By dawn & jeff Ibach

Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy for personal use only . Beauty and the Bother

DM: “That will cost 20 gold.”

Charismatic Character: “Don’t I get a discount?”
DM: “Why?”.

Charismatic Character: “I seduce the priest!”

DM: “Roll your Charisma.”
Charismatic Character: “I got a 1.”
DM: “Despite your good looks and charming words the priest shrieks and runs away.”

The Gamers: Dorkness Rising movie: “Charisma? Wheeee!”

This is an article my wife wrote nearly 20 years ago. At the time it grew out of how I was han-
dling her character’s high Charisma score. We discussed how if I favored her, as the DM’s wife,
it would be uncool. That’s when it hit her - Charisma can be a blessing and a curse! Quickly put-
ting fingers to keyboard she wrote this to give me inspiration for making her character’s high
Charisma interesting, not just a benefit. Enjoy!

P.S. If you are going to pull these on your new Bard or Sorcerer player or whatever, at least let
them know that their Charisma score can sometimes be a bother, and give them the heads up
you intend to make it quite a ride!

-Jeff Ibach

By Dawn Ibach

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, the dragon ampersand, and all other Wizards of the
Coast product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries.

This work contains material that is copyright Wizards of the Coast and/or other authors. Such material is used with permission under
the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild.

All other original material in this work is copyright 2018 by Jeff & Dawn Ibach and published under the Community Content Agree-
ment for Dungeon Masters Guild. Version 1.0

1
 Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy for personal use only .
Beauty and The Bother
By Dawn Ibach
What can a good DM do when one of his players wants to put
their highest score in Charisma? The following are some en-
counter ideas for the DM to place in any city or village to make 
it an interesting and dangerous place for the character with the
good looks and charm, not to mention their adventuring com-
panions.
General City Benefits
During play, the PC with the high charisma score
should be made aware that they are noticed. Just a few simple
statements by the DM that indicate the NPCs take notice of the
PC will do. The following are a few examples of other sugges- 
tions to indicate that the NPCs have noticed the high score.
 Apparel. The clothes and accessories that the PC wears
could serve as a mobile advertisement for a local shop or
several shops. The tailor makes the PCs clothes in return
that the PC mentions his shop whenever anyone asks
about their clothing. The tailor may ask the PC for the cost
of materials if the PC takes advantage of this deal and re- 
quests clothing made of silk, velvet or other costly materi-
als.
 Courtesy. NPCs may offer their place in line or open a
door to an attractive PC. This may also happen to an aver-
age looking character, but will happen more often to the
more comely PC by members of the opposite sex.
 Extras. When the PC has purchased an item, whether
food or supplies, the vendor may offer the PC an extra
apple or a few more iron spikes. This can be done by the
NPC to promote good business or show that he is inter-
ested in the PC on a more personal level.
 Heads turning. The PC with the high charisma may be
content if the DM mentions that the heads of merchants
and customers are turning as he walks through the mar-
ket. The DM can describe specific NPCs as being dis-
tracted, such as the pick pocket forgets to pick the pocket,
the merchant staring at the PC doesn't notice the thief
stealing from his cart, and the occasional pedestrian who
trips because she is so busy looking at the PC that he
doesn't watch where she is going.
 Smiles. Some people seem to be more inclined to smile a
greeting at an attractive person, instead of speaking. Smil- 
ing back would have various effects, depending on the
NPC in question. Toll keepers may allow the PC to pass
and charge nothing if the PC simply returns the smile.
General City Drawbacks
Depending on how well the player role-plays their charisma
score, many of these drawbacks can be turned into benefits
and vice versa.
2
Beauty and the Bother
 Artistic Value. The local artist wants to paint or sketch the
PC. They may or may not have other plans once they get
the PC alone. The artist will appeal to the PCs ego by us-
ing flattery and even offer money if he must.
Appearance. If the NPC is neat and fastidious, they would
be more appreciative, or inclined to agree, with the PC
having a neat and clean, if not tailored, appearance. If the
PC with the high Charisma hasn’t had time to ‘freshen up’
before the encounter his high score will do him little good.
Such things as road dust, obvious wounds, sweat, or a
horse like odor could cause problems in an encounter with
this type of NPC.
Children. Children are everywhere and they are very im-
pressionable. The children in the city may follow the PC
around and ask him questions by the dozens along the
way. Some of them may be spies for the local information
broker or the thieves' guild. Some could have a crush on
the PC and others may want to join the PC when they
leave town as squires, stable hands, or messengers.
Chivalry. This code of conduct should also be taken into
account, and good looks should play little or no part in it.
The chivalric NPC would pay attention to the homely baker
carrying too many loaves of bread and offer him assis-
tance instead of catering to the attractive, unburdened PC.
The PCs attention would occur after the baker is attended
to, provided the PC waits that long.
 Competition for PC. Two rival suitors are vying for the PCs
attention. One or both of them gets the idea that slaying a
dragon (or other dangerous creature) would impress the
PC and sets out to do it. The NPCs could also hold con-
tests and beg the PC to oversee them and judge who has
won. The winner of these competitions will expect the PC
on their arm thereafter. The loser may shadow the couple
or attempt to do harm to the winner or to the PC, depend-
ing on their nature.
 Competition for NPC. Members of the same sex may view
the PC with a mix of envy or concern over what their
spouses, or prospective spouses, may think of the new
beauty in town, thus reversing any reaction bonuses and
instead making them penalties. Alternately, the local cen-
ter of attention may aid the PC and his friends in order to
get them out of town as quickly as possible.
Crush. Everything the PC says or does is very important to
the NPC with a crush. The NPC may follow the PC around
or offer to join her on a quest. Small gifts of flowers or
sweets may be offered. If the NPC is rebuffed in the slight-
est a strong, negative reaction is likely to follow.
 Envy. A jealous psychotic wants to destroy all the beauty
in the world, starting with the PC. The NPC in question
could be attractive or not, in which case they act out of
hateful jealousy or spite.
 Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy for personal use only . Beauty and the Bother

