How to GM as a Solar NPC?
$begingroup$
I'm considering using a Solar (INT 25, WIS 25) as a semi-benevolent (but also kind of annoying) come-and-go guide of sorts to 3 high-level PC's in an upcoming campaign. While I would like to imagine that I can match this angelic being wit for wit, I don't think I could. It's a tough pill to swallow, but I'm probably lucky to fall around 15 INT.
What are some ways in which this puny human GM can convincingly establish a super-intelligent Solar? My main concern is that the Solar is smarter than me. How can I hope to play a creature that far exceeds me in this ability which affects it's way of speaking, it's sharpness of mind and other aspects of character that are difficult to emulate? What kind of prep will I need to do so I can fluidly present this NPC to the PC's?
From your experience, what works when role-playing a Solar NPC as a GM?
dnd-5e gm-techniques roleplaying gm-preparation
asked Feb 7 at 8:11
lightcatlightcat
4,6241855
$endgroup$
|
show 3 more comments
$begingroup$
I'm considering using a Solar (INT 25, WIS 25) as a semi-benevolent (but also kind of annoying) come-and-go guide of sorts to 3 high-level PC's in an upcoming campaign. While I would like to imagine that I can match this angelic being wit for wit, I don't think I could. It's a tough pill to swallow, but I'm probably lucky to fall around 15 INT.
What are some ways in which this puny human GM can convincingly establish a super-intelligent Solar? My main concern is that the Solar is smarter than me. How can I hope to play a creature that far exceeds me in this ability which affects it's way of speaking, it's sharpness of mind and other aspects of character that are difficult to emulate? What kind of prep will I need to do so I can fluidly present this NPC to the PC's?
From your experience, what works when role-playing a Solar NPC as a GM?
dnd-5e gm-techniques roleplaying gm-preparation
asked Feb 7 at 8:11
lightcatlightcat
4,6241855
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
@thedarkwanderer Ah, I hadn't seen that one come up although I did search (I was actually surprised no one had asked this before). Though most of the answers focus on PC role-playing it is indeed essentially the (exact) same question. Can I claim mine is different because it's asking specifically about GM techniques or does that not differentiate it enough? Also if I focus specifically on the Solar would that help to differentiate it? Thanks for pointing this out.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 8:41
4
$begingroup$
I do think this is different (technically not a duplicate) because of taking the GM perspective (not player perspective). The GM can prepare for the encounters and can control the environment differently so there are different tactics at his or her disposal for this.
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 8:48
1
$begingroup$
I still think there could be a form of this question that would not be marked as a duplicate, if you really want to get it re-opened. I think you would have to isolate the GM point-of-view and completely distinguish it from the player perspective that has been well-covered in the other question. Perhaps you need to phrase it something like "What can a GM do that a player can't in preparing and presenting a highly intelligent creature convincingly?"
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 9:15
1
$begingroup$
@mdrichey Not at all, I've never played it. Is there a similar character? I must admit though I can't get Q from Star Trek Next Gen out of my head every time I think of this Solar. I think Q is definitely an influence.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 18:11
2
$begingroup$
In that video game, the PC is guided by a solar NPC. Great game.
$endgroup$
– mdrichey
Feb 7 at 18:53
|
show 3 more comments
$begingroup$
I'm considering using a Solar (INT 25, WIS 25) as a semi-benevolent (but also kind of annoying) come-and-go guide of sorts to 3 high-level PC's in an upcoming campaign. While I would like to imagine that I can match this angelic being wit for wit, I don't think I could. It's a tough pill to swallow, but I'm probably lucky to fall around 15 INT.
What are some ways in which this puny human GM can convincingly establish a super-intelligent Solar? My main concern is that the Solar is smarter than me. How can I hope to play a creature that far exceeds me in this ability which affects it's way of speaking, it's sharpness of mind and other aspects of character that are difficult to emulate? What kind of prep will I need to do so I can fluidly present this NPC to the PC's?
From your experience, what works when role-playing a Solar NPC as a GM?
dnd-5e gm-techniques roleplaying gm-preparation
asked Feb 7 at 8:11
lightcatlightcat
4,6241855
$endgroup$
I'm considering using a Solar (INT 25, WIS 25) as a semi-benevolent (but also kind of annoying) come-and-go guide of sorts to 3 high-level PC's in an upcoming campaign. While I would like to imagine that I can match this angelic being wit for wit, I don't think I could. It's a tough pill to swallow, but I'm probably lucky to fall around 15 INT.
What are some ways in which this puny human GM can convincingly establish a super-intelligent Solar? My main concern is that the Solar is smarter than me. How can I hope to play a creature that far exceeds me in this ability which affects it's way of speaking, it's sharpness of mind and other aspects of character that are difficult to emulate? What kind of prep will I need to do so I can fluidly present this NPC to the PC's?
