Neutral Evil
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 Lawful Evil
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.
Creatures
- Night hags
- Yugoloths/daemons
- Hordlings
- Nagals
- Sahkils
- Divs (according to sages on Golarion)
Powers
Other examples
- Scar (The Lion King)
- Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII)
- Xehanort (Kingdom Hearts)
External links
| 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 |
Endnotes
- ↑ Personally I feel like he fits into Chaotic Evil way better.
