I'd also like to remind how difficult old TSR Detect Evil was to use upon "mere mortals" of the Prime Material Plane. You had to be a wholly devoted 9HD (9th lvl) creature -- in the middle of acting on evil intentions! -- to radiate an Evil aura for the spell. And even then it did not reveal alignment outright.

Why mentioned this? Because alignment, with desire & effort, could be changed. There is hope to choose a new path while still alive.

That's huge. That means even 'the legendary wandering Black Monk!' sipping beer at the tavern is unlikely radiating an evil aura. They can't be thinking and acting on evil intentions every moment of the day. There is still a chance to shift alignment while alive -- which is a whole roleplaying adventure story unto itself.

Further, it speaks of extra-dimensional forces that objectively have designs upon one's world. It speaks of an order greater and actively concerned about your (PC's) life outcome. The universe is not wholly neutral and meaning solely derived from yourself; as you become aware a meaningful choice opens up -- and remains open all the while you play.

How and where you walk your line is the story your PC leaves behind as its role is being played in full. It isn't preordained, there is still time to change it. It is open to be 'lived' until the very end and leave its own narrative mark upon your shared table experience.

Alignment's potential is beautiful for both GM & Player, if you let it. 

Quote from: Opaopajr on August 27, 2023, 08:29:40 AM
I'd also like to remind how difficult old TSR Detect Evil was to use upon "mere mortals" of the Prime Material Plane. You had to be a wholly devoted 9HD (9th lvl) creature -- in the middle of acting on evil intentions! -- to radiate an Evil aura for the spell. And even then it did not reveal alignment outright.

Detect Evil Cleric 1st level spell
"Explanation/Description: This is a spell which discovers emanations of evil, or of good in the case of the reverse spell, from any creature or object "

Quote from: Scooter on August 27, 2023, 09:26:17 AM

Quote from: Opaopajr on August 27, 2023, 08:29:40 AM
I'd also like to remind how difficult old TSR Detect Evil was to use upon "mere mortals" of the Prime Material Plane. You had to be a wholly devoted 9HD (9th lvl) creature -- in the middle of acting on evil intentions! -- to radiate an Evil aura for the spell. And even then it did not reveal alignment outright.

Detect Evil Cleric 1st level spell
"Explanation/Description: This is a spell which discovers emanations of evil, or of good in the case of the reverse spell, from any creature or object "

Now post the quote from page 60 of the AD&D DMG where it says that only strongly aligned creatures of at least 8th level will register on a detection spell...

Quote from: Eirikrautha on August 27, 2023, 09:56:24 AM

Quote from: Scooter on August 27, 2023, 09:26:17 AM

Quote from: Opaopajr on August 27, 2023, 08:29:40 AM
I'd also like to remind how difficult old TSR Detect Evil was to use upon "mere mortals" of the Prime Material Plane. You had to be a wholly devoted 9HD (9th lvl) creature -- in the middle of acting on evil intentions! -- to radiate an Evil aura for the spell. And even then it did not reveal alignment outright.

Detect Evil Cleric 1st level spell
"Explanation/Description: This is a spell which discovers emanations of evil, or of good in the case of the reverse spell, from any creature or object "

Now post the quote from page 60 of the AD&D DMG where it says that only strongly aligned creatures of at least 8th level will register on a detection spell...

Why don't you?

Quote from: Scooter on August 27, 2023, 10:08:20 AM

Quote from: Eirikrautha on August 27, 2023, 09:56:24 AM

Quote from: Scooter on August 27, 2023, 09:26:17 AM

Quote from: Opaopajr on August 27, 2023, 08:29:40 AM
I'd also like to remind how difficult old TSR Detect Evil was to use upon "mere mortals" of the Prime Material Plane. You had to be a wholly devoted 9HD (9th lvl) creature -- in the middle of acting on evil intentions! -- to radiate an Evil aura for the spell. And even then it did not reveal alignment outright.

Detect Evil Cleric 1st level spell
"Explanation/Description: This is a spell which discovers emanations of evil, or of good in the case of the reverse spell, from any creature or object "

Now post the quote from page 60 of the AD&D DMG where it says that only strongly aligned creatures of at least 8th level will register on a detection spell...

Why don't you?

Quote from: AD&D DMG
DETECTION OF EVIL AND/OR GOOD

It is important to make a distinction between character alignment and some powerful force of evil or good when this detection function is considered. In general, only a know alignment spell will determine the evil or good a character holds within.  It must be a great evil or a strong good to be detected.  Characters who are very strongly aligned, do not stray from their faith, and who are of relatively high level (at least 8th or higher) might radiate evil or good if they are intent upon appropriate actions. Powerful monsters such as demons, devils, ki-rin and the like will send forth emanations of their evil or good.  Aligned undead must radiate evil, for it is this power and negative force which enables them to continue existing.
Note that none of these emanations are noticeable without magical detection.

Bolding mine.

Quote from: Eirikrautha on August 27, 2023, 12:29:34 PM


It is important to make a distinction between character alignment and some powerful force of evil or good when this detection function is considered. In general, only a know alignment spell will determine the evil or good a character holds within.  It must be a great evil or a strong good to be detected.  Characters who are very strongly aligned, do not stray from their faith, and who are of relatively high level (at least 8th or higher) might radiate evil or good if they are intent upon appropriate actions. Powerful monsters such as demons, devils, ki-rin and the like will send forth emanations of their evil or good.  Aligned undead must radiate evil, for it is this power and negative force which enables them to continue existing.
Note that none of these emanations are noticeable without magical detection.

Bolding mine.


Thank you mucho

Quote from: Exploderwizard on August 25, 2023, 11:48:57 AM
That depends on what the (n) is in reference to; lawfulness or evil? They could just as easily slide into NE.

(n) as in with neutral leanings. How AD&D sometimes notated it.
Was just one example of a possoble slide. Not the only one.