Wood Elves and Charisma

[clean_slate]

From the FR wikia : "Additionally, wood elves can sometimes seem off-putting compared to other Tel-quessir, with a gruff manner that makes them less charismatic, in spite of their avowed compassion and humility."

Interesting description from the wikia on Wood Elves. I was reading up on the lore for potential character. Do you think it makes sense for a Wood Elf to be considered less charismatic compared to other elven subraces? They don't get Charisma penalty in Nwn2 but neither do Wild Elves, and for a race which lives in secluded forests and abhores use of arcane magic, with stubborn views on way of life it would make sense, IMO. What are your thoughts, especially from players playing a Wood Elf? Any tips?

[AlfarinIcebreaker]

Depends on the character and the background. When I played with my Ranger he was a vengeful shevarashian so that certainly played a part regarding his Charisma score and overall social interaction with other races.

Obviously a Wood Elf with a more tribal origin will have less contact with humans and others and more narrow minded views on life so he might be RPed as off putting and on guard all the time.

Just make sure to skip arcane classes as a Wood Elf. That just doesn't fit, IMO. Some other classes wouldn't be plausible for an Wood Elf, such as Monk, Paladin, Warlock, and even Cleric.

[chad878262]

Not sure I agree with all of those classes. Even a tribal group of wood elves needs priests. Perhaps druid would be more common, but I can see a prlest for any elven gods being a wood elf. Paladin wouldn't make a lot of sense because the Seldarine are mostly chaotic good and don't have paladins, but if you have the back story and want to rp it, go for it. Same for monk, agree it doesn't make a lot of sense, but it's your character. I see no reason why wood elves would be less corruptible then any other race so warlock could happen IMO

[Maverick 40]

If you are to play the stereotypical Wood Elf:

Internal Outlook

*Dogmatic
*Naturist
*Communal
*Forthright

External Outlook

*Suspicious
*Close Minded
*Isolationist
*Lacking Courtesy

[BigJ]

Maybe you could role reverse the atypical story of middle/upper-class conformist parents with the rebellious grunge/goth son.

In this case the conformist parents are nature-loving live in the woods types conforming to the ways of their clan. Along you come, the rebellious self-image conscious son whose who is always bothered about looking good, and develops charm. This annoys his 'traditionalist' father and cue the "'I hate you and I'm leaving/don't come back scene" and off you go into the wide world.

Throw in a couple of siblings and you have lots of background context for your char.

Bard class seem ok to me, wood-elves always seem to be good playing their pipes in stories (cannot get more atypical than that), Sorcerer too given its innate spell casting. That innate ability maybe why you always felt 'different' growing up.

Can still be nature loving/sensitive (ie ranger favoured class) just not as rigid as your parents.

That's my 2p anyhow.

BigJ