The 'Evil' Character in AOC
Since none of the races presented to us are inherently 'evil', like say the Dark Elves of Everquest are, creating an 'evil' character in AOC Power leveling requires a bit of thought.
Background story will help some, but more in assisting YOU as to why your character feels how he feels, and how he would react in any situation based on those feelings in Age of Conan. While some people do bother to read background stories, most do not, and of those who do, how much do they really retain? It's not really going to be what makes you a known 'evil' to the community.
I would say most important would be that, when you RP, make your reasoning clear (at the start anyways, until people get to know your character better) when you say something in character.
For example: Joooblius dislikes Stygians because one of them gave his merchant father a bad deal and caused his family to lose a lot of money. Upon having a Stygian join his group in game he can say something like:
"You invited a Stygian?" *frowns* "I certainly hope you manage to do your part in our group,I know how hard it is for you desert dogs to keep your part of a bargain" *glares at the Stygian with contempt*
Just by simply implying theres some underlying reason for your dislike, you leave the door open to inquiry or speculation..(if they wish, they may not care)..and you've given the others a clear message that your character dislikes Stygians.
Since the game and community are still new, I would keep the character developement very slowly at the start. Let people get to know you and what your 'problem' (or master plan, mwhahah) is, before you progress it to the next point.
Those characters that pick up on and 'dislike' you for your 'evilness' can develope into very cool advisaries. Be very receptive to those who are willing to spar verbally with you, and likewise be cautious of anyone who takes anything you say too seriously or gets irl upset with it.
((offnote - There are a very few RPers who will somehow get upset with even the most obvious RP of 'evil', and when you're around them, sometimes it's best just to tone it down, instead of having tells like "Why ru being mean to him, it's just a game man'" .. yah. *eye roll*)
Picking up advisaries is great because it can help you further along your character's personality in public displays where onlookers can pick up on what your deal is very quickly.
Generally 'evil' here is going to mostly a dislike or mistrust of another race or guild, or of some heirarchy in their own guild or city that they feel they should be on top of. The character will probably have some festering reason they feel completely in the right about,..and that can be expressed either right to people's faces, (if they are bold and/or foolish) or behind their backs. (which can be fun if everyone is aware of the premise when it's going on)
The 'evil' character should be ready to take a lot of 'punches', whether it is straight up physical attacks by others, or being one upped on their latest attempt to discredit someone, or.. being thwarted in their master plan. 'Usually'..the evil character does not win them all, and infact it delights your fellow players all the more if you take way more lumps than they do.
I would suggest that an evil character be played as very cunning and intelligent, not prone to being foolish..and when things don't go your way, your thoughts should always be something along the lines of "That's ok..you'll get YOURS soon enough.."
With the talented 'evil' player, people will almost forget you are 'letting' them win some. *winks*