I think part of the problem - and if this is the case, I get where Mat's coming from - is that this leaves the gate open for too many wildcard characters. A wildcard should be unique, not the whole deck. If we have too many people switching sides too often, then it becomes very difficult to keep things balanced as plot moves. Further, if we have too many people splitting off into smaller factions or trying to remain out of the struggle, it's frustrating.<br/><br/>As much as this is a sandbox, there really isn't a lot of reason for people to be comfortable standing aside as Rumble starts to attack every living installment.<br/><br/>In the end, everyone will have to choose one side or the other.<br/><br/>So, while I have a little trouble with the idea that there's a multi-continental PA system geared to deliver a mandating message to people she's never met before, you could always just explain it away with "magic!" The new trouble is, in the stories as much as reality, not every character is a hero or a villain. The fox, for instance, is the keeper of information, the messenger, the trickster, etc. She's not the hero, only meant to bless or hinder the hero depending on his choices.<br/><br/>Additionally, thee are many heroes which, outside of the fluffy, godawful Disney versions, weren't as cut-and-dry as Walt made them out to be. If we find a realistic way to coerce all the characters into one faction or another, we'll have to come to terms with the fact that the "neutral" characters will often not want to be led by anyone, least of all Snow. There will be rebellions and challenges for power, people going rogue because they simply see jo reason to have to listen to her, etc. Or any of the princesses, for that matter.<br/><br/>When it comes down to it,  one way makes sense for the game, while the other makes sense for reality.<br/><br/>Right now, Rumple's conquest makes no difference to Kit, and she's not a hero, so I'm not sure how that's going to effect her. Right now she's curious and will likely be drawn into the mission to kill him, but not because she's good. In fact, the mission to kill him for an arbitrary reason would make her evil, not good. (And killing him for any reason that basically says "because they said so" counts as arbitrary).<br/><br/>Maybe having them categorize by faction or mission would be better than alignment. When Rumple threatens something that actually matters to her, Kit will eventually be turned against him, even if she starts out on his side. This categorically makes her chaotic neutral or evil, even if she chooses to side with the "heroes". I think the alignment discussion is what's confusing things.<br/><br/>In the end, you can try to force them onto the same team, but that does not mean they'll play nicely.