A Matter of Belief II

Thanks to Enyx for his comment that got me thinking about this. It’s a bonus to A Matter of Belief, an article I wrote recently about belief systems in RPGs.

Here’s we go…

Some games have no real “perks” for being a member of a faith – other than what you may find in questlines or in references in the game, if they have them at all. Some (thankfully) do provide at least some framework with lore and information. This can be a stumbling block in your backstory and being in character.

World of Warcraft has a passive religion/belief system. It is there lore-wise and in some of the quests, but no “perks” per se. I guess someone at Blizzard -could- make it similar to the faction/rep system already in WoW, but that may be alot more than what the devs wanted to chew on. It’s also possible that idea was scrapped before it hit beta.

So, it’s left to us as role-players to bring it to “life” and give it some TLC.

This raises the question:

How to approach belief for role-playing in WoW (or in a similar game)?

While there is no ingame reward or penalty in the game mechanics, there could be such done ICly via role-playing, similar to how it’s done in tabletop RPGs. The downside is that it’s a more active feature if people also have an interest, which maybe you can help cultivate.

Though this does require some extra thought and RPing, it can help add depth to your character and also add some more role-playing possibilities.

But, that can be part of the fun, yes? Worth a shot at least.

So, let’s take a look at what we can do…

Here’s a three step process to help your character:

Research:
Do some researching via game books or sites to help give you some lore and infornation. Get an idea of what belief systems are available by your race and lore (if any). That gives you a start. Even if you may have already done so – you may find new info something you overlooked before that may help.

Example: A human who follows the philosphy of the Holy Light would have a different “world view” compared to a Night Elf who follows the goddess Elune.

A handful of sources to help:

http://www.blizzplanet.com/content/156/
http://www.wowwiki.com/Lore
http://www.wowinsider.com/category/know-your-lore/
http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/encyclopedia/
http://scrollsoflore.com/forums/
http://www.blizzplanet.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=43
http://www.wowwiki.com/Divine_Magic

This leads to…

Application:
Ask yourself how a “religion” choice (or lack of one) applies to your character, based on race, class and backstory. Establish behavior that works with your character accordingly. Once you think it out, it can help with role-playing.

If your character has a neutral regard to any religion, it can’t hurt to keep in mind how he reacts to the “world”. Gnomes could be seen as a neutral/agnostic or looking towards science/technology (and/or magic for some) to put “faith” in. There could also be a leaning towards the belief of The Makers, that most Dwarves are very curious about, but options are there depending on backstory.

Next, “What now?”…

Interaction:
Can your character’s values be expressed ingame? It can in different ways. The people you role-play with, the areas you frequent or avoid, and the likes and dislikes of your character. Deeds done ICly or RP events can help immerse folks and blend beliefs into the game. Don’t forget you can ease in and out of a belief ICly, if it fits and based on your storyline and interactions.

Just don’t change it like socks every day! *grin*

The ways this can be handled can be a simple or involved as needed based on your concept and ties to your character’s beliefs. This is also true of the consequences of encountering similar or conflicting ones.

Examples:

• A in character pilgrimage to a holy ground, monument or related place of importance.

• Making choices ICly based on your character’s beliefs.

• Having a kind discussion ICly of one belief or another at a tavern or meeting place.

• Creating your own “quest” to help out your religion of choice or a friend. These can be good quest hooks for guildies or friends.

• Use questlines/instances or spawn areas as an adventure hook and get folks interested in the Burning Legion, Old Gods, Ancients and Eternals. Example: Going against Ragnaros, the Elemental Lord or Hakkar the Soulflayer with a group. On a less “epic” scale, you could take on minions (Cult of the Damned, Twilight Hammer, elemental invasions, demons, undead, etc.).

• A service or gathering. (A druidic gathering, a Light service, or a celebration to the Earthmother)

• Using some of the belief-based sayings or variants ICly that reflect your character. (“Spirits be with you.”, “Light bless you.” or “Elune watch over you.”)

• Creating a role-playing guild, or player group with a belief-based dynamic. (A group of druids, paladins, shaman, etc.) This could lead to interesting RP with guildies and others.

• Role-playing being in awe of a holy shrine, or feeling moved in some way by deed or event.

• Working with/making friends (or enemies) or a group of another or similar belief. It can lead to possibly interesting storylines.

• IC reactions to those of another belief or group.

• Establish certain religious/belief restrictions or perks for your character. This goes back with what you do with your concept and backstory – and the follow through in role-playing. Examples: Priests that wish not to shed blood to use blunt weapons only, ala D&D. Saying a prayer for someone in need. Druids not harming wildlife unless no other recourse. This can also be done with color usage in wardrobe or as mundane as not to drink alcohol.

“Milk please… <squints at the odd looks from bar patrons>
… in a dirty glass.”

Just as in everyday life, belief systems (or the lack thereof) influence life choices/actions, morals, and outlooks. This dictates how we react/treat to others, what we consider “right”, “wrong” and “questionable” and how we carry ourselves.

Something to think about.

At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun with others. Godspeed!