Character Alignment One of the main steps toward creating a character is choosing an alignment for the character. In some cases, due to O.C.C. restrictions, the choice of alignment may be limited. The character's alignment is a guide to his basic moral and ethical attitudes toward others, society, good, evil, and the forces of the universe in general. Use the chosen alignment as a guide to provide a clearer idea of how the character will handle moral dilemmas. Always consider alignment as a tool, not a straitjacket that restricts the character. Although alignment defines general attitudes, it certainly doesn't prevent a character from changing his beliefs, acting irrationally, or behaving out of character. Alignment is divided into two sets of attitudes: law and chaos, and good and evil. By combining the different variations within the two sets, nine distinct alignments are created. These nine alignments serve well to define the attitudes of most of the people in the world. Law, Neutrality, and Chaos Attitudes toward law and chaos are divided into three opposing beliefs. Picture these beliefs as the points of a triangle, all pulling away from each other. The three beliefs are law, chaos, and neutrality. One of these represents each character's ethos--his understanding of society and relationships. Characters who believe in law maintain that order, organization, and society are important, indeed vital, forces of the universe. The relationships between people and governments exist naturally. Lawful philosophers maintain that this order is not created by man but is a natural law of the universe. Although man does not create orderly structures, it is his obligation to function within them, lest the fabric of everything crumble. For less philosophical types, lawfulness manifests itself in the belief that laws should be made and followed, if only to have understandable rules for society. People should not pursue personal vendettas, for example, but should present their claims to the proper authorities. Strength comes through unity of action, as can be seen in guilds, empires, and powerful churches. Those espousing neutrality tend to take a more balanced view of things. They hold that for every force in the universe, there is an opposite force somewhere. Where there is lawfulness, there is also chaos; where there is neutrality, there is also partisanship. The same is true of good and evil, life and death. What is important is that all these forces remain in balance with each other. If one factor becomes ascendant over its opposite, the universe becomes unbalanced. If enough of these polarities go out of balance, the fabric of reality could pull itself apart. For example, if death became ascendant over life, the universe would become a barren wasteland. Philosophers of neutrality not only presuppose the existence of opposites, but they also theorize that the universe would vanish should one opposite completely destroy the other (since nothing can exist without its opposite). Fortunately for these philosophers (and all sentient life), the universe seems to be efficient at regulating itself. Only when a powerful, unbalancing force appears (which almost never happens) need the defenders of neutrality become seriously concerned. The believers in chaos hold that there is no preordained order or careful balance of forces in the universe. Instead they see the universe as a collection of things and events, some related to each other and others completely independent. They tend to hold that individual actions account for the differences in things and that events in one area do not alter the fabric of the universe halfway across the galaxy. Chaotic philosophers believe in the power of the individual over his own destiny and are fond of anarchistic nations. Being more pragmatic, non-philosophers recognize the function of society in protecting their individual rights. Chaotic characters can be hard to govern as a group, since they place their own needs and desires above those of society. Good, Neutrality, and Evil Like law and order, the second set of attitudes is also divided into three parts. These parts describe, more or less, a character's moral outlook; they are his internal guideposts to what is right or wrong. Good characters are just that. They try to be honest, charitable, and forthright. People are not perfect, however, so few are good all the time. There are always occasional failings and weaknesses. A good person, however, worries about his errors and normally tries to correct any damage done. Remember, however, that goodness has no absolute values. Although many things are commonly accepted as good (helping those in need, protecting the weak), different cultures impose their own interpretations on what is good and what is evil. Those with a neutral moral stance often refrain from passing judgment on anything. They do not classify people, things, or events as good or evil; what is, is. In some cases, this is because the creature lacks the capacity to make a moral judgment (animals fall into this category). Few normal creatures do anything for good or evil reasons. They kill because they are hungry or threatened. They sleep where they find shelter. They do not worry about the moral consequences of their actions--their actions are instinctive. Evil is the antithesis of good and appears in many ways, some overt and others quite subtle. Only a few people of evil nature actively seek to cause harm or destruction. Most simply do not recognize that what they do is destructive or disruptive. People and things that obstruct the evil character's plans are mere hindrances that must be overcome. If someone is harmed in the process . . . well, that's