Neutral Good (NG): Overview and Tips for D&D Roleplayers

Hello, fellow D&D roleplayers and welcome to another article of the series dedicated to D&D Alignments.
Today’s topic revolves around the Neutral Good alignment, which is one of the 9 alignments in Dungeons & Dragons and it represents those individuals who believe in doing good and helping others, but who also value their own personal freedom and autonomy.

In this article, I’ll explore this alignment in depth, discussing what it means, how it differs from other alignments, what kinds of characters and creatures typically embody this alignment and some good tips for players.

Whether you’re a seasoned D&D player or a newcomer to the game, this article will give you a deeper understanding of the alignment and how you could better play a Neutral Good character.

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What is Neutral Good in D&D?

Neutral good folk do the best they can to help others according to their needs. Many celestials, some cloud giants, and most gnomes are neutral good.

_{Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook Edition 5.0}

Neutral Good characters tend to be guided by their own moral code rather than strict adherence to the law, and they believe that individuals should be free to make their own decisions as long as they don’t harm others.

They are often seen as the “good guys” in D&D, but they are not as rigid or dogmatic as Lawful Good characters.

Beliefs and Behaviour of Characters and NPCs

Neutral Good characters prioritize doing what is right and helping others without being bound by strict laws or rules.
They value their independence and have a strong moral compass guiding their actions.

These characters often feel that their focus should be on doing good deeds, regardless of whether they are adhering to a specific set of laws or battling against oppressive regimes.

While some Neutral Good individuals might do good actions as a natural part of their everyday lives, others may embark on quests to spread goodness and help others wherever they go.
It’s essential to understand that while Neutral Good characters are primarily driven by their moral values and desire to help others, they can still cooperate with lawful societies, governments, or institutions when it benefits their righteous goals.

Characters and NPCs with this alignment strive to maintain balance therefore they must be cautious about becoming too trusting or naive in their pursuit of doing something good, as this could potentially lead them down a darker path or allow them to be manipulated by more cunning and morally dubious individuals.

Characters Examples

In popular culture, there are many examples of Neutral Good characters. Here are a few examples:

Background Ideas for NPCs or Characters

• A former soldier who fought for a just cause but became disillusioned with the military and now works as a mercenary, taking on jobs that align with their moral code.
• A healer who travels from town to town, offering their services to those in need regardless of their ability to pay. He’s motivated by a desire to help others and ease suffering.
• Scholars who spend their days researching and studying ancient texts and artifacts. They believe that knowledge is power and that understanding the past can help guide the future.
• A ranger who protects a vast wilderness area from poachers and other threats. He’s fiercely protective of the creatures that call the forest home and will go to great lengths to ensure their safety.
• A rogue who uses their skills to steal from the rich and give to the poor. He sees himself as a modern-day Robin Hood, taking from those who have too much and giving to those who have too little.

How to Play a Neutral Good Character

Alignment and Roleplaying Tips

When playing characters with this alignment is important to focus on the motives behind their actions, which are usually fueled by a sense of kindness, empathy, and compassion towards others.

They may cooperate with authority when it aligns with their principles but aren’t beholden to a specific organisation or set of rules, therefore they can frequently use diplomacy and persuasion to negotiate between different groups or individuals.

They act based on their moral compass, which is guided by the desire to help others and promote good in the world. They also have a strong sense of personal responsibility for their own actions and take a balanced approach to problem-solving, weighing the pros and cons of each situation.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

• One big challenge that these characters eventually face is the need to navigate complex moral dilemmas where multiple valid options exist, and no clear-cut “right” answer is obvious. This can lead to interesting choices that allow the character to grow and develop over time.

• Balancing the needs of others with their own desires. NG characters often prioritize the needs of others over their own, but they must also take care of themselves and ensure that their own needs are met.
• Neutral Good characters might find themselves at odds with other characters who have a more rigid alignment, such as Lawful Good, leading to conflicts over priorities and methods.
• Dealing with those who are purely evil. Neutral good characters believe in redemption and second chances, but they may struggle to reconcile this belief with the actions of those who are truly evil.

Opportunities:

• Building strong relationships with others. As they are often seen as trustworthy and reliable, and they can use this reputation to build strong alliances and gain the support of others.
• Making a positive impact on the world. NG characters have a strong desire to make the world a better place, and they have the opportunity to do so through their actions and choices.
• Inspiring others to do good and demonstrating the power of doing what is right, neutral good characters can inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Examples of Neutral Good Character Actions

Actions they would do

• Helping a stranger in need without expecting anything in return, simply because it’s the right thing to do.
• Breaking a law or bending a rule if it means protecting innocent lives or preventing unnecessary suffering.
• Cooperating with both lawful and chaotic characters, as long as their intentions align with the Neutral Good’s desire to do good in the world.
• Taking a stand against evil, regardless of the consequences or potential backlash.

Actions they wouldn’t do

• Putting personal gain or profit above the well-being of others.
• Strictly adhering to a code or set of rules at the expense of innocent lives or the greater good.
• Engaging in actions that cause unnecessary harm or suffering, even if it’s in pursuit of a positive outcome.
• Supporting or tolerating corrupt institutions, even if doing so would maintain a sense of order.

It’s important to note that these actions are not set in stone, and NG characters can still surprise players and DMs with their decisions.
These actions could serve as a general guideline for players who are new to the game.

