Playing high charisma [Archive] - Wizards Community

Playing high charisma [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
nephtis
06-30-06, 08:07 AM Hi!
I have a new character with a high charisma. It's the first time I've ever build one and I'm a little lost...

Problem is, the combination of Hexblade (non-good as a requirement) with
Int 10 Wis 8 and Cha 16
Charisma indicates she should be good with people and very confident.

I took the Force of personality feat so that is a given, she's probably arrogant as hell.
Wisdom [edit: and average intelligence] suggests that she won't be a terribly philosophical person and doesn't look beneath the surface.
I'd even say that she's a little naive in dealing with other people. After all, Wisdom affects as many social skills in the game as charisma does.
(Maybe a very sheltered and spoiled upbringing would fit?)

Fine, but charisma is about being good with people (not looking great, although she has the exotic thing going for her). She can't just be an arrogant spoiled b*tch, she needs some redeeming characteristics that would make people want to spent time in her company...

But which?
pyro_cat
06-30-06, 11:31 AM I prefer to see confidence in charismatic characters, rather than arrogance. I've said it before here, and I stand by it: there are some people that just walk into a room and everyone's head turns. It's a useful thing.

They don't have to be good looking - just distinctive. They don't have to be competent - merely confident. They don't have to appear arrogant - rather, they have to impress others.

It's a hard thing to roleplay, but the key to remember is supreme confidence. I learned long ago that someone who's confident in what they're saying will be believed. Someone who isn't afraid to crack that joke will get the laughs, and the guy willing to go up and take a shot with the girl might just land a date more often than you'd think.

To avoid being annoying, your character's confidence should be quiet. She doesn't brag, doesn't vocalize her abilities, but never hestitates, never doubts, and is always willing to step up and do what she knows she can. Deeds speak louder than words, and if your character looks willing to back up anything she says with action, people will be impressed.

Other notes:

I tend to equate philosophy with intelligence rather than wisdom, as it is (hopefully) usually an intellectual, logical pursuit that is benefited by a keen memory and intense curiosity towards what other people have said and written.

For a low wisdom, a lack of empathy is good, but don't overdo it, because it will affect charisma.

Finally, just because she's evil (or non-good) doesn't mean she has to be a nasty person when it comes to relationships. Evil people are kind, loving, open, honest, and possess every other trait that you might see in someone labeled as "good". The problem with evil people is they don't know how to apply these to people they dislike or see no benefit in getting close to.

Remember, the mark of a man is not how he treats those he loves, but those he hates.
Saion2014
06-30-06, 11:32 AM Well, a partial solution to her arrogance could be to make her extremely good at what she does mechanically. While her belief in her own ability would be annoying, it'd be understandable if she could kick most people's asses blindfolded.

Furthermore, low WIS doesn't necessarily mean naivete. Perhaps she's simply reckless, and doesn't think things through.

I can see her being impulsive, energetic, and blunt. Her energy and love of what she does would be her main attractive characteristics.
nephtis
06-30-06, 03:01 PM You guys are a lot of help, thanks! And just to clear it up, she's neutral, not evil.

And yes, I think she'll be able to show that she has reason to believe in her abilities, her physical stats are good enough, (and she will have to impress as a fighter during lower levels). If the dice are with me that should work.

I guess I could make her the kind of person that knows how to stage her success. She can't have her efforts go unnoticed. Modesty may not be one of her more noticable characteristics.
But it'll have to be a real success, our group has had its share of characters that stayed back and came in when the enemy was down to his knees - claiming that it was their victory all alone. (Actually that was a good and fun roleplayed groupmember, a bard/seducer, but I won't be a copy cat)

I like the idea of backing up words and claims with deeds. You're right, I myself would like a person who was willing to do herself what she suggested better than somebody who was all talk.
But I think if she's so confident in herself she'll have a hard time to admit a mistake she made and she'll want to be good by all means. Well, since Hexblades may have a ruthless streak that could fit right in.
Sands_Of_Chaos
07-01-06, 04:15 AM Well, it can sometimes be intimidating to play a character with something your not used to, but don't worry, just because you have a high charisma doesn't mean you have to fall into the same niche alot of charisma based classes fall into.