From your experience, what works when role-playing a Solar NPC as a GM?
dnd-5e gm-techniques roleplaying gm-preparation
dnd-5e gm-techniques roleplaying gm-preparation
asked Feb 7 at 8:11
lightcatlightcat
4,6241855
asked Feb 7 at 8:11
lightcatlightcat
4,6241855
edited Feb 7 at 9:00
lightcat
asked Feb 7 at 8:11
lightcatlightcat
4,6241855
asked Feb 7 at 8:11
lightcatlightcat
4,6241855
asked Feb 7 at 8:11
lightcatlightcat
4,6241855
4,6241855
$begingroup$
@thedarkwanderer Ah, I hadn't seen that one come up although I did search (I was actually surprised no one had asked this before). Though most of the answers focus on PC role-playing it is indeed essentially the (exact) same question. Can I claim mine is different because it's asking specifically about GM techniques or does that not differentiate it enough? Also if I focus specifically on the Solar would that help to differentiate it? Thanks for pointing this out.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 8:41
4
$begingroup$
I do think this is different (technically not a duplicate) because of taking the GM perspective (not player perspective). The GM can prepare for the encounters and can control the environment differently so there are different tactics at his or her disposal for this.
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 8:48
1
$begingroup$
I still think there could be a form of this question that would not be marked as a duplicate, if you really want to get it re-opened. I think you would have to isolate the GM point-of-view and completely distinguish it from the player perspective that has been well-covered in the other question. Perhaps you need to phrase it something like "What can a GM do that a player can't in preparing and presenting a highly intelligent creature convincingly?"
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 9:15
1
$begingroup$
@mdrichey Not at all, I've never played it. Is there a similar character? I must admit though I can't get Q from Star Trek Next Gen out of my head every time I think of this Solar. I think Q is definitely an influence.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 18:11
2
$begingroup$
In that video game, the PC is guided by a solar NPC. Great game.
$endgroup$
– mdrichey
Feb 7 at 18:53
|
show 3 more comments
$begingroup$
@thedarkwanderer Ah, I hadn't seen that one come up although I did search (I was actually surprised no one had asked this before). Though most of the answers focus on PC role-playing it is indeed essentially the (exact) same question. Can I claim mine is different because it's asking specifically about GM techniques or does that not differentiate it enough? Also if I focus specifically on the Solar would that help to differentiate it? Thanks for pointing this out.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 8:41
4
$begingroup$
I do think this is different (technically not a duplicate) because of taking the GM perspective (not player perspective). The GM can prepare for the encounters and can control the environment differently so there are different tactics at his or her disposal for this.
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 8:48
1
$begingroup$
I still think there could be a form of this question that would not be marked as a duplicate, if you really want to get it re-opened. I think you would have to isolate the GM point-of-view and completely distinguish it from the player perspective that has been well-covered in the other question. Perhaps you need to phrase it something like "What can a GM do that a player can't in preparing and presenting a highly intelligent creature convincingly?"
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 9:15
1
$begingroup$
@mdrichey Not at all, I've never played it. Is there a similar character? I must admit though I can't get Q from Star Trek Next Gen out of my head every time I think of this Solar. I think Q is definitely an influence.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 18:11
2
$begingroup$
In that video game, the PC is guided by a solar NPC. Great game.
$endgroup$
– mdrichey
Feb 7 at 18:53
$begingroup$
@thedarkwanderer Ah, I hadn't seen that one come up although I did search (I was actually surprised no one had asked this before). Though most of the answers focus on PC role-playing it is indeed essentially the (exact) same question. Can I claim mine is different because it's asking specifically about GM techniques or does that not differentiate it enough? Also if I focus specifically on the Solar would that help to differentiate it? Thanks for pointing this out.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 8:41
$begingroup$
@thedarkwanderer Ah, I hadn't seen that one come up although I did search (I was actually surprised no one had asked this before). Though most of the answers focus on PC role-playing it is indeed essentially the (exact) same question. Can I claim mine is different because it's asking specifically about GM techniques or does that not differentiate it enough? Also if I focus specifically on the Solar would that help to differentiate it? Thanks for pointing this out.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 8:41
4
4
$begingroup$
I do think this is different (technically not a duplicate) because of taking the GM perspective (not player perspective). The GM can prepare for the encounters and can control the environment differently so there are different tactics at his or her disposal for this.
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 8:48
$begingroup$
I do think this is different (technically not a duplicate) because of taking the GM perspective (not player perspective). The GM can prepare for the encounters and can control the environment differently so there are different tactics at his or her disposal for this.
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 8:48
1
1
$begingroup$
I still think there could be a form of this question that would not be marked as a duplicate, if you really want to get it re-opened. I think you would have to isolate the GM point-of-view and completely distinguish it from the player perspective that has been well-covered in the other question. Perhaps you need to phrase it something like "What can a GM do that a player can't in preparing and presenting a highly intelligent creature convincingly?"
