D&D General How do you do smart chaotic evil?

[Stormonu]

Having recently watched the Discworld TV series, I'd put Trymon as an example of an intelligent Chaotic Evil individual.

Chao's "Strongest Rules ... until someone stronger comes along" doesn't circumscribe an individual bending the knee to someone that is stronger or curbing/hiding their activities - at least until they find a moment to safely usurp that individual or act openly without repercussions.

 

[AlViking]

It's what the alignment has been from the outset. It's might makes right. The Joker or the Kurgan(from the Highlander) are perfect examples of Chaotic Evil. They aren't going to shy away from doing what they want when they want to do it.

Edit: Here is the 1e description.

"By promoting chaos and evil, those of this alignment hope to bring themselves to positions of power, glory, and prestige in a system ruled by individual caprice and their own whims."

That's might makes right.

Might makes right is one thing, stupid is as stupid does is another. A CE may want to fight their way to the top but they'll also understand the consequences if they're unsuccessful. I don't believe in chaotic stupid.

Someone that is lawful may not kill someone because it's against the rules or they respect the position. That doesn't mean someone chaotic is going to kill someone without realizing they can't get away with it.

 

[Misanthrope Prime]

Might makes right is one thing, stupid is as stupid does is another. A CE may want to fight their way to the top but they'll also understand the consequences if they're unsuccessful. I don't believe in chaotic stupid.

Someone that is lawful may not kill someone because it's against the rules or they respect the position. That doesn't mean someone chaotic is going to kill someone without realizing they can't get away with it.

A stupid chaotic evil thinks might makes right means physical power. A smart chaotic evil understands might makes right refers to monopolies of violence imposing totalitarian standards of morality.

 

[liteberer]

Anton Chigurh and Tony Soprano are wildly disparate examples...

 

[AlViking]

A stupid chaotic evil thinks might makes right means physical power. A smart chaotic evil understands might makes right refers to monopolies of violence imposing totalitarian standards of morality.

There are stupid people of all alignments. CE may mean stupid or chaotic insane - but some people seem to think those are the only options. A stupid or insane berserker chaotic barbarian NPC can be interesting, it's just not the only interesting option.