a Lawful Evil Paladin. They may uphold this oath not out of a sense of righteousness but because it aligns with their selfish goals. They may even view their actions as altruistic, believing that they are serving a greater good or balancing the scales, even as they carry out evil deeds.

A Lawful Evil Paladin's selfishness and greed can manifest in their interactions with allies and companions. They may be willing to threaten or even kill former allies who disagree with their methods or stand in the way of their goals. Their loyalty is often driven by self-interest, and they may be willing to turn on their allies if it suits their purposes.

While Lawful Evil Paladins are rare, they can exist within the rules and lore of the game. Their selfish and greedy nature can make them intriguing and complex characters, adding depth to the story and providing interesting role-playing opportunities for the player.

Lawful Evil Paladins can be noble and respect authority

Lawful Evil Paladins can certainly be noble and respect authority. In fact, a key aspect of Lawful Evil characters is their adherence to a code or tradition. They may have a firm belief in the current societal structure and see anyone challenging it as evil. This can manifest as a respect for authority and a noble personality trait.

For example, a Lawful Evil Paladin may have an unwavering loyalty to their sovereign, viewing themselves as duty-bound to uphold the existing order. They may also be driven by a sense of responsibility, believing that those below them must respect their authority just as they respect the authority of those above. This can be seen as a form of nobility, where the Paladin upholds a strict moral code and believes in the importance of order and hierarchy.

Additionally, Lawful Evil Paladins can be highly disciplined and principled, following a strict set of rules or traditions. They may have a strong sense of honour and teamwork, which can make them valuable allies and formidable opponents. While their methods may be ruthless and their motives selfish, they can still operate within the bounds of existing law and maintain a sense of nobility in their own eyes and the eyes of those around them.

The Oath of Vengeance is often associated with Lawful Evil Paladins, as it revolves around punishing wrongdoers by any means necessary. However, this does not preclude them from respecting authority or having noble traits. Their interpretation of "vengeance" may be guided by their own strict moral code, which can include concepts of honour, duty, and loyalty.

Ultimately, while Lawful Evil Paladins are rare, they can exist within the bounds of the game's rules and provide an interesting character concept. Their alignment does not prevent them from respecting authority or possessing noble qualities, and their complex motivations can add depth and intrigue to the story.

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