Why Play a Neutral Good Character?

In this section, I’ll list the benefits and potential drawbacks of playing an NG character.

Benefits

• Flexibility: Neutral Good characters are adaptable, which allows them to make choices that suit the given situation. They aren’t burdened by strict rules or anarchy, enabling them to think creatively and find effective solutions.
• Caring nature: Neutral Good characters are mostly good people who believe that good should triumph over evil. Their empathetic nature makes them well-liked by other characters and NPCs within the game world.
• Heroic tendencies: Neutral Good characters often have a heroic streak, working to do the right thing just for the sake of it. This could lead to engaging storylines in the game.

Potential Drawbacks

• Conflicts with law and chaos: A Neutral Good character may struggle when encountering characters who strictly adhere to the law or those who thrive in chaos. Expect to see tense situations and difficult decisions within the game.
• Difficulty with morally grey choices: Neutral Good characters may find it challenging to navigate morally ambiguous situations, as they are more likely to seek a solution that benefits the greater good. This may lead to internal conflict or trouble with fellow party members.
• Navigating bureaucracy: Since Neutral Good characters don’t inherently oppose or support existing systems, they may experience difficulty working within highly bureaucratic environments. This can lead to complications or setbacks in adventure scenarios.

Neutral Good vs. Other Alignments

Neutral Good vs Lawful Good

Neutral Good characters follow their conscience and genuinely seek to help others, without strict adherence to laws or codes. Lawful Good individuals, on the other hand, believe in the importance of upholding rules and order while acting morally. While both have good intentions, their relationship with rules and authority significantly differs.

Neutral Good vs Chaotic Good

While both Neutral Good and Chaotic Good characters aim to do good deeds, Chaotic Good individuals are actively against oppressive systems and unjust laws, sometimes rebellious in nature. Neutral Good characters, however, don’t necessarily oppose authority but operate outside the law when they feel it is necessary to achieve a just end. It’s not rare to see these 2 alignments clash with each other.

Neutral Good vs Lawful Neutral

Lawful Neutral characters strictly uphold the law, valuing order and stability over moral considerations. Neutral Good characters, in contrast, prioritize doing good within or outside the law, depending on what feels right to their morals.

Neutral Good vs True Neutral

True Neutral characters maintain a balance without bias for or against any particular alignment. They may choose to act morally or follow the law but have no consistent preference. In contrast, Neutral Good characters have an abiding commitment to good deeds and justice, whether within or outside of the law.

Neutral Good vs Chaotic Neutral

Chaotic Neutral characters follow their own whims, disregarding rules and conventions. While they may occasionally perform good deeds, they lack the consistent moral compass that defines Neutral Good characters. Neutral Good individuals prioritize the well-being of others, while Chaotic Neutral characters are unpredictable and primarily focused on personal freedom.

Neutral Good vs Lawful Evil

Lawful Evil individuals manipulate laws and established systems to their advantage, prioritizing their ambitions over the welfare of others. In contrast, Neutral Good characters prioritize justice, righteousness, and the good of others, operating within or outside the law when necessary.

Neutral Good vs Neutral Evil

Neutral Evil characters put their self-interests first at the expense of others, with little regard for moral or legal constraints. Neutral Good characters, however, are guided by their conscience and a strong sense of altruism, seeking the greater good despite any obstacles.

Neutral Good vs Chaotic Evil

Chaotic Evil characters embrace violence, chaos, and personal gain without empathy or moral restraint. Neutral Good characters stand in stark contrast, striving for justice, righteousness, and the welfare of others while remaining flexible in their approach to laws and regulations.

Neutral Good FAQs

Can an NG character be a paladin in D&D?

Paladins are typically associated with the Lawful Good alignment, which means they prioritize following laws and rules over personal desires or individual freedoms, and they strive to do what is right and just. However, paladins can also follow other alignments, including Neutral Good, which means they prioritize doing what is right and just over following laws or rules, but still value individual freedom and autonomy.

For example, a Neutral Good paladin might be willing to break a law or rule if it means doing the right thing or protecting innocent people from harm.
Overall, a Neutral Good paladin can still embody the principles of justice, righteousness, and honour that are associated with paladins, but they may approach these principles in a more flexible or nuanced way than a Lawful Good paladin would.

How does a Neutral Good character fit into a D&D party?

They might serve as the party’s moral compass, reminding the other members of the group about the importance of doing what is right and just and they could also be the voice of reason, helping the party make tough decisions and navigate difficult ethical dilemmas.

In terms of combat or adventuring, a Neutral Good character might be a healer or support character, using their abilities to help their allies and protect innocent people from evil foes.
Alternatively, they might be damage-dealing characters who focus on taking down enemies and protecting the weak.

Can a Neutral Good character kill anyone?

Yes, Neutral Good D&D characters can kill if it’s necessary to protect innocent lives or to stop evil forces from causing harm; even though they prioritize doing what is right and just, they also recognize that sometimes violence is necessary to achieve those goals.
However, Neutral Good characters will typically kill as a last resort and will try to find non-lethal solutions to problems whenever possible.

Ultimately, whether a Neutral Good character kills or not will depend on the specific situation and the character’s personal beliefs and values, but in general Neutral Good characters aren’t opposed to violence or killing if it’ i’s necessary to protect what is good and just.