Cosmic Alignments

Overview

Cosmic Alignments are the universal actions and goals of the underlying cosmic forces of the universe. These forces are constantly working against each other to gain control over the planes and eventually the multiverse itself. The Cosmic forces are as follows: Law, Chaos, Good, and Evil. These elements were created when the universe came into being and are studied by mortals in the scientific field of Metaphysics. Each force is empowered as both mortals and outsiders act in their best interest, however no side could ever be significantly swayed by a single being, and no side is currently near overpowering the others.

Cosmic Law

Law is the first of the cosmic forces, and is the polar opposite to Chaos. Like Chaos, Law is never good or evil by itself, as it is unrelated to those concepts. Law is a necessary force in the Multiverse. Without Law, there would be no stability or structure in nature, no justice in the universe. Law seeks order and structure throughout the universe as the supreme virtue, and is generally upheld by those who seek similar goals in their lives, as well as lawfully structured outsiders. Law is usually associated with the advancement of civilized societies, invention and the advancement of the sciences, and the structuring and organization of cosmic energy into it's assigned place. Law in mortals often implies honor, trustworthiness, obedience to authority, and reliability. On the downside however, lawfulness in mortals could create closed-mindedness, reactionary adherence to tradition, self-righteousness, and a lack of adaptability. Those who consciously promote lawfulness could say that only lawful behavior creates a society in which people can depend on each other and make the right decisions in full confidence that others will act as they should.
Cosmically Lawful actions empower Cosmic Law and weaken Cosmic Chaos, and may include things like:

• Settling and organizing ordered societies, as well as advancing understanding of the universe in a lawful way.
• Permanently destroying Chaotically aligned Outsiders.
• Casting a spell with the (Law) descriptor.

Cosmic Chaos

Chaos is the second cosmic force, and is the polar opposite to Law. Like Law, Chaos is never good or evil by itself, as it is unrelated to those concepts. Without Chaos, there would be no freedom or randomness in nature, no creativity or art in the universe. Chaos implies freedom, adaptability, and flexibility. On the downside, chaos can include recklessness, resentment toward legitimate authority, arbitrary actions, and irresponsibility. Those who promote chaotic behavior say that only unfettered personal freedom allows people to express themselves fully and lets society benefit from the potential that its individuals have within them.
Cosmically Chaotic actions empower Cosmic Chaos and weaken Cosmic Law, and may include things like:

• Dismantling lawful organizations and institutions, or advancing creative ideas.
• Permanently destroying Lawfully aligned Outsiders.
• Casting a spell with the (Chaos) descriptor.

Cosmic Good

Good is the third cosmic force, and is the polar opposite to Evil. Good implies altruism, respect for life, and a concern for the dignity of sentient beings. Good characters often make personal sacrifices to help others, even without an obvious reward. Those who promote goodness see the spread of good as the ultimate virtue and to benefit living things throughout the multiverse. In mortals, good is not always absolute, and different societies have different views of what is "good". Despite this, Good is a cosmic standard, and "Cosmic" good is expressed in a very basic way.
Cosmically Good actions empower Cosmic Good and weaken Cosmic Evil, and may include things like:

• Protecting innocent lives or souls.
• Permanently destroying Evil aligned Outsiders.
• Casting a spell with the (Good) descriptor.

Cosmic Evil

Evil is the final cosmic force, and is the polar opposite to Good. Evil implies harming, oppressing, and killing others. Some evil creatures simply have no compassion for others and kill without qualms if doing so is convenient or if it can be set up. Others actively pursue evil, killing for sport or out of duty to some malevolent deity or master. Some evil beings supported rigid caste structures and slavery, as long as it benefited them. Due to the beliefs of many evil inhabitants, good beings would often try and seek them out, either to convince them of their evil ways, or outright destroy them. In mortals, evil is not always absolute, and different societies have different views of what is "evil". Despite this, Evil is a cosmic standard, and "Cosmic" evil is a tainting force in the universe.
Cosmically Evil actions empower Cosmic Evil and weaken Cosmic Good, and may include things like:

• Destroying, damning, or harming a raw soul
• Creating an undead creature
• Permanently destroying Good aligned Outsiders.
• Casting a spell with the (Evil) descriptor.

Type

Metaphysical, Divine