Cecily Zamora
In the Pathfinder RPG, players often debate the nuances of character alignment and how it affects their abilities, especially regarding summoning monsters. Summoning monsters with different alignments is a complex issue, as it can impact the outcome of spells and the caster's alignment. Some argue that a character should only be able to summon creatures with alignments similar to their own, within one step on either the law-chaos or good-evil axis, while others suggest that neutral characters have the advantage of being able to summon a wider range of creatures. Additionally, the alignment of the caster's deity may also play a role in determining which creatures can be summoned. These discussions highlight the strategic considerations and interpretations of alignment in the game's mechanics, adding depth to the Pathfinder RPG experience.
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What You'll Learn
Summoning a lawful good creature as an evil character
Summoning a creature in Pathfinder is a complex process that involves various factors, including the alignment of the summoner and the creature being summoned. While the rules and interpretations may vary among players and groups, there are certain guidelines that influence the outcome of summoning a creature with a different alignment.
In the context of summoning a Lawful Good creature as an Evil character, it is important to understand the concept of alignment in Pathfinder. Lawful Good represents a combination of a commitment to oppose evil and the discipline to fight relentlessly. It entails behaviours such as telling the truth, keeping promises, aiding those in need, and speaking out against injustice. On the other hand, Evil characters generally believe that everyone is out for themselves and act accordingly.
When it comes to summoning creatures, some players and groups adhere to strict alignment restrictions. According to this interpretation, a character cannot cast spells or summon creatures with alignments opposed to their own or that of their deity. For example, a Chaotic Neutral Cleric attempting to summon a Lemure, which is considered Chaotic Evil, would be deemed against their alignment, potentially leading to a change in their alignment or the need to summon a non-evil creature.
However, other players and groups adopt a more flexible approach. They suggest that a character can summon a creature with an alignment that differs by one step on either the law-chaos axis or the good-evil axis, but not both. For instance, a Chaotic Neutral character could summon a Chaotic Neutral, Chaotic Evil, Chaotic Good, or Neutral creature. Additionally, the alignment of the summoned creature may be influenced by the deity of the summoner, as clerics can only summon monsters with alignments permitted for clerics of that deity.
In the case of an Evil character attempting to summon a Lawful Good creature, it would depend on the specific interpretations and rulings within the group. If strict alignment restrictions are enforced, it may not be possible for an Evil character to summon a Lawful Good creature without consequences, such as a change in their alignment or the refusal of their god to allow the summoning. On the other hand, if the group allows for some flexibility, an Evil character might be able to summon a Lawful Good creature as long as it differs by only one step on the good-evil axis, acknowledging that Evil characters can perform good acts for their own self-serving reasons.
Furthermore, certain mechanics within the game can influence the outcome. For example, the Blackfire Adept prestige class in Pathfinder allows summoned creatures to use their own summon monster abilities and provides the ability to ignore summoning-blocking effects. This could potentially enable an Evil character to summon a Lawful Good creature or interact with summoned monsters in unique ways.
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Alignment and its impact on summoning
Alignment is a key feature of the Pathfinder RPG, with Law, Chaos, Good, and Evil representing extremes of ideology. A character's alignment can impact their ability to summon certain creatures, as some creatures may be of an opposing alignment. For example, a Lawful Good cleric may not be able to summon a Chaotic Evil creature without changing their own alignment or having their god intervene.
In the default D&D cosmology, Neutral is not opposed to any other alignment, so a Neutral cleric could summon creatures along the Good-Evil axis. However, if a cleric's deity is Neutral in terms of Good/Evil, they may be restricted to summoning Neutral creatures only. Additionally, a Chaotic cleric would be unable to summon Lawful creatures.
Some players suggest that a character should only be able to summon creatures that are one step away from their own alignment, either along the Law-Chaos axis or the Good-Evil axis, but not both. This would allow for some flexibility while still maintaining the integrity of the alignment system. For example, a Chaotic Neutral cleric could summon a Chaotic Neutral, Chaotic Evil, Chaotic Good, or Neutral monster.
The impact of alignment on summoning can also depend on the specific class and abilities of the character. For example, the Blackfire Adept can ignore summoning-blocking effects and heal whenever a summoned monster attacks. Meanwhile, an Arcane caster is not restricted by alignment and can summon any creature, regardless of their own alignment.
The interpretation of alignment and its impact on summoning can vary between different players and game masters. Some may prioritize the alignment system to ensure that Good and Evil have distinct consequences, while others may view alignment as a flexible feature that can change based on a character's actions. Ultimately, the impact of alignment on summoning can be adjusted to fit the preferences and playstyle of the group.
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Summon Good Monster vs Summon Evil Monster
In Pathfinder, alignment is an important aspect of the game, with Law, Chaos, Good, and Evil representing extremes of ideology. A character's alignment can influence their ability to cast certain spells and summon certain creatures.
