So, I have been thinking about the allignment system in DnD a lot, specifically around how to think about "Good" and "Evil".

I think it's more interesting to define "Evil" as "selfishness", and "Good" as the opposite of that.

A thread.

That way, "evil" is not defined by the amount of harm caused, but is recontextualized around the gains and losses of the characters interactions.

Example: Your party (mostly Good) encounter a village struck by some kind of unfortune that has robbed the people of their crops.

A "Good", or "charitable" person would probably try and restore the people's ability to produce crops, and perhaps take a small token of gratitude as compensation for their trouble.

An "Evil (now Selfish)" person would think; "How can I benefit the most from this situation?"

Personally, I think the thought process of trying to gain from other's misfortune is much more interesting than going full on masacre mode at every stop on your journey, and probably much more rewarding as well.

Also fun thing to think about;
I can see a considerable connection between the concept of the "Id" and "Chaotic Evil (Selfish)", and conversely the "Ego Rex" and "Lawful Good".

Just a small observation.

So basically what I am trying to say is, there are many kinds of ways to be evil, and causing bodily harm is not the only way.

Now, let's move on to Lawfulness!

Now the "Goodness" has been defined as "Charitableness", what does this mean for "Lawful/Chaotic"?

Consider the archetypes!
The modern understanding of Robin Hood is definitely Chaotic Good. He maximises the amount of happiness by spreading the wealth of the King to the people.

Lawful Evil? The exact opposite of that; someone using the systems and laws in place to personally benefit and hoard wealth (and by connection, happiness) from others. Sound familiar?

And then of course, we have the Lawful Good. These would be your people who would try to change the systems themselves in order to change who benefits from the system. Is an Evil -CEO- King hoarding all the wealth? Don't steal, change the tax code or at worst change the King.

Chatic Evil would be a selfish person without adherence to a sense of law/order. This would be your common thief.

This is the end of the thread! I hope you enjoyed it! I tried not to make it about socialism, I really did. Please trust me ;;;

So what do *you* think? Please let me know! #dnd #dnd5e #DnDcharacter