Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Radijs 12-08-06, 05:25 PM	I'm taking a look at the potential of playing a Lawful Evil character in a pirate setting and I was wondering some things. A pirate would most likely be following the Pirate's code (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirate's_Code) or something similar. Would a LE person given the oppertunity break this code? A few examples: 1. The pirates raid a ship sucessfully, would bob the pirate try to embezzle part of the prize if he could get away with it? (Breaking the rule: - If someone cheated the company of an article of value, he would be punished by marooning.) 2. Bob the pirate has a grievous argument with Billy, During one night Bob sees billy alone on deck, would he cut billy's throat and throw him overboard? Again assuming he would not be incriminated. (breaking the rule: - No striking another on board ship. Every man's quarrel would be settled on shore.) Lawful Evil, "Dominator" A lawful evil villain methodically takes what he wants within the limits of his code of conduct without regard for whom it hurts. He cares about tradition, loyalty, and order but not about freedom, dignity, or life. He plays by the rules but without mercy or compassion. He is comfortable in a hierarchy and would like to rule, but is willing to serve. He condemns others not according to their actions but according to race, religion, homeland, or social rank. He is loath to break laws or promises. This reluctance comes partly from his nature and partly because he depends on order to protect himself from those who oppose him on moral grounds. Some lawful evil villains have particular taboos, such as not killing in cold blood (but having underlings do it) or not letting children come to harm (if it can be helped). They imagine that these compunctions put them above unprincipled villains. Some lawful evil people and creatures commit themselves to evil with a zeal like that of a crusader committed to good. Beyond being willing to hurt others for their own ends, they take pleasure in spreading evil as an end unto itself. They may also see doing evil as part of a duty to an evil deity or master. Lawful evil is sometimes called "diabolical," because devils are the epitome of lawful evil. Lawful evil is the most dangerous alignment because it represents methodical, intentional, and frequently successful evil.
a_psh 12-08-06, 05:37 PM	Bob the pirate has a grievous argument with Billy, During one night Bob sees billy alone on deck, would he cut billy's throat and throw him overboard? Again assuming he would not be incriminated. (breaking the rule: - No striking another on board ship. Every man's quarrel would be settled on shore.)Well, it's not really on the ship after he chucks him overboard, now, is it? ;)
Toloran 12-08-06, 05:41 PM	A lawful evil character would not break any code he or she follows. A lawful evil character would, however, bend those rules to their advantage (Like framing a crewmate so that you can take their position/rank).
StevenO 12-08-06, 05:51 PM	To me none of the Lawful alignments scream PIRATE although they could certainly be a ship for hire. Called Privateers, these ships are sanctioned by organizations to prey on other ships as stated in a Letter of Marque. This letter spells out what is acceptable action. Both of the initial examples fall well outside how a LE character following the code should act. To me example 1 is something any neutral or chaotic character may try although the appropriate description is stealing. I can only really see a CE character following example 2 although NE is possible.
Radijs 12-08-06, 06:14 PM	Looking at the entry for LE I think I'm inclined to agree that both examples would not be the actions of a LE person, unless the quarrel with Billy was really serious and he would be inclined to drink is blood. More likely would be framing a member in the crew whom he could likely replace once the crewmember would be marooned or executed.
Mitchell 12-09-06, 01:00 AM	1) Yes, they could. Note that it never says don't do this. It just has a punishment if you are caught. If they are willing to face the punishment, they are breaking no rules or code. :cool: 2) No. It is strictly forbidden to do this. See how it is worded differently than #1? Note, however, that this rule is still limited in it's scope. There are other workarounds available. In the strictest spirit of the rules, I would say that you couldn't throw a rope around there neck attached to an anchor and throw it over, either, but poisoning your foe so that they aren't 100% come challenge time seems more acceptable. Lawful, maybe, but evil, too.