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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Xamnam" data-source="post: 8818522" data-attributes="member: 7037765">First off, let me say thank you for responding with such a detailed example. I hope my lack of experience and familiarity with DitV doesn't hurt my response, and arguably, given the conversation, is hopefully apt.Well, I'll start by assuming that being a part of God's Watchdogs is a given for playing the game, but even so, is this a choice I made? Did my family? Is this rare, or anticipated? Is this a position that is respected? Feared? Tolerated? Hated? How impressive is exorcising a demon? Am I matching the bare minimum and dealing with imposter syndrome, or do I have a full head already as a prodigy? Do I ever think I'm likely to encounter another one? Is scripture something everyone is expected to know, or is a simple basic understanding enough to set me apart? Does the vast majority agree and understand the tenets of The King of Life? Have I ever run into someone who would contradict these teachings, or am I confident due to never learning of anything else?Is the player in charge of choosing drawing the conflict to the forefront, or is it inflicted upon them? Because if I'm the one staging it, at what level does a temper become so foul as to draw attention from an elder? Is it swearing in polite company or even rough individuals think twice about crossing my path? Is proficient horse riding a requirement for basic life that I have no choice but to deal with, or am I wrestling with fear because it's holding me back from achieving my own voluntary goals that I could give up should they prove too troublesome?This is obviously a lot of mechanics talk, and I've not played poker, so it's a bit over my head. However, if I'm saying what I'm doing, that feels like it has to come out of an understanding of my character's position in the world, and what is expected or unusual, safe or risky.Maybe here's the rub. I totally agree that I don't need to know this level of things to make a character driven choice. The name of the town doesn't influence that scenario, sure. If I'm doing a test of character about emotion, then niche details about religion are unlikely to come up. I understand how you've set up a scenario that is almost exclusively about the character's conception of self, and not related to doing something in the world, thus eschewing the need for questions like who is the ruling authority of the town closest to me. But, whether my teacher is expected as a part of God's Watchdogs, or a separate secular entity that I'm lucky to have would be a salient point. If my decision to join the Watchdogs comes out of the lack of any civilization, so clinging to this one source of authority, or if it's reactionary and holding onto the past in light of the encroaching presence of industry and government.These, and all the other questions I asked above, are why I can't see the setting as something on the level of "background color". Any answer I get to any of them informs how I approach the situation.I want to be clear: I'm not trying argue that I couldn't conceive of a character with wants and flaws and problems, and then do my best to confront a situation that puts any of those to the test. Nor do I think that that could not be fully engaging and exciting on its own merits.But, an understanding of the world gives me so much more confidence to make choices, as I know why I've come to them, and what they mean, and so I'll always be grateful when there's information that will allow me to experience the world through my character's eyes in a more complete way, even if that information isn't necessarily reflective or vital to my character's personal state.I truly hope I haven't missed your aim with how I have responded.Edit: And, a caveat, you gave base setting details in your opening paragraph, but I have no clue how much is preset in player facing material, or that the players would be expected to know. I understand if that would resolve a fair amount of questions I'm positing. However, that wouldn't change any of my desire for it in the first place.</blockquote>

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