Helldritch
Hero
In an other thread: "Worlds of design: Is fighting evil passé?" a lot of talk turned around alignments and their interpretation. For about 35 years, I have used a variant of the Palladium Alignment system in the D&D game. It is the do(s) and don't(s) of the different alignments. It is heavily based on the Palladium game but it has work for my games for that much time. It is by no mean perfect but it is a set of loose guidelines as to what such and such alignment is expected to do.
Three things must be said.
1) Alignment is not a fixed set behavior. A character can be out of his usual habits once in a while. Sometimes, enough is enough and you can go way out of your normal pattern. Of course, depending on the out of character action this can lead to either a change in alignment or an atonement. In 5ed the atonement is no longer a thing but seeking "forgiveness" is still something happening in my games as a way for a character to redeem him(her)self.
2) In the translation (the document is normally in French) I changed a few things to reflect 5ed. So the "good" races have been changed to "Core" races. The intent is still the same.
3) Although I do mention it in the document, this version do not apply to "supernatural" creature. The outerplane creatures are "perfect" examples of what alignments are and are a bit fixed (at least in my mind and how I play them). A character is not expected to be perfect but should try.
So here is my take on the alignment. I hope you find this useful.
The Do(s) and don’ts of alignments.
Lawful Good.
Toward the core races (this means “good and non-evil” races) but not limited to dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, half elves.
1) Always keep his word/oath.
2) Avoid lies.
3) Never kill or harm an unarmed foe.
4) Never harm an innocent.
5) Never torture for any reason.
6) Never kill for pleasure. Will try to bring the villain to justice alive at any cost.
7) Always help others.
8) Work well within a group.
9) Respect authority, law, self-discipline and honor.
10) Never betray a friend.
11) Never breaks the law unless conditions are desperate or the laws are evil. This means no theft, torture, unprovoked assault and if witness to such acts, will try to reason the perpetrator if the act is minor or bring him to justice (or denounce if afraid).
12) Will not harm a child for any reason.
13) Will never tolerate slavery.
Against non-core races (or “evil” races).
1) Will keep his word/oath.
2) Will let a foe that surrender leave in peace, especially if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life.
3) Might kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Might do a merciful killing. Sometimes, the most merciful thing is a quick death.
5) Might engage in ethnical/racial genocide if the events warrant such an act. The character will not do it out of pleasure but out of necessity and usually under strict orders by his liege during a time of war or invasion by a hostile tribe. Atonement and clerical counseling might be in order as the character might be forced to deal with psychological consequences.
Here I must stress that doing such an act will never be out of pleasure but to avoid said race/tribe to come back. If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to chase them off the country/territory. The character will allow the non-combatants to flee with food and tools unless the food is of humanoid origin. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
6) Will try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, the character will treat him as a member of the core race.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means.
Neutral Good.
Toward the core races (this means “good and non-evil” races) but not limited to dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, half elves.
1) Keep his word to any other good aligned person.
2) Lie only to Evil and Neutral alignments.
3) Never kill or harmed an unarmed foe.
4) Never harm an innocent.
5) Never use torture. But may use muscle/magic/threats to extract information.
6) Never kill for pleasure. Will try to bring the villain to justice alive.
7) Always help other.
8) Will try to work within the law and works well with group that respect a “good” ethos.
9) Will bend and even break the law when deemed necessary. He will use strong harm techniques, theft, break and entry and so on. Especially if said laws are evil.
10) Do not care about honor, self-discipline or any restraining laws, bureaucracy, groups.
11) Works generally well withing a group (unless the above is applicable).
12) Will never betray a friend.
13) Will never harm a child.
14) Will never tolerate slavery.
Against non-core races (or “evil” races). A Neutral Good will.
1) Probably will keep his word/oath.
2) Will let a foe that surrender leave in peace, especially if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life.
3) Might kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Will definitely do a merciful killing instead of letting a foe get away. Sometimes, the most merciful thing is a quick death.
5) Might engage in ethnical/racial genocide if the events warrant such an act. The character will not do it out of pleasure but out of necessity and usually under strict orders by his liege during a time of war or invasion by a hostile tribe. Atonement and clerical counseling might be in order as the character might be forced to deal with psychological consequences.
Here, again, I must stress that doing such an act will never be out of pleasure but to avoid said race/tribe to come back. If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to chase them off the country/territory. The character will allow the non-combatants to flee with food and tools unless the food is of humanoid origin. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
This character is much more likely to ignore this order from his liege than the Lawful Good character.
