Dulrik wrote:
ninja_ardith wrote:
Restarting at level 1 for an alignment change is a dumb idea. Why do you suddenly lose all knowledge of how to [perform class abilities]?
I agree that it doesn't make a ton of sense at first glance, but you used a bad example. It can be rationalized somewhat in a fantasy game environment. Learning to cast spells as an evil mage might require components that required human sacrifice. You would have to relearn how to cast them in ways that were less evil. Similarly, an evil warrior might learn sword techniques that emphasize brutality and maximize pain. Again, this would need to be relearned.
But if you don't like going back to level 1, feel free to propose another mechanic that would be equally drastic and keep this change from happening to only the people who are willing to seriously sacrifice time and effort for their character development.
What if the first alignment change was free. I know I know. Just hear me out. Lets say a 'moderate' alignment change can be performed. for free. Evil to evil or good to good. I feel like a selfish character should be able to change to be good or bad.
I visualize more grey characters being created and seeing where their character takes them. They begin to lean closer to a certain faction and work down a different path. This could also stop so many people staying grey to avoid conflict. As soon as they have the reason to hate someone, they decide where their values lie and pursue them accordingly.
Perhaps alignment changes can only happen gradually. Once every monthly reboot and you have to work your way from principled to diabolic. To just go off the deep end and all of a sudden be crazy would be pretty tough.
Two questions though:
How does this affect faith. If you reset your alignment, are you also able to reset your faith? How would a priest of wisdom work out as an diabolic?
Also something else no one is considering is the drama that a character would have before the reset. You have enemies in game that aren't going to know you've switched alignment. If I wanna kill Brisbald and he's leveling in bakemono caves, he'd be an easy target and I'd be an ace hole for level patrolling a youngin.
Do we want to think of all our skills? Should they all get reset to 'good?' or even 'awful?' Just throwing that out there.
A new thought: A 'tree based' system of alignments. You have to take certain paths to get from your current alignment to the alignment of your choosing.