What is an example of godlike auras from Dungeons and Dragons first edition?
When a character goes beyond the maximum amount of 25 human Charisma points… they are said to radiate a godlike aura. If the game is loosely based in reality then where does the concept come from? Do you have any examples in the real world or fantasy of godlike charisma? Also how do you role play having or witnessing a godlike aura when playing the game?
Topics: Dungeons and Dragons First edition, Role Playing Game, Charisma, aura,
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Ha! AD&D 1st edition and reality in the same sentence! I haven’t had that sort of laugh in a long time :D
In real-life, it’s exceedingly rare for anybody to have a discernible aura. In fact, it may be that any claims of such an aura are merely a subconscious reaction on the part of the viewer based on preconceptions and some form of confirmation bias. That said, I have heard a few things about Morihei Ueshiba (a.k.a. “O Sensei”, founder of Aikido) that make me think that there might be such a thing, though I remain skeptical.
In GURPS, the Charisma advantage (no, it’s not a stat in GURPS) is a vague je ne sais quoi while anything that may qualify as a “godlike aura” is actually a modified version of the Terror advantage but has about the same net effect; depending on the roll, it may be anywhere from a momentary mental stun to catatonia, mental scarring, or hallucinations. GURPS actually has a fairly detailed table of the effects of Awe, but it is generally up to the player to give the game effects their own flavor; unlike outright mind control, the player is still in control of their character’s conscious actions.
In Shadowrun, certain paranormal creatures naturally radiate Fear as a magical ability, but that isn’t really Charisma. The only ones that have charisma that may be even remotely Godlike are Great Dragons, but there is some debate as to whether their aura of fear is the magical ability version or merely a subconscious realization that this 50-foot-long creature is twice as smart as humanly possible, tougher than many armored vehicles, probably knows every spell Humanity knows and then some, can channel enough mana to make their spells ridiculously strong, or may decide to just take the easy/lazy way out and bite your head off at the waist. In other words, it may not be godlike charisma so much as self-preservation that makes you respect Great Dragons. Most people react to the charisma of a Great Dragon by being cordial and/or shitting their pants.
As in all such questions, my answer has to be “Refer to your Dungeon Master, as the specifics may change based on the dimensions of their universe”.
In our D&D universe, a “Godlike Aura” is something like the effect Elvis and The Beatles had on 15 year old girls.
That is, involuntary spontaneous orgasm, then fainting. It’s not a visual thing. You’re just laid out. Plop.
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