Mechanical effects of alignment

[nerfherder]

So, do we actually know any mechanical effects that alignment will have?

I assume the 5 alignments are effectively keywords that can be referenced by powers. Have we seen any previews, or quick reads through the core books that describe any of them?

 

[FourthBear]

From my impressions of designer statements, there will be very few (possibly no) game mechanical implications of alignment. They've stated outright that the alignment based spells have been removed, so no more Detect Chaos or Unholy Smite. The only place I've seen an effect mentioned is in possibly alignment-based quests and XP awards.

 

[spuppett]

...And good riddance I say. I know that at least for my campaigns alignment has been strictly fluff. We dealt with evil people, motives, etc., but there was never a need, for us any way, to codify alignment.

 

[Asmor]

Actually, there is a very important mechanical implication for alignment: It determines what you're allowed to kill.

If something is the same alignment as you, you're not allowed to attack it at all.

if something is within one step of your alignment, you're allowed to knock it out and take its stuff.

If something is two or more steps away from your alignment, you're allowed to kill it and take its stuff.

Needless to say, it's recommended that you pick either Lawful Good or Chaotic Evil to maximize your choices in what you're allowed to kill.

 

[Mouseferatu]

Actually, there is a very important mechanical implication for alignment: It determines what you're allowed to kill.

If something is the same alignment as you, you're not allowed to attack it at all.

if something is within one step of your alignment, you're allowed to knock it out and take its stuff.

If something is two or more steps away from your alignment, you're allowed to kill it and take its stuff.

Needless to say, it's recommended that you pick either Lawful Good or Chaotic Evil to maximize your choices in what you're allowed to kill.

I assume this was meant as a joke, but just for those who don't get it... This is, of course, a joke.

And yes, the designers have said that there will be few, if any, mechanical effects of alignment.

 

[nerfherder]

I assume this was meant as a joke, but just for those who don't get it... This is, of course, a joke.

Don't worry, I got it - I was actually laughing at the though of most peoples, who are unaligned, living in a pacifist utopia.

And yes, the designers have said that there will be few, if any, mechanical effects of alignment.

"Few, if any" - so does that mean there are some?

If not, I'm wondering if they might as well have removed them altogether. Actually, it would be interesting to know if this was ever seriously considered.

 

[Fallen Seraph]

If not, I'm wondering if they might as well have removed them altogether. Actually, it would be interesting to know if this was ever seriously considered.

I am hoping by 5th Edition or atleast as like an alternative rule in the DMG they will get rid of alignment.

 

[Mouseferatu]

"Few, if any" - so does that mean there are some?

It means that I'm CMA by not speaking in absolutes, that's all.

If not, I'm wondering if they might as well have removed them altogether. Actually, it would be interesting to know if this was ever seriously considered.

My guess--and this is just a guess--is that it was considered, but they decided that it was a useful RP tool for players who want to use it, and a useful guide to how certain monsters behave.

 

[nerfherder]

It means that I'm CMA by not speaking in absolutes, that's all.

lol!

Thanks for your input.