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So I'm looking to build an 8th level character, and I'm wanting to make something a bit..."different".
I was thinking of making a LN cleric of Achaekek, selecting the deception/murder subdomains.
The base concept is that the character finds strength in the task of He Who Walks In Blood. As Achaekek is the divine hand of the gods, I seek to act as his mortal hand. In a contrast to the standard followers (RMA's), the character would stride into battle in heavy armor, a heavy shield on one arm and a sawtooth saber in his hand.
I did have question though regarding "alignment". If a character follows divine mandate to kill those who stand against the gods, is the act evil? Reading the core rulebook it doesn't seem clear to me. While killing for the sake of killing is clearly an evil act, it seems to imply that intent is very much so involved in the "alignment".
Is this the case? Would someone be able to show me a definitive answer?
I'm picturing this character staying LN based on a kind of code.
Anyone care to provide some input?
Because this issue is morally complex, you should discuss it in depth with your GM, as ultimately it's his or her interpretation versus yours that is going to matter.
When preparing to have this discussion with your GM, think hard about what kind of people you envision yourself killing and the reasons why your character seeks to punish them. And remembering that...
GOOD people have "respect for life, and a concern for the dignity of sentient beings." I know you're not planning to play a good character, but if you find your character is doing things out of a disrespect for life and no concern for the dignity of sentient beings...
EVIL people engage in "hurting, oppressing, and killing others" and may "have no compassion for others and kill without qualms if doing so is convenient." Would your killing of blasphemers be seen as a form of oppression, or are those who stand against the gods the oppressors? And perhaps most importantly for you to note, some "actively pursue evil, killing for sport or out of duty to some evil deity or master." If your deity demands someone's death due to their own evil, killing for them is defined as evil by the previous sentence. Does your character use his duty as an excuse to kill anyone who disagrees with him (killing for sport) or are there strict guidelines which determine that only the truly harmful get killed?
And finally, that NEUTRAL people "have compunctions against killing the innocent." Do you envision your character killing someone who mildly blasphemes but is otherwise an innocent, harmless person?
Which sounds more like your character:
My PC methodically 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. He is loath to break laws or promises. ((That emphasis is mine as that's an issue you really need to think about.))This reluctance comes partly from his nature and partly because he depends on order to protect himself from those who oppose him on moral grounds. My character has taboos, such as not killing in cold blood or not letting children come to harm (if it can be helped). He believes that these compunctions put him above villains.
OR
My character acts as law, tradition, or a personal code directs him. Order and organization are paramount. He believes in personal order and lives by a code or standard. He is reliable and honorable without being a zealot.
(The former is a slightly edited description of Lawful Evil. The latter is a slightly edited description of Lawful Neutral.)
Ask yourself some other questions related to what the rules say, and also bring those questions and concerns to your GM.
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Thanks for the reply!
As for which sounds closer, the way I was envisioning it was taking action outside of the "main story" only when directed (Via GM action).
Moving with an adventuring group seems to be ideal for someone who might be tasked to travel Golarian in order to accomplish their next mission.
I don't see the character doing it for "fun or sport" either, but following a set of guidelines, taking it as a divine mandate.
One of the things I did before hand was read the Book of Exalted Deeds considering the section that covers doing evil acts for the overall good.
Per the book, evil acts are evil even if they are being done for some greater good. And while I agree with that, I guess my confusion becomes "does it balance". If a commit evil acts during my trips, but also complete good acts (I have no reason to not assist the adventuring party I'm with when they rescue people/fight off evil/etc), and my overall intent is one that I consider a holy mission...
I think in the long run I'll have to have a long sit down with my GM and talk to them about what they think and if they are ok with the concept.
Thanks again though for the answer, I'm actually unsure now if it really would end up being LN or LE :P
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You can try to answer some alignment tests (easy to find with google) and check where your character is.
I feel that the definition of Good/Evil in the CRB hinges very strongly on how you treat innocent people.
But your god is LE. He does not mind killing/torturing innocents and will likely ask you to kill innocent people from time to time. I believe a LN priest would take lot of pride in his ability to fulfill his duties whatever they are but would also try to make amends for the innocent lives he has to take.
Of course, a LE priest would not care one bit about said innocent victims. Only service to his deity would matter.