I'm trying to understand charisma as its identified within CF. I know the helpfile states that it is the amount of persuation for most cases (specifically with conjurers and bards), but I feel like some races really get the short end of the stick where it shouldn't be the case. Maybe I just fail to see some of the reasoning which is why I'm seeking out the answers.

One comparison is elf conjurers opposed to drow conjurers... hopefully this is not a dead horse subject, but I feel like a drow should be as persuasive or manipulative yet they suffer from a max cha of 18 (I believe?). This is just one main example, but I noticed many races seem to have somewhat of a low charisma....

... is this something that was once reflecting a races "appearance" as opposed to today's defined standard?

EXB

.. is this something that was once reflecting a races "appearance" as opposed to today's defined standard?

Nope. D-elf was re-evaluated about a year ago, and their current maximum charisma reflects their personalities. They are forceful and persuasive, but they're also self-centered, vain, petty, and untrustworthy.

In general, the evil-trending races have lower charismas than the good-trending ones. It's an attribute that meshes better with the philosophies embodied by a "good" alignment, and we're OK with that overall bias. A group of evil folks should feel reservations about their leader, be worried that the people with them will shaft them, etc.

valguarnera@carrionfields.com