Alignment - Revision history

Orcephrye at 23:55, 22 May 2019

2019-05-22T23:55:22Z

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			<div class="toclimit-1"><div style="float:right; margin-left: 20px">__TOC__</div></div>
	Below are the rules for Alignment. The rules are for the most part optional. Choosing an Alignment is one of the first things a Player does when making a Character when following the [[Character_Creation_and_Advancement\|Character Creation]] rules.		Below are the rules for Alignment. The rules are for the most part optional. Choosing an Alignment is one of the first things a Player does when making a Character when following the [[Character_Creation_and_Advancement\|Character Creation]] rules.

Orcephrye at 23:54, 22 May 2019

2019-05-22T23:54:44Z

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	~~Ah! Good vs. Evil! Law vs. Chaos! These~~ are the ~~things that fuel epic stories and elevate Heroes to almost godlike status. Or at least~~ for ~~some they do~~. ~~Things like Good and Evil~~ are ~~hard to define in~~ the ~~real world. It's a tricky thing~~. ~~If there where Gods and Devils and such roaming around giving edicts and fighting~~ one ~~another, then perhaps Humanity wouldn't have such a hard time asking~~ the ~~questions, "Was that~~ a ~~bad act or~~ a ~~good act?" and "If that was bad or good, how bad or good was it?" "How much of a reward or punishment should be given?" However, in~~ the world of role-playing, the murky waters of morality and ethics are filtered into a pure constant stream of action. Bad guys die! Good guys win! The Bad guys deserved to die! The Good guys are meant to be victorious. Or if all else the characters the Players are playing with should be victorious or die to try.		Below are the rules for Alignment. The rules are for the most part optional. Choosing an Alignment is one of the first things a Player does when making a Character when following the [[Character_Creation_and_Advancement\|Character Creation]] rules.

	~~Mostly~~, ~~FuturePath assumes good~~ and ~~evil are definitive things,~~ like ~~black and white. Think of Star Wars and the Jedi vs. the Sith~~. ~~The Jedi~~ are ~~definitively good while the Sith~~ are ~~definitively evil~~. ~~There have been some more ambiguous viewpoints of Sith and Jedi provided outside of the original films~~, ~~but we will get to that later. Good and Evil are things that you can detect or sense~~, ~~and they~~ can ~~affect your Character's view or opinion about something. This should by no means~~ be ~~seen~~ as a ~~restriction~~ to ~~the storytelling~~.		;A quick summary: Alignment is optional in Future Path. In some roleplaying games, there are specific rules and actions that can be that will have different outcomes depending on Alignment like a 'Spell' that detects Evil as an example. In Future Path there are no actions that are associated with Alignment. Alignment, however, can be useful for roleplaying and as well as a way for the GM to hold Players accountable for there Characters actions.

	~~Exploring themes like Good vs. Evil vs. Neutral from a Sci-Fi perspective can be fun and exciting, but can also change~~ the ~~"feel"~~ of ~~the game~~. The ~~alignments are a tool for developing a Character's identity, as well as themes for the storytelling performed by the~~ GM~~. It~~ is ~~not meant~~ to be ~~a straitjacket for restricting character~~ or ~~forcing the story to end a certain way. Remember, this is a~~ game ~~of the imagination where the rules~~ are ~~more~~ about the ~~ability to effectively share that imagination than it~~ is ~~to restrict people from exploring ideas~~. ~~Each alignment represents a broad range of personality types~~ or ~~personal philosophies; so two characters of~~ the ~~same alignment can still be quite~~ different ~~from each other~~.		: Some people find that this Alignment system is restrictive or that it doesn't accurately represent the murky waters of morality. The GM should determine what sort of story is going to be told and the Players should know what style or type of game they are about to play before determining if using the Alignment system is actually useful. The Players can also just declare their Character is generally good or evil. Or the gaming group could adopt a different Alignment like system that helps Players to roleplay and the GM to hold Character actions accountable.

	~~A creature's general moral~~ and ~~personal attitudes are represented by its alignment: lawful good, neutral good, chaotic good, lawful neutral, neutral, chaotic neutral, lawful evil, neutral evil, or chaotic evil~~. ~~More information about each type of alignment~~ is ~~noted below. Animals and other creatures incapable of moral action are neutral. Even deadly vipers and tigers that eat people are neutral because they lack~~ the ~~capacity for morally right~~ or ~~wrong behavior. Dogs may be obedient and cats free-spirited, but they do not have the moral capacity~~ to ~~be truly lawful or chaotic~~.		: Below are the standard Troops and Alignments found commonly in most roleplaying game systems. This is useful mostly for the GM or Players trying to figure out how to roleplay a particular Alignment.

