The Assassin's Lawful Evil Nature: Explained

The alignment of characters in role-playing games is often a topic of discussion, and assassins are no exception. In the context of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), the question of whether an assassin can be lawful evil has sparked debates among players and enthusiasts. While some argue that assassins inherently fall into the category of evil due to their nature of killing, others explore the nuances of their motivations, loyalties, and personal codes of conduct that could influence their alignment. This discussion delves into the complexities of character creation, morality, and the subjective nature of good and evil.

Lawful vs chaotic

The concept of "lawful vs chaotic" is an interesting one, especially when applied to the character of an assassin. On the one hand, the very nature of an assassin, who operates outside the bounds of conventional society and engages in clandestine activities, seems to inherently lean towards chaos. However, it is important to note that "lawful" and "chaotic" can be interpreted in different ways, and the distinction between the two is not always clear-cut.

When considering an assassin as a "lawful" character, it is worth noting that their actions may be governed by a personal code of conduct rather than the traditional rules of society. This code could include principles such as refusing to kill women or children, honouring contracts, and maintaining loyalty to a specific group or government. In this sense, an assassin can exhibit a sense of order and consistency in their behaviour, which aligns with the characteristics of a "lawful" character.

On the other hand, the "chaotic" nature of an assassin can be observed in their tendency to operate outside the boundaries set by societal norms. Assassins often utilise underhanded tactics, surprise attacks, and stealth to achieve their objectives. This willingness to break the rules and engage in clandestine activities aligns with the characteristics of a "chaotic" character, who may have a more complex and flexible conception of right and wrong.

It is worth noting that the alignment of an assassin can also be influenced by their motivations and the context in which they operate. For example, an assassin may view their actions as a necessary evil for the greater good, believing themselves to be heroes in their own story. In this case, their alignment could be considered more complex, blending elements of both "lawful" and "chaotic" traits.

Ultimately, the distinction between "lawful" and "chaotic" in the context of an assassin character is not always clear-cut. The interpretation of these alignments can vary depending on the specific circumstances, motivations, and personal codes of conduct that govern the assassin's actions. It is important to remember that the concept of alignment is a tool used in fantasy settings to provide interesting character hooks and may not perfectly align with real-world notions of good and evil, law, and chaos.

Good and evil

The concept of "good and evil" is highly subjective and relative, varying across different cultures, belief systems, and individuals. This subjectivity is reflected in the diverse perspectives on whether an assassin can be lawful and/or evil.

Some argue that assassins inherently fall into the category of evil, as they engage in premeditated and surprise attacks, using underhanded tactics and killing for monetary gain or personal pleasure. This view aligns with the perspective that assassination is a form of murder, which is widely considered immoral and unlawful. Additionally, the alignment system in games like Dungeons and Dragons further reinforces the notion that assassins are typically associated with evil alignments.

However, others challenge this binary perspective, suggesting that assassins can exhibit a range of alignments, including lawful evil. In this context, "lawful" could refer to an assassin's adherence to their own code of conduct rather than societal rules. Evil, in this case, might manifest as a self-serving nature, prioritizing personal goals above others. Assassins in the service of a lawful evil nation, for instance, might justify their actions as serving the "greater good," targeting only those deemed evil or detrimental to society.

The subjectivity of good and evil is further highlighted by historical and cultural relativism. Acts of slavery and assassination by governments, for example, were lawful and accepted in certain societies throughout history, challenging the notion of absolute good and evil. Ultimately, the alignment of an assassin, whether lawful evil or otherwise, is shaped by a multitude of factors, including personal morals, cultural context, and the specific circumstances of their actions.

While some argue that assassins inherently fall into the category of evil due to the nature of their profession, others suggest that an assassin's alignment is more nuanced. The concept of "lawful evil" introduces additional complexity, as it can be interpreted in various ways depending on individual circumstances and beliefs. Ultimately, the alignment of an assassin is a matter of perspective, shaped by the subjective nature of good and evil.

Murder vs killing

The distinction between murder and killing is a nuanced one, and it is often debated whether an assassin can be considered lawful evil. On one hand, assassination is premeditated and involves killing the target without giving them a chance to defend themselves. This act of taking someone's life without their consent is generally considered evil.

However, the nature of good and evil, as well as lawfulness, can be highly subjective and dependent on cultural and moral codes. For instance, an assassin serving a lawful good nation by only killing those who threaten the greater good could be argued to be performing a necessary duty. Collateral damage may even be acceptable if it serves the greater good.

In the context of role-playing games like D&D, the alignment of an assassin character can be flexible. While some argue that assassins are inherently evil, others contend that they can be lawful good or even neutral. It is worth noting that in the real world, killing is sometimes legally and morally justified, such as in self-defense, defense of one's home, or to prevent the murder of an innocent person.

The key distinction between murder and killing lies in the presence of justification or valid excuse. Murder is generally defined as the unlawful killing of another human without justification or valid excuse, committed with malicious intent. Killing, on the other hand, can be justified in certain circumstances, such as self-defense or the defense of others. These justifications are recognized in both ancient Biblical Law and modern penal codes.

Subjective morality

The concept of an assassin being lawful evil is a highly subjective and debatable topic, with no clear consensus. The interpretation of "lawful evil" can vary depending on individual beliefs, cultural context, and the specific circumstances of the character's actions.

Some argue that assassins inherently cannot be lawful because assassination is generally considered an unlawful act, and the nature of their work involves surprise attacks and underhanded tactics. Additionally, assassins are often associated with killing for monetary gain, which is generally viewed as abhorrent and contradictory to the principles of lawful good characters.

However, others suggest that an assassin can be lawful evil if they adhere to a personal code of conduct or serve a higher purpose. For example, an assassin working for a government or a secret organization might be considered lawful if they operate within the boundaries of their organization's rules and only target specific individuals deemed as threats to the greater good.

The alignment of an assassin can also depend on the context of the fictional world in which they exist. In a society where assassination is legal and socially acceptable, an assassin could be considered lawful within the confines of that culture, even if their actions are viewed as evil from an external perspective.

Furthermore, the definition of "good" and "evil" can be subjective, and an assassin may perceive their actions as justified or necessary for a greater purpose. They may rationalize their actions as serving a higher cause, such as removing tyrannical leaders or preventing wars, which could blur the lines between good and evil.

Ultimately, the alignment of an assassin character, including whether they can be considered lawful evil, is open to interpretation and depends on a variety of factors, including the narrative context, the character's motivations, and the moral framework within which they operate.

Lawful evil assassins in modules

While some people argue that an assassin cannot be lawful evil because assassinating people is not lawful, others disagree. They argue that what is considered "lawful" depends on the character's own culture and moral code. For example, a Lawful Evil monk follows the same structures of the monastery as a Lawful Good monk, but is more brutal and believes they are better than their peers.

In the context of role-playing games, such as Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and AD&D, there are several examples of Lawful Evil assassins in modules. One player mentions the "Slaver series" as an example of a module with Lawful Evil assassins. Another player suggests that an assassin can be Lawful Good if they are in the service of a LG nation and only kill those they have been ordered to kill.

When creating a Lawful Evil assassin character, it is important to consider their motivations, actions, and circumstances. For example, a Lawful Evil assassin might refuse contracts for women and/or children, which adds an interesting layer to their backstory. They might also be reliable and follow through on their contracts, regardless of the amount of money or coercion involved.

In terms of alignment, Lawful Evil characters can take on a wide spectrum of character types, from the Noble Demon who fights honorably to the Affably Evil character who believes that doing bad things will lead to a better outcome. They can be pragmatic and flexible in their methods, prioritizing their goals above all else.

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