| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Xysma |
Posted - 13 Dec 2006 : 01:27:46
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I rolled a couple Intelligence checks to make sure the character could think of it (he wasn't as smart as I am in real life, so I frequently made Intelligence checks to see if he could think up the ideas I had).
Wooly's above post made me think of a question that has arisen in our games from time to time. How do you handle the discrepancy between a player's average intelligence and his character's 18+ intelligence score? This never fails to come up anytime I have a riddle, puzzle room, or something to that effect. A player may have no idea how to solve a problem that would be simple for his super-intelligent character. How do any of you handle this situation? |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Beowulf |
Posted - 02 Jan 2007 : 22:44:31
As a general rule of thumb, I'd provide players with a high I.Q. character with greater and more accurate information.
This is also how I judge significant villains. Idiots are assumed to have little to no clue as to what is going on around them, or they may have a clue, but misinterpret their evidence, while those of godlike intellect are privy to a fair amount of DM knowledge. |
| Conlon |
Posted - 15 Dec 2006 : 10:22:55
In the case of a riddle, if the character has a very high INT or WIS, I will just have them roll a check and if they are succesful, then I give them a hint.
If the riddle/puzzle is in related in some way that the character would have a working knowledge of it, then they would recieve a bonus on their check. What is the point in playing a supra-genious with tons of skill points in knowledge, etc, when the guy playing the half-orc barbarian has an equal chance of figuring stuff out? I think you have to reward players who are playing the more cerebral types in these situations. Of course, I make the characters work hard to figure things out on their own before I start helping them. If someone is really working hard trying to figure things out and making good suggestions, then I will award them also, perhaps with xp. |
| Xysma |
Posted - 15 Dec 2006 : 04:03:33
quote:
Originally posted by Ergdusch
I hqandle puzzles differently - I do not count in the Int scores of the PCs, 'cause I see puzzles as a fun part in game play the players are suppose to solve by themselves. What fun is in rolling one more die.......... So if they cannit solve a puzzle one their own - so be it.
That's pretty much how I have always handled it, why bother creating a fun (or tortuous) puzzle then just give them the answer. Although having seen Zimme's reply I think I'll try that next time. |
| Faramicos |
Posted - 14 Dec 2006 : 21:39:58
I like Zimmes system... I use lots of puzzles and riddles in my game and i think i will use your idea in my game. Good way to handle high IQ played by low IQ players. (hope none of my players read this) |
| WalkerNinja |
Posted - 13 Dec 2006 : 13:41:15
Puzzles and riddles strictly rely upon the insight of the player, imho. If there is a large discrepancy in the player's intelligence and the character's I may occasionally give a hint. An 8th grader can hardly be held accountable for the 20 intelligence of his Sun Elf wizard. |
| Victor_ograygor |
Posted - 13 Dec 2006 : 10:51:20
As a DM i help thoes players with 16+ in int/wis (Cha), this way the players with high stats
always figure out the plot ore the puzzle before other players. Players with high cha always has a lot of friends and get things cheaper. |
| Zimme |
Posted - 13 Dec 2006 : 10:38:45
If a char has a exceptional or genius level intelligens, I as a dm, put in extra info that that character can use,noted on a piece of paper or something, all due to his/her great knowledge. Then its up to the person playing how to use that extra info, there I do not mix in. |
| Ergdusch |
Posted - 13 Dec 2006 : 08:40:55
I hqandle puzzles differently - I do not count in the Int scores of the PCs, 'cause I see puzzles as a fun part in game play the players are suppose to solve by themselves. What fun is in rolling one more die.......... So if they cannit solve a puzzle one their own - so be it. |
| Dhomal |
Posted - 13 Dec 2006 : 05:39:04
Hello-
One thing to think about is All the players. Its perhaps true that the 18+ INT Wizard may be played by someone with a lower IQ than his character - BUT - on the other hand - perhaps the INT 9 or lower Fighter is played by someone with a higher IQ. I have let the players discuss in group such things - even if it was a case where one particular PC needed to answer a question or solve a puzzle 'on their own'. To me - this helped average out and mitigate the effects of INT scores not necessarilly mimicing the IQs of the players.
Just another thought I guess. :)
Dhomal |
| Kentinal |
Posted - 13 Dec 2006 : 02:10:43
Use a Knowledge check is the simple way to solve it, use take 20 rule (player needs to take about 2 minutes to figure out) the Check of course is against stat (plus adjustments) and DC of puzzel. |
