Playing a Banite PC

[Iomhar]

Hi all.

So i've created a banite cleric alt who is lawful and bound by a strict code of honour, truth and justice that will support him in his mission to world domination (j/k...). He'd protect a child and intervene in unfair combat for example....the neutral side of evil. Sort of a templar/knight type blah blah you get the gist...nothing new here.

But I'd like some advice on playing him openly in the context of this server which i'm new to.

Obviously banites aren't loved, but Bane's a greater god so there's obviously a lot of 'worship' for him. Probably in these dangerous times there's lots of fear and people may extend a prayer in his direction to do with controlling it? Or to hgive them power to rise above it? but.....I drift into theology which is a bad idea in an DnD focussed online community.

Anyway.

I saw a thread where it discussed how hard it was to play an evil character on the server. It's normal for there to be a

But then i saw a black skinned red eyed tiefling warlock with vampire teeth wanding about without a care in the world.

In my limited experience, the "black monster using devil magic" would almost be kill on sight (along with drow), but the banite cleric would be disliked and treated with caution, but not slayed by the level 30 just for walking into a bar.

So your thoughts on:
Is this char just going to be killed at the first opportunity some glowing hero in white can justify?
Would most people refuse to engage with him point blank and shun him hence limiting fun from gametime (especially mine)?

Any other advice about playing a semi-evil char but not hiding in the shadows would be welcome.

[Xanfyrst]

You can play any evil deity-worshipping character openly on this server and thrive... you just have to not play the "Cartoon Villain" or "Chaotic Stupid Evil" -gimmicks. Those two gets you killed pretty quick by Team Good (and some groups from Team Evil too).

As guild leader of the Zhentarim (and Church of Bane), I'd also encourage you to seek us out. It's not necessary as you can play Banite a cleric without being associated with our guild, but it will make things a lot easier on your side of things.

Personality-wise, I like that you don't play a cliché evil Banite. Gives your character more personality in my book.

[Mendoza]

Something worth mentioning is that the Zhentarim timeline has been fast tracked in our server. Fzoul has already become leader of the Zhents and brought the Church of Bane into the fold. He certainly didn't recruit every Banite into their ranks, but your toon, being a Banite, would likely possess this information.

It is difficult to play evil on this server, but it has been done successfully by a number of people. I'd encourage you to be very tactful your first few weeks on the server with regards to your character's faith and intentions. Get a feel for the server and the people that play here. Won't take long, but you'll figure things out quickly and have a better understanding of how to effectively play evil on this PW.

[Nomster]

Hello and welcome to the server

Is this char just going to be killed at the first opportunity some glowing hero in white can justify?

Stay away from preaching openly in places like the Friendly Arm Inn. If you build up a reputation of good RP and choose your moments carefully, you can get by. Do not do questionable acts in areas where the law applies... and if you do, make sure there are no witnesses.

Would most people refuse to engage with him point blank and shun him hence limiting fun from gametime (especially mine)?

The only ones who would refuse to engage at all are the poor RPers. Those who do not stand by Banites would still RP with you, be it a response of fear, conversion (make you see the "light") or try to find a reason to drag you to the Fist. Or take care of you themselves (will always be someone who thinks outright murder is good!).

Any other advice about playing a semi-evil char but not hiding in the shadows would be welcome.

Banites are... or rather, -should be- generally accepted. The server has made a rather large change from lore in that characters who worship certain deities are outlawed in Baldur's Gate (which is supposed to be the center of this server). Seeing how many quests are there, it is one of the areas you actually want access to...

I would advise you to use disguises, until you get a feel for the server and can avoid the people who think they must take law into their own hands (even if the area is lawless). They cannot drag you to the Dukes unless you are guilty of a crime. Disguised banite sounds bad but it will likely be a more difficult start for you if everyone "knows" you are a Banite. Quite a lot of people think all Banites are Zhentarim... and people have a wrong idea of Zhents. Zhentarim should be tolerated more (read: tolerated not accepted) in areas than they are now. Evil can be difficult, open evil even more so but it can be done and people do play open evil with various degrees of success.

Hopefully this does not discourage you. Overall, people love a well thought out and RPed evil character. If you are interested in the Zhentarim, please read our guild page.

Also check out the Server Rules, especially the PvP rules... (even if you do not plan on it, it might happen).
There's some guidelines on disguises as well:
http://bgtscc.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=39060

[ohboy007]

No one will just outright kill you. Just don't do any evil acts in front of those you don't know, or at least get rid of witnesses/flee. You can play the "chaotic outlaw" here as well but I only recommend it for experienced players. It involves a lot of paranoia, killing, mayhem, disguises, associations, and being able to escape. Just know its a more dangerous road to travel. Being a Banite, and probably a more Lawful character, I would probably say the Zhents would make a lot of sense to join and will involve you in more rp like most guilds provide.

[Iomhar]

Thanks for the advice all. Very useful.

Sounds like there will be an appropriate response to a banite which is cool and even some readymade playmates!

I'll keep preaching, praying and casting that all needing a firm grip on banes holy symbol to a minimum in the right places. He'll just be another well off, well mannered and ravishingly handsome (( )) guy with a sword as far as the flaming fist is concerned...for now!

And thanks, I will get in touch with the guild after a few levels. I dont really see him as a Zhent at this early stage, and given he was aspiring to be a Knight of Tyr not too long ago his learned predjudices may still have some sway. But he would be inquisitive now he has "seen the dark" and if it means people to RP with...all good.

thanks again
see you IG