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The Dresden Files => DFRPG => Topic started by: Fyrchick on May 30, 2007, 11:53:00 AM

Title: Alignment?
Post by: Fyrchick on May 30, 2007, 11:53:00 AM
So, I was wondering how everyone would assign alignment to Dresden characters....not referring to RPG rules. Just your opinion.
How would you do it?
What would Mac be? Is/has Harry changed alignment as the books progress?
Just bored and wondering....

Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: caynreth on May 30, 2007, 12:20:23 PM
I still don't understand that whole D&D alignment thing. People are not so easily pigeonholed as that. ::)
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Samldanach on May 30, 2007, 12:34:22 PM
This will end in flames.  Alignment discussions always do.

Harry himself is Chaotic Good.  He is a strong proponent of "doing the right thing."  He also frequently expresses the belief that rules and society get in the way of doing the right thing, more than they help.  On more than one occasion, he has not only ignored the rules, but gone out of his way to thumb his nose at the establishment.

Murphy is Lawful Good, though heavier on the Lawful side.  She truly believes that the law is there to help people, and that doing things by the book is the right way.  She's also a strong proponent of the needs and rights of the "greater good," focused more on society as a whole than any given individual.  However, she has frequently bent the law in order to do "the right thing," which pushes her out of the Lawful Neutral alignment.

Marcone is Lawful Evil.  He has no compunction about using any means necessary to achieve his ends.  However, of paramount concern to him is order (with himself at the top).  He rules both himself and his organization with an iron fist.

Bianca is Neutral Evil.  She is, ultimately, incredibly selfish.  While she is able to run her own organization, and to play at least moderately well in the Great Game of the vampire courts, she has shown a remarkable lack of discipline on a personal level.  Or maybe Harry just brings out that side of her....

Bob is Chaotic Neutral, or at least Neutral with Chaotic tendencies.  While he is also selfish, he is not interested in pursuing his interests at the expense of others.  He is a lone wolf, who is not at all interested in working with any larger organizations.  He also frequently encourages Harry to take the most expedient solution, even if some people might get hurt along the way.

Billy is Neutral Good (although he would probably self-identify as Lawful Good).  He is entirely about "doing the right thing."  He falls into the Neutral category because of his views on authority and group dynamics.  He wants to be part of, and to lead, a pack.  And, he wants cooperation with the other supernatural critters.  But, he very deliberately chose to be a vigilante, to work outside the established system.

Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Samldanach on May 30, 2007, 12:39:36 PM
I still don't understand that whole D&D alignment thing. People are not so easily pigeonholed as that. ::)

It depends on how you look at it.  The alignments aren't discrete and well-defined boxes.  They are convenient labels.  It's not any different from trying to pigeonhole someone's political leanings with "left wing" and "right wing."  Sure, those labels are very broad strokes.  And, any two people within those labels may have radically divergent opinions on some topics.  But, you could also probably have a similar topic that tried to guess what political party each character belongs to (Harry is Libertarian, Murphy is Democratic, Marcone is Republican, etc.).

Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Fyrchick on May 30, 2007, 12:56:02 PM
This will end in flames.  Alignment discussions always do.


 ;) Yes.... *blink blink blink, bats eyes angelically*
Well, yes, I tend to be a pot-stirrer.
BUT
I was also thinking that Jim is enamored of elements and balance....i.e. Summer/Winter White/Black...etc. You can see it both series.
 If we make a "chart" of characters, alignments, etc, we can get a picture of possible allies, enemies, and free-lancers.
Also, aligning elements....llike is fire CN? earth LG?
Just thought it might be fun from a puzzle point of view.

I posted this here since not everyone is familiar with RPG's....I'd be interested to see how non-gamers might interpret characters' leanings..... ::)
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: tagnizkur on May 30, 2007, 09:56:37 PM
I still don't understand that whole D&D alignment thing. People are not so easily pigeonholed as that. ::)

Like someone mentioned... Always choose Chaotic Good.  You can do pretty much whatever you want.  :)
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: caynreth on May 30, 2007, 10:24:31 PM
Think I'd rather stick with my original plan of not playing games with "classes" and "alignments" ;D
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Slife on May 31, 2007, 01:22:16 AM
Basically, alignment is a way to make it possible to kill things and take their stuff without worrying about being, essentially, a serial killer.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on May 31, 2007, 05:12:04 AM
Well we all know Micheal is Lawful Good. Even though I think Karrin Murphy is more Lawful Neutral.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Weaverchilde on May 31, 2007, 12:02:43 PM
everyone is just one good delusional motivation and chemical imbalance away from being a seriall killer...

really though, this is why if I HAVE to have an alignment system, I choose Palladiums Alignment system. Harry was Scrupulous and has shifted towards Unprincipled. I perfer the new nWoD system of Virtues and Vices or hell the old Nature system worked well too when people actually used it
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Rabidpancakes on June 01, 2007, 05:46:19 AM
I'm a half-giant and therefore have no alignment.

