Evil Wizard Not About to be Out Eviled by Neutral Party
“It’s for a good cause. I would say that makes it ok.”
Local evil wizard, Isikdos Arcbane, announced earlier today that due to increased evilness on the part of neutral adventurers in the area, he will be increasing his evil activities as well. The wizard known as “The Black Nightmare” told The Dungeon Tribune that he believes the increase is necessary. “These neutral adventurers are really pushing the envelope, and treading into tactics and actions that are traditionally considered evil.” says Arbane in a break from a brainstorming session. “And I can’t be out eviled. I have a reputation to maintain.”
Various explorers, describing themselves as “more chaotic, than actually evil”, have recently engaged in kidnapping, torture, and even murder across the Duchy of Rueal. “Well, I wouldn’t call it evil,” says veteran mercenary Kalop Bonedust. “It’s for a good cause. I would say that makes it ok.” When asked about the cause he referred to, Bonedust began talking about how alignment has never been a great mechanic to begin with.
Bonedust does admit that the heightening of dastardly acts won’t benefit anyone involved. “I don’t want to be in an arms race. It’ll just keep escalating until the evilness becomes counterproductive. I’m already spending too much time researching and developing devious plans…for a greater good of course.”
Those on the evil side aren’t the only ones frustrated by a more lax morality among adventurers. Paladin of Oard, Victor Sundawn has been finding less and less parties are welcoming him into their fold. “They don’t want me around, and I’m not sure these groups are for me.” says Sundawn while brushing his steed’s mane. “Last time I did manage to get in a group, I had to leave once they started openly using poisons on people they’ve already killed. Like, they were resurrecting them just to poison them again. Why would you even do that?” Even among his fellow paladins, Sundawn is something of a relic. “It used to be you had to be truly devoted to virtue if you wanted to wear the mantle, now you can be a paladin of just about anything. I’ve even heard of paladins using stealth. They’re no better than thieves if you ask me.”
Arcbane’s plan is intricate, but has the possibility of raising evil to new lows. “If these adventurers are going to keep committing horrific acts, I can’t compete directly,” laments the wizard. “But what I can do, is make it so those acts seem worse in contrast.” The contrast, Arcbane contends, is the key. “I’ll have to make their activities seem especially vile, and the only way to do that is to raise the overall standard of living for the general population. That will make their deeds truly evil by comparison.” At time of publication, “The Iskidos Arcbane Home, Hospital, School and Dog Park for Victims of the Greater Good” has been completed and is serving Rueal and the surrounding Duchies free of charge.