Alignment - Revision history

August: /* Chaotic Good (CG) */

2025-09-29T09:00:22Z

Chaotic Good (CG)

August: /* Chaotic Good (CG) */

2025-09-29T08:46:37Z

Chaotic Good (CG)

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	=== Chaotic Good <small>(CG)</small> ===		=== Chaotic Good <small>(CG)</small> ===
	The chaotic good do not stand idle by injustice. Though similar to lawful good in this ~~aspect~~, those ~~with~~ this alignment have an entirely different worldview as how to best address these injustices. Where the lawful good may speak out about the illegitimacy in an unjust law, the chaotic good take ~~offense at~~ the very institutions ~~capable of producing~~ these laws altogether as they argue governments are foremost tools for tyranny, not order.		The chaotic good do not stand idle by injustice. Though similar to lawful good in this respect, those who hold this alignment have an entirely different worldview as how to best address these injustices. Where the lawful good may speak out about the illegitimacy in an unjust law, the chaotic good take umbrage with the very institutions that produce these laws altogether as they argue governments are foremost tools for tyranny, not order.

	The chaotic good value freedom, individual prosperity and rightful retribution. They believe the “little people” must care for their own rather than sign away their rights to institutions that abuse them. Though this alignment may not necessarily advocate for total anarchy, they remain disobedient and suspicious of authorities, speculating about their intentions and which masters they must serve.		The chaotic good value freedom, individual prosperity and rightful retribution. They believe the “little people” must care for their own rather than sign away their rights to institutions that abuse them. Though this alignment may not necessarily advocate for total anarchy, they remain disobedient and suspicious of authorities, speculating about their intentions and which masters they must serve.

August: /* Neutral Good (NG) */

2025-09-29T08:45:14Z

Neutral Good (NG)

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	The neutral good understand that pursuing good in the Realms of Terror requires discretion. Though many are benevolent public servants, healers or scholars, they have no inherent distaste for laws nor a need to stand for the rule of law itself.		The neutral good understand that pursuing good in the Realms of Terror requires discretion. Though many are benevolent public servants, healers or scholars, they have no inherent distaste for laws nor a need to stand for the rule of law itself.

	The neutral good value personal peace, knowledge and satisfaction. They are content to pursue the betterment of their communities in small but ~~valuable~~ ways, such as relieving the suffering of others without lamenting societal structures or “the bigger picture”. They are likely to turn a blind eye about matters which are beyond their ability to change.		The neutral good value personal peace, knowledge and satisfaction. They are content to pursue the betterment of their communities in small but valued ways, such as relieving the suffering of others without lamenting societal structures or “the bigger picture”. They are likely to turn a blind eye about matters which are beyond their ability to change.

	Tending toward quieter lives, this alignment is well represented but often unsung in the Realms of Terror. Though unusual for the neutral good to take to ambition, some institutions with this alignment nevertheless aspire to resolve the pain and misery so felt across the demiplane in as many of its denizens as possible.		Tending toward quieter lives, this alignment is well represented but often unsung in the Realms of Terror. Though unusual for the neutral good to take to ambition, some institutions with this alignment nevertheless aspire to resolve the pain and misery so felt across the demiplane in as many of its denizens as possible.

August: /* Neutral Good (NG) */

2025-09-29T08:44:45Z

Neutral Good (NG)

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	=== Neutral Good <small>(NG)</small> ===		=== Neutral Good <small>(NG)</small> ===
	The neutral good understand that pursuing good in the Realms of Terror requires discretion. Though benevolent public servants, healers or scholars, they have no inherent distaste for laws nor a need to stand for the rule of law itself.		The neutral good understand that pursuing good in the Realms of Terror requires discretion. Though many are benevolent public servants, healers or scholars, they have no inherent distaste for laws nor a need to stand for the rule of law itself.

