The double axis of alignment
Lawful = following Order and tradition, has a great respect for the rules and authority, follows a code of conduct
Chaotic = strong dislike of authority figures, preference for personal freedom, avoidance of ordered societies, sets no rules
Neutral (on the Law vs Chaos scale) = no bias for or against Order and rules
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Good = respect for life, selflessness, concern for others, etc.
Evil = self-serving, no care or concern for others, in extreme cases create oppression, etc.
Neutral (on Good vs. Evil scale) = Not personally committed to serving good, but does not serve evil, either
The two axis can be combined in any way, creating 9 possible alignments. In this way, a character could really hate society and it's rules, and still desire to serve the side of Good. (Chaotic Good) Or they could follow a strict code of conduct and still have no concern for life and even oppress others in a dictator like fashion (Lawful Evil).
Examples from LOTR:
Boromir - Lawful Good (desires to follow the rule of Gondor and his father, and the true king, and also desire to save others and give of himself.)
Gandalf - Chaotic Good (doesn't give a rat's tail about what everybody else wants, saves the day in his own way)
Sam - Neutral Good (doesn't really know about rules or tradition, but wants to do the right thing and help others)
Hope that helps!
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We can't all be Roas when it comes to analysing... -Lommy
I didn't say you're evil, Roa, I said you're exasperating. -Nerwen
Last edited by Roa_Aoife; 06-22-2006 at 01:59 PM.
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