Breaking Down D&D - Ability Scores: Intelligence

Understanding Intelligence: What it Is, Why it is Useful, and How to Use it Better in 5e/5.5e, OSEOSRs, Pathfinder, and other TTRPGs

by Chris@Dragon Sol

Note: while the title calls out D&D, this article generally applies to any 5e/5.5e variant, Old School Renaissance/Revival variant (OSE/OSR), Pathfinder/Starfinder, or other Tabletop Role-playing Game (TTRPG) that uses the core ability scores.

See this article for more on the core TTRPG ability scores.

What is Intelligence?

Intelligence is all about using the information you have.  It represents the complexity of the information you can understand, how much information you can recall, and how well you can use that information.  In short it is your reason, recall, and realization.  Intelligence represents the logical nature of information and the ability to deduce reasonable conclusions from it.  It is very much the left side of the brain and it represents one aspect of how mentally capable they are (combined with Wisdom).

Intelligence as a player ability is defined as having to do with reasoning and memory.  It represents one’s mental acuity, recollection, and reasoning.  This can be expressed in:

• Memorizing information

• Recalling facts

• Attention to detail

• Arithmetic and calculations

• Knowledge of useless trivia

• Strategic thinking

• Deductive reasoning/drawing conclusions through logic

• Understanding complex systems

• Fluency in multiple and obscure languages

Typical in-game uses for Intelligence are:

• Magic casting modifiers

• Checks for Arcana - related to lore, rituals, magic items, spells, or other learned things mystical in nature

• Checks for History - related to deeds of the past as well as ancient and archaic events and civilizations

• Checks for Religion - related to the celestial workings of existence

• Checks for Nature - related to understanding the complex interactions of the natural world as well as the bibliographical taxonimation of the natural sciences

• Checks for Investigation - the use of deductive reasoning to deduce a missing piece of information from the pattern of information available

• Communication through known languages or when language barriers exist

• Determining how something works, even if it is magic

• Estimating 

• Deducing guard patterns and shifts

• Forging documentation or developing a disguise - details matter

Just as it is important to define what Intelligence is, it’s also important to define what it is NOT.  Intelligence is not insight or inspiration.  It is deductive reasoning, not flashes of genius.  That “Eureka!” moment is the result of Wisdom, not Intelligence.  Intelligence is about the information known, the facts and what they mean.  Wisdom is about the information not known, the hints and vacancies and what they might mean.

It is primarily used for Intelligence based caster character classes and those who want to play an investigator role or be the strategic leader of the party and is a primary stat for:

• Artificer

• Wizard

• Rogue: Arcane Trickster

• Fighter: Eldritch Knight

Though not a primary stat for many classes, Intelligence is a primary or secondary stat for many builds.  Characters that specialize in strategic combat, clever rouses, or deception will benefit from higher smarts.

How is Intelligence Used?

In 5e/5.5e (and similarly in PF2e) the Intelligence Ability Score modifier is a bonus to Intelligence based magic casting and to the spell save DC for said castings. The modifier is calculated at (XInt -10)/2 and rounded down.  Therefore a 10 or 11 has a modifier of 0, a 16-17 a modifier of +3, and a 6-7 a modifier of -2.  The modifier is applied to the die roll for the casting action as specified in the spell.  An Intelligence based spell save DC is calculated at 8 + ModifierInt + Proficiency Bonus (+ any other relevant modifiers).  Some items may also have a minimum Intelligence requirement to use.

In previous editions the Intelligence modifier also determined how many bonus spells a character could learn/prepare.  These still show up as house rules at some tables.

Intelligence is commonly associated with Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, and Religion skills.  These skills relate to the recall and understanding of information in the related field and are typically used in game to figure something out or know something relevant.  These actions are usually determined with an Ability roll against a target DC where a d20 is rolled and your Intelligence modifier is added to determine if you meet or exceed the DC.

Intelligence saving throws are usually required when the incoming effect causes psychic damage or a mental condition like Madness.

