Alignment-free campaign

[ForceUser]

The default isn't even "Neutral" (that would imply actively maintaining a balance), but "unaligned".

If this is referring to the system I described, I'd like to note that "neutral" simply means unaligned with regard an axis. It does not mean Neutral in the D&D sense.

 

[Mercule]

If this is referring to the system I described, I'd like to note that "neutral" simply means unaligned with regard an axis. It does not mean Neutral in the D&D sense.

Nope. No relation to your post, at all. I was mentioning it only because the RAW assume that if you aren't L,C,G, or E, you are Neutral. So, I was cutting off any misconceptions there.

Also, I was subtly pointing out that the Neutral zealot vs. Neutral unaligned discussion that crops up is a non-starter with Allegiences.

 

[Conaill]

Instead of alignments, there are four axes of power: Grace, Taint, Order, and Chaos. The vast majority of mortal creatures--everything from humans to goblins, orcs, and trolls--are neutral with regard to these axes. They act according to their natures and cultures, but not to an alignment system. Divine spellcasters, paladins, and some monks are aligned with Grace, and must act as exalted characters from the Book of Exalted Deeds. Paladins are also aligned with Order, although this is secondary to Grace. Evil divine spellcasters, of course, align to Taint. Outsiders are automatically aligned to the axes that befit their natures. Undead are Tainted. Most everything else is neutral.

Sounds good. Although you mostly talked about the effects of Grace and Taint. What about Order and Chaos: do those have any other in-game effects apart from "Protection from X" spells etc? Order and Chaos seem like less essential features than Grace and Taint. Could they be done away with?

I do like the fact that absolute Good and Evil (yeah, yeah... Grace and Taint, whatever ) still exists, but that the vast majority of creatures you encountered will never be touched by them.

 

[Herremann the Wise]

1. Keep the Subtype Descriptors GOOD EVIL CHAOS LAw - they only apply to outsiders (and possible monsters) so wont be a headache

1a Add the Descriptor to Undead and any other monster that takes your fancy (eg Troll (Giant, Evil)

2. Alignment Spells only effect creatures with the Subtype Descriptor (ie a Paladin can smite a Demon but not Farmer Joe the mule-beater)

3. Code of Conduct for Paladins, Discipline for Monks

4. Clerics can worship any diety the PC chooses (but they take on the Dieties 'taint' (ie aligned subtype))

5. No restrictions for any other class (exactly why can't a Barbarian be lawful?)

As Mercule says in its similarity to d20 Modern Allegiances, I think Tonguez's solution is the best compromise. It allows for the system as a whole to remain relatively unchanged but most importantly allows the PCs to be broken free of the restrictions of alignment playing their character instead of them.

About the only thing I would change above is that Paladin's would also have the good descriptor. However, this most probably opens the door to 95% of the problems most people experience with alignment. Anyway Tonguez, I think the ideas you present are top notch.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

 

[ElvishBard]

I havn't played with alignment for over a year, and I didn't change any spells or anything like that. I got this idea from someone on these boards, but I don't remember who it was.

People born on the material plane are all neutral in regards to spells, unless they recieve their spells from a deity then they register as whatever it is that they follow. All outsiders and demons and celestials and whatnot keep their alignments and all that. You can choose with undead, I kept them evil because of the negative energy and so that paladin's can use that smite evil a little more often. I have never had any situation come up that has really made me think about the system I use, and I think that is a good sign it is working well, though YMMV .

 

[Conaill]

I havn't played with alignment for over a year, and I didn't change any spells or anything like that. I got this idea from someone on these boards, but I don't remember who it was.

People born on the material plane are all neutral in regards to spells, unless they recieve their spells from a deity then they register as whatever it is that they follow. All outsiders and demons and celestials and whatnot keep their alignments and all that. You can choose with undead, I kept them evil because of the negative energy and so that paladin's can use that smite evil a little more often. I have never had any situation come up that has really made me think about the system I use, and I think that is a good sign it is working well, though YMMV .

Sounds good too. That's essentially the same as Tonguez's approach, right?

 

[Zzyzx]

I play as ElvishBard explained above, mostly because we are trying to simplify the rules as much as we can.

Some people have more fun with more rules; not my group.


Edit: ElvisBard --> ElvishBard. Although that was a funny typo.