(no subject)

[doc-lecter.livejournal.com]

Due to an increase in the . . . shall we say, idiotic evil characters, or the idiocy exemplified in the play of evil characters, I have this request.

"If you are considering playing an intelligent evil character, one whose canon is not based on humor (see Dr. Evil for an example of a humorous villain), and whose plans are based on demi-realistic expectations (see Hannibal Lecter, for example), please, please do us all the following favor: Buy The 48 Laws of Power, by Robert Greene. Read it. Learn from it. LIVE IT. Love it."

The book contains 48 Laws about the use, acquisition and loss of power. Not just political power, but also interpersonal power, social power and business power. It gives historical anecdotes and examples.

And while being wicked and evil and pushing people around is all in good fun, there is one thing that any evil character's player should know: They only do it when they believe they are safe from consequences, or when the benefit they gain is outweighed by the loss if they get caught.

YES, I am sure the canon has your character eating babies for breakfast and then unwed mothers at lunch, BUT: They would only do that if they have a safe means to do so. Killing someone in Times Square during a Presidential Motorcade's passing is stupid and will get yourself killed. On the other hand, doing so in the safety of their guarded fortress with mega-death-rays (as opposed to mega-death-bruces) is not a risk.

Anyone smart enough to amass vast powers would know that the best time to use vast powers is when they can get away with it.

Please note that insane villains (such as The Joker) are not covered by this request. Just the intelligent ones are.

Comments

[theravenboy]

*applauds*

The Evil Overlord List might also be a useful thing to add to the reading stack.

[fairest1.livejournal.com]

*applauds immensely*

[timsbooks.livejournal.com]

See, this is why Tims been all nicey despite the whole Other thing... with everyone watching for him to do something bad, he really can't and expect to get away with it... Er. Perhaps i said too much?

*Blip!*

Applauds whole heartedly on behalf of security.

Oooh.

[chairman-ohtori.livejournal.com]

I might have to buy that book anyway. Sounds interesting.

(says... Akio-mun)

[redeemed-one.livejournal.com]

I second this motion. I would also like to say that the muns of the Rider and Hannibal are bloody brilliant in their intelligent evil and to keep up the good work.

Also, if anyone does bring the Joker in, I will personally murder them if he gets within ten feet of Bruce. There are just some things that cannot happen.

[skjaldmeyjar.livejournal.com]

*is now cleaning soda off her comp screen, and trying to breath* Ohdearlord. *twitch* I'll help you.

[fairest1.livejournal.com]

Joker, Joe Cool, and Two-face among others are the ones who are likely to be hit from a dozen directions at once the second after everyone realizes who they are after they enter the bar. Odds are they will never be able to touch Bruce with a 39 1/2 foot pole. Unless you count little pieces that were missed in the cleanup.

[pjpettigrew.livejournal.com]

Er...the only Joe Cool I know of is Snoopy the beagle walking around being collegiate.

However, I do solemnly swear that if the Joker and/or Two-Face appear, they will be immediately immobilised in a non-damaging way by the local Healer.

The muns of the Black Rider and Hannibal Lecter play their evil characters brilliantly, creepily, scarily and intelligently. They are wonderful RPers and it's a pleasure to interact with them--even though Peter doesn't agree. (Well, he doesn't agree on the subject of the Rider. Hannibal confuses him, because he's creepy and arrogant--yet came up with the vaccine that saved an entire planet.)

[hooper-x.livejournal.com]

And you know, that's basically the ONLY reason I haven't apped the Joker yet.

Because hot damn, I loves me some Joker. Unfortunately, he'd be in the jail within SECONDS of setting foot inside, without so much as a "Hi, kids!"

Le sigh.

-HX

[genarti]

Amen.

Outside of humor/parody, dumb evil = obvious and ineffectual evil. And ineffectual and obviously evil people don't amass much power.