D&D 5E Don't play "stupid" characters. It is ableist.

[Snarf Zagyg]

I don't use a PCs low INT as an excuse to make bad decisions. More often, I use my PCs low INT as an excuse why I made a bad decision...

I know! The other day, I had a character with a really low INT, and I ordered pizza as my character ...

I ended up with some of those monstrous shame toppings on the pizza that @CleverNickName is championing!

 

[Ancalagon]

When you play 'stupid' characters are you are saying that there are stupid people and then you are imitating those people.

The idea of 'stupid' and 'smart' is rooted in ableism.

Don't use stats as an excuse. Having an 8 Int means (basically) that the character is slightly worse at memorizing facts than an average human.

Do have traits and behaviours which hinder the character (if you want).

Maybe they are not very knowledgeable.

Maybe they don't pay attention much of the time.

Maybe they engage in risky behaviour and think rashly.

Maybe they lack confidence because they have been called 'stupid' their whole lives.

Maybe they find themselves in a culture which is very different than their own and they struggle to adapt. Their common isn't very good and the way they view the world is different than those around them.

There are lots of possibilities to create interesting characters rather than just a walking insult and punching bag.

Stupidity is WILLFULL, which is what makes it so infuriating/tragic. There is nothing ableist about it.

"In Understanding Stupidity, James F. Welles defines stupidity this way: "The term may be used to designate a mentality which is considered to be informed, deliberate and maladaptive." Welles distinguishes stupidity from ignorance; where stupidity means one must know they are acting in their own worst interest in that it must be a choice, not a forced act or accident. Lastly, it requires the activity to be maladaptive, in that it is in the worst interest of the actor, and specifically done to prevent adaption to new data or existing circumstances."

 

[renbot]

Or you could just not try to tell other people how to play a game with their friends. Contrary to popular opinion, what I say and do around a friend's dining room table once a week is not an exercise in social engineering.

 

[Bill Zebub]

Stupidity is WILLFULL, which is what makes it so infuriating/tragic. There is nothing ableist about it.

"In Understanding Stupidity, James F. Welles defines stupidity this way: "The term may be used to designate a mentality which is considered to be informed, deliberate and maladaptive." Welles distinguishes stupidity from ignorance; where stupidity means one must know they are acting in their own worst interest in that it must be a choice, not a forced act or accident. Lastly, it requires the activity to be maladaptive, in that it is in the worst interest of the actor, and specifically done to prevent adaption to new data or existing circumstances."

My barista has a completely different definition (which I will spare you) but he speaks, as far as I can tell, with equal authority.

 

[CleverNickName]

Having an Imaginary character who is proud of their 18 Strength, Dex, Con and Charisma is obviously body shaming the real life players so I guess we can’t have that either

Or you could just not try to tell other people how to play a game with their friends. Contrary to popular opinion, what I say and do around a friend's dining room table once a week is not an exercise in social engineering.

You're either being deliberately obtuse, or you really don't understand the point of this thread.

 

[CleverNickName]

I know! The other day, I had a character with a really low INT, and I ordered pizza as my character ...

I ended up with some of those monstrous shame toppings on the pizza that @CleverNickName is championing!

Optimized builds are overrated, both in D&D and in pizza. Although, I've heard that D&D is a type of pizza, so maybe I'm just repeating myself.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

Optimized builds are overrated, both in D&D and in pizza. Although, I've heard that D&D is a type of pizza, so maybe I'm just repeating myself.

You say that now, but that's only because you haven't mathed out the DPR for your pizza.

Apples? Hazelnuts? THOSE ARE TRAP OPTIONS!!!!!!!!!11!!!!!

 

[Shiroiken]

I think one of the biggest issues in all of this is using vague terms like "stupid." Playing a form of "stupid" isn't insulting; playing someone with a mental disability might be considered so. To conflate the two is where everything breaks down.

There are no stupid people at my table, so nobody to possibly be offended over how any of us roleplay "stupid" characters.

Lucky you. I've played with a lot of stupid people, especially in college.

 

[Charlaquin]

People don't come to a D&D table and form their real world view from what happens in the fantasy game. They have already formed their real world view, from, well, real world experiences. They don't form real world views from what happens in a fantasy game they may play 3-8 hours a week.

Playing D&D is a real world experience though, and it does contribute to the formation of people’s worldviews (which is a lifelong process). And more significant than the events of the fiction are the actions and especially attitudes of your fellow players. Gaming doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

 

[CleverNickName]

You say that now, but that's only because you haven't mathed out the DPR for your pizza.

Apples? Hazelnuts? THOSE ARE TRAP OPTIONS!!!!!!!!!11!!!!!

Only if you're going with the boring Pepperoni Fighter build, or the Sausage Cleric. But on a Ham Warlock, those are some of the best.