Intelligence is capped at 20 (22 for PF2e) for PCs with an exception for magical boosts.  Creatures and the divine can go up to 30.

But What Does That Mean?

Here’s a general breakdown of the Ability score, by modifier.

Intelligence Score (Modifier) | Explanation

1 (–5) | Instinctual and animalistic.  Incapable of reason and rational thought.

2-3 (–4) | Difficulty functioning in a humane way.  Limited communication.  Very little knowledge of anything other than basic survival.

4-5 (–3) | Poor to no verbal communication.  Communicates it grunts and gestures.  Can remember people and places that were significant to their life, but little else.

6-7 (–2) | Speaks roughly while mispronouncing words.  Hard to carry on a conversation about anything other than immediate wants.  Can remember simple instructions and carry out basic tasks.

8-9 (–1) | Small vocabulary, poor grammar.  Pays little attention to things they are not interested in.  Remembers things they found cool or important.  Can handle menial jobs.  Can be easily mentally manipulated.

10-11 (0) | Average intelligence.  Knows what’s going on around them and even in the mass of society.  Can see the next step in a chain of thought, but often not much further.

12-13 (+1) | Can be rational and reasoned with.  Understands that the cause may not always be what it appears. Remembers bits of history, religion, etc. along with events in their own life and the lives of the family. 

14-15 (+2) | Regarded as smart by most people.  Good at basic research.  Can perform mental math and complex calculations given time.  Has a good grasp of multiple subjects.

16-17 (+3) | Respected as highly intelligent and often recognized as an expert in a given field.  Able to recall many details, including archaic knowledge.

18-19 (+4) | A veritable genius.  Can use the vast amounts of knowledge acquired to come up with something new or perfect the existing.  An expert in multiple fields of study.

20 (+5) | A mental giant seen but once or twice a generation.  Able to understand the complex underworkings of the laws of existence that most people cannot even perceive.  Makes such astounding logical connections that they commoners may think them prophetic.

The animals or animalistic humanoids as well as the mentally impaired have intelligence scores in the 1-6 range.  Academics, inventors, and top-rate scientists have intelligence in the 14-18 range. 

Intelligence is capped at 20 for characters.  Most NPCs will not exceed 16.  Monsters often do not exceed 12 unless they are part of a significant society (e.g. devils).  However, there are some creatures or NPCs that do.  These levels of intelligence are often perceived as alien.  In other words, the reasoning and actions taken defy the level of logic normal people can comprehend.  Even player characters with an Intelligence score above 15 may exhibit some traits that make them seem alien or out of touch with normal people.

This can be seen in the behaviors of many highly intelligent people in real life.  Often their brains are so preoccupied with larger questions that the everyday things most people must think about are forgotten and they forget to put on pants when they go outside.  Their social skills are often lacking and they have trouble reading people, understanding body language, or non-verbal cues.  Real people with high Intelligence can often lack a reasonable Wisdom score.

There are four main aspects of the Intelligence ability represented by the four “R”s: 

1. Reasoning - Rational thought and logical use of facts

2. Recall - Remembering facts as measured in speed of recall, details remembered, and amount of data stored in the brain

3. Realization - Understanding and comprehension as measured in both how complex (number of elements) and complicated (difficulty of connections) something is

4. Research - How well a character can mine information from existing sources or reach conclusions from analyzing the existing data.

Not all intelligent people possess exceptional skill in all four aspects.  Some are only good at one or two.  Albert Einstein famously said he did not remember what the measurement for the speed of light was, the universal constant he made famous as “c” in E=mc2.  He said he didn’t need to remember it.  He could always look it up.

You can determine how your character will use their intelligence by determining which of these aspects they will either be good at or bad at (depending on a high or low Intelligence ability score).  It is enough to have a couple that are good/bad with the others normal, but it is your call.  If you are having trouble deciding, go to the dice.  Roll a d4 to determine how many aspects are influenced by your ability score.

