Is using negative energy evil?

[Charraj]

So my paladin of Jergal just got a sword that deals negative energy damage. I legit do not know if she can use it or not. Pls halp.

The Player's Handbook at page 160 says, "Even if a cleric is neutral, channeling positive energy is a good act and channeling negative energy is evil." And the spell Curse Water, which imbues water with negative energy, has the [Evil] descriptor (PHB, page 216). The Desecrate spell similarly has the [Evil] descriptor (PHB, page 218).

However, there are spells that utilize negative energy but do not have the [Evil] descriptor. Examples include Enervation (PHB, page 226), Harm (PHB, page 239), the Inflict Wounds spells, and Touch of Fatigue (PHB, page 294).

Also, Manual of the Planes does NOT describe the Negative Energy Plane as evil (page 80), while it of course DOES describe the Nine Hells as evil (page 115).

So basically, would using this sword make my paladin fall? D:

*crawls under a table, afraid of an impending flame war*

[K'yon Oblodra]

I'd say it's evil in that I understand negative energy damage as kind of sucking the life out of enemies.

But I probably know less about lore than most people here so take it as just what it is, my humble opinion .

[Charraj]

I was thinking the same thing. But the point below is making me question that assumption:

Also, Manual of the Planes does NOT describe the Negative Energy Plane as evil (page 80), while it of course DOES describe the Nine Hells as evil (page 115).

[Charraj]

I discussed this with someone. Vampiric Touch does negative energy damage, but I think it's established that spell is not actually evil. Same with Inflict Wounds and Harm.

So after looking into it, I'm actually going to assume negative energy is not inherently evil (though many of its applications certainly are).

If there is a DM ruling to the contrary, just let me know!

[Steve]

I think you missed something, C. Read agin the first quote. “Channeling” and “act.” Energy, imho, is a non-conscious, neutral power. It is HOW it is used—channeling it or acting with it—that one could ascribe as Good or Evil.

Thus, it is fair to argue that your Paladin knowingly USING Negative Energy, without Paladin-Code-Cause, could very well be an Evil Act. Additionally, using Negative Energy to cause Good or Lawful results, may be well allowed by the God that oversees the Paladins gifts.

However, if for sake of clarity and less headache, the DMs have or will rule that Positive and Negative energies are NEITHER Good or Evil, then there would be no gray area to worry about, and bash away brother!!

[Druchii]

Magic is not evil in any form, only in its application as pointed out. It simply is.

Necromancy gets a bad wrap for obvious reasons, but the truth is that application trumps all. Magic is a fantastical and terrible force. If you want to see evil magic, thay and Sshamath are easy examples.

See Enchanters dominating the minds others, enslaving and debasing them for their own gain or trivial amusement. Watch Conjurers form pacts with nabassu whilst offering up victims to have their souls fed upon and annihilated. Transmuters who turn servants and rivals in decorations for their towers and estates. Evokers who practice magics that burn, freeze or electrocute anyone who challenges their rank, even unintentionally.

Most groups on game learn to judge casters based on What they cast. These stereotypes are the norm as relatively few understand magic well enough to properly judge it without emotion or predujice. This is what matters in roleplay. How does your character view magical energy and use.. and why.

These group predujice are as often right as not. But the actual truth is irrelevant really..it is the province of DM handing out alignment shifts.. and I never saw one just because you Wilted a charging pack of goblins.

[Grendunor]

For Charraj's peace of mind I recall there was something said a while ago (Before my time) that Paladins and good aligned characters are able to use vamparic regen weapons which drain the life-force from the subject and use it to restore the wielder, given the above an assumption could be made that using a weapon that emits negative energy could be gross to most Paladins It's not something fall worthy.

In the Persistent world I think the only actually evil descriptor spells we have, [And are enforced as evil], relate to destroying the soul of the victim. Short of that there is a lot of argument and justification you could go back and forth about on Paladins depending on their specific cause and flavour while remaining within the Lawful and Good aspects of alignment and more importantly the Dogma of your god.

Flavour wise a Jergalite Paladin using a negative energy infused weapon seems on theme for the god given the Symbology of death and entropy of that specific god. Mechanically however stunningly poor choice to fight undead.

Edit: Additional opinion on Paladins

Personally, I think the main focus on Paladin RP should be champion the cause of good through the lens of their diety. A conviction in that through use of the right means and methods the paladin pushes forward the agenda of cosmic good (Subject to deities dogma).
The end goal should never influence the Paladin from the course of right action as right action always furthers the cause of good through it's being.

Contrasting against a non-Paladin of Lawful good alignment which i would say has less of the conviction and certainty in doing the right thing will always result in the greatest level of good and should be more prone to the temptation to stray from the right action to achieve the right ends where as the paladin would not.

[Charraj]

Mechanically however stunningly poor choice to fight undead.

So true.

[Ewe]

Well if Vampiric Regen can be used by a paladin I don't see why 1d4 negative energy cannot be.

[Bobthehero]

It can't, it's evil, I'll safely take the sword from you, Charraj. Keep it from being misused and risking your PC soul.

[Charraj]

Very kind of you Bob, you truly live up to your forum name: Bob the hero. <3

[chad878262]

"Without evil there can be no good, so it must be good to be evil sometimes"

- Satan, "South Park, Bigger, Longer and Uncut"