Why, I can tell you right now my favorite paladin or "Sir Kale" as he goes doesn't have a lick of social skills (bit of a tightwad).

Your personallity is yours to do with as you please and you shouldent let something like a stat score dictate how your character feels or reacts. It's your RP life, so go out and live it up.
Pivotal
07-02-06, 11:02 AM Im playing a lvl1 sorceror with 17 in charisma and its a lot of fun to roleplay. He brags alot, is extremly confident and he bluffs people all the time (+15 to bluff). He is very outgoing, flirts with just about everyone he meets and talks his way trough all kinds of situations. He is a bit lazy but has a very energetic attitude and always strives for fame.
Murr-Quan Lord #2
07-05-06, 01:54 PM Finally, just because she's evil (or non-good) doesn't mean she has to be a nasty person when it comes to relationships. Evil people are kind, loving, open, honest, and possess every other trait that you might see in someone labeled as "good". The problem with evil people is they don't know how to apply these to people they dislike or see no benefit in getting close to.

The more evil one is, though, the more likely one is to see love and kindness as an illusion, or a means to an end.
pyro_cat
07-06-06, 12:35 PM The more evil one is, though, the more likely one is to see love and kindness as an illusion, or a means to an end.

Maybe this is telling to my own view on life, but I cannot see how love and kindness are not means to an end. This doesn't necessarily have anything to do with good and evil; it just is more or less indisputable that kindness is just as selfish as unkindness, the only difference is patience.

A D&D character who recognizes this would probably consider themselves solidly neutral, while the outside world judges their actions based on what they do. An intelligent, patient, and wise character that realizes true selflessness is surely impossible would be labled as "good", since their actions would be beneficial to others and society in general. Remember; "good" can only exist in networks between social entities.

A character that is unintelligent, shortsighted, impatient, or otherwise prevented from seeing the truth would act in a "dumb" selfish way. They'd be the ones kicking the old lady, not even subconciously realizing that helping her across the street would be more beneficial to them in the long run (unlike the "good" character, who does).

To me, if someone is "good", they're able to see reasons to treat those that would have little impact on their lives with kindness. In this sense, "goodness" is actually knowledge, empathy, and patience, not some silly impossible goal like "selflessness". Sorry if I was unclear on that, thats what I was driving at.
Kollstag
07-07-06, 12:24 AM I know some of has probably already occured to you, or others have said it, but charisma can also effect your character's influence, or like what I know has been said before, how much your character is noticed. In a campaign i was recently in, there was an elf in the party with only charisma 8 or 6, but as an elf, she was just easily noticed even having the lower charisma. Another character, one that I've spent many a month and year on, namely a Blackguard, achieved Godhood and is wandering around with a charisma well past 140. Then again, he's also a mad pyschotic psychopath bent on taking over the world and taking down a paladin that's stood in his way for almost the entire campaign, but he's still a lot of fun to play.
As an overall note, remember, don't be afraid to try new things, like the high charisma charcter you've made. And even if your character is a bit naive, you can still have great people skills, like a Kender, which I don't know if you've had the pleasure of meeting.
Dire Hamster
07-09-06, 03:33 AM Im playing a lvl1 sorceror with 17 charisma...[and with]+15 to bluff

I'm sorry, but how the hell does a level 1 character have 15 ranks in Bluff (or any other skill for that matter)?!? :confused:
Dire Hamster
07-09-06, 03:45 AM ...charisma is about being good with people

True, but that can be interpreted many ways. Charisma can also be good looks, or an imposing presence, or simply a forceful personality. I mean UmberHulks have a good Charisma, for crying out loud, and they are anything but good looking, funny, diplomatic and/or charming. But they have that mind-control thing (or whatever it's called that they do) working for them, indicating they have a powerful presence or forceful personality or can otherwise sway those around them.

