Alignments

[=?iso-8859-1?Q?=D8yvind_]

I see many of you have discussed the meaning for alignments and how
literary player or GM should take these.
In my opinion these are only guidelines to what a person is willing to do.
And if you take a look at the TSR definition of the alignments in the
Birthright Rulebook you will see that an Evil character is a person that
is very self-consntrated (me first, everybody else second). Now I do not
know if I would go so far as to say that his qualifies for being called
Evil, but it works in an epic campaign. Although this would make most of
the politicians, guilders, traders, rulers etc. in the Birthright universe
of an Evil alignment (which is the case with most of my characters in
Birthright).

Lawful vs. Chaotic is a completely different discussion. Since they are on
a different axis than the Good vs. Evil they are basicly neutral. A Lawful
character will feel that a strict system of laws in a society makes it
work. You would also feel more like keeping to deals you have made
(even with characters you deem chaotic).
While chaotic characters does feel that personal freedom is above else in
a right society.

Am I wrong?

Oyvind Gronnesby

[BenandAmy]

- -----Original Message-----
From: Øyvind Grønnesby
To: birthright@MPGN.COM
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 1998 12:14 AM
Subject: [BIRTHRIGHT] - Alignments


>
>I see many of you have discussed the meaning for alignments and how
>literary player or GM should take these.
>In my opinion these are only guidelines to what a person is willing to do.
>And if you take a look at the TSR definition of the alignments in the
>Birthright Rulebook you will see that an Evil character is a person that
>is very self-consntrated (me first, everybody else second). Now I do not
>know if I would go so far as to say that his qualifies for being called
>Evil, but it works in an epic campaign. Although this would make most of
>the politicians, guilders, traders, rulers etc. in the Birthright universe
>of an Evil alignment (which is the case with most of my characters in
>Birthright).
>
>Lawful vs. Chaotic is a completely different discussion. Since they are on
>a different axis than the Good vs. Evil they are basicly neutral. A Lawful
>character will feel that a strict system of laws in a society makes it
>work. You would also feel more like keeping to deals you have made
>(even with characters you deem chaotic).
>While chaotic characters does feel that personal freedom is above else in
>a right society.
>
>Am I wrong?
>
>Oyvind Gronnesby


If you are completely right, then you have tied "chaotic" alignment to
"evil" alignment--because they both put the individual first. I don't think
that constitutes evil unless it means bringing down others to acheive your
goals. The alignments are supposed to represent two different aspects of
characters' personalities, you're making them almost the same thing.
Remember that "Lawful Evil" and "Chaotic Good" are supposed to be polar
opposites too. Personally, I think a lawful evil character has a greater
capacity for evil simply because he will impose it on his society. (The
Gorgon is LE, remember?) I don't play "good and evil" as "unselfish and
selfish" because selfishness can be a very good thing. It's what makes you
want to become successful in life, and more often than not, a successful
person brings others up with him.