h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Updated to add the alignment table. I think it would make more sense if axes were included (a horizontal axis for Lawful to Chaotic and a vertical axis for Good to Evil) but I don't know how to do them in GuideML.
Ekaterin.

I liked this, but I felt that the excursion into NetHack alignment was off topic. Maybe if the article were retitled "Alignment in RolePlaying Games" it would help, but it would widen the scope of the topic.

I haven't any great ideas on this one.

Okay, I've cut out the detailed discussion of just what ADOM and NetHack alignments mean. The problem was that I was originally hoping to say something like "D&D defines alignment this way, while ADOM and NetHack use this simplified version of D&D alignments, and these other games have these completely different alignment systems." However, nobody seems to know of any other alignment systems (there might not even be any) which is why the title was changed to "Alignment in Dungeons & Dragons".
Ekaterin.

I think it's better just covering alignment in Dungeons and Dragons, as, for instance, in the Discworld MUD, which can be a role playing game, your alignment is purely good-evil, and is determined by which god you pray to and what you kill etc.

hmm...

I sorta think it should have more alignment examples... just... because...

hey! this is alignment in roleplaying games, not what alignments in roleplaying games should be! at most have 2 paragraphs on that.


or whatever the title is now.

I... think I agree...

When you think about it, why a game would even think of having an alignment feature is interesting in itself (leaving aside the exact details of any system). In many games they are one of the few features that support _role_ playing in games which are mostly focused on adventure mechanics and resolution. Players under the age of fifteen rarely seem to understand that alignment is there to help them play - they see it as some sort of big-brother attempt to restrict their freedom of action.

Let's not even mention (in this context) Charisma or Luck!

In many ways, the exact details of non D&D alignment systems (which are often less comprehensive) pale into insignificance beside this point.

It depends what gae you're playing. In some Rpgs like neverwinter nights, your alignment can be really restrictive. But in others, its mroe a good thing... I'm not 15, and playing Shadows of Amn years ago, I knew how alignment was important, and it really helped. Really it depends on how the makers of the game incorporated alignments into their game.

Absolutely. Alignments can be a real help in Role Playing - if you really are trying to take on characters and play roles, rather than just bash things up.

While the D&D system isn't flawless, it does provide a good system to explain what alignment is and how it can help good character play (and, most importantly, help the DM make the world respond reasonably to good character play).

Good work I was wondering about changing the title to "Aligtment in Dungeons and Dragons, - an example of how Alightment works"

Or maybe not?

(still it's a nicely written entry.. )

Crescent (U53507) has posted below the article:

pedantic i know...
...but this is true in Advanced Dungeons and Dragons. In Dungeons and Dragons classic it the simple lawful to chaotic scale mentioned in the Entry. As I said it is pedantic Otherwise a good Entry Until later....
BCNU - Crescent

Could someone who is knowledgeable about (A)D&D please help here? I thought it was said earlier in this thread that the most recent version (which presumably has two-dimensional alignments) is just called Dungeons & Dragons with no "Advanced".
Ekaterin.

I think AD&D is the same thing as D&D 2.5, the current version is 3.5.

Are we getting close to this being finished yet, or are there still a few pick-ups? remember, you can continue the discussion about the details of D&Ding when the entry's in the Edited Guide too

Good point, I havenh't actually looked at it in a while.
It's *almost* done I'd say


I'm still not sure about the title...
Not sure if this was mentioned but the passive/balanced thing is not a D&D thing. just a philosophy on alignment in general.
Just as a random thing that will make me seem even more argumentative(), what if it was just titled "Alignment"?

I think that the links to determining what alignment you are is a good thing, I personally am Chaotic Evil, so watch out, but yeah in general it is a good article well written keep up thje good work.

I reckon it's ready to go now...

Your Guide Entry has just been picked from Peer Review by one of our Scouts, and is now heading off into the Editorial Process, which ends with publication in the Edited Guide. We've therefore moved this Review Conversation out of Peer Review and to the entry itself.

If you'd like to know what happens now, check out the page on 'What Happens after your Entry has been Recommended?' at EditedGuide-Process. We hope this explains everything.

Thanks for contributing to the Edited Guide!

Congrats everyone! It was a long time coming but the entry is in

Congratulations, Ekaterin.

I get to sub-edit it and the new entry will be at: A2309230. I'll let you know when it's ready to go.