10 Comments
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J.A.A. Arnold's avatar

Honestly, replacing absolute metaphysics with “what some wizard thought was good at the time” feels like the kind of practical theology we need more of... in fantasy and real life.

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Eugine Nier's avatar

My theory for the different opinions on the alignment system:

If you were first exposed to it as a sophomore, you like it. If you were exposed later, you see its flaws.

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Mary Catelli's avatar

In attitude rather than age, because I have seen sophomores grow out of it with appropriate philosophy.

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Eric Hinkle's avatar

I've never had real problems with alignment in RPGs myself because it's a game rule and not intended as some sort of discussion of real-life philosophy or morals. I do recall Poul Anderson doing a good job of Law versus Chaos with Three Hearts and Three Lions.

I also like the idea of the anti-paladin, be they called the black knight or the blackguard or what have you. Just so long as we remember that they're /not meant for players/. They're NPC villains, NOT player characters. Though for all their complaining about it even 1st Ed. Pathfinder tried to make it possible to have PC anti-paladins. Typically by watering them down to the point where they weren't actually evil any more.

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Mary Catelli's avatar

I note that Anderson handled it well, partly because it was the Good Guys vs the Bad Guys but we all saw it from characters low enough to not have a clearer vision than is plausible.

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Mary Catelli's avatar

It's the people who try to treat them as real-world philosophy and morals who are the most aggravating.

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Eric Hinkle's avatar

Especially when they think that by knocking down some strawman argument set in a fantasy world that they've invalidated real-world philosophical or religious beliefs.

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Mary Catelli's avatar

Oh, yes.

I once asked an atheist what he thought he achieved by using "sky fairy" and he talked about the reason for the terms instead and had no answer when called on not answering the question.

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Thomas Cargen's avatar

I never used it a whole lot, the character was obvious in thier actions and evolution, more used to step into them when first generating thier flavor.

For npc and monsters, it seemed much more useful, as they were more face value - for ease of identity and playing. Im not sure if I made good sense, but loved the article. Wish I played again honestly. Thanks!

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Mary Catelli's avatar

Yeah, it could be interesting to juggle.

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