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<blockquote data-quote="Aeric" data-source="post: 3198971" data-attributes="member: 17012">The way I see it, alignment in D&amp;D exists for two reasons:1) To provide a basic framework for roleplaying; and2) To provide a game mechanic by which the characters and creatures can interact with certain spells (Protection From Good), magic items (Robe of the Archmagi), and supernatural abilities (Smite Evil).As for roleplaying, coming up with an actual personality and belief system for your character is much better than simply slapping an alignment label on him.&nbsp; I agree that alignment tendencies for races is uncalled for.&nbsp; Describe how orc society is built around the strong dominating the weak, and the contempt they have for civilized foes, especially elves.&nbsp; That goes a lot farther than saying orcs are Usually Chaotic Evil.As for the crunchy aspect, I find that to be a self-enclosed system.&nbsp; If you remove alignment and all spells/items/abilities that deal with alignment (or adjust them so that they don't), the game doesn't really change at all.&nbsp; If you really feel the need to keep such things as Smiting and Protection From X spells, just keep the aura system.&nbsp; Paladins and Clerics have supernatural auras of good, evil, law, or chaos.&nbsp; These are characters whose devotion to a system of belief is strong enough for magic targeting those aspects of reality (law, chaos, etc.) will affect them.&nbsp; Outsiders would have the same auras, because they are essentially composed of the raw stuff of chaos/law/etc.&nbsp; I would give particularly ancient and powerful creatures such as dragons and undead auras as well, but on a case by case basis.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Aeric, post: 3198971, member: 17012"] The way I see it, alignment in D&D exists for two reasons: 1) To provide a basic framework for roleplaying; and 2) To provide a game mechanic by which the characters and creatures can interact with certain spells (Protection From Good), magic items (Robe of the Archmagi), and supernatural abilities (Smite Evil). As for roleplaying, coming up with an actual personality and belief system for your character is much better than simply slapping an alignment label on him. I agree that alignment tendencies for races is uncalled for. Describe how orc society is built around the strong dominating the weak, and the contempt they have for civilized foes, especially elves. That goes a lot farther than saying orcs are Usually Chaotic Evil. As for the crunchy aspect, I find that to be a self-enclosed system. If you remove alignment and all spells/items/abilities that deal with alignment (or adjust them so that they don't), the game doesn't really change at all. If you really feel the need to keep such things as Smiting and Protection From X spells, just keep the aura system. Paladins and Clerics have supernatural auras of good, evil, law, or chaos. These are characters whose devotion to a system of belief is strong enough for magic targeting those aspects of reality (law, chaos, etc.) will affect them. Outsiders would have the same auras, because they are essentially composed of the raw stuff of chaos/law/etc. I would give particularly ancient and powerful creatures such as dragons and undead auras as well, but on a case by case basis. [/QUOTE]

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