Summary
Character alignment is just one of the very many character-creation aspects ofDungeons and Dragonsand one more pivotal point of making one’s character. While class and race determine physical attributes and combat capabilities, the alignment partially determines what the character is like as a person, and how they may come across in roleplay scenarios.
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Most new playerswill verge on the neutral and good side of the scale, sticking mostly to good as it is rather simple to roleplay as a decent person trying to do best by everyone around them, or at the very least their companions. However, those wanting a challenge or veteran players may decide on creating an evil character, which does present some challenges.
7Clashing Against the Campaign
Not only is this important for alignment, but character creation in general—making a character that will fit the story the DM wants to tell, or rather giving a very good reason why the unusual character may exist in this world. It gives the DM more hard work when creating a campaign is already tricky enough. While characters do have the right to play the character they want, it is common courtesy to shape the background aroundthe campaign world.
Thus, those players wanting to play a chaotic evil character in all their unpredictable selfishness but are playing with a DM that has an epic heroic story planned, may want to rethink their character entirely, or think of a plausible explanation. Are they a prisoner of the party, or did they infiltrate them under the guise of friendship?
6Bowing to Authority
Chaotic is in their very name: chaotic evil characters are against authority. Just as chaotic good characters do good outside the confines of the law, chaotic evil characters are like that, with evil deeds substituted for good. They hate authority, even if that figure of authority is an evil god or corrupt tyrant.
As such, chaotic evil characters should never bend the knee to anyone no matter what their stature, or at the very least in a sarcastic manner to show irreverence. Chaotic evil characters are their own agents of chaos, and the player should remember this when they come face to face with the king or local leader. This also applies to the party as a whole. If one starts acting a bit uppity and ready to take charge, they should be reminded no chaotic evil character follows the rules of any other.
5Killing All in Their Path
One prime example of a chaotic evil character isthe Joker. He revels in sowing chaos and seeing others struggle against the discord. He comes up with nefarious and often insane plans to thwart his foes. He won’t hesitate to kill another for seemingly no reason. With this template in mind, manyD&Dplayers are likely nodding along, ready to slay all in their path while chuckling loudly the entire time.
Not only would this disrupt the entire table, it would also be unwise. There are ways to be chaotic and evil that don’t result with the player immediately rolling a d20 to attack every NPC before they even finish saying hello. After all, people are useful, something even the Joker agreed with.
4Making Enemies of the Party
Chaotic evil does not mean chaotic stupid, and this means they should play smart to truly pull off the chaotic evil feel of a character. So, they should avoid throwing challenges at enemies they know are tougher, and making themselves an enemy of the party
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Most know the wilderness ofD&Dis full of dangers, so they would be better off among a party of adventurers thangoing it alone. As such, they should make efforts to remain as allies, or at the very least avoid angering them enough to be kicked from the party. One way to look at it would be that the party is what is keeping the CE character healthy and happy, and it might be useful to help them achieve their goals. This way they can play cooperatively without sacrificing the ruthless nature of their character.
3Creating Feels of Discomfort at the Table
First and foremost,D&Disa cooperative gamewhere a group of friends come together to tell a fun story and make some memories together. As such, everyone’s enjoyment and comfort levels are important and ought to be taken into consideration by everyone at the table.
Now, a chaotic evil character is always going to be doing or saying villainous things, and may even have some choice words for party members if they are vocal about their disagreement with the CE character. It is important never to take things too far. After all, this is supposed to be a way for people to unwind after a long day of school or work, so they should never feel stressed, upset, or scared at the table. If players are getting uncomfortable OOC, it might be time to rain in actions or words to disperse tensions before fallouts occur.
2Attacking other Party Members Unprompted
The CE character has tried to play nice with the party members. But still, there are one or two jumping on the nerves with every action taken and every word spoken. They have had enough—time to draw the sword? No, not without the proper permissions sought out!
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If players want to engage in PVP, they should avoid doing it without checking in with the DM and the player first, to ensure all involved are onboard with the idea. Attacking another player unprovoked might result in the CE character being dismissed from the table, as no one was consulted beforehand. A PVP encounter could make the game very interesting, but as it can result in apotential character death, players need to ensure it is permissible for them to do so.
1Derailing the Campaign
Derailing the campaign is something any character of any alignment can feasibly do, as it is the result of the player character(s) doing something the DM could not have anticipated and has had no plans for. But since CE characters are so unpredictable and spontaneous in their villainy, it is something that could very easily happen with one in the game.
If they happen to insult or kill the wrong NPC, it can mean one major plot hook is gone or otherwise disrupts the flow of the story, throwing out some of the DM’s hard work. As such, even though CE characters are meant to go against the grain, they should make attempts to follow the plot. Although DMs have some responsibility to allow for character freedom and agency, the players have a responsibility to work with rather than against their DM.
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