 Equals. NPCs that also have a high Charisma score may  Simple minds. A beggar, local drunk, or the village idiot
or may not be influenced by the PCs good looks or leader-
ship. In fact, the PC may be considered a challenge or a
conquest and nothing more. Alternately, the NPC may pre-
tend to be swayed in favor of the PC, but in truth is schem-
ing for his own benefit.
 Framed. A jealous or jilted NPC may go so far as to lie
about witnessing a crime and describing the PC as the
culprit. It's much easier for the NPC to convince the local
militia or watch that the PC is a criminal then it is for the
NPC to track the PC down themselves. This will force the
guards to locate the PC and then notify the NPC in order
for them to testify at the trial. The NPC will make the deci-
sion whether or not to prosecute the PC depending on the
PCs reactions to the encounter.
likes the PC. They follow the PC everywhere and offer
small tokens of affection, usually bits of broken glass,
shiny rocks, or picked flowers. The poor NPC will spend
whatever money he comes across to buy things for the PC
and possibly even steals something to give as a gift. If the
NPC or his gifts are rejected, the townsfolk may begin to
view the PC in a negative light for abusing him. If the PC
encourages the NPC then he could also be accused of
taking advantage of the 'simple soul.'
 Station. Nobles are likely to be swayed by a PC that is at
least of the same station. With few exceptions, NPCs are
not likely to be attracted to or influenced by a PC of a
lesser social class. Buying a title or acquiring wealth are
something else altogether.

 Gifts. If the PC is not wearing or using the last gift the NPC 
gave them the NPC may become upset or irritated. The
player should keep a log in order to keep track of which
NPC in which city gave which gift.
 Loot. Stolen items could be given as gifts to impress the
PC. These gifts are most likely in the form of jewelry, but
may include cloaks, scarves, hats, gloves, or minor magi-
cal items. These items will most likely not have obvious
visible signs of ownership (such as monograms or names
embroidered on them), but may have a Wizard Mark or an
invisible clue that the original possessor left to prove own-
ership.
Wisdom. The DM may allow the NPC a Wisdom or Insight
check to determine if they has fallen for the PC. There
could be any number of situations that might offer resis-
tance to seduction and allure attempts. Also, if the NPC
has a description as havinga a thing for the opposite sex,
they would be familiar with seduction attempts and be able
to spot when it is being used against them.
Family or Hometown Difficulties
A visit to the PCs hometown can have its pitfalls as well. Here
are a few suggestions to make homecoming an interesting
event.