The Problem with Roleplaying Intelligence

The biggest problem with roleplaying Intelligence is that it is extremely difficult to imagine what it is like to have a different level of intelligence than you do in real life.  With the exception of playing someone of very low intelligence, it’s hard to divorce yourself from how you actually think.

If your character’s Intelligence is in the same ballpark as your own then when you figure something out your character probably will as well.  But if there is a significant difference how will you know how your character should respond.  

Playing down in Intelligence is easier since you can always sit there and say, “I know what’s going on, but my character is ignorant.”  Of course you may find yourself unable to do this, either on purpose or by accident.  The dumbest character is hardly ever the leader of the group.  But if the player is reasonably intelligent and of the personality to take charge you may find the least intelligent character developing all of the well thought out plans the party utilizes.

Playing up in Intelligence can be even more difficult.  While you don’t have to figure things out yourself, you can always say, “My character understands that.”, it can be difficult to determine when your character would figure things out.  This is especially true if you are playing a top tier (16+) Intelligence.

But don’t worry.  We’ve got your back on…

Roleplaying Intelligence

Consider the character's intellectual might.  Are they quick witted or do they carefully consider everything before responding?  Do they have the information on the tip of their tongue or do they need to consult their notes or the library first?  Using the aspects of Intelligence can help with this.

Consider how your character’s Intelligence is used.  Can they perform mental feats of calculation or deductive reasoning or do they need to be locked in a room for two days to deduce the answer?  Or both depending on the issue?  Sherlock Holmes could make leaps of logic on the spot but would sequester himself away when faced with difficult questions.

Does your character rely on their Intelligence or do they avoid using it, at least openly?  Do they want to be seen as a mental giant or is it overwhelming for them to be perceived thus?  Do they hide their Intelligence and try to act normal (this can work for either high or low Intelligence)?  This all plays into the mentality of the character and helps you determine, “What would my character do?”

Playing a character with an Intelligence significantly different than yours can be difficult.  If you choose an aspect or two you can ease your roleplay burden.  Here are some ideas when it comes to roleplaying a high or low Intelligence ability score with each aspect.  For this conversation we will assume most people can role play an Intelligence of 9-13 without a problem and that no character will have an Intelligence below 6.  Seriously, if your character has an Intelligence below 6 scrap it and start over.

Reasoning

A character with a high reasoning will understand the best course of action, given the available data, quickly and easily.  If you, as a player, can’t deduce that, you can always play in third person.  “My character deduced the optimal course of action…what is it GM?”

If you have alien level intelligence (e.g. 18-20) you need to have a conversation with your GM.  This goes for whatever aspect you are playing.  Unless you and your GM are chess Grandmasters then your deductive reasoning will pale in comparison to your characters and your GMs schemes will as well.  Instead of trying to make the machinations that complex and then try to figure out how you would figure it out, play a game of “Yes, and…”.  “Yes, and…” is the notion in Improv where one player makes an assertion and the other must accept it and build on it.

When you are playing a genius level intellect (or higher) then the character will deduce things others cannot see or understand.  You can simply state something as fact and the GM will need to accept it as such.  After investigating the bandit raid with all signs pointing towards the abandoned keep you can simply blurt out, “They obviously have a hide out in the sewers back in town!”  Your character's intellect is so profound that it saw through the clever ruse (that your GM did not have), realized that the abandoned keep was a trap (which it most assuredly was not), and determined the truth of the situation (which it is now).  Your GM will now roll with it as your character's presumption now becomes reality.

If you have low Intelligence then it is relatively easy to play.  You simply do not understand the conclusions presented and are unable to come to ones of your own.  You can play this as a happy-go-lucky who follows along with whatever someone else says or you can be stubborn and refuse to believe it can be anything other than what you see right in front of you.

Recall

If your character is blessed in recall you can have a lot of fun.  If they suffer with it you can have even more.  A low Intelligence character will have trouble remembering details and specifics.  They will relate stories with emotion and sound effects.  They often forget names and titles and locations and will only recall how they felt and what activities they were involved in.  Instead of remembering the waterfall was 300 feet tall they remember that place they fought the big thing and we got all wet.  Maybe they recall the water was fizzy and it made little rainbows everywhere.

