Can a Barbarian Be Evil in Dungeons Dragons (DD)?

The alignment of a character in Dungeons Dragons greatly affects their behavior and interactions. A barbarian can indeed be of any alignment, much like most other character classes. However, integrating an evil barbarian into an otherwise good adventuring party can be challenging.

The Alignment Spectrum in Dungeons Dragons

Break down the alignment spectrum into three main categories: Good, Neutral, and Evil. Within these categories, there are sub-categories that define the behavior and motives of characters:

Good Alignment

Charitable and sympathetic towards the plight of others Committed to the greater good, often to the point of sacrificing their own well-being Thrive on helping those in need, including the weak, the outcast, and the unfortunate

Neutral Alignment

Generally disinterested in the plight of others, unless it directly benefits themselves Adhering to principles and rules, even if they bend them when convenient Seeing both the good and bad in the world, and not choosing to align with either side

Evil Alignment

Motivated by personal gain, even if it harms others Often willing to go to extreme lengths to acquire resources and power Considering the well-being of others only to the extent that it benefits themselves

Barbarians and Alignment

Barbarians are a unique class that often live in tightly-knit tribal groups. This environment shapes their alignment, as they must conform to the rules and mores of their tribes. However, a barbarian’s alignment can change over time based on experience and choice.

Alignment Choices for Barbarians

When a character’s alignment is selected, it sets the stage for their ongoing choices and interactions within the game. For a barbarian:

Neutral Good: A barbarian can start out as neutral good, valuing the collective well-being of their tribe and following a balanced code of behavior. Chaotic Good: Choosing a chaotic good alignment can mean a more free-spirited and independent barbarian, valuing personal freedom and justice but potentially causing chaos in their quest to right wrongs. Chaotic Neutral: A chaos-loving warrior, often unpredictable and not inherently sinister, but might act selfishly without restraint. Neutral Evil: A more fitting alignment for an evil barbarian, showing a cold and selfish nature focused on personal gain and power. Chaotic Evil: A truly malevolent figure, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, often at the expense of others.

Integrating an Evil Barbarian into a Party

Integrating an evil barbarian into a predominantly good party can be problematic. Such a character is likely to hoard treasure, kill unnecessarily, and prioritize their own interests over the greater good. Here’s how to handle this scenario:

Tactical Considerations

Recognize the alignment clash: The party must be aware of the potential conflict before the character is officially added. Roleplaying challenges: The player of the evil barbarian must be prepared to act in ways that are inconsistent with the good party, creating dynamic roleplaying opportunities. Shared interests of evil: Find common enemies and goals that justify the evil character’s actions from the party’s perspective.

Community Dynamics

The evil barbarian’s actions can have significant impact on the party's dynamics. They may cause internal division:

Conflict and suspicion: Good-aligned members of the party may grow wary of the evil character, leading to distrust and tension. Power struggles: The selfish nature of the evil character could lead to conflicts within the party over resources and power. Roleplaying opportunities: The interaction can provide the opportunity for deep character development and exploration of ethical gray areas.

Conclusion: Understanding Barbarian Alignments

Selecting an alignment for your barbarian character is a choice that reflects their unique place within the world of Dungeons Dragons. While evil alignments can offer compelling storylines and unique dynamics, it is important to consider the potential consequences. Whether choosing a good, neutral, or evil alignment, the barbarian is a complex and versatile character class that can significantly influence the narrative and adventure of your game.