Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Throg 02-25-06, 05:36 PM	Well, I started a new campain, and am playing a Sun Elf wizards in FR. I had pretty shabby rolls besides a 16 and 17, the rest were 11, 11, 10, 9. So all in all, I put the 9 on Cha, but I also heard that Sun elves are rather snobbish. It's hard for me to play this aspect, but I'd like to give it a try. What kinds of saying would be nice? Any good stories? I'd enjoy the help!
Seerow 02-25-06, 05:49 PM	17, 16, 11, 11, 10, 9 is shabby? That's EXACTLY the power of a 32 point buy, which is generally considered high power. With that out of the way, it's hard to give someone advice on how to be snobbish, anything you could do is far too situational. Just play off anybody's ideas as inferior to your own, make sure you point out how 'barbaric' the cities you stop at are (ESPECIALLY the nice big ones), etc.
Suzaku455 02-25-06, 06:31 PM	I would say role play as normal because people with 9 int tend not talk like an orc.
Nate Jones 02-25-06, 08:13 PM	If you have ever played the Baldur's Gate series, there was a character (Edwin I believe his name was), who had very similar stats what you propose. He had ungodly intelligence and a high constitution (And was once a thayan wizard to boot). He was a complete prick, who prided himself, based on his high intelliegence, as being unequivocaly superior to everyone he met. Often, this hubris was justified, as undoubtable he was quite smarter than many of the opponents the main character ran afoul of. However, perhaps one of his most memorable moments came when he was confronted by specters of his past, and was unconditionally required to depend on others for support. It was both a great character defining moment and an great boon to party cohesion. Perhaps, you could begin your character expressing an untold arrogance, almost too great for anyone to put up with, but slowly over time, allow glimers of humanity to shine. You will become the idiosyncratic, but strangely endearing, powerhouse the party cannot do without.
Daergal_the_Black 02-25-06, 10:16 PM	There is only one saying that screams "Jerk" to me: And that's it and that's the only thing I need, is this. I don't need this or this. Just this crystal prism. And this spell book, the crystal prism and the spell book and that's all I need. And this bat guano. The crystal prism, the spell book, and the bat guano, and that's all I need. And these bird wings. The crystal prism, and these bird wings, and the spell book and the bat guano. And this incense. The crystal prism, the spell book, the bird wings and the bat guano and the incense and that's all I need. And that's all I need too. I don't need one other thing, not one - I need this. The bat guano, and the powdered silver, and the spell book, and the bat guano, for sure. And this. And that's all I need. The crystal prism, the spell book, the bird wings and the bat guano,the incense and the powdered silver.
CryoSilver 02-25-06, 10:21 PM	If you have ever played the Baldur's Gate series, there was a character (Edwin I believe his name was), who had very similar stats what you propose. He had ungodly intelligence and a high constitution (And was once a thayan wizard to boot). He was a complete prick, who prided himself, based on his high intelliegence, as being unequivocaly superior to everyone he met. Often, this hubris was justified, as undoubtable he was quite smarter than many of the opponents the main character ran afoul of. However, perhaps one of his most memorable moments came when he was confronted by specters of his past, and was unconditionally required to depend on others for support. It was both a great character defining moment and an great boon to party cohesion. Perhaps, you could begin your character expressing an untold arrogance, almost too great for anyone to put up with, but slowly over time, allow glimers of humanity to shine. You will become the idiosyncratic, but strangely endearing, powerhouse the party cannot do without. That, or you'll become the dragon bait and the players will plot behind your back to hit you with a folding chair and cut your brake lines.
Feor 02-25-06, 10:49 PM	If you're going for jerk, make it clearly known, out of character, that your character is going to be a jerk before you get too far into it. No sense upsetting the other players if you can stop it by declaring something like that early in the game.
Zarron 02-26-06, 02:43 PM	The key to being a jerk is that you have to master the back-handed compliment. The second important part of being a jerk is that, in any situation which your character cannot handle, you must turn to the appropriate character and tell him/her that he/she should start "pulling their own weight, after all, when was the last time you did anything useful?" Try to direct this at cohorts and NPCs instead of other PCs. Being a jerk doesn't mean not helping and not sharing. Being a jerk means reminding everyone that you are -always- willing to help and share. Then you call in the favors later. Being a jerk doesn't mean not listening to the other PCs. Being a jerk means listening to them and telling them "Well, if that's how you want to do it..." Just remember, your goal isn't to be a complete and total jerk. Your goal is to be the sort of guy that always has the situation under control-- but in a completely controlling, snotty sort of way. If you could, I would take leadership so you could have some sort of sniveling syncophant follow you around who absolutely adored you and couldn't understand why no one else could see you for the wonder that is you. As long as you treated her/him with an equal level of contempt as everyone else, it would be fair.