A character with a high Intelligence associated with recall will remember details that most would never notice, and probably more details than your GM described.  Lean into that and make it the new reality.  

Player: “We’re looking for a woman with a red scarf.”  

GM: The GM looks puzzled.  “Did I say she had a red scarf?”  

Player: “No, but my character remembered that detail.”

If your character has alien level Intelligence then you can create reality on a whim.  While not changing the narrative, you can always flesh it out.  

Player 1: “I don’t remember the last time I had sushi.”

Player 2: “It was a Tuesday.  It had just started raining, a light drizzle.  You thought you had matched your socks, but one was black and the other a dark navy blue.  You double knotted your shoelace and one of your aglets had just started splitting.”

Realization

The speed of understanding one gets from Intelligence is something that is difficult to emulate.  If your character has low Intelligence you can always have your realization come halfway through the plan the party is executing based on that same realization they all had an hour ago.  But if you have high Intelligence then you are probably going to need to rely on your GM.  And this is a case where Intelligence checks will most likely come into play.  

If this is the route you need to take, make sure your GM is aware.  Then they can determine the DC for realizations during their game prep.

Research

The Intelligence ability score also relates to how well your character can cull through musty tombs and gather all the desperate bits of information needed for whatever is going on.  Finding that important piece of information is often handled through an ability check.  If it is a straight shot then a single DC works.  But a more realistic and rewarding approach is to have a range of DCs with more details revealed the higher the ability check.  

In these situations a subject may be broken down into 5-7 details with a DC range of 0-30 at increments of 5.  Information required to continue with the narrative is set at 0 so that just attempting the research gives the required information.  Other pieces of information that can assist the endeavor, provide alternative means of accomplishments, or give insight to make things easier, are set at each value of 5 with the highest being the most valuable.  An Intelligence check is made for the research.  The resulting roll unlocks all of the information at that DC and below.

Investigation can be thought of in the same way, but instead of a library it is an environment being looked through.  The same method for a ranged DC can be used to provide more valuable clues during an investigation.

Investigations can be tricky however.  Players often say, “I investigate the area.” and expect the GM to provide all the clues.  The GM, however, wants the players to engage with the scene more and describe what they are looking at or what they are looking for.  While the player may not be able to match the Intelligence of the character they still need to make the investment to learn how to approach a situation if they want to be an investigator.  While they may not be able to figure out how to look at everything their character would, they at least need to make an effort.  In return that effort should be rewarded by the GM when the player gets in the ballpark with their request.

Language and Communication

In previous editions your Intelligence modifier determined the maximum number of languages a character could know.  This is not a rule in 5e but it could be helpful.  Currently there is no rule that limits the number of languages a player can learn if they invest the downtime.  If a GM determines that players are abusing this they can adopt this rule to limit the number of languages one can know.

How effective one is at communication, however, does not always have to do with languages known.  There are many people that know only one language and have spoken it their entire life and still have trouble communicating.  Understanding languages means it is easier to learn or decipher unknown languages, especially if they have a similar root.  Depending on how language barriers are used in your game a high Intelligence character could be better at communicating, at least a little, to NPCs that use another language or when deciphering writings and runes in other languages.  And you can always revert to gestures and charades.  Communication checks can rely on Intelligence.

Strategy

Strategy, whether tactical combat or social navigation, can turn the tables on your opponents or sink your own ship.  A highly intelligent character may be good at strategy.  But they don’t have to be.  This is one of those aspects that is extremely hard to diverge from your own strategic skill.  But unlike the others, the GM can’t really help you out.  The best advice for playing a strategic thinker is to be one.  If you are not one, then don’t play a character that is.  If they are highly intelligent then choose other aspects for that and let this be a blind spot for them.