For example, one of my characters is a chaotic neutral fighter who's basically a sword-for-hire (merc). He's not out to be a boyscout paladin and help old ladies across the street. Sure, he'll help people, fight monsters, save the world...but only for a paycheck. Heck, a guy's gotta eat, right? Furthermore, he's got a decent CHA score of 14. But he's far from good-looking. He's 34 years old, but looks 40. He's got a big chin, big nose, messy mop of brown hair, scars, and is unshaven (not like a beard, but more like that permanent 5-o'clock shadow that Fred Flinstone always has). So he's not a pretty-boy. Lastly, he's not a cultured, educated noble. He's just a soldier, not a diplomat. So how do I play a no-so-good-looking, rough-around-the-edges, gun for hire? He's confident and has a forceful personality and a comanding presense. He means business and everything from his posture to his tone of voice makes this very clear to anyone he meets. Well, you get the picture, and I'm starting to ramble now...hope this helps. Good luck.
Jaisin
07-09-06, 07:07 PM I am sure that there is a way to get +15 at level 1. :)

Human, 2 flaws.

4 Ranks, +3 Cha.

Skill Emphasis (+3)

Persuasive, Trustworthy, and Smooth Talker I believe all add +2 to Bluff and another skill.

So that's 4+3+2+2+2+3 = +16.

Can't do much else but lie to people, though. :)
Dire Hamster
07-14-06, 02:02 AM I am sure that there is a way to get +15 at level 1. :)

Human, 2 flaws.

4 Ranks, +3 Cha.

Skill Emphasis (+3)

Persuasive, Trustworthy, and Smooth Talker I believe all add +2 to Bluff and another skill.

So that's 4+3+2+2+2+3 = +16.

Can't do much else but lie to people, though. :)

Except that a 1st level character wouldn't have 3 feats, unless said character was a fighter, in which case none of the above mentioned feats are on the fighters list of choices for bonus feats.
Justanian
07-14-06, 07:31 AM I would think she would be a master manipulator with out knowing she is doing it. She would be able to charm most people into doing what she wants, but with her low WIS she may not know the harm she is doing to herself or others. She knows what she wants and knows how to get it. She doesn't do it out of malice or revenge, but for what she wants and/or needs.
Candide
07-16-06, 01:05 AM Except that a 1st level character wouldn't have 3 feats, unless said character was a fighter, in which case none of the above mentioned feats are on the fighters list of choices for bonus feats.