	<pre style="white-space: pre-wrap;		<pre style="white-space: pre-wrap;
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	Editing Character Sheet: Alignment can be recorded at the top of the Character sheet to the right of the Future Path logo and the Character Name field.		Editing Character Sheet: Alignment can be recorded at the top of the Character sheet to the right of the Future Path logo and the Character Name field.
	</pre>		</pre>


	== The Versus Story Tropes ==		== The Versus Story Tropes ==

Orcephrye at 03:15, 10 April 2019

2019-04-10T03:15:52Z

Orcephrye at 04:58, 22 October 2017

2017-10-22T04:58:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:58, 22 October 2017
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	Ah! Good vs. Evil! Law vs Chaos! These are the things that fuel epic stories and elevate Heroes to almost godlike status.~~.. or~~ at least for some they do. Things like Good and Evil are hard to define in the real world. It's a tricky thing. If there where Gods and Devils and such roaming around giving edicts and fighting one another, then perhaps Humanity wouldn't have such a hard time asking the questions, "Was that a bad act or a good act?" and "If that was bad or good, how bad or good was it?" "How much of a reward or punishment should be given?" However, in the world of role-playing, the murky waters of morality and ethics are filtered into a ~~simple~~ constant stream of action. Bad guys die! Good guys win! The Bad guys deserved to die! The Good guys are meant to be victorious. Or if all else the characters the Players are playing with should be victorious or die ~~trying~~.		Ah! Good vs. Evil! Law vs. Chaos! These are the things that fuel epic stories and elevate Heroes to almost godlike status. Or at least for some they do. Things like Good and Evil are hard to define in the real world. It's a tricky thing. If there where Gods and Devils and such roaming around giving edicts and fighting one another, then perhaps Humanity wouldn't have such a hard time asking the questions, "Was that a bad act or a good act?" and "If that was bad or good, how bad or good was it?" "How much of a reward or punishment should be given?" However, in the world of role-playing, the murky waters of morality and ethics are filtered into a pure constant stream of action. Bad guys die! Good guys win! The Bad guys deserved to die! The Good guys are meant to be victorious. Or if all else the characters the Players are playing with should be victorious or die to try.

	Mostly, FuturePath assumes good and evil are definitive things, like black and white. Think of Star Wars and the Jedi vs. the Sith. The Jedi are definitively good while the Sith are definitively evil. There have been some more ambiguous viewpoints of Sith and Jedi provided outside of the original films, but we will get to that later. Good and Evil are things that you can detect or sense, and they can affect your Character's view or opinion about something. This should by no means be seen as a restriction to the storytelling.		Mostly, FuturePath assumes good and evil are definitive things, like black and white. Think of Star Wars and the Jedi vs. the Sith. The Jedi are definitively good while the Sith are definitively evil. There have been some more ambiguous viewpoints of Sith and Jedi provided outside of the original films, but we will get to that later. Good and Evil are things that you can detect or sense, and they can affect your Character's view or opinion about something. This should by no means be seen as a restriction to the storytelling.

	Exploring themes like, Good vs. Evil vs. Neutral from a Sci-Fi perspective can be fun and ~~interesting~~, but can also change the "feel" of the game. The alignments are a tool for developing a Character's identity, as well as themes for the storytelling performed by the GM. It is not meant to be a straitjacket for restricting character or forcing the story to end a certain way. Remember, this is a game of the imagination where the rules are more about the ability to effectively share that imagination than it is to restrict people from exploring ideas. Each alignment represents a broad range of personality types or personal philosophies; so two characters of the same alignment can still be quite different from each other.		Exploring themes like Good vs. Evil vs. Neutral from a Sci-Fi perspective can be fun and exciting, but can also change the "feel" of the game. The alignments are a tool for developing a Character's identity, as well as themes for the storytelling performed by the GM. It is not meant to be a straitjacket for restricting character or forcing the story to end a certain way. Remember, this is a game of the imagination where the rules are more about the ability to effectively share that imagination than it is to restrict people from exploring ideas. Each alignment represents a broad range of personality types or personal philosophies; so two characters of the same alignment can still be quite different from each other.

	A creature's general moral and personal attitudes are represented by its alignment: lawful good, neutral good, chaotic good, lawful neutral, neutral, chaotic neutral, lawful evil, neutral evil, or chaotic evil. More information about each type of alignment is noted below. Animals and other creatures incapable of moral action are neutral. Even deadly vipers and tigers that eat people are neutral because they lack the capacity for morally right or wrong behavior. Dogs may be obedient and cats free-spirited, but they do not have the moral capacity to be truly lawful or chaotic.		A creature's general moral and personal attitudes are represented by its alignment: lawful good, neutral good, chaotic good, lawful neutral, neutral, chaotic neutral, lawful evil, neutral evil, or chaotic evil. More information about each type of alignment is noted below. Animals and other creatures incapable of moral action are neutral. Even deadly vipers and tigers that eat people are neutral because they lack the capacity for morally right or wrong behavior. Dogs may be obedient and cats free-spirited, but they do not have the moral capacity to be truly lawful or chaotic.

Orcephrye at 04:57, 22 October 2017

2017-10-22T04:57:09Z

Orcephrye: /* The Nine Alignments */

2016-02-14T06:45:49Z

The Nine Alignments

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:45, 14 February 2016
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	Occasionally the rules refer to “steps” when dealing with alignment. In this case, “steps” refers to the number of alignment shifts between the two alignments, as shown on the following diagram. Note that diagonal “steps” count as two steps. For example, a lawful neutral character is one step away from a lawful good alignment, and three steps away from a chaotic evil alignment.		Occasionally the rules refer to “steps” when dealing with alignment. In this case, “steps” refers to the number of alignment shifts between the two alignments, as shown on the following diagram. Note that diagonal “steps” count as two steps. For example, a lawful neutral character is one step away from a lawful good alignment, and three steps away from a chaotic evil alignment.

