Suggestions for role-playing a low intelligence character

[Lord Pendragon]

I'm currently playing a paladin with a 9 Int, and struggled for a bit trying to figure out how to show that he was slightly below average in intelligence, without falling into the "a negative Int bonus means an idiot" trap.

I finally decided to simply skew his logic a bit, since analysis and logic are two of the prime areas represented by D&D Int. For instance, a few sessions ago we came across a goblinoid which, upon seeing us, transformed into a fish and escaped into an underground stream. My paladin, seeing this, immediately jumped to the conclusion that he must have been a were-fish.

However, having an above average Wis (my paladin's is 15, but 12 will do,) means that you are able to recognize that you aren't the smartest guy, and are wise enough to listen to trusted companions/advisers who may be more knowledgeable. Thus, when my paladin described the encounter with the "were-fish" to his superiors, and they suggested that it probably had not been a were-fish, my paladin was wise enough to know they were probably right, and he was probably wrong.

I think it's a nice, simple way to show a somewhat-lower-than-normal intelligence, without forcing you to play a drooling idiot. Of course YMMV.

 

[rrealm]

What is the CHR? This might be relevant to social aspects of the character.

My barbarian Thokk has a 12 in Charisma. With a face that quite possibly, a non-orc mother could love. Well - if you ignore his messy, unclean and unkept hair. And if you ignore the sticks and dirt in it. And that constant drool leakage... even CHR 18 bards have that right? And even a princess would scratch herself in public too right?

 

[noeuphoria]

As you post here seldomly, I will respond to this ... statement... by pointing out the no-politics-or-religion policy this website maintains. Your political views may be more comfortable being expressed somewhere else. Thank you.

I considered that post to be a statement about a well-known facet of a public figure, much as if I had made a joke about Jay Leno's chin or Martha Stewart's impending 4-bar hotel stay. Stupidity is the universal force that transcends all economic, political, and religious boundries.

 

[Felix]

Stupidity is the universal force that transcends all economic, political, and religious boundries.

And this forum's rules of decorum transcends your opinions, so please keep the political commentary out. Thank you.

 

[TimmyW]

I am looking for suggestions for role-playing an evil, half-orc barbarian. He has an Intelligence of 7 and a Wisdom of 12. He is savage (raised by orcs in the underdark) but not outright vicious or diabolical. Frequently I'll speak in orc or undercommon (which no one in the party understands orcs and only one other person speaks undercommon) instead of common even when others speak to me in common. Needless to say, I say "Oops" a lot and then repeat myself in broken common. Generally I won't do outright silly things like try to pick up crabs and have them attach to my fingers with their claws (I do have above average Wisdom) but I will kick fragile things around not thinking about how easy it is for me to break the object (Strength is 20). Any additional ideas such as what my character could say or actions he could do would be appreciated.

I would say the big pit fall to avoid is overdoing it. A 7 INT might be slow but would not be profoundly retarted. The general rule of thumb is INT*10=IQ unfortunately this produces more geniuses and idiots because the IQ and 3d6 bell curves are shaped differently.

A 7 INT person is in the roughly 16th percentile (ie. 5 in 6 people are smarter). This is about the same as an IQ of 85 or so merely "dull normal."

This will make it tough to roleplay well as it is rather subtle. Since your character has an above normal WIS, he has common sense but lacks "book smarts."

You definately should be desirous to avoid the polysyllabic pronunciations that your wizard friend might use. You seem to right on track with using small words and simple sentances especially since common is not your mother tongue.

Remember that INT is involved in learning so you could play up not learning from your mistakes.

 

[Vraille Darkfang]

Don't Laugh I'm serious.

Watch 1 episode of WWE. Most wrestllind scripts could have been written by an Half-Orc barbarian with an 6 Int. The viled taunts, lack of insight (look he won't use that conviently placed ladder as a weapon). The simple language (easily expressed, quickly, in the wrestling ring). If you want to learn how a low Int, fighter type acts watch some wrastlin' or rent one of the jaboodas of videos out there) Brock Lesner COULD be a Half-Orc.

Note, I'm not saying wrestlers ARE idiots, there just getting paid a ton of money to ACT like idiots. If any WWE wrestlers actually play D&D and read these borads I didn't mean to insult you, so don't call me out and beat teh bejouzesous out of me with a folding chair.

Vraille Darkfang,
LETS GET READY TO RUMMMMMMBBBLEEEEEE. In this corner we have REZERANMAR the Black, destroyer of worlds, mangler of nations, overlord of all dragons! In this corner we have Edwin the 4th level fighter...Umm where'd he go?