D&D General For those that find Alignment useful, what does "Lawful" mean to you

If you find alignment useful, which definition of "Lawful" do you use?

  • I usually think of "Lawful" as adhering to a code (or similar concept) more than a C or N NPC would

    Votes: 35 31.5%
  • I usually think of "Lawful" as following the laws of the land more strictly than a C or N NPC would

    Votes: 17 15.3%
  • I use both definitions about equally

    Votes: 41 36.9%
  • I don't find alignment useful but I still want to vote in this poll

    Votes: 18 16.2%

But your interpretation of the term "personal code" is incorrect. Even if supposed hypothetically, your interpretation would only apply to Lawful Neutral, because Lawful Good clearly contradicts your interpretation.
No and no.

My "interpretation" is how it is directly and clearly written in common English understanding.

Your interpretation relies in altering how it is written into the literal opposite, which makes it flat out wrong. Play that way if you want to, bit your position is not what the default game clearly says is the case.

My "interpretation" is also only about the lawful component and applies to both other lawful alignments as well. LE even mentions codes in it.
 

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I don't know why I respond to you, as you don't actually seem to read my posts. The code is not 'be reckless' nor is recklessness expressed via breaking the code.

How can one be impulsive AND follow a code?

Batman, the Punisher, Eddard Stark, Judge Dredd, Captain America, Sturm Brightblade, follow a code. As a general rule, they do not act impulsively. Their decisions are made subject to (and through the lens of) their code.


They're separate things. On is a belief, the other is personality. Sir Sagramore or any hot-headed honourable knight would fulfil the criteria, as does the generic Klingon behaviour.
I dont know who Sagramore is.

Give me an example of a person who (allegedly) upholds a code of honor, and/or a code of conduct, whom also acts impulsively contrary to that code, that you consider to be lawful.

Because it's my position that if you claim to have a Code, but regularly break it by acting recklessly or impulsively, you're actually Chaotic.

Just like its my position that if you claim to be Morally Good, but regularly do acts of Evil, you're actually Evil.
 

Because it's my position that if you claim to have a Code, but regularly break it by acting recklessly or impulsively, you're actually Chaotic.

Just like its my position that if you claim to be Morally Good, but regularly do acts of Evil, you're actually Evil.
I would better qualifiy this behavior as of CN : it's just that " it's funny ! " ( lol etc )
 


Fiendish contracts are probably the easiest way to describe Lawful vs Chaotic.

A lawful fiend will not breach their side of the contract terms unless tricked or absolutely desperate. This is why the breach penalties are so much worse. They plan to get the most out of the other signer during the contract or if the other person fails their side.

A chaotic fiend will break the deal the second it becomes inconvenient and they feel they can bare the penalties. That's why the rewards and penalties tend to be bad unless you catch an emotional fiend in a rush.

A neutral fiend will not go out their way to break a deal the second it becomes an issue. However if a better deal comes or the penatties can be brushed off, they are out. This is why their contracts tend to be purely transactional with few penatlies. They aren't planning to use the contract it self for anything long term. It's just there and can be pushed to the back of the mind to be ignored, if the contract has any long term aspects at all.
 

Fiendish contracts are probably the easiest way to describe Lawful vs Chaotic.

A lawful fiend will not breach their side of the contract terms unless tricked or absolutely desperate. This is why the breach penalties are so much worse. They plan to get the most out of the other signer during the contract or if the other person fails their side.

A chaotic fiend will break the deal the second it becomes inconvenient and they feel they can bare the penalties. That's why the rewards and penalties tend to be bad unless you catch an emotional fiend in a rush.

A neutral fiend will not go out their way to break a deal the second it becomes an issue. However if a better deal comes or the penatties can be brushed off, they are out. This is why their contracts tend to be purely transactional with few penatlies. They aren't planning to use the contract it self for anything long term. It's just there and can be pushed to the back of the mind to be ignored, if the contract has any long term aspects at all.
And of course the chaotic fey are well known to be unable to break their word and having to stick to their contracts!
 

Fiendish contracts are probably the easiest way to describe Lawful vs Chaotic.

A lawful fiend will not breach their side of the contract terms unless tricked or absolutely desperate. This is why the breach penalties are so much worse. They plan to get the most out of the other signer during the contract or if the other person fails their side.

A chaotic fiend will break the deal the second it becomes inconvenient and they feel they can bare the penalties. That's why the rewards and penalties tend to be bad unless you catch an emotional fiend in a rush.

A neutral fiend will not go out their way to break a deal the second it becomes an issue. However if a better deal comes or the penatties can be brushed off, they are out. This is why their contracts tend to be purely transactional with few penatlies. They aren't planning to use the contract it self for anything long term. It's just there and can be pushed to the back of the mind to be ignored, if the contract has any long term aspects at all.
will he break the deal, or just delay it until a next move ( using his memorising facilities ) ?
 




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