6) Will try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, the character will treat him as a member of the core race.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means.
Chaotic Good
Toward the core races (this means “good and non-evil” races) but not limited to dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, half elves.
These characters value life and freedom above all else. Where some Lawful and Neutral might or would follow distasteful orders from their liege, these characters will not. Elves could have eradicated orcs many times over but never did because they are what they are: Chaotic Good to the core. Live and let live is the motus operandi of this alignment.
1) Keep his word to any other good aligned person.
2) Lie and cheat if necessary or if it is highly profitable to do so. Especially to those of Evil and Neutral alignments.
3) Never kill an unarmed foe but will definitely take advantage of. 4) Never harm an innocent.
5) Might use torture if absolutely necessary. But this character much prefer to use muscle/magic/threats to extract information.
6) Never kill for pleasure. Will try to bring the villain to justice alive unless the risk of evasion is too high. Even then, will not resort to killing but might try to make it someone’s else problem.
7) Will help others, but would prefer a reward. He will help those in need but will feel that he should get a reward. If not, he’ll do it anyway but will probably whine about it.
8) Will try to work within the law but only because he does not want to be punished needlessly.
9) Will bend and even break the law when deemed necessary. He will use strong harm techniques, theft, break and entry without a second thought, especially if the laws are evil or constraining.
10) Never betray a friend.
11) Dislike authority but respect people and their leader if they earned it. This character will judge people from a personal point of view and not because of a position or title.
12) Will never harm a child.
13) Will never tolerate slavery of any kind.
Against non-core races (or “evil” races). A Neutral Good will.
1)Probably won’t keep his word/oath.
2) Will let a foe that surrender leave in peace, especially if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life.
3) Might kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Will not practice merciful killing instead of letting a foe get away. If it is evident that the foe will break his word or could come back with reinforcement, the character can do it. Sometimes, the most merciful thing is a quick death.
5) Will not, ever, engage in ethnical/racial genocide no matter the reason. This character values life and freedom too much.
Even if the events warrant such an act. The character will not do it. He does not feel any obligation toward authority, liege or master. Even under strict orders by his liege during a time of war or invasion by a hostile tribe he simply will not do it. In fact, a leader asking this from a chaotic good character/person is likely to lose every single ounce of respect this character has for him/her.
Whenever non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to chase them off the country/territory. The character will allow the non-combatants to flee with food and tools unless the food is of humanoid origin. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
This character is much more likely to ignore this order from his liege than the Lawful or Neutral Good characters.
6) Will try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, the character will treat him as a member of the core race.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means.
Lawful Neutral
Toward the core races (this means “good and non-evil” races) but not limited to dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, half elves.
1) Always keep his word/oath.
2) Avoid lies.
3) Never kill or harm an unarmed foe. But may take advantage from such a target. If only to bring it to justice.
4) Never harm an innocent.
5) Can use torture for interrogation if ordered to by his liege but will not do for personal gain for any reason.
6) Never kill for pleasure. Will try to bring the villain to justice alive at any cost.
7) Will help others most of the time, especially if rewarding.
8) Work extremely well within a group.
9) Respect authority, law, self-discipline and honor.
10) Never betray a friend unless he breaks the law.
11) Never, ever, willingly breaks the law. This means no theft, torture, unprovoked assault and if witness to such acts, will try to bring the perpetrator to justice (or denounce him if afraid).
12) Will not harm a child for any reason.
13) Might agree with some form of slavery. (Enslave debtors, captured enemies, etc.) Especially if the law permits it.
Against non-core races (or “evil” races).
1) Will keep his word/oath.
2) Will let a foe that surrender leave in peace, especially if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life.
3) Might kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Will do a merciful killing. Sometimes, the most merciful thing is a quick death.
5) Will engage in ethnical/racial genocide if the events warrant such an act. The character will not do it out of pleasure but out of necessity and usually under strict orders by his liege during a time of war or invasion by a hostile tribe. Atonement and clerical counseling might be in order as the character might be forced to deal with psychological consequences.
Here I must stress that doing such an act will never be out of pleasure but to avoid said race/tribe to come back. If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will country/territory. The character might allow the non-combatants to flee with food and tools unless the food is of humanoid origin. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
6) Will try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. If said individual is of lawful or from a non-evil non-chaotic alignment. The character will treat him as a member of the core race but with a bit of mistrust and suspicion. This individual will always be the first suspect in any problems he will be around.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means.
