Archetype:Dark Lord

"I am power unlike any you have known: absolute, infinite, and unrelenting. You have no choice but to prepare for a long dark future as my subjects—and my slaves."

― Darkseid, Superman: The Animated Series, "Apokolips... Now! (Part 2)

Archetype of villain usually seeks to rule or destroy the universe around them. Opposite to True Hero

Also Called

Dark God/Lord/Master/Prince
Evil/Dark Emperor/King/Lord/Overlord
Lord/Master/Prince/King/Emperor of Darkness
Lord/Master/Prince/King/Emperor of Evil
Lord of Shadows

Capabilities

User is a Dark Lord, powerful evil being who viciously rules over lesser evil beings and desire to rule their respective existences and corrupt as well as destroy everything they touch. They possess malevolent abilities and often command fiendish minions. These individuals also love to seduce others to join their side and then use them for their own hellish purposes. Anyone can be a Dark Lord; some are human, many have demonic natures and certain holders of the title are actually manifestations of the Prince of Darkness himself.

Applications

Dark Heart: Dark Lords have the most corrupted of hearts or may not have hearts at all
Invulnerability: Users are impervious to conventional attacks and weaponry.
Self-Resurrection: Even if destroyed, users can return to life.
True Power: Some users may have untapped power within themselves.

Variations

Devil Soul: Some may have become dark lords via satanic possession, thus becoming either vessels or literal manifestations of the original Dark Lord: Satan
Hypercompetence: Some users have unsurpassed talents and skills
Immortality: Some users gain eternal life
Magic: Wield all forms of Dark and Neutral magic
- Anger Magic: Use magic of anger.
- Chaos Magic: Use the most power chaotic of mystic arts
- Dark Arts: The Dark Lord's staple; mastering the darkest aspects of magic
- Death Magic: Use magic to unleash death
- Demonic Magic: Master hellish magic
- Destruction Magic: Use magic to unleash destruction.
- Fear Magic: Use magic to strike fear
- Necromancy: Use magic that revolves around the dead
- Shadow Magic: Use magic to unleash darkness
Nigh Omnipotence: Dark Lords tend to possess god-like powers
- Corruption Manipulation: Cause and control corruption
- Dark Element Manipulation: Command dark elements
- Dark Energy Manipulation: Control dark energy
- Darkness Manipulation: Many users wield vast dark powers
- Nothingness Manipulation: Eliminate almost any form of existence
- Psionics: Dark Lords are known to have many mental abilities
  - Mental Manipulation: Control the minds of virtually anyone
  - Telekinesis: Manipulate any and all forms of matter mentally
  - Telepathy: send thoughts as messages across great distances.
Personal Domain: Rule a malignant kingdom or empire.
Subordination Manipulation: Gain many followers (usually Assailants)
Supernatural Condition: Many Dark Lords possess supernatural traits
Transcendent Demon Physiology: Some users have a demonic nature and divinely powerful abilities.

Associations

Limitations

Will be opposed by benevolent forces.
True Hero have more than what it takes to defeat Dark Lords.
Can be blinded by pride and vanity.
May be equal or in servitude to a more powerful being (another Dark Lord, a Transcendent Demon or a Satanic Figure).
Redemption voids the power.