	Alignment is a tool to aid players in creating personalities for their characters. It is a guideline for a character's morality, and Game Masters should not use it to unduly hamper characters, nor should it be used to restrain ~~PCs~~ in regard to determining the relationships between them. Just because two characters are of good alignments—possibly the same alignment—does not guarantee they can work well together. Other personality traits effect the type of relationship formed, not just a similarity along the good-evil alignment axis.		Alignment is a tool to aid players in creating personalities for their characters. It is a guideline for a character's morality, and Game Masters should not use it to unduly hamper characters, nor should it be used to restrain characters in regard to determining the relationships between them. Just because two characters are of good alignments—possibly the same alignment—does not guarantee they can work well together. Other personality traits effect the type of relationship formed, not just a similarity along the good-evil alignment axis.

	Each description below depicts a typical character of that alignment. Remember that individuals vary from this norm, and that a given character may act more or less in accord with his alignment from day to day. Use these descriptions as guidelines, not as scripts.		Each description below depicts a typical character of that alignment. Remember that individuals vary from this norm, and that a given character may act more or less in accord with his alignment from day to day. Use these descriptions as guidelines, not as scripts.

Orcephrye: /* The Nine Alignments */

2016-02-14T06:45:22Z

The Nine Alignments

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:45, 14 February 2016
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	Nine distinct alignments define the possible combinations of the lawful-chaotic axis with the good-evil axis.		Nine distinct alignments define the possible combinations of the lawful-chaotic axis with the good-evil axis.

	The first six alignments, lawful good through chaotic neutral, are standard alignments for player characters. The three evil alignments are usually for monsters and villains. With the GM's permission, a player may assign an evil alignment to his character, but such characters are often a source of disruption and conflict within a party that contains good and neutral members as well. GMs are encouraged to carefully consider how evil ~~PCs~~ might affect the campaign before allowing them.		The first six alignments, lawful good through chaotic neutral, are standard alignments for player characters. The three evil alignments are usually for monsters and villains. With the GM's permission, a player may assign an evil alignment to his character, but such characters are often a source of disruption and conflict within a party that contains good and neutral members as well. GMs are encouraged to carefully consider how evil characters might affect the campaign before allowing them.

	Occasionally the rules refer to “steps” when dealing with alignment. In this case, “steps” refers to the number of alignment shifts between the two alignments, as shown on the following diagram. Note that diagonal “steps” count as two steps. For example, a lawful neutral character is one step away from a lawful good alignment, and three steps away from a chaotic evil alignment.		Occasionally the rules refer to “steps” when dealing with alignment. In this case, “steps” refers to the number of alignment shifts between the two alignments, as shown on the following diagram. Note that diagonal “steps” count as two steps. For example, a lawful neutral character is one step away from a lawful good alignment, and three steps away from a chaotic evil alignment.

Orcephrye: /* The Nine Alignments */

2016-02-14T06:45:06Z

The Nine Alignments

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:45, 14 February 2016
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	Nine distinct alignments define the possible combinations of the lawful-chaotic axis with the good-evil axis.		Nine distinct alignments define the possible combinations of the lawful-chaotic axis with the good-evil axis.

	The first six alignments, lawful good through chaotic neutral, are standard alignments for player characters. The three evil alignments are usually for monsters and villains. With the GM's permission, a player may assign an evil alignment to his PC, but such characters are often a source of disruption and conflict within a party that contains good and neutral members as well. GMs are encouraged to carefully consider how evil PCs might affect the campaign before allowing them.		The first six alignments, lawful good through chaotic neutral, are standard alignments for player characters. The three evil alignments are usually for monsters and villains. With the GM's permission, a player may assign an evil alignment to his character, but such characters are often a source of disruption and conflict within a party that contains good and neutral members as well. GMs are encouraged to carefully consider how evil PCs might affect the campaign before allowing them.

	Occasionally the rules refer to “steps” when dealing with alignment. In this case, “steps” refers to the number of alignment shifts between the two alignments, as shown on the following diagram. Note that diagonal “steps” count as two steps. For example, a lawful neutral character is one step away from a lawful good alignment, and three steps away from a chaotic evil alignment.		Occasionally the rules refer to “steps” when dealing with alignment. In this case, “steps” refers to the number of alignment shifts between the two alignments, as shown on the following diagram. Note that diagonal “steps” count as two steps. For example, a lawful neutral character is one step away from a lawful good alignment, and three steps away from a chaotic evil alignment.

Orcephrye at 06:39, 14 February 2016

2016-02-14T06:39:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:39, 14 February 2016
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	Ah! Good vs. Evil! Law vs Chaos! These are the things that fuel epic stories and elevate Heroes to almost godlike status... or at least for some they do. Things like Good and Evil are hard to define in the real world. It's a tricky thing. If there where Gods and Devils and such roaming around giving edicts and fighting one another, then perhaps Humanity wouldn't have such a hard time asking the questions, "Was that a bad act or a good act?" and "If that was bad or good, how bad or good was it?" "How much of a reward or punishment should be given?" However, in the world of roll playing, the murky waters of morality and ethics are filtered into a simple constant stream of action. Bad guys die! Good guys win! The Bad guys deserved to die! The Good guys are meant to be victorious. Or if all else the characters the Players are playing with should be victorious or die trying.		Ah! Good vs. Evil! Law vs Chaos! These are the things that fuel epic stories and elevate Heroes to almost godlike status... or at least for some they do. Things like Good and Evil are hard to define in the real world. It's a tricky thing. If there where Gods and Devils and such roaming around giving edicts and fighting one another, then perhaps Humanity wouldn't have such a hard time asking the questions, "Was that a bad act or a good act?" and "If that was bad or good, how bad or good was it?" "How much of a reward or punishment should be given?" However, in the world of roll playing, the murky waters of morality and ethics are filtered into a simple constant stream of action. Bad guys die! Good guys win! The Bad guys deserved to die! The Good guys are meant to be victorious. Or if all else the characters the Players are playing with should be victorious or die trying.

