Good characters contribute greatly to the community, without absolutes there can be no conflict and clash of views and without that there is little role-play. Again, when player makes grave mistakes the role-play turns into drama and is hardly enjoyable. This guide is mostly meant to illustrate the different ways of role-playing good: it is not all about smacking people with a big hammer!
Alignment
Again, D&D system doesn’t provide enough nuances so I have decided to talk about archetypes rather than alignments. Not to anger the D&D fans I will say which alignment I believe fits with each archetype. (N – neutral, NG- neutral Good, LG – lawful Good, CG – chaotic good, LN – Lawful Neutral)
Kind neighbor(N, NG,LG, LN)
Entire village talks about the kind old man next doors; when somebody needs help like chopping some wood or repairing a table – he will be there. When somebody has run out of food, he would share his. He is always there when you need him and his house is always full of people looking for his advice, or simply trying to lift the burden from their shoulders. While bigger do-gooders focus on world-wide problems they might ignore the small, every day matters. This is where the king neighbor excels the most.
A kind neighbor shall never have far-fetched idealistic plans of justice and good, he will never think about virtues and holy crusades, he will help you because it is his nature. He will not perceive himself as good, nor take credit for what he does. When faced with real evil the kind neighbor will react as any other person: probably run or put up a vain fight. Such character never fights evil or injustice, he simply tries to do Good towards others as far as his humble abilities allow.
I think that it is very hard to play such character: you are no hero, no villain but just a man. If you enjoy casual role-play and do not want to participate in big battles, ongoing struggles of good versus evil and criminal versus law Role-play then this archetype will work should you desire to play a good-aligned character. If you have a group of people you role-play with constantly, you can even build a substantial reputation of a kind, reliable and supportive person. This archetype can also be useful if you combine it with some other one, it surely can bring more depth to your character.
Tips:
-avoid heroic acts. You cannot defeat two cultists abusing that innocent girl, call the guards!
-being kind doesn’t mean licking people’s shoes. Of course having your good and charity abused is a way of role-playing your character as naïve, and it is an option.
-offer your help to those in need; try not to miss your chances: there won’t be that many.
-a degree of wisdom and life-experience can add an additional dimension to your character.
-try not to be too pushy with your help: even the Good should be dosed.
Man of duty (LN, LG)
Man of duty values his honor, his reputation and his duty – he stands ready to serve his country or his faith to the very last, shall always avoid doing ill deeds judged by his code of honor and will maintain a reputation of a reliable, honorable person. He shall fight invading armies, protect the civilians and oppose villains to the best of his humble abilities, but is usually lacking personal initiative and relies on others to give him directions.
Man of duty may sometimes be pushed towards a vain, stupid action by his honor and sense of duty and die a romantic death for his faith and country. You can find such people among the best within the guard regiments and the military, local nobility and even citizenry – they behave exactly as the society expects a good person to behave. In time they can grow from a loyal and devoted executor of orders into an ‘officer’, giving orders and keeping true to his honor and goal.
When role-playing this archetype you will probably face challenges and temptations which will lure you away from the path of honorable actions, unless you have the OOC presence of mind and tenacity to keep true to the archetype you are likely to fail. Also you will probably have the temptation to become a far greater force of good, smiting evil, showing initiative and going on a holy crusade – this is a viable option for character progression, but if you wish to remain within the frames of this archetype – don’t.
Tips:
-develop a strong sense of honor and duty, which are never doubted.
-be a good executor of orders, accept them with dignity and carry them out with conviction.
-never take law or justice in your hands.
-being in a military or guarding regiment is the best opportunity to play this archetype
-you might benefit from a patron, somebody to direct, guide and give orders to your character. Become right hand of a warlord or politician, influential cleric or squire of a paladin.
-keep a cool head when more High-up characters take credit for your actions: duty comes first, glory second…if at all.
Naïve idealist (N, NG, LG, CG)
Idealists refuse to believe that the world is plagued by darkness and evil. Where others see criminals they see poor misguided individuals, pushed down the path of crime by outside factors. Naïve idealists value life and cannot stand when somebody, somewhere comes to harm.
They fiercely oppose executions and public punishments; champion the cause of peace and often cultural and religious relativism and respect. When faced with evil or corruption they will most likely be oblivious to the severity of the situation and simply try to talk sense into the perpetrator, and then take his word on not doing it ever again unconditionally. These individuals are usually pushed aside by more practical do-gooders who shun their affiliation and protection of cultists and criminals. Naturally you may still pick this more active approach and take on the whole world: but it will be hard.
If you wish to play this archetype: be prepared to be disappointed, be prepared to be demonized, be prepared to be the one in the wrong. Your actions should always come unconditionally and from within your heart – even if the mind tells you that it is stupid. The moment you start thinking, analyzing and doubting that people are actually good and speak the truth, is the moment you stop being a naïve idealist. If you do not have the heart to stand being used and shunned, to fail and be in the wrong…don’t try this. It will end up with a lot of drama
Tips:
-your character champions the cause of peace, respect, order, cuddliness and cuteness and if he succeeds RP dies as it is built on conflict and clash. People want to have fun when playing the game, so do not expect to succeed; you are more likely to fail most of the time.
