Cheiromancer said:
I'd be interested in your opinion of my own take of the 9 alignments. Look here for the details.
I like these better than Meridian's, but I'm not exactly impartial. 
I like them. They remind me of what I posted a while back too. I was addressing character attitudes more than morality, though. I can't find the post, but here's the text I saved in my files:
Lawful means someone who recognizes the importance of their role within a group or community. This can translate to a stringent adherence to actual statutory laws (no jaywalking, etc.) or to a moral code that promotes the group over the individual.
Chaos is about the individual and freedom. A chaotic sees their personal rights as the single most important thing. It's not that they necessarily wish to see others' rights trampled -often they will try to interfere if they see that happening- but they usually see the preserving of freedom as an individual's responsibilty.
Good is about protecting and preserving life. Good people believe in a certain sanctity of all life; even if it is necessary to fight an kill from time to time. Enemies are to be overcome, possibly punished, killed if necessary- but not hated and tormented. Vengeance in the name of a cause or oath can be honorable, but a personal vendetta which causes suffering when carried out is an ugly thing.
Evil takes the attitude that life doesn't mean anything special. People die all the time. Killing someone isn't wrong, it only matters whether it accomplishes anything; including whether it was fun. Torture and cruelty aren't "Wrong," they're part of how things work. The world is cruel, why should we be different?
LG= The best way to protect and help the greatest number is for everyone to work together for the common welfare. If an individual's privacy or rights are a bit limited in the process, so be it. It is important to keep in mind that the goal is to see less suffering, not more. So torture and cruelty are unacceptable "tools" for the group to use in enforcing laws or protecting themselves. Honor is important because if you cannot be trusted to keep your word, you cannot be trusted to do what needs doing.
LN= The group and it's continuation are paramount. The individual is reduced to a mere cog in the machine. The group's goal is not necessarily sinister, but neither is it trying to particularly enhance its members' personal lives.
LE= Order is necessary to maintain Control. The strong rule the weak, the weak serve the strong. Discipline is maintained by any means necessary. The strong work to keep in place the system which gives them power. The weak do as the strong say to avoid punishment and gain some protection.
CG= It's wrong to hurt people for no reason. Freedom is maintained by not infringing upon others'. The laws of the land are fine if they don't get in the way too much, but right and wrong comes from within, not a judge or a king.
CN= All CN characters are psychotic.
Just kidding...
...Freedom is paramount. Anything that hampers your individuality or freedom to choose is bad. Any time you choose to accept an outside authority, it irks you, even if you know it's the smart thing to do at the time. It's not that you can't go along with a group, you just hate feeling like part of the crowd. You aren't especially malicious, but you won't hestitate to lash out if threatened or offended. Generally you'll do what seems right at the time.
CE= Rules are for the weak and stupid. Morality and laws are crutches the weak use to hide from the true nature of things. You know the Truth, though, and it suits you just fine. You're going to look out for #1 and anybody who gets in your way has their face ground into the #2. Power is to be seized and held. If you have to torture, rape, kill, and pillage to get what you want, great!
NG= The preservation of life & improving the quality of it is paramount. Laws and rules that work towards this goal are good, but if you have to break the rules to ease suffering, you will. It's not (necessarily) that you will never kill, but it would have to be in self-defense or to stop a very clear threat to others.
TN= Abstractions like Good & Evil, Law & Chaos are just that: Abstractions. It's important to understand that all of them exist inside everyone and everything. The important thing is to avoid letting any one aspect go to extremes. Balance is the key to harmony, both in yourself and in the world. What some might consider evil is necessary from time to time. Working to preserve life and otherwise acting "Good" is respectable, but not if it gets in the way of the natural balance of things (preventing the killing of certain animals resulting in overpopulation, etc.).
NE= The ultimate pragmatist. Sociopaths are often NE. You have a goal or goals. Unlike the CE, you are more than willing to work within -and for- a group or authority if it furthers your aims. You will also break those rules whenever you see fit, especially if you can do so in a way that doesn't burn bridges. Torture is just "motivation." Lying? That's just saying what needs to be said at the time. It's not a question of malice or hate, it's a question of taking the steps necessary and not being squeamish about it.
Some NE's "enjoy themselves" more than others, these tend to be more sadistic and cruel than cold. As they continue on this path, it wouldn't surprise me to see more of them move towards LE or CE as they find the niche that let's them explore their cruelty most fully; A cruel overlord or even his royal torturer (LE) v. the serial killer who torments his prey for his own personal amusement (CE).