Wow, I just pulled that one out of the Dark Sun books. Now...Is Harry a Preserver or a Defiler?
Is Michael a Templar? Is Marcone really a Dragon-King. For answers to these questions tune in next time to the AD+D forum!


Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Fyrchick on June 01, 2007, 02:25:15 PM
kincaid?
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on June 01, 2007, 03:53:10 PM
kincaid?

Kincaid...I think he would be True Neutral. He only does stuff for hinself. Even though he can len to Neutral Evil sometimes.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Weaverchilde on June 02, 2007, 12:29:29 AM
And Kincaid is a prime example of why D&D alignments just don't cut it. Kincaid would be Aberrant all the way:
1. Always keep his word of honor (he is honorable).
2. Lie to and cheat those not worthy of his respect.
3. May or may not kill an unarmed foe.
4. Not kill (may harm, kidnap) an innocent, particularly a child.
5. Never kills for pleasure.
6. Not resort to inhumane treatment of prisoners, but torture, although
distasteful, is a necessary means of extracting information.
7. Never torture for pleasure.
8. May or may not help someone in need.
9. Work with others to attain his goals.
10. Respect honor and self-discipline.

11. Never betray a friend.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on June 02, 2007, 04:58:23 AM
Rabidpancakes and I would have to agree with Weaverchilde
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Fyrchick on June 03, 2007, 02:47:28 AM
Rabidpancakes and I would have to agree with Weaverchilde
That' so cute.
Do you sign Christmas cards as a couple? hehe ;)
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on June 03, 2007, 02:51:26 AM
Oh ha ha  :D
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Fyrchick on June 03, 2007, 03:01:07 AM
How would you align your own selves, then?
I am a Pot-Stirrer.  Is that Selfish? (Shellfish?? what??)
My nickname in college was AFB.. Anarchist Feminist Bitch. but that's cause my malfunctioning verbal filter had a fatal error, usually preceeded by large amounts of alcohol ingestion.  I'd forget girls aren't supposed to instigate or express opinions or like, do a really neato judo throw on them when they didn't heed verbal warnings. Is that Anarchist? Chaotic?

I need some french fries.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on June 03, 2007, 03:03:59 AM
With you I think it's Chaotic.....yeah...~ducks and covers~
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Fyrchick on June 03, 2007, 03:26:31 AM
Shucks, thanks for noticing!!

Is that a red herring in your pocket or are just glad to see me?  ;D
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on June 03, 2007, 03:29:21 AM
 ;D Thats for me to know and you to find out
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Fyrchick on June 03, 2007, 03:35:11 AM
Can I have Rabidpancakes do recon and report back? Please?
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on June 03, 2007, 03:38:33 AM
NOOOO...That is one place where no man has gone before and never will.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Fyrchick on June 03, 2007, 03:47:18 AM
Sheesh.
It because he's not Chaotic, right? right? Is he *yuck* lawful?
I thought you guys were friends!
What would he say??? hmmmmm
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Rabidpancakes on June 03, 2007, 04:45:22 AM
I don't go that way. At all. You've been warned.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Rabidpancakes on June 03, 2007, 04:52:12 AM
And if I had an alignment myself, I would lean towards Aberrant or Miscreant, LE or NE. I can play nice with others if it serves me or they've earned my respect, but I honestly have done enough things in my life where I could bury someone without a second thought. I have a really dark side that I cover up the majority of the time. And to quote the Incredible Hulk, "Don't make me angry, you wouldn't like me when I'm angry."
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on June 03, 2007, 04:56:37 AM
Don't believe him. He's really a teddy bear. Great Guy. But yes don't piss him off he will make your life miserable. Very Painful.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Rabidpancakes on June 03, 2007, 05:07:07 AM
Chaos sounds very cool, but, like the constraints of law, it gets old quick.
Good, neutrality, and evil. Good people always put others before themselves.
Neutrals put others before them, except when it's necessary to protect their own interests.
Evils are selfish. Period.

In AD+D Lawful Evils make the Best Villians, Neutral Evils are the Nastiest, and Chaotic Evils are the goons who only follow those that can beat them down.




