Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Akisa 01-05-08, 03:48 PM	I just made a level 9 bard based on this character (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=944962). (Base 16, 18 after 2 level ability boost and finally a +2 charismatic cloak) She has +19 to bluff, disguise, Use Magic Device and perform (21 with MW instrument), +23 for Diplomacy and +13 for sense motive. Gather Info, and intimidate are untrained with (+9 and +11 respectively due to circlet of persuasion). Alhila is only 40 years as well to play as a lesser drow (because there are other drows in the campaign that we fought and is also a replacement character). The rest of my stats are Str: 12 Dex: 14 Con: 12 Int: 14 Wis: 12 Any tips you could offer would be appreciated...
RobbyPants 01-05-08, 05:02 PM	Well, there's a simliar thread (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=970690) about RPing a 32 Cha. Of course, that's a bit higher than yours, but still, you might get some ideas from there. A 20 Cha means your character has a very strong force of personality. Whether or not people like him/her, they will have a tencency to believe his/her words. Think about how you have a +5 bonus automatically to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate just for the Cha bonus alone. As for the 14 Int, the PC is fairly bright, possibly with an aptitude for learning or logic. The 12 Wis puts the PC just above average in terms of intuition and the ability to read people. So, really, it's all about how you put these together. The 20 Cha is very impressive, but not necessarily god-like.
JimProfit 01-05-08, 07:19 PM	Confidence man. Even if you know the sky is blue, you'll argue it's red. Just cause you're that confident in yourself to argue so. That's a high charisma score lol! Frankly wisdom should not exsist. Wisdom skills should be constitution based. Will saves should be charisma based.
Cartigan 01-05-08, 08:28 PM	Seen the new Flash Gordon? You're Flash. Everyone likes Flash.
ObscureInfo 01-05-08, 09:06 PM	I don't have to rp a Cha of 20. It just comes naturally. ;)
twad 01-06-08, 01:02 AM	meh i dunno, just take your favorite world leader/actor/ect and see why you like him/her/it so much? Outgoing? warm, inviting smile? 'that glint' in his eyes? aura of confidence about her? a motivating commanding voice?
Count Arioch the 28th 01-06-08, 01:12 AM	You can copy how I act. I have a 19 in charisma. Here's the secret to acting like Count Arioch: You are so used to people taking your word for things, that you literally get irritated at people when they don't immediately follow your advice. For example, I once convinced a friend that the word to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody was "Momma just killed a man" instead of "Momma, just killed a man". He was so convinced that the song was about Freddy Mercury's mother killing someone that it was actually hard for me to convince him I was just messing around with him. That's charisma. But seriously, when you spend your life having everyone do what you tell them to do, it gets frustrating when people don't, for whatever reason.
twad 01-06-08, 01:42 AM	That's charisma. IMHO charisma isnt outsmarting someone, its more about magnetism.. (then again, trust sure help when trying to convince someone of something..) just look around you, you just know at least some people that seem to be born leaders; others tend to follow whenever they speak. Leaders know what they want, and can convince others to help them.
Mad_Mickelson 01-06-08, 06:08 AM	Wisdom skills should be constitution based. Will saves should be charisma based. What would Fort saves be based on :P For example, I once convinced a friend that the word to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody was "Momma just killed a man" instead of "Momma, just killed a man". He was so convinced that the song was about Freddy Mercury's mother killing someone that it was actually hard for me to convince him I was just messing around with him. Or your mate is just really gullible... lol i got a few like that :) Describe your bard as being extremely attractive, always smiling, has a good thing to say about everyone and evidently having such a high charisma I'd hazard a guess that you would be the party's spokesman ??? AND ATTEMPT TO SELL ICE TO ESKIMOS!!!!
fishfinger 01-06-08, 09:16 AM	Smile Alot problem solved :p
Ecalsneerg 01-06-08, 10:30 AM	Charisma has a lot to do with how people react to you. I'd define Cha 20 and over as having a lot of presence in that, when you do something, people look up and pay attention.
Count Arioch the 28th 01-06-08, 10:33 AM	IMHO charisma isnt outsmarting someone, its more about magnetism. "Bluff" is a charisma based skill. So I would say that convincing someone of something that isn't true in fact IS about having a high charisma.
Silverthumb 01-07-08, 02:40 AM	Truthfully, let the numbers talk for you. That sounds like metagaming, but think about it like this: Bill Cosby & Peyton Manning tell the same joke, but who was funnier? Its like my Kobold Bard. He made friends with a Dwarf(they dislike Kobolds) who was a complete stranger in about what a round. Say what you feel is appropriate for the situation, the numbers can back you up if you need em to.
