Foetsy;
[color:"orange"]Something like that?[/color]

Yes. In this discussion 'karma' is being used to refer to a fairly absolute moral system. Since right and wrong are being judged against a particular religious or societal set of values (though all major religions and most cultures would have a lot of similarities in this regard) or some idealized variation, there is not a lot of room for personal opinion or interpretation.

With reputation, it is possible (or even likely) than people would form opinions based mainly on how they (or their group) is treated, and ignore actions contrary to that (depending on the action).


[color:"orange"]btw, mafia treated their wives fairly right.[/color]

However well someone in the mob treats his family and supports his community, the negative karma from various illegal activities would more than likely outweigh the good. However, outsiders who only see the good side can still form a fairly positive opinion of him (ie 'nice guy, but I wouldn't want to cross him').

Reputation is more dependent on results. If you give money to local charities and maintain several businesses (providing employment) that would be seen as a good thing. Karma would also depend on intent (something that couldn't easily be done in a game). If a donation was meant to buy popularity or increase social standing, rather than simply to give back to a supportive community, that wouldn't help much with karma.



Lepel;
[color:"orange"]Unless you killed a very rich and greedy guy and will not use the loot for your personal benefit[/color]

I think that would still be considered murder in any religion, society or legal system.



Elliot_Kane;
[color:"orange"]You either keep your word or you don't, after all.[/color]

Let's say you are staying at an inn for free in exchange for running errands for the owner. You always keep your word and you always complete every task in an efficient manner. One morning the owner's toddler son gets up far too early and starts playing far too loud, so you cut out his tongue. You have not broken your word. Does the owner's opinion of you change?


Wouldn't a morally neutral world be a poor setting for a game? You couldn't really be a hero or a villain if there were no right and wrong. 'Ya, ya, ya, thanks for saving the world. Now did you deliver that letter like you said you would, or not?'