Here this character is leaning toward obeying laws, lieges and orders. This character is not about obeying all the time. In fact, if a superior gives an order contrary to the laws of the land, this character will go to a higher authority and report the guilty superior. View this character as the incorruptible agent. A good example is Judge Dread. The law is the law. Another is the samurai who will obey the Bushido code and if forced to do something against the bushido or the Daimo/Shogun, will turn ronin (but will still try to follow the Bushido) or commit seppuku.
The character will try to obey foreign land laws when he is in said lands but he will not do it at all cost. If a law goes against his beliefs or the beliefs of his country, it is entirely possible for him to ignore it completely. At the very least, if he is to stay in that country, he will try to make it change the offending law if it is within is power.
True Neutral
Toward the core races (this means “good and non-evil” races) but not limited to dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, half elves.
1) Usually keep his word/oath.
2) May lie and cheat.
3) Rarely kill or harm an unarmed foe.
4) Never harm an innocent.
5) Might use torture.
6) Never kill for pleasure.
7) Usually help others.
8) Can work well within a group.
9) Respect authority and law but usually do so out of fear.
10) Never betray a friend.
11) May break the law if he feels he can get away with it. So he can steal and hide revenue from the tax collector.
12) Will not harm a child for any reason but might use physical punishment for bad behavior.
13) Might tolerate slavery if it is part of the laws of the land.
Against non-core races (or “evil” races).
1) Will not keep his word/oath.
2) Will let a foe that surrender leave in peace, especially if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life.
3) Will kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Will do a merciful killing. Sometimes, the most merciful thing is a quick death.
5) Might engage in ethnical/racial genocide if the events warrant such an act. The character will not do it out of pleasure but out of necessity and usually under strict orders by his liege during a time of war or invasion by a hostile tribe. Revenge might also be a reason for such a character to engage in such action. Atonement and clerical counseling might be in order as the character might be forced to deal with psychological consequences.
Here I must stress that doing such an act will never be out of pleasure but to avoid said race/tribe to come back. If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to chase them off the country/territory. The character will allow the non-combatants to flee with food and tools unless the food is of humanoid origin. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
6) Will probably not try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. Suspicion will be high even if said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment. This character will never treat him as a member of the core race and this individual will always be blamed for any wrong in the area.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means.
Chaotic Neutral
This character is about liberty, the fulfillment of personal pleasures and goals on short term basis (or long ones if the wisdom of the character is high enough).
Toward the core races (this means “good and non-evil” races) but not limited to dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, half elves.
1) May keep his word.
2) Will lie and cheat if he feels it necessary.
3) Unlikely to kill or harm an unarmed foe. But he will definitely take advantage on such a foe. A knock out or a good beat up might be in order, who knows?
4) Never kill an innocent but might harm or even kidnap for a ransom.
5) Never torture for pleasure but will do it to extract information.
6) Not likely kill for pleasure. But will do it for revenge or to avoid leaving witnesses.
7) Not likely to help others without ulterior motive (even if only to show-off).
8) Does not work well within a group. He does as he damn well please.
9) Do not respect authority, law, self-discipline or honor. These are foolish notions.
10) Might betray a friend if the gain is high enough (is one silver enough? How about a gold?).
11) Never follows the law unless conditions are desperate or he might get caught. This means theft, torture and unprovoked assault are all good unless it is dangerous to get caught. If witness to such acts, will try to blackmail the perpetrator if the act is minor or bring him to justice for a reward.
12) Will not harm a child but might take advantage of.
13) Will tolerate slavery. But not for himself.
Against non-core races (or “evil” races).
1) Will not keep his word/oath.
2) Not likely to let a foe that surrender leave in peace, even if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life. A good beat up will be done first.
3) Might kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Will do a merciful killing. Not out of mercy but simply to avoid having an enemy in his back.
5) Might engage in ethnical/racial genocide if the events warrant such an act. The character will not do it out of pleasure but out of necessity and usually because he feels he has no choice in that matter.
Here I must stress that doing such an act will never be out of pleasure but to avoid said race/tribe to come back. If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to chase them off the country/territory. The character will allow the non-combatants to flee but with nothing but the cloths on their back. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
6) Will not try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. He will even bully the poor sod if he can. He will put the blame on the person or even frame him for crimes he has committed himself. The individual will be a scape goat for this character. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, is of no matter to the character.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means.
Evil alignments
Evil alignments usually do not care which race you come from. However, they do respect their own race and usually put them slightly above the others.
