Dark Alliances

[Olivier Leroux]

I think the varying outlooks on what a certain alignment does or should mean, the different sources and philosphies they're based on and the diversity of people among such a small group of friends as this one is a good demonstration of Ben's point that role-playing games are better off without strict rules about alignment. Q.E.D.  ;D

In light of this it's also questionable if there is a right and a wrong way to role-play a paladin; but in any case it's a challenge and I can see now why someone would like to play a paladin in the first place. :)

IMO this discussion wasn't futile but quite interesting even if or especially because there were opposing opinions.

[nologgie]

Seconded!  :D

I know my point of view on the subject, and how it has developed over the years. I enjoy the opportunity to learn other people's opinions, especially if we disagree.

If we agree, there isn't much to discuss.

To me, playing a paladin could sometimes be a real pain. DMing a paladin was often worse. The DM and the player had to get on the same page for it to work well, and Carey's "Church Laws" helped us greatly in that respect.

Alignments in CRPGs are pretty worthless. In P&P I used to roll for my alignment when creating a character, and it led to some really interesting episodes.

Dropping alignment sounds okay, but how do you adjust for the paladin? Just curious to hear responses.

[hans]

Moving on to Ben's bigger point, then, if ya'll indulge me a bit more, which I understand to be that folks role-play Paladins as upright but with the player's own morally modern sensibilities.  I expect my experience is less than most in this community to judge with, but from my observations that certainly does seem to be the case. 

I don't know if we oughta place all of the blame on players, since they operate their characters in a fantasy environment created by and given details by authors and DMs. 

So, looking at things from an author's point-of-view: 

Philosophical dilemmas (with consequences) are terrific sources of drama.  I think that players appreciate games that present them with difficult moral choices (I know that I do).  I'd love to see them incorporated into more mods. 

In standard FRUA, Paladins are most ripe to be put into such a squeeze. 

Yet, to help players role-play well in such situations, we authors need to give proper context.  I reckon, then, that there are a number of areas we could flesh out in our writing to help bring alive a richer sense of moral climate to a specific time and place: 

Cultural norms.
Recent events of that history.
Relevant legal customs.
Expectations of superiors (civic employers, generals, kings, etc.)
Relevant religious views of the local clergy. 
Current political tensions.

Giving such types of background information to a player before presenting them with a tough moral dilemma could only help them to more truly role-play a character of that game world.   

[Ben J]

My old AT1 party went into oblivion along with the hard drive of the notebook they were saved on, so I followed your instructions and created a new party.

The cleric, however, has now a greatly expanded spellbook. Does that mean the "limited spells" hack for clerics is not in place in AT2?

[ProphetSword]

That is correct.  They have moved across dimensions and are now "closer" to their patron gods.

[Ben J]

Oh, cool. My cleric is useful again.  ;D

[Milos Gulan]

I have a question. I am still at first chapter and my party is under Wizard Academy... I can't find the way out... I have passed part with electrical traps, then I was at 3 doors place and have chosen right wich got me back to crossroad. Left part leads to dead end with illusionary wall cell but I cant get out of it... So I can't get out of maze, there is a hint in cell that there should be more illusionary walls but I can't find any, I am roaming trough corridors but can't find way out of going in circles...

Any help?

[Milos Gulan]

Another question, I figured that it is easier for me to ask...

I have reached part when elmisnter showed up and now need to find some temple near Zhentil Keep. But I have explored all locations south and north of Zhentil Keep including Keep, but I can't find it... Any help, now I am somwhere in the middle of the map exploring undead town...

Edit: Got it after undead town I have found Banite temple...

[ProphetSword]

Sorry I didn't get to your questions.  Have been very busy recently.  Looks like you figured them out.

[Milos Gulan]

Yes, thank You. I got most if it... Now I am fighting draconians in the part 2 And also started to play Pool of Radiance, it seems I am missing a lot