Another Evil & Magic Rant

I have learned Hokusai should think magic is OK. And the complete fear I thought my PC would have was misplaced. However this same understanding about magic is OK for some and not others, and that this idea is thought to be common sense, has also strengthened my/his belief that most of the organizations on Selune are “Lawful Evil”. Here is the start of the description for Lawful Evil:

Lawful Evil “takes what he wants within the limits of his code of conduct without regard for whom it hurts. He cares about tradition, loyalty, and order but not about freedom, dignity, or life. He plays by the rules but without mercy or compassion. He is comfortable in a hierarchy and would like to rule, but is willing to serve. He condemns others not according to their actions but according to race, religion, homeland, or social rank.”

Condemning people because of social rank is a big part of what seems to be going on in Selune. If you are part of the tradition that keeps those social ranks in line, if you follow rules and orders over freedom and compassion you are “Lawful Evil”, Lawful Neutral at best. There is nothing wrong with being Lawful Evil in the game. But Alignment does affect all kinds of modifiers and abilities so understanding these differences are key to game play.

When you think Lawful Good you think King Arthur who sat at a round table removing the social hierarchy. He would not look at his subjects as commoners but would consider himself one of them. He would place no greater value on his life, and his freedoms, as he would on those of any other person.

Hokusai is lawful good. He thinks ALL humans should have the same rights and freedoms. He believes laws should be there to protect those freedoms – not limit them for different social classes.

As soon as a PC/NPC acts without mercy or compassion towards another human he has committed an evil act – even if he is following orders.

BACK to the magic conversation. Hokusai knows three of the PCs can cast spells. He would help examine ways the spellcasters could help him protect the group. You do not need to know spells to come up with: Bless and Aid him in his service of good. Protect and Shield him for Evil and the weapons of Evil. Improve his Strength to fight Evil and his Wisdom so he will know the right thing to do.

Or in game terms the obvious suggestions are:

1st-Level Cleric Spells
Bless: Allies gain +1 on attack rolls and saves against fear. 1 min/level
Protection from Chaos/Evil/Good/Law: +2 to AC and saves, counter mind control, hedge out elementals and outsiders. 1 min/level
Shield of Faith: Aura grants +2 or higher deflection bonus. 1 min/level

2nd-Level Cleric Spells
Aid: +1 on attack rolls and saves against fear, 1d8 temporary hp +1/level (max +10).
Bull’s Strength: Subject gains +4 to Str for 1 min./level.
Owl’s Wisdom: Subject gains +4 to Wis for 1 min./level.

HOWEVER Hokusai would make it clear that the spellcasters should protect themselves and others in the party before they try to help him in any way.