Goblin Squad Member
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I've been reviewing the River Freedoms in terms of alignment as part of designing a charter company. Upon initial consideration I immediately thought Lawful Evil fit the River Freedoms best. As they encourage harsh, uncaring action while still providing a set of strict guidelines.
However, while reexamining the River Freedoms to see if my analysis fit I had to consider Lawful Neutral as the answer. As the Freedoms seem mostly laissez faire and ambivalent regarding interactions between peoples, organizations, or nations.
Finally, I realized that a Chaotic character (or indeed nation) would be quite at home here as they can go anywhere, say anything, and be free to do virtually as they pleased as long as they where direct and honest about it. Due to this, I find I must reconsider the whole issue.
Arguably there is a line of reasoning saying the Freedoms are "Good" in nature. Importance of ones word, freedom of speech, forbiddance of slavery, and freedom of movement all may lead one to this conclusion. But the Freedoms leave far to much room for acts of evil and aggression to fit any category of Good.
While I've by no means settled the subject to my satisfaction; I find myself leaning toward Lawful Neutral as the truest representation of the River Freedoms.
No doubt a roleplayer or nation of any alignment could find a place in the River Kingdoms, but I none the less think this topic makes for an interesting discussion when considering the primary alignment of charter companies, which should be reflected in the charter, and diplomatic relations between companies.
All in all, I find this an excellent set of "rules" and setting for an mmo to take place in.
Straight, True Neutral, I'd say. They support pretty much the full gamut without discouraging or meddling with anyone in particular. Heck, it's probably where I'd choose to live if I were in Golarion. Maybe Varisia.
Anyroad, calling them Evil is a gross overreaction. Calling them Good is inaccurate, at least. Calling them Lawful is not always true, and calling them Chaotic is...closest, though here you get mired in alignment semantics.
Ahaha...somebody flag me for not looking where I'm posting.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Interesting... I never read the River Freedoms before.
Most of this will fall in line with what my company will be doing except two parts. While we appreciate honesty the death penalty seems overly harsh unless their lie had some very severe consequences.
And "You have what you hold" flies right in the face of everything we believe in. We believe a just society is one in which the strong protect the weak. It will be interesting to see if this may actually turn us into vigilantes within the borders of the River Kingdoms or if we can find a way to accomplish our goals without violating The River Freedoms.
I would certainly say "You Have What You Hold" is evil. But I would say the River Freedoms are either lawful neutral or true neutral.