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Intelligence is quite similar to what is currently known as intelligence quotient, but it also includes mnemonic ability, reasoning, and learning ability outside those measured by the written word. Intelligence dictates the number of languages in which the character is able to converse. Moreover, Intelligence is the forte of magic-users, for they must be perspicacious in order to correctly understand magic and memorize spells. Therefore, Intelligence is the major characteristic of magic-users, and those with Intelligence of 16 or more gain a bonus of 10% of earned experience. Spells above 4th level cannot be learned by magic-users with minimal Intelligence, and Intelligence similarly dictates how many spells may be known and what level spells may be known, for only the highest Intelligence is able to comprehend the mighty magics contained in 9th level spells. The tables below allow ready assimilation of the effects of Intelligence on all characters—and with regard to magic-users in particular.
Non-human characters typically are able to speak more languages than are human characters, but Intelligence likewise affects the upper limit of their abilities as well, and there are racial limitations.
NOTES REGARDING INTELLIGENCE TABLE II
NOTES REGARDING INTELLIGENCE TABLE II
Each and every magic-user character must employ the table in order to determine which and how many of each group of spells (by level) he or she can learn. At first, only the 1st level group of spells are checked. Successive level groups are checked only when the character reaches a level at which the appropriate group of spells is usable by him or her.
Chance to Know pertains to the percentage chance the character has by reason of his or her Intelligence to learn any given spell in the level group. The character may select spells desired in any order he or she wishes. Each spell may be checked only once. Percentile dice are rolled, and if the number generated is equal to or less than the percentage chance shown, then the character can learn and thus know that spell (it may be in his or her spell books—explained hereafter).
Example. A character with an Intelligence of 12 desires to know a charm person spell that he finds in a book or scroll, percentile dice are rolled, but the number generated is 52, so that spell is not understood and can not be used by the character (see, however, the paragraph below regarding the minimum number of spells knowable).
Minimum Number of Spells/Level states the fewest number of spells by level group a magic-user can learn. If one complete check through the entire group fails to generate the minimum number applicable according to Intelligence score, the character may selectively go back through the group, checking each spell not able to be learned once again. This process continues until the minimum number requirement has been fulfilled. This means, then, that certain spells, when located, can be learned—while certain other spells can never be learned and the dice rolls indicate which ones are in each category.
Example. The magic-user mentioned above who was unable to learn a charm person spell also fails to meet the minimum number of spells he or she can learn. The character then begins again on the list of 1st level spells, opts to see if this time charm person is able to be learned, rolls 04, and has acquired the ability to learn the spell. If and when the character locates such a spell, he or she will be capable of learning it.
Maximum Number of Spells/Level is the obverse of the minimum number which can be known. According to the character’s Intelligence, this maximum number which the magic-user can possibly know (have in his or her spell books) varies from 6 to an unlimited number. As soon as this maximum is reached, the character may not check any further in the level group.
Change in Intelligence. If Intelligence goes down or up for any reason, and such change is relatively permanent, the magic-user must check again as explained above for known spells by level group.
Acquisition of Heretofore Unknown Spells. Although the magic-user must immediately cease checking to determine if spells are known after the first complete check of each spell in the level group, or immediately thereafter during successive checks when the minimum number of spells which can be known is reached, it is possible to acquire knowledge of additional spells previously unknown as long as this does not violate the maximum number of spells which can be known. New spells can be gained from captured or otherwise acquired spell books or from scrolls of magic spells. In the latter event the scroll is destroyed in learning and knowing the new spell or spells.
Campaign Rule. Ignore Minimum Number of Spells per Level. Magic-users and illusionists only roll for comprehension for a spell upon encountering it. We will not pre-determine comprehended spells as the list of spell may change over time and pre-rolling for spells limits the spell caster to the existing list (and counts toward their maximum).
Polyhedron #1, Dispel Confusion: Q: “What is the relationship between Intelligence Table II., Chance to Know Spells, in the Players Handbook and the Acquisition of Magic-user Spells section in the Dungeon Masters Guide? Aren’t these contradictory?” A: Not at all - each has a different purpose. Here’s how the system works: a new 1st level magic-user receives a spell book containing 4 spells (as per the Acquisition section). As the magic-user adventures, he/she will probably have the opportunity to gain more spells to copy into his/her spell book, either from scrolls or other mages’ books. As he/she comes across each heretofore unseen spell, the magic-user must make a percentage dice roll to see if he/she can ever understand that spell to memorize it (using Intelligence Table II.). If he/she fails, he’s out of luck on that particular spell. The Maximum Number of Spells/Level column shows how many spells of each spell level a magic-user can possibly understand with his or her Intelligence score. The Minimum Number column shows the least number he/she can understand. If, through bad luck, a magic-user rolls below the number needed for comprehension on so many spells that he/she can understand less than the minimum indicated, he/she should re-roll for the failed spells until the minimum is achieved for that spell level. Conversely, if more than the maximum are understood, the excess (at the player’s choice) must be dropped.
Beings of very high Intelligence will not be fooled by illusion/phantasm spells; they will note some inconsistency or inexactness which will prevent their belief in the illusion. A being with a 19 Intelligence will never believe a 1st level illusion/phantasm spell, even if cast by a high-level spell-caster, and will thus avoid all effects. Beings with greater Intelligence can also ignore higher level illusions, as indicated. All effects noted are cumulative (e.g. a 20 Intelligence gives immunity to first and second level illusions).
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