Anyone remember Comeliness?

[Raptor]

I am dating myself, but it was an optional stat from 1E for physical appearance. Charisma IMO, just does not cut it. We all know from history and from our personal experiences that there are some really unattractive people out there that have a way or manner about them that makes them attractive in their own way.
Do we need a seperate stat for physical beauty?

 

[Crothian]

I imagine many people still have the book it came out it. I never olink Charisma with looks. We got rid of that ages ago and it's just up to the player to decide how his character looks. But In the game especially modules and the like charisma seems to always be about looks. It's like some writers have not actually read the charisma attribute.

 

[der_kluge]

I am dating myself

I wasn't sure that was possible. Is it legal? Are you from Kentucky?

but it was an optional stat from 1E for physical appearance. Charisma IMO, just does not cut it. We all know from history and from our personal experiences that there are some really unattractive people out there that have a way or manner about them that makes them attractive in their own way.
Do we need a seperate stat for physical beauty?

The popular example is Hitler - ugly as crap, but charismatic as all get out.

Personally, I don't think we need a stat to define how good or ugly someone is. If you want to be pretty - describe yourself as pretty. If you want to be ugly, you get the idea.

I mean, I'd hate to have a concept of a pretty character, and then roll an 8 for my Comeliness, nor would the Powergamer in me want to dump an 18 into that score knowing that it got me absolutely nothing in terms of game benefit (aside from being able to woo fair maidens). I'd want to argue that it should give me bonuses to Diplomacy, Bluff, maybe even intimidate, yadda yadda yadda, which just creates more work for you.

Don't bother, IMHO.

 

[Glyfair]

Do we need a seperate stat for physical beauty?

"Need" is such a strong word. I don't think we need the stat but I can see uses for comeliness. For one, initial impressions are much more driven by physical appearance. Also, certain things can ride on it (no supermodel characters that are Com 5).

I always liked how Champions separated out the stats. It had Presence and Comeliness. Comeliness was by far the cheapest stat, while Presence was much more useful. However, both had roles.

 

[Raptor]

I wasn't sure that was possible. Is it legal? Are you from Kentucky?

Self love baby...if you don't love yourself....

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Comeliness is back in the Book of Erotic Fantasy, unsurprisingly.

 

[Morrus]

Yup, I remember it. Never used it, but don't have an issue with it as a stat, either. Just as logical as separating out Int and Wis into two types of "intelligence", I guess.

 

[SavageRobby]

I do indeed remember when EGG introduced Comeliness.


I view Charisma as "force of personality", and typically appearance doesn't matter much. I like the way Savage Worlds deals with it, where being particularly Attractive or Ugly are Edges or Hindrances (respectively). I'm doing something similar in my new C&C game, where players can opt to be particularly Attractive or Ugly based on the Advantages/Disadvantages that they select.

 

[Nifft]

Pretty mechanic is ugly.
Never liked that, or "negative charisma".

Cheers, -- N

 

[Asmor]

I don't think we need a stat for physical beauty at all. Leave it to a purely descriptive thing.

My personal preference is to make Charisma strictly force of will and personality, with no tie to appearance whatsoever. I also really like the idea of making Will saves charisma-based.

Regarding first impressions, just make it charisma based. After all, you can be the most gorgeous woman in the world but the way you carry yourself can still get you branded an, err, witch (for the sake of Eric's grandma) or a pushover before you even open your mouth. Your charisma is always apparent, from the way you speak to the way you walk. Do you take bold, confident strides or timid, meek steps? Do you walk near the front of the group, or follow along behind? Stand up straight or slouch? Etc. Body language is much more important to first impressions than appearance.