|
so why are barbarians restricted from being lawful?
I've had the same problem with bards, for whom it is written that "the spontaneous talent, magic, and lifestyle of the bard are incompatible with a lawful alignment." For wandering minstrel type bards, perhaps. But what about the poet, chronicler, or herald type who is content to work within the halls of his lord's court, and to adhere closely to etiquette, tradition, and protocol? The one who is content to be the official spokesperson for a lawful lord?
Some musicians have very lawful tendencies, in the sense that they strictly follow sheet music, the maestro, etc. Some of them are technically perfect, yet their music has no soul. Conversely, I think of most rock stars as "chaotic bards," bursting into spontaneous jams or solos, leading the "wild life," and frequently emphasizing emotion and free spirit over technical perfection.
Like people in general, artists and musicians can range from the ultra-conservative (working within a structure and respecting traditions and "laws") to the ultra-liberal (more open minded, experimental, etc.). My co-DM friend and I decided that we should lift the alignment restrictions on bards... why restrict your role playing opportunities?
I feel the same way about your barbarian conundrum. As you so rightfully pointed out yourself, the vast majority of so-called "primitive" societies have strict rules and taboos that ensure that social cohesion is maintained. Many have a well defined sense of honour. Going into a rage once in a while when confronted by enemies does not automatically imply a weakening of social bonds or commitment to rules and order during the 95% of the time when the character is not raging. Quite the contrary -- that sense of commitment to a particular social order and set of values may be just the thing that enables a "barbarian" (usually a name applied to tribal peoples by those with the power to define the status quo, e.g., the Romans referred to the...
i completly agree except that the paladin should be thought on for a long time before someone tries to make them CE.