too bad. Remember that evil, like good, is interpreted differently in different societies. Alignment Combinations Nine different alignments result from combining these two sets. Each alignment varies from all others, sometimes in broad, obvious ways, and sometimes in subtle ways. Each alignment is described in the following paragraphs. GOOD ALIGNMENTS Lawful Good (Principled): Characters of this alignment believe that an orderly, strong society with a well-organized government can work to make life better for the majority of the people. To ensure the quality of life, laws must be created and obeyed. When people respect the laws and try to help one another, society as a whole prospers. Therefore, lawful good characters strive for those things that will bring the greatest benefit to the most people and cause the least harm. An honest and hard-working serf, a kindly and wise king, or a stern but forthright minister of justice are all examples of lawful good people. Lawful Good/Principled Characters Will: Always keep his word. Avoid lies. Never kill or attack an unarmed foe. Never harm an innocent. Never torture for any reason. Never kill for pleasure. Always help others. Work well in a group. Respect authority, law, self-discipline and honor. Never betray a friend. Never break the law unless conditions are desperate. This means no breaking and entry, theft, torture, unprovoked assaults, etc. Neutral Good (Scrupulous): These characters believe that a balance of forces is important, but that the concerns of law and chaos do not moderate the need for good. Since the universe is vast and contains many creatures striving for different goals, a determined pursuit of good will not upset the balance; it may even maintain it. If fostering good means supporting organized society, then that is what must be done. If good can only come about through the overthrow of existing social order, so be it. Social structure itself has no innate value to them. A baron who violates the orders of his king to destroy something he sees as evil is an example of a neutral good character. Neutral Good /Scrupulous Characters Will: Keep his word to any other good person. Lie only to people of selfish or evil alignments. Never attack or kill an unarmed foe. Never harm an innocent. Never torture for pleasure, but may use muscle to extract information from criminals or evil characters. Never kill for pleasure; will always attempt to bring the villain to justice alive no matter how vile he may be. Always help others. Attempt to work within the law whenever possible. Bend and, occasionally, break the law when deemed necessary. This means they may use strong-arm techniques, harass, break and enter, theft, and so on. Distrust authority. Work with groups, but dislikes confining laws and bureaucracy (red tape). Never betrays a friend. Chaotic Good (Unprincipled): Chaotic good characters are strong individualists marked by a streak of kindness and benevolence. They believe in all the virtues of goodness and right, but they have little use for laws and regulations. They have no use for people who "try to push folk around and tell them what to do." Their own moral compass guides their actions, which, although good, may not always be in perfect agreement with the rest of society. A brave frontiersman forever moving on as settlers follow in his wake is an example of a chaotic good character. Chaotic Good/Unprincipled Characters Will: Have a high regard for life and freedom. Keep his word of honor. Lie and cheat if necessary (especially to those of anarchist and evil alignments). Will not kill an unarmed foe (but will take advantage of one). Help those in need. Not use torture unless absolutely necessary. Work with a group, especially if profitable. Never harm an innocent. Never kill for pleasure. Dislike authority. Never betray a friend. NEUTRAL ALIGNMENTS Lawful Neutral (Beneficent): Order and organization are of paramount importance to characters of this alignment. They believe in a strong, well-ordered government, whether that government is a tyranny or benevolent democracy. The benefits of organization and regimentation outweigh any moral questions raised by their actions. An inquisitor determined to ferret out traitors at any cost or a soldier who never questions his orders are good examples of lawful neutral behavior. Lawful Neutral/Beneficent Characters Will: Always keep his word. Avoid lies. May or May not kill or attack an unarmed foe. Never harm an innocent. Never torture, unless absolutely necessary reason. Never kill for pleasure. May or May not help others. Work well in a group. Respect authority, law, self-discipline and honor. Never betray a friend. Never break the law unless conditions are desperate. This means no breaking and entry, theft, torture, unprovoked assaults, etc. Neutral: True neutral characters believe in the ultimate balance of forces, and they refuse to see actions as either good or evil. Since the majority of people in the world make judgments, true neutral characters are extremely rare. True neutrals do their best to avoid siding with the forces of either good or evil, law or chaos. It is their duty to see that all of these forces remain in balanced contention.True neutral characters sometimes find themselves forced into rather peculiar alliances. To a great extent, they are compelled to side with the underdog in any given situation, sometimes even changing sides as the previous loser becomes the winner. A true neutral druid might join the local barony to put down a tribe of evil gnolls, only to drop out or switch sides when the gnolls were brought to the brink of destruction. He would seek to prevent either side from becoming too