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Intellect (INT, Attribute Intellect) is one of the primary attributes in Pillars of Eternity and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. The in-game description reads:

Intellect represents a character's logic and reasoning capabilities. In interactions, it can be useful for deduction, sudden realizations, and problem-solving. In combat, it contributes to the Will defense and influences Duration and Areas of Effect for all Abilities and Talents.

Effects[ | ]

Bonuses Interaction
checks passed
Will Duration Area
2 -16 -40% -48% ?
3 -14 -35% -42% ?
4 -12 -30% -36% ?
5 -10 -25% -30% ?
6 -8 -20% -24% ?
7 -6 -15% -18% ?
8 -4 -10% -12% ?
9 -2 -5% -6% ?
10 no change ?
11 +2 +5% +6% ?
12 +4 +10% +12% ?
13 +6 +15% +18% ?
14 +8 +20% +24% ?
15 +10 +25% +30% ?
16 +12 +30% +36% ?
17 +14 +35% +42% ?
18 +16 +40% +48% ?
19 +18 +45% +54% ?
20 +20 +50% +60% ?
21 +22 +55% +66% ?
22 +24 +60% +72% ?
23 +26 +65% +78% ?
24 +28 +70% +84% 100%
... ... ... ... ...

Combat[ | ]

Per point of Intellect above/below 10, a character gains:

  • ±2 to their Will defense.
  • ±5% to the Duration of any effect they cause.
  • ±6% to the Area of Effect of any effect they cause.
    • Note: For harmful effects, the bonus area is exempt from friendly fire!
    • Note: The modifier is applied to the radius, so the actual area grows quadratically!

Dialog and scripted interactions[ | ]

In conversations, the protagonist's intellect is often checked to unlock dialog options for applying knowledge and logical deductions.

In scripted interactions, any party member's intellect may be checked to determine success at actions that ???Verify.

See Uses of Intellect in interactions for a detailed list.

Allocation[ | ]

A player character's Intellect score is allocated during character creation, and does not progress with levels. By default you may put between 3 and 18 points in it, but the character's race and culture can modify those limits - for example for a Godlike from Old Vailia, it would be between 5 and 20:

Racial bonuses:
Godlike +1
Cultural bonuses:
Old Vailia +1

See Attribute#Allocation for more explanation.

Buffs in Pillars of Eternity[ | ]

There are various ways to (temporarily) increase a character's Intellect beyond their base score. These buffs are not restricted to the upper limit that is imposed during character creation - so a temporary score of 30 or more is not impossible.

Passive abilities/talents[ | ]

unlimited – permanently active once learned

Type Ability INT modifier
Quest reward talent Wael's Boon +1
Rewarded talent Effigy's Resentment +1

Equipment[ | ]

one – bonus while equipped

Slot Item INT modifier
HeadUltimate Hat of Alluring Perfection The White March - Part I-2
HeadDandy Hat of the Diseased Yak Pillars of Eternity-1
Armor Any armor enchanted by adding Of Intellect 1 +1
NeckCloak of the Theocrat Pillars of Eternity+1
HeadKana's Turban Pillars of Eternity+1
FingersSigil of the Arcane Pillars of Eternity+1
NeckDrinking Horn of Moderation Pillars of Eternity+2 (while Endurance above 50%)
NeckTalisman of the Unconquerable Pillars of Eternity+2 (while Endurance above 50%)
Armor Any armor enchanted by adding Of Intellect 2 +2
Waist Belt of the Royal Deadfire Cannoneer [DP] +2
ArmorRundl's Finery Pillars of Eternity+2
NeckErij's Radiance (Paladin) Pillars of Eternity+2
HeadHermit's Hat Pillars of Eternity+2
HeadThe Dunryd Demon Pillars of Eternity+2
HeadThe Witch's Hat The White March - Part II+2
NeckUnwavering Resolve Pillars of Eternity+2
ArmorRyona's Breastplate (Chanter; Monk; Paladin;) The White March - Part II+3
HeadWhite Crest's Helm The White March - Part II+3
FingersGwyn's Band of Union The White March - Part II+4

