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Author Topic: Canonical 3e Alignment  (Read 2608 times)

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JaxGaret

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Canonical 3e Alignment
« on: September 25, 2008, 05:17:10 PM »
First, let me just say that I don't want to start any kind of flamewar. Really. I just want a by-the-book answer:

Is the canonical, book definition of alignment in 3e that its sole determinant is actions, or do the books say that both actions and intent matters when it comes to determining alignment?

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful, mature replies.  :)
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Prime32

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Re: Canonical 3e Alignment
« Reply #1 on: September 25, 2008, 05:49:12 PM »
Didn't I see an argument along these lines on the GitP boards? :smirk

The section in the PHB says that alignment determines a character's personality and behaviour. A serial killer who, by sheer coincidence, has killed only evil characters would not become good. A serial killer who kills only evil characters on purpose is probably neutral (though he could be evil).
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Sunic_Flames

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Re: Canonical 3e Alignment
« Reply #2 on: September 25, 2008, 07:32:29 PM »
A serial killer who intentionally only hit evils is neutral huh? What do you think a Paladin is? Kills evil as a pattern? Yup.
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JaxGaret

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Re: Canonical 3e Alignment
« Reply #3 on: September 25, 2008, 08:03:38 PM »
Quote from: Prime32 on September 25, 2008, 05:49:12 PM
Didn't I see an argument along these lines on the GitP boards? :smirk

You did indeed. I am attempting to ascertain if my assertions there are correct or not.
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Elennsar

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Re: Canonical 3e Alignment
« Reply #4 on: September 25, 2008, 08:14:51 PM »
Apparently, thusly:

IF
Action = evil
AND
motive = evil
THEN
Evil alignment.

IF
Action = evil
AND
motive = neutral
THEN
Evil alignment.

IF
Action = evil
AND
motive = good
THEN
?!!?!!?!!

IF
Action = neutral
AND
motive = evil
THEN
Evil alignment.

IF
Action = neutral
AND
motive = neutral
THEN
Neutral alignment.

IF
Actin = neutral
AND
Motive = good
THEN
Good alignment.

IF
Action = good
AND
Motive = evil
THEN
Evil alignment.

IF
Action = good
AND
Motive = neutral
THEN
Neutral alignment.

IF
Action = good
AND
Motive = good
THEN
Good alignment.

I believe this is true, but I am not positive without looking it up in the PHB and DMG.
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CountArioch

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Re: Canonical 3e Alignment
« Reply #5 on: September 25, 2008, 10:26:06 PM »
Quote from: Sunic_Flames on September 25, 2008, 07:32:29 PM
A serial killer who intentionally only hit evils is neutral huh? What do you think a Paladin is? Kills evil as a pattern? Yup.

That technically applies to most D&D characters though.
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Kuroimaken

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Re: Canonical 3e Alignment
« Reply #6 on: September 26, 2008, 02:05:04 AM »
Quote
A serial killer who intentionally only hit evils is neutral huh? What do you think a Paladin is? Kills evil as a pattern? Yup.

Not necessarily since BoED came out...

Quote
That technically applies to most D&D characters though.

Pretty much. Also, "DIE, SPAWN OF THE DEVIL!" sounds much cooler than "COME WITH US TO PRISON AND SOCIAL REHABILITATION! WE WON'T HURT YOU THEN!"
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