[004]
2.223.201.138
Current Version
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
Take out Type 2 and 3 and just refer to them in the opening paragraphs; change Type 1 to mean \
to:
Take out Type 2 and 3 and just refer to them in the opening paragraphs; change Type 1 to mean \\\"more Lawful than Evil\\\", Type 2 to \\\"more Evil than Lawful\\\" and Type 3 to a fair balance, which is basically the current Type 4. This brings it in line with the LawfulGood / ChaoticGood and ChaoticEvil pages and just generally makes more sense; a LawfulEvil {{mook}} shouldn\\\'t be a specific Type any more than a ChaoticEvil {{mook}} is, and like \\\"personal code\\\" and \\\"civic order\\\" are really more about different kinds of Lawful than different types of LawfulEvil.
In other words:
\\\"
A Lawful Evil character is an evil character who either tries to impose or uphold a lawful system on others without regard for their wishes, and/or adheres to a particular code. They believe in order, but mostly because they believe it is the best way of realising their evil wishes. They will obey the letter of the law, but not the spirit, and are usually very careful about giving their word. However, there is also the KnightTemplar variant, who believes their rules actually make them the good guy -- when they and their rules have in truth ended up at the lower end of the slippery slope to evil and tyranny.
Though Lawful Evil characters are often found in charge, these characters also make good henchmen or {{mooks}}. Though they lack any moral scruples that may impair their work, a cautious villain will find they respond well to concepts like \\\'loyalty\\\', \\\'duty\\\', and \\\'honour\\\'. The caution, however, should be remembered, as these characters also respond poorly to {{Bad Boss}}es and {{Dirty Coward}}s[[note]]not that a Dirty Coward themselves Lawful Evil is something unheard of, far from it[[/note]], as well as simple incompetence that could lead them to deciding to either find a more worthy master, or take over \\\'for the good of the cause\\\', although some might simply be weak-willed and need somebody to [[JustFollowingOrders tell them what to do]].
As with LawfulGood, a LawfulEvil character may believe in either \\\'\\\'\\\'civic\\\'\\\'\\\' Order (ie. an orderly society or organization, or following the rules) or \\\'\\\'\\\'personal\\\'\\\'\\\' Order (ie. following a personal code of [[VillainousValour honor]] or simply having personal rules out of [[PragmaticVillainy pragmatism]]); many have both elements. The essential feature is that they are, by behaviour or nature, inclined towards order in some form.
Lawful Evil comes in three flavors:
* Type 1 is those who are more Lawful than Evil. This type honestly believes that an orderly society or way of living is better for everyone or is just the way the prefer things to be, but are ruthless or cruel enough to take an \\\"ends justify the means\\\" approach to enforcing this. This type can be found in- and sometimes even be sincerely loyal to- any kind of society, including Neutral and Good aligned ones; the problem is, they are prepared to commit evil actions for it, and are prone to MoralMyopia, LackOfEmpathy and JerkJustifications to excuse their deeds. This type does not \\\'\\\'necessarily\\\'\\\' include any and all agents or upholders of LawfulEvil codes, cultures, empires etc. who may be Neutral or even Good-aligned, but have found themselves serving Evil by circumstance, cultural conditioning or birth. Expect PrinciplesZealot / KnightTemplar behaviour as this type is often murderously intolerant of any opposition or perceived threats; also, though they may not \\\'\\\'hunger\\\'\\\' for power exactly, they might still seek it out in the name of security or to enforce their order on others. This can also be just as [[EvilIsPetty petty]], [[{{Revenge}} vengeful]] or [[{{Sadist}} sadistic]] as any other villain; they are just much more likely to direct this against people who they feel have honestly wronged them or, in their mind at least, actually have it coming. They are also not any more trustworthy than any other evil character, as their first loyalty will be to their code or society or whatever and they may engage in betrayal either to advantage this or to eliminate a threat, or even because of JustFollowingOrders (real or presumed). At the high end, TotalitarianUtilitarian and those who seek to eradicate TheEvilsOfFreeWill often fall under this type.
* Type 2 is more Evil than Lawful, the kind of villain who follows an orderly way of living because they think that this is [[PragmaticVillainy the best way to achieve their evil desires or goals]]. This type resembles pure selfish NeutralEvil, but differ because they use lawful methods because they honestly think they are the best- or because that\\\'s just where their talents or inclinations lie- rather than out of pure circumstance or convenience; in other words, if a non-Lawful means of achieving their goal presented itself, they would still at least prefer the Lawful option. This type can be selfish, cruel, power-hungry and outright sadistic, but are reluctant to actually commit any evil deeds without some sense of organization or direction; for example, someone who joins the army in order to kill people ForTheEvulz with a veneer or legal permission, or someone who joins a [[TheSyndicate gang or crime syndicate]] to have backup or support for their evil deeds, or the more [[SuperOCD compulsively organized]] sadistic {{Serial Killer}}s or violent criminals. Many a [[TheChessmaster chessmasters]] and EvilGenius (though by no means all) fit this type, as they prefer their crimes and orders to be carried out methodically. Often slightly \\\'\\\'more\\\'\\\' trustworthy than other evil types, but beware of ExactWords or simply catching them on a bad day.
* Type 3 is a balance of both Lawful and Evil. They see little distinction their Lawful desires or inclinations and their Evil ones, and seek to satisfy both. Frequently the most dangerous type, at the extreme end this includes characters that simply [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill hate freedom]] and will enslave people [[ForTheEvulz out of malice]], or those who get their jollies from [[EvilIsPetty imposing ridiculously harsh rules]] with [[DisproportionateRetribution even more ridiculous consequences]] for breaking them. (Not totally arbitrary rules, though, that goes over to Chaotic.) DystopiaJustifiesTheMeans can fall under this category and they use law and order principally as instruments of suffering and oppression for its own sake and not (just) that of power or running TheEmpire efficiently. They might keep up appearances of a NobleDemon but at best they will abuse the hell out of ExactWords and at their worst they will flat out lie and cheat in spite of it. Most Lawful Evil characters in \\\'\\\'TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons\\\'\\\' are this type including \\\'\\\'Hextor\\\'\\\', the iconic god of Lawful Evil. ComicBook/{{Darkseid}} is the classic example of this sort of villain and demonstrates just why it is the worst of the Lawful Evil types.
