D&D General Which edition handled alignment best?

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

What's the difference between BECMI vs B/X? They're both three alignment systems, AFAIK.

I couldn't remember if they had different language around them. 1E and 3E both use the nine-square grid, but the language around what alignments meant was different and 3E of course hard-coded alignment into monsters, spells, etc.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

But how often does NG and CG differ?

Or LE and NE?

Because if the lawful force is clearly evil and harmful, both NG and CG fight it.

I think they probably differ in that while Lawful Good will probably be good with the status quo after a certain point, the Neutral Good (and especially Chaotic Good) folks are likely to keep picking at the situation and saying it's not quite good enough yet.

 

[Minigiant]

I think they probably differ in that while Lawful Good will probably be good with the status quo after a certain point, the Neutral Good (and especially Chaotic Good) folks are likely to keep picking at the situation and saying it's not quite good enough yet.

The issue is NG and CG. You need to make a line NG won't cross and emphasize it to justify CG.

IF you don't, NG and CG are nearly indistinguishable. The rebels can be NG or CG.

Same for LE and NE without a code or organization.

 

[Maxperson]

But you offer have push outside force to separate the CG from NE. CG tends to need an authority bad enough to rebel against or method far enough but not enough to make NG clearly join them.

Same with LE. You need a code or organization for the LE to join but not the NE.

There's nothing to separate. They come pre-separated.

 

[MuhVerisimilitude]

4e. It has no mechanics that I remember tied to alignment, it was purely descriptive.

5e is close, I like the nine grid better than 4e’s five spectrum. But it has a few minor mechanical things tied to alignment like some magic item effects.

3e had my favorite alignment mechanics with spells and items and monster types and DR and descriptors. Dragged down by legacy class stuff like paladins.

But 4e had a major problem! It didn't have a true good alignment. It had a flimsy "lawful good" and "good". What about "chaotic good"? The alignment specifically opposite of "lawful evil". The latter being the obviously most evil alignment!

 

[Maxperson]

The issue is NG and CG. You need to make a line NG won't cross and emphasize it to justify CG.

IF you don't, NG and CG are nearly indistinguishable. The rebels can be NG or CG.

Same for LE and NE without a code or organization.

NG doesn't care about law or chaos, so it can do both as long as it is in pursuit of good. NG is about doing good, however you have to get there. CG is very individualistic and about personal rights and freedoms. They are very different alignments.

 

[payn]

Though 5E is worthy of mention by going past alignment to bonds, flaws and ideals.

BIFTs just seemed entirely half baked to me. I’m always shocked to hear people mention it.

 

[Deset Gled]

Why?

Because "I don't like alignment" is a different answer from "I like how 5e handled alignment." An answer of "none" would show if people actually think 5e hits the sweet spot, or are just contrary to the concept.

 

[Voadam]

If you treat alignment language as a subset of language that only lets you talk about the nuances of specific philosophical points of view, it makes a certain amount of sense.... but even then, it works better if you have to share another language before you can speak (e.g.) CN to each other.

I like the weird world building of B/X alignment. There is a Cosmic Force of Law and a Cosmic Force of Chaos, and even one of Neutrality (high Tanelorn). If you align yourself with one that has a supernatural effect and your connection to that cosmic force means you can communicate with them in a supernaturally exclusive language which makes alliances with others of your alignment easier.

This makes it easier to have things like the Caves of Chaos or evil overlord having mixed forces.

Cross to a newly discovered continent and still hook yourself up with new alignment brothers of a different mother who might not be of the same species or culture or cultural language base.

1e philosophy chat about oppression or bureaucracy or individuality type topics only can work and be somewhat interesting, but I much prefer full pre-Babel type full speech alignment cooperation.

 

[Clint_L]

BIFTs just seemed entirely half baked to me. I’m always shocked to hear people mention it.

The concept is okay but the execution...yeah, pretty lame.