He pointed out that the character has 2 flaws. The things from UA that allow you to take a feat in payment for their drawback. Most of them aren't that bad. People use them to powergame most of the time.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
nephtis 06-30-06, 08:07 AM	Hi! I have a new character with a high charisma. It's the first time I've ever build one and I'm a little lost... Problem is, the combination of Hexblade (non-good as a requirement) with Int 10 Wis 8 and Cha 16 Charisma indicates she should be good with people and very confident. I took the Force of personality feat so that is a given, she's probably arrogant as hell. Wisdom [edit: and average intelligence] suggests that she won't be a terribly philosophical person and doesn't look beneath the surface. I'd even say that she's a little naive in dealing with other people. After all, Wisdom affects as many social skills in the game as charisma does. (Maybe a very sheltered and spoiled upbringing would fit?) Fine, but charisma is about being good with people (not looking great, although she has the exotic thing going for her). She can't just be an arrogant spoiled b*tch, she needs some redeeming characteristics that would make people want to spent time in her company... But which?
pyro_cat 06-30-06, 11:31 AM	I prefer to see confidence in charismatic characters, rather than arrogance. I've said it before here, and I stand by it: there are some people that just walk into a room and everyone's head turns. It's a useful thing. They don't have to be good looking - just distinctive. They don't have to be competent - merely confident. They don't have to appear arrogant - rather, they have to impress others. It's a hard thing to roleplay, but the key to remember is supreme confidence. I learned long ago that someone who's confident in what they're saying will be believed. Someone who isn't afraid to crack that joke will get the laughs, and the guy willing to go up and take a shot with the girl might just land a date more often than you'd think. To avoid being annoying, your character's confidence should be quiet. She doesn't brag, doesn't vocalize her abilities, but never hestitates, never doubts, and is always willing to step up and do what she knows she can. Deeds speak louder than words, and if your character looks willing to back up anything she says with action, people will be impressed. Other notes: I tend to equate philosophy with intelligence rather than wisdom, as it is (hopefully) usually an intellectual, logical pursuit that is benefited by a keen memory and intense curiosity towards what other people have said and written. For a low wisdom, a lack of empathy is good, but don't overdo it, because it will affect charisma. Finally, just because she's evil (or non-good) doesn't mean she has to be a nasty person when it comes to relationships. Evil people are kind, loving, open, honest, and possess every other trait that you might see in someone labeled as "good". The problem with evil people is they don't know how to apply these to people they dislike or see no benefit in getting close to. Remember, the mark of a man is not how he treats those he loves, but those he hates.
Saion2014 06-30-06, 11:32 AM	Well, a partial solution to her arrogance could be to make her extremely good at what she does mechanically. While her belief in her own ability would be annoying, it'd be understandable if she could kick most people's asses blindfolded. Furthermore, low WIS doesn't necessarily mean naivete. Perhaps she's simply reckless, and doesn't think things through. I can see her being impulsive, energetic, and blunt. Her energy and love of what she does would be her main attractive characteristics.
nephtis 06-30-06, 03:01 PM	You guys are a lot of help, thanks! And just to clear it up, she's neutral, not evil. And yes, I think she'll be able to show that she has reason to believe in her abilities, her physical stats are good enough, (and she will have to impress as a fighter during lower levels). If the dice are with me that should work. I guess I could make her the kind of person that knows how to stage her success. She can't have her efforts go unnoticed. Modesty may not be one of her more noticable characteristics. But it'll have to be a real success, our group has had its share of characters that stayed back and came in when the enemy was down to his knees - claiming that it was their victory all alone. (Actually that was a good and fun roleplayed groupmember, a bard/seducer, but I won't be a copy cat) I like the idea of backing up words and claims with deeds. You're right, I myself would like a person who was willing to do herself what she suggested better than somebody who was all talk. But I think if she's so confident in herself she'll have a hard time to admit a mistake she made and she'll want to be good by all means. Well, since Hexblades may have a ruthless streak that could fit right in.
Sands_Of_Chaos 07-01-06, 04:15 AM	Well, it can sometimes be intimidating to play a character with something your not used to, but don't worry, just because you have a high charisma doesn't mean you have to fall into the same niche alot of charisma based classes fall into. Why, I can tell you right now my favorite paladin or "Sir Kale" as he goes doesn't have a lick of social skills (bit of a tightwad). Your personallity is yours to do with as you please and you shouldent let something like a stat score dictate how your character feels or reacts. It's your RP life, so go out and live it up.
Pivotal 07-02-06, 11:02 AM	Im playing a lvl1 sorceror with 17 in charisma and its a lot of fun to roleplay. He brags alot, is extremly confident and he bluffs people all the time (+15 to bluff). He is very outgoing, flirts with just about everyone he meets and talks his way trough all kinds of situations. He is a bit lazy but has a very energetic attitude and always strives for fame.
Murr-Quan Lord #2 07-05-06, 01:54 PM	Finally, just because she's evil (or non-good) doesn't mean she has to be a nasty person when it comes to relationships. Evil people are kind, loving, open, honest, and possess every other trait that you might see in someone labeled as "good". The problem with evil people is they don't know how to apply these to people they dislike or see no benefit in getting close to. The more evil one is, though, the more likely one is to see love and kindness as an illusion, or a means to an end.
