Explain INT and Reflex, Please

[LittleElvis]

It's a good game mechanic, so I don't really care.

But.

Can anyone come up with a reasonable-sounding explanation for why a stat (Intelligence) that "describes how well your character learns and reasons," and which primarily benefits wizards that spend all of their time in their heads would prevent a big, powerful brute from clubbing you over the head and killing you (AC)?

Of course, no one can explain that, but I would enjoy reading any attempts at it

 

[Psychic Robot]

"You're so smart that you can anticipate an enemy's actions."

That is the response you will get. The real reason is that "MAD is bad."

 

[Jhulae]

It's a good game mechanic, so I don't really care.

But.

Can anyone come up with a reasonable-sounding explanation for why a stat (Intelligence) that "describes how well your character learns and reasons," and which primarily benefits wizards that spend all of their time in their heads would prevent a big, powerful brute from clubbing you over the head and killing you (AC)?

Of course, no one can explain that, but I would enjoy reading any attempts at it

Because Wizards, and all the other high int characters out there, have learned that it's better to not be hit and reason that they should try to not get in the way of a weapon heading at them.

 

[hong]

www.google.com/search?q=einstein+vs+ninjas

By our very own jonrog, no less!

 

[erik_the_guy]

It's a good game mechanic, so I don't really care.

I think this is what the game creators were thinking.

Rationalize it how you want. I just assume that smarter people learn faster. Maybe it's like a Zelda boss fight and you are just memorizing the bad guy's attack patterns .

 

[Psychic Robot]

Because Wizards, and all the other high int characters out there, have learned that it's better to not be hit and reason that they should try to not get in the way of a weapon heading at them.

I chuckled. Mild satire, it is good for the blood.

 

[serow]

You did a quick calculation in your mind and you know where to duck.

 

[Terwox]

www.google.com/search?q=einstein+vs+ninjas

By our very own jonrog, no less!

Oh man, I've missed his writing. Drunk Southern Girls with Guns... last updated in '05. Teardrop.

 

[LittleElvis]

I just assume that smarter people learn faster. Maybe it's like a Zelda boss fight and you are just memorizing the bad guy's attack patterns .

Golf clap.

Better than I could come up with, actually. Still a really silly rule.

I'd be tempted as a GM to only let DEX add to your Reflex/AC. Then make the wizards a little more powerful. Like give them more spell options, or a static +1 or +2 to hit.

 

[On Puget Sound]

"Hmmm, he holds his sword with index finger overlapping the thumb...that's a Sicilian grip. What did I read about Sicilian fighters? Oh, right, their fighting style descends from that taught by Luigi Mazzolino, who loved to feint to the head, then strike an exposed knee or foot. I'll need to watch for that."

"Wolves like to circle their prey, and the one in the back is usually the first one to dart in. That lunge should be coming about....NOW! Hah, missed me, ya big dumb dog!"

"Let's see, what advantages can I use here? First of all, lead him around so the sun is in his eyes...that'll help. And I see he favors his left leg a bit, where Brakor caught him with a mace. That means he won't put weight on it unless he's actually striking, so I can predict which moves are feints and when the real blow will come."