The Second Diametrical Opposition

The term 'diametrically opposed' is usually used to refer to the alignment most opposite that of a selected reference alignment on the standard alignment chart. In this representation, Lawful Good is considered to be diametrically opposed to Chaotic Evil, Chaotic Good to Lawful Evil, and so forth.

The alignments that are diametrically opposed are also usually considered to be arch rivals of each other, as they represent the scalar opposite of both dimensions. Evil is the ultimate opposite of good, law that of chaos. Hence, Chaotic Evil is the the scalar opposite of Lawful Good. 

 

The neutral alignments, while they can be thought of as being in some ways diametrically opposed to each other, are really border alignments. As possible as it is that they could form an additional dimension, this is conceptually impractical.

This is the usual human conceptualization of alignment, but it is not the only one.

If one considers time as a variable, alignment can be seen as an evolution. The progression of a society, or even an individual, through the alignments can produce a second diametrical opposition. This is especially true of those races with longer lifespans, such as the elves.

Chaotic Good elves can be thought of as opposed diametrically to both Lawful Evil and Chaotic Evil. In regard to Lawful Evil, the opposition is one of basic nature and beliefs. In considering the second opposition, Chaotic Evil is seen as the end of the progression, while Chaotic Good is seen as the origin (see Culture and Alignment). As such, the beginning and the end are diametrically opposed. 

 

From the perspective of the Chaotic Good elf, Chaotic Evil is embodied most by the Drow and by demons. The Drow can be considered to be de-evolved, to have abandoned their beliefs, to have disgraced themselves by willingly turning from the light. They represent death and hatred. They have succumbed to the seduction of power and have sullied themselves by engaging in self-indulgent and debasing behavior. They have not lost, but willingly discarded any value or respect for life other than their own. They are not only an aberration, a mutation of the best to become the worst, they are an intentionally, purposefully and unapologetically self-created abomination.

From the Drow position, Chaotic Good elves are the willfully ignorant, those who cling to beliefs that, by Drow reckoning, are demonstrably false. They have failed to evolve, are unenlightened (unendarkened?), and cannot accept reality. They are both worthy and demanding of scorn because they have forsaken their destiny. At best, one might pity them for their wasted potential, but in the end they must be destroyed for the betterment of the race. To suffer them to live, is to allow a defective to procreate. Their death is not murder, is the necessary extinction of the weak. These are hard truths to some, but truths that the Drow judge themselves strong enough to accept.

As such Chaotic Good elves (as well as other long-lived Chaotic Good creatures) are diametrically opposed not only to Lawful Evil creatures, but also to Drow, demons, and the sentient Chaotic Evil. Lawful Good and Lawful Evil share a dimension, and as such can appreciate each other's methods if not the ends. There is no such appreciation between the Chaotic Good and Chaotic Evil in the second diametric opposition, though no doubt the singly diametrically opposed might suggest that such an appreciation is possible.

***

If you're looking for more 3D images and things, you should know that I am continuing to work on these, but my progress is limited by the need to learn the ins and outs of some pretty sophisticated software. There are currently two works in progress. There will be another post on alignment this week I think -- if I can clean it up fast enough.

Until then, remember to listen at doors!

-A