D&D 4E Are there still going to be Alignment requirements for core classes in 4E?

[AFGNCAAP]

Sorry if this has been asked already, but I wanted to know.

With the discussions about Paladins of any alignment, as well as the fiendish orientation of the Warlock class, I have to wonder how exactly alignment may play a role for core classes.

I, for one, would be glad to see alignment restrictions for core classes be cast away (and perhaps just remain for prestige classes). However, I'm not sure that they will. Or at least the "unpopular" alignment restrictions may go away (like the LG-only paladins).

Anyone know anything on this, whether through D&DI articles, blogs, or the like?

 

[blargney the second]

I really wish they'd go away as restrictions on classes. Alignments are fine and even interesting for many other parts of the game, but I don't like them confining classes.

 

[Glyfair]

I'd say it seems pretty likely. In fact, the only classes that had alignments restrictions that are likely in the PHB I were the paladin & warlock. We know there will be a variety of alignments for paladins (which doesn't necessarily mean that alignment will have no role there). We also have been told not to expect the Warlock to be exactly like the 3.5 warlock.

 

[Aloïsius]

They said that keeping alignment requirement in 3e was an error of design... So, the great new is that we will mostly get rid of them.

 

[Szatany]

Remember 3e's mantra "options, not restrictions"?

Perhaps alignment will have no effect on a class whatsoever.

Or maybe, just maybe, they will stick to what they are preaching and make it so alignment doesn't restrict you in any way, BUT if you have right class and alignment combination you unlock an ability or two.

Example: Paladin can be of any alignment, but if he is lawful good, he can smite all undead in addition to evil creatures (I know most undead are evil, that's not the point).

 

[Baby Samurai]

With the discussions about Paladins of any alignment,

I thought technically they stated you may be a Paladin of Asmodeus?

But I know for a fact they have stated that alignment will have no mechanical affect on play (finally!).

 

[GreatLemur]

But I know for a fact they have stated that alignment will have no mechanical affect on play (finally!).

Wow, did they really say that? I thought I'd heard it was going to be less important, but if they've finally divorced it from the mechanics completely, that is great news. Alignment was hooked into way too many mechanics in 3.x. Made it a pain to houserule it out.

 

[CleverNickName]

I don't mind having alignment restrictions on prestige classes, but I would like to see them go for the core classes. A chaotic monk, a lawful rogue, and an evil paladin all sound fairly interesting to me.

Here's a thought:

What if they remove all alignment restrictions from classes, but impose them upon certain talent trees. For example, to take the "Order of White Light" talent tree*, which has abilities and powers focused on turning and banishing the undead, you would have to be Good in alignment...conversely, to choose the "Order of Darkest Night" talent tree*, which focuses on creating and controlling undead, you would need to be Evil.

*Nothing of the sort really exists at the moment; this is just presented for argument's sake

 

[MoogleEmpMog]

What if they remove all alignment restrictions from classes, but impose them upon certain talent trees. For example, to take the "Order of White Light" talent tree*, which has abilities and powers focused on turning and banishing the undead, you would have to be Good in alignment...conversely, to choose the "Order of Darkest Night" talent tree*, which focuses on creating and controlling undead, you would need to be Evil.

This seems like a much better way to handle alignment restrictions. Essentially, it extrapolates from the Good Clerics Turn/Evil Clerics Rebuke split and uses that same sort of thing for multiple classes.

Could produce some very interesting results.

 

[Counterspin]

I have to disagree with MoogleEmpMog and CleverNickName. I want them all gone. I don't see why I should be any happier about some asinine restriction when it cuts me off from a talent tree rather than a class. People's views on things don't have anything to do with their personal capacities. Let that entire idea rot into dust.