Alignment... Hmm... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Alignment... Hmm... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Andrewinator
06-24-05, 10:17 PM I once read somewhere some time ago that alignments should not be thought of as restrictions, but as a way of viewing the world. All too often have I had to tell my players, "that's not within the tendencies of your alignment." So how, I ask you, can I make alignment a world-viewing method rather than a set of limitations? My players are LN.
Galaktia
06-24-05, 10:28 PM Let players do as they wish, BUUUUUT

for each time they do something clearly evil give them one black mark, and vis versa,

and for each chaotic deed one green mark, and remove one for each lawful deed

this shows how their players view of the world, and so others view of how they act changes as they act,

A paladin that always follows the rules might once step out of line but he still views the world the same, hwoever if he keeps doing it what he does starts to effect how he thinks of the world.
snowlynx
06-24-05, 10:28 PM Change the alignment on their character sheet to match the way they act, rather then telling them what they can and cannot due based on their alignment.

How:
Have them make characters and their outlook, then have them take an alignment test online or something. Don't tell them what they can and cannot do; let them play their character naturally, and change their alignment when it seems they are playing to a different alignment.

For the purposes of getting along with your players, some tact and discussion is appropriate when suggesting an alignment change. Ask them, "why did your character do these things?" and see what outlook their character matches.
LCD2YOU
06-24-05, 10:33 PM that is how I always read the different alignments from the DMG. Also, Ialways thought the different ways alignment came into play was done well, as a world view in AD&D 2.0. I'm drawing a blank as to whether it is in the DMG or PHB of 2.0

The good thing is about seeing alignments as described in the PHB as a world view is that it is easier to follow. Using them as abstract ideals that one must adhere to is silly. Rare is the person who consistantly lives up to their own ideals.

Good idea.
Salla
06-24-05, 10:33 PM It depends on the underlying context of the phrase "That's not in keeping with your alignment."

If you say it meaning, "You can't do that," then that's wrong. Actions determine alignment, not the other way around.

If you say it meaning, "You risk an alignment shift if you keep acting like this," then that's right. This can mean important things to people in classes and Prestige Classes with alignment restrictions.
Andrewinator
06-24-05, 10:42 PM Thanks a ton for your help folks.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Andrewinator 06-24-05, 10:17 PM	I once read somewhere some time ago that alignments should not be thought of as restrictions, but as a way of viewing the world. All too often have I had to tell my players, "that's not within the tendencies of your alignment." So how, I ask you, can I make alignment a world-viewing method rather than a set of limitations? My players are LN.
Galaktia 06-24-05, 10:28 PM	Let players do as they wish, BUUUUUT for each time they do something clearly evil give them one black mark, and vis versa, and for each chaotic deed one green mark, and remove one for each lawful deed this shows how their players view of the world, and so others view of how they act changes as they act, A paladin that always follows the rules might once step out of line but he still views the world the same, hwoever if he keeps doing it what he does starts to effect how he thinks of the world.
snowlynx 06-24-05, 10:28 PM	Change the alignment on their character sheet to match the way they act, rather then telling them what they can and cannot due based on their alignment. How: Have them make characters and their outlook, then have them take an alignment test online or something. Don't tell them what they can and cannot do; let them play their character naturally, and change their alignment when it seems they are playing to a different alignment. For the purposes of getting along with your players, some tact and discussion is appropriate when suggesting an alignment change. Ask them, "why did your character do these things?" and see what outlook their character matches.
LCD2YOU 06-24-05, 10:33 PM	that is how I always read the different alignments from the DMG. Also, Ialways thought the different ways alignment came into play was done well, as a world view in AD&D 2.0. I'm drawing a blank as to whether it is in the DMG or PHB of 2.0 The good thing is about seeing alignments as described in the PHB as a world view is that it is easier to follow. Using them as abstract ideals that one must adhere to is silly. Rare is the person who consistantly lives up to their own ideals. Good idea.
Salla 06-24-05, 10:33 PM	It depends on the underlying context of the phrase "That's not in keeping with your alignment." If you say it meaning, "You can't do that," then that's wrong. Actions determine alignment, not the other way around. If you say it meaning, "You risk an alignment shift if you keep acting like this," then that's right. This can mean important things to people in classes and Prestige Classes with alignment restrictions.
Andrewinator 06-24-05, 10:42 PM	Thanks a ton for your help folks.