Boards›Concepts & Creations

What Kind of D&D Alignment Is This Character

Cardinal Sinveil·5/26/2016, 2:59:17 PM·2 votes·723 views

Greetings

Recently I started writing a story that has been in my mind for some time now. When I write a story, I usually use the D&D alignment system to help me know what kind of decisions will the different characters make in varies situations. I also use the D&D alignment with a grain of salt though, as the system is not always reliably and gimmicky at times. However, the 2 alignments that I enjoy the most are also the ones that get me the most confused and tangled up when writing about them. I am talking about Neutral Good & Neutral Evil. And there is this character in the story that I am not quite sure into which category does he fall into. So I will give you guys a general story and background for the character and his motivations, and I hope that some of you can give me recommendations on what type of alignment would he be.

The Character

  • Before I begin, I want to start off by saying that the setting of the story is a Gray vs Gray Morality. So, the character in question is suppose to be a bit angsty and edgy, or rather Melancholic and INFP-ish (in terms of the Four Temperaments & the Myer-Briggs personality chart). He is this exiled wanderer that eventually found a home within the ranks of a "strange"/unorthodox organization. The organization however was wiped off due to the actions of the antagonists and in part due to the actions of the protagonist. Seeing the protagonist and the antagonists as a threat to the peace and to the future of other such similar "organizations", the character in question decides to hunt them down and also kill other weak yet non innocent persons in the story. The way he delivers Death is a peaceful kill-them-in-their-sleep or as non-violent as possible methods and he does NOT enjoy the act of taking life itself (despite viewing Life itself as a mistake). At the core, this character is driven by a combination of empathy (towards a certain set of people), by existential angst and by a search for truth.

So where does he fall in the Neutral Good/Neutral Evil spectrum ? Or could he possibly be another sort of alignment ? I can't decide. I hope some of you guys can help me with this character.

Thank you for your time.

4 Comments

Tamur5/26/2016, 3:17:02 PM2 votes

I' m thinking Chaotic Good fits what you have written here. But I'll ask my DM when he wakes up

ZT Xperimentor5/26/2016, 3:29:31 PM2 votes

I've always treated the d&d alignment as guidelines; as long as an act isn't drastically against the character's personality (without a good reason), then it should be fine if it's not a reoccurring event. For example guy I gamed with had ran a lawful evil character 2 different ways despite the same alignment. The first he did was like a bad lawyer, bending the society rules for his benefit. The second was more of a morally delusional type, he had his own laws he'd follow to a T, but disregard the society ones.

Personally I'd say by your description that it's a true neutral character, but the flexibility ironically becomes dull. While they'd appear neutral good trying to bring peace and searching for truth; however I would say they're more of an neutral evil character given the actions and mentality that life is a mistake. Even though they dislike taking lives and attempt to make it painless, they do it anyway. This is the sole reason I'd say they're more evil along the neutral axis. The ends may justify the means, but until then it would not be viewed as such.

I wouldn't say alignments are easy to change, nor would I say they're unchangeable; but that's up to you & your gm/dm to discuss. I've run a couple campaigns with mixed alignment parties, so it's possible if that's what you're concerned about. And you're welcome, I needed some mental exercise since I've got some world building to do. I've been listening to these guys debating the subject as well, just in case it helps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiuLkFVCHGE&list=PLTgwt_ewEFeP-XVoWcYRJcaEyYcf4p1WR