Neutral Evil

Vecna, the Whispered One

Neutral Evil is the alignment of evil that is measured and self-serving, but not restrained by any code (as with LE) and not arbitrary (as with CE). The Player's Handbook (page 122) says the following on Neutral Evil:

Neutral evil (NE) is the alignment of those who do whatever they can get away with, without compassion or qualms.

NE is easiest to understand when contrasted with LE and CE. LE is aiming for something higher, which is why it constrains itself within some code or system. Think of Magneto. CE, on the other hand, is aimless. Think of the Joker or Cyric, who kill because "lol reasons."

NE is closer to people like Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, Xehanort from Kingdom Hearts, and Scar from The Lion King. They aren't doing what they're doing for no reason, but they also don't have any higher purpose. Their evil is purely self-serving; it's certainly destructive, but not arbitrary or aimless.

Comparisons

Versus Chaotic Evil

I see NE and CE being quite similar, but with a few key differences. CE is often arbitrary and self-destructive when it's not outright incoherent. NE, on the other hand, is not often incoherent. NE has a goal, and is willing to do anything to achieve it. NE is more patient and pragmatic.

Powers

• Incabulos
• Nerull
• Norgorber
• Scal
• Set (Pathfinder)
• Shar
• Tharizdun (Greyhawk)
• Urgathoa
• Vecna
• Zyphus

Other examples

• Scar (The Lion King)
• Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII)
• Xehanort (Kingdom Hearts)

Alignment
	Lawful	Neutral	Chaotic
Good	Lawful Good	Neutral Good	Chaotic Good
Neutral	Lawful Neutral	True Neutral	Chaotic Neutral
Evil	Lawful Evil	Neutral Evil	Chaotic Evil