Resting bonuses[ | ]

one

Location Inn Room INT modifier Lasts for
Copperlane Fox and Goose Suite of Worldly Wonders +1 2 rests
Brackenbury Charred Barrel Noble's Stay +2 2 rests
Dyrford Village Dracogen Inn Dragon's Lair +2 1 rest
Caed Nua Brighthollow Forum +3 3 rests

Prostitute boons[ | ]

one – for the protagonist only

Location Brothel Prostitute INT modifier Lasts for
Ondra's Gift Salty Mast Aldwyn +2 1 rest

Modal or active buffs[ | ]

onewhich includes:

Active abilities/spells

– temporary bonus when used

Type Ability INT modifier Duration Affected characters
Chanter Invocations (3rd level) The Bride Caught their Ruse and Set to Make them Pay +5 30.0 sec Length: 3.0m, 90° Cone
Priest spells (6th level) Crowns for the Faithful +6 30.0 sec 1.25m Radius
Priest spells (7th level) Minor Avatar [WM1] +8 30.0 sec Caster

Consumable items

– temporary bonus when used

Type Item INT modifier Duration Affected characters
Basic Food Fish +1 150 sec user
Cooked Food Speckleback Jerky [WM1] +1 200 sec user
Cooked Food Casità Casserole +2 300 sec user

Buffs in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire[ | ]

Most intellect buffs are applied via one of the three Intellect Inspirations; Smart, Acute, and Brilliant. Stacking rules apply depending on whether the effect is passive or active. Generally, all passives stack - but actives do not and will instead use the highest bonus. In the case of inspirations, a Tier 1 inspiration will always be superseded by a Tier 2 one of the same type, and so on.

Passive effects[ | ]

unlimited – obtained during gameplay

Name INT modifier Duration
Alchemic Wits +2 Until rest
Berath's Blessing - Champion Stats +1 Permanent
Cauldron Brew +1 Permanent
Effigy's Resentment: Aloth +1 Permanent
Effigy's Resentment: Kana +1 Permanent
Fortune: Forethought +1 Until rest

Abilities/spells[ | ]

one – temporary bonus when used, mostly combat only

Type Ability INT modifier Duration Affected characters
7th Level Chanter Invocation Set to Their Purpose, They All Knew Their Part +5 (Smart) 30.0 sec Aliied AoE + Self
4th Level Cipher Spell Wild Leech +5 (Smart)* 45.0 sec Self (Random Effect)
7th Level Cipher Spell Ancestor's Memory +5 (Brilliant) 12.0 sec Allied Target
3rd Level Fighter Ability Tactical Barrage +5 (Acute) 15.0 sec Self
8th Level Fighter Ability Inspired Discipline +5 (Smart) 30.0 sec Self
9th Level Fighter Ability Inspired Strike +5 (Acute) 10.0 sec Self
2nd Level Monk Ability Enlightened Agony +5 (Smart) 20.0 sec Self
4th Level Monk Modal
6th Level Monk Modal
Duality of Mortal Presence - Mind
Turning Wheel
+1 (per Wound) - Self
3rd Level Priest Spell
5th Level Priest Spell
Prayer for the Spirit
Litany for the Spirit
+5 (Acute) 60.0 sec Target
7th Level Priest Spell Minor Avatar +5 (Smart) 30.0 sec Self
8th Level Priest Spell Crowns for the Faithful +5 (Smart) 30.0 sec Friendly AoE
8th Level Ranger Ability Bonded Fury +5 (Acute) 30.0 sec Animal Companion
1st Level Wizard Spell Conjure Familiar: Imp +3 60.0 sec Self
2nd Level Wizard Spell Infuse With Vital Essence +5 (Smart) 45.0 sec Self
7th Level Wizard Spell Bekarna's Midnight Daydream [FS] +5 (Acute)* 12.0 sec Allied Target (Random Effect)
Watcher-only Ability Wit of Death's Herald +5 (Smart/Acute/Brilliant) 30.0 sec Self