DrMorganes 02-26-06, 08:29 PM	sycophant (http://www.webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?sourceid=Mozilla-search&va=sycophant). Good example, no? ;)
GreatWyrm 02-26-06, 09:16 PM	Another good idea would be to figure out what annoys a character, and do that at times where it would be most annoying, like, them trying to concentrate on a skill, or talk to somone, whatever. Just be annoying. Don't do it so much that they want to kill you, but enough that they're close to smacking you.
LCD2YOU 02-26-06, 09:19 PM	Just read the responces from more than a few of the posters here. that's how you can play a jerk real well.
Archmage_Vall 02-26-06, 10:04 PM	Read the description of the Disciple of Mammon Prc in the BOVD. I played one once in a party of good PCs including a paladin, and they didn't realize that he was evil for a long time (potions of Undetectable Alignment helped with that). My character would smile to your face, and act like you were his friend, and would even help you out to prove that he was your friend and gain your trust. But then he'd plot and scheme about how he could use you to best further his own ends behind your back. Then he'd manipulate you into doing what he wanted and make you think he was doing you a favor in the process. Oh, and if the party's about to get wiped out by 6 wounded balors, run for it! Even if you're the only hope the other PCs have for survival, RUN!! Save your own skin, and leave those fools to their grizzly fate. :evillaugh
DerHauptman 02-27-06, 01:22 AM	I would say role play as normal because people with 9 int tend not talk like an orc. Hummm, 10 is a normal int score for humans - I think I have a 10 INT score I do ok. Heck I even have a degree in History and am an Army Officer, not a genius, but not close to stupid. As for the 9, well maybe someone who has a very basic vocabulary but not and orc. I think you have fallen into the anything under a +1 mod is bad syndrome. DerHauptman - Out!
Kraigen 02-27-06, 02:01 AM	If you have a fair amount of roleplaying--I would suggest being exceedingly nice to your party. If your character does everything "with the best intentions" the party would have a hard time faulting him for it. Never let anyone else back down from a fight, always point out how much better your party members are than the NPCs, etc. For example if a situation is deteriorating between the party and an NPC, always be the first to pipe up on behalf of the party with a snide comment. "Well no, actually Varsili here DID steal that from you, but so what? You're far too ugly to wear it anyway." Now you've "tried to diffuse the situation with diplomacy" and spoke up "in defense of poor Varsili." You don't have to be a jerk TO your party to get them in a heap of trouble.
Throg 02-27-06, 10:22 AM	Well, what I ment by 'shabby' was that they were great roles for just a pure 'fighter' or pure 'magic person'. Fighting was taken care of already so I went with spell caster. I don't know where the 9 int comment came from.. when I clearly stated the 9 went into charisma, but oh well. (We have another player who's rolls were on fire or something, ended up with a point total around 40 if you added them up. My rolls were shabby compaired to his. heh) Thanks for all the comments, but sadly I'm not evil and our group pretty much banned anyone from being evil... We tried an evil campain, all we got was everyone playing steriotypical evil bastards. Everyone of us gets the urge to play "I'm evil.. so I'm going to kill this random pesant, defile their corpse, then rob that shop over there.." Instead of the better examples of how to play evil. With that out of the way, it's hard to give someone advice on how to be snobbish, anything you could do is far too situational. Just play off anybody's ideas as inferior to your own, make sure you point out how 'barbaric' the cities you stop at are (ESPECIALLY the nice big ones), etc. I think I may try to use the pointing out the inferiorness of cities the group stops in! Sounds fun. The key to being a jerk is that you have to master the back-handed compliment. The second important part of being a jerk is that, in any situation which your character cannot handle, you must turn to the appropriate character and tell him/her that he/she should start "pulling their own weight, after all, when was the last time you did anything useful?" Try to direct this at cohorts and NPCs instead of other PCs. Being a jerk doesn't mean not helping and not sharing. Being a jerk means reminding everyone that you are -always- willing to help and share. Then you call in the favors later. Being a jerk doesn't mean not listening to the other PCs. Being a jerk means listening to them and telling them "Well, if that's how you want to do it..." Just remember, your goal isn't to be a complete and total jerk. Your goal is to be the sort of guy that always has the situation under control-- but in a completely controlling, snotty sort of way. If you could, I would take leadership so you could have some sort of sniveling syncophant follow you around who absolutely adored you and couldn't understand why no one else could see you for the wonder that is you. As long as you treated her/him with an equal level of contempt as everyone else, it would be fair. All nice suggestions and tricks to help me, thanks. I especially like the telling others they aren't pulling their weight when I'm the one in trouble. I'll try to keep it to NPC's that might be following the group. The suggestion of leadership would be fun too! Never tried it, I might think about it (Level 1 Wizard right now.. thinking of going into Incantrix because I want to try the metamagic wizard.. I usually end up being the item creation person.) If you have a fair amount of roleplaying--I would suggest being exceedingly nice to your party. If your character does everything "with the best intentions" the party would have a hard time faulting him for it. Never let anyone else back down from a fight, always point out how much better your party members are than the NPCs, etc. For example if a situation is deteriorating between the party and an NPC, always be the first to pipe up on behalf of the party with a snide comment. "Well no, actually Varsili here DID steal that from you, but so what? You're far too ugly to wear it anyway." Now you've "tried to diffuse the situation with diplomacy" and spoke up "in defense of poor Varsili." Ooo... that looks very good to pull, but sadly we don't have the sneaky steally type of charector that would be much easier to do. It's a Drow Rogue, Human Fighter, and Half Elf Druid for the other players. The Drow Rogue is planning on going into Moondancer, so I doubt that she will end up being the stealing type at all. Thanks for the help, keep em comming if anyone has more to say! Ohh this will be perfect. Just need to actually do it IC.