	Mostly, ~~The Future Path game system~~ assumes good and evil are definitive things, like black and white. Think of Star Wars and the Jedi vs. the Sith. The Jedi are definitively good while the Sith are definitively evil. There have been some more ambiguous view points of Sith and Jedi provided outside of the original films, but we will get to that later. Good and Evil are things that you can detect or sense, and they can affect your Character's view or opinion about something. This should by no means be seen as a restriction to the storytelling.		Mostly, FuturePath assumes good and evil are definitive things, like black and white. Think of Star Wars and the Jedi vs. the Sith. The Jedi are definitively good while the Sith are definitively evil. There have been some more ambiguous view points of Sith and Jedi provided outside of the original films, but we will get to that later. Good and Evil are things that you can detect or sense, and they can affect your Character's view or opinion about something. This should by no means be seen as a restriction to the storytelling.

	Exploring themes like, Good vs. Evil vs. Neutral from a Sci-Fi perspective can be fun and interesting, but can also change the "feel" of the game. The alignments are a tool for developing a Character's identity, as well as themes for the storytelling performed by the GM. It is not meant to be a straitjacket for restricting character or forcing the story to end a certain way. Remember, this is a game of the imagination where the rules are more about the ability to effectively share that imagination than it is to restrict people from exploring ideas. Each alignment represents a broad range of personality types or personal philosophies; so two characters of the same alignment can still be quite different from each other.		Exploring themes like, Good vs. Evil vs. Neutral from a Sci-Fi perspective can be fun and interesting, but can also change the "feel" of the game. The alignments are a tool for developing a Character's identity, as well as themes for the storytelling performed by the GM. It is not meant to be a straitjacket for restricting character or forcing the story to end a certain way. Remember, this is a game of the imagination where the rules are more about the ability to effectively share that imagination than it is to restrict people from exploring ideas. Each alignment represents a broad range of personality types or personal philosophies; so two characters of the same alignment can still be quite different from each other.

Orcephrye at 06:39, 14 February 2016

2016-02-14T06:39:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:39, 14 February 2016
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Ah! Good vs. Evil! Law vs Chaos! These are the things that fuel epic stories and elevate Heroes to almost godlike status... or at least for some they do. Things like Good and Evil are hard to define in the real world. It's a tricky thing. If there where Gods and Devils and such roaming around giving edicts and fighting one another, then perhaps Humanity wouldn't have such a hard time asking the questions, "Was that a bad act or a good act?" and "If that was bad or good, how bad or good was it?" "How much of a reward or punishment should be given?" However, in the world of roll playing, the murky waters of morality and ethics are filtered into a simple constant stream of action. Bad guys die! Good guys win! The Bad guys deserved to die! The Good guys are meant to be victorious. Or if all else the ~~Characters~~ the Players are playing with should be victorious or die trying.		Ah! Good vs. Evil! Law vs Chaos! These are the things that fuel epic stories and elevate Heroes to almost godlike status... or at least for some they do. Things like Good and Evil are hard to define in the real world. It's a tricky thing. If there where Gods and Devils and such roaming around giving edicts and fighting one another, then perhaps Humanity wouldn't have such a hard time asking the questions, "Was that a bad act or a good act?" and "If that was bad or good, how bad or good was it?" "How much of a reward or punishment should be given?" However, in the world of roll playing, the murky waters of morality and ethics are filtered into a simple constant stream of action. Bad guys die! Good guys win! The Bad guys deserved to die! The Good guys are meant to be victorious. Or if all else the characters the Players are playing with should be victorious or die trying.

	Mostly, The Future Path game system assumes good and evil are definitive things, like black and white. Think of Star Wars and the Jedi vs. the Sith. The Jedi are definitively good while the Sith are definitively evil. There have been some more ambiguous view points of Sith and Jedi provided outside of the original films, but we will get to that later. Good and Evil are things that you can detect or sense, and they can affect your Character's view or opinion about something. This should by no means be seen as a restriction to the storytelling.		Mostly, The Future Path game system assumes good and evil are definitive things, like black and white. Think of Star Wars and the Jedi vs. the Sith. The Jedi are definitively good while the Sith are definitively evil. There have been some more ambiguous view points of Sith and Jedi provided outside of the original films, but we will get to that later. Good and Evil are things that you can detect or sense, and they can affect your Character's view or opinion about something. This should by no means be seen as a restriction to the storytelling.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:15, 10 April 2019
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	Evil implies hurting, oppressing, and killing others. Some evil creatures simply have no compassion for others and kill without qualms if doing so is convenient. Others actively pursue evil, killing for sport or out of duty to some evil deity or master.		Evil implies hurting, oppressing, and killing others. Some evil creatures simply have no compassion for others and kill without qualms if doing so is convenient. Others actively pursue evil, killing for sport or out of duty to some evil deity or master.

	People who are neutral with respect to good and evil have compunctions against killing the innocent, but may lack the commitment to make sacrifices to protect or help others.		People who are neutral with respect to good and evil have compunctions against killing the innocent but may lack the commitment to make sacrifices to protect or help others.

