Always Chaotic Evil: Difference between revisions
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'''Always Chaotic Evil''' is a slang term that [[/tg/]] has picked up from our frenemies over on [[TVTropes]]. The term originates from [[Dungeons & Dragons]] | '''Always Chaotic Evil''' is a slang term that [[/tg/]] has picked up from our frenemies over on [[TVTropes]]. The term originates from [[Dungeons & Dragons]] and specifically its early use of the mechanics of [[alignment]]. In the [[Monster Manual]], creatures would always have their "alignment propensity", the specific alignment that the "average" member of their species would have, listed as part of their statblock. | ||
It's mostly used as an easy placeholder term for the "typically villainous races" - [[orc]]s, [[goblinoid]]s, [[gnoll]]s, [[ogre]]s, etc. A handy way to refer to the usual "chuck 'em at the PCs and let them hack 'em down" cannon fodder races. | It's mostly used as an easy placeholder term for the "typically villainous races" - [[orc]]s, [[goblinoid]]s, [[gnoll]]s, [[ogre]]s, etc. A handy way to refer to the usual "chuck 'em at the PCs and let them hack 'em down" cannon fodder races. | ||
The term has gotten a little unwelcome on /tg/ in modern years, as the basic idea that thinking humanoid races are somehow inherently evil and deserve only extermination is seen as being... well, a little too [[/pol/]]-friendly. That and what's the point of roleplaying if you can't go against type ([[Drizzt|''meaningfully'', mind you]])? | The term has gotten a little unwelcome on /tg/ in modern years, as the basic idea that thinking humanoid races are somehow inherently evil and deserve only extermination is seen as being... well, a little too [[/pol/]]-friendly. That and what's the point of roleplaying if you can't go against type ([[Drizzt|''meaningfully'', mind you]])? These last years, focus has somewhat shifted to throwing people actively doing evil things ([[slavery|Slavers]], [[Nazi]]'s, etc...) as chaff to be exterminated to players instead of [[kobold]]s and their ilk. | ||
It is telling that the "father" of modern Fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien himself presented orcs as the servants of evil 'overlords', but was uncomfortable with the notion of 'born evil' or 'always evil' | |||
[[Category: Gamer Slang]] | [[Category: Gamer Slang]] | ||
Revision as of 18:22, 25 September 2017
Always Chaotic Evil is a slang term that /tg/ has picked up from our frenemies over on TVTropes. The term originates from Dungeons & Dragons and specifically its early use of the mechanics of alignment. In the Monster Manual, creatures would always have their "alignment propensity", the specific alignment that the "average" member of their species would have, listed as part of their statblock.
It's mostly used as an easy placeholder term for the "typically villainous races" - orcs, goblinoids, gnolls, ogres, etc. A handy way to refer to the usual "chuck 'em at the PCs and let them hack 'em down" cannon fodder races.
The term has gotten a little unwelcome on /tg/ in modern years, as the basic idea that thinking humanoid races are somehow inherently evil and deserve only extermination is seen as being... well, a little too /pol/-friendly. That and what's the point of roleplaying if you can't go against type (meaningfully, mind you)? These last years, focus has somewhat shifted to throwing people actively doing evil things (Slavers, Nazi's, etc...) as chaff to be exterminated to players instead of kobolds and their ilk.
It is telling that the "father" of modern Fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien himself presented orcs as the servants of evil 'overlords', but was uncomfortable with the notion of 'born evil' or 'always evil'