\\\"
In other words:
\\\"
A Lawful Evil character is an evil character who either tries to impose or uphold a lawful system on others without regard for their wishes, and/or adheres to a particular code. They believe in order, but mostly because they believe it is the best way of realising their evil wishes. They will obey the letter of the law, but not the spirit, and are usually very careful about giving their word. However, there is also the KnightTemplar variant, who believes their rules actually make them the good guy -- when they and their rules have in truth ended up at the lower end of the slippery slope to evil and tyranny.
Though Lawful Evil characters are often found in charge, these characters also make good henchmen or {{mooks}}. Though they lack any moral scruples that may impair their work, a cautious villain will find they respond well to concepts like \\\'loyalty\\\', \\\'duty\\\', and \\\'honour\\\'. The caution, however, should be remembered, as these characters also respond poorly to {{Bad Boss}}es and {{Dirty Coward}}s[[note]]not that a Dirty Coward themselves Lawful Evil is something unheard of, far from it[[/note]], as well as simple incompetence that could lead them to deciding to either find a more worthy master, or take over \\\'for the good of the cause\\\', although some might simply be weak-willed and need somebody to [[JustFollowingOrders tell them what to do]].
As with LawfulGood, a LawfulEvil character may believe in either \\\'\\\'\\\'civic\\\'\\\'\\\' Order (ie. an orderly society or organization, or following the rules) or \\\'\\\'\\\'personal\\\'\\\'\\\' Order (ie. following a personal code of [[VillainousValour honor]] or simply having personal rules out of [[PragmaticVillainy pragmatism]]); many have both elements. The essential feature is that they are, by behaviour or nature, inclined towards order in some form.
Lawful Evil comes in three flavors:
* Type 1 is those who are more Lawful than Evil. This type honestly believes that an orderly society or way of living is better for everyone or is just the way the prefer things to be, but are ruthless or cruel enough to take an \\\"ends justify the means\\\" approach to enforcing this. This type can be found in- and sometimes even be sincerely loyal to- any kind of society, including Neutral and Good aligned ones; the problem is, they are prepared to commit evil actions for it, and are prone to MoralMyopia, LackOfEmpathy and JerkJustifications to excuse their deeds. This type does not \\\'\\\'necessarily\\\'\\\' include any and all agents or upholders of LawfulEvil codes, cultures, empires etc. who may be Neutral or even Good-aligned, but have found themselves serving Evil by circumstance, cultural conditioning or birth. Expect PrinciplesZealot / KnightTemplar behaviour as this type is often murderously intolerant of any opposition or perceived threats; also, though they may not \\\'\\\'hunger\\\'\\\' for power exactly, they might still seek it out in the name of security or to enforce their order on others. This can also be just as [[EvilIsPetty petty]], [[{{Revenge}} vengeful]] or [[{{Sadist}} sadistic]] as any other villain; they are just much more likely to direct this against people who they feel have honestly wronged them or, in their mind at least, actually have it coming. They are also not any more trustworthy than any other evil character, as their first loyalty will be to their code or society or whatever and they may engage in betrayal either to advantage this or to eliminate a threat, or even because of JustFollowingOrders (real or presumed). At the high end, TotalitarianUtilitarian and those who seek to eradicate TheEvilsOfFreeWill often fall under this type.
* Type 2 is more Evil than Lawful, the kind of villain who follows an orderly way of living because they think that this is [[PragmaticVillainy the best way to achieve their evil desires or goals]]. This type resembles pure selfish NeutralEvil, but differ because they use lawful methods because they honestly think they are the best- or because that\\\'s just where their talents or inclinations lie- rather than out of pure circumstance or convenience; in other words, if a non-Lawful means of achieving their goal presented itself, they would still at least prefer the Lawful option. This type can be selfish, cruel, power-hungry and outright sadistic, but are reluctant to actually commit any evil deeds without some sense of organization or direction; for example, someone who joins the army in order to kill people ForTheEvulz with a veneer or legal permission, or someone who joins a [[TheSyndicate gang or crime syndicate]] to have backup or support for their evil deeds, or the more [[SuperOCD compulsively organized]] sadistic {{Serial Killer}}s or violent criminals. Many a [[TheChessmaster chessmasters]] and EvilGenius (though by no means all) fit this type, as they prefer their crimes and orders to be carried out methodically. Often slightly \\\'\\\'more\\\'\\\' trustworthy than other evil types, but beware of ExactWords or simply catching them on a bad day.
* Type 3 is a balance of both Lawful and Evil. They see little distinction their Lawful desires or inclinations and their Evil ones, and seek to satisfy both. Frequently the most dangerous type, at the extreme end this includes characters that simply [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill hate freedom]] and will enslave people [[ForTheEvulz out of malice]], or those who get their jollies from [[EvilIsPetty imposing ridiculously harsh rules]] with [[DisproportionateRetribution even more ridiculous consequences]] for breaking them. (Not totally arbitrary rules, though, that goes over to Chaotic.) DystopiaJustifiesTheMeans can fall under this category and they use law and order principally as instruments of suffering and oppression for its own sake and not (just) that of power or running TheEmpire efficiently. They might keep up appearances of a NobleDemon but at best they will abuse the hell out of ExactWords and at their worst they will flat out lie and cheat in spite of it. Most Lawful Evil characters in \\\'\\\'TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons\\\'\\\' are this type including \\\'\\\'Hextor\\\'\\\', the iconic god of Lawful Evil. ComicBook/{{Darkseid}} is the classic example of this sort of villain and demonstrates just why it is the worst of the Lawful Evil types.