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 9:15
$begingroup$
I still think there could be a form of this question that would not be marked as a duplicate, if you really want to get it re-opened. I think you would have to isolate the GM point-of-view and completely distinguish it from the player perspective that has been well-covered in the other question. Perhaps you need to phrase it something like "What can a GM do that a player can't in preparing and presenting a highly intelligent creature convincingly?"
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 9:15
1
1
$begingroup$
@mdrichey Not at all, I've never played it. Is there a similar character? I must admit though I can't get Q from Star Trek Next Gen out of my head every time I think of this Solar. I think Q is definitely an influence.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 18:11
$begingroup$
@mdrichey Not at all, I've never played it. Is there a similar character? I must admit though I can't get Q from Star Trek Next Gen out of my head every time I think of this Solar. I think Q is definitely an influence.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 18:11
2
2
$begingroup$
In that video game, the PC is guided by a solar NPC. Great game.
$endgroup$
– mdrichey
Feb 7 at 18:53
$begingroup$
In that video game, the PC is guided by a solar NPC. Great game.
$endgroup$
– mdrichey
Feb 7 at 18:53
|
show 3 more comments
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
There are things a GM can prepare in advance to help exude Intelligence, other than jumping into spontaneous role-playing
I live off of high-intelligence BBEGs like wizards who are as evil as they are ingenious. For what it's worth, here's what I have done at my table, and it gets me by (but note that much of this is not specific to a Solar, rather just any high-intelligence creature or NPC):
Look up some brainy "buzzwords" ahead of time that are relevant to your scenario. These days it's easy with an online thesaurus to get a list of smarty-pants words that fit your scenario, and have them ready so that you can word-bomb as you go along. Words like: pinnacle, impetus, quintessential, jocular, pulchritudinous, disinclined, indisposed, edification, explicate, perambulate. (Make sure you actually know what they mean and can use them correctly). Because you're the GM, you can know what some of the topics of conversation will have to be, and thus can prepare a specific list of relevant brainy-words. Really it just takes a few.
Work-up intricate traps and ploys ahead of time. Invest the time to create (or discover online) some really clever traps, cons, riddles, etc. that would require brains to create. Because you're the GM and you design the world, you can do this to enhance the seeming braininess of your character.
Describe props and preliminary scene action that support a smart-guy stereotype. Is the High-Int creature reading? Conducting experiments? Being asked its advice by nobles? All these things get across their Intelligence without you having to sound smart, but require you to be the GM who can insert these items/people in the picture.
Narrate, don't role-play. Instead of trying to sound smart, tell them that the character is sounding smart and just give it a little flavor. When I wanted to portray a genius wizard who had crafted his own modified Wand of Polymorph, I said: "He then jabbers on for ten minutes about things like 'the subject's readiness potential' and 'alternative embodiment' and 'the ontological structure of reality' until you are completely lost and have to ask him what practical difference there is when you use the wand." Again, because you're the GM, you can plan how to do this in advance, and it is more reliable than trying to "think on your feet" in spontaneous role-play.
I find that by combining at least two (or better, three) of the above I generally leave the players feeling they interacted with a genius.
answered Feb 7 at 9:51
Valley LadValley Lad
3,3231238
$endgroup$
10
$begingroup$
In general I found this an awesome answer (+1) but I think just adding buzzwords won't make some NPC sound intelligent, just pompous. In their field of expertise, and if said words serve a purpose other than "sounding cool", they're great. But if just shoved in in normal discourse for no real reason, they make the NPC sound at the very least unaware of their audience, and most likely like a showoff (and what would a frigging solar need to "show off" to puny humans?).
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:07
8
$begingroup$
Try to only use buzzwords when appropiate: clinical terms for sickness are great because they let you say in a word things that would take many more words if you avoid them. Employing alternative verbs or adjectives for no good reason comes across as showoff or sheltered, not intelligent. Someone saying explicate instead of elaborate or clarify when one of those verbs would convey the same and are more widely understood is not clever, just trying to obfuscate their discourse or sound more cultured than they are.
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:12
4
$begingroup$
@LordHieros I've sometimes gone heavy on buzzwords when I wanted the brainiac persona to come across as egotistical. So you're right -- the buzzwords need to be used in moderation.
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 18:27
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I use a simple trick when I have to role-play a smart character: always be the one who asks questions. It will trigger a psychology bias known as fundamental attribution error.