	=== Law Versus Chaos ===		=== Law Versus Chaos ===
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	Chaos implies freedom, adaptability, and flexibility. On the downside, chaos can include recklessness, resentment toward legitimate authority, arbitrary actions, and irresponsibility. Those who promote chaotic behavior say that only unfettered personal freedom allows people to express themselves fully and lets society benefit from the potential that its individuals have within them.		Chaos implies freedom, adaptability, and flexibility. On the downside, chaos can include recklessness, resentment toward legitimate authority, arbitrary actions, and irresponsibility. Those who promote chaotic behavior say that only unfettered personal freedom allows people to express themselves fully and lets society benefit from the potential that its individuals have within them.

	Someone who is neutral with respect to law and chaos has some respect for authority and feels neither a compulsion to obey nor a compulsion to rebel. She is generally honest, but can be tempted into lying or deceiving others.		Someone who is neutral with respect to law and chaos has some respect for authority and feels neither a compulsion to obey nor a compulsion to rebel. She is generally honest but can be tempted into lying or deceiving others.


	== The Nine Alignments ==		== The Nine Alignments ==

	Below is a table of the Nine Alignments. You have "Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic" on the top row. And in the column you have "Good, Neutral, Evil". The various combinations are listed.		Below is a table of the Nine Alignments. You have "Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic" on the top row. And in the column, you have "Good, Neutral, Evil". The various combinations are listed.

	{\| class="wikitable" style="10px;"		{\| class="wikitable" style="10px;"
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	Alignment is a tool to aid players in creating personalities for their characters. It is a guideline for a character's morality, and Game Masters should not use it to unduly hamper characters, nor should it be used to restrain characters in regard to determining the relationships between them. Just because two characters are of good alignments—possibly the same alignment—does not guarantee they can work well together. Other personality traits affect the type of relationship formed, not just a similarity along the good-evil alignment axis.		Alignment is a tool to aid players in creating personalities for their characters. It is a guideline for a character's morality, and Game Masters should not use it to unduly hamper characters, nor should it be used to restrain characters in regard to determining the relationships between them. Just because two characters are of good alignments—possibly the same alignment—does not guarantee they can work well together. Other personality traits affect the type of relationship formed, not just a similarity along the good-evil alignment axis.

	Each description below depicts a typical character of that alignment. Remember that individuals vary from this norm, and that a given character may act more or less in accord with his alignment from day to day. Use these descriptions as guidelines, not as scripts.		Each description below depicts a typical character of that alignment. Remember that individuals vary from this norm and that a given character may act more or less in accord with his alignment from day to day. Use these descriptions as guidelines, not as scripts.

	=== Lawful Good ===		=== Lawful Good ===
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	When they're adventuring in urban areas with their companions, lawful good characters may feel compelled to excuse themselves from certain plans or attempt to reason with those more lenient in their interpretation of the law. It's much easier for lawful good characters to ignore the bad behavior of other party members when exploring ruins and wilderness areas outside the direct jurisdiction of a governing body.		When they're adventuring in urban areas with their companions, lawful good characters may feel compelled to excuse themselves from certain plans or attempt to reason with those more lenient in their interpretation of the law. It's much easier for lawful good characters to ignore the bad behavior of other party members when exploring ruins and wilderness areas outside the direct jurisdiction of a governing body.

	Lawful good characters regard law as necessary for the welfare of society. They fight to abolish or change laws they deem unjust, and they always aid those in need. Lawful good characters strive to be forthright in their words and deeds, refuse to lie to others, and keep their covenants. They oppose evil wherever it is found, and avoid putting the good of the individual ahead of what is good for the masses. For these characters, the end rarely justifies the means. Characters drawn to honor, righting wrongs, or making sacrifices for others might be attracted to this alignment.		Lawful good characters regard the law as necessary for the welfare of society. They fight to abolish or change laws they deem unjust, and they always aid those in need. Lawful good characters strive to be forthright in their words and deeds, refuse to lie to others, and keep their covenants. They oppose evil wherever it is found, and avoid putting the good of the individual ahead of what is good for the masses. For these characters, the end rarely justifies the means. Characters drawn to honor, righting wrongs, or making sacrifices for others might be attracted to this alignment.

	=== Neutral Good ===		=== Neutral Good ===
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	A neutral good character does the best that a good person can do. He is devoted to helping others. He works with kings and magistrates but does not feel beholden to them.		A neutral good character does the best that a good person can do. He is devoted to helping others. He works with kings and magistrates but does not feel beholden to them.

	Neutral good means doing what is good and right without bias for or against order.		Neutral good means doing what is good and right without bias for or against the order.

	Neutral good characters excel at seeing both sides of a situation, and they use this ability to inform their actions, doing what they believe will produce the ~~most good~~. These characters seek balance and harmony in their dealings with others; they know to avoid conversations leading to heated topics, and keep their responses to the middle of the road. They understand the value of nature, and realize that expanding civilization into the wilderness is not always the most appropriate thing to do. Because of their ability to see all facets of a situation, neutral good characters can sometimes have difficulty in choosing a side between other good beings. For this reason, others may label them as wishy-washy or not capable of serious conviction.		Neutral good characters excel at seeing both sides of a situation, and they use this ability to inform their actions, doing what they believe will produce the best. These characters seek balance and harmony in their dealings with others; they know to avoid conversations leading to heated topics and keep their responses to the middle of the road. They understand the value of nature and realize that expanding civilization into the wilderness is not always the most appropriate thing to do. Because of their ability to see all facets of a situation, neutral good characters can sometimes have difficulty in choosing a side between other good beings. For this reason, others may label them as wishy-washy or not capable of serious conviction.

