So I see this referenced a lot, and generally as a bad thing. But I don't understand

what if my character is morally obligated to disagree with the party, and when they say wtf, my response is "it's what my character would do", and I go on to explain why that's the case. Both in and out of character.

Then dial it back, and explain why joining up with a group of people they disagree with is something they would do in the first place.

'it's what my character would do' is never a good justification. It's literally only every used to double down and remind people that they (for some reason) agreed to let you play an asshole.

If you played your character right, then they'd already know why and you wouldn't need to explain.

Because it's typically an excuse used to fuck over other party members.

>Hey don't steal from your party
>But I'm chaotic neutral it's what my character would do!
>No you can't murder the fighter pvp is not going to happen in this
>But I'm chaotic neutral it's what my character would do!

It's not like you'll ever hear people complain about the lawful good paladin taking time to heal some civilians after a goblin raiding party attacked it, because that isn't being a total cunt to your other players. If you constantly have to use that excuse your character probably shouldn't be in that party

If you made a character that would outright claim more than his share when faced with 3-4 (i assume) similarly strong (i assume) colleagues then your character is just stupid, in the "lacking common awareness" sense. You can make stupid characters, like my wonder sorcerer who was all cha no wis, and act in character, but don't complain when they die early.

Depending on the group it is okay to make an asshole/self serving character, if and only if such a character has meaningful, dare I say, fun interaction, with the party.

One of my players has a tendency of making characters that are often callous, abrasive, self-serving, smug and manipulative.

Yet he is one of my best player, because his actions prompt meaningful reactions, and sometimes even debate, among players.

Working out with him, with every characters, the reasons why he sticks with the party helps a lot. This abrasive mercenary is blunt and callous, but she is devoted to fullfilling her bodyguard duty to some of the party members (and not all, prompting, once again, meaningful interactions). This self-serving arcane trickster may be a dick, but his cowardice and greed motivates him to go forward and put up with the rest of the party.

As a GM, it is my prerogative to make the distinction between "constructive" asshole behavior and toxic one. It depends very much on the player and the rest of the party. But dismissing such behavior outright can make you miss good moments.

Of course, this is assuming you know your players and can guess it will work. If not, don't do it.

It's usually a defense for shitty characters who don't fit into the party.

If the Typical Chaotic Neutral Rogue is killing NPCs and hoarding loot unevenly, but its "How their character acts" why stay in a party with them. Either leave town one day without telling them, or knock them out and bring them to jail for killing civilians.

Or be sensivle and talk to the player and explain that said rogues personality is bringing everyone down and makes the game less fun.

"It's what my character would do" is never good justification for anything, because it's meaningless. You ultimately decide what your character does, not the other way around. If you don't want them to do a certain thing, you don't have to. Justify your choice, and roll with it.

Because you're the one who made the dickhole character in the first place, dickhole. Issues like this shouldn't even be coming up since there should have been rules laid out during character creation to prevent this sort of thing.

What I find funny is these same people get made at the consequences of their actions.

Had a guy walk out in tears the other day after his character got a hand crippled for stealing within the party. A party of thieves, who all trust eachother and he was the newest member.
I mean if you are playing a stupid character it is fine, but most of the time these guys just want everyone to roll with them being retarded.