Erik42
First Post
I'm getting ready to launch a new campaign in the next few weeks, using the 5th Ed rules (as a DM), for the firs time. I'm learning toward getting rid of alignment for the PCs and pretty much for any creature not from the outer planes.
The 5E rules pretty much make it a non-factor (compared to 1E, which is what I'm coming from): There's no such thing as alignment language; there are no level drops for changing alignment; there aren't strict alignment regulations for belonging to classes (I mean, if we can have Paladins who aren't LG and Druids who aren't true Neutral, then is what is the point of PC alignment in this crazy Sodom and Gomorrah that is D&D under WotC.)
I like to emphasize character development. If a PC is properly fleshed out, then alignment isn't really necessary and is more artificial than simple good role playing a well-thought out character. Besides, morals are not absolute and someone can behave in a"good" manner in one circumstance and an "evil" manner in another. Remember, villains are not villains in their own mind. Everyone tends to be the hero of their own story, regardless of how others see them.
I'm leaning toward keeping the absolute alignments of the outer planes, but maybe not for every inhabitant; I haven't decided yet. I'm likely to keep alignment a fixed thing for sentient magic items. I'll use it with NPCs and monsters more as a guideline.
The 5E rules pretty much make it a non-factor (compared to 1E, which is what I'm coming from): There's no such thing as alignment language; there are no level drops for changing alignment; there aren't strict alignment regulations for belonging to classes (I mean, if we can have Paladins who aren't LG and Druids who aren't true Neutral, then is what is the point of PC alignment in this crazy Sodom and Gomorrah that is D&D under WotC.)
I like to emphasize character development. If a PC is properly fleshed out, then alignment isn't really necessary and is more artificial than simple good role playing a well-thought out character. Besides, morals are not absolute and someone can behave in a"good" manner in one circumstance and an "evil" manner in another. Remember, villains are not villains in their own mind. Everyone tends to be the hero of their own story, regardless of how others see them.
I'm leaning toward keeping the absolute alignments of the outer planes, but maybe not for every inhabitant; I haven't decided yet. I'm likely to keep alignment a fixed thing for sentient magic items. I'll use it with NPCs and monsters more as a guideline.