I'm working on running a Planescape setting with 4th Edition rules. My intent is to create an alignment system that is 1) based on the classic AD&D alignments, and 2) that provides some form of measurable game benefit. The final product does not have to be an exact copy, nor does it even need to closely reflect the original. All that matters is that it is something that can be fitted into the Planescape setting.
I have a few ideas already, inspired in part by discussion on this and other forums.
For example, the Wereworlf game (1st edition, I think) had a way of keeping track of and rewarding character behavior. The books outline specific actions and how they relate to different measures of Renown. I might use something like this, whereby the four components of Alignment (good, evil, law and chaos) are tracked by the player with a point system. More points in one component means a leaning toward that alignment. For example, a lawful good character would start with 10 points divided between law and good (most likely 5 each). If the character performs notably good acts (based on concrete examples), he advances his good rating.
I see problems already, though, which is why I'm soliciting help. What kind of actions can I define as good, or evil, or whatever? Should I look for different qualifying adjectives, like honor or glory? (Those two are terms used in Werewolf, BTW.) Once I've decided how to define alignment, what actions belong to each category? What sort of benefits can I provide to characters for having an alignment score?
For the purposes of this discussion, I welcome thoughts and opinions about the old alignment system, including stong negative ones, because it helps to identify the problems. After all, you can't fix something if you don't know what's wrong with it. However, I want it known that I intend to fix the problems, because, as I see it, alignment is integral to the Planescape experience. I could simply use 2nd edition rules, but I've grown fond of 4th edition mechanics, and I'd rather my players get some use of the books they've invested in.
Final note: if you know of a thread that already discusses these concepts, please let me know. I've been searching, but I haven't found any so far. Any help anyone can provide will be greatly appreciated.
One thing about your proposed alignment system: Make sure it doesn't punish characters if they aren't extreme examples of a given alignment. I think that some of the most interesting (and psychologically realistic) characters are those that have a mix of alignment traits.
A classic example might be a villain who has some 'heroic' or nonevil traits. A villain who is generous and loyal to his family/close friends, but extremely villainous toward members of a kingdom that his kingdom is at war with, members of an opposed religion, the very poor, etc.
While actions are obviously important, don't forget to include the character's motivations in a discussion of alignment, too. For example, a PC breaks into a city's treasury and takes all that gold. The lawful character does this to a city of an opposed civilization (or a rogue member of his own civilization), and does it because his superiors ordered him to. A CG character might do this in the city of an evil tyrant, in order to deprive that evil tyrant of his gold and distribute his ill-gotten wealth among do-gooders. The NE might want all that gold for himself. The LE already has a document in hand giving him the right to loot the treasury. Same action, completely different motivations.
You can have specific actions on your list (example: torturing someone for pleasure is presumably an always-evil act), but you want to look for patterns of behavior and motivations when determining alignment. If you have a PC who is consistently willing to defy authority figures/institutions if those authority figures are acting in a way that the PC believes to be opposed to goodness, you probably have a CG. If you have a PC who consistently uses the local laws as a way to control or harm other people and advance his own interests, you probably have an LE character.
BoGr Guide to Missile Combat:
1) Equip a bow or crossbow.
2) Roll a natural 1 on d20.
3) ?????
4) Profit!