You could have the PCs be in service to an evil wizard or overlord, and just take any regular plot and give them the baddies' role.
You could have multiple factions in a city, like noble houses, and give them some sort of goal to accomplish in that context. Think Game of Thrones or the drow in Menzoberranzan.
You could have them doing something "good" but with a "the ends justify the means" mentality.