\\\"
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
Take out Type 2 and 3 and just refer to them in the opening paragraphs; change Type 1 to mean \
to:
Take out Type 2 and 3 and just refer to them in the opening paragraphs; change Type 1 to mean \\\"more Lawful than Evil\\\", Type 2 to \\\"more Evil than Lawful\\\" and Type 3 to a fair balance, which is basically the current Type 4. This brings it in line with the LawfulGood / ChaoticGood and ChaoticEvil pages and just generally makes more sense; a LawfulEvil {{mook}} shouldn\\\'t be a specific Type any more than a ChaoticEvil {{mook}} is, and like \\\"personal code\\\" and \\\"civic order\\\" are really more about different kinds of villain than different types of LawfulEvil.
In other words:
\\\"
A Lawful Evil character is an evil character who either tries to impose or uphold a lawful system on others without regard for their wishes, and/or adheres to a particular code. They believe in order, but mostly because they believe it is the best way of realising their evil wishes. They will obey the letter of the law, but not the spirit, and are usually very careful about giving their word. However, there is also the KnightTemplar variant, who believes their rules actually make them the good guy -- when they and their rules have in truth ended up at the lower end of the slippery slope to evil and tyranny.
Though Lawful Evil characters are often found in charge, these characters also make good henchmen or {{mooks}}. Though they lack any moral scruples that may impair their work, a cautious villain will find they respond well to concepts like \\\'loyalty\\\', \\\'duty\\\', and \\\'honour\\\'. The caution, however, should be remembered, as these characters also respond poorly to {{Bad Boss}}es and {{Dirty Coward}}s[[note]]not that a Dirty Coward themselves Lawful Evil is something unheard of, far from it[[/note]], as well as simple incompetence that could lead them to deciding to either find a more worthy master, or take over \\\'for the good of the cause\\\', although some might simply be weak-willed and need somebody to [[JustFollowingOrders tell them what to do]].
As with LawfulGood, a LawfulEvil character may believe in either \\\'\\\'\\\'civic\\\'\\\'\\\' Order (ie. an orderly society or organization, or following the rules) or \\\'\\\'\\\'personal\\\'\\\'\\\' Order (ie. following a personal code of [[VillainousValour honor]] or simply having personal rules out of [[PragmaticVillainy pragmatism]]); many have both elements. The essential feature is that they are, by behaviour or nature, inclined towards order in some form.
Lawful Evil comes in three flavors:
* Type 1 is those who are more Lawful than Evil. This type honestly believes that an orderly society or way of living is better for everyone or is just the way the prefer things to be, but are ruthless or cruel enough to take an \\\"ends justify the means\\\" approach to enforcing this. This type can be found in- and sometimes even be sincerely loyal to- any kind of society, including Neutral and Good aligned ones; the problem is, they are prepared to commit evil actions for it, and are prone to MoralMyopia, LackOfEmpathy and JerkJustifications to excuse their deeds. This type does not \\\'\\\'necessarily\\\'\\\' include any and all agents or upholders of LawfulEvil codes, cultures, empires etc. who may be Neutral or even Good-aligned, but have found themselves serving Evil by circumstance, cultural conditioning or birth. Expect PrinciplesZealot / KnightTemplar behaviour as this type is often murderously intolerant of any opposition or perceived threats; also, though they may not \\\'\\\'hunger\\\'\\\' for power exactly, they might still seek it out in the name of security or to enforce their order on others. This can also be just as [[EvilIsPetty petty]], [[{{Revenge}} vengeful]] or [[{{Sadist}} sadistic]] as any other villain; they are just much more likely to direct this against people who they feel have honestly wronged them or, in their mind at least, actually have it coming. They are also not any more trustworthy than any other evil character, as their first loyalty will be to their code or society or whatever and they may engage in betrayal either to advantage this or to eliminate a threat, or even because of JustFollowingOrders (real or presumed). At the high end, TotalitarianUtilitarian and those who seek to eradicate TheEvilsOfFreeWill often fall under this type.
* Type 2 is more Evil than Lawful, the kind of villain who follows an orderly way of living because they think that this is [[PragmaticVillainy the best way to achieve their evil desires or goals]]. This type resembles pure selfish NeutralEvil, but differ because they use lawful methods because they honestly think they are the best- or because that\\\'s just where their talents or inclinations lie- rather than out of pure circumstance or convenience; in other words, if a non-Lawful means of achieving their goal presented itself, they would still at least prefer the Lawful option. This type can be selfish, cruel, power-hungry and outright sadistic, but are reluctant to actually commit any evil deeds without some sense of organization or direction; for example, someone who joins the army in order to kill people ForTheEvulz with a veneer or legal permission, or someone who joins a [[TheSyndicate gang or crime syndicate]] to have backup or support for their evil deeds, or the more [[SuperOCD compulsively organized]] sadistic {{Serial Killer}}s or violent criminals. Many a [[TheChessmaster chessmasters]] and EvilGenius (though by no means all) fit this type, as they prefer their crimes and orders to be carried out methodically. Often slightly \\\'\\\'more\\\'\\\' trustworthy than other evil types, but beware of ExactWords or simply catching them on a bad day.
* Type 3 is a balance of both Lawful and Evil. They see little distinction their Lawful desires or inclinations and their Evil ones, and seek to satisfy both. Frequently the most dangerous type, at the extreme end this includes characters that simply [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill hate freedom]] and will enslave people [[ForTheEvulz out of malice]], or those who get their jollies from [[EvilIsPetty imposing ridiculously harsh rules]] with [[DisproportionateRetribution even more ridiculous consequences]] for breaking them. (Not totally arbitrary rules, though, that goes over to Chaotic.) DystopiaJustifiesTheMeans can fall under this category and they use law and order principally as instruments of suffering and oppression for its own sake and not (just) that of power or running TheEmpire efficiently. They might keep up appearances of a NobleDemon but at best they will abuse the hell out of ExactWords and at their worst they will flat out lie and cheat in spite of it. Most Lawful Evil characters in \\\'\\\'TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons\\\'\\\' are this type including \\\'\\\'Hextor\\\'\\\', the iconic god of Lawful Evil. ComicBook/{{Darkseid}} is the classic example of this sort of villain and demonstrates just why it is the worst of the Lawful Evil types.