In addition, you can make the NPC more aware than the players. By saying things like "I knew you would come to me", "You'll face [this particular event] in the future"...
edited Feb 7 at 10:43
V2Blast
23.6k376149
answered Feb 7 at 10:33
MagusMagus
917311
$endgroup$
4
$begingroup$
I don't see how asking questions relates to the fundamental attribution error.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
Feb 7 at 10:42
1
$begingroup$
I totally knew you would answer this question. You're going to get an upvote in the future.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 10:43
1
$begingroup$
@V2Blast In France we call it the "Julien Lepers" effect. But since Julien Lepers is a very well known french TV show animator, i don't know the real name for others countries. But it's related to the fundamental attribution error. You can find a french article here : sixiemesens-lemag.fr/manipulation-mentalisme/…
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 10:52
2
$begingroup$
So, specifically ask questions which you know the answer to?
$endgroup$
– stellatedHexahedron
Feb 7 at 16:50
1
$begingroup$
@stellatedHexahedron it's the easiest solution. You can also ask semi-useless questions just to gain some free time for your brain (and thinking about the next question).
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 16:52
add a comment |
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2 Answers
2
active
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2 Answers
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active
oldest
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active
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active
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$begingroup$
There are things a GM can prepare in advance to help exude Intelligence, other than jumping into spontaneous role-playing
I live off of high-intelligence BBEGs like wizards who are as evil as they are ingenious. For what it's worth, here's what I have done at my table, and it gets me by (but note that much of this is not specific to a Solar, rather just any high-intelligence creature or NPC):
Look up some brainy "buzzwords" ahead of time that are relevant to your scenario. These days it's easy with an online thesaurus to get a list of smarty-pants words that fit your scenario, and have them ready so that you can word-bomb as you go along. Words like: pinnacle, impetus, quintessential, jocular, pulchritudinous, disinclined, indisposed, edification, explicate, perambulate. (Make sure you actually know what they mean and can use them correctly). Because you're the GM, you can know what some of the topics of conversation will have to be, and thus can prepare a specific list of relevant brainy-words. Really it just takes a few.
Work-up intricate traps and ploys ahead of time. Invest the time to create (or discover online) some really clever traps, cons, riddles, etc. that would require brains to create. Because you're the GM and you design the world, you can do this to enhance the seeming braininess of your character.
Describe props and preliminary scene action that support a smart-guy stereotype. Is the High-Int creature reading? Conducting experiments? Being asked its advice by nobles? All these things get across their Intelligence without you having to sound smart, but require you to be the GM who can insert these items/people in the picture.
Narrate, don't role-play. Instead of trying to sound smart, tell them that the character is sounding smart and just give it a little flavor. When I wanted to portray a genius wizard who had crafted his own modified Wand of Polymorph, I said: "He then jabbers on for ten minutes about things like 'the subject's readiness potential' and 'alternative embodiment' and 'the ontological structure of reality' until you are completely lost and have to ask him what practical difference there is when you use the wand." Again, because you're the GM, you can plan how to do this in advance, and it is more reliable than trying to "think on your feet" in spontaneous role-play.
I find that by combining at least two (or better, three) of the above I generally leave the players feeling they interacted with a genius.
answered Feb 7 at 9:51
Valley LadValley Lad
3,3231238
$endgroup$
10
$begingroup$
In general I found this an awesome answer (+1) but I think just adding buzzwords won't make some NPC sound intelligent, just pompous. In their field of expertise, and if said words serve a purpose other than "sounding cool", they're great. But if just shoved in in normal discourse for no real reason, they make the NPC sound at the very least unaware of their audience, and most likely like a showoff (and what would a frigging solar need to "show off" to puny humans?).
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:07
8
$begingroup$
Try to only use buzzwords when appropiate: clinical terms for sickness are great because they let you say in a word things that would take many more words if you avoid them. Employing alternative verbs or adjectives for no good reason comes across as showoff or sheltered, not intelligent. Someone saying explicate instead of elaborate or clarify when one of those verbs would convey the same and are more widely understood is not clever, just trying to obfuscate their discourse or sound more cultured than they are.
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:12
4
$begingroup$
@LordHieros I've sometimes gone heavy on buzzwords when I wanted the brainiac persona to come across as egotistical. So you're right -- the buzzwords need to be used in moderation.
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 18:27
add a comment |
$begingroup$
There are things a GM can prepare in advance to help exude Intelligence, other than jumping into spontaneous role-playing
I live off of high-intelligence BBEGs like wizards who are as evil as they are ingenious. For what it's worth, here's what I have done at my table, and it gets me by (but note that much of this is not specific to a Solar, rather just any high-intelligence creature or NPC):
Look up some brainy "buzzwords" ahead of time that are relevant to your scenario. These days it's easy with an online thesaurus to get a list of smarty-pants words that fit your scenario, and have them ready so that you can word-bomb as you go along. Words like: pinnacle, impetus, quintessential, jocular, pulchritudinous, disinclined, indisposed, edification, explicate, perambulate. (Make sure you actually know what they mean and can use them correctly). Because you're the GM, you can know what some of the topics of conversation will have to be, and thus can prepare a specific list of relevant brainy-words. Really it just takes a few.
