Feeling rewarded can come from several sides, DAD.
In my case, "inner rewards" are triggered by this:
my protective adder helps a NPC in distress
I can save/free/protect someone, reunite (Caroline and her son e.g.)
even bringing back a dog/cat/pet to a crying child
defeat a difficult boss enemy
it's not the loot - but inner satisfaction at having succeeded, specially if my emotions/sympathies are going in one direction
hearing a bard sing a ballad about my deeds, or a mother naming her child after me (Pharao, strategy game) - always made me smile <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> - this would be no great programming effort, just a little sugar icing on my ego
but I understand, there are gamers who would prefer playing a more involved part in this game (someone with responsibility - a ruler, leader e.g.) and getting the honour/credit within the game. I wouldn't mind it myself - though I've got a slight personal preference towards the homeless, neutral, free stranger, bewildered and unknowing about what's happening at the start - then starting to understand or just starting to choose sides.
Kiya - tramp
