D&D (2024) One D&d and alignment: new approach

[d24454_modern]

This. I don't usually like alignment as written because I want to avoid straightjacketing character's motivations. But it's a useful broad, fuzzy category to start grouping factions and threats and the internal ethical struggles that characters like Clerics, Paladins, and Monks might face.

Alignment is always descriptive anyways. It shouldn’t be a destiny.

 

[Oofta]

I would rather flesh out the religions or orders the characters belong to, rather than just paint everything with a generic brush. And if you do too, then why do you need the generic brush?

If I only expect an NPC to exist for 5 minutes or less, I want to put in minimal effort. I have a generic brush because sometimes they need to act in a way I hadn't anticipated.

As the intro to the MM says "A monster’s alignment provides a clue to its disposition and how it behaves in a roleplaying or combat situation." It's a decent starting point a lot of the time and frequently one of the main factors.

Alignment doesn't dictate behavior, but it can tell you how someone approaches the world.

 

[RuinousPowers]

If I only expect an NPC to exist for 5 minutes or less, I want to put in minimal effort. I have a generic brush because sometimes they need to act in a way I hadn't anticipated.

As the intro to the MM says "A monster’s alignment provides a clue to its disposition and how it behaves in a roleplaying or combat situation." It's a decent starting point a lot of the time and frequently one of the main factors.

Alignment doesn't dictate behavior, but it can tell you how someone approaches the world.

But, using the term "bartender" would also give a clue to the NPC's disposition and how it would behave in a roleplaying or combat situation. No need to determine how he views Cosmic Order of Everything.

 

[payn]

But, using the term "bartender" would also give a clue to the NPC's disposition and how it would behave in a roleplaying or combat situation. No need to determine how he views Cosmic Order of Everything.

It's not just a view on cosmic order, its their view on society and the methods they are likely to employ.

 

[Oofta]

But, using the term "bartender" would also give a clue to the NPC's disposition and how it would behave in a roleplaying or combat situation. No need to determine how he views Cosmic Order of Everything.

Being a bartender only tells me occupation. It tells me nothing about how they'll react or view certain activities. Is he likely to be upset about the string of murders in town? Does it matter who was murdered or do they only care if it affects them? Do they think vigilantes should get involved or is it a matter for the law?

Two letters give me a starting point. If they don't for you don't use it.

 

[the Jester]

I read some time ago a post (likely not here, but honestly i do not remember where it was!) where it was explained that with one d&d the alignment will be replaced by a new feature with a completely different mechanics (devotion iirc).

Unless it came straight from the designers, don't believe it. This sounds like nonsense to me.

 

[RuinousPowers]

Being a bartender only tells me occupation. It tells me nothing about how they'll react or view certain activities. Is he likely to be upset about the string of murders in town? Does it matter who was murdered or do they only care if it affects them? Do they think vigilantes should get involved or is it a matter for the law?

Two letters give me a starting point. If they don't for you don't use it.

What's the difference between how a NG and CG character views a string of murders based solely on alignment?

 

[Oofta]

What's the difference between how a NG and CG character views a string of murders based solely on alignment?

NG sees the value in order and law, even when they're more than willing to ignore it at times. CG may follow the rules unless they can get away with skirting them. Both will likely feel empathy if the victims are innocent.

A LE person may wonder if the killings were sanctioned or if they were under their protection of the protection of their group, otherwise they don't care. A CE may be curious, wonder if it's one of theirs or simply shrug because suit happens, as long as it doesn't happen to them.

Whether another DM would have them respond exactly the same isn't particularly relevant. It's my tool and definition that matters if I'm the one running the PC. Even then, I've always been in the same general ballpark as other DMs.

 

[RuinousPowers]

It's not just a view on cosmic order, its their view on society and the methods they are likely to employ.

It's a "5 minute scene" character.

NG sees the value in order and law, even when they're more than willing to ignore it at times. CG may follow the rules unless they can get away with skirting them. Both will likely feel empathy if the victims are innocent.

A LE person may wonder if the killings were sanctioned or if they were under their protection of the protection of their group, otherwise they don't care. A CE may be curious, wonder if it's one of theirs or simply shrug because suit happens, as long as it doesn't happen to them.

Whether another DM would have them respond exactly the same isn't particularly relevant. It's my tool and definition that matters if I'm the one running the PC. Even then, I've always been in the same general ballpark as other DMs.

You added a lot of alignment definitions that had zero bearing on the question, and on the part that did answer- they were the same. In fact, I bet at least 2/3 of the alignments would all "feel empathy for the victims", so alignment choice didn't actually mean much when it came to using it to determine how they felt about the murders. So, why was it important to include it for this "5 minute NPC"?

I still don't see it having any use, but obviously YMMV.

 

[payn]

It's a "5 minute scene" character.

I've seen folks argue that writing BIFTs for 5 min scene characters is better.