-avoid trying to take on the top of more practical do-gooders; they are more cunning and powerful than your character. You are better off doing your good deeds from down below, unless you are prepared to face the consequences.
-one betrayal, one dishonorable deed anything bad will ruin your credibility forever. Stay pure, always. (tea with sugar and log-out are best tools here)
-if you wish to pursue more active form of idealism and improve the whole world then you should be ready for a very rough ride.
Shepherd (LG, NG)
Shepherds are wise men with the knowledge, charisma and dedication to guide others, preach Good and fortify souls through inspiration. These characters usually make up the ranks of clergy: preaching their faith and guiding others in the ways of virtues of their creed.
You are unlikely to find these characters in the midst of battle or in any form of action whatsoever – they are good at talking and inspiring while they might completely lack any practical skill. These men seek to teach others in the ways of their faith or philosophy, support those in need, offer guidance to those who wander and help others reach spiritual integrity. Ideally this archetype is wise, calm and of strong spirit; but we know that seldom you meet a pure archetype. You can still role-play your character as a fierce preacher, suffering no fools and no heresy.
Whatever role you choose, you should be able and ready to lead: people will come to you for instructions and woe to you if you cannot provide the answers they seek! Preaching in the open might not be a good way of spreading the message, people hate yells. I think that one on one session and sermons in religious places are the answer. You don’t have to be part of a church or religion; you can simply be a wise man or a philosopher, as long as you fulfill your role as a source of wisdom, inspiration and guidance.
Tips:
-keep good track of the spiritual integrity of your character! It is your bread and butter. You can of course play a slightly mad, confused preacher.
-if you do choose to play an insane character, then mixing some childish naivety will do great job, mix in some naïve idealist archetype!
-organize small events from time to time, showing that you organize events and create fun for others will improve your credentials.
-don’t miss an opportunity to give a lesson or a sermon, but do not force your way into everything!
-getting an apprentice can spice up your role-play, I am sure there are some around willing to follow you.
-again, you are no hero! When you see an evil Dark Lord coming at you and your sermon has failed to force him to repent…it might be wise to run. Or pray to your gods.
Crusader (LG, NG, CG)
Crusaders have good realization that evil is a part of this world, that people suffer and enemies always encroach on his homeland and faith. A Crusader shall seek to identify evil in whatever form it is hiding and take a fight to it, refusing to offer it any chance to exist, let alone grow roots. The crusaders are bound by a rigid code of honor and conduct which they either impose on themselves or let their church of king do so for them.
A crusader shall always act predictably and honorably, at least within own culture and faith. He also knows a difference between the darker hues of grey which manifest in worst kind of men: thieves, corrupt officials, criminals and true, absolute evil which seeks to destroy the world as he knows it. A crusader is unlikely to bother with purely human evil, leaving it to the guards, but he shall smite the cultists, demons, undead and all those who seek to bring ruin upon the world.
When role-playing a proper crusader you have to remember that you are not an insane zealot – you are a champion of Good. You should be kind and warm towards your friends, lenient to these less powerful in mind, body and soul. You should protect those who need your protection and give charity to the poor, frown upon all evil, disgrace, indignity and wrongdoing and try to stop it to the best of your abilities. But remember, do not waste strength on petty criminals….greater evil is out there somewhere!
Tips:
-try to be respectful to ‘simple’ people, even if they are stupid. Know that those of lesser strength of soul might be arrogant, foolish, vindictive and spiteful because they know no better.
-Do not let evil go unwelcomed! Always speak out against it.
-Hunt down true evil with unstoppable conviction and dedication.
-never make deals with shady characters, honor and straightforwardness!
-you are a crusader, not a berserker…hammer is always good for hitting nails, but it is not always good for fighting evil.
-This archetype pleas you to be courageous, but remember that when surrounded by ten cultists your courage will lead to death. So either play along or accept the consequences of your defiance.
-sometimes seeing world a bit more black and white than it actually is, is a good thing when playing a crusader.
-You don’t have to be a paladin to be a crusader: orc shaman fighting demons and undead and protecting his kin is as much a crusader as Uther himself! *hopes Uther didn’t hear it*
Arbiter (LN, LG)
An arbiter is a keeper of law, justice and tradition – he is by his nature a conservative. Arbiters shun all those who deviate from the established code of laws and virtues, fight back all form of heresy and are adamant at upholding the law and order. An arbiter is usually no warrior, so it is unlikely you will use force of arms to fight back heresy and injustice. You have to rely on others, or on your own persuasiveness and charisma. The arbiters eat and breathe the status quo.