If you are good at strategy then make sure your character has the Intelligence to match.  If you don’t you are gaming the system by dumping a stat that you will meta-game.  Often players who like strategy and combat can’t help themselves and no matter how many times the GM tells them they are playing above their ability scores they can’t change.  The only solution is to raise your character’s Intelligence.  If this becomes a problem it is within the GMs right to force the player to use the next Ability Score Improvement to correct their character.  This doesn’t really happen with other ability scores but it can become a significant issue at a table so players and GMs need to be aware and handle it appropriately.

There are many aspects of Intelligence and situations where those aspects are relevant.  It can be considered the most diversely used ability in the game.  Once you’ve determined how your character exhibits, relies on, and utilizes Intelligence, lean into it to inform their actions and reactions.

From a mechanics stand point you can use the dice to help you roleplay.  When rolling for an Ability check you can use the difference between your roll and the DC or other roll to inform your roleplay.  

When the numbers are close then the contest is close.  A margin of 1-2 points and you just eked out a win. It may take you a few tries to remember the exact piece of information or how to pronounce the name.  If you lose then the information is on the tip of your tongue, but it just won’t materialize.  Ah well.  Perhaps if you leave it alone it will come to you in your sleep.

If the margin is around 5 it was easy for one of your intellect or something you never came across in your studies.

If the margin was approaching 10 or more and you succeeded then you not only know or understand the thing but you know all the details surrounding it or understand how everything works together.  If you failed then it is incomprehensible or you never even heard of the subject.  Either way there is a significant hole in your education.

The margin of success isn’t a mechanic in the core rules of 5e (though it is used in Pathfinder).   You can use it to inform your roleplay or you can use it (with your GMs agreement) to affect the narrative, perhaps with a mechanical advantage.  This is similar in concept to critical hits (critical fails as well if you play with that option).  A great success may give you advantage in some way or impose disadvantage.  It may give you some extra throwing distance, allow you to land that long jump more impressively, or carry your punch through to the guy behind your target.  It is another way to enjoy the roll of the dice.  But it is not part of the core rules and in some cases can imbalance the game, so allow you GM discretion to say no in any given situation.

When engaging in social encounters Intelligence can significantly impact how others perceive you.  There are few traits that cause such a wide range of responses in others like Intelligence does.  Those without it look down on those with it as “Nerds” or “Brainiancs” or some other derogatory name as if one’s thirst for knowledge is a terrible thing.  While those who have it look at those who don’t as sub-human.  While this isn’t the case for everyone, most societies encounter this phenomenon.

Depending on how idyllic your game world is, there might be ample instances of prejudice when it comes to mental aptitude or deficiency.  Of course it could go the other way with those without Intelligence venerating those with it and those with it envious of the simple life of those without it.

Not all NPCs will have an issue with Intelligence but almost all will be insulted if they feel they are being talked down to while some have no patience for academics or imbeciles.  And if a deception is underfoot and the role being portrayed is known to be significantly different in Intelligence then it might be hard to pull it off successfully.

When exploring, Intelligence can be quite useful.  The use of the Nature skill can be a significant advantage in the wilds, but even in domesticated areas Intelligence can be a boon.  Understanding how things typically work makes it easier to predict where something is and how to get there.  Picking up on details and investigating the area can give clues to easier paths, like that hidden goat path through the mountains, that can save days of travel or avoid deadly encounters (quicksand anyone?).  When exploring or traveling a Survival check by the Ranger is common practice.  But it is not the only option.

Building a Character with Intelligence

Intelligence is often considered a second tier (or even third tier) ability score if you are not playing an Intelligence based caster.  But it is one of the most versatile abilities in the game.  Whereas a strong or dexterous character typically leans into that ability and uses it to solve all of their dilemmas in a straightforward manner, Intelligence gives you a multitude of approaches to any situation.  

The primary mechanical use in 5e and PF2e for Intelligence is for Intelligence based casting and in the application of related skills.  The skills being: Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, and Religion. It’s also used for saving throws against psychic damage and mental conditions (such as madness).

While not specifically stated in the rules there are many situations where a straight Intelligence check can be used.  Don’t overlook the versatility of this when determining the value of Intelligence.

