A Matter of Belief

One aspect in role-playing is the religious affiliation or beliefs of a character. Most times these tie into the moral/ethics as well. Beliefs follow a leaning towards good, neutral and evil. This is more prominent in classes that involve religion in some form in character, such as priests, druids or shaman.

Of course this depends on you and your character’s backstory whether or not it plays a part, but it should not be too hastily skipped when thinking about a character’s past, present or future.

Some games have a very detailed writeup on their religions, others point at it then move on to whatever – not really giving it a fair shake in character creation. In role-playing, it can figure into your backstory and help define/develop certain aspects which sometimes can be overlooked.

Kind of a prime example in “old school” tabletop games when a cleric calling upon his or her patron deity sounded more like ordering the [#3 Super-Sized] at a drive thru…

“Can I get a medium Holy Water to go?”

*shrug*

(Thanks to Mograg for the assist on that analogy)

Religion and beliefs can play a active role depending on your character. No, you don’t have to go nuts with it, but it can be a nice idea to include for role-playing. That’s where moderation and a bit of research comes in. I’ll expand a bit more on this shortly.

Disclaimer from my tabletop days: “Religions” in fantasy games and mmopgs may (and often do) have some connections or similarities with “real-world” religions and beliefs. These are used however in a fictional/fantasy sense in regards to role-playing and in no way promotes the use of such in real life. For those that may have a concern (and it’s ok that you may)… no, we don’t all believe in demons and the like – really! *grin*

Moving right along…

In the World of Warcraft, for instance – there are many belief systems. Some have actual deities, others are beliefs in a certain path and concepts/symbols. Granted they do not change anything in regards to stats, damage, etc., but it can enhance role-playing. That’s where this can be an additional facet to your character.

Some of Warcraft’s “religions” include:
The Holy Light, Shadow/Death, Shamanism, Druidism, Elune, The Earthmother, Cenarius, The Makers, Demonology, Loa, Dragons, Magic, and The Old Gods.

These religions have some broad and narrow followings and also some racial requirements or leanings. Trolls normally worship Loas, and most humans revere the Holy Light, for instance.

Here’s some ideas and comments:

• Knowledge and Lore:
  For those the revere a certain belief, it’s good to know about the game’s lore and information on these. In-game religions or belief systems for your character can add some spice to your role-playing persona. See what fits logically into your backstory and see where it leads. Some of the religions/beliefs mentioned are used by non-player races, but some could be adapted into a backstory. Do some research first before picking an religion or belief that is off the beaten path. The main thing is to not abuse or twist it so far out of lore that it deconstructive to role-playing.
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  Example:
  Most Undead/forsaken do not revere The Holy Light as such. From the process of being undead and some being made Scourge, it has been twisted/mocked it into a belief in Darkness and Shadow. Some undead actually may have had close ties to their faith and somehow it managed to keep it after the conversion to undeath or work towards it again. This can spark some interesting role-playing. However, it may not be something to brag about or openly promote ICly in certain areas of the Undercity.

• Extremes in Beliefs:
  Please note that some beliefs can be taken to an extreme ICly, and sometimes bent/twisted from it’s original path. Use this with caution and sparingly on characters as this can cause conflicts.
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  Example: The Holy Light and The Scarlet Crusade:
  The Scarlet Crusade, through corruption and a twisting of the values and morals of the Holy Light, have an extreme view of their beliefs. Formerly associated with the Light based Silver Hand, they now have there own paranoid agenda and ideas. There actions are bordering on as evil, using the Holy Light with a twisted world view. This is an example of one of the Heretics of the Light.
  

• Keeping OOC and IC Separate:
  Remember that your character may understand his/her beliefs differently. In the above example, a Scarlet Crusader may think in his/her mind that what they do is pious and for the “greater good”. The Player knows otherwise and know the other parts of the Lore that the character may not. Keeping this separate and IC makes for good role-play.
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  Another aspect of OOC/IC knowledge is associating an in-game religion with a real world one. While fictional beliefs may draw upon certain qualities of a real religion, they are different systems and concepts. Take Warcraft’s version of druids and the actual celtic druids. Some similarities can be found, but totally different ideals, history, and structure were used for the mmorpg. It does not, however, mean you cannot borrow ideas to use ingame, just understand the difference between real world religions and fictional ones. I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but I wanted to address this. *grin*

• Play The Role:
  One of the coolest things I saw on Earthen Ring were “Services to the Light” at the Stormwind Cathedral. Originally started by Tyreleus (Father Ty) and accompanied/carried on by Felena of the Winters End guild, it was something to look forward to. Was fun back then, just like Terrick, an undead priest having services for Horde.
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  My point is think about playing your role as a priest or paladin, shaman or druid. You don’t have to do anything elaborate or complex, just make it a part of your IC personality. Know a little of the lore and act the part when you can, even if it’s on a base level. Work it into your role-play style, backstory and have fun with it without cramping your RP in other places. Example: Druids killing squirrels for no reason in Teldrassil – makes no sense. Talk up the nature/circle of life and the balance aspects – do the nature “thing”. *grin* That may be a little extreme, but you get my point.
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  This goes for events also! Perhaps having a enclave of druids doing a nature celebration on solstices or ancestoral/elemental rituals for shaman (Ghost Wolves dancing rock!). Cool ideas all and doable!

• Character Interactions:
  Various beliefs can stir different reactions towards other role-players. For example, a Scarlet Crusade member in Stormwind would cause quite a stir, as would a openly known member of the Cult of The Damned. The main thing here is to think ahead if it will be contrary to the majority view of an area you role-play. While conflict is a facet of role-playing, make sure it’s something you want as opposed to a surprise.

• The Madonna/Drama Card:
  If a member of a secret cult or something, don’t have your character flash it like a neon sign. Some go for the “shock value” of it, but that quickly gets old, done and blah after a time. It also narrows your interaction with other role-players. Another thing to be aware of if how your character reacts to others, depending on how social your are IC. While being zealous in your belief can be alright in character, being obnoxious and disrupting RP for the sake of such is not. Knowing the difference is good!
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  Common sense, moderation as well as having fun is key here.

Last words, for now…
Thinking about and maybe using a belief system can really help define your character a little more and add some role-playing hooks and encounters. If nothing else it makes a good point to ponder during character creation.

Note: Some source materials from the Warcraft RPG and related sources on the various faiths, organizations and racial notes can be found at WoWwiki: http://www.wowwiki.com