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View Full Version : Help me compile all of the alignment expansion systems! [3.5 D&D]



Fortuna
2010-01-28, 04:53 AM
What it says in the title. Notice that alternate systems are accepted: they can simply be run alongside the other systems to produce a thoroughly comprehensive alignment. I don't want systems that eliminate alignments, however: the more the better! It will end up too ponderous to use in all likelihood, but I want to see it anyway.

What I have collected so far: sonofzeal's expansion (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136358) (directly expands on each axis, trying to pin down exactly what each alignment means exactly).
Pendragon traits (http://www.poppyware.com/dunham/pdp/traits.html) (an independant system, similar to skill ranks, in which each character is defined in terms of which traits the exemplify).



Thanks in advance for your help!

frogspawner
2010-01-28, 06:58 AM
OK, here's one.

Probably the most highly regarded personality system in RPGs generally is the traits & passions system from Pendragon (http://www.poppyware.com/dunham/pdp/traits.html).

It's simple and elegant, but doesn't directly equate to D&D alignment...
...unless you do something like this:

(1) Treat each trait like a skill.
(2) Give each some ranks (on a scale of 0-10).
(3) Kind GMs might give a circumstance bonus on a skill-roll when acting according to a ranked trait.
(4) When a character does something extraordinarily notable in accordance with a trait, the GM may give them +1 to it.

(Of course, they might do something according to the opposite trait, so their chosen trait will actually go down. Or they may increase another trait, maybe one they didn't actually want...)

Characters should have ranks in about three (enough to give personality but not an admin nightmare). PCs distribute CHA+Level (say) between them initially.

[Pendragon uses a 1-20 scale between two traits, 10 being no particular tendency either way. So it translates easily to this skill-ranks method].

To find D&D Alignment, add up the ranks of Good traits and subtract Evil traits; and likewise for Law/Chaos:

Brave(Valorous) / Cowardly => G / E
Prudent / Reckless => L / C
Chaste / Lustful => L / C
Energetic / Lazy => -
Forgiving / Vengeful => G / E
Generous / Selfish => G / E
Honest / Deceitful => Half-and-half: L & G / C & E
Just / Arbitrary => L / C
Merciful / Cruel => G / E
Modest / Proud => -
Pious / Worldly => -
Temperate / Indulgent => L / C
Trusting / Suspicious => -

A score of 5+ means they have that alignment aspect; under 5 is just "tendency"; and under 2 is not significant, i.e. (True) Neutral.

frogspawner
2010-01-28, 08:05 AM
E.g. Cornius the Theurgist (Cha13) is Prudent (5), Lustful (5) and Merciful (3).

His prudence (a Lawful trait) would make him Lawful but is cancelled-out by his lustful nature (Chaotic). However, his mercy means he tends towards Good, but only a bit, so he is Neutral overall. [N(G), I'd say].

lesser_minion
2010-01-28, 08:40 AM
World of Darkness and True20 have Nature, where the character is assigned a virtue and a vice.

I've also just started work on a system that supports alignments and adds a few options - see here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7780917#post7780917) (shameless plug).

Finally, there's Lord_Gareth's colour wheel.

sadie
2010-02-01, 11:47 AM
OK, here's one.
Brave(Valorous) / Cowardly => G / E
Prudent / Reckless => L / C
Chaste / Lustful => L / C
Energetic / Lazy => -
Forgiving / Vengeful => G / E
Generous / Selfish => G / E
Honest / Deceitful => Half-and-half: L & G / C & E
Just / Arbitrary => L / C
Merciful / Cruel => G / E
Modest / Proud => -
Pious / Worldly => -
Temperate / Indulgent => L / C
Trusting / Suspicious => -


Brilliant. I may have to pinch adapt this for my character sheets.