	The neutral good value personal peace, knowledge and satisfaction. They are content to pursue the betterment of their communities in small but valuable ways, such as relieving the suffering of others without lamenting societal structures or “the bigger picture”. They are likely to turn a blind eye about matters which are beyond their ability to change.		The neutral good value personal peace, knowledge and satisfaction. They are content to pursue the betterment of their communities in small but valuable ways, such as relieving the suffering of others without lamenting societal structures or “the bigger picture”. They are likely to turn a blind eye about matters which are beyond their ability to change.

August: /* Lawful Good (LG) */

2025-09-29T08:44:23Z

Lawful Good (LG)

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	The lawful good value truth, chivalry and equality. They feel personal responsibility to intervene on the behalf of others when they cannot or will not stand up for their rights. They respect the rule of law but subvert laws which do not uphold common interest or prop up individuals at the many’s injured expense, deeming them unjust and illegitimate.		The lawful good value truth, chivalry and equality. They feel personal responsibility to intervene on the behalf of others when they cannot or will not stand up for their rights. They respect the rule of law but subvert laws which do not uphold common interest or prop up individuals at the many’s injured expense, deeming them unjust and illegitimate.

	This is the rarest alignment in the Realms of Terror. Few lawful good survive old, happy or fulfilled as the Mists ~~foment~~ endless challenges to those clinging stubbornly to such high ideals.		This is the rarest alignment in the Realms of Terror. Few lawful good individuals survive old, happy or fulfilled as the Mists invent endless challenges for those clinging stubbornly to such high ideals.

	=== Neutral Good <small>(NG)</small> ===		=== Neutral Good <small>(NG)</small> ===

August: /* The Moral Axis */

2025-09-29T08:43:22Z

The Moral Axis

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	=== The Moral Axis ===		=== The Moral Axis ===
	The moral axis (good-evil) may be best understood by how forthright or amoral an individual, institution or ideoligion is. Pursuing evil in the Realms of Terror may be as easy as shrewd indifference to injustice, though such evil individuals often foment tragedy as long as they believe they or those who they align with stand to benefit from those tragedies. To be good beyond the Misty Border requires constant resistance to the depravities witnessed across the demiplane, as the Mists seem to reward evil with what first appears to be dark gifts in [[Corruption Checks\|Corruption]], even if these dark gifts lead their beholders to ~~eventual~~ ruin.		The moral axis (good-evil) may be best understood by how forthright or amoral an individual, institution or ideoligion is. Pursuing evil in the Realms of Terror may be as easy as shrewd indifference to injustice, though such evil individuals often foment tragedy as long as they believe they or those who they align with stand to benefit from those tragedies. To be good beyond the Misty Border requires constant resistance to the depravities witnessed across the demiplane, as the Mists seem to reward evil with what first appears to be dark gifts in [[Corruption Checks\|Corruption]], even if these dark gifts lead their beholders to inevitable ruin.

	== The Nine Alignments ==		== The Nine Alignments ==

August: /* The Ethical Axis */

2025-09-29T08:42:08Z

The Ethical Axis

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	=== The Ethical Axis ===		=== The Ethical Axis ===
	The ethical axis (law-chaos) may be best understood by how collectivist or individualist an individual, institution or ideoligion is. To have a code of conduct ~~itself~~ a lawful position does not make—it is how broadly that code of conduct should be prescribed ~~onto~~ others which motivates lawful intentions. Lawful characters have an innate desire to see all of society behave the way they do, and will construct laws and rulings in order to artifice this reality into being. Conversely, chaotic individuals, institutions or ideoligions place special premium on personal freedoms and believe broadly that societies should always act in the interests of those individuals than overtures about hurting the few to spare the many.		The ethical axis (law-chaos) may be best understood by how collectivist or individualist an individual, institution or ideoligion is. To have a code of conduct alone a lawful position does not make—it is how broadly that code of conduct should be prescribed unto others which motivates lawful intentions. Lawful characters have an innate desire to see all of society behave the way they do, and will construct laws and rulings in order to artifice this reality into being. Conversely, chaotic individuals, institutions or ideoligions place special premium on personal freedoms and believe broadly that societies should always act in the interests of those individuals than overtures about hurting the few to spare the many.

