Gods

[Thomas_Not_very_wise]

The next time I hear someone say, "But that isn't that X deity is about." Is going to get a blackeye.

Only Dogmatic clerics and paladins follow the dogma to the word, followers are much free-er in their actions. a Chaotic Good Talassian is perfectly possible if you focus on the chaos aspect, then focus on trying to topple a corrupt government.

Helm! Duty, whatever it takes sort of deal. Break the laws in order to uphold greater ones, murder children in order to pursue your duty. Guard the vile evil necromancer in your duty to uphold and oath to him.

Torm! Be an assassin who hunts down traitors, hire yourself at cheaper rates if it means your target is a traitor, serve a patron gloriously, for good or evil.

Just because a gods alignment doesn't match your intentions, doesn't mean shit!

[N/A]

Como estas.

[St Juste]

But that isn't that X deity is about.

Sorry , I can't resist to temptation.

I approve, in real history people that believed in holy book where was write that peace is a good thing, started war to the unbelievers...

[Luke Danger]

It's reasonable for non-divine classes (Fighters, Wizards, even Rangers to a degree) to be required to conform a decent ammount to the Dogma of their god, after all, if they just said they do, then they're considered 'False' (if such is a case, then well, they aren't exactly real ones, are they?)

Also, consider how your alignment affects the look! A Lawful Neutural fighter of CN Tempus should fight honorably and keep his word, not cheat. This is especially true when it comes to fighting in a arena in the watch of a Tempuran Priest. A NE Wiz of Bane shouldn't be saying he's superior to a Banite priest because of the basic boot-leg chain of the Banite heiarchy. A CG Tyrran should probably not be breaking laws and flaunting justice willy-nilly, even if it is for the greater good, but that doesn't mean they should not be -able- to break the law (IE, in old Sanc, use magic to stop a theif from escaping justice or to rebel against a corrupt *spoiler*).


So play your characters, but keep the basic Dogma of a diety in mind, and the alignment as well. That's my advice, TBH. Agree or not, that's what I say.

[TomBanana]

Well, I guess that all started because of what I said earlier at IRC. We were talking about Divine Champions, Thomas. So, before you give me a black eye, remember that Divine Champions must meet the deity's alignment and be faithful to their dogmas. And further, spreading, representing it and being the living examples of their gods. Nevertheless, I agree with what you said.

[Skrillix]

A NE Wiz of Bane shouldn't be saying he's superior to a Banite priest because of the basic boot-leg chain of the Banite heiarchy

Well, not since the end of the Time of Troubles when Fzoul put an end to that nonsense. <_<

[Lythaniel]

i guess the way i look at religion in D&D is the same way i look at it irl.  Even priests can adapt the dogma to their own personal views.  Take selune for example.  You could have your everyday bard that loves to travel and do whatever or your headstrong warrior merely seeking to rid the world of lycanthropy.  
 
Using rl, just taking one religion, you have christians who are at church every sunday or what not that follows the bibile to the T and you have most who are 'I'm christian, i believe in god" and still do whatever they want with little regard to the bible.
 
Its all how each individual interprets the dogma

[ScottyB]

Non-divine followers are allowed to be inspired by any number of deities, with their "first choice" (or top choice) being their patron. This means that they should believe that what they are doing is good for their god, and respect and cooperate with preachers and enforcers of that faith.

It's perfectly alright for a Rogue/Assassin of Torm to think he's doing a good job by offing evil overlords and pedophiles, but if a Cleric of Torm finds out about this he should listen to the cleric and use his abilities in ways that better conform to the ways of Torm - under the cleric's guidance.

Clerics aren't just there to convert people and sell buffs for prayers. They also need to be shepherds of their flock, because there's probably a wayward psychopathic sheep or two out there.

When some Joe on the street tries to tell you you're doing it wrong, what do they know? But when a guy juiced up by your god's divinity tells you to shape up, he probably knows what he's talking about!

[Caddies]

Ley followers (non-divine classes) may very well have odd or misconceived takes on the dogma. Usually, if done well, its very entertaining.

[TomBanana]

Are Rangers and Druids considered a divine classes?

[Luke Danger]

I consider Rangers divine Classes, and Druids are hell-yes a divine class.

[ScottyB]

Druids are a part of the epic divine classes write-up we have; rangers receive their spells from a divine source and must have a valid deity in order to cast spells, but they have no formal/official deity or alignment constraints. As with everything, use good judgement and be tasteful.

[UnholyWon]

ScottyB, your avatar rocks <3!!