Alignment

In AD&D 2nd Edition, alignment is a way to describe a character's moral and ethical perspective. It helps players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) understand a character's values and behavior. There are nine alignments, based on two axes:

1. Moral axis: Good, Neutral, Evil
2. Good: Kind, selfless, and caring about others.
3. Neutral: Indifferent to morality or balancing between good and evil.
4. Evil: Selfish, cruel, or destructive.
5. Ethical axis: Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic
6. Lawful: Values rules, order, and structure.
7. Neutral: Focuses on balance or doesn’t lean strongly toward law or chaos.
8. Chaotic: Values freedom, individuality, and often dislikes rules.

When combined, these axes create the nine alignments:

1. Lawful Good: "The Crusader" – Always does the right thing and follows the rules (e.g., a noble knight).
2. Neutral Good: "The Helper" – Does what is good without worrying too much about laws (e.g., a kind healer).
3. Chaotic Good: "The Rebel" – Fights for freedom and kindness, even if it means breaking rules (e.g., Robin Hood).
4. Lawful Neutral: "The Judge" – Values order and law above morality (e.g., a fair but strict magistrate).
5. True Neutral: "The Balance Keeper" – Avoids extremes, focusing on balance (e.g., a druid).
6. Chaotic Neutral: "The Free Spirit" – Follows their whims without caring about laws or morality (e.g., a trickster).
7. Lawful Evil: "The Tyrant" – Follows rules but for selfish or harmful reasons (e.g., a corrupt ruler).
8. Neutral Evil: "The Opportunist" – Does whatever benefits them without caring about rules or others (e.g., a greedy thief).
9. Chaotic Evil: "The Destroyer" – Lives for chaos and destruction with no regard for others (e.g., a demon).

Simple Rule:

Think of alignment as a guide, not a straitjacket (unless you are of the Paladin class!). It explains how a character typically behaves, but people are complex and can act differently in specific situations!