I guess I am like a bear. Cute to look at and feed, but when I want more, I better get it. Or I eat you.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Weaverchilde on June 03, 2007, 01:23:20 PM
I'd forget girls aren't supposed to instigate or express opinions or like, do a really neato judo throw on them when they didn't heed verbal warnings. Is that Anarchist? Chaotic?

First I would say, thats hot...but yeah... I doubt your Anarchist... unless this sounds like you:
Anarchist Characters Will . . .
1. May keep his word.
2. Lie and cheat if he feels it necessary.
3. Not likely to kill an unarmed foe, but certainly knockout, attack, or beat up an unarmed foe.
4. Never kill an innocent (but may harm or kidnap).
5. Not likely to help someone without some ulterior motive (even if it's only to show-off).
6. Seldom kill for pleasure.
7. Use torture to extract information (not likely to torture for pleasure).
8. Does not work well in a group (this is the cocky, loudmouth who is likely to do as he damn well pleases).
9. Have little respect for self-discipline or authority.
10. May betray a friend.

Most people in my experience are Abberrant, rarely nicer since people don't always stop at the side of a road to help someone with a flat(even if they have the time), but few fall below this due to the sticking point of harming an innocent. most people just don't take some child on the street and use them as human shields or outright hurt them for the sake of hurting them.

That said, almost everyone could can do some very horrible things if they feel justified. Looking back when I was younger (and hopefully just less enlightened), I did a lot of things that I would not consider now... but at the same time I know that if circumstances were right.. well best to keep those thoughts out of mind least a pysch eval pop up ;D

Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on June 03, 2007, 04:59:55 PM
In real life I tend to lean towards LN. I'll fight the good fight but you better give me god damn good reason to and you better pay me well enough. The closest character from a book is a Street Samurai from Shadowrun named Argent would explain what I am talking about.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: JenniH on June 04, 2007, 07:04:52 PM
Chaotic good, but I'm the non-combatant type.  I'm a lot like Butters, but with breasts.  Or, Regis the halfling, if anyone reads RA Salvatore's Dark Elf books.  I don't fight unless I have to, I'm all about doing the right thing as opposed to the strictly legal thing, but I'm basically a sweetheart.  Until I get angry, and then all hell breaks loose.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on June 05, 2007, 05:36:31 AM
Hey Weaverchilde what's going in Rifts...I haven't pick up a source book in a long while...
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: The Corvidian on June 08, 2007, 02:23:58 AM
Harry and Murphy are Scrupulous, and Thomas is Unprincipaled.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on June 08, 2007, 05:17:14 AM
Harry and Murphy are Scrupulous, and Thomas is Unprincipaled.

I'd have to argue that
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Mario Di Giacomo on June 09, 2007, 08:07:31 PM
Morgan is so Lawful Neutral it almost hurts...
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: caynreth on June 09, 2007, 09:04:36 PM
I'd have to argue that

I have to argue that too. If Thomas was unprincipled he wouldn't have had to give up his family and wealth and changed his entire lifestyle. And Justine would be d-e-d dead.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on June 10, 2007, 12:41:54 AM
The Merlin is totally Lawfel Evil or Miscreant
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Fyrchick on June 10, 2007, 01:22:09 AM
explain?
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on June 10, 2007, 01:29:33 AM
Uh because was gunna have Molly killed just to prove a point. And to feed his frikkin ego.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Fyrchick on June 10, 2007, 01:36:10 AM
ohhh. yeah, that makes sense. I think he's the spy anyway
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: Wolfhowls on June 10, 2007, 04:44:16 AM
ohhh. yeah, that makes sense. I think he's the spy anyway

I'm thinking everyone thinks that. Or something like that. Now Elaine I believe to be Chaotic Good or Prinicpled.
Title: Re: Alignment?
Post by: NevynK on June 16, 2007, 12:40:56 AM
No way Elaine in Neutral Good, she helps out but only as long as it fits her needs/goals/mission/quest/ect.

I'm Neutral Evil or Anarchist  ;D most people however think I'm Lawful Neutral or Lawful Good, silly mortals tricks are for demons. I'm a selfish evil bastard that gets what he wants, it just so happens that often times other people are made happy by what I want. Its kinda like a guy comes through town and kills the local serial killer at a bar cause he scuffed his shoe. Now think about it who's worse the serial killer that kills nurses cause his mom worked too much or the guy that kills without a second thought. Ya I know its messed up but most people are just like "yay! dead psycopath!"(figurative... maybe) and thank me and stuff but hey  its all good.