Embracing Lawful Good: A Journey Through Dungeons and Dragons

The world of Dungeons and Dragons (DD) offers a vast playground for imagination and creativity. One of the key decisions players face is choosing their character's alignment. The most popular choice often is the Lawful Good (LG), yet many overlook the joy and sense of purpose it provides. In this article, we explore the joy of being a lawful good character and the benefits it brings to both individual players and the campaign as a whole.

The Drawbacks of Choosing Evil Alignment

Players sometimes opt for evil alignments because it seems like it grants them more freedom of action. However, they often overlook that even in a fantasy world, laws and order exist. Behaving badly will inevitably have consequences, and it can lead to a more chaotic and less enjoyable game experience for everyone involved. Additionally, leading characters who fight against the evils and horrors of a fantasy world can provide a much richer and fulfilling narrative.

My Experience Banning Evil Alignments

In one campaign, I banned evil alignments from the players. Initially, they were not happy about it. However, the decision turned out to be more beneficial in the long run. The players found a sense of purpose in their roles, leading a fight against the evils and horrors of the game world. This experience taught them the importance of honor and mission, and they ultimately got more out of the game.

Additionally, the campaign became a more pleasant experience for the GM (Game Master). Going through the trouble of designing a local environment only to have a player trash it and shrug off the consequences is a waste of effort. By focusing on lawful good characters, the GM can maintain a more structured and rule-abiding campaign, enhancing the gaming experience for all participants.

The Experience of Being a Lawful Good Paladin

Currently, I play a Lawful Good (LG) paladin named Valinor. Prior to this, my characters were generally good but with a bit of flexibility. However, with Valinor, there is a unbreakable code of honor he adheres to. He is always ready to defend the weak and make the right choices, even at the cost of his life. Yet, he isn’t overly rigid or suicidal. He respects the other players and allows them to follow their own rules while setting an example with his own actions.

For instance, during a chaotic battle where other members of the party were fleeing from a monster, Valinor stayed behind to give them a chance to escape. He doesn’t engage in sneaky attacks but understands that his party members have their own methods of combat and live by different rules.

Valinor also engages in acts of kindness and charity. He pays inflated prices for goods and services to ensure the dignity of those he helps. He funds an orphanage and a hospital, contributing to the local community without the party's knowledge, highlighting the commitment to his lawful good principles while maintaining anonymity.

These examples aside, the experience of being a lawful good character can be profoundly enriching. It provides a clear direction and a sense of purpose, making the gaming experience more meaningful and fulfilling.

Conclusion: The Benefits of Being Lawful Good in DD

While the temptation to choose an evil alignment might be compelling, the joys of being a lawful good character in Dungeons and Dragons can be remarkably rewarding. It fosters a deeper sense of duty, honor, and community, leading to a more engaging and fulfilling game experience for both the GM and the players.

Ultimately, the choice of alignment should be made based on the personal enjoyment and the kind of narrative one desires to create. Whether you choose lawful good or another alignment, the key is to make choices that enhance the gameplay and bring everyone together in a world full of adventure and magic.