	=== The Moral Axis ===		=== The Moral Axis ===

August: /* Intention in Alignment */

2025-09-29T08:41:31Z

Intention in Alignment

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	=== Intention in Alignment ===		=== Intention in Alignment ===
	Though intention behind an action with ontological consequence does have some role to play for determining the severity of an alignment slide, this does not exonerate ignorant or evil decisions. To perform an action for the easy pleasure of doing it will cause a greater alignment slide toward the position held by that action than to have done it with reluctance or regret—but in both cases, an alignment slide ~~still occurs~~.		Though the intention behind an action with ontological consequence does have some role to play for determining the severity of an alignment slide, this does not exonerate ignorant or evil decisions. To perform an action for the easy pleasure of doing it will cause a greater alignment slide toward the position held by that action than to have done it with reluctance or regret—but in both cases, an alignment slide shall occur.

	=== The Ethical Axis ===		=== The Ethical Axis ===

August: /* Intention in Alignment */

2025-09-29T08:40:57Z

Intention in Alignment

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	=== Intention in Alignment ===		=== Intention in Alignment ===
	Though ~~intentions~~ behind ~~actions~~ with ontological consequence does play ~~a role in~~ determining the severity of alignment ~~slides~~, this ~~will~~ not exonerate ignorant or ~~otherwise~~ evil decisions. To perform an action for the easy pleasure of doing it ~~causes~~ greater alignment ~~slides~~ toward the position held by that action than to do it with reluctance or regret—but in both cases, an alignment slide ~~nevertheless~~ occurs.		Though intention behind an action with ontological consequence does have some role to play for determining the severity of an alignment slide, this does not exonerate ignorant or evil decisions. To perform an action for the easy pleasure of doing it will cause a greater alignment slide toward the position held by that action than to have done it with reluctance or regret—but in both cases, an alignment slide still occurs.

	=== The Ethical Axis ===		=== The Ethical Axis ===

August at 08:38, 29 September 2025

2025-09-29T08:38:16Z

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	Alignment describes how a character, institution or ideoligion behaves when allowed to act truthfully and in earnest. It reflects their innermost selves disregarding surface personae or niceties—indeed, villains beyond the Misty Border are frequently charming or tragic, sometimes even helpful—but when allowed to be as they really are, such pretense dissolves away into the Mists.		Alignment describes how a character, institution or ideoligion behaves when allowed to act truthfully and in earnest. It reflects their innermost selves disregarding surface personae or niceties—indeed, villains beyond the Misty Border are frequently charming or tragic, sometimes even helpful—but when allowed to be as they really are, such pretense dissolves away into the Mists.

	Therefore alignment ~~describes~~ patterns in ~~behaviors that carry~~ ontological weight along the two axes. Not every action a character ~~undertakes expresses~~ alignment, and the Realms of Terror only ~~ever~~ rarely see someone “snap” into another alignment as consequence to ~~sole~~ decision unless that decision ~~was~~ egregious or damning—but acting against one’s innermost self creates internal ~~conflict~~, and ~~internal conflict is something~~ the demiplane ever ~~exploits~~. Should someone believe they have violated ~~this~~ innermost self ~~such to~~ become “other than”, no action need be taken: the Mists will have made it so.		Therefore alignment should describe patterns in behavior which carries ontological weight along the two axes. Not every action a character takes must express alignment, and the Realms of Terror only rarely see someone “snap” into another alignment as consequence to any one decision unless that decision should be egregious or damning—but acting against one’s innermost self creates internal turmoil, and turmoil the demiplane is ever keen to exploit. Should someone believe they have violated their innermost self that they have become “other than”, no further action need be taken: the Mists will have made it so.

