The LAWFUL ethos, what does it mean?

Choosing a lawful ethos is a very deep commitment.  It means that you are

demonstrating a willingness to obey all the laws and follow all the orders

that have been given by a recognised superior authority.  To lawfuls, a

lawful society is a place in which they may be confident that others will

act as they should.  Qualities of lawful characters (regardless of

alignment) are typically, honor, trustworthiness, obedience to authority,

and reliability.  Conversely, lawfuls can also be close-minded, overly

traditional and judgmental.  



It is common that heroic characters will run into conflict between their

lawful ethos and alignment.  For example, a Lawful Good faces a deep

dilemma of whether to uphold a sworn oath when it may bring harm to

innocents, and whenever there are laws that conflict - his cabal's laws

versus the local law of the towns.  However, a Lawful Evil will simply

weigh the risk of getting caught versus the potential benefits.  Since

Abandoned Realms has a significant Immortal presence, an evil will obey laws

rather than risk the wrath of the gods of order.  Lawful neutral characters

adhere most strongly to the law.  



Being lawful does not imply that you have a right to enforce the rules and

laws in absence of policement. Nevertheless, there are benefits to being lawful.