Lawful Evil
1) Always keep his word of honor (the character is honorable)
2) Lie and cheat to those unworthy of his respect. Especially the chaotic aligned.
3) May, or may not kill an unarmed foe.
4) Will not kill (may harm, kidnap) an innocent.
5) Almost never kills for pleasure. This character generally needs a good reason to kill someone.
6) Will not resort to inhumane treatment of prisoner.
7) Will torture for information, never for pleasure.
8) May or may not help someone in need.
9) Work with other to attain his goals.
10) Respect honor and self-discipline.
11) Unlikely to betray a friend.
12) Expect unfailing loyalty from his underling and associates.
13) Will not harm a child but may take advantage of.
14) Will accept slavery as a natural part of society. Not likely to mistreat slave if they behave.
Against other races.
1) Will keep his word/oath.
2) Will let a foe that surrender leave in peace, especially if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life.
3) Will kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Will do a merciful killing. Not out of mercy but simply to avoid having an enemy in his back.
5) Will engage in ethnical/racial genocide if given the order. The character will not do it out of pleasure but out of necessity and usually because he feels he has no choice in that matter. Revenge might also be a reason to engage in such a behavior.
Here I must stress that doing such an act will never be out of pleasure but to avoid said race/tribe to come back. If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to chase them off the country/territory. The character will allow the non-combatants to flee but with nothing but the cloths on their back. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
6) Will not try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. He will even bully the poor sod if he can. He will put the blame on the person or even frame him for crimes he has committed himself. The individual will be a scape goat for this character. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, is of no matter to the character.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means but will not restrict himself to non-lethal means if needed.
A warning on Lawful Evil. Lawful Evil outsiders and non-humanoids or very distant species (such as mind flayers) are a special case where they do not respect anything but their own race. The killing for pleasure can become a real thing with them (but would not do this to their own race).
Neutral Evil
1) Not necessarily keep his word to anyone.
2) Lie and cheat.
3) Most definitely attack an unarmed foe (those are the best!)
4) Use and harm innocents.
5) Use torture for pleasure and info.
6) May kill for pleasure.
7) Will not help without tangible reward.
8) Only work with others if it helps him attain his personal goal.
9) Kill an unarmed foe as readily as he would a potential threat or competitor.
10) Only work within the law if he must.
11) Do not respect authority of any kind.
12) Will betray a friend if it serves his needs.
13) Not likely to harm a child but will do it if provoked (might even kill).
14) Slavery is quite normal. Mistreating a slave is possible but not likely if the slave behave and knows its place.
Against other races.
1) Will not keep his word/oath.
2) Will not let a foe that surrender leave in peace.
3) Will kill or harm an unarmed foe.
4)Will engage in ethnical/racial genocide if given the order. The character can do it out of pleasure. Revenge might also be a reason to engage in such a behavior.
If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to slay everything in sight.
6) Will not try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. He will even bully the poor sod if he can. He will put the blame on the person or even frame him for crimes he has committed himself. The individual will be a scape goat for this character. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, is of no matter to the character.
7) Will harm a child especially in self-defense. The character will not hesitate lethal means.
Chaotic Evil
1) Rarely keep his word (if ever).
2) Lie and cheat.
3) Most definitely attack and kill an unarmed foe.
4) Use, hurt and kill innocents without a second thought for information or for pleasure.
5) Use torture for pleasure and info.
6) Will kill for pleasure.
7) Will not help without tangible reward. Even then, the character is likely to rob or kill the person asking for help.
8) Has a lot of trouble working with others even if it helps him attain his personal goal.
9) Despise honor, authority and self-discipline.
10) Will betray a friend. (You can always find more of these.)
11) Not likely to harm a child but will do it if provoked (might even kill).
12) Will only work with other under a strong leader and only if afraid of said leader. The character will try to overthrow the leader at the first good opportunity.
13) Slavery is quite normal. Highly likely to mistreat slaves as you can always find more.
Against other races.
1) Will not keep his word/oath.
2) Will not let a foe that surrender leave in peace.
3) Will kill or harm an unarmed foe.
4)Will engage in ethnical/racial genocide even if not given the order. The character wil do it out of pleasure. Revenge might also be a reason to engage in such a behavior.
If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to slay everything in sight.
6) Will not try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. He will even bully the poor sod if he can. He will put the blame on the person or even frame him for crimes he has committed himself. The individual will be a scape goat for this character. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, is of no matter to the character.
7) Will harm a child especially in self-defense. The character will not hesitate lethal means.
I hope it might be useful.
