In reply to OceanLake (msg # 11):
I can actually see where you're coming from. All i can say is there's a thin line. You can't expect it. It is sort of irksome if the fighter is polishing their weapons, and the druid is feeding their animal companion, and bard is giving links to songs. At worst, bring it up. Make it clear. Make it short and sweet, and ask the players just do the same.
IF I WERE YOUR PLAYER
I personally post prayers to my god when I play a priest or druid (unless the druid HAS to worship the damn nature god [which I HATE, as aside...]). I do it as a matter of the character's mood, and temperament. By comparison, most of my characters, fighters, wizards and bards, pray at least every now and then (that is me actually saying/typing something as a player in character to my god). So I'm a religious centric player. I enjoy relationships with NPCs. Gods, to me,
are NPCs. Maybe one will show up and give me their time, that would be awesome. I live for that.
THE RANT
Not a lot players are like that. I think that's partly because of the god complex versus beings that are literally god-like.
Gods are clearly real in (the game). When people wave their hands and say certain words, stuff happens. Angels and demons roam. You can't
deny the influence of gods (at least the games I play). To many players, and therefore many characters colored by modern culture, they see gods as enablers, not infallible beings. While they may appreciate the help, they're not going to say thanks to someone who doesn't say a word, or even send mail.
That's like a king expecting someone to send him a letter of thanks, even just a scrap with that word, every time they eat because he gave the seeds to sow. Even assuming that a courier would show up to do it on whim, most people wouldn't, not unless out of fear, and that's contrition not worship. At least by my definition.
The only solution I see is to make your gods give messages, and meet the cleric half way. Persuade your clerics to appreciate the god, or slowly sap spell down, but give them the knowledge of that reason. Don't be vague.
If I loan you money and pick you up to take you to work; and you never say thanks? I'm not going to egg you house, but I'm slowly doing less favors for you until I spend my time and gift my service elsewhere. When you call to ask for it, I'll let you know "Hey, man no offense, you seem ungrateful. Not this time. Call me up to chat sometime, when you
don't need something. Let me know how you're doing. Don't
use me. They can take that heart, or be jerk. I'm disappointed, but the ball's in their court.
Spoiler for what NOT to do: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The solution is NOT having gods punish the characters with random acts of anger. Which trust me, does NOT work. You're 40 times more likely to need a new player with that attitude, or at the very least have less than happy player. Negative reinforcement rarely works when there's disparity in power and authority. Look around the modern world. *shrugs*