Difference between revisions of "Define Morality (sage ability)"

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'''Define morality''' is an [[Knowledge Points|amateur]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] in the [[Sage Study|study]] of [[Gods (sage study)|Gods]] which gives the character knowledge of whether a circumstance or action is right or wrong, offering clarity in situations where the character may be suffering from a dilemma.
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[[File:Define Morality (sage ability).jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
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'''Define morality''' is an [[Knowledge Points|amateur]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] in the [[Sage Study|study]] of [[Gods (sage study)|Gods]] that equips the character with an intrinsic sense of righteousness, enabling them to discern the moral implications of actions or circumstances, especially when in a quandary.
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The insight provided aims to prioritize the character's well-being while maintaining goodwill towards others. The knowledge encapsulates virtues like restraint, benevolence, resilience and patience. It doesn't guarantee effortless solutions or immediate rewards.
  
The correct answer in these cases should be framed so as to offer the best possibility for the character's survival without causing ill will towards others. Inherent within the knowledge should be elements of character restraint, generosity, fortitude and patience . . . the character should not insist that the forthcoming answer require no effort or that it should provide instant gratification.
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== Moral Guidelines ==
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When a character contemplates following the advised path (and it's crucial for the DM to present this wisdom as a suggestive framework, not as definitive directives), the DM should weave the narrative thoughtfully. For instance, occasionally tilting the scales in the character's favor — perhaps sparing them from certain [[Saving Throws|saving throws]] or an unprovoked [[Bestiary|monster]], when a diplomatic resolution is plausible. However, should the character display arrogance or recklessness, the narrative should echo potential repercussions, expressing the character's moral divergence from the "correct moral path."
  
Balancing this, should the character pursue the course suggested (and the DM must propose this knowledge as a guideline and not an absolute list of required actions), the DM should be careful to balance moments in the campaign in the character's favor, allowing the character to avoid saving throws or gratuitous attacks from monsters who could reasonably choose to parley instead. Naturally, should the character behave immodestly in situations, such dangers should increase, indicative of the character 'falling by the wayside.'
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It's essential to note that this introspective quest for moral clarity is an active choice by the character. Post-reflection, the player retains full autonomy over their actions.  The DM's role is to furnish a genuine, altruistic response, independent of the campaign's objectives or player benefits.  It's NOT to play the character for the player.
  
Remember that the character must deliberately choose to be introspective in order to determine a moral answer; the player is also free, once the answer is given, to take whatever action they like. The DM must be prepared to give an answer that in no way serves the campaign or the player — but rather, the answer should reflect what would truly be the least selfish approach to the problem the character could adopt.
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== Game Demands ==
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If the DM feels inadequate in delivering such unbiased judgments, it's recommended to engage in a collaborative approach. The DM can entrust this moral-making  to the collective wisdom of the player group, allowing for a more democratic and encompassing perspective. By doing so, not only can it enrich the narrative with diverse viewpoints, but might also foster a sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility among players.  
  
It is suggested that if the DM feels that this is beyond their ability to give, it is suggested that the players as a group decide the answer, and that the DM then 'adjust' the campaign to empower that answer. Alternately, the DM could simply discontinue the use of this ability.
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The DM can then tailor the campaign around this consensus, ensuring that the game remains fluid and adaptive to the moral compasses of its participants.  Alternatively, if integrating this ability becomes too intricate or disrupts the flow of the game, the DM might consider temporarily sidelining or entirely omitting it, focusing on other aspects of the campaign that resonate more harmoniously with the group's dynamics.
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See [[Theology & Customs (sage field)]]
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[[Category: Sage Abilities]][[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 20:09, 31 October 2023

Define Morality (sage ability).jpg

Define morality is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Gods that equips the character with an intrinsic sense of righteousness, enabling them to discern the moral implications of actions or circumstances, especially when in a quandary.

The insight provided aims to prioritize the character's well-being while maintaining goodwill towards others. The knowledge encapsulates virtues like restraint, benevolence, resilience and patience. It doesn't guarantee effortless solutions or immediate rewards.

Moral Guidelines

When a character contemplates following the advised path (and it's crucial for the DM to present this wisdom as a suggestive framework, not as definitive directives), the DM should weave the narrative thoughtfully. For instance, occasionally tilting the scales in the character's favor — perhaps sparing them from certain saving throws or an unprovoked monster, when a diplomatic resolution is plausible. However, should the character display arrogance or recklessness, the narrative should echo potential repercussions, expressing the character's moral divergence from the "correct moral path."

It's essential to note that this introspective quest for moral clarity is an active choice by the character. Post-reflection, the player retains full autonomy over their actions. The DM's role is to furnish a genuine, altruistic response, independent of the campaign's objectives or player benefits. It's NOT to play the character for the player.

Game Demands

If the DM feels inadequate in delivering such unbiased judgments, it's recommended to engage in a collaborative approach. The DM can entrust this moral-making to the collective wisdom of the player group, allowing for a more democratic and encompassing perspective. By doing so, not only can it enrich the narrative with diverse viewpoints, but might also foster a sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility among players.

The DM can then tailor the campaign around this consensus, ensuring that the game remains fluid and adaptive to the moral compasses of its participants. Alternatively, if integrating this ability becomes too intricate or disrupts the flow of the game, the DM might consider temporarily sidelining or entirely omitting it, focusing on other aspects of the campaign that resonate more harmoniously with the group's dynamics.


See Theology & Customs (sage field)