Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Lilt 09-30-04, 05:40 PM	I am playing in a game where skill in intrigue and planning has become an important factor. My question: what approach should characters of different allignments have towards plotting and scheming? What I'm primarily wondering is how chaotic characters should really plot? Chaotic, from what I've read, means that the characters do what they want and when they want. Couldn't that disrupt intrigue-like activities? Lawful characters don't tend to lie, at-least not according to the PhB, does that mean that they would be at a disadvangage also? I'm guessing that chaotic characters would favour a slightly more Succubus-style, kiss-and-tell, approach but does that mean they're beyond plotting and scheming for the long term? I'm presently playing a Chaotic Evil character in an evil intrigue-filled game and I'm wondering what to do. My character has a very high wisdom (24), a high charisma (16-18), and isn't dumb either (12 int). Any input would be appreciated.
Seraph of Babel 10-01-04, 01:06 AM	Chaotic characters don't just do what they want when they want. They simply value individual freedom more than structured organization and hierarchy, but that does not mean they cannot plan. They would give more priority to individuality than collectivity. Chaotic creatures may tackle sub-quests individually or can also get involved in group activities if they are necessary, but even then it just wouldn't be so regimented. Lawful characters can lie, unless lying is strictly against the law. They won't be disadvantaged, just that they put more emphasis on planning and organization. Probably have a few backup plans and split into 2 or more teams with designated leaders and 2nd-in-commands.
Gedrin 10-01-04, 04:41 PM	Most characters tend to plot toward their strengths, since there's intrigue involved, there are likely hidden strenghts as well. The big difference between how chaotics plot and how lawfuls plot is in the flexibility and durrability of their plans. Chaotic characters tend to develop plans that allow for a great deal of "room to maneuver". They don't like the idea that a certain thing must happen at a certain time, because it might not. They know that things go wrong, and they don't want to be out of luck when that happens. They want another way to get at their goals. Chaotic plans tend to do an excellent job of incorporating twists of fate or turning developments to their advantage. Chaotic plans are somewhat rare, as having a plan is somewhat an orderly thing in and of itself. Often Chaotic plans are not immediately recognizable as plans. A good way to think of a Chaotic plan is "If I can't go left, I can always go right, or there might even be another way once I get there." Lawful characters tend to develop well prepared plans. They tend to have key stepping stones along the way that lock in portions of their grand scheme. They know that things go wrong, so they make sure they have thought a lot about how things can break, and they set up contingencies and protections for the key parts of their efforts. Key points, stages, or phases are common ways that Lawful plans are organized. Lawful plans tend not to be very flexible, but sometimes an alternate line is developed as part of a contingency. Lawful plans do an excellent job of using the pieces that are set in place in the ways that they are best suited. A good way to think of a Lawful plan is,"I am going to the left when I get there, so I better make sure the left way is open."