Also emotions and logic have nothing to do with Alignment. You can have a LG paladin who emotionally believes that Law is the way. You can have a Logical CN mage who can argue the finer points of Libertarian philosophy with you and explain in great detail and even write book about why it's logical to be a Libertarian.
D&D General For those that find Alignment useful, what does "Lawful" mean to you
- Thread starter happyhermit
- Start date
oh god... I know this isn't a political thread, but wow that changes (in a bad way) my thoughts about CN
also this is why I want to spread out and add more alignments including Unaligned.
in the past I have written "Chaotic Goodish" "Punisher" "I hate everyone" "Evil with exceptions for friends" and "Chaotic Jimmy" (the last one you would need to know my group to get).
James Gasik
We don't talk about Pun-Pun
I did state that "I want to point out that non-Lawful, even Chaotic characters can espouse some of these traits, but overall, they tend to be independent, self-willed, and free thinkers, who think that if the law is not a benefit, then perhaps it's time for a different kind of law."
Also, when did I say that a criminal organization could not be Lawful? I don't see why none of what I said applies. It's just that they adhere to the laws of their social structure, not necessarily the laws of the land.
But let's be clear- there is a difference between following laws because you believe in them, and following them out of fear. "Snitches get stitches".
As for Demons plotting, of course they can plot and plan. But their schemes have a strong tendency to be Byzantine and incomprehensible to a logical mind. Chaotic individuals are more likely to be ruled by how they "feel" about a situation than by facts.
EDIT: whether emotions have anything to do with alignment or not is not the case I'm making. I'm simply noting that it is a trend for Lawful characters to approach problems logically, without being guided by emotion, and the converse for Chaotic characters. Alignment is a guideline, only.
Also, when did I say that a criminal organization could not be Lawful? I don't see why none of what I said applies. It's just that they adhere to the laws of their social structure, not necessarily the laws of the land.
But let's be clear- there is a difference between following laws because you believe in them, and following them out of fear. "Snitches get stitches".
As for Demons plotting, of course they can plot and plan. But their schemes have a strong tendency to be Byzantine and incomprehensible to a logical mind. Chaotic individuals are more likely to be ruled by how they "feel" about a situation than by facts.
EDIT: whether emotions have anything to do with alignment or not is not the case I'm making. I'm simply noting that it is a trend for Lawful characters to approach problems logically, without being guided by emotion, and the converse for Chaotic characters. Alignment is a guideline, only.
Maxperson
Morkus from Orkus
Lawful is order, consistency and discipline, whether it's through following a personal code you created, following a code someone else created, or creating and living a well structured life. It isn't adhering to laws of the land, though many lawful people fall into that simply by virtue of being lawful.
le Redoutable
Ich bin El Glouglou :)
LN and detachment
Harmony in the seven Heavens
Corruption as LE
...
Sportsman ( with Ambition ) as CG
Madman ( mad scientist ) as CN
Cruel and Unfair as CE
...
Harmony in the seven Heavens
Corruption as LE
...
Sportsman ( with Ambition ) as CG
Madman ( mad scientist ) as CN
Cruel and Unfair as CE
...
payn
Glory to Marik
No, not this. As folks have pointed out, laws of the land are important to a lawful individual philosophically. They believe that structure and order consistently applied based on traditional values ultimately brings the best society. How they bring about that society comes up in their good/evil axis.
Maxperson
Morkus from Orkus
People have pointed it out, but I don't agree with it. You can be lawful without a group code. Far more people WILL be part of a larger group, but despite the assertions it's not a requirement.
Mind of tempest
(he/him)advocate for 5e psionics
what would the three middle alignments be then?
payn
Glory to Marik
You could be lawful or chaotic and have a personal code. Its how you implement that code that will determine it, not just having a code itself.
Maxperson
Morkus from Orkus
From the 3e PHB.
"Lawful Neutral, “Judge”: A lawful neutral character acts as law, tradition, or a personal code directs her. Order and organization are paramount to her. She may believe in personal order and live by a code or standard, or she may believe in order for all and favor a
strong, organized government. Ember, a monk who follows her discipline without being swayed either by the demands of those in need or by the temptations of evil, is lawful neutral."
"Lawful Neutral, “Judge”: A lawful neutral character acts as law, tradition, or a personal code directs her. Order and organization are paramount to her. She may believe in personal order and live by a code or standard, or she may believe in order for all and favor a
strong, organized government. Ember, a monk who follows her discipline without being swayed either by the demands of those in need or by the temptations of evil, is lawful neutral."
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