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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Imaculata" data-source="post: 6736456" data-attributes="member: 6801286">No, but I don't like it when people give a very narrow definition of the various alignments. You call them exceptions, but I call many of the definitions that I saw earlier exceptions in their own right. Take for example this idea that all Lawful Evil characters seek to rule, rather than to serve. THAT is an exception. And that is why I immediately point out the error in any such generalizations. If you are going to try and give a very accurate description of what Lawful Evil really is, it should not include details that are only true for a small selection of Lawful Evil characters.And the core reason I point it out, is because such a description of the alignment falls short of being a description at all. It doesn't touch upon what "Lawful" means, nor does it touch upon what "Evil" means. It tries to paint with very broad strokes, without ever coming up with a good answer to the original question. What makes a character Lawful Evil? Is it their lust for power? Clearly not. Is it there inability to pursue good goals, such as freedom, life and love? No, that's not right either. So what is "Lawful Evil"?I'll try and define it myself, but as this long discussion clearly shows, it is not an easy question to answer.EvilAn evil character values what is good for himself, higher than what is good for others. Some villains don't consider others at all, and others just don't consider them enough to be considered a good person. What also makes a person evil, is their willingness to harm others, or do bad things to them; either for the betterment of themselves, or simply because they feel like it. Evil characters don't feel compelled to do things out of the goodness of their heart. This does not mean that they can't ever do good things, or show affection, or show mercy at times. But its a sliding scale, that tips more to a lack of compassion, and less towards what we generally consider good acts. Evil characters are prone to selfish acts, corruption, cruelty, blood thirst, malevolence or greed. And what is also important, is whether such acts are intentional. Does the character cause harm because it is his intention to do so, or does it happen by accident, out of negligence or recklessness. A character such as Jurassic Park's Dennis Nedry for example, is not the typical kind of villain. Yes he is evil, but the death and destruction he unleashes on the park is mostly out of negligence, and due to his selfishness and greed. He did not intend to have people eaten by dinosaurs, and yet it is the direct result of his selfish actions. And yes, an evil character could also be a freedom fighter. In his pursuit for freedom, there might be civilian casualties due to negligence on the part of the villain. But he obviously values his goal higher than the risk for collateral damage. It is important to note that most villains do not consider themselves evil (unless they are a psychopath, or a cartoon stereotype). Everyone is the hero in his own story after all. That's my definition. I know it's not perfect, but I've tried to leave out generalizations that are awfully specific.LawfulA lawful character follows a code, a set of tenets, and/or the law. Good and evil characters alike can follow the law and be considered 'lawful', or they can ignore the law, but follow a code, or creed, to also be considered 'lawful'. What makes a character lawful in my opinion, is whether this code or creed determines their decisions. Lawful characters tend to be rational, and to some extend predictable. They have a clear framework on which their behavior is based. A lawful good paladin might believe that delivering captured orcs to the local authority is the right thing to do, despite knowing that they'll probably be executed. This is not out of lack of mercy, but out of respect for local law, and/or a trust that justice will be served (however misguided that belief may be). A lawful evil character could have a similar respect for the law, or he/she might follow a personal code that he adheres to. Not all lawful evil characters are genocidal tyrants with a fondness of black capes and a castle surrounded by lava. They could be a local sheriff, who has never taken a life, but is relentless in his tax collecting. He's only following the law, but has little compassion for the poor family that can't pay up. They don't all aspire to be leaders, or servants. they could be either one, and could be perfectly happy in their position (take for example the ruthless tax collecting sheriff, who is happy to do what he does). A ruthless assassin could be Lawful, even if he is clearly breaking the law. Maybe he follows a set of personal rules, or the tenets of his temple.</blockquote>

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