The alignment system below is the Alternity one, which is not readily available since WOTC stopped producing the game. It is copied below for Player use only.
Each player selects their Motivation, Moral Attitude and then 2 (or more, if you wish) Character Traits to start as a rough idea for their PC. These are by no means written in stone and are just guidelines (for you and the DM) as to what kind of personality your pc has. Whether your PC is "evil" to alignment search spells is entirely up to the DM.
What motivates your hero to action? A hero's motivation is his defining purpose, the reason he does what he does. Select one motivation to build your hero's background and purpose upon. You can assign any number of lesser motivations that may come and go as the campaign progresses, and some will certainly develop as the hero grows and interacts with the setting, but the hero's primary motivation is the foundation upon which his goals and desires are built.
This is the purpose your hero has dedicated himself to. Motivation may come from upbringing, education, secret desires, or even from a specifIc incident that shaped the rest of the hero's life to this point. If this motivation is incorporated into your play of your hero, the Gamemaster may reward your character with bonus achievement points at the end of some adventures.
Every hero should have one primary motivation at the start of his career. There's no cost for selecting a motivation. Some possible motivations are briefly described in the text below. If you have another idea, discuss it with your Gamemaster.
What's love got to do with it? Everything, at least for the hero with this motivation. This hero puts the person he loves above everything. That person's welfare and happiness are more important than his own. This motivation serves heroes whose players build a romance into their backgrounds, heroes with parents or children, or heroes who seek to reconcile or unite with loved ones or others whose love they hope to win.
A hero with this motivation wants to acquire as much wealth and as many material possessions as he possibly can. He wants it all, and he doesn't wont to share it with the rest of the world, Thls motivation requires the player and the Gamemaster to agree on the scope of the hero's greed-what specifically he covets-and how much latitude the player has in roleplaying. For example, a greedy hero who tries to pocket everything that he and his companions come across is going to cause trouble within the group quickly It's better to narrow this motivation so that It pertains to a specific item or category of items and to roleplay the hero as basically greedy but not stuId enough to constantly anger his ompanions
Even better, the player should provide a reason for his greed. Does he need money to accomplish something or help someone? Does he want to collect every alien artifact he can to corner the market? A good hook can make this motivation interesting, meaningful, and fun to play.
This motivation compels a hero to seek wisdom and understanding in order to improve himself and the world around him. He seeks to learn what drives a hostile culture, or to discover some order in the seemingly randomness of the galaxy This hero questions everyone arid everything to get to the details hidden below the surface-he wants to uncover the reasons for the way things are because he believes that attaining this understandina will enable him to be a better person in the long run.
Finding a cure for a deadly disease or the means for foster travel, or the next new planetary expansion r achieving some other technological or scientific breakthrough is what drives a hero with this motivation. He seeks to advance the limits and frontiers of civilization or science. Such a hero can be an idealist, a dedicated doctor, or even a mad scientist tinkering with the fundamental forces of nature.
The truth is out there, and this hero wants to discover exactly what it is. This can be a broad, general motivation, but it works best if the hero's seeking a specific truth. Perhaps Is has been the victim of slander, and he wants to make it clear, by demonstrating or proving the truth of the matter, that his detractors are lying. Or maybe the hero discovers that a government or corporation has lied to the public, and this hero wants to dispel the shadows to find out what's real. This hero can be anything from a raging paranoid to a free thinker who genuinely seeks the truth about a given subject.
A hero with this motivation can be a hedonist who lives his life solely to experience pleasure, a wealthy socialite who wants to always live in the lap of luxury, or a party animal who's always on the lookout for a good time. Everything the hero does is designed to achieve or sustain this lifestyle. He wants to have fun, feel good, and enjoy life to the fullest extent possible.
"To serve and protect" might be the motto of a hero with this motivation, or the hero could be a humanitarian seeking to serve the better interests of the world at large. Heroes can dedicate themselves to military service because they believe it's right or because their families have strong military heritages. They can help others while following careers as law enforcers, politicians, doctors, or scientists. They can serve out of a sense of duty or because they genuinely want to help others in some manner. Some may even serve the greater good by becoming advocates for animal or alien rights, environmentalists, or protesters seeking to change the world in some way.
Some actions or events from the hero's past remain unfinished or unresolved. He needs to complete an old task, solve an old problem, or find a lost love. The key here is that the unresolved past shapes and influences the hero's present and future. This hero might have seen his sister abducted by aliens while he was helpless, and so has dedicated his life to solving paranormal mysteries-with the intention of someday finding his lost sister. Or this hero was experimenting to develop a drug to combat a killer disease when the experiment went bad. The drug poisoned people instead of saving them, and the hero seeks to make amends as he continues to search for the cure.
