Author: Chris Camfield (---.71.40)
Date: 08-07-2002 07:52
First, let me point out that the plural of axis is "axes", never "axis'".
With that minor language comment out of the way...
"I recall a priest character in an AD&D campaign I was once fortunate enough to participate in. His alignment was Lawful Evil. It should've been Lawful Good. By the standards of AD&D, he would have been insanely chaotic."
Well, to be honest, I don't remember the standards of AD&D. Welcome to 2002. 3rd edition D&D has been out for some time now. It would be helpful for a discussion of a topic like this for everyone to be on the same page. So maybe my comments will seem like Greek to you. :)
This character held the edicts of his god above the laws of nations, and sowed disruption through the land as a result? Fairly self-consistent. It certainly sounds chaotic; placing one's personal goals above that of the law. From what you've described of this priest, he sounds either Chaotic Good or Chaotic Neutral. At least, by my recollection of the 3rd edition definitions.
I'm certainly not in favour of alignment systems when they're restrictive. I agree that just because a character has certain attitudes, they shouldn't be forced to have other attitudes that have been lumped into that category. In 3rd edition D&D terms, I believe a Chaotic Good character is supposed to not keep their word, but surely it should be possible for that to vary.
Defining the personality of a character should come first. Determining what alignment they are closest to should follow, but only after that.
The absolute D&D alignments do serve a purpose: as you refer to, they broadly categorize individuals and monsters. For a high fantasy game with high ideals that can at least be somewhat appropriate. If the only alignment system in the game were personal, one can't exactly create a Protective Circle Against Evil. They can be abused; they certainly shouldn't be referenced in-character.
It seems to me that if you do not have some absolute standards by which to define an alignment system, that the game system uses in some way, there is NO point in using an alignment system. For that reason, ultimately, I don't see your suggestions as being all that useful.
Pro-active or passive? Does this have any effect on the game, or is it just an observation of the character's personality? If you've already defined the character's personality, and the label of "pro-active" or "passive" has no game effect, why bother labelling them?
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