Three things must be said.
1) Alignment is not a fixed set behavior. A character can be out of his usual habits once in a while. Sometimes, enough is enough and you can go way out of your normal pattern. Of course, depending on the out of character action this can lead to either a change in alignment or an atonement. In 5ed the atonement is no longer a thing but seeking "forgiveness" is still something happening in my games as a way for a character to redeem him(her)self.
2) In the translation (the document is normally in French) I changed a few things to reflect 5ed. So the "good" races have been changed to "Core" races. The intent is still the same.
3) Although I do mention it in the document, this version do not apply to "supernatural" creature. The outerplane creatures are "perfect" examples of what alignments are and are a bit fixed (at least in my mind and how I play them). A character is not expected to be perfect but should try.
So here is my take on the alignment. I hope you find this useful.
The Do(s) and don’ts of alignments.
Lawful Good.
Toward the core races (this means “good and non-evil” races) but not limited to dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, half elves.
1) Always keep his word/oath.
2) Avoid lies.
3) Never kill or harm an unarmed foe.
4) Never harm an innocent.
5) Never torture for any reason.
6) Never kill for pleasure. Will try to bring the villain to justice alive at any cost.
7) Always help others.
8) Work well within a group.
9) Respect authority, law, self-discipline and honor.
10) Never betray a friend.
11) Never breaks the law unless conditions are desperate or the laws are evil. This means no theft, torture, unprovoked assault and if witness to such acts, will try to reason the perpetrator if the act is minor or bring him to justice (or denounce if afraid).
12) Will not harm a child for any reason.
13) Will never tolerate slavery.
Against non-core races (or “evil” races).
1) Will keep his word/oath.
2) Will let a foe that surrender leave in peace, especially if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life.
3) Might kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Might do a merciful killing. Sometimes, the most merciful thing is a quick death.
5) Might engage in ethnical/racial genocide if the events warrant such an act. The character will not do it out of pleasure but out of necessity and usually under strict orders by his liege during a time of war or invasion by a hostile tribe. Atonement and clerical counseling might be in order as the character might be forced to deal with psychological consequences.
Here I must stress that doing such an act will never be out of pleasure but to avoid said race/tribe to come back. If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to chase them off the country/territory. The character will allow the non-combatants to flee with food and tools unless the food is of humanoid origin. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
6) Will try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, the character will treat him as a member of the core race.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means.
Neutral Good.
Toward the core races (this means “good and non-evil” races) but not limited to dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, half elves.
1) Keep his word to any other good aligned person.
2) Lie only to Evil and Neutral alignments.
3) Never kill or harmed an unarmed foe.
4) Never harm an innocent.
5) Never use torture. But may use muscle/magic/threats to extract information.
6) Never kill for pleasure. Will try to bring the villain to justice alive.
7) Always help other.
8) Will try to work within the law and works well with group that respect a “good” ethos.
9) Will bend and even break the law when deemed necessary. He will use strong harm techniques, theft, break and entry and so on. Especially if said laws are evil.
10) Do not care about honor, self-discipline or any restraining laws, bureaucracy, groups.
11) Works generally well withing a group (unless the above is applicable).
12) Will never betray a friend.
13) Will never harm a child.
14) Will never tolerate slavery.
Against non-core races (or “evil” races). A Neutral Good will.
1) Probably will keep his word/oath.
2) Will let a foe that surrender leave in peace, especially if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life.
3) Might kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Will definitely do a merciful killing instead of letting a foe get away. Sometimes, the most merciful thing is a quick death.
5) Might engage in ethnical/racial genocide if the events warrant such an act. The character will not do it out of pleasure but out of necessity and usually under strict orders by his liege during a time of war or invasion by a hostile tribe. Atonement and clerical counseling might be in order as the character might be forced to deal with psychological consequences.
Here, again, I must stress that doing such an act will never be out of pleasure but to avoid said race/tribe to come back. If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to chase them off the country/territory. The character will allow the non-combatants to flee with food and tools unless the food is of humanoid origin. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
This character is much more likely to ignore this order from his liege than the Lawful Good character.
6) Will try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, the character will treat him as a member of the core race.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means.
Chaotic Good
Toward the core races (this means “good and non-evil” races) but not limited to dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, half elves.
These characters value life and freedom above all else. Where some Lawful and Neutral might or would follow distasteful orders from their liege, these characters will not. Elves could have eradicated orcs many times over but never did because they are what they are: Chaotic Good to the core. Live and let live is the motus operandi of this alignment.