	Absent ~~these~~ catastrophic revelations, alignment tends to slide over the course of months and even years.		Absent such catastrophic revelations, alignment tends to slide over the course of months and even years.

	=== Intention in Alignment ===		=== Intention in Alignment ===

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	=== Chaotic Good <small>(CG)</small> ===		=== Chaotic Good <small>(CG)</small> ===
	The chaotic good do not stand idle by injustice. Though similar to lawful good in this respect, those ~~who hold~~ this alignment have an entirely different ~~worldview as~~ how to best address these injustices. Where the lawful good may speak out about the illegitimacy in an unjust law, the chaotic good take umbrage with the very institutions ~~that~~ produce these laws altogether as they argue governments are foremost tools for tyranny, not order.		The chaotic good do not stand idle by injustice. Though similar to lawful good in this respect, those with this alignment have entirely different views about how to best address these injustices. Where the lawful good may speak out about the illegitimacy in an unjust law, the chaotic good take umbrage with the very institutions which produce these laws altogether as they argue governments are foremost tools for tyranny, not order.

	The chaotic good value freedom, individual prosperity and rightful retribution. They believe the “little people” must care for their own rather than sign away their rights to institutions ~~that~~ abuse them. ~~Though~~ this alignment may not necessarily advocate for total anarchy, they remain disobedient and suspicious of authorities, speculating about their intentions and which masters they ~~must~~ serve.		The chaotic good value freedom, individual prosperity and rightful retribution. They believe the “little people” must care for their own rather than sign away their rights to institutions who abuse them. While those with this alignment may not necessarily advocate for total anarchy, they remain disobedient and suspicious of authorities, speculating about their intentions and which masters they serve.

	Given that there ~~are so many injustices to do right by~~ beyond the Misty Border, the chaotic good are never without something to avenge. ~~Though~~ always ~~well-intended~~, this predisposition to make decisions out of passion rather than forethought leaves them vulnerable to the Mists’ talent for unforeseen consequences.		Given that there is no shortage of injustice beyond the Misty Border, the chaotic good are never without something to avenge. Despite always having good intentions, this predisposition to make decisions out of passion rather than forethought leaves them vulnerable to the Mists’ talent for unforeseen consequences.

	=== Lawful Neutral <small>(LN)</small> ===		=== Lawful Neutral <small>(LN)</small> ===
	The lawful neutral enact law to bring about platonic ideals of order without concern over moral ~~texture~~. Though they do not seek to disenfranchise others outright, they believe that carving out exceptions where exceptions ~~might~~ be made weakens the legitimacy of a society or organization to do what it is right by their own traditions.		The lawful neutral enact law to bring about platonic ideals of order without concern over moral textures. Though they do not seek to disenfranchise others outright, they believe that carving out exceptions where exceptions may be made weakens the legitimacy of a society or organization to do what it is right by their own traditions.

	The lawful neutral value consistency, pretext and orthodoxy. Upholding the letter of the law is more important than the individuals who may be affected by them, good or bad. Allowing context to “dilute” this ideal, in their eyes, serves only to confuse and distract away from the fundamental truth that long term peace and prosperity may be brought about only by organization and a willingness to act on that organization’s edicts.		The lawful neutral value consistency, pretext and orthodoxy. Upholding the letter of the law is more important than the individuals who may be affected by them, good or bad. Allowing context to “dilute” this ideal, in their eyes, serves only to confuse and distract away from the fundamental truth that long term peace and prosperity may be brought about only by organization and a willingness to act on that organization’s edicts.
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	The true neutral value equilibrium. Though they may not be faithless, by being capable of any action they are inherently undefined by them. If they espouse any greater philosophy, it is to receive knowledge and enlightenment as may be found in nature than through the complexities of humanoid perspective.		The true neutral value equilibrium. Though they may not be faithless, by being capable of any action they are inherently undefined by them. If they espouse any greater philosophy, it is to receive knowledge and enlightenment as may be found in nature than through the complexities of humanoid perspective.

