Surviving with 0 Intelligence in 5E: Tips and Tricks

Surviving with 0 Intelligence in 5E: Tips and Tricks

Are you a beginner in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, or simply someone who enjoys playing with unconventional character builds? Whatever the reason may be, playing a character with 0 Intelligence in 5E can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks to help you survive and thrive in this unique playstyle.

Understanding Your Limitations

Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room – having 0 Intelligence means that your character has no cognitive function whatsoever. This means that you cannot read, write, speak, or understand any language, and you also cannot perform any task that requires logic or reasoning.

However, this does not mean that your character cannot be useful. In fact, your lack of intelligence can be an advantage in certain situations. For example, you can be immune to some spells and abilities that target the mind, you cannot be tricked by deception or persuasion, and you can potentially surprise enemies who underestimate you.

Choosing Your Race and Class

Choosing the right race and class for your character can make a big difference in how well you perform. Races such as Half-Orc, Goliath, or Dwarf can provide physical bonuses that can compensate for your lack of intelligence, while classes such as Barbarian, Fighter, or Rogue can rely on brute force or skill to get the job done.

Choosing Your Skills

As your character has 0 Intelligence, you cannot add any bonuses to Intelligence-based skills, such as Arcana, History, or Investigation. However, you can still excel in other skills such as Athletics, Perception, or Survival that rely on physical prowess and intuition.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

One of the biggest challenges of playing a character with 0 Intelligence is communication. Without the ability to understand or speak any languages, it can be difficult to interact with NPCs or other players. This is where teamwork comes in. Make sure to have a party member who understands your character’s limitations and can act as a translator or interpreter. Alternatively, you can use non-verbal cues such as hand gestures, facial expressions, or body language to convey your intentions.

Equipment and Inventory Management

As you cannot read or write, it can be challenging to manage your inventory or use certain equipment. However, there are ways to get around this. You can mark your equipment with symbols or colors that correspond to their functions, or you can rely on your teammates to provide guidance. Additionally, you can use your creativity to improvise solutions, such as using your helmet as a makeshift battering ram.

In Conclusion

Playing a character with 0 Intelligence can be a rewarding and challenging experience. By understanding your limitations, choosing the right race and class, relying on your physical and intuitive skills, communicating effectively with your team, and getting creative with your equipment and inventory management, you can survive and thrive in any campaign. So go ahead, embrace the madness, and enjoy the ride!