What Does It Mean to Be Lawful Neutral

Skinner: Bart, I`m impressed with what you`ve done. You testified for the Boy Quimby even though he put your head in a noose. On the other hand, you skipped school. Bart: I think the two things cancel each other out, don`t they? Skinner: [sighs] I`m a little man in a way, Bart. A petty little man. Three months in prison. Bart: [moaned, go] Skinner: Wait a minute, Bart. Do that. four months in prison. Legal neutral characters play their cards close to their chest.

Most of the time, their code comes from within, which means they are confident that they are the only ones who are right and that everyone is wrong. It is not easy to overcome the defensive shell of a legitimate neutral character. However, once you did, you found an unwavering ally. Legal creatures were originally described as creatures of habit – their reactions in a given situation can be more or less predicted. Legitimate creatures do not necessarily have to obey the law or even respect it; Devils are legitimate because of their penchant for hierarchy, punishment, and organization. We must repeat: Legal Neutral does not necessarily mean Legal Stupid. Neutral Lawful will not necessarily be obsessed with all laws, will consider all crimes equal, will refuse at all costs to compromise its moral code, and even worse extremism. Yes, there are Zealot Knight Templar Lawful Neutrals principles, but that doesn`t mean lawful Neutral is that. Hacker: Selling weapons to terrorists is a mistake, don`t you see that? Humphrey: No, minister. Either you sell weapons or you don`t. If you sell them, they will inevitably end up in the hands of people who have the money to buy them. Humphrey (a little later): Government is not a matter of morality.

[it`s] a question of stability. Keep things going, avoid anarchy. Tomorrow I will still be here. Government is not a matter of right and wrong, it is just a matter of order or chaos. Hacker: And it`s normal for Italian terrorists to get British bombs? And you don`t care? Humphrey: It`s not for me to take care of it! That`s why politicians are here. It is my job to pursue government policy. Hacker: Even if you think it`s wrong? Humphrey: *smiles* Well, virtually all government policies are wrong. But terribly well executed. These two orientations are diametrically opposed. Chaotic evil characters would try to violate every aspect of a neutral code that is legal to itself and laugh at the idea of a set of personal principles.

For them, the only significant pursuit is personal gain and power. Legal neutrality combined reliability and honor without moral bias. [1] Although they did not lack a moral compass, they believed that ethical considerations were far from what the laws of the land, ancient traditions, or their personal code of conduct dictated. [2] [3] Whether they lived in a benevolent democracy or in a tyrannical dictatorship, these figures believed that the advantages of organization and law outweighed all questions of morality. [2] A neutral evil character is usually selfish and has no qualms about turning against the allies of the moment, and usually makes allies to achieve their own goals. A neutral evil character has no qualms about harming others to get what he wants, but he also won`t do everything he can to cause carnage or chaos if he sees no direct benefit to himself. Another valid interpretation of neutral evil views evil as an ideal that does evil for evil and seeks to extend its influence. Examples of the first type include an assassin who takes little account of formal laws but does not kill unnecessarily, a henchman who plans behind the back of his superior, or a mercenary who willingly switches sides when he makes a better offer. An example of the second type would be a masked killer who strikes only to create fear and mistrust in the community. Examples of this orientation are many drows, some cloud giants and yugolots.

[10] [18] Legitimate neutral beings believe in a strong and well-ordered government, whether that government is a tyranny or a benevolent democracy. The benefits of organization and regulation outweigh all moral issues raised by their actions. Neutral and legal beings will abide by the law, whether it is considered just or not. If the majority of the population does not agree with government practices, then they must use legal means to change these laws. Rebellion is a crime, regardless of the purpose of the revolt. In their daily affairs, legitimate neutrals will respect the laws of the territory in which they are located and will also preserve their own sense of honor. (2) A legitimate neutral character without some external code often becomes an “adventure father”. They use their own judgment to try to determine orderly behavior while experiencing adventures in the dungeon. These characters tend to become leaders, or at least they try to be. They try to control the chaotic shenanigans of the characters and try to get them to make decisions that make sense like cats.

Depending on the structure of the party, this can become a real leadership, or it can only lead to disputes between the actors over personal freedom. Legitimate neutral players who consider themselves a daredevil of adventure should remember that this is a game, not to stifle fun just for “order.” Be a conscience that whispers better judgment instead of an arrogant commander who makes sure everything works perfectly. In other words, players should ask themselves: What is my code? What is the point of that? Where does it come from? At the lowest level, it could be someone who simply obeys the orders of a policeman, the more extremely the authoritarian trusts an authority with absolute blind dedication. For them, the question of right or wrong is a secondary factor in their commandments. This means that how they act and what they do will largely depend on whether the agency gives them orders. They could be devoted to a benevolent God, or they could be devoted to an evil tyrant. In both cases, they are not really motivated by a moral compass and simply trust the word of authority. They tend to get angry at the free-spirited and chaotic neutral orientation and tend to view things as obedient or rebellious.

At best, the authoritarian is a loyal knight, at worst, he is an executioner operating under the general pretext of “simply obeying orders.” .