GUIDELINES FOR DIVINE PC RP BEHAVIOUR

rei_jin

What follows is the DM Team's expected RP behaviour for divine PCs. These expectations WILL be enforced. The interpretation and implementation of these rules is subject to DM discretion.

RULES FOR DIVINE PCS

The gods, goddesses, and powerful planar beings (hereafter referred to as patrons) have significant impact on the realm of mortals. This is especially seen through those who draw power from them, specifically, Clerics, Paladins, Divine Champions (CoT), Druids, Rangers, and Blackguards.

As all of these (without special DM exemption) receive their powers from a patron, there are expectations for their RP behaviour.

If your PC has at least one level in any of these classes, these rules apply to them. If your PC wishes to take levels in any of these classes, it would be advisable for them to also follow these rules. If your PC has a patron yet does not have any levels in these classes, it is recommended that you follow these rules.

FOR OPEN FOLLOWERS OF A PATRON

Prayers are required for regaining divine spells and divine class abilities such as Turn Undead and other Spell-Like Abilities (SLAs)
Prayers should be said at the appropriate time of day when not adventuring according to the Forgotten Realms book "Faiths and Pantheons", and must consist of more than "prays" or "prays to (insert deity here)." At times this will mean breaking from RP situations to do so; this is intentional. If you are concerned about others hearing your prayers, do them in a language relevant to your deity, or in a private location.
Prayers said when adventuring may occur at any time, but must consist of more than "prays" or "prays to (insert deity here)." If you are concerned about others hearing your prayers, do them in a language relevant to your deity.
When travelling with other characters, it is expected that they would know who your deity is, and that you will get their approval before casting any non-hostile spells on them. Casting of hostile spells is always a PvP action and as such requires adherence to PvP rules.
Where you have knowledge that an individual is acting in such a way that opposes the portfolios and interests of your patron, or where you know that an individual follows a patron that your patron is opposed to, you may not assist them with divine spells and divine class abilities. This includes healing them, raising them from death to life, etc. Long term association with such individuals is likely to have a negative outcome.
Whatever portfolios or interests your patron has, it is expected that you will promote these portfolios and interests in a tangible way that has an effect on the PCs around you, and hopefully, the NPCs and wider world of Narfell.

FOR SECRET FOLLOWERS OF A PATRON

If you are a secret follower of a patron, it is MUCH harder to successfully follow your patron. This is intentional, and as such, it is not recommended unless you want a high degree of challenge.
A secret follower of a patron has to make a choice if their patron grants them divine spells and divine class abilities; will they not use these in the presence of others who are not aware of their patron, or will they attempt to create a cover identity?
If you are choosing to not use your divine spells and class abilities in the presence of others who are not aware of your patron, then you must ensure that you NEVER breach this, or you risk revealing that you are a secret follower of a patron.
If you are creating a cover identity, then you will have to follow the rules for the open follower of a patron for your cover identity, or risk being caught out. You must also still follow the rules for being a secret follower of your actual patron, and this could bring you into internal conflict. Choose your cover identity carefully.
Prayers should be said at the appropriate time of day when not adventuring according to the Forgotten Realms book "Faiths and Pantheons", and must consist of more than "prays" or "prays to (insert deity here)." At times this will mean breaking from RP situations to do so; this is intentional. It is highly advised that you do this in a secret location, and that you do it in an uncommon language so that others who may chance to overhear you will be none the wiser. It is REQUIRED that you do this, so that DMs may keep tabs on your adherence to your commitment to your patron. It is recommended that you have a ready and legitimate excuse as to why you sneak off to say your prayers at that time, as it may be a clue that gives away that you are a secret follower of a patron.
Whatever portfolios or interests your patron has, it is expected that you will promote these portfolios and interests in a tangible way that has an effect on the PCs around you, and hopefully, the NPCs and wider world of Narfell. It is highly recommended that you do this carefully, and that you keep a journal on the forums which DMs can access that details your various secret acts, so that DMs can keep tabs on your adherence to your commitment to your patron. Because you are being given discretion to use your divine spells and divine class abilities on those who may oppose your patron's portfolio and interests, or to even use them on those who oppose your patron, you are expected to work twice as hard to further your patron's portfolios and interests.

FOR BOTH OPEN AND SECRET FOLLOWERS OF A PATRON

The verification of your faithful commitment to your patron is determined by the act of praying, and any other action indicative of your commitment, including actions that speak for themselves (such as, but not limited to, killing your patron's enemies, creating and giving out ritual items, helping your patron's favored group, etc.).
If a DM cannot verify your faithful commitment to your patron, your character will receive an IC warning from their patron, which will also be OCCly recorded in private in the DM forums for tracking, which will be recorded in private in the DM forums. Your third warning within 6 months will result in a fallen token being issued, which is a chance for further character development and roleplay.
A fallen token means that you have lost your patron's favour, and as such your divine spells and divine class abilities cease to function. The purpose of this is to make clear your patron's displeasure with your actions or inactions, and act as a powerful motivator for you to seek redemption with your patron. When you have successfully redeemed yourself, the fallen token will be removed.
The DM Team will always issue warnings and fallen tokens in an IC method, normally utilising a dream or vision, or having another follower of your patron offer guidance. A fallen token is not an OOC punishment, and you are not 'in trouble' should you receive one. It is strictly an IC development between your character and their patron. When a fallen token is issued, the DM Team will provide direction about how redemption may be sought.
Each subsequent fallen token a divine character receives will make it harder to redeem themselves with their patron, to the point where redemption may become functionally an impossible task. This is not a fixed point, but varies depending on circumstances.