Alignment restrictions vs. power [Archive] - Wizards Community

Alignment restrictions vs. power [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Attila
04-10-05, 03:19 AM Do you think classes with alignment restrictions should be compensated for it by making the class more powerful? Note that power does not have to be combat power, it could be noncombat bonuses like knowledge or diplomacy.

Should the Paladin class be more powerful than the other warrior types since they have less freedom to act than the Monk, Barbarian or Fighter? Should the Monk be more powerful than the Barbarian or Fighter? The Barbarian slightly more powerful than the fighter?

It seems to me that classes that have to adhere to certain alignment restrictions should receive additional skills or powers to make up for having fewer options for dealing with a given situation. The more restrictive the class, the more bonuses it should receive.
Donraj
04-10-05, 03:36 AM Well, first off, that would seem to be a bit unbalancing in that it would give good or lawful characters an advantage over their evil and chaotic counterpoints. Which may or may not be a good thing depending on your view.

Second, to my way of thinking, giving a Paladin additional power because he has to be Lawful Good seems to detract somewhat from the purity of his ethics. Adhering to a strict code of conduct should be a burden and it should put you at a disadvantage in dealing with less honorable people. That's part of the sacrifice that comes from virtue, and if that sacrifice becomes just a means to gaining further power that seems to cheapen it. The only martial advantage a person should derive from being a exemplar of goodness is the experience he will undoubtably gain from being the only one willing to stand against evils that more prudent men would flee or placate.

EDIT:

Also, I would point out that Paladins can heal by touch and Monks are capable of breaking stone with their bare hands. They seem to be gaining some pretty substantial benefits already.
Tsuul
04-10-05, 04:00 AM Virtue is it's own reward.
But if you absolutly must be rewarded for good deeds then pick up the Book of Exaulted Deeds.
fractal
04-10-05, 04:13 AM It seems to me that classes that have to adhere to certain alignment restrictions should receive additional skills or powers to make up for having fewer options for dealing with a given situation. The more restrictive the class, the more bonuses it should receive.
To an extent. Just don't overestimate how restricted the class actually is.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Attila 04-10-05, 03:19 AM	Do you think classes with alignment restrictions should be compensated for it by making the class more powerful? Note that power does not have to be combat power, it could be noncombat bonuses like knowledge or diplomacy. Should the Paladin class be more powerful than the other warrior types since they have less freedom to act than the Monk, Barbarian or Fighter? Should the Monk be more powerful than the Barbarian or Fighter? The Barbarian slightly more powerful than the fighter? It seems to me that classes that have to adhere to certain alignment restrictions should receive additional skills or powers to make up for having fewer options for dealing with a given situation. The more restrictive the class, the more bonuses it should receive.
Donraj 04-10-05, 03:36 AM	Well, first off, that would seem to be a bit unbalancing in that it would give good or lawful characters an advantage over their evil and chaotic counterpoints. Which may or may not be a good thing depending on your view. Second, to my way of thinking, giving a Paladin additional power because he has to be Lawful Good seems to detract somewhat from the purity of his ethics. Adhering to a strict code of conduct should be a burden and it should put you at a disadvantage in dealing with less honorable people. That's part of the sacrifice that comes from virtue, and if that sacrifice becomes just a means to gaining further power that seems to cheapen it. The only martial advantage a person should derive from being a exemplar of goodness is the experience he will undoubtably gain from being the only one willing to stand against evils that more prudent men would flee or placate. EDIT: Also, I would point out that Paladins can heal by touch and Monks are capable of breaking stone with their bare hands. They seem to be gaining some pretty substantial benefits already.
Tsuul 04-10-05, 04:00 AM	Virtue is it's own reward. But if you absolutly must be rewarded for good deeds then pick up the Book of Exaulted Deeds.
fractal 04-10-05, 04:13 AM	It seems to me that classes that have to adhere to certain alignment restrictions should receive additional skills or powers to make up for having fewer options for dealing with a given situation. The more restrictive the class, the more bonuses it should receive. To an extent. Just don't overestimate how restricted the class actually is.