The most well known use of this term is in the Role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons, which has 9 total alignments, in respect to good and evil, and law and Chaos.
On Gaia, during events, good and evil is very clear cut. If you were a Gaian, you were on the good side. If you weren't, you were evil.
This was developed during halloween 2k4, and while it worked for Zombies, the same principle no longer works, and the Non-Gaians are made into NPCs, of varying moral stances.
In essence, if Louie, Ian and Moria are good vampires, why can't any other Gaian be good?
That's where the alignment system comes into play, though it's not limited to just events.
When you create your account, you begin in a Neutral state. You are undecided, at this point.
Now, when the opportunity presents itself, Via a Quest, or event, you can choose an alignment.
Let's look at two scenarios.
Scenario 1
A Quest is made available on the quest board.
In this example, let's call it "Rare Ingredients for Ray".
[NPC] Ray requires ingredients to make a potion for you.
To do so you have 3 options.
There are two NPCs a Merchant, and a Bandit.
In order to get to the merchant, you must speak with the bandit.
There are then 3 options of what you may do.
Bandit
Hey, you. You see that merchant over there? He's got alot of rare things.
If you help me take them off of his hands, I'll reward you..."
1. A Reward? Count me in.
2. Um... I've got an errand to run right now. Sorry.
3. No way! You're a petty theif!
Choosing Option 2 does nothing, and you simply proceed to the merchant's shop and make your purchase.
Option 1 has the bandit letting you in through the back, where you fight off the merchant and rob him, while option 3 has the bandit run off. When you meet the merchant, you can fight off the bandit. Options 1 and 3 also save you the 500 gold required to complete the quest. Depending on how you get the ingredients, Ray's potion will turn out differently. But the choice will also alter your alignment.
Option 1 makes you Evil, option 2 keeps you Neutral, and Option 3 makes you Good.
Scenario 2
In a fictional plot, suppose that Rina had a brother, Lawrence, who was afflicted with lycanthropy, but maintained self control.
Now, no one but Rina knows this, though it has been hinted at. However, a Werewolf has recently attacked Gino Gambino, and Johnny K calles Xavier, a Werewolf Hunter, to assist. Edmund also helps. Unbeknownst to the Gaian Populace, Xavier is actually LabtechX, who had been afflicted with Lycanthropy by a G-Corp Experiment.
Using Lawrence as a scapegoat, and "Xavier" as a smokescreen, he seeks to take revenge for his condition. He hires a Human to act as his conduit to his followers, Randall. At this point NPCs begin taking sides, though a majority pick neutral except for a few who notice something is wrong, such as Leon and Josie.
So at this point we have a spectrum of Good, Neutral, and Evil NPCs.
Good: Rina, Lawrence, Leon, Josie.
Neutral: Gambino, Edmund, "Xavier", A majority of the other NPCs.
Evil: LabtechX, Randall.
Now, during a secret message event, "Xavier", Randall, and Rina all offer quests, with identical costs, but different rewards.
Depending on which of them you choose, you get an alignment, and a different set of quests.
"Xavier's" Neutral quests involve "hunting" werewolves, though in reality you're actually making it easier for X and Randall's minions.
Rina's quests involve gathering ingredients, or actually hindering X and Randall.
Randall's quests involve trying to stop Rina and Lawrence, or furthering evil plans.
Depending on what alignment you choose, NPCs treat you differently.
During Scenario 2, if you chose Rina's side, you will be allowed to speak with Lawrence. However, Edmund will call you a fool if you speak with him, and Gambino will say "a little girl's overactive imagination is going to get you killed." Or something to that effect.
If you Join "Xavier's" side, Edmund will greet you warmly, and give you tips and quests.
Rina however, will be upset if you visit here.
If you Join Randall and X, Rina will refuse to speak with you if you use the talk button, her art will be different, and she will not give you any quests.
The other NPCs will also regard you suspiciously.
During the event, which let's latecomers choose sides, you may attack anyone of the opposite alignment.
Neutrals may only attack the opposite race. [Werewolves can fight Gaians, and vice Versa] Neutrals cannot attack there own side.
Goods can attack all Evil's and Neutral werewolves
Evils may attack all Goods and Neutral humans.
The attack rules may be altered or simplified, but this is the most balanced one with respect to the alignments.
The Prizes are the same for each alignment, and the amount of targets should be the same as well.
However, a battle system event which let's you fight a final boss, is made available.
For Evils, the boss is Lawrence, for Goods, the Boss is X, and Neutrals can choose either of them. The Prize varies from side to side.
Alignment can also be changed, with a penalty.
It's a random idea though. XD
Community Member
That's actually a really amazing suggestion.
It would be fun, and add a lot of depth to the experience. You also phrased it really well. I wonder if there's anyway you can submit your suggestion. I'd love to see it made into reality.
^^