Races and Reactions

[xXCrystal_Rose]

As defined by our benevolent overlord Howland:

Alignment In the EfU setting, the various alignment poles are objectively defined powers  as decreed by an unknown overgod, Ao. However, this central  metaphysical fact is virtually unknown to almost all characters.  Instead, every character will have his or her own philosophy and  morality as well as definition of terms. "Shades of grey" exists for  almost all individual character's reality as much as it does for our  own. "Good" can be defined by characters as anything that approximates  the truth of being an objectively defined force or simply as something  that is desirable (anything from a Baneite actively working to quash  "goodly peoples" or an unsophisticated rogue deciding it is "good" to  get money from the people he robs).

Paladins, blessed (or cursed?) with the supernatural ability to detect  evil alignments, will typically understand this as a divine gift from  their particular patron deity as a way to see either the mark of past  misdeeds or of a fundamental evil nature. Even paladins, though, as  fallible mortals in a complex universe will be forced to often make  complex choices and decisions, sometimes with there being no right or  correct answer.

Separate from alignment, there is also stuff that is considered by most  druids and those with a druidic-influenced nature code as "Unnatural."  Typically, this is stuff that these characters and NPCs believe simply  do not belong in the world, and should be eradicated or prevented  whenever possible.


Aberrations - Difficult to define, aberrations are monsters that  share common characteristics of being extremely unnatural and grotesque.  Canonically they are defined as having, "... a bizarre anatomy, strange  abilities, an alien mindset, or any combination of the three." In EfU,  it is speculated by some that there is some common influence or origin  that ultimates defines aberrations. Aberrations are overwhelmingly, but  not exclusively, evil. For example, some aberrant monsters in the  Underdark (such as hook horrors) are not necessarily more evil than a  ferocious wild beast in the jungles of Ymph. To most, aberrations are  just another scary monster. To those influenced by a druidic or nature-based code, they are considered an unnatural blight to be eradicated whenever possible.






(Normal wolves and dire wolf)
Animals are a natural part of the world, and are overwhelmingly  neutral. Some cultures such as "Old Ways" Stargazers have a particular  affinity or respect for different kinds of animals in Ymph. Most  adventurers will understand different kinds of animals as a potential  threat, but not necessarily the kind that deserves eradication.

It is very easy to imagine some, though, that actively seek the subjugation and "taming" of the wilderness.


In EfU, "dire" animals are not considered unnatural by druids.







Constructs are typically neutral, with rare kinds being evil - perhaps because of their power source (such as constructs being powered by some kind of terrible necromantic ritual) or material (such as being formed from devil-hides).

Different kinds of mechanized constructs, such as EfU-specific  "animatrons," although not truly evil may be considered by those with a  nature-based code as being particularly unnatural and something to be  destroyed whenever possible. Giant, EfU-specific machine-areas may  likewise be considered unnatural and wrong not only by nature-PCs but by  those who prefer a sort of primal, non-automated existence.






Dragons are rare in our setting, but do occasionally exert  considerable influence. Although dragons run the gamut of alignment, in  EfU they will mostly be evil as for story-telling purposes they are  better that way.






Elementals are canonically defined as, "...a being composed of  one of the four classical elements: air, earth, fire, or water." In EfU,  we have expanded this to include other kinds of elementals representing  other elements. Elementals are generally neutral. Although considered  to be just another scary monster to most, druids do have an affinity  towards elementals and do not generally consider them unnatural.







Giants and Humanoids are often evil, but some may well be good or  neutral. They are generally considered natural, but may be fought by  druids as many of these races have a tendency to be a destructive  influence on the wild or breed out of control. Most will consider them a  scary monster.

Among even those with an evil disposition, their innate evil is  typically of a lesser degree than other kinds of monsters. For example,  however cruel and brutal an ogre may be it doesn't really compare to the  extreme evil of a powerful devil or undead.







Fey are supernatural creatures with a particular connection to  nature. They have a kind of other-worldliness to them, but are  considered as an accepted part of the natural world by druids.

Some are greatly feared, whereas others are considered by many as  creatures of delight. They are creatures of folklore, myth, and mystery.




Planar are those creatures that originate from the planes.  Typically they exemplify their particular alignments. Typically any  creature of planar-origin will be considered as unnatural by druids, but  may be tolerated temporarily.

Celestials are creatures of great virtue and inner goodness, will  deeply respected and revered by those of a goodly disposition. However,  there is a degree of peaceful conflict among those of more  lawful/neutral/chaotic dispositions.








Fiends are those creatures of a wholly evil disposition, notably devils and demons.   Fiends are considered both unnatural and very evil. They are feared  and hated by most. They greatly desire the souls of mortals, which are  essential as food and as material for the raging Blood War between  devils and demons that occupies much of their attention and energy.



Devils ("infernal creatures") are of a lawful disposition, and  consequently can be considered more predictable and controllable. They  are nevertheless deeply dangerous and association with such creatures  (whether as through some manner of infernal pact or conjuration) is an  evil act.




Demons ("abyssal creature") are chaotic and unpredictable.  Association with them is deeply evil and unnatural. They are more  numerous than devils.









Undead are those creatures that were once living, but now are not. The vast majority of undead are both evil and unnatural. However, there are some incredibly rare exceptions.

The process of creating undead is likewise almost always considered both  evil and unnatural, however there are complex methods - beyond the  reach of most PCs - where through complicated rituals a spirit might be  induced to, on its own, arrive in order to provide protection or wisdom.  This process may not necessarily be objectively evil. Summoning spirits  through conjuration-based bindings as well as the "Animate Dead" spell  are depraved and wholly evil acts.

More info on animating the dead found here: http://www.escapefromundeath.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64372

[Jagged]

Cool addition!

[KreShar]

Water elemental pic