1) Keep his word to any other good aligned person.
2) Lie and cheat if necessary or if it is highly profitable to do so. Especially to those of Evil and Neutral alignments.
3) Never kill an unarmed foe but will definitely take advantage of. 4) Never harm an innocent.
5) Might use torture if absolutely necessary. But this character much prefer to use muscle/magic/threats to extract information.
6) Never kill for pleasure. Will try to bring the villain to justice alive unless the risk of evasion is too high. Even then, will not resort to killing but might try to make it someone’s else problem.
7) Will help others, but would prefer a reward. He will help those in need but will feel that he should get a reward. If not, he’ll do it anyway but will probably whine about it.
8) Will try to work within the law but only because he does not want to be punished needlessly.
9) Will bend and even break the law when deemed necessary. He will use strong harm techniques, theft, break and entry without a second thought, especially if the laws are evil or constraining.
10) Never betray a friend.
11) Dislike authority but respect people and their leader if they earned it. This character will judge people from a personal point of view and not because of a position or title.
12) Will never harm a child.
13) Will never tolerate slavery of any kind.
Against non-core races (or “evil” races). A Neutral Good will.
1)Probably won’t keep his word/oath.
2) Will let a foe that surrender leave in peace, especially if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life.
3) Might kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Will not practice merciful killing instead of letting a foe get away. If it is evident that the foe will break his word or could come back with reinforcement, the character can do it. Sometimes, the most merciful thing is a quick death.
5) Will not, ever, engage in ethnical/racial genocide no matter the reason. This character values life and freedom too much.
Even if the events warrant such an act. The character will not do it. He does not feel any obligation toward authority, liege or master. Even under strict orders by his liege during a time of war or invasion by a hostile tribe he simply will not do it. In fact, a leader asking this from a chaotic good character/person is likely to lose every single ounce of respect this character has for him/her.
Whenever non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to chase them off the country/territory. The character will allow the non-combatants to flee with food and tools unless the food is of humanoid origin. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
This character is much more likely to ignore this order from his liege than the Lawful or Neutral Good characters.
6) Will try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, the character will treat him as a member of the core race.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means.
Lawful Neutral
Toward the core races (this means “good and non-evil” races) but not limited to dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, half elves.
1) Always keep his word/oath.
2) Avoid lies.
3) Never kill or harm an unarmed foe. But may take advantage from such a target. If only to bring it to justice.
4) Never harm an innocent.
5) Can use torture for interrogation if ordered to by his liege but will not do for personal gain for any reason.
6) Never kill for pleasure. Will try to bring the villain to justice alive at any cost.
7) Will help others most of the time, especially if rewarding.
8) Work extremely well within a group.
9) Respect authority, law, self-discipline and honor.
10) Never betray a friend unless he breaks the law.
11) Never, ever, willingly breaks the law. This means no theft, torture, unprovoked assault and if witness to such acts, will try to bring the perpetrator to justice (or denounce him if afraid).
12) Will not harm a child for any reason.
13) Might agree with some form of slavery. (Enslave debtors, captured enemies, etc.) Especially if the law permits it.
Against non-core races (or “evil” races).
1) Will keep his word/oath.
2) Will let a foe that surrender leave in peace, especially if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life.
3) Might kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Will do a merciful killing. Sometimes, the most merciful thing is a quick death.
5) Will engage in ethnical/racial genocide if the events warrant such an act. The character will not do it out of pleasure but out of necessity and usually under strict orders by his liege during a time of war or invasion by a hostile tribe. Atonement and clerical counseling might be in order as the character might be forced to deal with psychological consequences.
Here I must stress that doing such an act will never be out of pleasure but to avoid said race/tribe to come back. If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will country/territory. The character might allow the non-combatants to flee with food and tools unless the food is of humanoid origin. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
6) Will try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. If said individual is of lawful or from a non-evil non-chaotic alignment. The character will treat him as a member of the core race but with a bit of mistrust and suspicion. This individual will always be the first suspect in any problems he will be around.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means.
Here this character is leaning toward obeying laws, lieges and orders. This character is not about obeying all the time. In fact, if a superior gives an order contrary to the laws of the land, this character will go to a higher authority and report the guilty superior. View this character as the incorruptible agent. A good example is Judge Dread. The law is the law. Another is the samurai who will obey the Bushido code and if forced to do something against the bushido or the Daimo/Shogun, will turn ronin (but will still try to follow the Bushido) or commit seppuku.
