Two takes on single-axis alignment

General Take

Lawful

Lawful characters see themselves as aligned with order, the forces of justice, and authority and may consider others who do not as "chaotic"

Despite the tendency of subscribing to ideologies such as humbleness and respect, they may knowingly, or otherwise, express distain for others who hold beliefs that do not align with thier own

Appendix-N literature includes the Crusades series by Harold Lamb which heavily influenced the chivalric self-identity of the forces of "Law and Order"

Chaotic

Chaotic characters might not describe themselves as chaotic, much like you could imagine pagans would not identify with how monotheists portray or characterize them

Chaotic alignment includes a plethora of different ways of thinking, being, worshipping, and behaving

Chaotic ethics may be characterized by attention to the self and one's achievements, as well as an idealization of personal freedom and power

Chaotic characters may actively oppose the established systems of Lawful order, or it could be that perhaps they merely would not mind seeing them overturned for a change

Chaotic characters prioritize personal freedom and may oppose established systems of order as a result of what they see as the restrictions they have placed upon them

Neutral

While neutral characters place the wellbeing of themselves and their group above the good of anyone else, they would not think of this as justified self serving but a necessary mode of surviving and caring for those you love, which may be historically true for peoples of their background

OD&D Alignments

Alignment depicts sides in an ongoing cycle of conflicts between established order, independent enclaves, and the procession of power between established power-bases over long periods of time.

Lawful

Those who believe in and support the efforts of the established orders that dominate the wider world of politics centered around the established power-base's zones of control and ability to project power

Any form of a "Pax Romana" would be regarded as an ultimate goal, and a justification of the adherence to the codified laws and institutions of centralized power and the wielding thereof

Organized and orthodox religion often holds a seat of reverence in these societies and can wield significant power and influence, sometimes more than that of reigning emperors

Any ideologies, ethics, organizations, individuals, nations, or otherwise that are perceived as a threat to the stability of this order are considered Chaotic

Chaotic

Chaotic characters probably would not, without irony, describe themselves as chaotic

Chaotic civilizations range from small independent enclaves to vast expansionist empires

Chaotic alignment includes a plethora of different ways of thinking, being, worshipping, and behaving

Chaotic ethics may be characterized by attention to the self and one's achievements, as well as an idealization of personal freedom and power

Chaotic characters may actively oppose the established systems of Lawful order, or it could be that perhaps they merely would not mind seeing them overturned for a change

Neutral

While neutral characters place the wellbeing of themselves and their group above the good of anyone else, they would not think of this as justified self serving but a necessary mode of surviving and caring for those you love, which may be historically true for peoples of their background

This can also imply either isolationism, or a philosophy that trading with anyone is acceptable and to pick sides would not benefit your people

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