Charisma And Intimidation

Continuing from yesterday, I find charisma to be a difficult attribute to deal with in role playing games. One of the biggest issues I have is the idea that one's Charisma affects anything they do that uses words. The problem is that not all words are equal.

If I am trying to haggle with a salesman, coerce a security guard, or flirt with a cute girl, I am using similar skills. Basically, I am trying to be pleasant and appealing. I want the other person to like me and to agree with my points of view.

But what if I'm trying to threaten somebody? What if, instead of trying to appear friendly, I decided to appear terrifying? Now, certainly one's words would be part of that, but there is so much more to intimidation. What about the sheer size that one might have? What about using physical violence to show that your threats are serious?

The same reasons that make your character have a low Charisma may be exactly what makes them incredibly intimidating.

In terms of the game, these issues can be addressed with a good Game Master. Basically, if they keep track of the role playing elements you are adding to your actions, then they should award you with a bonus to modify your roll. If you are doing good role playing, then you will make up for your character's naturally low charisma. And that would be proper. After all, the most important part of a role playing game should be good role playing.