Charisma

Charisma is one of the six character abilities. It influences interactions with NPCs and it determines the prices of items in stores. The party member who leads the party determines the Charisma of the party and thus all NPC reactions. It's an important character ability for the party leader. The game will claim that it's an important character ability for bards, druids and paladins, but once you hit the minimums for these classes, they gain nothing more from it than any other class would, and nothing at all if they are not the party leader.

Scores table

Ability Score	Reaction adj	Shop Prices
3	-8	Neutral
4	-7	Neutral
5	-6	Neutral
6	-5	Neutral
7	-4	Neutral
8	-2	Neutral
9	-1	Neutral
10	0	Neutral
11	0	Neutral
12	0	Neutral
13	+1	Neutral
14	+2	Neutral
15	+3	Neutral
16	+4	-5%
17	+4	-10%
18	+5	-15%
19	+8	-20%
20	+9	-25%
21	+10	-25%
22	+11	-25%
23	+12	-25%
24	+13	-25%
25	+14	-25%

Reaction adjustment: How an NPC reacts. The computer generates a random number between 8 and 12, then adds or subtracts bonuses or penalties from the character's Reputation and Charisma. Negative reactions may mean a quest isn't offered, a NPC turns hostile and positive reactions may lead to a better quest reward and better buying prices in a shop, for example.

High Charisma (16 or above) also reduces shop prices, up to a maximum of a 25% discount at 20 Charisma.

Permanent Charisma boosts

Baldur's Gate and the Enhanced Edition

Tome of Leadership and Influence

Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn and the Enhanced Edition

Machine of Lum the Mad - Watcher's KeepTemplate:ToB
In Hell, offering a Tear of Bhaal raises Charisma and Wisdom by one point

Charisma-boosting items

Temporary Charisma-boosting items

Scroll of Friends - raises Charisma by 2d4

External links

Charisma on the Icewind Dale Wiki, a wiki for the first Icewind Dale game.