Work-up intricate traps and ploys ahead of time. Invest the time to create (or discover online) some really clever traps, cons, riddles, etc. that would require brains to create. Because you're the GM and you design the world, you can do this to enhance the seeming braininess of your character.
Describe props and preliminary scene action that support a smart-guy stereotype. Is the High-Int creature reading? Conducting experiments? Being asked its advice by nobles? All these things get across their Intelligence without you having to sound smart, but require you to be the GM who can insert these items/people in the picture.
Narrate, don't role-play. Instead of trying to sound smart, tell them that the character is sounding smart and just give it a little flavor. When I wanted to portray a genius wizard who had crafted his own modified Wand of Polymorph, I said: "He then jabbers on for ten minutes about things like 'the subject's readiness potential' and 'alternative embodiment' and 'the ontological structure of reality' until you are completely lost and have to ask him what practical difference there is when you use the wand." Again, because you're the GM, you can plan how to do this in advance, and it is more reliable than trying to "think on your feet" in spontaneous role-play.
I find that by combining at least two (or better, three) of the above I generally leave the players feeling they interacted with a genius.
answered Feb 7 at 9:51
Valley LadValley Lad
3,3231238
$endgroup$
10
$begingroup$
In general I found this an awesome answer (+1) but I think just adding buzzwords won't make some NPC sound intelligent, just pompous. In their field of expertise, and if said words serve a purpose other than "sounding cool", they're great. But if just shoved in in normal discourse for no real reason, they make the NPC sound at the very least unaware of their audience, and most likely like a showoff (and what would a frigging solar need to "show off" to puny humans?).
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:07
8
$begingroup$
Try to only use buzzwords when appropiate: clinical terms for sickness are great because they let you say in a word things that would take many more words if you avoid them. Employing alternative verbs or adjectives for no good reason comes across as showoff or sheltered, not intelligent. Someone saying explicate instead of elaborate or clarify when one of those verbs would convey the same and are more widely understood is not clever, just trying to obfuscate their discourse or sound more cultured than they are.
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:12
4
$begingroup$
@LordHieros I've sometimes gone heavy on buzzwords when I wanted the brainiac persona to come across as egotistical. So you're right -- the buzzwords need to be used in moderation.
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 18:27
add a comment |
$begingroup$
There are things a GM can prepare in advance to help exude Intelligence, other than jumping into spontaneous role-playing
I live off of high-intelligence BBEGs like wizards who are as evil as they are ingenious. For what it's worth, here's what I have done at my table, and it gets me by (but note that much of this is not specific to a Solar, rather just any high-intelligence creature or NPC):
Look up some brainy "buzzwords" ahead of time that are relevant to your scenario. These days it's easy with an online thesaurus to get a list of smarty-pants words that fit your scenario, and have them ready so that you can word-bomb as you go along. Words like: pinnacle, impetus, quintessential, jocular, pulchritudinous, disinclined, indisposed, edification, explicate, perambulate. (Make sure you actually know what they mean and can use them correctly). Because you're the GM, you can know what some of the topics of conversation will have to be, and thus can prepare a specific list of relevant brainy-words. Really it just takes a few.
Work-up intricate traps and ploys ahead of time. Invest the time to create (or discover online) some really clever traps, cons, riddles, etc. that would require brains to create. Because you're the GM and you design the world, you can do this to enhance the seeming braininess of your character.
Describe props and preliminary scene action that support a smart-guy stereotype. Is the High-Int creature reading? Conducting experiments? Being asked its advice by nobles? All these things get across their Intelligence without you having to sound smart, but require you to be the GM who can insert these items/people in the picture.
Narrate, don't role-play. Instead of trying to sound smart, tell them that the character is sounding smart and just give it a little flavor. When I wanted to portray a genius wizard who had crafted his own modified Wand of Polymorph, I said: "He then jabbers on for ten minutes about things like 'the subject's readiness potential' and 'alternative embodiment' and 'the ontological structure of reality' until you are completely lost and have to ask him what practical difference there is when you use the wand." Again, because you're the GM, you can plan how to do this in advance, and it is more reliable than trying to "think on your feet" in spontaneous role-play.
I find that by combining at least two (or better, three) of the above I generally leave the players feeling they interacted with a genius.
answered Feb 7 at 9:51
Valley LadValley Lad
3,3231238
$endgroup$
There are things a GM can prepare in advance to help exude Intelligence, other than jumping into spontaneous role-playing
I live off of high-intelligence BBEGs like wizards who are as evil as they are ingenious. For what it's worth, here's what I have done at my table, and it gets me by (but note that much of this is not specific to a Solar, rather just any high-intelligence creature or NPC):
Look up some brainy "buzzwords" ahead of time that are relevant to your scenario. These days it's easy with an online thesaurus to get a list of smarty-pants words that fit your scenario, and have them ready so that you can word-bomb as you go along. Words like: pinnacle, impetus, quintessential, jocular, pulchritudinous, disinclined, indisposed, edification, explicate, perambulate. (Make sure you actually know what they mean and can use them correctly). Because you're the GM, you can know what some of the topics of conversation will have to be, and thus can prepare a specific list of relevant brainy-words. Really it just takes a few.