Jarsallen 01-07-08, 01:29 PM	Wear a leather biker jacket, pop up the collar, point your hands like guns at people and say "Ey!" a lot. If something is broken, hit it and expect it to work. You'll be fine.
tennyocelestia 01-09-08, 04:22 AM	Wear a leather biker jacket, pop up the collar, point your hands like guns at people and say "Ey!" a lot. If something is broken, hit it and expect it to work. You'll be fine. I completely agree. There are a couple of ways you can look at it, and actually, the way Jarsallen put it is a great way to understand it. Charismatic characters are a lot like, say, the Disney character Aladin. Sure of themselves, confident, extremely likable guys that probably have a couple of talents. They usually have a way with words, whether they're consciously aware of it or not. People are often comfortable around them, and they're usually passionate about what they believe in (or what they don't believe in- it may be the sheer spirit of freedom that drives them). On the other end of the spectrum from Aladin, there are the people that are charismatic in the way that Hitler was charismatic. What he said roused something in people- again, the way with words and strong beliefs. There is usually something that drives the charismatic people. Take my friend Taylor- he likes to make people laugh. That's the spirit of the world to him, and he puts his all into it. On the other hand, was extremely charismatic in that he made people feel comfortable, and was an excellent story teller. Pick something for your character along those lines and run with it. Remember to relax- most charismatic people aren't constant tense, unless you're Hitler-tense, in which case everybody is constantly worried you're going to explode if you get any more excited. Try to be friendly (though friendly doesn't have to mean stupid when it comes to who to extend your trust to), and be personable instead of antagonistic. At least, that's how I always look at it. I tend to play fey characters, so role playing charisma is important for me.
Enmarnacu 01-11-08, 02:18 AM	Your drow and my drow should get together and have a wet swimsuit contest. We could grab the attention of the GODS! Mwhaha. . . My current character is quite the same, but with a 20 intelligence to compliment her 21 charisma. That, and she's shamelessly evil. I play her with the mindset that she is terribly vain and for very good reason. In real life I'm not exactly lacking in intelligence or charisma, so it's just a matter of exaggeration. If I want something I can often get it. When she wants something, she gets it. End of story. Put your tongue back in your mouth or wrap it up with the rest of my purchases. For her charisma isn't just looks, it's force of will and the ability to manipulate everyone she can communicate with, and some she can't. For a good character your drow is probably very attractive and has an innate way of sweet talking those around her into giving her what she wants. Reflect this at the table by sitting up straight, smiling a lot and making eye contact when you speak. For your own amusement and advancement, make situations in which you can profit from your charisma. Fighters with a high strength get to go into battle and show off. You get to show off when you're negotiating the reward for the job or selling the treasure. Don't forget about talking guards away from their posts. Remember: You're a hot woman in a man's world. There's little that you can't get others to gladly do for you.
Orchomenos 01-11-08, 10:25 AM	As a DM, I once introduced Eludecia (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/fc/20050824a) in my game, the 18th level version with a Charisma of 32. Since it was a play-by-post game, I and another buddy took the time to craft a few sentences, so she always spoke in rhymes. I think that usually, a poet needs to be more intelligent than charismatic to craft rhymes, and even more to spontaneously answer questions in rhymes. But in the same time, everything she says is beautiful - perhaps is she even not talking in rhymes at all, but everyone heard her this way... Also, I had her charisma affect object she used. At some time, she was wearing only a sheet, and the moment she donned it, it was now a somptuous dress. The moment she picks up a walking stick to help her walks, it was now an imperial scepter.
ardentpause 01-11-08, 11:21 AM	Just understand what charisma means. Charisma is how likable and convincing you are. Everybody likes a charismatic character. I am sure that you know of a few in real life. People that you just instinctively gravitate towards, and want to be around. Think about those people, and what they act like. They tend to be very accepting of other people, even odd ones, although that doesn't mean that they are naive, just friendly. They also tend to be very relaxed about it, and they handle criticism and unexpected problems very well. Lots of confidence marks a charismatic character, because everything comes easier to them. They are very convincing people, partly because they know how to speak convincingly, and partly because they usually have strong belief in what they say (they seem to speak from the heart). They never phrase things in a negative light, and so whatever they say is inspiring and uplifting. Also, they probably pay a lot of attention to appearance, and what they look like. Some good examples of charismatic characters in media are: Tyler Durdan (Fight Club), Fonzy (Happy Days), Frank Abignale Jr. (Catch me if you can), Jack (Titanic), Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Carribean), The guy in almost every romantic comedy ever. This list is all male, but there are tons of female examples as well. Just think of iconic characters, and model after them. -ArdentPause
Thubby 01-11-08, 02:13 PM	a lot of this falls on your DMs shoulders. even if you don't do the best at being suave, your character did. otherwise, just be confident, when you say something, say it like you are without a doubt, unquestionably right.
Shadowshimmer 01-11-08, 02:52 PM	Best advice I ever got for playing a character with high charisma was to "make the character your own" and I did. What do you consider charismatic? Once you answer that then put it into your character. Does he give famous speeches like William Wallace before the big battle or is he more behind the scenes like Phantom of the Opera?
