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Silverstar1610
Acolyte
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Jun 2006 : 16:15:53
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If a good character does something which might be construed as evil, due to a mistaken belief that it is actually a good act, would this sway them towards evil?
The particular scenario I'm thinking about is this. A good character who agrees to do a favour for an evil character, in the mistaken belief that said evil character is trying to redeem themselves. The act itself is not evil, but they later discover that the evil character was continuing to commit evil acts unbeknownst to the good character. Would working with this evil character make it an evil act regardless of the fact that they believed what they were doing to be a good thing?
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2006 : 16:19:31
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In general, alignment is how the person views their own actions. Not knowing that an action is aiding evil is not in and of itself evil. Now, if you are talking about a paladin, their code is a little harsher, and they may have to attone if their actions aided the forces of evil in the long run, but for the general, run of the mill good aligned character, being tricked into an act or not knowing the full ramifications of an act shouldn't make the act evil in and of itself.
Just my thoughts though. |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4689 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2006 : 16:56:38
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Alignment is a little more involved then knowing an act is evil. Many Lawful societies have slaves, which is generally considered an Evil act. A slave owner does not consider him/herself an Evil person for buying a slave.
Sometimes the situation needs to be considered.
If an action acidentally aids an Evil goal, the act itself is not Evil in most cases Knowing more about the action can result in iinions being offered as to if the action itself reflects an Evil act. |
"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36805 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2006 : 17:49:07
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| I'd say that intent is a major factor. If a character intends to do the right thing, and actually does a good deed, then they haven't done evil. The evil was done by the guy who was taking advantage of those good actions, and twisting them to his own benefit. |
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Silverstar1610
Acolyte
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2006 : 19:21:38
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Cool. That was pretty much my thought, but it's always useful to get a second (third, fourth) opinion.
Thanks guys. |
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Alignment question