 Mutual support. If an NPC gives the PC a gift or a favor  Family Tree. The PCs mother wants to make a good
and the PC takes advantage (or seems to) of that gener- match for her child. Every time the PC visits his hometown
osity and offers nothing in return, it's a good possibility that his Mother throws a homecoming party and parades would
the next time the party visits that town, or a nearby town, -be suitors or brides past the PC wherever he may be dur-
they may not be well received. The stream of gifts will not ing the entire stay.
last forever, and the PCs reputation for taking them and
offering nothing in exchange could spread to others in the  Old Flame. The PCs childhood sweetheart is pining for
same business, social class, or profession. their return. Once they enter the city limits, the NPC will do
just about anything to make sure the PC doesn't leave
 Notoriety. Being attractive makes the PC stand out. Peo- again.
ple will remember an attractive or unusual PC before they
remember any other. NPCs will still be talking about the  Sibling Rivalry. The PCs brother, sister, or cousin is al-
beautiful PC even after they have left the town, and this ways losing paramours to the more attractive family mem-
makes it easier for others to track them, or companions ber. Depending on the NPC, this could spark anger, re-
known to travel with them, and place the PC at the scene venge, or just plain hatred from them.
of any crime or disturbance. Jilted NPCs will have no diffi-
culty finding the PC unless they takes measures to dis-
guise or hide themselves, and likely negating any reaction Inter-Party Differences
bonuses. Every adventuring group has its differences, but you can in-
crease the friction by adding a few of these Charisma-based
 Reputation. Fame can be a double-edged sword. One ugly situations to the campaign.
rumor isn't likely to hurt the PC, but if a jealous NPC
makes it a point to spread several in the right places, the  Deceit. An NPC uses a romantic encounter with the char-
PCs fans could become rivals or even enemies. A smart ismatic PC to find out information on one of the other PCs
NPC would use past events as examples, give the credit in the group. They are looking for weaknesses, disadvan-
for good deeds elsewhere, or use partial truths to make tages, or fears in order to get revenge for some slight.
the PC look untrustworthy. Repairing a damaged reputa-
tion could take hard work, plenty of time, and lots of coin.  Hero Worship. One of the NPCs that is following the char-
ismatic PC insists on taking her side in any discussion.

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 Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy for personal use only . Beauty and the Bother

The NPC will also tell the other PCs that they are wrong if
they disagree with his favorite PC.
 Infatuation. One of the other PCs romantic interests falls
for the PC with the higher Charisma. The NPC could also
just feign an interest in another PC in order to get close to
the more attractive one.
 Information. The NPC may give inaccurate information in
an attempt to impress the PC with what he knows. Alter-
nately, he may be feeding the PC false information in or-
der to gain information about her, or the group's, goals.
wife/partner to the customers in the store. This will in-
crease the prices of goods by 10 - 50% once the spouse
intervenes.
 Fraud. If the PC sells the NPC something fake or at an
unreasonable profit the NPCs business may fold as the
result. They may come looking for the PC or hire others to
do so. The PC may also overhear news of the disaster
from other sources. A bad reputation may follow if the
NPC can prove the transaction is what caused the down-
fall. In order to save face as a merchant, the NPC will
claim to know others who have been duped by the PC.