When it comes to "Summon Good Monster" and "Summon Evil Monster" spells, there are a few key differences. Firstly, the "Summon Good Monster" spell provides the Diehard feat, which grants summoned creatures additional hit points, allowing them to survive longer in combat. This can be particularly advantageous at lower levels, giving players a boost in the early stages of the game.
On the other hand, the "Summon Evil Monster" spell allows for standard action summoning, making it harder to interrupt. With a normal casting time of one round, this spell ensures that summoned creatures can make attacks of opportunity as normal, even if they cannot act until the caster's next turn. Additionally, the Blackfire Adept class has unique interactions with summoned evil monsters, including the ability to ignore summoning-blocking effects and heal the adept when summoned monsters attack.
It is important to note that a character's alignment can restrict the types of creatures they can summon. For example, a cleric cannot cast spells or summon creatures of an alignment opposed to their own or that of their deity. However, a neutral character, such as one who follows a neutral deity like Olidammara, has more flexibility and can summon creatures along the Good-Evil axis.
In conclusion, both "Summon Good Monster" and "Summon Evil Monster" spells offer unique advantages, and the choice between them depends on the player's strategy and alignment restrictions.
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Summoning as a Chaotic Neutral Cleric
In Pathfinder, a Chaotic Neutral Cleric can cast both good and evil spells. However, they cannot cast spells that are of an alignment opposed to their own or that of their deity. For example, a Chaotic Neutral Cleric can cast Summon Monster II to summon a Lemure, which would be considered Chaotic Evil, but in doing so, they would be casting an "evil spell," which is against their alignment. As a result, they would have to summon a non-evil creature or risk changing their alignment.
A Chaotic Neutral Cleric can summon creatures of an alignment one step away from their own, either along the law-chaos axis or the good-evil axis but not both. For example, a Chaotic Neutral Cleric can summon a Chaotic Neutral, Chaotic Evil, Chaotic Good, or True Neutral monster.
Additionally, a Chaotic Neutral Cleric can only summon monsters of an alignment allowed for Clerics of their deity. For example, if the cleric worships a deity that is Neutral with respect to Good and Evil, they can summon anything on the Good-Evil axis. However, if the deity is Chaotic, the cleric could only summon non-Lawful creatures.
It is important to note that there is a difference between what a cleric could do and what they would do. For instance, a cleric might choose not to cast an evil spell in their god's name, even if their alignment permits it, as the god might not be happy about it.
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Lawful Evil ruler and a Lawful Good character
In the Pathfinder RPG, a Lawful Evil ruler and a Lawful Good character can coexist, but their interactions will be fraught with tension due to their opposing alignments. Lawful Evil characters are self-interested and use the law as a means to exert control and maintain power, while Lawful Good characters are committed to opposing evil and believe in the welfare of society.
The Lawful Evil ruler embodies the belief that society should be structured hierarchically, with themselves at the top. They create and manipulate laws to serve their ambitions and maintain their dominance. This often involves abusing and taking advantage of those beneath them. For example, Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars would be considered Lawful Evil as he established an empire that served his desires for power, using laws to control his subordinates.
On the other hand, a Lawful Good character acts with discipline and a commitment to opposing evil. They believe in the necessity of law for societal welfare and work to abolish or change unjust laws. Telling the truth, keeping promises, aiding those in need, and speaking out against injustice are key behaviours of a Lawful Good character. They are adept at navigating bureaucracies and creating order in their own lives and in society.
In a scenario where a Lawful Good character exists within a regime ruled by a Lawful Evil ruler, the Lawful Good character may find themselves in conflict with the laws of the land. For instance, in a campaign setting where arcane spellcasting is outlawed, a Lawful Good arcane spellcaster must decide between complying with the law and facing punishment or breaking the law for the greater good. This dilemma challenges the interpretation of "Lawful" in the alignment system, as it raises questions about the character's obligation to follow laws that conflict with their moral code.
The interplay between a Lawful Evil ruler and a Lawful Good character can create intriguing dynamics and storylines within the game. The Lawful Good character might work covertly or openly against the ruler, striving to expose their abuses of power and bring justice. Alternatively, they might seek to influence the ruler, attempting to sway their decisions and policies towards the betterment of society.
It is important to note that the interpretations of alignments can vary, and players should discuss with the Dungeon Master (DM) how alignments are defined and applied in their specific setting.
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Frequently asked questions
No. Summoning a Lemure would be considered Chaotic Evil, which is against the cleric's alignment. The cleric would have to summon a non-evil creature or risk their alignment changing.
No. The cleric cannot cast spells or summon creatures of an alignment opposed to their own or that of their deity.
Yes. A CG summoner can summon evil and lawful creatures, but they cannot apply the resolute or fiendish template to creatures that it would apply to, only the celestial and entropic.
Yes. An evil summoner can become good by casting Protection from Evil and Chaos spells on themselves and using Angels to do good deeds.