\\\"
In other words:
\\\"
A Lawful Evil character is an evil character who either tries to impose or uphold a lawful system on others without regard for their wishes, and/or adheres to a particular code. They believe in order, but mostly because they believe it is the best way of realising their evil wishes. They will obey the letter of the law, but not the spirit, and are usually very careful about giving their word. However, there is also the KnightTemplar variant, who believes their rules actually make them the good guy -- when they and their rules have in truth ended up at the lower end of the slippery slope to evil and tyranny.
Though Lawful Evil characters are often found in charge, these characters also make good henchmen or {{mooks}}. Though they lack any moral scruples that may impair their work, a cautious villain will find they respond well to concepts like \\\'loyalty\\\', \\\'duty\\\', and \\\'honour\\\'. The caution, however, should be remembered, as these characters also respond poorly to {{Bad Boss}}es and {{Dirty Coward}}s[[note]]not that a Dirty Coward themselves Lawful Evil is something unheard of, far from it[[/note]], as well as simple incompetence that could lead them to deciding to either find a more worthy master, or take over \\\'for the good of the cause\\\', although some might simply be weak-willed and need somebody to [[JustFollowingOrders tell them what to do]].
As with LawfulGood, a LawfulEvil character may believe in either \\\'\\\'\\\'civic\\\'\\\'\\\' Order (ie. an orderly society or organization, or following the rules) or \\\'\\\'\\\'personal\\\'\\\'\\\' Order (ie. following a personal code of [[VillainousValour honor]] or simply having personal rules out of [[PragmaticVillainy pragmatism]]); many have both elements. The essential feature is that they are, by behaviour or nature, inclined towards order in some form.
Lawful Evil comes in three flavors:
* Type 1 is those who are more Lawful than Evil. This type honestly believes that an orderly society or way of living is better for everyone or is just the way the prefer things to be, but are ruthless or cruel enough to take an \\\"ends justify the means\\\" approach to enforcing this. This type can be found in- and sometimes even be sincerely loyal to- any kind of society, including Neutral and Good aligned ones; the problem is, they are prepared to commit evil actions for it, and are prone to MoralMyopia, LackOfEmpathy and JerkJustifications to excuse their deeds. This type does not \\\'\\\'necessarily\\\'\\\' include any and all agents or upholders of LawfulEvil codes, cultures, empires etc. who may be Neutral or even Good-aligned, but have found themselves serving Evil by circumstance, cultural conditioning or birth. Expect PrinciplesZealot / KnightTemplar behaviour as this type is often murderously intolerant of any opposition or perceived threats; also, though they may not \\\'\\\'hunger\\\'\\\' for power exactly, they might still seek it out in the name of security or to enforce their order on others. This can also be just as [[EvilIsPetty petty]], [[{{Revenge}} vengeful]] or [[{{Sadist}} sadistic]] as any other villain; they are just much more likely to direct this against people who they feel have honestly wronged them or, in their mind at least, actually have it coming. They are also not any more trustworthy than any other evil character, as their first loyalty will be to their code or society or whatever and they may engage in betrayal either to advantage this or to eliminate a threat, or even because of JustFollowingOrders (real or presumed). At the high end, TotalitarianUtilitarian and those who seek to eradicate TheEvilsOfFreeWill often fall under this type.
* Type 2 is more Evil than Lawful, the kind of villain who follows an orderly way of living because they think that this is [[PragmaticVillainy the best way to achieve their evil desires or goals]]. This type resembles pure selfish NeutralEvil, but differ because they use lawful methods because they honestly think they are the best- or because that\\\'s just where their talents or inclinations lie- rather than out of pure circumstance or convenience; in other words, if a non-Lawful means of achieving their goal presented itself, they would still at least prefer the Lawful option. This type can be selfish, cruel, power-hungry and outright sadistic, but are reluctant to actually commit any evil deeds without some sense of organization or direction; for example, someone who joins the army in order to kill people ForTheEvulz with a veneer or legal permission, or someone who joins a [[TheSyndicate gang or crime syndicate]] to have backup or support for their evil deeds, or the more [[SuperOCD compulsively organized]] sadistic {{Serial Killer}}s or violent criminals. Many a [[TheChessmaster chessmasters]] and EvilGenius (though by no means all) fit this type, as they prefer their crimes and orders to be carried out methodically. Often slightly \\\'\\\'more\\\'\\\' trustworthy than other evil types, but beware of ExactWords or simply catching them on a bad day.
* Type 3 is a balance of both Lawful and Evil. They see little distinction their Lawful desires or inclinations and their Evil ones, and seek to satisfy both. Frequently the most dangerous type, at the extreme end this includes characters that simply [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill hate freedom]] and will enslave people [[ForTheEvulz out of malice]], or those who get their jollies from [[EvilIsPetty imposing ridiculously harsh rules]] with [[DisproportionateRetribution even more ridiculous consequences]] for breaking them. (Not totally arbitrary rules, though, that goes over to Chaotic.) DystopiaJustifiesTheMeans can fall under this category and they use law and order principally as instruments of suffering and oppression for its own sake and not (just) that of power or running TheEmpire efficiently. They might keep up appearances of a NobleDemon but at best they will abuse the hell out of ExactWords and at their worst they will flat out lie and cheat in spite of it. Most Lawful Evil characters in \\\'\\\'TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons\\\'\\\' are this type including \\\'\\\'Hextor\\\'\\\', the iconic god of Lawful Evil. ComicBook/{{Darkseid}} is the classic example of this sort of villain and demonstrates just why it is the worst of the Lawful Evil types.
