Running Games with Chaos and Law in them as underlying plots

[Kovoston]

Quick question,

I know that Palladium doesn't have Law and Chaos as the theme of many of the books and concepts (though in a couple of them do mention it briefly) how many of you G.M.'s have Chaos and Law as themes or underlying plots in your games. and what is your angle on Chaos? (either with gods or villains or whatever).

Thanks!

[scottypotty]

While I've never specifically focused on law or chaos, I believe they can be important forces in a game. For chaos, I would try to imagine the psychological makeup of the individual. They're probably going to be selfish, to a point where not much else matters. Thus they would indeed be evil, self-serving, and untrustworthy. Although it is not simply black and white. Someone bent on chaos may do good deeds out of love or respect. And someone bent on law may commit evil acts or neglect to right a moral wrong because it happens to be for the greater good. The law is the greater good for the most part. So good and evil are not synonymous with law and chaos.

It may be interesting to see who the real villians are among the NPCs in a game of law and chaos. I'm assuming they'd be on both sides.

[drewkitty ~..~]

The problem with Chose and Order consepts as they are used in RPG is that Chaos is not inherently evil and order is not inherently good. These are just ideas that have been linked to them in culture.

Good can be, and sometimes at it's best, is chaotic.
And Evil can use 'order', "law", to be even more evil then they could if not in charge of 'the rules'.

[Cinos]

The problem with Chose and Order consepts as they are used in RPG is that Chaos is not inherently evil and order is not inherently good. These are just ideas that have been linked to them in culture.

How exactly is this a problem? The fact that it's a grey area is what makes it a compelling theme.

As to the OP, when I feel like running a game with a moral concept attached, it is one of them. I've also included themes like that into the base setting as well. Mostly the theme of the Old Ones (i.e the Chaos Lords), and the Angels, who where altered to not be 'good' but order. They don't take sides in mortal affairs of morality, but follow a pre-established code of law which they enforce through military and magical might.

[drewkitty ~..~]

The problem with Chose and Order consepts as they are used in RPG is that Chaos is not inherently evil and order is not inherently good. These are just ideas that have been linked to them in culture.

How exactly is this a problem? .

Because people use the concept of "order" to mean "good", and the concept of "Chaos" as "Evil", When They Are Not.

[Kovoston]

Thanks to all who replied, I'm grateful for the insights!


G

[Antimony]

The problem with Chose and Order consepts as they are used in RPG is that Chaos is not inherently evil and order is not inherently good. These are just ideas that have been linked to them in culture.

How exactly is this a problem? .

Because people use the concept of "order" to mean "good", and the concept of "Chaos" as "Evil", When They Are Not.

I can see when "Order" can become bad; "Chaos" and "Law," too. But when is "Chaos" a good thing? Mobs and anarchy are the epitome of chaos; I'd think those are more apt to injure than, say, peaceful demonstrations.

[The Dark Elf]

Evil is deliberate, chaos could unchosen.