Pawns of the Gods: The DMG Cover To Cover

I'm now in the middle of page 34, having taken the Dungeon Master's Guide to work today, to read during my lunch hour. 

Alignment Languages

I never used alignment languages in AD&D. They always seemed unnecessary and far-fetched. But, this passage gave me a reason to reconsider the issue:

"Alignment language is a handy game tool which is not unjustifiable in real terms. Thieves did employ a special cant. Secret organizations and societies did and do have certain recognition signs, signals, and recognition phrases - possibly special languages (of limited extent) as well." Dungeon Masters Guide - page 24.

True enough and if we assume a milieu with real gods, which have a direct impact on the day-to-day affairs of mortals and mortal society, then this sort of social interaction is, indeed, plausible. And this is the sort of campaign, which Mr. Gygax is envisioning for AD&D:

"Whether or not the character actively professes some deity, he or she will have an alignment and serve one or more deities of this general alignment indirectly and unbeknownst to the character."  Dungeon Masters Guide - page 25.

As described by the author, these languages are limited in scope, mainly dealing with matters directly related to the ethos they serve. Seen in this light and in a culture so heavily influenced by the gods, Alignment Languages don't seem so ridiculous, at all. If you're still not on board, imagine two Religious Fundamentalists having an in-depth theological discussion. Or, better yet, two Hermetic Qabalists. Even better, two Physicists. If you're not into the same thing, you might understand some of it and may be able to identify their "alignment," but a lot of the terminology and meaning would go right over your head.

Other highlights, include:

• Hirelings, lackeys, men-at-arms and how much they'll set you back! And a pseudo NPC Class: The Sage. 
• Mr. Gygax has done a lot of work on the AD&D economy. It would be worth while, using it, even if I run S&W instead.
• If a player wants to run a Monster PC, he's probably just being a power-gaming dick. It is to be discouraged. 
• The Weapons vs. AC table is for actual armor only, save for in special cases. It is also an optional rule.

I never used that table and didn't remember if Gary considered it an optional rule, or not. Now, I won't feel bad about ditching it the next time I run AD&D. :)