	Many are born true neutral in the Realms of Terror. While the demiplane produces great heroes and wretched villains ~~alike~~, if not for the thousands of common folk who go about their lives without involving themselves in this cosmic drama, those heroes would cease being so great or those villains so evil. They live to live, and without zeal.		Many are born true neutral in the Realms of Terror. While the demiplane produces great heroes and wretched villains, if not for the thousands of common folk who go about their lives without involving themselves in this cosmic drama, those heroes would cease being so great or those villains so evil. They live to live, and without zeal.

	=== Chaotic Neutral <small>(CN)</small> ===		=== Chaotic Neutral <small>(CN)</small> ===
	The chaotic neutral put their needs as individuals ahead of any other. They guard their freedoms greedily yet won’t fight for the freedoms of others unless complicated by circumstance or personal attachment.		The chaotic neutral put their needs as individuals ahead of any other. They guard their freedoms greedily yet won’t fight for the freedoms of others unless complicated by circumstance or personal attachment.

	The chaotic neutral value sovereignty, wealth and self-appeasement. They are ~~guarded~~ by their own, often fickle whimsy, chafing at order as order seeks to limit them or their ambitions. “Because I want” is all that is required for them to enact an idea, ~~where~~ they will answer to no-one but themselves in pursuit of this want.		The chaotic neutral value sovereignty, wealth and self-appeasement. They are guided by their own, often fickle whimsy, chafing at order as order seeks to limit them or their ambitions. “Because I want” is all that is required for them to enact an idea, and they will answer to no-one but themselves in pursuit of this want.

	Such individualists are not uncommon in the Realms of Terror, but their lack of scruples and talent for ambition renders them weak to outside influence, so long as that influence provides something they—knowingly or unknowingly—believe that they should have and have alone.		Such individualists are not uncommon in the Realms of Terror, but their lack of scruples and talent for ambition renders them weak to outside influence, so long as that influence provides something they—knowingly or unknowingly—believe that they should have and have alone.
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	=== Neutral Evil <small>(NE)</small> ===		=== Neutral Evil <small>(NE)</small> ===
	The neutral evil are content to do whatever they think they can get away with. They represent banal, matter-of-fact evildoers who are not bound by base urges or ~~paying~~ fealty to higher order. They may undermine other institutions or ideoligions but will not do so bombastically as the preferred alignment of assassins, unbenevolent spies and amoral scientists.		The neutral evil are content to do whatever they think they can get away with. They represent banal, matter-of-fact evildoers who are not bound by base urges or fealty to higher order. They may undermine other institutions or ideoligions but will not do so bombastically as the preferred alignment of assassins, unbenevolent spies and amoral scientists.

	The neutral evil value discretion, personal power and achievement. They don and doff whatever personae they require to get at something they want or believe in—yet remain all business as they do. Instead, they may be pleased from climbing social ladders or after capturing some esoteric, terrible knowledge. If the neutral evil do pay lip service to greater philosophies it is often to abstract concepts put ahead of the wellbeing of the immediate, such as ~~blighters~~ to ~~their Nature~~ or evil servants to the ceremonies of [[Hala]].		The neutral evil value discretion, personal power and achievement. They don and doff whatever personae they require to get at something they want or believe in—yet remain all business as they do. Instead, they may be pleased from climbing social ladders or after capturing some esoteric, terrible knowledge. If the neutral evil do pay lip service to greater philosophies it is often to abstract concepts put ahead of the wellbeing of the immediate, such as [[Druid\|Blighters]] to the Cycle or evil servants to the ceremonies of [[Hala]].

	Given ~~this~~ ability to move through positions of society without revealing themselves as who they really are, the neutral evil make for easy opportunists in the Realms of Terror as cunning strategists willing to use each and every possible advantage.		Given their ability to move through positions of society without revealing themselves as who they really are, the neutral evil make for easy opportunists in the Realms of Terror as cunning strategists willing to use each and every possible advantage.