\\\"
Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
Take out Type 2 and 3 and just refer to them in the opening paragraphs; change Type 1 to mean \
to:
Take out Type 2 and 3 and just refer to them in the opening paragraphs; change Type 1 to mean \\\"more Lawful than Evil\\\", Type 2 to \\\"more Evil than Lawful\\\" and Type 3 to a fair balance, which is basically the current Type 4. This brings it in line with the LawfulGood / ChaoticGood and ChaoticEvil pages and just generally makes more sense; a LawfulEvil {{mook}} shouldn\\\'t be a specific Type any more than a ChaoticEvil {{mook}} is, and like \\\"personal code\\\" and \\\"civic order\\\" are really more about different kinds of villain than different types of LawfulEvil.
In other words:
\\\"
A Lawful Evil character is an evil character who either tries to impose or uphold a lawful system on others without regard for their wishes, and/or adheres to a particular code. They believe in order, but mostly because they believe it is the best way of realising their evil wishes. They will obey the letter of the law, but not the spirit, and are usually very careful about giving their word. However, there is also the KnightTemplar variant, who believes their rules actually make them the good guy -- when they and their rules have in truth ended up at the lower end of the slippery slope to evil and tyranny.
Though Lawful Evil characters are often found in charge, these characters also make good henchmen or {{mooks}}. Though they lack any moral scruples that may impair their work, a cautious villain will find they respond well to concepts like \\\'loyalty\\\', \\\'duty\\\', and \\\'honour\\\'. The caution, however, should be remembered, as these characters also respond poorly to {{Bad Boss}}es and {{Dirty Coward}}s[[note]]not that a Dirty Coward themselves Lawful Evil is something unheard of, far from it[[/note]], as well as simple incompetence that could lead them to deciding to either find a more worthy master, or take over \\\'for the good of the cause\\\', although some might simply be weak-willed and need somebody to [[JustFollowingOrders tell them what to do]].
As with LawfulGood, a LawfulEvil character may believe in either \\\'\\\'\\\'civic\\\'\\\' Order (ie. an orderly society or organization, or following the rules) or \\\'\\\'\\\'personal\\\'\\\'\\\' order (ie. following a personal code of [[VillainousValour honor]] or simply having personal rules out of [[PragmaticVillainy pragmatism]]); many have both elements. The essential feature is that they are, by behaviour or nature, inclined towards order in some form.
Lawful Evil comes in three flavors:
* Type 1 is those who are more Lawful than Evil. This type honestly believes that an orderly society or way of living is better for everyone or is just the way the prefer things to be, but are ruthless or cruel enough to take an \\\"ends justify the means\\\" approach to enforcing this. This type can be found in- and sometimes even be sincerely loyal to- any kind of society, including Neutral and Good aligned ones; the problem is, they are prepared to commit evil actions for it, and are prone to MoralMyopia, LackOfEmpathy and JerkJustifications to excuse their deeds. This type does not \\\'\\\'necessarily\\\'\\\' include any and all agents or upholders of LawfulEvil codes, cultures, empires etc. who may be Neutral or even Good-aligned, but have found themselves serving Evil by circumstance, cultural conditioning or birth. Expect PrinciplesZealot / KnightTemplar behaviour as this type is often murderously intolerant of any opposition or perceived threats; also, though they may not \\\'\\\'hunger\\\'\\\' for power exactly, they might still seek it out in the name of security or to enforce their order on others. This can also be just as [[EvilIsPetty petty]], [[{{Revenge}} vengeful]] or [[{{Sadist}} sadistic]] as any other villain; they are just much more likely to direct this against people who they feel have honestly wronged them or, in their mind at least, actually have it coming. They are also not any more trustworthy than any other evil character, as their first loyalty will be to their code or society or whatever and they may engage in betrayal either to advantage this or to eliminate a threat, or even because of JustFollowingOrders (real or presumed). At the high end, TotalitarianUtilitarian and those who seek to eradicate TheEvilsOfFreeWill often fall under this type.
* Type 2 is more Evil than Lawful, the kind of villain who follows an orderly way of living because they think that this is [[PragmaticVillainy the best way to achieve their evil desires or goals]]. This type resembles pure selfish NeutralEvil, but differ because they use lawful methods because they honestly think they are the best- or because that\\\'s just where their talents or inclinations lie- rather than out of pure circumstance or convenience; in other words, if a non-Lawful means of achieving their goal presented itself, they would still at least prefer the Lawful option. This type can be selfish, cruel, power-hungry and outright sadistic, but are reluctant to actually commit any evil deeds without some sense of organization or direction; for example, someone who joins the army in order to kill people ForTheEvulz with a veneer or legal permission, or someone who joins a [[TheSyndicate gang or crime syndicate]] to have backup or support for their evil deeds, or the more [[SuperOCD compulsively organized]] sadistic {{Serial Killer}}s or violent criminals. Many a [[TheChessmaster chessmasters]] and EvilGenius (though by no means all) fit this type, as they prefer their crimes and orders to be carried out methodically. Often slightly \\\'\\\'more\\\'\\\' trustworthy than other evil types, but beware of ExactWords or simply catching them on a bad day.
* Type 3 is a balance of both Lawful and Evil. They see little distinction their Lawful desires or inclinations and their Evil ones, and seek to satisfy both. Frequently the most dangerous type, at the extreme end this includes characters that simply [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill hate freedom]] and will enslave people [[ForTheEvulz out of malice]], or those who get their jollies from [[EvilIsPetty imposing ridiculously harsh rules]] with [[DisproportionateRetribution even more ridiculous consequences]] for breaking them. (Not totally arbitrary rules, though, that goes over to Chaotic.) DystopiaJustifiesTheMeans can fall under this category and they use law and order principally as instruments of suffering and oppression for its own sake and not (just) that of power or running TheEmpire efficiently. They might keep up appearances of a NobleDemon but at best they will abuse the hell out of ExactWords and at their worst they will flat out lie and cheat in spite of it. Most Lawful Evil characters in \\\'\\\'TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons\\\'\\\' are this type including \\\'\\\'Hextor\\\'\\\', the iconic god of Lawful Evil. ComicBook/{{Darkseid}} is the classic example of this sort of villain and demonstrates just why it is the worst of the Lawful Evil types.