A Variant mechanic in the5e  DMG shows how an ability score can be used as a gate check to represent what a PC (or creature for that matter) is normally capable of doing.  And implementing this makes Intelligence a much more valuable ability in game. 

Use the Intelligence based DC as a gate.  If the character’s Intelligence score exceeds the DC by 5 then consider it an automatic success.  Only require a roll for those activities whose DC is 5 more than the Intelligence score.  

Improving the Value of Intelligence

Consider 5e and PF2e (and any other TTRPG for that matter) as collections of mechanics, and not all encompassing rule sets.  They can easily be modified and tailored for your table.    One of the easiest ways to make Intelligence a more valuable stat is to use it more.  From a GM’s perspective if a player wants to play an intelligence based character, have more intelligence based conundrums to be solved.  From a player’s perspective, if you want to play an intelligence based character then use intelligence to solve the conundrums before you.  If intelligence is your greatest asset, wouldn’t you try to use it as much as you could?  There’s no reason to wait for the GM to set you up for it.

Working Together and Group Ability Checks for Intelligence

There are rules for assisting on an Ability Check and for making a group Ability Check.  When working together it is possible to give aid to someone else.  This allows the person making the Ability Check to roll with advantage.  Almost every situation can be aided with Intelligence.  Even something as mundane and strength based as lifting a boulder out of the way can be aided with someone discussing the best place to grip it or finding a long enough lever.

In a group check half or more of those making the check must succeed for the check to succeed.  There are not many situations where everyone’s smarts must meet a certain level so this will be a rare occurrence.

Applying Intelligence to Other Skills

One way to improve the value of Intelligence is by an application of Skills.  The base rules call for Ability checks when a PC is not guaranteed a success.  If a certain skill applies to the action then the proficiency with that skill can be added to the Ability check.  This leads to the association of Skills to one, and only one, Ability.  A Variant 5e rule, “Skills with Different Abilities”, can allow for what is essentially a Skill check.

Normally the GM calls for an Ability check modified by a Skill, like Wisdom (Perception), to determine the outcome of the interaction within the game world.  The Variant rule turns that around.  Instead of a Wisdom based check for Perception the GM can ask for an Intelligence based check for Perception.  In this case, knowledge of a pattern or expected outcome can help the PC perceive the clue, or something like that.

From a roleplay perspective, the player can capitalize on this (with agreement by the GM) to play their character with an Intelligence-is-the-Solution mentality.  When a check is required the player should propose an intelligence-based action that could succeed.  It will be up to the GM to determine if it is a reasonable and acceptable attempt. Then the Skill check can be rolled with the Variant Ability used.  Some examples of Variant Intelligence/Skill combinations and their resolution actions are provided below.

Additional Skills

The list of skills in the base rules covers most activities, sometimes with a stretch.  There’s nothing stopping any given table from adopting new ones that suit their game.  Skills are things that are learned through training, practice, and use.  Tailor them to your game and your character.  Becoming proficient in Intelligence based activities can be a boon, especially if they develop organically through your play style.  Skills in cryptography, puzzle solving, memorization (for perfect recall or large amounts of data), specific strategy games (like chess or poker), record keeping, negotiation, cooking, alchemy, and money laundering are just a few of the potential skills related to Intelligence you could become proficient in. 

I Know That

“I Know That” is similar to the popular “I Know a Guy” house rule.  With I Know a Guy a player can declare they know a guy and quickly sketch out an NPC that can provide what the party needs.  I Know That is similar in that a player can declare I know that piece of information.  This should not be used to reveal plot points but can be used for almost all other information.  You can limit the uses of this by allowing one use for each point of ability modifier per long rest.  Or just once per long rest.  Or even one use for each point of ability modifier per level.

Accuracy of Information

When recalling a piece of information or when discovering it for the first time (through observation, research, or investigation) the accuracy of the information is important.  Often the game is played where the information is what it is.  But you can add a twist into the game by having an imperfect recall or understanding of that information.  This will give the GM some wiggle room to create obstacles based on these mistakes.