The character will try to obey foreign land laws when he is in said lands but he will not do it at all cost. If a law goes against his beliefs or the beliefs of his country, it is entirely possible for him to ignore it completely. At the very least, if he is to stay in that country, he will try to make it change the offending law if it is within is power.
True Neutral
Toward the core races (this means “good and non-evil” races) but not limited to dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, half elves.
1) Usually keep his word/oath.
2) May lie and cheat.
3) Rarely kill or harm an unarmed foe.
4) Never harm an innocent.
5) Might use torture.
6) Never kill for pleasure.
7) Usually help others.
8) Can work well within a group.
9) Respect authority and law but usually do so out of fear.
10) Never betray a friend.
11) May break the law if he feels he can get away with it. So he can steal and hide revenue from the tax collector.
12) Will not harm a child for any reason but might use physical punishment for bad behavior.
13) Might tolerate slavery if it is part of the laws of the land.
Against non-core races (or “evil” races).
1) Will not keep his word/oath.
2) Will let a foe that surrender leave in peace, especially if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life.
3) Will kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Will do a merciful killing. Sometimes, the most merciful thing is a quick death.
5) Might engage in ethnical/racial genocide if the events warrant such an act. The character will not do it out of pleasure but out of necessity and usually under strict orders by his liege during a time of war or invasion by a hostile tribe. Revenge might also be a reason for such a character to engage in such action. Atonement and clerical counseling might be in order as the character might be forced to deal with psychological consequences.
Here I must stress that doing such an act will never be out of pleasure but to avoid said race/tribe to come back. If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to chase them off the country/territory. The character will allow the non-combatants to flee with food and tools unless the food is of humanoid origin. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
6) Will probably not try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. Suspicion will be high even if said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment. This character will never treat him as a member of the core race and this individual will always be blamed for any wrong in the area.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means.
Chaotic Neutral
This character is about liberty, the fulfillment of personal pleasures and goals on short term basis (or long ones if the wisdom of the character is high enough).
Toward the core races (this means “good and non-evil” races) but not limited to dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, half elves.
1) May keep his word.
2) Will lie and cheat if he feels it necessary.
3) Unlikely to kill or harm an unarmed foe. But he will definitely take advantage on such a foe. A knock out or a good beat up might be in order, who knows?
4) Never kill an innocent but might harm or even kidnap for a ransom.
5) Never torture for pleasure but will do it to extract information.
6) Not likely kill for pleasure. But will do it for revenge or to avoid leaving witnesses.
7) Not likely to help others without ulterior motive (even if only to show-off).
8) Does not work well within a group. He does as he damn well please.
9) Do not respect authority, law, self-discipline or honor. These are foolish notions.
10) Might betray a friend if the gain is high enough (is one silver enough? How about a gold?).
11) Never follows the law unless conditions are desperate or he might get caught. This means theft, torture and unprovoked assault are all good unless it is dangerous to get caught. If witness to such acts, will try to blackmail the perpetrator if the act is minor or bring him to justice for a reward.
12) Will not harm a child but might take advantage of.
13) Will tolerate slavery. But not for himself.
Against non-core races (or “evil” races).
1) Will not keep his word/oath.
2) Not likely to let a foe that surrender leave in peace, even if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life. A good beat up will be done first.
3) Might kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Will do a merciful killing. Not out of mercy but simply to avoid having an enemy in his back.
5) Might engage in ethnical/racial genocide if the events warrant such an act. The character will not do it out of pleasure but out of necessity and usually because he feels he has no choice in that matter.
Here I must stress that doing such an act will never be out of pleasure but to avoid said race/tribe to come back. If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to chase them off the country/territory. The character will allow the non-combatants to flee but with nothing but the cloths on their back. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
6) Will not try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. He will even bully the poor sod if he can. He will put the blame on the person or even frame him for crimes he has committed himself. The individual will be a scape goat for this character. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, is of no matter to the character.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means.
Evil alignments
Evil alignments usually do not care which race you come from. However, they do respect their own race and usually put them slightly above the others.
Lawful Evil
1) Always keep his word of honor (the character is honorable)
2) Lie and cheat to those unworthy of his respect. Especially the chaotic aligned.
3) May, or may not kill an unarmed foe.
4) Will not kill (may harm, kidnap) an innocent.
5) Almost never kills for pleasure. This character generally needs a good reason to kill someone.
6) Will not resort to inhumane treatment of prisoner.
7) Will torture for information, never for pleasure.
8) May or may not help someone in need.