\\\"
In other words:
\\\"
A Lawful Evil character is an evil character who either tries to impose or uphold a lawful system on others without regard for their wishes, and/or adheres to a particular code. They believe in order, but mostly because they believe it is the best way of realising their evil wishes. They will obey the letter of the law, but not the spirit, and are usually very careful about giving their word. However, there is also the KnightTemplar variant, who believes their rules actually make them the good guy -- when they and their rules have in truth ended up at the lower end of the slippery slope to evil and tyranny.
Though Lawful Evil characters are often found in charge, these characters also make good henchmen or {{mooks}}. Though they lack any moral scruples that may impair their work, a cautious villain will find they respond well to concepts like \\\'loyalty\\\', \\\'duty\\\', and \\\'honour\\\'. The caution, however, should be remembered, as these characters also respond poorly to {{Bad Boss}}es and {{Dirty Coward}}s[[note]]not that a Dirty Coward themselves Lawful Evil is something unheard of, far from it[[/note]], as well as simple incompetence that could lead them to deciding to either find a more worthy master, or take over \\\'for the good of the cause\\\', although some might simply be weak-willed and need somebody to [[JustFollowingOrders tell them what to do]].
As with LawfulGood, a LawfulEvil character may believe in either \\\'\\\'\\\'civic\\\'\\\' Order (ie. an orderly society or organization, or following the rules) or \\\'\\\'\\\'personal\\\'\\\'\\\' order (ie. following a personal code of [[VillainousValour honor]] or simply having personal rules out of [[PragmaticVillainy pragmatism]]); many have both elements. The essential feature is that they are, by behaviour or nature, inclined towards order in some form.
Lawful Evil comes in three flavors:
* Type 1 is those who are more Lawful than Evil. This type honestly believes that an orderly society or way of living is better for everyone or is just the way the prefer things to be, but are ruthless or cruel enough to take an \\\"ends justify the means\\\" approach to enforcing this. This type can be found in- and sometimes even be sincerely loyal to- any kind of society, including Neutral and Good aligned ones; the problem is, they are prepared to commit evil actions for it, and are prone to MoralMyopia, LackOfEmpathy and JerkJustifications to excuse their deeds. This type does not \\\'\\\'necessarily\\\'\\\' include any and all agents or upholders of LawfulEvil codes, cultures, empires etc. who may be Neutral or even Good-aligned, but have found themselves serving Evil by circumstance, cultural conditioning or birth. Expect PrinciplesZealot / KnightTemplar behaviour as this type is often murderously intolerant of any opposition or perceived threats; also, though they may not \\\'\\\'hunger\\\'\\\' for power exactly, they might still seek it out in the name of security or to enforce their order on others. This can also be just as [[EvilIsPetty petty]], [[{{Revenge}} vengeful]] or [[{{Sadist}} sadistic]] as any other villain; they are just much more likely to direct this against people who they feel have honestly wronged them or, in their mind at least, actually have it coming. They are also not any more trustworthy than any other evil character, as their first loyalty will be to their code or society or whatever and they may engage in betrayal either to advantage this or to eliminate a threat, or even because of JustFollowingOrders (real or presumed). At the high end, TotalitarianUtilitarian and those who seek to eradicate TheEvilsOfFreeWill often fall under this type.
* Type 2 is more Evil than Lawful, the kind of villain who follows an orderly way of living because they think that this is [[PragmaticVillainy the best way to achieve their evil desires or goals]]. This type resembles pure selfish NeutralEvil, but differ because they use lawful methods because they honestly think they are the best- or because that\\\'s just where their talents or inclinations lie- rather than out of pure circumstance or convenience; in other words, if a non-Lawful means of achieving their goal presented itself, they would still at least prefer the Lawful option. This type can be selfish, cruel, power-hungry and outright sadistic, but are reluctant to actually commit any evil deeds without some sense of organization or direction; for example, someone who joins the army in order to kill people ForTheEvulz with a veneer or legal permission, or someone who joins a [[TheSyndicate gang or crime syndicate]] to have backup or support for their evil deeds, or the more [[SuperOCD compulsively organized]] sadistic {{Serial Killer}}s or violent criminals. Many a [[TheChessmaster chessmasters]] and EvilGenius (though by no means all) fit this type, as they prefer their crimes and orders to be carried out methodically. Often slightly \\\'\\\'more\\\'\\\' trustworthy than other evil types, but beware of ExactWords or simply catching them on a bad day.
* Type 3 is a balance of both Lawful and Evil. They see little distinction their Lawful desires or inclinations and their Evil ones, and seek to satisfy both. Frequently the most dangerous type, at the extreme end this includes characters that simply [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill hate freedom]] and will enslave people [[ForTheEvulz out of malice]], or those who get their jollies from [[EvilIsPetty imposing ridiculously harsh rules]] with [[DisproportionateRetribution even more ridiculous consequences]] for breaking them. (Not totally arbitrary rules, though, that goes over to Chaotic.) DystopiaJustifiesTheMeans can fall under this category and they use law and order principally as instruments of suffering and oppression for its own sake and not (just) that of power or running TheEmpire efficiently. They might keep up appearances of a NobleDemon but at best they will abuse the hell out of ExactWords and at their worst they will flat out lie and cheat in spite of it. Most Lawful Evil characters in \\\'\\\'TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons\\\'\\\' are this type including \\\'\\\'Hextor\\\'\\\', the iconic god of Lawful Evil. ComicBook/{{Darkseid}} is the classic example of this sort of villain and demonstrates just why it is the worst of the Lawful Evil types.