These characters are lawful to the point of being absurd, honor the traditions and rites of their ancestors and protect their culture – they live their lives by the book and are unlikely to break even the smallest rule. Arbiters are usually perfectionists, unable to accept anything flawed. They hate watching people work with half their effort or leave work unfinished. Most importantly, these characters are the loyal hounds of law and will bite off the head of anybody to break or threaten it.
When role-playing an arbiter you should be ready for a wall of hate coming your way: nobody likes people who know everything better and tell others what to do. Think your steps through with great care, you should never break the laws or go against the virtues you uphold, doing so will result in instant loss of credibility and metamorphosis into a corrupt prince. Never let crimes and misdoings go unpunished, even if you have to bite your way through the castle walls – justice shall be done! Never let heresies and deviations roam unopposed, smite them down with your persuasiveness and stubborn conservatism…change; only a fool can believe in it!
Tips:
-carefully study the laws, culture and traditions of the community you are part of
-follow what you preach and uphold!
-do not let injustices go unpunished, do not give up and keep up the prosecution
-always challenge heretics and (hopefully) beat them in debates and discussions
-crack down with the strength of colliding trains at anybody who dares question the status quo!
-a little arrogance and self-righteousness goes a long way.
-You will be hated for doing this: always correct people when you see them act not as they should!
-doubt? Not in a lifetime! You should tattoo “stubbornness” all over your body, just in case you are about to forget its meaning.
Fanatic (CG)
Fanatics have taken their creed and code to an extreme and have elevated their convictions to the status of the holiest of holiest. Naturally there is only one way to lead your life in a good way – other roads are delusions and heresies. It is your duty to force them to follow the truth, for their own good!
Occasionally people are not only blind to the truth and grace of your conviction, but also addicted to their heresy. They won’t abandon their false ways, no matter what. You know what to do, don’t you? There is only one way to save them from themselves: stakes, torches, swords and hammers! You shall never tolerate any deviation from the One truth, One way of life and One ultimately good and benevolent set of virtues…those who doubt you and your convictions deserve to die.
When role-playing a fanatic you must be fully aware that people don’t want their characters to die, and that your holy war on heresy might not go as expected. Always be on the lookout for alternative ways to punish heretics: torture, disgrace…the list goes on. Don’t be surprised if people get enough of you and try to arrest you though, this all is part of the fun. Your character thinks he is right and benevolent, but as player you know better….don’t you?
Tips:
-unlike your character be open for ideas, criticism and suggestions. Respect your fellow role-players
-be on lookout for willing victims, for without them you are nothing but a sad joke!
-if you want to play a ranting annoying fanatic who never acts, ignore the previous point.
-Your character knows only One truth, everything that is “almost” true is still a lie!
-Even if with great restraint and fear of law you might forgive those who think differently, you cannot stand those who preach heresies!
-for the Emperor, play anything related to Warhammer and Warhammer 40k.
-don’t take your character’s misfortunes too close to heart OOCly, he is a fanatic…you are not.
-Never do something invasive and permanent to other characters without discussing it out of character first. You won’t be able to stand the drama.
Saint (LG, NG)
Saints sit on the other extreme of faith and conviction; whilst fanatics bring down the hordes of heretics and cut down whole forests to fuel the fires of inquisition the saints turn inwards to seek spiritual integrity and peace. A saint doesn’t necessarily have to be a hermit or an outcast, as long as he maintains unbreakable faith and devotion.
Being a saint is usually associated with an ascetic life-style, refusing all decadence and comfort and leading a simple, humble and sometimes poor life. Naturally you will ask what is the fun with this character, the potential is endless I answer. You can try and help others like a kind neighbor would, or wage a systematic war on evil as a crusader. This archetype is probably boring by itself, unless you enjoy wandering around and having passive Role-play, waiting for others to approach you.
What you have to remember is that your character is a saint- an embodiment of virtues and ideas he follows. This archetype allows for no deviation, no doubt…but also no zeal in the bad sense of the word. Your character is wise enough to know that taking faith to its bad extreme of fanaticism causes nothing but evil. If you wish to role-play a saint then you have just signed up to put a lot of thought, effort and dedication into your character because you have to act like a saint. Consider your every step carefully, speak and act no more than absolutely necessary.
Sometimes you might wish to have a following, becoming more of a powerful hierophant whom evil fears and good reveres. Just as the evil Dark Lords you have to let others do most of the job and avoid coming on the scene too often: only through these actions can you create an aura of mystery and power around your character and force darkness to flee in righteous terror when it sees you approach.
Tips:
-polish your characters ideology to perfection, work on it for so long that you start to hate it with your heart and soul
-stick to your faith, take it slowly, and never act brashly!
-never speak or act too much: it is hard to remain wise and pure otherwise.
-Your wisdom is enormous: your characters knows all the pitfalls of faith and would never succumb to reckless zeal.
-Never give the impression that you are eager to fight, make it appear that you were actually –forced- to and don’t enjoy it even a bit.
-do not neglect loyal and enthusiastic followers! They have the power to turn you from a ragged saint into Good Incarnate
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