For an example, I play a cleric/fighter/bard of Xeen who's views on Xeens doctrine are different than the 'common' interpretations of Xeens doctrine as they've been played by other characters following the same goddess. On more than one occasion I've been told by a non-Xeenite (in-character) that I wasn't worshipping Xeen properly and that I'd soon find myself bereft of her blessings. Instead of getting all bent out of shape out-of-character about it, I've chosen instead to respond in-character, firstly by pointing out how my own character's interpretations are not only valid, but are actually the 'true' and 'proper' interpretations of the dogma. Then I also point out that if they weren't I'd already have lost, or never would have had in the first place, Xeen's favor as the other character has suggested would be the case....Let other characters try to tell you how to be a proper reflection of your characters faith, and then turn it around and do your best to convince them of how your character's interpretations are actually more valid than what they think is.
Plus... can't you use tells to inform others (Out of Character) where they might need to clean up their "act" for better RP? just a thought...
The GM team will step in if things start to bend/break server rules or are blatantly wrong (i.e. good clerics performing evil acts).
I dare anyone here give a non-empty definition of evil which is neutral with regards to context, time, culture and philosophic standpoint.
In 99.9% of all cases if someone told me I was playing MY character wrong I would find it offensive. If you stay in character and you behave within the overall guidelines of the server then others really have no business telling you to clean up your act.How can you know their motivations, background and basic character? I dont think you can...ever.When we critise the roleplay of others we are critising the player. Again I would argue that in 99,9% of the cases what we are actually doing is presuming our private view on good roleplay is the only way and judging others by that.If you think others roleplay are lacking instead critising or making "suggestions" via tells spend time with them. Teach by example and be willing to learn from example. In most cases you will end up not having changed their roleplay but appreciating it. Tolerance of other players go a long way in making a friendly server.
Good clerics can certainly have their reasons to perform an "evil" act. They are not paladins, good-evil isn't the only axis here and motivations for the clergy are often complex. Furthermore what is an evil act?I dare anyone here give a non-empty definition of evil which is neutral with regards to context, time, culture and philosophic standpoint.
In character, that's really hard, just like in real life situations. Mechanics-wise, it's pretty straight forward, though. The rules governing alignment spell out the difference between Good and Evil; you can look in the D&D rulebooks and see exactly what an Evil act is. By the rules, Good and Evil are pretty much black-and-white, so what is considered Evil is neutral to all context. It's really a pain in the butt trying to keep objective, capitalized, alignment Good and Evil separate from subjective, lower case, in-character good and evil while thinking about this stuff.Sorry to continue the tangent. I tried to keep it short.
I can only speak from personal experience, but divine characters (clerics, druids, paladins etc) tend to elicit a fair amount of "backseat roleplaying". I won't go as far as calling it grief, but it can be a semi-constant source of irritation, and reason enough, for me, not to make another cleric.
@Script Wrecked: At times it can be rather funny; especially when someone spends an evening insulting your god/goddess only to moan and complain when you won't raise them.