This motivation describes a hero with a specific goal in mind. He seeks something or someone that's important to him. It's better to think lofty than low-the goal should not be so simple that it can be achieved in the span of a few adventures, but neither should it be impossible to achieve. Goals could include finding a lost loved one, identifying the planet of origin of an ancient alien species, capturing the murderer who framed you, or locating evidence of paranormal activity.
This hero craves clout. He has a lust for all of the benefits and privileges that go with command, wealth, and the rest of the trappings of power. Whether it's military rank, political influence, or technological power, this hero wants it all. This can be a difficult motivation to roleplay in a group setting, but it can be used if handled delicately. The best use of this motivation is for individual, small-scope power of some sort, as opposed to world domination.
This hero wants to live, but there are forces out there that want to destroy him A hero who seeks to survive may be a hunted fugitive, a visionary with a radical message, the last of a family, or a mutant with an ability that others want to exploit-in short, anyone whose survival is in question due to a specific threat (aside from the usual threats that bother every hero).
Spiritual conviction can move mountains, and it's certainly one of the stronger motivations a hero can have. This motivation can manifest in a number of slightly different ways. For example, a hero with trust In a higher power can be on a spiritual quest, or he can be spreading the doctrine of a particular faith to everyone he meets. He can be a defender of the faith, a crusader, a teacher, or a clergyman. This motivation requires that the player and the Gamemaster work out the basics of the hero's beliefs.
Someone or something-a person, an organization, a corporation, or an alien monster-did something terrible to the hero, or his friends or family, in the past. Now, everything the hero does is designed to point toward and prepare for the eventual day of reckoning-the day the hero gains his revenge Of course, vengeance is a slow process. The hero who selects this motivation shouldn't be able to settle the score right away. He has to build toward it, slowly getting closer and closer to achieving his goal. (If the Gamemaster is creative, he may twist events so that the hero eventually discovers he has been after the wrong organization or individual all this time. Then a new chase begins as the hero seeks vengeance on the true villain.)
A hero with this motivation seeks to be the very best at what he does. He may want to be the best warrior, the best scientist, the best athlete, or the best explorer there is. To be the best, the hero faces every challenge headon. He constantly tests himself and those around him, especially those who have similar talents and abilities. He wants to prove his superiority, particularly in ways that make his skills and abilities apparent to those he cares about and those whose opinions matter to him.
Knowledge for its own sake: That's the focus of a hero with this motivation. He wants to learn all he can about a specific topic. This knowledge may have value and may be used for a variety of purposes after the hero collects it, but that's just an added bonus. He really just wants to learn about the subject for the simple pleasure that learning provides him. In many ways, this hero is like the absent-minded professor. However, information brokers and intelligence agents can be ruthless in the pursuit of knowledge if they select this motivation.
How does your hero approach life? what are his personal values? A hero's moral attitude encompasses his set of beliefs, his principles, his ethics, and his code of conduct, It's the way he tries to live his life, A moral attitude isn't a rigid, confining rule. Instead, consider it as a guide and a benchmark for play.
Heroes are free-willed individuals. As such, they can bend or set aside their moral attitudes as situations dictate. Some may even change their beliefs as a campaign progresses. Roleplaying a hero's moral attitude and incorporating it into the decisions a hero makes and the actions he takes can earn bonus achievement points at the end of some adventures. On the other hand, a hero who never follows his moral attitude or blatantly and constantly acts against it risks losing achievement points that otherwise would have been earned in an adventure.
Every player should select a moral attitude for his hero. There's no cost for selecting a moral attitude. The moral attitudes that are available in the ALTERNITY game are described below. Note that a hero who has a negative moral attitude can be hard to incorporate into a group of other characters who have moral attitudes oriented toward good. For this reason, the Gamemaster may dictate that some attitudes are not available choices for heroes.
The anti-authority character believes that his life is his own and he should be allowed to do as he pleases. He has a loose code of ethics, one that usually centers on things that are good for him. He's an individualist with little respect for anything that confines or hampers free will. He can be good or evil, but usually does what he pleases in order to get the most out of life. Some anti-authority characters can be true anarchists, seeking to topple the pillars of authority to promote absolute freedom. Most aren't that fanatic, however.
An apathetic character just doesn't care. Some of those who hold this moral attitude believe that nothing really matters in the end, so there's no point in being concerned about anything. Others just don't have the convictions to form important opinions or to carry out important decisions; it's easier to believe that nothing matters than it is to take a stand. Apathetic characters can lack emotion, interest, and feeling, or they can wear an air of indifference. Some can be cynical. A hero who is apathetic may have had his beliefs shattered by some past event and only needs a new cause to ignite the spark of emotion smoldering in his breast,
A conformist is a follower. He doesn't stick out. In fact, he works extremely hard to be just another face in the crowd. The conformist doesn't like to make waves. He goes with the flow, keeping his head low and his nose in his own business. He values the popular opinions of the day, accepting everything and deciding on nothing. He's adaptive, fitting in with the crowd as a way of life. He's accommodating and agreeable, bending over backward to stay on everyone's good side. He complies with the regulations and mores of the day, because that's what everyone else does.
