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As we showed you a few months back, the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) alignments are making it to real life. So this time, let's take a closer look at a particularly funny one.

It's called chaotic neutral (and it even has its own subreddit). To put it simply, the term describes an individual who has no good or evil intentions, they simply do what they please, what they think is the best option at the moment.

The spontaneous nature of their actions means they can result in chaos and unpredictability but who can blame them if nobody gets hurt? After all, freedom is what matters!

#1

Thanks, I Hate Nouns That Are Adjectives

Thanks, I Hate Nouns That Are Adjectives

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When a player creates a character in D&D, they decide where to put that character on a moral axis. Are they good? Evil? Or morally neutral? Then they have to choose where their character fits on a law-abiding axis. Do they always obey the rules? Or do they believe that laws are meant to be broken? 

The best way to wrap your head around this concept is to imagine a grid, like "Hollywood Squares" or the opening credits of "The Brady Bunch" — nine squares in total, three on each side and one in the middle. The square in the upper left hand corner is "lawful good." That's Superman — the Boy Scout who cares about saving the planet. The next square over on the top row is "neutral good." For example, take "Star Trek". Captain Kirk is neutral good, because he is willing to break the rules if he thinks they're preventing him from doing as much good as possible. Now if we go to the last square on the right — "chaotic good" — we get someone like Robin Hood, who can never be tied down to any organization. These folks think the only way to do good in the world is to upend the social order.

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    #3

    Prolly Why I'm Not Allowed To Have Any

    Prolly Why I'm Not Allowed To Have Any

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    Monday
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd be using my telekinesis to shoplift and water breathing abilities to find a cool place to sleep in the summer.

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    In the middle row, we have morally neutral characters. "Lawful neutral" would be a mindless bureaucrat or a brutal enforcer like Javert from "Les Miserables" who hunts down the heroic ex-con Jean Valjean. "True neutral," in the center square, is a character like the Oracle in "The Matrix," who accumulates wisdom from witnessing everything but rarely chooses a side. The far-right square in the middle row is a really fun character. The star of our show, "chaotic neutral."

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    According to writer and graphic novelist Sam Sattin, that's someone who can be swayed based on who has the power. A good example could be Omar from "The Wire", the lone wolf who robs drug dealers, valuing his freedom and his survival equally.

    #7

    7 Year Olds Just Be Like That

    7 Year Olds Just Be Like That

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    When Sattin holds writing seminars, he asks his students to figure out where their characters fit on this grid, and he encourages them to create characters who are conflicted. (They wish they belonged to one alignment, but they're something else.)

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    The writer believes that storytelling takes off when characters of different alignments play off each other. "The most important part of writing is the way in which characters interact with each other," he explained.

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    #9

    Thought This Belonged Here

    Thought This Belonged Here

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    As we can see, these alignments appear in the real world as well. Patrick O'Connor, a sci-fi and fantasy fan as well as an assistant district attorney who prosecutes gang-related homicides in Brooklyn, imagines the gang members he prosecutes could be categorized as neutral evil on the character alignment spectrum.

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    In his own life, O'Connor always tries to follow the straight and narrow path. But that doesn't mean he’s drawn to lawful good characters in comic books. That's just boring!

    His favorite character is Punisher, the Marvel vigilante who kills criminals because he doesn’t believe in the legal system.

    #12

    Language Is Hard

    Language Is Hard

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    Daria B
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Slightly off topic. Reminds me of my linguistics classes. I'd often be the only European (everyone else was Korean and Korean American, mostly), so sometimes I'd have to read phrases in languages I can read, but am not fluent in, such as German, for example. I can read it pretty well, though, because I studied it, and was good too, but I forgot it all.

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    #13

    Welcome To Our Gander Reveal Party!

    Welcome To Our Gander Reveal Party!

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    #14

    Big Cnergy

    Big Cnergy

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    laka puka
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    if i was this guy i would have gone a bit further with that conversation

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    #15

    Hmm

    Hmm

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    Aran Lindvail
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There used to be a weird tradition around here of leaving cabbages with angry faces carved into them as a prank. So any sort of face would make that watermelon much more interesting.

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    Comics have been filled with battles between good and evil, but audiences are also interested in watching characters on the same side fighting each other.

    In season two of "Daredevil" and in the movies "Batman v. Superman" and "Captain America: Civil War," superheroes really duke it out.

    These stories are about a conflict between personal ethics and the law. "That's how a lot of people feel, that they have these government forces they can't control, that are doing nefarious things," O'Connor said. "They feel marginalized, and they feel they can't trust the system. And so they take things into their own hands."