pyro_cat 07-06-06, 12:35 PM	The more evil one is, though, the more likely one is to see love and kindness as an illusion, or a means to an end. Maybe this is telling to my own view on life, but I cannot see how love and kindness are not means to an end. This doesn't necessarily have anything to do with good and evil; it just is more or less indisputable that kindness is just as selfish as unkindness, the only difference is patience. A D&D character who recognizes this would probably consider themselves solidly neutral, while the outside world judges their actions based on what they do. An intelligent, patient, and wise character that realizes true selflessness is surely impossible would be labled as "good", since their actions would be beneficial to others and society in general. Remember; "good" can only exist in networks between social entities. A character that is unintelligent, shortsighted, impatient, or otherwise prevented from seeing the truth would act in a "dumb" selfish way. They'd be the ones kicking the old lady, not even subconciously realizing that helping her across the street would be more beneficial to them in the long run (unlike the "good" character, who does). To me, if someone is "good", they're able to see reasons to treat those that would have little impact on their lives with kindness. In this sense, "goodness" is actually knowledge, empathy, and patience, not some silly impossible goal like "selflessness". Sorry if I was unclear on that, thats what I was driving at.
Kollstag 07-07-06, 12:24 AM	I know some of has probably already occured to you, or others have said it, but charisma can also effect your character's influence, or like what I know has been said before, how much your character is noticed. In a campaign i was recently in, there was an elf in the party with only charisma 8 or 6, but as an elf, she was just easily noticed even having the lower charisma. Another character, one that I've spent many a month and year on, namely a Blackguard, achieved Godhood and is wandering around with a charisma well past 140. Then again, he's also a mad pyschotic psychopath bent on taking over the world and taking down a paladin that's stood in his way for almost the entire campaign, but he's still a lot of fun to play. As an overall note, remember, don't be afraid to try new things, like the high charisma charcter you've made. And even if your character is a bit naive, you can still have great people skills, like a Kender, which I don't know if you've had the pleasure of meeting.
Dire Hamster 07-09-06, 03:33 AM	Im playing a lvl1 sorceror with 17 charisma...[and with]+15 to bluff I'm sorry, but how the hell does a level 1 character have 15 ranks in Bluff (or any other skill for that matter)?!? :confused:
Dire Hamster 07-09-06, 03:45 AM	...charisma is about being good with people True, but that can be interpreted many ways. Charisma can also be good looks, or an imposing presence, or simply a forceful personality. I mean UmberHulks have a good Charisma, for crying out loud, and they are anything but good looking, funny, diplomatic and/or charming. But they have that mind-control thing (or whatever it's called that they do) working for them, indicating they have a powerful presence or forceful personality or can otherwise sway those around them. For example, one of my characters is a chaotic neutral fighter who's basically a sword-for-hire (merc). He's not out to be a boyscout paladin and help old ladies across the street. Sure, he'll help people, fight monsters, save the world...but only for a paycheck. Heck, a guy's gotta eat, right? Furthermore, he's got a decent CHA score of 14. But he's far from good-looking. He's 34 years old, but looks 40. He's got a big chin, big nose, messy mop of brown hair, scars, and is unshaven (not like a beard, but more like that permanent 5-o'clock shadow that Fred Flinstone always has). So he's not a pretty-boy. Lastly, he's not a cultured, educated noble. He's just a soldier, not a diplomat. So how do I play a no-so-good-looking, rough-around-the-edges, gun for hire? He's confident and has a forceful personality and a comanding presense. He means business and everything from his posture to his tone of voice makes this very clear to anyone he meets. Well, you get the picture, and I'm starting to ramble now...hope this helps. Good luck.
Jaisin 07-09-06, 07:07 PM	I am sure that there is a way to get +15 at level 1. :) Human, 2 flaws. 4 Ranks, +3 Cha. Skill Emphasis (+3) Persuasive, Trustworthy, and Smooth Talker I believe all add +2 to Bluff and another skill. So that's 4+3+2+2+2+3 = +16. Can't do much else but lie to people, though. :)
Dire Hamster 07-14-06, 02:02 AM	I am sure that there is a way to get +15 at level 1. :) Human, 2 flaws. 4 Ranks, +3 Cha. Skill Emphasis (+3) Persuasive, Trustworthy, and Smooth Talker I believe all add +2 to Bluff and another skill. So that's 4+3+2+2+2+3 = +16. Can't do much else but lie to people, though. :) Except that a 1st level character wouldn't have 3 feats, unless said character was a fighter, in which case none of the above mentioned feats are on the fighters list of choices for bonus feats.
Justanian 07-14-06, 07:31 AM	I would think she would be a master manipulator with out knowing she is doing it. She would be able to charm most people into doing what she wants, but with her low WIS she may not know the harm she is doing to herself or others. She knows what she wants and knows how to get it. She doesn't do it out of malice or revenge, but for what she wants and/or needs.
Candide 07-16-06, 01:05 AM	Except that a 1st level character wouldn't have 3 feats, unless said character was a fighter, in which case none of the above mentioned feats are on the fighters list of choices for bonus feats. He pointed out that the character has 2 flaws. The things from UA that allow you to take a feat in payment for their drawback. Most of them aren't that bad. People use them to powergame most of the time.