	Dealing with other characters aligned along the lawful-chaotic axis can also be challenging, especially in mixed-alignment adventuring groups. The neutral good characters will not always agree with the lawful good characters' meticulous need to plan their actions, control others, or prevent others from disobeying laws that interfere with the party's goals—sometimes less-than-honest tactics are necessary, after all. Conversely, neutral good characters might find chaotic good characters a little on the uncontrollable side, not liking the wild bent of their ideas or actions. Too much freedom of thought and action, they believe, just makes one irresponsible.		Dealing with other characters aligned along the lawful-chaotic axis can also be challenging, especially in mixed-alignment adventuring groups. The neutral good characters will not always agree with the lawful good characters' meticulous need to plan their actions, control others, or prevent others from disobeying laws that interfere with the party's goals—sometimes less-than-honest tactics are necessary, after all. Conversely, neutral good characters might find chaotic good characters a little on the uncontrollable side, not liking the wild bent of their ideas or actions. Too much freedom of thought and action, they believe, just makes one irresponsible.

	Neutral good characters can see both sides of the lawful-chaotic axis, understanding that some choices are indeed better for all, and others are better for individuals. Because supporting either extreme on the axis does not motivate them, neutral good characters are often considered the ~~“true~~ good” alignment. They seek to do the most good in the world to make it a better place and to help others when possible. Neither anarchy nor the need for strict order concerns them. Neutral good characters support laws that benefit all, but have no qualms about ignoring unjust laws or tyrannical rulers.		Neutral good characters can see both sides of the lawful-chaotic axis, understanding that some choices are indeed better for all, and others are better for individuals. Because supporting either extreme on the axis does not motivate them, neutral good characters are often considered the “truly good” alignment. They seek to do the most good in the world to make it a better place and to help others when possible. Neither anarchy nor the need for strict order concerns them. Neutral good characters support laws that benefit all but have no qualms about ignoring unjust laws or tyrannical rulers.

	Neutral good characters give great consideration to their actions before deeming them correct; some neutral good characters find it unfathomable that others cannot see their viewpoint as the most sensible.		Neutral good characters give great consideration to their actions before deeming them correct; some neutral good characters find it unfathomable that others cannot see their viewpoint as the most sensible.
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	=== Chaotic Good ===		=== Chaotic Good ===

	A chaotic good character acts as his conscience directs him with little regard for what others expect of him. He makes his own way, but he is kind and benevolent. He believes in goodness and righteousness, but has little use for laws and regulations. He hates it when people try to intimidate others and tell them what to do. He follows his own moral compass, which, although good, may not agree with that of society.		A chaotic good character acts as his conscience directs him with little regard for what others expect of him. He makes his own way, but he is kind and benevolent. He believes in goodness and righteousness but has little use for laws and regulations. He hates it when people try to intimidate others and tell them what to do. He follows his own moral compass, which, although good, may not agree with that of society.

	Chaotic good combines a good heart with a free spirit.		Chaotic good combines a good heart with a free spirit.
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	A neutral character does what seems to be a good idea. She doesn't feel strongly one way or the other when it comes to good vs. evil or law vs. chaos (and thus neutral is sometimes called “true neutral”). Most neutral characters exhibit a lack of conviction or bias rather than a commitment to neutrality. Such a character probably thinks of good as better than evil—after all, she would rather have good neighbors and rulers than evil ones. Still, she's not personally committed to upholding good in any abstract or universal way.		A neutral character does what seems to be a good idea. She doesn't feel strongly one way or the other when it comes to good vs. evil or law vs. chaos (and thus neutral is sometimes called “true neutral”). Most neutral characters exhibit a lack of conviction or bias rather than a commitment to neutrality. Such a character probably thinks of good as better than evil—after all, she would rather have good neighbors and rulers than evil ones. Still, she's not personally committed to upholding good in any abstract or universal way.

	Some neutral characters, on the other hand, commit themselves philosophically to neutrality. They see good, evil, law, and chaos as prejudices and dangerous extremes. They advocate the middle way of neutrality as the best, most balanced road in the long run.		Some neutral characters, on the other hand, commit themselves philosophically to neutrality. They see good, evil, law, and chaos as prejudices and dangerous extremes. They advocate the middle way of neutrality as the best, the most balanced road in the long run.

	Neutral means you act naturally in any situation, without prejudice or compulsion.		Neutral means you act naturally in any situation, without prejudice or compulsion.
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	=== Neutral Evil ===		=== Neutral Evil ===

	A neutral evil villain does whatever she can get away with. She is out for herself, pure and simple. She sheds no tears for those she kills, whether for profit, sport, or convenience. She has no love of order and holds no illusions that following laws, traditions, or codes would make her any better or ~~more noble~~. On the other hand, she doesn't have the restless nature or love of conflict that a chaotic evil villain has.		A neutral evil villain does whatever she can get away with. She is out for herself, pure and simple. She sheds no tears for those she kills, whether for profit, sport, or convenience. She has no love of order and holds no illusions that following laws, traditions, or codes would make her any better or nobler. On the other hand, she doesn't have the restless nature or love of conflict that a chaotic evil villain has.