powerful. Clearly, there are very few true neutral characters in the world. Neutral Characters will: May or May not keep his word. May or May not lie to or cheat anyone. May or May not attack and kill an unarmed foe. May or May not Use, hurt and kill an innocent without a second thought or for pleasure. May or May not Use torture for pleasure and information. Will not kill for sheer pleasure. Unlikely to help someone only to kill or rob him. May or May not work well within a group (Depends on if the group maintains a balanced view). May or May not follow the ways of honour, authority, and self-discipline. Associate mostly with other Neutral alignments. May or May not betray friends. Chaotic Neutral (Anarchist): Chaotic neutral characters believe that there is no order to anything, including their own actions. With this as a guiding principle, they tend to follow whatever whim strikes them at the moment. Good and evil are irrelevant when making a decision. Chaotic neutral characters are extremely difficult to deal with. Such characters have been known to cheerfully and for no apparent purpose gamble away everything they have on the roll of a single die. They are almost totally unreliable. In fact, the only reliable thing about them is that they cannot be relied upon! This alignment is perhaps the most difficult to play. Lunatics and madmen tend toward chaotic neutral behavior. Chaotic Neutral/Anarchist Characters Will: May keep his word. Lie and cheat if he feels it necessary. Not likely to kill an unarmed foe, but will certainly knockout, attack, or beat up an unarmed foe. Never kill an innocent (but may harm or kidnap). Not likely to help someone without some ulterior motive (even if it's only to show-off). Seldom kill for pleasure. Use torture to extract information (not likely to torture for pleasure). Does not work well in a group (this is the cocky loudmouth who is likely to do as he damn well pleases). Have little respect for self-discipline or authority. May betray a friend. EVIL ALIGNMENTS Lawful Evil (Aberrant): These characters believe in using society and its laws to benefit themselves. Structure and organization elevate those who deserve to rule as well as provide a clearly defined hierarchy between master and servant. To this end, lawful evil characters support laws and societies that protect their own concerns. If someone is hurt or suffers because of a law that benefits lawful evil characters, too bad. The cliché that there is "No honor among thieves" is false when dealing with the this character. He will always keep his word of honor and uphold any bargains. He will define his terms and live by them, whether anyone else likes it or not. He expects loyalty from his minions, punishing disloyalty and treachery with a swift, merciful death. An iron-fisted tyrant and a devious, greedy merchant are examples of lawful evil beings. Lawful Evil/Aberrant Characters Will: Always keep his word of honor (he is honorable). Lie to and cheat those not worthy of his respect. May or may not kill an unarmed foe. Not kill (may harm, kidnap) an innocent, particularly a child. Never kills for pleasure. Not resort to inhumane treatment of prisoners, but torture, although distasteful, is a necessary means of extracting information. Never torture for pleasure. May or may not help someone in need. Work with others to attain his goals. Respect honor and self-discipline. Never betray a friend. Neutral Evil (Miscreant): Neutral evil characters are primarily concerned with themselves and their own advancement. They have no particular objection to working with others or, for that matter, going it on their own. Their only interest is in getting ahead. If there is a quick and easy way to gain a profit, whether it be legal, questionable, or obviously illegal, they take advantage of it. Although neutral evil characters do not have the every-man-for-himself attitude of chaotic characters, they have no qualms about betraying their friends and companions for personal gain. They typically base their allegiance on power and money, which makes them quite receptive to bribes. An unscrupulous mercenary, a common thief, and a double-crossing informer who betrays people to the authorities to protect and advance himself are typical examples of neutral evil characters. Neutral Evil/Miscreant Characters Will: Not necessarily keep his word to anyone. Lie and cheat anyone; good or evil. Most definitely attack an unarmed foe (those are the best kind). Use or harm an innocent. Use torture for extracting information and pleasure. May kill for sheer pleasure. Feels no compulsion to help without some sort of tangible reward. 8. Work with others if it will help him attain his personal goal. Kill an unarmed foe as readily as he would a potential threat or competitor. Has no deference to laws or authority, but will work within the law if he must. Will betray a friend if it serves his needs. Chaotic Evil (Diabolic): These characters are the bane of all that is good and organized. Chaotic evil characters are motivated by the desire for personal gain and pleasure. They see absolutely nothing wrong with taking whatever they want by whatever means possible. Laws and governments are the tools of weaklings unable to fend for themselves. The strong have the right to take what they want, and the weak are there to be exploited. When chaotic evil characters band together, they are not motivated by a desire to cooperate, but rather to oppose powerful enemies. Such a group can be held together only by a strong leader capable of bullying his underlings into obedience. Since leadership is based on raw power, a leader is likely to be replaced at the first sign of weakness by anyone