Edged Coins, Part V, Block I - Interaction

 It's finally time to start with the game blocks!

Block I - Interaction 

 Interaction governs how player characters influence, negotiate, deceive, pressure, persuade, etc. non-player characters through dialogue, attitudes, and social actions. It doesn't aim to resolve a scene in a single roll, but rather to mark the evolution of the situation.

PCs vs. NPCs

 When a Player Character interacts with a Non-Player Character we use the following rules.

NPC's Disposition Levels

 Disposition represents the NPC's attitude toward the player characters.

 The initial disposition is decided by the CM and is based on the context, the player characters' previous actions, and how they approach the scene.

 The NPC's willingness to comply to what the PC's are asking or telling is measured by their Disposition Level (DL), this is based on how the characters approach the scenario, what they say and ask, what they offer, and all the personal factors involving the NPC. Each DL has an associated penalty that is used on Interaction Skill Tosses. The possible levels are:

1. Unacceptable*
2. Very Unfavorable (-3)
3. Unfavorable (-2)
4. Neutral (-2)
5. Favorable (-1)
6. Very Favorable (-1)
7. Acceptable*

*An NPC with an Acceptable or Unacceptable Disposition will agree or refuse automatically with no chance of change unless a new approach, angle or offer is given, in which case a new Disposition is set. 

Changing Disposition

 To modify disposition, a character will use one of their skills during the whole interaction which is divided into steps, at each step the character will make a Toss of the used skill with the corresponding penalty for the NPC's DL.

 If the character's toss is a Success the NPC's DL improves by 1 level, it its a failure it worsens by 1 level. The change in Disposition shows the change on the NPC's treat towards the character.

 Normally only one skill is used throughout the conversation, if the character decides to change the approach and/or skill then a new starting Disposition should be determine considering how the conversation was going up to that point. If more than one character tries to alter the Disposition then the CM has two options depending on the situation:

1. Each character will alter the DL on their own, this can lead to cases where some characters get what they want and other don't 
2. Every PC must succeed in order to improve the Disposition, any single failure is enough to decrease it.

NPCs vs. PCs

 No rolls are made on situations where an NPC is the one wanting to change a Player Character's Disposition, the player has final say if they comply or believe what they are been told.

 One skill that is worth to use here is Insight, as it can give some information about the NPC regarding the social interaction.

 Character vs Character

 When characters are interacting with each other no mechanical rules apply, each player is free to accept or decline what is proposed, asked or demanded by another player.

Skills

 This are the Interaction skills:

Communication

 Is used to talk with eloquence, coherence, and clarity. It allows to give the message without being rude or misunderstood.

Deceit

 Lying all the way to get the desire outcome, is the ability to sell a lie convincingly, it requires that the listener is unaware of the truth behind the lie.

Insight

 This skill is used to gauge the NPC instead of altering their Disposition, it lets the character know the NPC's possible motives, objectives, and other useful info.

Intimidation

 With this approach the PC tries to force the NPC into obedience or compliance, is a dangerous skill as the target won't forget the intimidation done and can take measures even if the attempt resulted in a total failure (going below Very Unfavorable).

Leadership

 The skill of altering a group's attitude, from calming spirits to starting a revolution, in this cases use a group Disposition level instead of giving each individual their own DL.

Manipulation

 While Intimidation forces the listener, manipulation subtlety veers the listener's attitude

Negotiation

 This skill is used to reach a common agreement where both parts have obligations and benefits, used to seal deals, start and close business, etc.

Performance

 The artistic skill, deals with getting the audience attention while giving them entertainment, it covers actions like acting, dancing, singing, poetry and the like.

 

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