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This topic is a continuation from the thread on "cold wights". I'm starting it as a new discusssion since it no longer pertains to slaying cold wights, and deals only with the isssue of alignment, ethics, and roleplay; specifically with regard to pickpocketing and/or killing non-hostile NPCs, and fellowships among characters of opposite alignments.
There are two components to alignment. The first relates to the degree to which one values order and respects laws and other codes of conduct. For example, lawfully aligned characters will uphold the law, so long as they believe it is established by a legitimate authority; neutrally aligned characters may break the law, though the circumstances for doing so will depend on the second element of their alignment; and chaotic characters have little regard for laws, but will only cause harm to others based on the second element of their alignment.
The second component of alignment relates to the degree to which a character values the life, liberty, and property of others; and values the greater good in relation to their personal well-being. Good characters have high regard for the life, liberty, and property of others, and work towards the greater good (even at the expense of their personal well-being). In contrast, evil characters are selfish and have little regard for others.
Given this premise, only non-lawful characters of neutral or evil alignment (TN, CN, NE, CE) would pickpocket an NPC for personal gain, though there would be some rationalization on the part of the TN character. And, only non-lawful characters of evil alignment (NE or CE) would kill a non-hostile NPC just to take their stuff. It's possible that a NG character would commit theft, but only if there was reason to believe that the theft would benefit the greater good, and that such benefit couldn't be legitimately achieved.
There is also an issue of whether good characters would associate with neutral or evil characters. For example, Paladins have core values like truth, piety, honor, and valor, and probably wouldn't accompany a party with chaotic or evil aligned characters. A paladin would likely not even accompany a party with a true neutral thief or bard that pickpockets NPCs. In the "cold wights" thread, another contributor suggested that the Paladin might have a "don't ask/don't tell" in this situation, but such cognitive dissonance is impossible for the paladin who values truth and honor.
I conclude my argument by saying that it's not meant to be prescriptive. I'm only entering into a theoretical discussion regarding how fictional characters might act given their alignment. It's your game, and for you the world of IWD is whatever you decide to make of it.
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