getgoldcardsoul 02-27-06, 01:47 PM	Just read the responces from more than a few of the posters here. that's how you can play a jerk real well.:clap: As funny as this is, though, there's worse company to be had elsewhere. I've role-played with quite a few sociopaths in my day :) Read the description of the Disciple of Mammon Prc in the BOVD. I played one once in a party of good PCs including a paladin, and they didn't realize that he was evil for a long time (potions of Undetectable Alignment helped with that). My character would smile to your face, and act like you were his friend, and would even help you out to prove that he was your friend and gain your trust. But then he'd plot and scheme about how he could use you to best further his own ends behind your back. Then he'd manipulate you into doing what he wanted and make you think he was doing you a favor in the process.Have you met my ex-fiancée? :) I may actually be able to help, considering the former... If the party members come up with something clever to overcome a problem, remain silent until they think up something. Then say something along the lines of, "Congratulations! You just figured out the most basic fundamentals of problem-solving! Now how long did that take?" Also scoff. A lot. At everything.
Bester 02-27-06, 04:00 PM	First things first-- if you don't know your fellow players well, make sure they understand that you don't share your character's personality. Roleplaying with someone pretending to be a jerk can be a lot of fun, but roleplaying with someone you actually think is a jerk is extremely frustrating. That being said, here's what one of our group's players does while in character. Always be first to claim credit when the party is successful. Gloss over other characters' impressive actions and embellish your own. Use your tone of voice to convey that every "we" when discussing party victories refers primarily to you. If another party member fails at a task, make sure everyone knows that you forgive him. You're sure he didn't do it on purpose-- incompetance is rarely deliberate. The above poster's suggestion of taking a hero-worshipping cohort is an excellent one. It's most effective if the GM is willing to roleplay him outside of combat. Put as many ranks as possible into Knowledge skills. Nothing is more irksome than a know-it-all who actually does know everything. You know that little voice in the back of your head that tells you to keep your snide remarks to yourself? Ignore it. :D
Zarron 02-27-06, 04:12 PM	One thing that will quickly get on your party's nerves, but you can occassionally get away with is: "You are here to service my needs." Actually, I wouldn't suggest that. Remember that you're a jerk, with class. If their characters pull a prank on yours (as they are apt), just tell their characters (all IC, mind you) that it was immature and "such boyish pranks are beneath me." Then use prestidigitation to turn their clothing pink.
SiouLubb 02-27-06, 05:04 PM	Make it very clear that you are in-character when being a jerk. Use a slightly different voice or manner. It helps things not to become personal. Hypocrisy is another wonderful jerk trait. Just because you asked the fighter for a cure potion and he gave it to you when you needed it doesn't mean that you have to give the fighter anything he asks for if he thinks he needs it. Of course, be prepared when ironic justice comes your way. As a player, don't take it personally.
Good Agnostic 02-27-06, 07:55 PM	A 9 CHA means you have a typical "force of personality." You don't need to play like a jerk or even play as snobbish. Sun Elves may have an overall reputation for snobbery, but you could be one down to earth sun elf. Really, if you want to play a jerk or a snob, you can certainly do that, but you don't have to based on that ability roll. Generally, I'd say it's not a good idea. Now if you came up with a strong character background or motivation that made him seem like a jerk to some people, that would make more sense. For example, he believes that Elven Arcane magic has the greatest eldritch potential in the world. He thinks divine casters fool themselves into thinking they need to pray for power when they could just wield it. Perhaps he considers them weak. Perhaps he rolls his eyes when they pray. This way, instead of going with a potentially annoying "he's always a jerk" personality, you give him a motivation that sometimes makes him seem like a jerk.