	=== Chaotic Evil <small>(CE)</small> ===		=== Chaotic Evil <small>(CE)</small> ===
	The chaotic evil abhor the sanctity of life and order itself. They are thrust along by mad, hungry compulsions ensuring total destruction whenever these villains are left unopposed. Though they might put on the airs of someone else to better survive, their lack of discipline make any charade difficult to maintain long term.		The chaotic evil abhor the sanctity of life and order itself. They are thrust along by mad, hungry compulsions ensuring total destruction whenever these villains are left unopposed. Though they might put on the airs of someone else to better survive, their lack of discipline make any charade difficult to maintain long term.

	The chaotic evil value anarchy, greed and gluttony. Law and order serves only to deny them their wishes and must ~~therefore~~ be destroyed. Some with this alignment serve greater masters, but do so for only as long as they must or as convenient. Their philosophies, if at all present, concern only their immediate satisfaction for whatever compels them.		The chaotic evil value anarchy, greed and gluttony. Law and order serves only to deny them their wishes and therefore must be destroyed. Some with this alignment serve greater masters, but do so for only as long as they must or as convenient. Their philosophies, if at all present, concern only their immediate satisfaction for whatever compels them.

	Chaotic evil is represented by a plurality of undead in the Realms of Terror, representing ~~their~~ disdain for ~~lives~~ they ~~no longer live~~ and today consume with starving, terrible joy.		Chaotic evil is represented by a plurality of undead in the Realms of Terror, representing disdain and treacherous jealousy for the life they were denied and today consume with starving, terrible joy.

	== Alignment in ''The Domains of Dread'' ==		== Alignment in ''The Domains of Dread'' ==
	A character’s starting alignment is chosen at [[Character Creation\|character creation]]. The exact numerical values of each axis are obscured when viewed in the character sheet or the player menu with the ''<code>!menu</code>'' [[Chat Commands\|chat command]]. Only actions witnessed by Game Masters slide alignment—no mechanisms exist in the module to slide alignment automatically. If an alignment slide will imperil them to falling such as with [[Cleric]] or [[Paladin]], the Game Masters will inform the player as the slide takes place. Consequences for falling are described in their class archetype articles.		A character’s starting alignment is chosen at [[Character Creation\|character creation]]. The exact numerical values of each axis are obscured when viewed in the character sheet or the player menu with the ''<code>!menu</code>'' [[Chat Commands\|chat command]]. Only actions witnessed by Game Masters slide alignment—no mechanisms exist in the module to slide alignment automatically. If an alignment slide will imperil them to falling such as with [[Cleric]] or [[Paladin]], the Game Masters will inform the player when the slide takes place. Consequences for falling are described in their class archetype articles.

	Some applied templates, like those for [[Dread Figures]], slide alignment. This slide is gradual until the character reaches the alignment prescribed by their template.		Some applied templates, like those for [[Dread Figures]], slide alignment. This slide is gradual until the character reaches the alignment prescribed by their template.

	=== Detecting Alignment and Alignment-Based Spells ===		=== Detecting Alignment and Alignment-Based Spells ===
	Moral alignment cannot be definitively determined by any playable character in ''The Domains of Dread''. Class archetype features which may have once determined moral alignment on the Prime Material either fail to function ~~altogether~~ or are modified to detect ethical alignment instead. For example, Paladins do not ''detect evil''—they ''detect chaos'', and their ''smite'' activates on anyone of any alignment instead of only the evil.		Moral alignment cannot be definitively determined by any playable character in ''The Domains of Dread''. Class archetype features which may have once determined moral alignment on the Prime Material either fail to function or are modified to detect ethical alignment instead. For example, Paladins do not ''detect evil''—they ''detect chaos'', and their ''smite'' activates on anyone of any alignment instead of only the evil.