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<blockquote data-quote="Al" data-source="post: 1730216" data-attributes="member: 2486">Rather than bewailing the perceived weakness of Charisma, rejigging saving throws or shoehorning half a dozen skills into an absurd Charisma mega-skill, the easiest fix is to change DMing style.Think what Charisma means.&nbsp; It's power of presence, ability to perform in a social setting and the gift of creating an impression.&nbsp; For example, most ordinary NPCs in my campaign will typically always talk to the highest Charisma PC, assume that they are the leader etc.&nbsp; With low (7-) Charisma PCs, some of my NPCs are downright rude or dismissive.&nbsp; If you see a group of people, are you going to want to speak to the witty, charming and handsome one or seek out his gawky, awkward and plain companion?&nbsp; The extreme example is if one PC outshines the others so massively as to become synonymous with the legend.&nbsp; The party becomes not a group of equal talent and achievement but of a single great hero and his ragtag bunch of followers.&nbsp; Everyone's heard of Robin Hood, or Drizzt- it takes much more searching to name all of the merry men or the companions.It's much more than that though.&nbsp; I contend that there is not a single historical or mythical low Charisma hero.&nbsp; Perhaps a competent shield-bearer, a loyal sergeant or a mighty warrior.&nbsp; But a hero?&nbsp; No.&nbsp; It's Charisma that makes the difference between the do-gooding temple grunt and the shining champion, the dull mercenary and the dazzling soldier of fortune, the common murderer and the nefarious villain.&nbsp; When the high Charisma party receives plaudits from the crowds, audiences with royalty, engagements to overwhelmed princesses and bards heralding their praises throughout the land; whilst the low Charisma one gets a grimy sack of gold and a half-hearted thanks from the townsfolk before being forgotten behind the next legendary achievement of the true heroes- then, and only then, will they know the true power of Charisma.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Al, post: 1730216, member: 2486"] Rather than bewailing the perceived weakness of Charisma, rejigging saving throws or shoehorning half a dozen skills into an absurd Charisma mega-skill, the easiest fix is to change DMing style. Think what Charisma means. It's power of presence, ability to perform in a social setting and the gift of creating an impression. For example, most ordinary NPCs in my campaign will typically always talk to the highest Charisma PC, assume that they are the leader etc. With low (7-) Charisma PCs, some of my NPCs are downright rude or dismissive. If you see a group of people, are you going to want to speak to the witty, charming and handsome one or seek out his gawky, awkward and plain companion? The extreme example is if one PC outshines the others so massively as to become synonymous with the legend. The party becomes not a group of equal talent and achievement but of a single great hero and his ragtag bunch of followers. Everyone's heard of Robin Hood, or Drizzt- it takes much more searching to name all of the merry men or the companions. It's much more than that though. I contend that there is not a single historical or mythical low Charisma hero. Perhaps a competent shield-bearer, a loyal sergeant or a mighty warrior. But a hero? No. It's Charisma that makes the difference between the do-gooding temple grunt and the shining champion, the dull mercenary and the dazzling soldier of fortune, the common murderer and the nefarious villain. When the high Charisma party receives plaudits from the crowds, audiences with royalty, engagements to overwhelmed princesses and bards heralding their praises throughout the land; whilst the low Charisma one gets a grimy sack of gold and a half-hearted thanks from the townsfolk before being forgotten behind the next legendary achievement of the true heroes- then, and only then, will they know the true power of Charisma. [/QUOTE]

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