A domain is defined, at least in part, by the values it holds dear. When two Domains have one or more shared values are said to be in alignment (sometimes referred to as "positively aligned"). Domains that have one or more opposing values are said to be out of alignment (or "negatively aligned"). Domains that have no matching values are indifferent or, if they have an equal number of opposing and shared values, are conflicted ("neutral" in either case).   Alignment is a tool that DMs use to determine the initial attitude an NPC domain has regarding other domains, yours included. When your regent character takes a diplomacy action, that action is much more likely to succeed if the domain you are interacting with is aligned with your own. If that diplomacy action is an attempt to agitate another domain for or against a third domain, a positive or negative alignment between the other domains will also be a factor in whether or not your action succeeds.   Being in alignment doesn't automatically translate into two domains liking one another. Being in alignment simply means that there is common ground that diplomats can emphasize, making diplomacy a bit easier than it otherwise would be. Also, it is quite often the case that alignment is a matter of degrees. If your domain and your neighbor have one value in common, you are in alignment. However, if your neighbor and your enemy have two shared values, they are in even greater alignment. In game terms, being Slightly Aligned (having a net +1 shared value) grants a +5 alignment bonus to diplomacy checks, being In Alignment (net +2 shared values) grants a +10 bonus and being in Full Alignment (having three shared values) grants a +15 bonus. Indifferent or conflicted domains receive no bonus or penalty and those who are negatively-aligned receive a -5, -10, or -15 penalty depending on the degree to which their domain is out of alignment with your own.   It is not enough for a regent to pay lip service to upholding the values of his or her domain. Actions speak louder than words, after all. Whenever a regent takes a domain action that conflicts with one of his or her domain's values, the domain receives a -1 penalty to their alignment bonus for the value in question. Each alignment change lasts for 1 year.