    #16

    Chaotic Neutral Finds A Lost Wallet

    Chaotic Neutral Finds A Lost Wallet

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    Kimi Tomminello
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's NY and they got everything but their cash, wallet and metro card back. They're very lucky

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    #17

    Beautiful Chaos

    Beautiful Chaos

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    Michael LaBossiere, who teaches philosophy at Florida A&M University, takes a more holistic approach and argues that each of us can embody the different character alignments at any point in our lives. It all depends on the situation.

    "Sometimes we're more good, sometimes we're more neutral, or in some [cases], we fall into bad behavior," he said. "A person can be decent but have those neutral evil moments when they're selfish and take that last piece of pie."

    #21

    Lowkey Genious

    Lowkey Genious

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    Buren
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You must be rich, I imagine a grocery trip would cost you hundred of dollars

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    #22

    Sooo.. This Fits Here Right?

    Sooo.. This Fits Here Right?

    evilmaker Report

    #23

    Made A Bookshelf For My Brick Collection

    Made A Bookshelf For My Brick Collection

    Nybblet Report

    #24

    London’s Tower Bridge Was Completely Shut Off Today Because A Man Decided To Sun Bathe On One Of Its Support Beams

    London’s Tower Bridge Was Completely Shut Off Today Because A Man Decided To Sun Bathe On One Of Its Support Beams

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    #25

    Want To Grow A Beard?

    Want To Grow A Beard?

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    F8th
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Being oppositional just for the sake of it. Keeping the dream alive.

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    #27

    The Actual, Real World Embodiment Of Chaotic Neutral

    The Actual, Real World Embodiment Of Chaotic Neutral

    ZeroCesar Report

    #31

    You're Lying If You Said You Never Thought About Doing This

    You're Lying If You Said You Never Thought About Doing This

    Coinocus Report

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    Somebody Here
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trying to explain it to the lockpicker: "Uhmm, you see, it's not my door..."

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    #33

    I Found This Subreddit To Post This

    I Found This Subreddit To Post This

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    #38

    Thanks I Hate Shakespeare’s Quote Of The Day

    Thanks I Hate Shakespeare’s Quote Of The Day

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    #39

    I Make Horrible Things. Here’s A Paintbrush You Can Lick People With

    I Make Horrible Things. Here’s A Paintbrush You Can Lick People With

    louietp Report

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    #42

    Woah

    Woah

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    #43

    There's A Lack Of Quality Cn Recently So I Thought I Might Post One

    There's A Lack Of Quality Cn Recently So I Thought I Might Post One

    evilmaker Report

    #45

    I Dont Even Wanna Confuse Search Algorithms, I Was Wanna Do It!

    I Dont Even Wanna Confuse Search Algorithms, I Was Wanna Do It!

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    Ryan Deschanel
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or google "why are google stocks suddenly going down" and enjoy the chaos.

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    #48

    The Peel Is Where All The Nutrients Are

    The Peel Is Where All The Nutrients Are

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    Sofia Gonzalez
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good question, I've only had it with the peel once and it wasn't too good so I eat mine without the peel

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    #51

    Which One Of You Decided To Cut Loose In Chicago??

    Which One Of You Decided To Cut Loose In Chicago??

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    #52

    My Dad Carries This Bag Around Filled With Sweet Tarts And Mentos. There's No Way To Tell Which Is Which....he Says It's Like A Scavenger Hunt Trail Mix.

    My Dad Carries This Bag Around Filled With Sweet Tarts And Mentos. There's No Way To Tell Which Is Which....he Says It's Like A Scavenger Hunt Trail Mix.

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    #53

    Drugs Are Happiness. If This Goes Better In Another Subreddit Tell Me

    Drugs Are Happiness. If This Goes Better In Another Subreddit Tell Me

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    Deutschland Mädchen
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the lights

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    #55

    The Last Of The Eastern Pigeons

    The Last Of The Eastern Pigeons

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    #58

    Apple ∈ Apple ∈ Apple

    Apple ∈ Apple ∈ Apple

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    Daria B
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a waste of cake. Just give me that fresh apple or the apple pie/cake. No need to spoil it with unhygienic boxes.

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    #60

    Socialism, & Hyperinflation, But Less Gun Violence?

    Socialism, & Hyperinflation, But Less Gun Violence?

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    #61

    Chaos

    Chaos

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    RandomBeing
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Edit the comment and switch out words like "liberal/conservative" for their opposite.