9) Work with other to attain his goals.
10) Respect honor and self-discipline.
11) Unlikely to betray a friend.
12) Expect unfailing loyalty from his underling and associates.
13) Will not harm a child but may take advantage of.
14) Will accept slavery as a natural part of society. Not likely to mistreat slave if they behave.
Against other races.
1) Will keep his word/oath.
2) Will let a foe that surrender leave in peace, especially if said foe offered either a ransom or vital (or not so vital) information in exchange for his life.
3) Will kill or harm an unarmed foe if said foe has natural weapons.
4) Will do a merciful killing. Not out of mercy but simply to avoid having an enemy in his back.
5) Will engage in ethnical/racial genocide if given the order. The character will not do it out of pleasure but out of necessity and usually because he feels he has no choice in that matter. Revenge might also be a reason to engage in such a behavior.
Here I must stress that doing such an act will never be out of pleasure but to avoid said race/tribe to come back. If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to chase them off the country/territory. The character will allow the non-combatants to flee but with nothing but the cloths on their back. If the non-combatants try to fight back, the character will use lethal force without restrain.
6) Will not try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. He will even bully the poor sod if he can. He will put the blame on the person or even frame him for crimes he has committed himself. The individual will be a scape goat for this character. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, is of no matter to the character.
7) Will not harm a child for any reason save self-defense. Even then, the character will try to use non-lethal means but will not restrict himself to non-lethal means if needed.
A warning on Lawful Evil. Lawful Evil outsiders and non-humanoids or very distant species (such as mind flayers) are a special case where they do not respect anything but their own race. The killing for pleasure can become a real thing with them (but would not do this to their own race).
Neutral Evil
1) Not necessarily keep his word to anyone.
2) Lie and cheat.
3) Most definitely attack an unarmed foe (those are the best!)
4) Use and harm innocents.
5) Use torture for pleasure and info.
6) May kill for pleasure.
7) Will not help without tangible reward.
8) Only work with others if it helps him attain his personal goal.
9) Kill an unarmed foe as readily as he would a potential threat or competitor.
10) Only work within the law if he must.
11) Do not respect authority of any kind.
12) Will betray a friend if it serves his needs.
13) Not likely to harm a child but will do it if provoked (might even kill).
14) Slavery is quite normal. Mistreating a slave is possible but not likely if the slave behave and knows its place.
Against other races.
1) Will not keep his word/oath.
2) Will not let a foe that surrender leave in peace.
3) Will kill or harm an unarmed foe.
4)Will engage in ethnical/racial genocide if given the order. The character can do it out of pleasure. Revenge might also be a reason to engage in such a behavior.
If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to slay everything in sight.
6) Will not try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. He will even bully the poor sod if he can. He will put the blame on the person or even frame him for crimes he has committed himself. The individual will be a scape goat for this character. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, is of no matter to the character.
7) Will harm a child especially in self-defense. The character will not hesitate lethal means.
Chaotic Evil
1) Rarely keep his word (if ever).
2) Lie and cheat.
3) Most definitely attack and kill an unarmed foe.
4) Use, hurt and kill innocents without a second thought for information or for pleasure.
5) Use torture for pleasure and info.
6) Will kill for pleasure.
7) Will not help without tangible reward. Even then, the character is likely to rob or kill the person asking for help.
8) Has a lot of trouble working with others even if it helps him attain his personal goal.
9) Despise honor, authority and self-discipline.
10) Will betray a friend. (You can always find more of these.)
11) Not likely to harm a child but will do it if provoked (might even kill).
12) Will only work with other under a strong leader and only if afraid of said leader. The character will try to overthrow the leader at the first good opportunity.
13) Slavery is quite normal. Highly likely to mistreat slaves as you can always find more.
Against other races.
1) Will not keep his word/oath.
2) Will not let a foe that surrender leave in peace.
3) Will kill or harm an unarmed foe.
4)Will engage in ethnical/racial genocide even if not given the order. The character wil do it out of pleasure. Revenge might also be a reason to engage in such a behavior.
If non-combatants are involved, the preferred method will be to slay everything in sight.
6) Will not try to give a fair chance to a lone individual to prove his worth/usefulness. He will even bully the poor sod if he can. He will put the blame on the person or even frame him for crimes he has committed himself. The individual will be a scape goat for this character. If said individual is of good (or at least from a non-evil) alignment, is of no matter to the character.
7) Will harm a child especially in self-defense. The character will not hesitate lethal means.
I hope it might be useful.