Work-up intricate traps and ploys ahead of time. Invest the time to create (or discover online) some really clever traps, cons, riddles, etc. that would require brains to create. Because you're the GM and you design the world, you can do this to enhance the seeming braininess of your character.
Describe props and preliminary scene action that support a smart-guy stereotype. Is the High-Int creature reading? Conducting experiments? Being asked its advice by nobles? All these things get across their Intelligence without you having to sound smart, but require you to be the GM who can insert these items/people in the picture.
Narrate, don't role-play. Instead of trying to sound smart, tell them that the character is sounding smart and just give it a little flavor. When I wanted to portray a genius wizard who had crafted his own modified Wand of Polymorph, I said: "He then jabbers on for ten minutes about things like 'the subject's readiness potential' and 'alternative embodiment' and 'the ontological structure of reality' until you are completely lost and have to ask him what practical difference there is when you use the wand." Again, because you're the GM, you can plan how to do this in advance, and it is more reliable than trying to "think on your feet" in spontaneous role-play.
I find that by combining at least two (or better, three) of the above I generally leave the players feeling they interacted with a genius.
answered Feb 7 at 9:51
Valley LadValley Lad
3,3231238
edited Feb 7 at 9:57
answered Feb 7 at 9:51
Valley LadValley Lad
3,3231238
answered Feb 7 at 9:51
Valley LadValley Lad
3,3231238
answered Feb 7 at 9:51
Valley LadValley Lad
3,3231238
3,3231238
10
$begingroup$
In general I found this an awesome answer (+1) but I think just adding buzzwords won't make some NPC sound intelligent, just pompous. In their field of expertise, and if said words serve a purpose other than "sounding cool", they're great. But if just shoved in in normal discourse for no real reason, they make the NPC sound at the very least unaware of their audience, and most likely like a showoff (and what would a frigging solar need to "show off" to puny humans?).
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:07
8
$begingroup$
Try to only use buzzwords when appropiate: clinical terms for sickness are great because they let you say in a word things that would take many more words if you avoid them. Employing alternative verbs or adjectives for no good reason comes across as showoff or sheltered, not intelligent. Someone saying explicate instead of elaborate or clarify when one of those verbs would convey the same and are more widely understood is not clever, just trying to obfuscate their discourse or sound more cultured than they are.
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:12
4
$begingroup$
@LordHieros I've sometimes gone heavy on buzzwords when I wanted the brainiac persona to come across as egotistical. So you're right -- the buzzwords need to be used in moderation.
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 18:27
add a comment |
10
$begingroup$
In general I found this an awesome answer (+1) but I think just adding buzzwords won't make some NPC sound intelligent, just pompous. In their field of expertise, and if said words serve a purpose other than "sounding cool", they're great. But if just shoved in in normal discourse for no real reason, they make the NPC sound at the very least unaware of their audience, and most likely like a showoff (and what would a frigging solar need to "show off" to puny humans?).
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:07
8
$begingroup$
Try to only use buzzwords when appropiate: clinical terms for sickness are great because they let you say in a word things that would take many more words if you avoid them. Employing alternative verbs or adjectives for no good reason comes across as showoff or sheltered, not intelligent. Someone saying explicate instead of elaborate or clarify when one of those verbs would convey the same and are more widely understood is not clever, just trying to obfuscate their discourse or sound more cultured than they are.
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:12
4
$begingroup$
@LordHieros I've sometimes gone heavy on buzzwords when I wanted the brainiac persona to come across as egotistical. So you're right -- the buzzwords need to be used in moderation.
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 18:27
10
10
$begingroup$
In general I found this an awesome answer (+1) but I think just adding buzzwords won't make some NPC sound intelligent, just pompous. In their field of expertise, and if said words serve a purpose other than "sounding cool", they're great. But if just shoved in in normal discourse for no real reason, they make the NPC sound at the very least unaware of their audience, and most likely like a showoff (and what would a frigging solar need to "show off" to puny humans?).
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:07
$begingroup$
In general I found this an awesome answer (+1) but I think just adding buzzwords won't make some NPC sound intelligent, just pompous. In their field of expertise, and if said words serve a purpose other than "sounding cool", they're great. But if just shoved in in normal discourse for no real reason, they make the NPC sound at the very least unaware of their audience, and most likely like a showoff (and what would a frigging solar need to "show off" to puny humans?).
