Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Lincoln Hills 05-07-05, 03:18 PM	Next edition, I suggest all 1st level (and all newly created) characters start with the Neutral Evil alignment and have to work their way toward any other alignment. I mean, go have a look at the What's a DM to DO? thread and you will see countless examples of players (not necessarily the characters, but the players) committing a range of atrocities that would make Torquemada blush. Some of these atrocities are acts of stupidity, others are "pragmatic", and some are just a result of our favorite game's built-in mechanics. ("Once I 'defeat the challenge' by bashing their heads in, I go through the pockets of the brain-spattered corpses so that I can buy more powerful magical items." And then there's what happens when a DM implies that his NPCs might have swallowed anything even remotely valuable!) (I should also point out that "Everybody starts out Neutral Evil" will keep those dangerous and hilariously misused toys, the Monk and Paladin classes, out of the bumbling hands of people who have not yet mastered the art of playing a non-psychotic personality.) So there you are! An end to "My paladin ate dingo babies" threads, a reasonable justification for the DM's local law-men to smite the PCs as soon as they see 'em, and a chance to skip a step ('select an alignment') until you know your character better. How could you not believe this suggestion has great merit? :D
J.Augustus Rose II 05-07-05, 03:40 PM	Wow. Do you realize how horible that would make things? I mean, obviously you don't, but wow. Not everyone wants to play the redeemed villain and not everyone would go in the direction of good. Your idea just compounds the alignment "problem" a thousand-fold. This has to be a troll post. I mean seriously. "A reasonable justification for the DM's local law-men to smite the PCs as soon as they see 'em?" Or "A reasonable justification for the DM's to suck the fun out of the game for everyone but themselves."
jukar 05-07-05, 05:18 PM	Um, why neutral evil? Why not plain neutral? Not everyone wants to be evil- generally, I've noticed that the problematic alignments are lawful anything and evil anything. By making everyone start as true neutral, they can shape their own alignment through actions a lot easier- a character that wants to be good under your idea pretty much has to start as at least a not very likeable person, and would need to work doubly hard to make their character into the alignment that fit the character concept, whereas evil characters wouldn't need to do all that much. Edit: Although, I do see how one would wish for something like this. I too am flabberghasted by the sheer amount of people who can't seem to get down the basic concept of good- and far too many paladins eating dingo babies.
Flushmaster 05-07-05, 05:32 PM	How about Neutral Stupid? As soon as they prove that the character isn't stupid, apply the appropriate alignment.
Seeker95 05-07-05, 08:31 PM	I start all my campaigns at level 1. Every player starts out as neutral in alignment. When they reach second level, I assign a probationary alignment based on how they have played. At third level, I make it permanent, with capital letters. At this time, alignment penalties / rules / etc kick in.
green_yawgmoth 05-07-05, 09:34 PM	Wow. Do you realize how horible that would make things? I mean, obviously you don't, but wow. Not everyone wants to play the redeemed villain and not everyone would go in the direction of good. Your idea just compounds the alignment "problem" a thousand-fold. This has to be a troll post. I mean seriously. "A reasonable justification for the DM's local law-men to smite the PCs as soon as they see 'em?" Or "A reasonable justification for the DM's to suck the fun out of the game for everyone but themselves." Look up the term "tongue-in-cheek" and call me in the morning. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
weasel fierce 05-07-05, 10:31 PM	I suggest ditching alignments alltogether. It was a dumb rule 30 years ago, and that havent changed
Ssussunriyh 05-08-05, 12:20 AM	Better yet, I would suggest ditching players who simply can't grasp the concept of roleplaying. Let 'em go back to those mindless computer games that they're used to, instead.
The Vorpal Tribble 05-08-05, 01:29 AM	Psychotic Neutral :rolleyes:
WizO_Cat 05-08-05, 02:01 AM	Ok, since this can be seen as baiting to those who post on the "Whats a DM to do" board, I'm going to close the thread at this time. Please keep in mind that if one is attempting humor, ther is the D20 for Grins board. Thanks.