There are two mechanics to consider.  The first is the use of the Intelligence score.  A straight d20 roll at or below the Intelligence score means the information is accurate.  If the d20 is above the Intelligence score then there is an error.  You can introduce one error per point above it or increase the magnitude of the error by the margin of the roll over the score.  A one point failure may be the difference in a name.  “It’s Travis, not Terrance.”  A 5 or 10 point difference would be more like a fairy tale version of a historical event.

The second mechanic to consider is to set a DC for the accuracy of the information.  The more archaic or trivial the bit of information the higher the DC.  You can also use this method to determine recall of the information in the first place.

Miraculous Feats of Intelligence

One additional rule to consider is that of “Miraculous Feats of Intelligence”.  With a Miraculous Feat one can perform well past the standard ability limits.  For a Miraculous Feat of IIntelligence the mind goes to another plane of understanding and comes back with a solution.  It’s much like a Flash of Genius, but on steroids.  Unlike other Miraculous Feat rules (for other abilities), the significance of the Feat is difficult to quantify.  Typically a factor is determined and the result of the Feat is that number of levels of Exhaustion.   While this mechanic may still be used, a simpler repercussion for Intelligence based Feats presents itself.

The mental strain of a Miraculous Feat of Intelligence is so high that the character becomes dumb struck until rested.  After performing a Feat they suffer one level of Exhaustion and are unable to perform any other Intelligence based ability checks until they partake in a long rest.  Additionally, Intelligence saving throws are done without a modifier.

The dramatic moments this can create can be epic and are seen in countless stories as the hero makes life changing discoveries only to fall into a stupor or a coma for a time  If used with restraint this can change the narrative in a compelling and memorable way.

Great Characters with Intelligence

There are many popular characters that have incredible intelligence.  It's an ability that can make even the most mundane person a hero.  There are many classic tropes that can be a great place to start, but there are a bevy of original takes waiting to be taken as well.  Some of the most intelligent characters conceived are presented below, but these character builds may not be what you thought.  Enjoy!

Sherlock Holmes

When it comes to investigators with intellect Sherlock Holmes is the original.  There are many clones in literature, but at his core is an amazing intellect that allows him to consume, understand, and remember a ridiculous amount of obscure data.  And then he is able to use that data when investigating a scene to see what really went on.  Sherlock Holmes possesses such an Intelligence that common life is a bore and he seeks out the most intricate of puzzles, often horrific crimes, for a challenge.  Once the “game is afoot” he invests his all into solving it, even to the point of ignoring or forgetting what others might think important in life.

One can see Sherlock Holmes as an Artificer: Alchemist.  He always has the Right Tool for the Job, or the knowledge of obscure herbs and chemicals, or whatever else is needed.  He also uses various “substances” (e.g. Infusions) to alter his perception and capabilities.  He is known for swift actions and Flashes of Genius.

Gandalf/Albus Dumbledore

The great and caring wizard who shepherds the heroes through their epic journey, this archetype is used in many stories with two of the most famous being Gandalf from the “Lord of the Rings” and Albus Dumbledore from “Harry Potter”.  These characters are without a doubt Wizards.  In fact Gandalf was probably the main inspiration for the class to begin with.  Mental giants, they research arcane lore and seek to understand the powers and machinations moving through and against the world.  While often possessing a strong Constitution as well (important for stamina and Concentration on spells), it is their Intelligence that is remarkable.  With it they are able to tame the arcane and control the magic coursing all around.  Not to mention figure out the plots of the enemy and battle evil head on.

Iron Man

Tony Stark is one of the greatest geniuses in the Marvel Universe.  Not only a prolific inventor and strategist, but he also birthed AI (several times actually).  With his alter ego of Iron Man he is an Artificer: Armorer.  Flashes of Genius abound and he prepares to such a degree that his suit always has the Right Tool for the Job.  And he actually wears armor, with magical properties given that “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”.  He launches lighting from his hands and he can don or doff his armor in a single action.

