Intelligence includes a creature’s capacity for logic, understanding, learning, reasoning, planning, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving. It is the ability to perceive or infer information, and to retain it as knowledge to be applied towards adaptive behaviors within an environment or context.

High Intelligence is required for proficient magic-use by magic-users and illusionists. The ability to decipher arcane spells and strange notations made by other mages is mentally grueling. Intelligence also sets the limit on the number of spells a mage may know per spell level.

ADDITIONAL LANGUAGES

Characters with a high Intelligence score will have the ability to learn additional languages after the character is initially created. The number is given for human characters with notes added for additional languages able to be learned by demi-human characters—these characters already begin play knowing a number of languages. This means a human character with an Intelligence of 16 will begin play knowing the “Common-tongue” as well as a regional dialect but no others. Once they begin play, they can begin the arduous process of learning another language. Bonus languages (racial or class features), do not count toward this number.

Learning a New Language. It will take a character 12 months to learn a new language minus 1 month for every point of Intelligence above 12 (minimum of 4 months). During this time, the character must be able to have interactions with a tutor at least three time per week. Delays will be week-for-week. The tutor must be able to speak a language known by the student.

INTELLIGENCE RATING

Most creatures don’t have discreet ability scores. However, an Intelligence Rating will be noted. These ratings roughly correspond to character ability scores. For more information, see Vile Monsters.

Legendary Intelligence. Some exceptional creatures will possess Intelligence beyond the normal scale. While it is possible for other character races to achieve a higher than 18 Intelligence with powerful magic, only elves can attain this naturally (and only through age progression).