Player Knowledge vs. Character Knowledge
Wizard of the Coast’s most recent article in the Save My Game series takes on an issue that many RPGers are familiar with: Player Knowledge vs. Character Knowledge. In this particular article they discuss the topic of monsters, and how veteran players will easily recognize many of Dungeons and Dragons’ iconic monsters. When you see the troll, go for the fire, when you run into the medusa shield your eyes, when you encounter a beholder run for the hills (well, in my group anyways). Where is the line drawn between players and characters in terms of what they know?
In my gaming group we have some crafty players. They will always use clever tricks and tactics to deal with a situation. Like when we enter a smoke-filled area, the first thing some of them do is soak a piece of cloth in water and cover their mouth with it. Great, but how can we assume your character would know such a tactic? I find this issue only comes up when it applies to the mental attributes of a character (Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma), for obvious reasons. But when we take on situations that require the use of the physical attributes, Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution, it’s strictly down to the stats and the corresponding bonuses and dice rolls. No one walks over to the door to demonstrate that they can kick it in.
Is there a point where you say, “Make an intelligence check”, to determine what the character knows, despite all of the player’s brilliant wisdom? Players often want to do that when the topic involves something they know nothing about. Then we hear, “Can I make a Knowledge check?” But if the reverse is applied it usually comes with a bit of protest - “He’d know that!”
Everyone takes for granted the probable differences in education that a youngster in a medieval fantasy setting receives compared to modern day. Hell, we’re lucky our characters can read and write and speak a few foreign languages. But when it comes to problem solving that backwater meathead is whipping out his sextant to determine the astrological alignments needed to open the secret Vault of Ages.
Or is this division of problem solving logic really needed? Do we want to be able to use our wits when they serve us and save the dice rolling for when we’re stumped? After all, it does allow us to do a little more role playing if we can determine the actions of our characters. In the smoke-filled room example, it would be a little different if when the characters enter the room and the DM calls for Intelligence checks then proceeds to inform each successful player how they overcome the obstacle. It robs the players of their creative thinking and a chance to exercise their brains.
It’s a tough call but I do think that too much of our own book (or street) smarts entwines with our character’s knowledge. Is it worth making a big distinction though?
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