Weapons[ | ]

unlimited – bonus only in combat, and either triggers under certain conditions or granted as a castable ability

Weapon type Name Enchantment INT modifier Condition Duration
Dagger Marux Amanth Soul Feeding +5 (Smart) 10% chance on Hit 30.0 sec
Great sword Queen's Rule Promote +5 (Smart) Granted to ally on cast 30.0 sec
Mace Magistrate's Cudgel Fair Trial +5 (Smart) 1-in-6 chance upon being afflicted 15.0 sec

Equipment[ | ]

unlimited – bonus only in combat, and either triggers under certain conditions or granted as a castable ability

Type Item Enchantment INT modifier Condition Duration
Belt Least Unstable Coil [SSS] Empowered Being +5 (Brilliant)* 1-in-6 chance after using an Empowered Spell or Ability 10.0 sec
Cloak Shroud of the Phantasm Mind Over Matter +5 (Brilliant) 1% Chance on receiving damage 6.0 sec
Cloth armor Robes of the Weyc [FS] Omnipotence +5 (Brilliant) To nearby allies after empowering an ability 4.0 sec
Large shield Bronlar's Phalanx Tactical +5 (Smart) When first engaged in combat 30.0 sec
Plate armor Blackened Plate Armor Contentment in Pain +5 (Smart)* When wearer becomes Bloodied (25-50% Health), once per encounter 30.0 sec
Ring Whispers from the Depths [FS] Grasping Mysteries +5 (Acute) 30% chance on scoring kill 8.0 sec
Ring Ring of Clenched Muscle [FS] Test Subject +5 (Smart)* 10% chance to trigger random tier 1 Inspiration on being hit. 1-in-6 chance for it to be Smart. 10.0 sec

unlimited – bonus while equipped

Type Item Enchantment INT modifier
Amulet Baubles of the Fin Glittering Grimcrack +1
Amulet Charm of Bones Lay Unto Slumber +2
Amulet Elewys' Locket Enlightened +1
Amulet Soul Void Of Intellect +1
Amulet Stone of Power Of Power +1
Amulet Strand of Favor Esteem +1
Amulet Torc of Intellect Of Intellect +1
Amulet Wise Teeth Necklace Old Wisdom +1
Cloak Cloak of the Theocrat Of Intellect +1
Hat Mask of the Grotto Deep Deadly Acumen +2
Hat Serpent Crown Royal Plumage +1
Hat Thaos' Headdress Authority +1
Helm Blackened Plate Helm Pallid Countenance +1
Helm Heaven's Cacophony Divine Knowledge +2
Ring Chameleon's Touch Versatile +1 (as Chanter/Wizard)
Ring Kuaru's Prize Jewel of Clarity +1

Pets[ | ]

unlimited – bonus while equipped to either self or party

Pet Target INT modifier
Beakhead Self +1
Bernhard Self +1
Freya Self +1
Ginger L. Esry "Pumpkin Eater" Self +1
Levin Self +1
Milx Self +1
Mirri Self +1
Nebula Party (in AoE) +5 (Smart) 1-in-6 chance for 10.0 sec every 12 seconds

Resting bonuses[ | ]

one - until next rest

Location Room Cost INT modifier
Tikawara, Himuihi Ocean's Song Copper pires (cp)800 +3
Temple of Toamowhai [SSS] Seeker's Study Copper pires (cp)200 +2

Prostitute boons[ | ]

one – for the protagonist only, lasts until next rest.

