Morality in RPGs

We’re back and we’re sitting in judgement. Unfortunately, it turns out that judgement doesn’t make a very good seat. Next time, we’re bringing cushions. The topic of morality in RPGs shouldn’t be a comfortable one, but that doesn’t mean we want to end up with piles. Main Topic: Morality in RPGs This episode is our exploration of the role of morality in RPGs. From the weirdness of D&D‘s alignment system to the more challenging approach of games like Dogs in the Vineyard, RPGs have always explored questions of morality. But should games try to enforce moral codes through mechanics? When they do, does it work better to use a carrot or a stick? And what makes the exploration of morality interesting in a game? The original AD&D alignment chart Links Things we mention in this episode include: * D&D* D&D alignments* Eternal Champion* Corum Jhaelen Irsei* Three Hearts and Three Lions by Poul Anderson* The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath by HP Lovecraft* World of Darkness* Vampire: the Masquerade* Werewolf: the Apocalypse* Mage: the Ascension* Chronicles of Darkness * Kult* Left-hand and right-hand paths* Prince of Persia* Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link* Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game* Dungeon World* The Princess Bride RPG* Violence in Call of Cthulhu* Dogs in the Vineyard News Paul at Owlbear and Wizard’s Staff