In RPGs, what exactally is the difference between lawfull neutrall and chaotic good?

Answer 1

This alignment system is specific to D&D although it has been copied in some ways by a few other games.

There are two components to alignment often reffered to as ethical and moral although these are not particularly good lables.

The first component (Ethical) covers the opposites of Law and Chaos. Lawful characters or societies believe in rules, in order, in heirarchies, etc. Chaotics don't. More to the point, chaotics tend to believe that there are no absolute rules and in any case, the rules certainly don't apply to them.

The second component (Moral) covers Good and Evil. Good seeks to benefit others, Evil is selfish at the expense of others.

So a Lawful Neutral character doesn't much care about Good or Evil, he's more concerned that the rules are followed becuase that leads to a neat orderly society. Anything less would invite Chaos and disorder. As far as he's concerned, the rules are the rules. Good, bad or indifferent, doesn't matter to him as long as they all play by the rules.

Chaotic Good characters on the other hand belive in individual freedom and choice, so long as it does no harm to others. They are not necessarily rebels, in a Good society they are likely to follow most of the rules, but they do it because it's right, not because it's a rule. However, they will have no qualms about breaking laws they feel are wrong or silly.

The LN is likely to be horrified by the CG lack of respect for the rules and to find his concern for the welfare of individuals instead of societyu as a whole puzzling, while the CG will tend to think of the LN as a either a tyrant or a drone, lacking individuality and/or trying to snuff it out in others.

Answer 2

There are 9 possible character alignments, from combining 3 values each of order and goodness.

Order:
Lawful
Neutral
Chaotic

Goodness:
Good
Neutral
Evil

Hence the table becomes:
Lawful Good, Neutral Good, Chaotic Good
Lawful Neutral, True Neutral, Chaotic Neutral
Lawful Evil, Neutral Evil, Chaotic Evil

Order reflects the adherence of the character to societal rules. Goodness reflects the intent of actions.

Example of (famous?) characters and their alignments:
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (Nintendo DS) would be the typical model for Lawful Good. He adheres 100% to the law, and his actions are for the good of... good.

I can't think of an example of a neutral good, but this would be a person whose actions are of good intent, but would occasionally break the law, if required, in order to achieve his motives.

Robin Hood is the typical model for Chaotic Good. He has no regard for the laws of the land, as he is a thief. However, the intent/motive behind this action is a "good" one: to give to the poor.

Answer 3

chaotic good people basically apply their own interpretation of what is good and what is not.

lawful neutral just go along with the laws.

Answer 4

"lawful neutral" and "chaotic good" are not general to all RPGs...