Location Prostitute INT modifier
Queen's Berth, The Wild Mare Konstanten +1

Consumable items[ | ]

one – for the user until next rest

Type Item INT modifier
Food Cuttlefish +1
Food Mari Crudia +2
Food Seafood Stew +1
Food Silverfin +2

unlimited – for the user for a duration (sometimes only in combat)

Type Item INT modifier Duration Combat only
Drug Ripple Sponge +3 180 sec
Potion Potion of Mental Prowess +2 45 sec Yes
Potion Vial of Starlight [DMT] +5 10 sec Yes
Scroll Deck of Endless Possibilities [DMT] +5 (Smart)* 30 sec Yes
Scroll Scroll of Prayer for the Spirit +5 (Smart) 60 sec Yes

Class[ | ]

unlimited – permanently to the character, sometimes under a condition

Type Name INT modifier Condition
Subclass Wild Mind +5 (Brilliant) Small chance on casting ability
Subclass Tactician +5 (Brilliant) While enemies are Flanked and no allies are Flanked

Debuffs in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire[ | ]

Most intellect debuffs are applied via one of the three Intellect Afflictions; Confused, Charmed, and Dominated. Stacking rules apply depending on whether the effect is passive or active. Generally, all passives stack - but actives do not and will instead use the highest penalty. In the case of afflictions, a Tier 1 affliction will always be superseded by a Tier 2 one of the same type, and so on.

Abilities/spells[ | ]

one – temporary penalty when used, mostly combat only

Type Ability INT modifier Duration Affected characters
1st Level Wizard(Transmuter) Spell Form of the Fearsome Brute -4 30.0 sec Self
1st Level Cipher Spell Tenuous Grasp -5 (Confused) 20.0 sec Foe Target
1st Level Cipher Spell Whisper of Treason -5 (Charmed) 15.0 sec Foe Target
1st Level Druid Spell Charm Beast -5 (Charmed) 15.0 sec Foe AoE
1st Level Rogue(Debonaire) Spell Roguish Charm -5 (Charmed) 30.0 sec Foe Target
1st Level Barbarian(Berserker) Ability

4th Level Barbarian(Berserker) Ability

7th Level Barbarian(Berserker) Ability

Frenzy

Blood Frenzy/Spirit Frenzy

Blood Storm/Spirit Tornado

-5 (Confused) 15.0 sec Self
2nd Level Wizard Spell Miasma of Dull-Mindedness -10 20.0 sec AoE
2nd Level Wizard Spell Bewildering Spectacle -5 (Confused) 15.0 sec Foe AoE
3rd Level Cipher Spell Puppet Master -5 (Dominated) 15.0 sec Foe Target
4th Level Cipher Spell Wild Leech -5 (Confused) - Target (Random Effect)
4th Level Chanter Invocation

5th Level Chanter Invocation

The Lover Cried out to the Beloved, "I am Yours!"

Together They Slew Forth a River of Red

-5 (Charmed) 8.0 sec Foe AoE
4th Level Wizard Spell

4th Level Rogue(Trickster) Ability

5th Level Priest(Wael) Spell

Confusion -5 (Confused) 30.0 sec Foe AoE
5th Level Cipher Spell Borrowed Instinct -8 20.0 sec Foe Target
5th Level Cipher Spell Ringleader -5 (Dominated)

-5 (Charmed)

15.0 sec Foe Target

Foe AoE

5th Level Wizard Spell

6th Level Priest(Wael) Spell

6th Level Rogue(Trickster) Ability

Arkemyr's Wondrous Torment -10(Foe Target)

-5(Jump Targets)

30.0 sec Foe Target + 2 Foe Jump Targets
6th Level Cipher Spell Mind Plague -5 (Confused) 15.0 sec Foe Target + Jump Targets (x5)
6th Level Rogue Ability

8th Level Rogue Ability

Sap

Perplexing Sap

-5 (Confused) 30.0 sec Target

Target + Attack Targets (when scoring a hit with an attack)

7th Level Priest(Woedica) Spell Writ of Sorcery -5 (Confused) 15.0 sec AoE
8th Level Wizard Spell

9th Level Rogue(Trickster) Ability

Wall of Many Colors -5 (Dominated) 4.0 sec Hazard AoE

Class[ | ]

unlimited – permanently to the character, sometimes under a condition

Type Name INT modifier Condition
Subclass Wild Mind -5 (Dominated) Small chance on casting ability
Subclass Tactician -5 (Confused) While Flanked
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