Voran 01-11-08, 04:58 PM	You'd be like Captain Kirk, but with bewbs. :) Seriously though, high charisma (though not godlike charisma) is fairly easy to model, as we have many cinematic/literary examples of such characters. James Bond James Kirk Captain America Xena Superman Batman (though he's more of the 'scary' charisma type)
The_Shaman 01-12-08, 02:14 PM	I think the best example from a character with near-inhuman charisma is Carrot from Terry Pratchett's discworld series. With other characters you can wonder if it's raw charisma or actual skill that makes their mojo work, but he (at first, at least) makes it work without being that good with his words. In fact, very often he gets people to do what he wants regardless of how absurd it sounds (like during the war in Klatch). In short, 80% of charisma is how people react to you. Most of the other 20% is how sure you are they will do so. Be absolutely self-assured, even when it looks impossible. Step up to any challenge or opportunity, not so much because you want to exploit it but because that comes naturally to you. Basically, you're used to being in charge, and will always act like it. As a result, people naturally rally around you. If no one has a plan, you'll come up with something, good or bad. If someone has a plan you like, you'll take over and shoulder the burden of leadership and, perhaps, responsibility. The trickiest thing is that you don't need to be arrogant or self-absorbed - you're just confident, and you know you have a reason to be. It's a bit weird as most people are naturally plagued by doubts or second thoughts. Well, your character either isn't, or practically never gives in to those.
beepaladin 01-12-08, 05:12 PM	For a good character your drow is probably very attractive and has an innate way of sweet talking those around her into giving her what she wants. Reflect this at the table by sitting up straight, smiling a lot and making eye contact when you speak. For your own amusement and advancement, make situations in which you can profit from your charisma. Fighters with a high strength get to go into battle and show off. You get to show off when you're negotiating the reward for the job or selling the treasure. Don't forget about talking guards away from their posts. Remember: You're a hot woman in a man's world. There's little that you can't get others to gladly do for you. I think that's really over simplifying Charisma in female (or arguably male) characters by arguing that high charisma means you're seductive. If you want to play it as a coyness, by all means, but that's a rather unifaceted angle of the character. Think more of a Bond and less of a Bond girl. Seduction is just another weapon a charismatic character might have in their arsenal, like other social skills, and not -why- they have that high stat.
Enmarnacu 01-12-08, 11:03 PM	I think that's really over simplifying Charisma in female (or arguably male) characters by arguing that high charisma means you're seductive. If you want to play it as a coyness, by all means, but that's a rather unifaceted angle of the character. Think more of a Bond and less of a Bond girl. Seduction is just another weapon a charismatic character might have in their arsenal, like other social skills, and not -why- they have that high stat. I say sweet talking meaning talking sweetly, as in nice and kindly. Like a barskank, maybe, but perhaps also like a mother. A charismatic and good character would put those around her at ease with pleasant ("sweet") and engaging conversation. Bright-eyed and open, like a fresh spring flower. ^.^ As for seduction, I just assumed that a drow woman with a 20 charisma played by a girl gamer would have high sex appeal. It's the most logical conclusion. Sure, she could be a 7 foot tall, muscled drow warrior woman with the ability to silence babies with a glare, but I think pretty is more likely. And so long as you don't have a female DM (or an ugly one who's never gotten real-world experience with how the attractive get their way more often) that's going to help pull a lot of strings. And sexy girls can be sweet and lovable, too! :weep: Bond is a Bond girl. It's a man's idea of what women want in a sex symbol.
Orchomenos 01-14-08, 01:47 PM	Bond is a Bond girl. It's a man's idea of what women want in a sex symbol. Take that, macho man! :rofl: Though James Bond himself is always depicted as Intelligent, Ressourceful and Charming, while some Bond Girls are only depicted as Charming (especially in the old editions). Another quirk a very charismatic character could have could be to directly speak to (a) God, because only (a) God can afford to have a direct conversation with you. Whether He answer or not is up to the DM. ;)
_Jayne_Cobb_ 01-14-08, 01:52 PM	Bill Murray in Ghostbusters. He is uglier than a bag of bashed ***holes yet possesed of a twinkly-eyed charm and oozes buckets of confidence.
The_Shaman 01-14-08, 05:53 PM	Pfft, Bill Murray - just look at aboleths. Slimy, abhorrent *******, all of them, and with a default charism of 17.
_Jayne_Cobb_ 01-15-08, 03:04 PM	Pfft, Bill Murray - just look at aboleths. Slimy, abhorrent *******, all of them, and with a default charism of 17. Yes, and the real-world examples of Aboleths that would be of use illustrating to someone how a high CHA might be played are…
Count Arioch the 28th 01-15-08, 05:42 PM	Never mind, forgot that image-only posts are forbidden here.
Silverthumb 01-15-08, 05:44 PM	I ugh'd and lol'd at the same time.