The corrupt character has a strict personal code, one that promotes a twisted, even deviant moral program that usually bolsters his goals and desires. He may still be honorable as long as it doesn't inhibit his own agenda. He's self-disciplined, usually admiring or demanding that same trait in others-after all, without discipline, corruption consumes itself in raging fire. The controlled flame burns the longest, and that's important to the corrupt hero. However, he won't tolerate those who work against his goals.
A despicable character is wicked, amoral, and totally evil. He has no code of ethics. He's unpredictable. random. and possibly even insane. If he helps someone. it's only for personal gain and he gets great satisfaction from hurting the same person later. He despises those who are good and honorable. He sneers at discipline. He hates authority. He delights in evil and enjoys causing pain and sorrow.
The ethical hero lives by principles that are universally recognized as right and good. He strives to do nothmg that is evil or morally wrong. and he seeks to help everyone in need. The ethical hero has a strict moral code that values fair play. respects authority. and brings the greatest benefit to the most people. The ethical hero is honest and hard-working. kind and wise, He can be stern and even driven by his moral attitude. but he is also fair and good.
The gallant hero believes that the strong must protect the weak, He has a nobility of spirit and a high degree of courage. This hero is quick to action, daring in deed. and dashing in manner and appearance. He tries to right wrongs. but he also enjoys the fruits of his labors. He knows he's good, and he likes to have others see his goodness in action. The gallant hero models himself after the knights of old. swashbucklers, or the famous lawmen of the Old West.
The honorable hero sticks to his word and holds others to the same standard. He follows a code of dignity. integrity. and pride. The honorable hero is often extremely individualistic, though his personal code means that he can be trusted and counted on to keep his word. Indeed, his word is his bond, and he strives to make his actions live up to his lofty promises-even if no one else is around to witness his honor.
A character with a just moral attitude doesn't care if a law is intrinsically good or evil; he believes that law is the defining aspect of modern civilization, Everyone is equal under the law. and the just-minded character works to defend that principle. He protects everyone's opinions. as long as they don't break the laws of the land. He is fair and law-abiding. without regard to the ethics of the laws he defends.
The selfish character always wants to know what's in it for him. He has a high regard for life and freedom-especially his own. He places his own interests above all else. seeking a personal angle before he commits to anything, If he agrees to something (after securing the personal stake he needs to make such a commitment), he sticks with it. However, self-preservation and self-aggrandizement are definitely the cornerstone of this hero's code of behavior.
The unscrupulous hero is self-serving and depraved. He's ruthless-he'll stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He has no conscience, and thus perceives no need to adhere to the principles of right and wrong. If he wants something, he takes it. If a lie will work as well as the truth, he opts for the lie.
The virtuous hero is righteous and good, exhibiting moral excellence in word and deed. He always tells the truth, he demonstrates great courage-especially regarding his convictions-and he lives as an example to others. He can't be bribed or persuaded to work against his beliefs. He upholds his convictions even in the face of extreme adversity. The virtuous hero is irreproachable and unburdened by guilt-unless he goes against his moral attitude. Then he is wracked by guilt and must seek a way to repair the damage he has done.
Materialistic gain is the goal of the worldly character. He wants to own things, especially the best things he can find. He will compromise his other beliefs if there's something for him to gain by doing so. Mercenaries, business people, and those born rich are examples of characters with worldly moral attitudes.
Motivation defines a hero, Moral attitude describes his value system and personal ethics Character traits give a hero a personality by providing roleplaying hooks that a player can latch on to. Traits are descriptive labels that give direction on roleplaymg a hero's personalty. They're intended to be a starting point, not a limiting factor.
Good roleplaying of a hero's character traits can result in an award of bonus achievement points at the end of some adventures.
Up to two character traits can be selected for a hero. Try to combine the two traits in an interesting and logical manner. If you do select two widely opposed traits. discuss ways to make it work with your Gamemaster. As with moral attitudes (see above), it can prove difficult for a hero who has negative traits to function effectively as a member of a group of characters who don't have similar traits.
An aggressive character is assertive, bold, and inclined to act in a hostile fashion.
An amoral character makes no distinction between right or wrong and lives accordingly.
A calm hero rarely gets excited or agitated. He remains composed even while chaos rages around him.
A cheerful hero is almost always in good spirits. He's happy, pleasant, and easily passes his attitude to those around him.
A compassionate character feels the suffering of others and has an inclination to give aid, provide support. or show mercy.
