Alignment

A creature’s alignment represents their typical response when confronted with an obstacle, and so helps to indicate as to how they will generally act. Alignment is also called for when determining the effect of certain spells and abilities on a creature.

There is objective morality in DnT. You can measure, to some degree, whether a creature is “good” or “evil”. Of course, a “good” creature might not necessarily always do “good”, and sometimes a “good” action might not necessarily produce an outcome that brings about more “good”. On the other hand, even an evil creature ***may*** still do good deeds and have someone they care about. Alignment only describes a general tendency.

Alignment is divided into two main axis: Order vs Chaos and Good vs Evil, with a Neutral position as an intermediate in both axis. This creates a total of nine possible alignments. However, nuance and the generalization that comes with each category of Alignment permit an innumerable amount of unique characterization. Remember, the point of these categories is only to make it easier to create new creatures and characters, not to restrict their variety (too much).

### **Law vs chaos**

Law and Chaos represent the opposing principles of order vs entropy, control vs freedom, society vs the individual, and stability vs change. Law and chaos are neither good nor evil; they can be used in and by both.

Lawful alignment means that you are a creature of habit, and prefer to preserve contracts, systems and social norms. Lawful creatures will tend to closely adhere to a code of morality or conduct, and work within them.

Chaotic alignment tend to steer a creature into being more flippant and willful. They are usually very individualistic and tend to take freedom (theirs, other’s or both) as something of paramount importance. Chaotic creatures will tend to act as their heart dictates instead of following any sense or social contract.

### **Good vs evil**

Good and Evil represent the familiar moral divide of altruism vs harm, kindness vs hatred, and mercy vs malevolence.

Evil creatures tend to be more egotistical and self-absorbed (with extreme examples tending towards the point of severe anti-social disorders) in their outlook and motivations. They give less importance to the well-being of others and are more prone to falling into sinful habits.

Good creatures are more altruistic, attempting to show kindness, charity and embodying other exalted virtues. They tend to try to benefit others by generating more “good” in the world around them, and show genuine care for others.

### **The 9 Alignments**

#### **Lawful good**

A lawful good creature is a protector of righteous order. They will attempt to preserve or spread order that elevates justice, compassion and other virtuous traits (be it abstract or perceivable), and adhere to its structure. The iconic example of lawful good is a paladin, a holy knight who protects the weak and destroys evil.

#### **Neutral good**

A neutral good character believes worth of well-living above all else, not being above bending or outright ignoring rules in order to act in accordance to their moral principles. However, they are just as likely to follow a code of conduct if it improve everyone’s state of being. A neutral character will generally avoid acts that go against their principles (or rules that align with their principles) whenever possible.

#### **Chaotic good**

A Chaotic Good character believes in responsible freedom as the highest virtue. They would want to maximize everyone’s freedom while maintaining peace and well-being, promoting good. While this is most likely an impossible balancing act, a chaotic good creature will tend to still do what they can. Most such creatures tend to be adverse to authority and enjoy flaunting rules they think of over-complicated, stupid and unnecessary (usually all of them).

#### **Lawful neutral**

A lawful neutral character obeys principle and holds loyalty to their ideal as the highest virtue. For example, a judge who treats all fairly and equally, regardless of their personal biases and attachments, would be considered lawful neutral. If you’re having difficulty grasping whether your character is lawful neutral, think that a more good aligned character would prioritize another’s well-being over their ideals, while a more evil aligned character would be more willing to sacrifice others to further them.

#### **True neutral**

A true neutral character is neutral on both axes, and cares not for any stance of alignment. This often describes someone who either cares only for their own personal needs or for those of an ideal. They are neither inclined to hurt or harm others, nor to obey or rebel, but still see some inherent value in everything that they encounters. A few true neutral characters would rather follow an intentional philosophy of balance.

#### **Chaotic neutral**

A chaotic neutral character follows their heart, but without the willingness to self-sacrifice as a chaotic good character might. A great many adventurers are chaotic neutral, doing what they wish and rejecting all forms of authority.

#### **Lawful evil**

A lawful evil character is a tyrant. They have no moral qualms about punishing or sacrificing individuals for a greater goal, usually the furthering of society. A lawful evil creature is often easy to deal with, as they can often be trusted to keep their word. Creatures who tend to follow a certain code while benefiting themselves and disregarding the harm it may cause, such as assassins, corrupt officials and bureaucrats are iconic examples of lawful evil creatures.

#### **Neutral evil**

A neutral evil character is selfish, and has no problem harming others to get what they want – if they can get away with it. They will cheat and steal just as well as compromise and bring justice – to a neutral evil creature, there is no such thing as good or evil, only benefits and detriments. Nothing other than their personal goals truly matter to a neutral evil creature. This aliment is probably the most evil out of the bunch.

#### **Chaotic evil**

A chaotic evil character is malevolent, impulsive and carnal. Its desires, whatever their nature or however high-minded they may be, are its primary motivation. Underpinning this is their fervent obsession iwith their own absolute freedom, showing ambivalence for the consequences of their own actions and the harm it may bring. Typical examples of creatures with this alignment can be found in debauchees and serial killers.

#### **Unaligned**

A creature without the ability to make rational moral choices may be considered to have no alignment at all. In DnT, most Beasts, as Oozes and other mindless creatures, fall into this category and are considered unaligned.