Scoundrels of Any Alignment

Illus. by D. Bircham

e’s a card player, gambler, scoundrel. You’d like him.” —Han Solo, The Empire Strikes Back He’s the silver-tongued charmer who can finesse his way past even the most intimidating guard . She’s the skilled sword-spinner whose mere tap of her blade and slow shake of her head are just as effective as running a man through . He’s the sorcerer who crosses his fingers, casts a few spells, and barrels headlong into a volcano . All of these characters are scoundrels: quick-witted cads, death-defying daredevils, improvisers, gamblers, and downright lucky bastards .

Everyone has seen scoundrels, whether in fiction, in movies, or in D&D games . They’re the characters who always know just what to say, who act on a whim, and who always manage to see their way through any situation . Confident risk-takers and thrill-seekers, these opportunists break all the rules and still manage to come out on top .

WhaT Makes a sCoundrel?

Who is a scoundrel? Sure, the fast-talking con artist and the charming thief are probably scoundrels . Yet so might be the fleet-footed monk, the veteran warrior, and the cleric of Pelor . Being a scoundrel doesn’t have anything to do with a character’s class . It’s a mindset, a way to play your character, an archetype any PC with any goal might fulfill . Being a scoundrel isn’t about thieving, lying, and cheating—though sometimes those tactics come into play . It’s about thinking on your feet, taking the big risk, finding opportunities, and doing whatever it takes to get exactly what you want . Whether your character is a skilled pickpocket, a reclusive druid, or a devoted paladin, this chapter tells you how to create and play exactly the scoundrel you want .

The scoundrel mentality and lifestyle revolve around some key elements . While your scoundrel character might not adopt all these philosophies and styles of play, some might aid you or give you ideas on how to make your scoundrel unique .

Scoundrels break rules. Scoundrels aren’t always what they appear to be or who they say they are . They warp the truth to obtain their goals, and few are beyond lying when they must or whenever convenient . Breaking rules frequently, but not always, implies breaking laws . Few scoundrels go out of their way to commit crimes or provoke lawful individuals, but they refuse to let an intangible idea prevent them from attaining their goals . Breaking the rules doesn’t have to be out of selfishness or 

Illus. by R. Gallegos

immorality; some scoundrels flout every law on the books to do what they feel is right .

Scoundrels think on their feet. Scoundrels do or say anything to get what they want, reacting to situations with nary a moment’s notice . Knowing that an opportunity present in one moment might vanish in the next, they act immediately and deal with the repercussions later . Even in battle, scoundrels constantly look for ways to turn any situation to their advantage .

Scoundrels avoid fair fights. If scoundrels don’t have an edge over an opponent or in a situation, they prefer to retreat and try their luck again later . More aggressive scoundrels do everything they can to force an opponent to make a mistake and give them an advantage . Keen-witted scoundrels cunningly manipulate situations to improve their odds .

Scoundrels know their enemies’ weaknesses. Scoundrels are quick to seek out and exploit chinks in their opponents’ armor . Taking advantage of weakness might be as complex as conning a rich, lovelorn widow, or as simple as stabbing someone who can’t defend himself .

Scoundrels don’t restrict themselves. Although a scoundrel might have a personal code of ethics, most view restrictions such as laws and morals as impediments that complicate and add danger to their dealings . This attitude might seem selfish, but for scoundrels it is a necessity of survival .

Scoundrels get dirty. They don’t sit back and let others do all their work . They’re willing to participate in every aspect of an operation or adventure . Some do this out of arrogant confidence in their skills; others act out of love of a good challenge .

Scoundrels apply themselves. Scoundrels are motivated by drives and desires . These might be specific ambitions, such as money, revenge, love, freedom, or fame, more general passions for action, thrills, adventure, and mayhem, or even mere curiosity .

Scoundrels rely on instinct. They act when they sense the time is right . This instinct might merely be luck, but it is often tempered by experience and an individual scoundrel’s sense of a person or situation . Scoundrels consider how others think, or at least guess how they would react in a situation, and from that often anticipate their opponents .

Scoundrels are not all corrupt. Although many are less than moral paragons, scoundrels can use deception to right wrongs, trick the unjust, and do away with villains . Even the least materialistic might rob from the rich and give to the poor, or perform similar daring acts of charity . sCoundrels of anY alIgnMenT Not all scoundrels are criminals . This section presents scoundrel characters of every D&D alignment, along with well-known examples of each . Lawful Good: Lawful good scoundrels have their own personal, implacable code of honor and righteousness . They have good intentions, but they aren’t above breaking minor rules that get in the way of the greater good, especially when helping the downtrodden . Such scoundrels are likely to form far-reaching plans to benefit themselves and others . The former law enforcer who challenges a corrupt government or an adventurer who wants to liberate great works of art for the enjoyment of the world is a lawful good scoundrel . Examples: Batman, Dick Tracy, and Indiana Jones . Lawful Neutral: Scoundrels of this alignment care little for good or evil, using their cunning to uphold the strictures of law or tradition while at the same time manipulating these codes to benefit themselves . Working within these systems provides lawful neutral scoundrels with advantages they wouldn’t otherwise have access to . Such scoundrels are likely to form far-reaching plans to help themselves . Examples: James Bond, Odysseus, and Sanjuro, the title character from Yojimbo. Lawful Evil: Lawful evil scoundrels have a selfish and corrupt outlook . They profit from loopholes and unjust aspects of laws, regardless of whom else their actions affect . They might belong to a criminal structure or follow a perverse code of honor . Such scoundrels use their charm and guile to manipulate others to get what they want, sometimes leading whole organizations or playSome scoundrels turn their skills ing groups against one another to gain to more than just greed the greatest benefit . Examples: Boba Fett of Star Wars and Magneto from X-Men . Neutral Good: Scoundrels of this alignment use their talents to do what they judge best at the moment without