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    #63

    *evil Laughing Intensifies*

    *evil Laughing Intensifies*

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    #64

    What I Would Do If I Was In Theatre Ngl

    What I Would Do If I Was In Theatre Ngl

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    #65

    Oh John.

    Oh John.

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    Daryl Branson
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Considering he probably murdered a guy he might be chaotic evil, not chaotic neutral.

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    #68

    This Feels Like It Fits Here

    This Feels Like It Fits Here

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    Casey Burns
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The one time you NEED a helmet and we can't even see. God speed you dangerous man.

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    #69

    But Why?

    But Why?

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    Vasana Phong
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There was an episode of the Simpson’s, where they buy the this and only eats the chocolate flavor

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    #70

    Opened The Fridge To Find Out My 3yo Decided To Help Me Putting The Eggs In It.

    Opened The Fridge To Find Out My 3yo Decided To Help Me Putting The Eggs In It.

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    #72

    Share This But Don’t Upvote Do It Doesn’t Get To Hot And Get Seen

    Share This But Don’t Upvote Do It Doesn’t Get To Hot And Get Seen

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    #73

    Anyone Else Getting Cn Vibes?

    Anyone Else Getting Cn Vibes?

    evilmaker Report

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    KitFrey
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What if, there was like a Nailed It (baking show where only the most amateur bakers compete) but for sports

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    #74

    I Guess My Car Is In (Chaotic) Neutral

    I Guess My Car Is In (Chaotic) Neutral

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    #75

    Day 16 Is Chaos

    Day 16 Is Chaos

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    dee dee
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can see myself doing this, back when i could actually eat sweets.

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    #77

    Throwback To When Someone From My Hometown Got A Tattoo Gun And Practiced On Themselves With Real Ink

    Throwback To When Someone From My Hometown Got A Tattoo Gun And Practiced On Themselves With Real Ink

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    #78

    Bypassed The Lock By Cutting Out The Bottom Of The Ice Cream Box. Brilliant

    Bypassed The Lock By Cutting Out The Bottom Of The Ice Cream Box. Brilliant

    ThePunZoo Report

    #80

    Urban Rescue Ranch, The Whole Channel Is Like This

    Urban Rescue Ranch, The Whole Channel Is Like This

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    #82

    My Mom Has A Crab-Shaped Candy Dish That She Filled With Ibuprofen

    My Mom Has A Crab-Shaped Candy Dish That She Filled With Ibuprofen

    Hode-Eleutheros Report

    #83

    One Of Us Served An Avocado:

    One Of Us Served An Avocado:

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    #85

    *chomp*

    *chomp*

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    #86

    Not Sure If This Belongs Here But... Seen In Random Vehicle. Perhaps To Discourage Theft?

    Not Sure If This Belongs Here But... Seen In Random Vehicle. Perhaps To Discourage Theft?

    humanbeingahuman Report

    #89

    I'd Do The Same Tbh

    I'd Do The Same Tbh

    youngpancakeflipper Report

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    Dillon Sizemore
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some places have finders fees 10% so I wouldn't feel bad even if it was a $100 case

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    #90

    Found A Bottle Of Tea One Of The Kids Put In The Fridge.

    Found A Bottle Of Tea One Of The Kids Put In The Fridge.

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    #91

    Ye Is Chaotic Neutral Incarnate

    Ye Is Chaotic Neutral Incarnate

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    Kimi Tomminello
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I sincerely hope Kanye can find a way to address his mental health issues. I truly feel bad for his children having to witness this.

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    #92

    Madlad Recruiter.

    Madlad Recruiter.

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    #97

    My Pcs Fans Run Too Loud So I Put It In The Other Room

    My Pcs Fans Run Too Loud So I Put It In The Other Room

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    #99

    Yo Whoever Made The Original Post About Putting The Caprisun In The Bottom Of The Pouch, I Raise You

    Yo Whoever Made The Original Post About Putting The Caprisun In The Bottom Of The Pouch, I Raise You

    Mr-biggie Report

    #101

    I See Your Diet Coke, And Raise You The Best Way To Consume Beans.

    I See Your Diet Coke, And Raise You The Best Way To Consume Beans.

    larsynogen Report

    #104

    Might Be Chaotic Evil Idk

    Might Be Chaotic Evil Idk

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    #105

    Definitely Chaotic Neutral

    Definitely Chaotic Neutral

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    User# 6
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh no, the BP censors have missed a naughty word and now I'm sooooo offended!

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