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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Arravis" data-source="post: 1153350" data-attributes="member: 327">LuYangShih wrote: I disagree.I think that's clear. The consensus seems to be otherwise though.LuYangShih wrote: No, I consider only people who are truly willing to harm and destroy others to further their own interests as Evil.  Most people are at least a little greedy, selfish, or uncaring.Yes, a little greedy, selfish and uncaring... the point is if that is what you mostly are (not just a little), you're evil. You don't have to harm or destroy to be evil, you can simply be very greedy and selfish and be evil. This is a core point that you seem to be missing. LuYangShih wrote: But your views are not in concordance with the standard rules.  Furthermore, they handicap characters such as Paladins in your world from being truly effective adventurers.I, as you can guess, disagree. In my opinion (and again, what seems to be the overall consensus) you're using an outdated idea of alignment that doesn't at all fit the current 3rd edition system. And yes, I'm handicapping Paladins if they believe themselves to be the arbiters of life and death with no real accountability.LuYangShih wrote: Good does not necessarily require mercy in all cases.Or in any case, in what seems to be your point of view. You might want to re-read the players or take a look at the SRD:"“Good” implies altruism, respect for life, and a concern for the dignity of sentient beings. Good characters make personal sacrifices to help others.""“Evil” implies hurting, oppressing, and killing others. Some evil creatures simply have no compassion for others and kill without qualms if doing so is convenient. Others actively pursue evil, killing for sport or out of duty to some evil deity or master.""Lawful good is the best alignment you can be because it combines honor and compassion."On Lawful Evil: "He cares about tradition, loyalty, and order but not about freedom, dignity, or life. He plays by the rules but without mercy or compassion."How does your idea of a paladin fit in with the above? A jackbooted merciless zealot that kills any he deems morally unfit doesn't fall any where near the definition of good in 3rd edition.LuYangShih wrote: Indeed, I think a wise standpoint for a Good character would be to realize that he is simply bringing justice to Evil creatures for the crimes they have committed. He need not feel compelled to forgive them, as that is not his duty.Justice takes time. You have to know the facts involved and investigate the situation. Justice requires truth. Justice isn't killing a group of kobolds simply cause they detect as evil. Your concept of a paladin hasn't done anything to get at the truth of the matter, only jumped to quick conclusions and is willing to slaughter and kill on those hasty judgments. Additionally, I'm not saying he need forgive them, but he needs to know what the hell he's doing though. Not just act like an idiot and kill first, ask questions later.LuYangShih wrote: You cannot change another unless they wished to be changed, after all.  If an Evil character shows no remorse or regret, and cannot understand why you judge them, than they are not deserving of mercy.You also can't change if you're dead. You remove any and all chances of redemption with that. Your paladin hasn't even tried. He is, in my view, taking the coward's route. He doesn't want to deal with complex issues so he closes his eyes and blindly swings his sword. That isn't what paladin should be, not even close.I gather that you and I are working under different assumptions on the nature of morality. You seem to believe that all actions are based on character... I believe that your actions form your character.Alignment in 3rd edition is a dynamic thing, something that changes based on actions, not something that binds you to do what it requires. From the SRD:"Alignment is a tool for developing your character’s identity. It is not a straitjacket for restricting your character. Each alignment represents a broad range of personality types or personal philosophies; so two characters of the same alignment can still be quite different from each other. In addition, few people are completely consistent."</blockquote>

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