Looking for creative input
mashedtaters
Member Posts: 2,266
in Off-Topic
I've decided to write a mod of a character with low intelligence and low charisma and high wisdom.
The problem I'm facing is character development. I have some good ideas, but before I do anything concrete, I figured that I'd send out to the almighty internet for ideas.
I am NOT interested in writing a character that fits the most common interpretation of these mental stats, that is quiet (low cha) and simple (low int) but filled with insight (high wis), like Valygar or a soft-spoken monk-type (the grass is always greener on the other side, my-son).
Any feedback would be awesome!
Also, I wasn't sure if this was the proper place for this post. I didn't know if it should be modding, role-playing, or off-topic. If an administrator could move this discussion to the most appropriate location (if applicable), I would be grateful.
The problem I'm facing is character development. I have some good ideas, but before I do anything concrete, I figured that I'd send out to the almighty internet for ideas.
I am NOT interested in writing a character that fits the most common interpretation of these mental stats, that is quiet (low cha) and simple (low int) but filled with insight (high wis), like Valygar or a soft-spoken monk-type (the grass is always greener on the other side, my-son).
Any feedback would be awesome!
Also, I wasn't sure if this was the proper place for this post. I didn't know if it should be modding, role-playing, or off-topic. If an administrator could move this discussion to the most appropriate location (if applicable), I would be grateful.
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Comments
Valygar rarely says anything, and when it does it's usually simple and too the point. He rarely has good comebacks to the other PCs, he usually just tries to deflect attention away from himself. But he has good insight, such as when he questions the possibility of his ancestor's redemption. As for his intelligence, I'm not saying he's a simpleton. He's just simple, or, if you prefer, average. He doesn't scheme like Edwin (18 int), and his ignorance is not obvious like Minsc (8 Int).
But that's kind of off topic.
@SionIV, Any feedback about alternative personalities for a character with the following possible stats Int 8, Wis 17, Cha 7.
I would say Valygar is more intelligent than Anomen and they are sharing that 10 in intellect. I would also think he would atleast be equal to cend when you look at the dialogues and such (Cernd has 12).
I have a feeling that he should have had a higher intelligent than what he does, with the whole mage hunting and everything.
And i'm having a hard time comming up with a personality that would fit those stats. I'm thinking mostly Drepping (BG1) the man guarding the cow in candlekeep. He isn't the most charming person and not the brightest (He isn't stupid either, rather average) but he has the spirit and the way he talks seems quite wise.
I really don't know to be honest. That low charisma and intelligent with that high wisdom is something that is giving me a hard time figuring out. I would understand with 13-14 in wisdom but 17? I'm curious to how this will go and i'm going to be following this thread for sure.
[Edited] : I found someone that fits those stats perfectly. Sten from Dragon Age.
Low charisma can mean a lot of things; either a natural disposition to being an ass and making people hate you, being a shy person who doesn't like attention or someone who is talented at saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. As long as the general baseline is "You don't want this person speaking publicly or leading a group", it'll usually come down to low charisma one way or the other.
I've always seen Valygar's reaction to the cowled wizards based on Wisdom, and a lack of knowledge. For example, he doesn't like magic because of how it corrupted his ancestor (Wis). His plan to sneak into the planar sphere it is also wisdom based--an intelligent character may figure out how it could be useful, but Valygar knows that, even if there are benefits to the planar sphere, the risk of the lure of power makes the sphere dangerous (Wis). He thinks that his family has been "cursed with wizards" in his family line, a belief that comes from a lack of knowledge (Int) about the benefits of magic. But he's also correct because members of his family have used magical power in evil ways (Wis).
I'm not saying Valygar is stupid, he's just average--the intelligence of a commoner. I agree that Anomen is a complete idiot. But that is just a different interpretation of his stats. Personally, I think Anomen's charisma should be 4. That would make everything about him make sense.
Edit: but autistic certainly is something I hadn't thought about. Thanks for the ideas!!
If you want a good aligned character, you can do a child that was lost in the wilderness but found away to survive. They wouldn't know any customs or proper behaviors (CHR) or have any formal training (INT) but they'd have learnt from their surrounding and environment on how to survive (WIS). Cliched (tarzan), but fits. Could be a ranger.
@mashedtaters
Personally, I'd suggest against a simple childlike "evildoers are doodooheads" type character. We already have a similar simpleton (Minsc) and in my opinion, this particular kind of low intelligence/charisma is the most overdone and cliché.
Aside from that, any grown person who thinks like a child won't survive a day in the Forgotten Realms unless they're mentored and guarded by someone else. With the plethora of flesheating monsters, evil gods and deranged cults dealing with human sacrifice, someone who still believes there's candy in the back of the van has a very short lifespan.