December 13, 2023

What alignment is mostly used?

In the context of role-playing games (RPGs) and discussions about character alignment, the most commonly used alignment system is the one popularized by Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and similar tabletop RPGs. This system uses a two-axis alignment chart with two main components: moral alignment (Good, Neutral, Evil) and ethical alignment (Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic), resulting in nine possible alignments:

  1. Lawful Good
  2. Neutral Good
  3. Chaotic Good
  4. Lawful Neutral
  5. True Neutral
  6. Chaotic Neutral
  7. Lawful Evil
  8. Neutral Evil
  9. Chaotic Evil

Each alignment represents a combination of a character’s moral compass (Good, Neutral, Evil) and their adherence to a code of ethics or sense of order (Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic). This system helps players define their characters’ personalities, values, and motivations.

It’s important to note that this alignment system is primarily associated with tabletop RPGs and fictional settings like D&D. In other contexts, such as moral philosophy or real-world ethics, different alignment systems or frameworks may be used. Alignment in RPGs is a tool for role-playing and storytelling, and its application can vary from one game or campaign to another.

What type of alignment is rarely used?

In the traditional Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) alignment system, some alignments are less commonly used than others, largely because they can be more challenging to role-play or may not fit into typical fantasy narratives as easily. The “Lawful Neutral” and “True Neutral” alignments are often considered less common in practice:

  1. Lawful Neutral: Characters who are Lawful Neutral are dedicated to order, rules, and a strict code of conduct, but they don’t necessarily have strong moral leanings. They prioritize following the law or a personal code above all else. This can make them less common because they may appear rigid or inflexible in their actions, which can be less relatable or less dynamic in certain storytelling situations.
  2. True Neutral: True Neutral characters are often seen as indifferent to both morality and ethics. They tend to focus on balance and neutrality, avoiding taking sides in conflicts or moral dilemmas. While this alignment can be interesting in philosophical discussions, it can be challenging to role-play in a game where conflicts and moral choices are central to the narrative.

However, the rarity of these alignments can vary from one gaming group to another, and some players enjoy the challenge of role-playing characters with less common alignments to explore unique character concepts and storylines. Ultimately, the choice of alignment should serve the story and character development, and there’s no universally “rare” alignment since it depends on the preferences of the players and the nature of the campaign.