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Changed line(s) 3 from:
n
Take out Type 2 and 3 and just refer to them in the opening paragraphs; change Type 1 to mean \
to:
Take out Type 2 and 3 and just refer to them in the opening paragraphs; change Type 1 to mean \\\"more Lawful than Evil\\\", Type 2 to \\\"more Evil than Lawful\\\" and Type 3 to a fair balance, which is basically the current Type 4. This brings it in line with the LawfulGood / ChaoticGood and ChaoticEvil pages and just generally makes more sense; a LawfulEvil {{mook}} shouldn\\\'t be a specific Type any more than a ChaoticEvil {{mook}} is, and like \\\"personal code\\\" and \\\"civic order\\\" are really more about different kinds of villain than different types of LawfulEvil.
In other words:
\\\"
A Lawful Evil character is an evil character who either tries to impose or uphold a lawful system on others without regard for their wishes, and/or adheres to a particular code. They believe in order, but mostly because they believe it is the best way of realising their evil wishes. They will obey the letter of the law, but not the spirit, and are usually very careful about giving their word. However, there is also the KnightTemplar variant, who believes their rules actually make them the good guy -- when they and their rules have in truth ended up at the lower end of the slippery slope to evil and tyranny.
Though Lawful Evil characters are often found in charge, these characters also make good henchmen or {{mooks}}. Though they lack any moral scruples that may impair their work, a cautious villain will find they respond well to concepts like \\\'loyalty\\\', \\\'duty\\\', and \\\'honour\\\'. The caution, however, should be remembered, as these characters also respond poorly to {{Bad Boss}}es and {{Dirty Coward}}s[[note]]not that a Dirty Coward themselves Lawful Evil is something unheard of, far from it[[/note]], as well as simple incompetence that could lead them to deciding to either find a more worthy master, or take over \\\'for the good of the cause\\\', although some might simply be weak-willed and need somebody to [[JustFollowingOrders tell them what to do]].
As with LawfulGood, a LawfulEvil character may believe in either \\\'\\\'\\\'civic\\\'\\\' Order (ie. an orderly society or organization, or following the rules) or \\\'\\\'\\\'personal\\\'\\\'\\\' order (ie. following a personal code of [[VillainousValour honor]] or simply having personal rules out of [[PragmaticVillainy pragmatism); many have both elements. The essential feature is that they are, by behaviour or nature, inclined towards order in some form.
Lawful Evil comes in three flavors:
* Type 1 is those who are more Lawful than Evil. This type honestly believes that an orderly society or way of living is better for everyone or is just the way the prefer things to be, but are ruthless or cruel enough to take an \\\"ends justify the means\\\" approach to enforcing this. This type can be found in- and sometimes even be sincerely loyal to- any kind of society, including Neutral and Good aligned ones; the problem is, they are prepared to commit evil actions for it, and are prone to MoralMyopia, LackOfEmpathy and JerkJustifications to excuse their deeds. This type does not \\\'\\\'necessarily\\\'\\\' include any and all agents or upholders of LawfulEvil codes, cultures, empires etc. who may be Neutral or even Good-aligned, but have found themselves serving Evil by circumstance, cultural conditioning or birth. Expect PrinciplesZealot / KnightTemplar behaviour as this type is often murderously intolerant of any opposition or perceived threats; also, though they may not \\\'\\\'hunger\\\'\\\' for power exactly, they might still seek it out in the name of security or to enforce their order on others. This can also be just as [[EvilIsPetty petty]], [[{{Revenge}} vengeful]] or [[{{Sadist}} sadistic]] as any other villain; they are just much more likely to direct this against people who they feel have honestly wronged them or, in their mind at least, actually have it coming. They are also not any more trustworthy than any other evil character, as their first loyalty will be to their code or society or whatever and they may engage in betrayal either to advantage this or to eliminate a threat, or even because of JustFollowingOrders (real or presumed). At the high end, TotalitarianUtilitarian and those who seek to eradicate TheEvilsOfFreeWill often fall under this type.
* Type 2 is more Evil than Lawful, the kind of villain who follows an orderly way of living because they think that this is [[PragmaticVillainy the best way to achieve their evil desires or goals]]. This type resembles pure selfish NeutralEvil, but differ because they use lawful methods because they honestly think they are the best- or because that\\\'s just where their talents or inclinations lie- rather than out of pure circumstance or convenience; in other words, if a non-Lawful means of achieving their goal presented itself, they would still at least prefer the Lawful option. This type can be selfish, cruel, power-hungry and outright sadistic, but are reluctant to actually commit any evil deeds without some sense of organization or direction; for example, someone who joins the army in order to kill people ForTheEvulz with a veneer or legal permission, or someone who joins a [[TheSyndicate gang or crime syndicate]] to have backup or support for their evil deeds, or the more [[SuperOCD compulsively organized]] sadistic {{Serial Killer}}s or violent criminals. Many a [[TheChessmaster chessmasters]] and EvilGenius (though by no means all) fit this type, as they prefer their crimes and orders to be carried out methodically. Often slightly \\\'\\\'more\\\'\\\' trustworthy than other evil types, but beware of ExactWords or simply catching them on a bad day.
* Type 3 is a balance of both Lawful and Evil. They see little distinction their Lawful desires or inclinations and their Evil ones, and seek to satisfy both. Frequently the most dangerous type, at the extreme end this includes characters that simply [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill hate freedom]] and will enslave people [[ForTheEvulz out of malice]], or those who get their jollies from [[EvilIsPetty imposing ridiculously harsh rules]] with [[DisproportionateRetribution even more ridiculous consequences]] for breaking them. (Not totally arbitrary rules, though, that goes over to Chaotic.) DystopiaJustifiesTheMeans can fall under this category and they use law and order principally as instruments of suffering and oppression for its own sake and not (just) that of power or running TheEmpire efficiently. They might keep up appearances of a NobleDemon but at best they will abuse the hell out of ExactWords and at their worst they will flat out lie and cheat in spite of it. Most Lawful Evil characters in \\\'\\\'TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons\\\'\\\' are this type including \\\'\\\'Hextor\\\'\\\', the iconic god of Lawful Evil. ComicBook/{{Darkseid}} is the classic example of this sort of villain and demonstrates just why it is the worst of the Lawful Evil types.
