Post/Author/DateTime	Post
mangoman72 04-25-07, 09:17 PM	If that title sounded sarcastic, I apologize. Okay, so I'm embarking on my first evil campaign, and here's a quick run-down of my character: To begin, he's self-righteous (surprise surprise). He's not a paladin though, just your average fighter. How can I explain this better....well, here's a speech he'd give if he were somehow in the position to destroy the world: "Tell me, heroes, why is it that from the womb man is inclined toward evil? Why is it in our very natures to defy all that is good? Is it not true, that man feareth a curse more than he embraceth a blessing? Why do the good Gods of the land need use fear to inspire obedience? I will tell you, heroes. This world can stand no longer. Perhaps man was not always so vile, perhaps our world is simply a field test for the Gods to toy with, I know not. If the good Gods cared as much as the land's clerics think they do, then how is it that evil Ones have just as much power as they do? Why do barbaric beasts like evil dragons, goblins, and their dispicable ilk exist at all? Should not good triumph, and evil falleth away to nothing? And yet, it is not so. I am testament of that fact. The truth of it all is that our world is nothing more than an anthill, burning for the pleasure of its' creators. I go now to rob them of their fun, though it lead to my death. I embrace it gladly, for it is all I can muster to live yet a minute more in this sick, broken place." Not so quick, I'm sorry. I realize that the evil speech is probably novie compared to your guys'. I just wanted to show you his character. Now, to attend to the point at hand: How can I incorporate this into play? I'm thinking that my "holier than thou" jerk will spend a lot of time with the party (consisting of more jerks), which will probably only inflate his cynicism and contempt for everything that isn't my char. However, if he constantly bashes and criticizes the natures of his companions, I think that my character will probably be left for dead. Any ideas?
Aaarrrgh 04-26-07, 04:25 PM	He doesn't have to tell them out loud. He could just give them strange looks whenever they do something stupid/evil/strange. And every night he writes in a journal with the title: "Things I saw today that assured me I'm right." Btw, I liked the speech. He should use in a temple of Pelor or something.
Terjon of the Blue Rose 04-27-07, 03:21 AM	Actually the speech is a nice defining attitude for your character. As always I suggest considering what led him to this attitude. For RPing Aaarrrgh's suggestion is dead-on. Evil campaigns get a little tricky when it comes to reasons not to backstab each other so giving your companions extras really isn't wise. Remember though that a character like this doesn't really stop to think that he himself is evil. He won't deny it, rather he would use it as further proof of his oppinion, but he focuses far more heavily on the faults of others. Complain loudly about NPCs though. And don't forget that you never expect things to get better so for all your complaining never demand things get fixed or even ask a refund. Lastly look for the personal reward in any good deed performed by another, there is always one to a character like your's.
Gingerbread Guy 04-28-07, 02:48 AM	Yeah, to echo whats been said already, I think the major problem with evil games is that people don't really understand what evil means. We're conditioned by television and movies to picture evil characters as being "actively evil" all the time. They're always scheming, always plotting, and being a jerk always seems to make them happy. Really, these villains are the anti-paladins of the evil word. There are many lesser forms of evil, and ultimately these are the more interesting ones to study and portray. You seem to have the philosophy down, which is actually the hardest part. Adding a few other dimensions should be easy. Whenever I make a character with an evil alignment I am always careful to identify some ways in which s/he is decidedly not evil; some lines that even s/he won't cross. The moment you step into the realm of evil you don't suddenly become completely okay with every vile deed under the sun. Wherever you draw the line, just make sure that theres a reason for it. The reasoning can be as twisted as you like, but stick to it and your character will seem very real. And also, just for the sake of the game, try to work on establishing relationships with the other players. Evil people can have friends and allies too. Even if your companions aren't the friendly type, they should at least be of use in the scope of the campaign. Sometimes the only reason you need not to backstab someone and take their stuff is that they're worth more to you alive than dead. Honestly, the best way to learn how to play an evil character is to go out there, do your best, screw up some parts, and figure out what went wrong. Thats how we all learn (and are all still learning). ~Ginger