 Lies. An NPC has a wife/ husband/ jealous suitor and lies

about it to spend time with or court the PC. This could
have serious repercussions and cause innumerable prob-
lems for the group, especially if the NPC in question has
money or influence.
 Revenge. An NPC takes the PCs rejection (real or imag-
ined) very hard and disappears. Her family hires bounty
hunters to find the PC and bring him back for 'justice.' The
NPCs may go so far as to charge the PC with kidnapping.
 Status. The local matchmaker has been trying to find a
wife/husband for one of the young adults in town, and their
reputation is at stake. The matchmaker may offer to give
advice on clothes, hair coloring, or other suggestions to
make the PC even more attractive to the NPC that they
have in mind. The matchmaker may also try to coerce the
other party members into helping them.
Enchantment and Charm Spells
Overusing Enchantment and Charm spells hold their own dis-
advantages also. Here are a few examples.
 Advantage. If the PC uses a Friends, Suggestion or re-
lated spell on a shopkeeper the effects could be more
powerful than described in the spell description. The shop-
keeper could become infatuated with the PC and decide to
leave the shop and follow him wherever he may be
headed. The shopkeeper's family or business partners
may not approve of this course of action, however.
Evening the Odds
Some ways that a PC can suffer a loss of Charisma are critical
hits, fire, acid, and the like, but for the most part these can be
cured by the magic. The following are a few ideas that a DM
can use to create adventures based around the loss of Cha-
risma. If the DM allows, a special quest in the name of a god of
beauty or charm can be undertaken to restore the lost ability
score points (one quest per point regained is recommended).
 Curses. These can affect how people view the PC. Care
and logic must be taken when using this method; since
many clerics have access to the Remove Curse spell, the
DM may rule that a quest or service must be undertaken to
make amends to the offended party before the curse can
be lifted. Gypsies giving a curse could just cause the PC to
have a negative reaction adjustment when dealing with
other gypsies or with everyone in general. A priest, or any-
one with a devout heart, defending his faith or temple
might call down a Curse on their attackers singly or as a
group; requiring a service to the deity for removal.
 Scrolls, weapons, or other items the PC has could affect
the reaction of any race or class, depending on who cre-
ated them and why. An item that radiates evil or is created
by committing an evil act may repel all good aligned
NPCs, and an item with a history of offensive deeds in re-
gard to one specific race would offend that race if overtly
carried or worn by the PC. The DM should also keep in
mind that those individuals that travel with the PC carrying
such an item are in for no better treatment.

 Caught. If the PC is seen casting the spell by anyone, per-

haps through a window or door, the PCs reputation as a General Notes
cheat will spread like wildfire, and merchants everywhere Charisma is a relative score and every one thinks that different
will be unwilling to do any sort of business with them. aspects of Charisma are appealing. Some NPCs may prefer
Some merchants may also keep a guard, an older child, or the shy and quiet PC to the one with obvious leadership poten-
a spouse hidden behind a curtain to keep an eye out for tial and a commanding personality. DMs should always keep in
thieves. If the local merchant’s or thieves’ guild hears mind that racial differences and sex could be factors in how
about the encounter they may want to have a few words the NPCs view the PC with the high Charisma score. There
with the PC; alternately, they may also choose to refuse toare also some NPCs that simply cannot be seduced away from
do any business with the spell caster. their chosen partners, duties, beliefs, or goals. Loyalty, deep
abiding affection, and love are also things to consider if the PC
 Discounts. If the PC attempts to use their charm to influ- starts attempting to influence NPCs who are already attached
ence the prices of goods on a regular basis, then make to another person, a set of ideals, or a code. Good role playing
some of the shopkeepers the same sex as the PC or just should always be taken into account, and the better the role-
not interested. Alternately, add the shopkeeper's husband/ playing, the better the NPC reaction.

4
Also from Toolbox Publishing...

CREDITS—TOOLBOX PUBLISHING
Written by Dawn Ibach
Editing and Layout by Jeff Ibach

Contact: jeffibach.DM@gmail.com

Jeff and Dawn are the ENnie-award winning authors behind AEG’s
Toolbox (2002) and Ultimate Toolbox (2009).
Dawn also has written nearly a dozen “Miscellaneous Mishaps”
articles for Dragon & Dungeon Magazines between 1997 and 2003.

“MGG VENTURES”
This book is part of a new imprint focusing on quality, imaginative
PDF support for 5th edition D&D through the DM’s Guild website.
The “Marauders Game Group” is a game club in New Jersey USA
consisting of over 20 members collaborating to bring products you can
trust and count on to deliver useful tools for your campaign.