who can take his position away from him by any method. Bloodthirsty buccaneers and monsters of low Intelligence are fine examples of chaotic evil personalities. Chaotic Evil/Diabolic Characters will: Rarely keep his word (and has no honor). Lie to and cheat anyone. Most certainly attack and kill an unarmed foe. Use, hurt and kill an innocent without a second thought or for pleasure. Use torture for pleasure and information. Kill for sheer pleasure. Likely to help someone only to kill or rob him. Not work well within a group (consistently disregarding orders to doas he pleases). Despise honor, authority, and self-discipline. Associate mostly with other evil alignments. Betray friends (after all, you can always find friends). Non-Aligned Creatures In addition to the alignments above, some things--particularly unintelligent monsters (killer plants, etc.) and animals--never bother with moral and ethical concerns. For these creatures, alignment is simply not applicable. A dog, even a well-trained one, is neither good nor evil, lawful nor chaotic. It is simply a dog. For these creatures, alignment is always detected as neutral. Supernatural Creatures Supernatural and demonic creatures (especially villainous NPCs) must have an alignment. Most will be evil; especially miscreant and diabolic. ALL supernatural creatures, whether they are ghostly entities or slithering monsters, will radiate their alignment. This psychic emanation is part of its nature and can not be hidden or disguised. To a psychic sensitive the emanations of evil are as distinctive and recognizable as a pungent odor.Human practitioners of magic for their own evil purposes, or individuals who associate with evil supernatural creatures, do not, themselves, radiate an unnatural evil aura. However, those who knowingly and willfully use such dark forces are always of evil or anarchist alignment. These are the vengeful, greedy or power hungry fools who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Goals they will attain even if it means calling upon horrible, evil forces from another world to prey on their own kind. Changing Alignment Alignment is a tool, not a straitjacket. It is possible for a player to change his character's alignment after the character is created, either by action or choice. However, changing alignment may not be without its penalties. Most often the character's alignment will change because his actions are more in line with a different alignment. This can happen if the player is not paying attention to the character and his actions. The character gradually assumes a different alignment. For example, a lawful good fighter ignores the village council's plea for help because he wants to go fight evil elsewhere. This action is much closer to chaotic good, since the character is placing his desire over the need of the community. The fighter would find himself beginning to drift toward chaotic good alignment. All people have minor failings, however, so the character does not instantly become chaotic good. Several occasions of lax behavior are required before the character's alignment changes officially. During that time, extremely lawful good activities can swing the balance back. Although the player may have a good idea of where the character's alignment lies, only the GM knows for sure. Likewise, the character cannot wake up one morning and say, "I think I'll become lawful good today." (Well, he can say it, but it won't have any effect.) A player can choose to change his character's alignment, but this change is accomplished by deeds, not words. Tell the GM of the intention and then try to play according to the new choice. Finally, there are many magical effects that can change a character's alignment. Rare and cursed magical items can instantly alter a character's alignment. Powerful artifacts may slowly erode a character's determination and willpower, causing subtle shifts in behavior. Spells can compel a character to perform actions against his will. Although all of these have an effect, none are as permanent or damaging as those choices the character makes of his own free will. There are other, more immediate effects of changing alignment. Certain character classes require specific alignments. A character may have magical items usable only to specific alignments (intelligent swords, etc.). Such items don't function (and may even prove dangerous) in the hands of a differently aligned character. News of a character's change in behavior will certainly get around to friends and acquaintances. Although some people he never considered friendly may now warm to him, others may take exception to his new attitudes. A few may even try to help him "see the error of his ways." The local clergy, on whom he relies for healing, may look askance on his recent behavior, denying him their special services (while at the same time sermonizing on his plight). The character that changes alignment often finds himself unpopular, depending on the attitudes of the surrounding people. People do not understand him. If the character drifts into chaotic neutral behavior in a highly lawful city, the townspeople might decide that the character is afflicted and needs close supervision, even confinement, for his own good! Ultimately, the player is advised to pick an alignment he can play comfortably, one that fits in with those of the rest of the group, and he should stay with that alignment for the course of the character's career. There will be times when the GM, especially if he is clever, creates situations to test the character's resolve and ethics. But finding the right course of action within the character's alignment is part of the fun and challenge of role-playing.