Lisbeth Salander

Lisbeth Salander, the protagonist from the “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, is a genius level intellect with an eidetic memory.  She suffers from an extremely low Charisma and Wisdom as she has trouble communicating with other people.  She can quickly appraise a situation and find a solution that will work with her abilities.  She then approaches the obstacle in a straightforward manner, without fear since she has already simulated the outcome with all variables taken into account.

Lisbeth is an Intelligence based Barbarian.  She Rages and has Feral Instincts which are actually based on how quickly she recognizes the signs of danger in her environment.  She follows the Path of the Beast with the beast being a Wasp.  She often attacks bare handed or with her stinger (a taser).  Despite being not much larger than a goblin, she Recklessly Attacks much larger foes, Instinctively Pouncing on them and attacking them Relentlessly.  And with her vast intellect and devious nature she often inflicts psychic damage on her enemies (Infectious Fury).

MacGyver

MacGyver is the “Genius of All Trades”.  There is never a jam he can’t figure how to get out of.  He uses his knowledge of chemistry, physics, engineering, etc., etc. to get out of a jam with hardly anything on him except a swiss army knife or a paper clip.

MacGyver is an Intelligence based College of Lore Bard.  He is a Jack of All Trades with Expertise in many skills and Peerless Skill which allows him to have a flash of Inspiration (Bardic) to succeed on his endeavor.

Mr. Spock

Mr. Spock, of Star Trek fame, is a being who prides himself on his use of logic.  He is also recognized as one of the most Intelligent people in the universe.  He solves problems and overcomes adversity by the strict adherence to logic, using deductive reasoning and a command of the facts to understand the problem.  

Possessed of both supreme Intelligence and Strength, Mr. Spock is a Monk that forgoes Dexterity and Wisdom for more concrete traits.  He uses his Intelligence to understand the powers and laws of existence (which some might call Ki) and is able to perform some incredible feats with his Ki such as a Stunning Strike (the Vulcan Nerve Pinch) and the Mind Meld.

Black Widow

Another Marvel character, the Black Widow is an adept fighter and infiltrator.  While possessed of great Dexterity, Charisma, and Wisdom, her primary attribute is her Intelligence.  Her use of technology requires a mastery of many “magical” devices.  She is able to decode and hack to support her infiltrations and her attention to detail for forgery and disguise is incredible.

The Black Widow is a Rogue.  She has a powerful Sneak Attack and Expertise in many skills.  She has Steady Aim, Reliable Talent, a Slippery Mind, and is quite Elusive. And while she performs many actions of various subclasses:

• Assassin: Infiltration Expertise & Imposter

• Mastermind: Master of Intrigue, Master of Tactics, & Soul of Deceit

• Scout: Skirmisher, Superior Mobility, Ambush Master, and Sudden Strike

• Thief: Second Story Work, Supreme Sneak, & Thieve’s Reflexes

She actually accomplishes all of these through her Intelligence.  And it is that Intelligence that shows she is a Rogue: Inquisitive.  She has an Ear for Deceit and an Eye for Detail which makes her an incredible mimic and infiltrator.  With an Unerring Eye she is incredibly difficult to fool.  And with her Insightful Fighting and Eye for Weakness she can take down most any foe in front of her.

Intelligence: the Wrap Up

Intelligence based characters can be a lot of fun to play and Intelligence is probably the most versatile Ability.  The key to utilizing your Intelligence in roleplay is to understand three things:

1. How intelligent is your character?  Are they below average, average, slightly above average, above average, or an alien genius?

2. How does that Intelligence present itself?  Reasoning, recall, realization, and/or research?

3. How do they feel about their Intelligence?  Do they concern themselves with how others will react to their level of intellect?

Intelligence is not just a tool for solving in-game problems.  It is a critical aspect of social interactions and determines a lot on how your character will act.  Once you get a handle on how your character’s mind works the roleplaying options become as endless as your in-game Intelligence ability uses can be.

Next →Understanding Charisma: What it Is, Why it is Useful, and How to Use it Better