	Some neutral evil villains hold up evil as an ideal, committing evil for its own sake. Most often, such villains are devoted to evil deities or secret societies.		Some neutral evil villains hold up evil as an ideal, committing evil for its own sake. Most often, such villains are devoted to evil deities or secret societies.
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	A chaotic evil character does what his greed, hatred, and lust for destruction drive him to do. He is vicious, arbitrarily violent, and unpredictable. If he is simply out for whatever he can get, he is ruthless and brutal. If he is committed to the spread of evil and chaos, he is even worse. Thankfully, his plans are haphazard, and any groups he joins or forms are likely to be poorly organized. Typically, chaotic evil people can be made to work together only by force, and their leader lasts only as long as he can thwart attempts to topple or assassinate him.		A chaotic evil character does what his greed, hatred, and lust for destruction drive him to do. He is vicious, arbitrarily violent, and unpredictable. If he is simply out for whatever he can get, he is ruthless and brutal. If he is committed to the spread of evil and chaos, he is even worse. Thankfully, his plans are haphazard, and any groups he joins or forms are likely to be poorly organized. Typically, chaotic evil people can be made to work together only by force, and their leader lasts only as long as he can thwart attempts to topple or assassinate him.

	Chaotic evil represents the destruction not only of beauty and life, but also of the order on which beauty and life depend.		Chaotic evil represents the destruction not only of beauty and life but also of the order on which beauty and life depend.

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:57, 22 October 2017
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	Ah! Good vs. Evil! Law vs Chaos! These are the things that fuel epic stories and elevate Heroes to almost godlike status... or at least for some they do. Things like Good and Evil are hard to define in the real world. It's a tricky thing. If there where Gods and Devils and such roaming around giving edicts and fighting one another, then perhaps Humanity wouldn't have such a hard time asking the questions, "Was that a bad act or a good act?" and "If that was bad or good, how bad or good was it?" "How much of a reward or punishment should be given?" However, in the world of ~~roll~~ playing, the murky waters of morality and ethics are filtered into a simple constant stream of action. Bad guys die! Good guys win! The Bad guys deserved to die! The Good guys are meant to be victorious. Or if all else the characters the Players are playing with should be victorious or die trying.		Ah! Good vs. Evil! Law vs Chaos! These are the things that fuel epic stories and elevate Heroes to almost godlike status... or at least for some they do. Things like Good and Evil are hard to define in the real world. It's a tricky thing. If there where Gods and Devils and such roaming around giving edicts and fighting one another, then perhaps Humanity wouldn't have such a hard time asking the questions, "Was that a bad act or a good act?" and "If that was bad or good, how bad or good was it?" "How much of a reward or punishment should be given?" However, in the world of role-playing, the murky waters of morality and ethics are filtered into a simple constant stream of action. Bad guys die! Good guys win! The Bad guys deserved to die! The Good guys are meant to be victorious. Or if all else the characters the Players are playing with should be victorious or die trying.

	Mostly, FuturePath assumes good and evil are definitive things, like black and white. Think of Star Wars and the Jedi vs. the Sith. The Jedi are definitively good while the Sith are definitively evil. There have been some more ambiguous ~~view points~~ of Sith and Jedi provided outside of the original films, but we will get to that later. Good and Evil are things that you can detect or sense, and they can affect your Character's view or opinion about something. This should by no means be seen as a restriction to the storytelling.		Mostly, FuturePath assumes good and evil are definitive things, like black and white. Think of Star Wars and the Jedi vs. the Sith. The Jedi are definitively good while the Sith are definitively evil. There have been some more ambiguous viewpoints of Sith and Jedi provided outside of the original films, but we will get to that later. Good and Evil are things that you can detect or sense, and they can affect your Character's view or opinion about something. This should by no means be seen as a restriction to the storytelling.

	Exploring themes like, Good vs. Evil vs. Neutral from a Sci-Fi perspective can be fun and interesting, but can also change the "feel" of the game. The alignments are a tool for developing a Character's identity, as well as themes for the storytelling performed by the GM. It is not meant to be a straitjacket for restricting character or forcing the story to end a certain way. Remember, this is a game of the imagination where the rules are more about the ability to effectively share that imagination than it is to restrict people from exploring ideas. Each alignment represents a broad range of personality types or personal philosophies; so two characters of the same alignment can still be quite different from each other.		Exploring themes like, Good vs. Evil vs. Neutral from a Sci-Fi perspective can be fun and interesting, but can also change the "feel" of the game. The alignments are a tool for developing a Character's identity, as well as themes for the storytelling performed by the GM. It is not meant to be a straitjacket for restricting character or forcing the story to end a certain way. Remember, this is a game of the imagination where the rules are more about the ability to effectively share that imagination than it is to restrict people from exploring ideas. Each alignment represents a broad range of personality types or personal philosophies; so two characters of the same alignment can still be quite different from each other.
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	Occasionally the rules refer to “steps” when dealing with alignment. In this case, “steps” refers to the number of alignment shifts between the two alignments, as shown on the following diagram. Note that diagonal “steps” count as two steps. For example, a lawful neutral character is one step away from a lawful good alignment, and three steps away from a chaotic evil alignment.		Occasionally the rules refer to “steps” when dealing with alignment. In this case, “steps” refers to the number of alignment shifts between the two alignments, as shown on the following diagram. Note that diagonal “steps” count as two steps. For example, a lawful neutral character is one step away from a lawful good alignment, and three steps away from a chaotic evil alignment.