\\\"
In other words:
\\\"
A Lawful Evil character is an evil character who either tries to impose or uphold a lawful system on others without regard for their wishes, and/or adheres to a particular code. They believe in order, but mostly because they believe it is the best way of realising their evil wishes. They will obey the letter of the law, but not the spirit, and are usually very careful about giving their word. However, there is also the KnightTemplar variant, who believes their rules actually make them the good guy -- when they and their rules have in truth ended up at the lower end of the slippery slope to evil and tyranny.
Though Lawful Evil characters are often found in charge, these characters also make good henchmen or {{mooks}}. Though they lack any moral scruples that may impair their work, a cautious villain will find they respond well to concepts like \\\'loyalty\\\', \\\'duty\\\', and \\\'honour\\\'. The caution, however, should be remembered, as these characters also respond poorly to {{Bad Boss}}es and {{Dirty Coward}}s[[note]]not that a Dirty Coward themselves Lawful Evil is something unheard of, far from it[[/note]], as well as simple incompetence that could lead them to deciding to either find a more worthy master, or take over \\\'for the good of the cause\\\', although some might simply be weak-willed and need somebody to [[JustFollowingOrders tell them what to do]].
As with LawfulGood, a LawfulEvil character may believe in either \\\'\\\'\\\'civic\\\'\\\' Order (ie. an orderly society or organization, or following the rules) or \\\'\\\'\\\'personal\\\'\\\'\\\' order (ie. following a personal code of [[VillainousValour honor]] or simply having personal rules out of [[PragmaticVillainy pragmatism); many have both elements. The essential feature is that they are, by behaviour or nature, inclined towards order in some form.
Lawful Evil comes in three flavors:
* Type 1 is those who are more Lawful than Evil. This type honestly believes that an orderly society or way of living is better for everyone or is just the way the prefer things to be, but are ruthless or cruel enough to take an \\\"ends justify the means\\\" approach to enforcing this. This type can be found in- and sometimes even be sincerely loyal to- any kind of society, including Neutral and Good aligned ones; the problem is, they are prepared to commit evil actions for it, and are prone to MoralMyopia, LackOfEmpathy and JerkJustifications to excuse their deeds. This type does not \\\'\\\'necessarily\\\'\\\' include any and all agents or upholders of LawfulEvil codes, cultures, empires etc. who may be Neutral or even Good-aligned, but have found themselves serving Evil by circumstance, cultural conditioning or birth. Expect PrinciplesZealot / KnightTemplar behaviour as this type is often murderously intolerant of any opposition or perceived threats; also, though they may not \\\'\\\'hunger\\\'\\\' for power exactly, they might still seek it out in the name of security or to enforce their order on others. This can also be just as [[EvilIsPetty petty]], [[{{Revenge}} vengeful]] or [[{{Sadist}} sadistic]] as any other villain; they are just much more likely to direct this against people who they feel have honestly wronged them or, in their mind at least, actually have it coming. They are also not any more trustworthy than any other evil character, as their first loyalty will be to their code or society or whatever and they may engage in betrayal either to advantage this or to eliminate a threat, or even because of JustFollowingOrders (real or presumed). At the high end, TotalitarianUtilitarian and those who seek to eradicate TheEvilsOfFreeWill often fall under this type.
* Type 2 is more Evil than Lawful, the kind of villain who follows an orderly way of living because they think that this is [[PragmaticVillainy the best way to achieve their evil desires or goals]]. This type resembles pure selfish NeutralEvil, but differ because they use lawful methods because they honestly think they are the best- or because that\\\'s just where their talents or inclinations lie- rather than out of pure circumstance or convenience; in other words, if a non-Lawful means of achieving their goal presented itself, they would still at least prefer the Lawful option. This type can be selfish, cruel, power-hungry and outright sadistic, but are reluctant to actually commit any evil deeds without some sense of organization or direction; for example, someone who joins the army in order to kill people ForTheEvulz with a veneer or legal permission, or someone who joins a [[TheSyndicate gang or crime syndicate]] to have backup or support for their evil deeds, or the more [[SuperOCD compulsively organized]] sadistic {{Serial Killer}}s or violent criminals. Many a [[TheChessmaster chessmasters]] and EvilGenius (though by no means all) fit this type, as they prefer their crimes and orders to be carried out methodically. Often slightly \\\'\\\'more\\\'\\\' trustworthy than other evil types, but beware of ExactWords or simply catching them on a bad day.
* Type 3 is a balance of both Lawful and Evil. They see little distinction their Lawful desires or inclinations and their Evil ones, and seek to satisfy both. Frequently the most dangerous type, at the extreme end this includes characters that simply [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill hate freedom]] and will enslave people [[ForTheEvulz out of malice]], or those who get their jollies from [[EvilIsPetty imposing ridiculously harsh rules]] with [[DisproportionateRetribution even more ridiculous consequences]] for breaking them. (Not totally arbitrary rules, though, that goes over to Chaotic.) DystopiaJustifiesTheMeans can fall under this category and they use law and order principally as instruments of suffering and oppression for its own sake and not (just) that of power or running TheEmpire efficiently. They might keep up appearances of a NobleDemon but at best they will abuse the hell out of ExactWords and at their worst they will flat out lie and cheat in spite of it. Most Lawful Evil characters in \\\'\\\'TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons\\\'\\\' are this type including \\\'\\\'Hextor\\\'\\\', the iconic god of Lawful Evil. ComicBook/{{Darkseid}} is the classic example of this sort of villain and demonstrates just why it is the worst of the Lawful Evil types.
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