Archmage_Vall 02-27-06, 10:17 PM	:clap: Have you met my ex-fiancée? :) Actually, my inspiration for that character was the Emperor from star wars. My PC was just a non-magical version.
Wizards_White_Knight 02-27-06, 11:30 PM	I'm actually starting a character tonight, a grey elf wizard. Cha of 8, Int of 20 (With a Headband of Intellect. Starting at a level above 2 for the first time ever). He calls himself "Prodigy" and refuses to respond to any name other than that. He took teh elf racial wizard level, and the feat, collegete wizard. As a result, he knows more spells, and can cast more than your average wizard. This means, He's better than you and he knows it. (Hey, what DOESN'T he know?) HE does item creation for the party, and sells them for 90% of the market value. He constantly reminds the party of how ill equipped they'd be if it weren't for him. Oh also, with the items he has crafted, he puts his signature into the item. While this isn't unusual, hsi signature happens to be this. Whenever the wielder of the time says teh word "Prodigy", the item will let off a little "Ta-da" sound. DM approved with the use of Ghost Sound and Prestidigation included in teh casting. He is neutral, so he doesn't even have that heart of gold factor going for him. All he cares about is himself, and his quest for more power. He does things just to prove to himself he can do it. His reason for hunting dragons (Dragon slaying campaign) is because he can. He wants to be powerful, and dragons are the most powerful beings in the world. Always have spells ready to save your friends, (in my case, I will memorise a few energy resist spells) but always keep a spell slot or two hany for your own personal protection. I.E, the Dragon has just knocked down your damage soaker. All that's leftis the ranger, the bard and yourself. And he is about due for anoter breath weapon. You're almost out of spells. Cast your gaseous form you prepared earlier, in case of emergencies, and leave. Sure, they were useful, but you can always find more useful meatshields. You only have one life. Besides, if they aren't good enough to get out on thier own, do they really deserve your company? If you are playing good aligned, a lot of my suggestions wouldnt be helpful. Good aligned jerk would be more the practical joker. The "Such games are beneath me" and then casting spells to make clothing pink suggestion was brilliant. If you're good, you put the needs of others at least equal, if not ahead of your own. This is the first time I haven't played a paladin, or someone with thier own personal code of honor, so I am looking forward to shafting my friends who usually complain about me not letting them break int crypts, or disfigure slain opponents or whatever. Also, don't go with PHB spells. Try and get the DM to approve your own spells. Nothing says arrogant like killing every foe with your own signature spell. Maybe create a spell that does XdX damage, but can't take a creature below 1 hp. THen finish them off with Ray of Frost. :) Constantly state how you defeat foes with minor cantrips. This goes well with both the selfish "what about me approach" and the good "Im just kidding" approach. WWK
Mitchell 02-28-06, 01:15 AM	One important thing to remember is that 10-11 is average. A 9 isn't that bad. One idea, since you are a wizard, would be to maximize some of your knowledge skills and be the self-proclaimed "Foremost authority on..." whatever it is. Anytime you are asked about this (or these) subject(s), always lead off with your credentials or how the person is lucky to have asked you because... It will wear on people, but not to the extent that they will offer you up as dragon chow, and you will often be right, though they may hate to admit it.
rockondon 02-28-06, 01:34 AM	you could get one of those books like 1001 one-liners I try to make up my own snide remarks, mostly about other races. Think about the generalisms about the race, then make fun of them. I might refer to an elf as a flower-kissing tree-humping bear-****er. Or I could say the same things about dwarves with rocks, jewels, and beer...so to speak. Ask the half-orc if his species eats their own dead. Tell the dwarf you think dwarven colonies are interesting - a place where the men are men...and so are the women. You can make smelly jokes about a few races. Gnomes/halflings make great coffee tables and beer holders. etc etc If your own race is snobbish, think up some things to say and act to reflect that. "Psch, I could have made that killing blow if I really wanted to." "Since you're such a lousy fighter, I thought I'd cheer you up and give you a chance to hit something for a change." "You did moderately well last battle, considering your from an inferior race" "That meal you cooked was poo...even before I digested it" "I hope you appreciate my sacrifice by demeaning myself by helping out less-civilized folk like you" "Oh how charming, your quaint little weapon did marginal damage to our opponent" Comment on how members of your race make far superior mages/fighters/clerics/etc than your party members.