	Alignment is a tool to aid players in creating personalities for their characters. It is a guideline for a character's morality, and Game Masters should not use it to unduly hamper characters, nor should it be used to restrain characters in regard to determining the relationships between them. Just because two characters are of good alignments—possibly the same alignment—does not guarantee they can work well together. Other personality traits ~~effect~~ the type of relationship formed, not just a similarity along the good-evil alignment axis.		Alignment is a tool to aid players in creating personalities for their characters. It is a guideline for a character's morality, and Game Masters should not use it to unduly hamper characters, nor should it be used to restrain characters in regard to determining the relationships between them. Just because two characters are of good alignments—possibly the same alignment—does not guarantee they can work well together. Other personality traits affect the type of relationship formed, not just a similarity along the good-evil alignment axis.

	Each description below depicts a typical character of that alignment. Remember that individuals vary from this norm, and that a given character may act more or less in accord with his alignment from day to day. Use these descriptions as guidelines, not as scripts.		Each description below depicts a typical character of that alignment. Remember that individuals vary from this norm, and that a given character may act more or less in accord with his alignment from day to day. Use these descriptions as guidelines, not as scripts.
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	Chaotic good combines a good heart with a free spirit.		Chaotic good combines a good heart with a free spirit.

	Chaotic good characters follow their ~~own~~ consciences and are adaptable, easily rolling with life's punches. They rarely make plans too far in advance, preferring to take a wait-and-see approach to most things, which allows them to adjust their actions or reactions in a single heartbeat. They have no qualms about breaking laws, especially when doing so will save others or protect others' rights from being trampled. Chaotic good characters want freedom for themselves and others, and find it difficult to live in societies they deem too restrictive to individuals. They view laws and regulations as unneeded mechanisms of control rather than protection. Deeply ~~inherent~~ in the chaotic good character's philosophy is the belief that most individuals are good and will do ~~good~~ if given the freedom to act as they please. In this regard, these benevolent, kind-hearted individuals can be viewed as the most idealistic of the good alignments. Other good characters call their live-and-let-live attitude overly idealistic, instead believing that individuals are more selfish than kindhearted ~~in nature~~ and need guidance to become good. The chaotic good philosophy, however, holds that because individuals are not all like-minded persons, imposing such guidance and laws to force them to conform to a single mold deforms their spirits, creating flaws and cracks where evil can more easily find a foothold.		Chaotic good characters follow their consciences and are adaptable, easily rolling with life's punches. They rarely make plans too far in advance, preferring to take a wait-and-see approach to most things, which allows them to adjust their actions or reactions in a single heartbeat. They have no qualms about breaking laws, especially when doing so will save others or protect others' rights from being trampled. Chaotic good characters want freedom for themselves and others and find it difficult to live in societies they deem too restrictive to individuals. They view laws and regulations as unneeded mechanisms of control rather than protection. Deeply ingrained in the chaotic good character's philosophy is the belief that most individuals are good and will do well if given the freedom to act as they please. In this regard, these benevolent, kind-hearted individuals can be viewed as the most idealistic of the good alignments. Other good characters call their live-and-let-live attitude overly idealistic, instead believing that individuals are more selfish than kindhearted and need guidance to become good. The chaotic good philosophy, however, holds that because individuals are not all like-minded persons, imposing such guidance and laws to force them to conform to a single mold deforms their spirits, creating flaws and cracks where evil can more easily find a foothold.

	Chaotic good characters are strong-willed and self-directed—masters of their own destiny. They act as their consciences dictate, viewing the plights of the weak and innocent with compassion and correcting injustices when they can. Chaotic good characters disregard others' expectations of their behavior, finding many laws and regulations too limiting to their personal freedom. They resent those who inflict their ~~ideals~~ on others, especially through intimidation, and are often reluctant to conform. Chaotic good characters want the freedom to do as they will and desire others to be free of oppression as well.		Chaotic good characters are strong-willed and self-directed—masters of their own destiny. They act as their consciences dictate, viewing the plights of the weak and innocent with compassion and correcting injustices when they can. Chaotic good characters disregard others' expectations of their behavior, finding many laws and regulations too limiting to their personal freedom. They resent those who inflict their ideas on others, especially through intimidation, and are often reluctant to conform. Chaotic good characters want the freedom to do as they will and desire others to be free of oppression as well.

	While chaotic good characters do not accept that individuals must sacrifice their ~~ideals~~ and follow laws for the good of the whole, they willingly sacrifice themselves (and their individuality) to protect the whole in the name of good.		While chaotic good characters do not accept that individuals must sacrifice their ideas and follow laws for the good of the whole, they willingly sacrifice themselves (and their individuality) to protect the whole in the name of good.

	=== Lawful Neutral ===		=== Lawful Neutral ===
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	Some lawful evil people and creatures commit themselves to evil with a zeal like that of a crusader committed to good. Beyond being willing to hurt others for their own ends, they take pleasure in spreading evil as an end unto itself. They may also see doing evil as part of a duty to an evil deity or master.		Some lawful evil people and creatures commit themselves to evil with a zeal like that of a crusader committed to good. Beyond being willing to hurt others for their own ends, they take pleasure in spreading evil as an end unto itself. They may also see doing evil as part of a duty to an evil deity or master.

	Lawful evil ~~represents~~ methodical, intentional, and organized evil.		Lawful evil represented methodical, intentional, and organized evil.