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:07
8
8
$begingroup$
Try to only use buzzwords when appropiate: clinical terms for sickness are great because they let you say in a word things that would take many more words if you avoid them. Employing alternative verbs or adjectives for no good reason comes across as showoff or sheltered, not intelligent. Someone saying explicate instead of elaborate or clarify when one of those verbs would convey the same and are more widely understood is not clever, just trying to obfuscate their discourse or sound more cultured than they are.
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:12
$begingroup$
Try to only use buzzwords when appropiate: clinical terms for sickness are great because they let you say in a word things that would take many more words if you avoid them. Employing alternative verbs or adjectives for no good reason comes across as showoff or sheltered, not intelligent. Someone saying explicate instead of elaborate or clarify when one of those verbs would convey the same and are more widely understood is not clever, just trying to obfuscate their discourse or sound more cultured than they are.
$endgroup$
– LordHieros
Feb 7 at 16:12
4
4
$begingroup$
@LordHieros I've sometimes gone heavy on buzzwords when I wanted the brainiac persona to come across as egotistical. So you're right -- the buzzwords need to be used in moderation.
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 18:27
$begingroup$
@LordHieros I've sometimes gone heavy on buzzwords when I wanted the brainiac persona to come across as egotistical. So you're right -- the buzzwords need to be used in moderation.
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 18:27
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I use a simple trick when I have to role-play a smart character: always be the one who asks questions. It will trigger a psychology bias known as fundamental attribution error.
In addition, you can make the NPC more aware than the players. By saying things like "I knew you would come to me", "You'll face [this particular event] in the future"...
edited Feb 7 at 10:43
V2Blast
23.6k376149
answered Feb 7 at 10:33
MagusMagus
917311
$endgroup$
4
$begingroup$
I don't see how asking questions relates to the fundamental attribution error.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
Feb 7 at 10:42
1
$begingroup$
I totally knew you would answer this question. You're going to get an upvote in the future.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 10:43
1
$begingroup$
@V2Blast In France we call it the "Julien Lepers" effect. But since Julien Lepers is a very well known french TV show animator, i don't know the real name for others countries. But it's related to the fundamental attribution error. You can find a french article here : sixiemesens-lemag.fr/manipulation-mentalisme/…
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 10:52
2
$begingroup$
So, specifically ask questions which you know the answer to?
$endgroup$
– stellatedHexahedron
Feb 7 at 16:50
1
$begingroup$
@stellatedHexahedron it's the easiest solution. You can also ask semi-useless questions just to gain some free time for your brain (and thinking about the next question).
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 16:52
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I use a simple trick when I have to role-play a smart character: always be the one who asks questions. It will trigger a psychology bias known as fundamental attribution error.
In addition, you can make the NPC more aware than the players. By saying things like "I knew you would come to me", "You'll face [this particular event] in the future"...
edited Feb 7 at 10:43
V2Blast
23.6k376149
answered Feb 7 at 10:33
MagusMagus
917311
$endgroup$
4
$begingroup$
I don't see how asking questions relates to the fundamental attribution error.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
Feb 7 at 10:42
1
$begingroup$
I totally knew you would answer this question. You're going to get an upvote in the future.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 10:43
1
$begingroup$
@V2Blast In France we call it the "Julien Lepers" effect. But since Julien Lepers is a very well known french TV show animator, i don't know the real name for others countries. But it's related to the fundamental attribution error. You can find a french article here : sixiemesens-lemag.fr/manipulation-mentalisme/…
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 10:52
2
$begingroup$
So, specifically ask questions which you know the answer to?
$endgroup$
– stellatedHexahedron
Feb 7 at 16:50
1
$begingroup$
@stellatedHexahedron it's the easiest solution. You can also ask semi-useless questions just to gain some free time for your brain (and thinking about the next question).
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 16:52
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I use a simple trick when I have to role-play a smart character: always be the one who asks questions. It will trigger a psychology bias known as fundamental attribution error.
In addition, you can make the NPC more aware than the players. By saying things like "I knew you would come to me", "You'll face [this particular event] in the future"...
edited Feb 7 at 10:43
V2Blast
23.6k376149
answered Feb 7 at 10:33
MagusMagus
917311
$endgroup$
I use a simple trick when I have to role-play a smart character: always be the one who asks questions. It will trigger a psychology bias known as fundamental attribution error.
In addition, you can make the NPC more aware than the players. By saying things like "I knew you would come to me", "You'll face [this particular event] in the future"...
edited Feb 7 at 10:43
V2Blast
23.6k376149
answered Feb 7 at 10:33
MagusMagus
917311
edited Feb 7 at 10:43
V2Blast
23.6k376149
edited Feb 7 at 10:43
V2Blast
23.6k376149
edited Feb 7 at 10:43
V2Blast
23.6k376149
23.6k376149
answered Feb 7 at 10:33
MagusMagus
917311
answered Feb 7 at 10:33
MagusMagus
917311
answered Feb 7 at 10:33
MagusMagus
917311
917311
4
$begingroup$
I don't see how asking questions relates to the fundamental attribution error.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
Feb 7 at 10:42
1
$begingroup$
I totally knew you would answer this question. You're going to get an upvote in the future.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 10:43
1
$begingroup$
@V2Blast In France we call it the "Julien Lepers" effect. But since Julien Lepers is a very well known french TV show animator, i don't know the real name for others countries. But it's related to the fundamental attribution error. You can find a french article here : sixiemesens-lemag.fr/manipulation-mentalisme/…
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 10:52
2
$begingroup$
So, specifically ask questions which you know the answer to?
