Obfuscating Stupidity/Tabletop Games

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Examples of Obfuscating Stupidity in Tabletop Games include:

  • In the Legend of the Five Rings franchise, this is the basis of the Scorpion Clan's modus operandi, as revealed to their founder Bayushi by the great sage Shinsei. Shinsei told Baysuhi a parable that Bayushi believed he already knew, about the scorpion and the frog, which normally ends with the scorpion stabbing the frog while they're crossing the river and both of them drowning because it's the scorpion's nature (this parable also appeared in the Star Trek: Voyager episode 'Scorpion'). However, at the end of Shinsei's version the scorpion's answer is different: "I can swim."
  • The Space Wolves in Warhammer 40,000 are not as stupid as they act, especially their Chapter Master Logan Grimnar. There is a reason he ends up running most of the wars he gets involved in, even if its from the sidelines.
    • The Wolves don't really act stupid. It's just that they're entirely Boisterous Bruisers.
      • The Horus Heresy novels place the Legion in a new light. Leman Russ frequently puts on the persona of being the rough barbarian king. It should be noted that this isn't just a convenient affectation for political purposes; it's also a coping mechanism for the things that he has to do. In a similar way, the Space Wolves socially act like ancient norsemen but are plan their attacks with complete and total precision.
    • Likewise Ciaphas Cain HERO OF THE IMPERIUM isn't so much "stupid" in his obfuscations, but he makes it clear in his monologue that he needs to pretend to be much more of a gung-ho Emperor-lover than he actually is, if he hopes to stay alive and maintain his heroic reputation.

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