A confident hero is self-assured, bold. and sure of his worth and abilities.
A courageous hero is brave and resolute, able to stand fast in the face of adversity.
A cowardly character displays fear in the face of danger, often standing back or even fleeing while others move in to confront it.
A curious hero can't leave well enough alone, He wants to know what's around the corner or behind the door. He's eager to acquire information or knowledge, as befits his inquisitive nature.
A dependent character relies on someone or something besides himself. This someone or something is usually needed or greatly desired, and it influences or unduly controls the hero in some way.
An egotistical character is conceited, boastful, and sometimes even totally self-centered, He has a tendency to speak about himself to excess.
An energetic hero is vigorous, full of vitality, and possessed of an intensity of expression.
A flippant character is quick to make jokes, off-the-cuff remarks, and disrespectful comments couched in levity. This hero can even be impertinent.
A character who is a follower either subscribes to the teachings of another, or is a servant or subordinate, The follower accepts guidance, orders, or simply tries to emulate another.
A foppish character is preoccupied with his clothes, manners, and appearance, and he's usually vain about these things as well.
A friendly hero is warm, comforting, and likable. He always has a smile and a good word for those he meets.
A frivolous character can be inappropriately silly. rarely serious, or overly preoccupied with trivial matters, or may show evidence of all three of those behavioral quirks,
A generous hero shares his good fortune with others, giving freely to those he likes and to those in need,
A hateful character feels animosity or hostility toward life in general or someone or something in specific. This hatred can be buried deeply and rarely shown, or the character can wear his hatred like a dark shroud for everyone to see.
A helpful hero is always ready to lend a hand, to provide aid, and to generally be useful to others.
An honest hero is truthful. He displays integrity, fairness, and generally has a solid reputation.
A humble hero is modest, content to keep his accomplishments low-key, and rarely boastful.
A humorless character is unwilling or unable to see the comical or absurd aspect of a situation. He may be perpetually grumpy, or he simply may lack the ability to perceive, enjoy, or express things that are comical or funny.
A humorous character expresses things that are comical or funny as a matter of course. He can be amusing, and he enjoys being amused.
An illogical character blatantly contradicts or disregards the principles of logic, often demonstrating a lack of good sense.
An independent hero is self-reliant, self-sufficient, and self-supporting. He strives to make his own way in the world, free of the influence or control of others.
A kind hero has a warmhearted nature. He's benevolent, gracious, and tolerant of others.
A lazy character is disposed to idleness. He'd rather relax than work or exert himself. He can be sluggish by nature, or he can be the sort of person who actively goes out of his way to avoid work.
A leader is a natural commander, a take-charge sort who relishes the responsibilities and duties of leadership. He leads by example, word, and deed, guiding others to accomplish some particular task.
A logical character employs the principles of reasoning to solve problems and reach conclusions.
A mysterious character exudes an air of secrecy, sometimes talking in riddles, always keeping something about himself hidden from the rest of the world.
An ominous character is menacing and threatening in manner, appearance, or deed.
An optimistic hero sees the best in everything. He's hopeful, expecting the best result in every situation.
A passive character accepts the actions of others without objection, resistance, or complaint. He tends to comply with others' commands or suggestions, though sometimes he simply refuses to participate.
A peaceful hero is slow to anger, rarely loses his temper, and is generally tranquil. Some peaceful heroes are even serene.
A pessimistic character sees gloom and doom everywhere, believing that every situation is going to end in the worst possible way.
A precise character follows the proper forms and etiquettes of his society. He makes severe and rigorous demands of himself and others.
A quiet hero is soft-spoken or unusually silent, expressing himself with one- or two-word statements and rarely stringing more than a handful of sentences together at a time,
A rash character is quick to react, usually acting with ill-considered haste and boldness. He doesn't think but instead immediately responds to the actions of others.
A religious hero believes in something greater than himself. He's faithful, pious, and conscientious, as well as devoted to the tenets of his beliefs.
A romantic hero idealizes heroic tales, adventure, and love. He's enthusiastic, imaginative, and even a bit impractical.
A rude character is ill-mannered and discourteous, either due to a conscious effort on the hero's part, or because he lacks social graces.
A selfish character is most concerned with his own personal comfort and well-being.
A skeptical hero demands proof of everything. He doubts, he questions, and usually he doesn't want to believe anything at face value.
A suspicious character is doubtful of other people. He trusts no one and doesn't require proof to believe that someone has done something wrong.
A talkative hero never shuts up. He chatters incessantly. He can be interesting, annoying. verbose. glib. or effusive, as the player decides.
A thoughtless character is inconsiderate and inattentive to others and their feelings.
A trusting hero is inclined to believe or confide in someone readily. without doubt or hesitation.
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