$endgroup$
– stellatedHexahedron
Feb 7 at 16:50
1
$begingroup$
@stellatedHexahedron it's the easiest solution. You can also ask semi-useless questions just to gain some free time for your brain (and thinking about the next question).
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 16:52
add a comment |
4
$begingroup$
I don't see how asking questions relates to the fundamental attribution error.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
Feb 7 at 10:42
1
$begingroup$
I totally knew you would answer this question. You're going to get an upvote in the future.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 10:43
1
$begingroup$
@V2Blast In France we call it the "Julien Lepers" effect. But since Julien Lepers is a very well known french TV show animator, i don't know the real name for others countries. But it's related to the fundamental attribution error. You can find a french article here : sixiemesens-lemag.fr/manipulation-mentalisme/…
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 10:52
2
$begingroup$
So, specifically ask questions which you know the answer to?
$endgroup$
– stellatedHexahedron
Feb 7 at 16:50
1
$begingroup$
@stellatedHexahedron it's the easiest solution. You can also ask semi-useless questions just to gain some free time for your brain (and thinking about the next question).
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 16:52
4
4
$begingroup$
I don't see how asking questions relates to the fundamental attribution error.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
Feb 7 at 10:42
$begingroup$
I don't see how asking questions relates to the fundamental attribution error.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
Feb 7 at 10:42
1
1
$begingroup$
I totally knew you would answer this question. You're going to get an upvote in the future.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 10:43
$begingroup$
I totally knew you would answer this question. You're going to get an upvote in the future.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 10:43
1
1
$begingroup$
@V2Blast In France we call it the "Julien Lepers" effect. But since Julien Lepers is a very well known french TV show animator, i don't know the real name for others countries. But it's related to the fundamental attribution error. You can find a french article here : sixiemesens-lemag.fr/manipulation-mentalisme/…
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 10:52
$begingroup$
@V2Blast In France we call it the "Julien Lepers" effect. But since Julien Lepers is a very well known french TV show animator, i don't know the real name for others countries. But it's related to the fundamental attribution error. You can find a french article here : sixiemesens-lemag.fr/manipulation-mentalisme/…
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 10:52
2
2
$begingroup$
So, specifically ask questions which you know the answer to?
$endgroup$
– stellatedHexahedron
Feb 7 at 16:50
$begingroup$
So, specifically ask questions which you know the answer to?
$endgroup$
– stellatedHexahedron
Feb 7 at 16:50
1
1
$begingroup$
@stellatedHexahedron it's the easiest solution. You can also ask semi-useless questions just to gain some free time for your brain (and thinking about the next question).
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 16:52
$begingroup$
@stellatedHexahedron it's the easiest solution. You can also ask semi-useless questions just to gain some free time for your brain (and thinking about the next question).
$endgroup$
– Magus
Feb 7 at 16:52
add a comment |
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$begingroup$
@thedarkwanderer Ah, I hadn't seen that one come up although I did search (I was actually surprised no one had asked this before). Though most of the answers focus on PC role-playing it is indeed essentially the (exact) same question. Can I claim mine is different because it's asking specifically about GM techniques or does that not differentiate it enough? Also if I focus specifically on the Solar would that help to differentiate it? Thanks for pointing this out.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 8:41
4
$begingroup$
I do think this is different (technically not a duplicate) because of taking the GM perspective (not player perspective). The GM can prepare for the encounters and can control the environment differently so there are different tactics at his or her disposal for this.
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 8:48
1
$begingroup$
I still think there could be a form of this question that would not be marked as a duplicate, if you really want to get it re-opened. I think you would have to isolate the GM point-of-view and completely distinguish it from the player perspective that has been well-covered in the other question. Perhaps you need to phrase it something like "What can a GM do that a player can't in preparing and presenting a highly intelligent creature convincingly?"
$endgroup$
– Valley Lad
Feb 7 at 9:15
1
$begingroup$
@mdrichey Not at all, I've never played it. Is there a similar character? I must admit though I can't get Q from Star Trek Next Gen out of my head every time I think of this Solar. I think Q is definitely an influence.
$endgroup$
– lightcat
Feb 7 at 18:11
2
$begingroup$
In that video game, the PC is guided by a solar NPC. Great game.
$endgroup$
– mdrichey
Feb 7 at 18:53