Here is the definition of chaotic neutral - "A chaotic neutral character follows his whims. He is an individualist first and last. He values his own liberty but doesn't strive to protect others' freedom. He avoids authority, resents restrictions, and challenges traditions. A chaotic neutral character does not intentionally disrupt organizations as part of a campaign of anarchy. To do so, he would have to be motivated either by good (and a desire to liberate others) or evil (and a desire to make those others suffer). a chaotic neutral character may be unpredictable, but his behavior is not totally random. He is not as likely to jump off a bridge as he is to cross it."
Odd to me that the plane, Maelstrom, which is connected to that alignment seems like a plane with a locale and populace that would NOT actually be favorable to chaotic neutral characters. For example, I can imagine a paladin connecting normally & well with angels, etc. I just don't see much kinship between the chaotic neutral barbarian or pirate and proteans or chaos beasts.
Probably just me ... but the connection between characters of other alignments & the planes represented by those alignments feels more in sync.
Perhaps because CN characters, at least when taken to the alignment extreme, don't develop longterm affinities with anyone. They may have brief and intense relationships with others, but inevitably their independence and dislike of structure pulls them apart from everyone else.
In my experience, true and dvoted CN is a very difficult to play in a way that won't drive your teammates nuts.
In my experience, true and dvoted CN is a very difficult to play in a way that won't drive your teammates nuts.
I feel like that could be said for most alignments. Other than Neutral Good, basically, being totally devoted to any one philosophy drives people who aren't of similar philosophy nuts.
The new Conan remake was a really good example of a Chaotic Neutral character ...even if it wasn't a good movie :P
Perhaps because CN characters, at least when taken to the alignment extreme, don't develop longterm affinities with anyone. They may have brief and intense relationships with others, but inevitably their independence and dislike of structure pulls them apart from everyone else.
In my experience, true and dvoted CN is a very difficult to play in a way that won't drive your teammates nuts.
Several years ago I played a 1st edition CN cleric/Magic user who was a true and devoted worshiper of Dionysis. I don't think I ever stopped to think 'What's the chaotic thing to do?', only, when relevant, 'How do I best serve Dionysus here?' The CN alignment followed naturally from worshiping the god of wine and madness. I never had any complaints about not playing her alignment properly.
Although, I was very annoyed with my fellow players when I arrived late at a session to find they'd had her cast cure insanity on an allied NPC, which I'd never have agreed to.
I think you just need a suitable core belief.