Page 86 - World of Darkness

task, the Storyteller was prepared for him to reveal one piece to Chancellor Martin almost everyone else will be seated,
of information for every point that Royce was short of his giving us plenty of time for our… conversation. Just make
required successes. So, if he had lost the competition and still sure you have the amulet ready.”
needed three more successes, he would have revealed three Socialize reflects your character’s ability to interact
pieces of information. The fact that he would have gotten with others in a variety of situations, from talking people
nothing in return would have been learned too late. up at bars to comporting himself with dignity at state din-
For most human interaction, seduction involves both ners. This Skill represents equal parts gregariousness, sen-
verbal and non-verbal interaction. (Thus, both Presence sitivity, etiquette and custom. Knowing how to make
+ Persuasion and Manipulation + Persuasion rolls for the friends is no less important than understanding how to
aggressor.) More instinct-driven seduction, such as that treat guests in formal situations. Characters with low dots
between animalistic or bestial beings, can be based on might be naturally entertaining or approachable, but un-
physical attraction alone. In those cases, the Storyteller schooled in the finer arts of social interaction. Or they
may rule that Presence + Persuasion versus Wits + Com- could be punctilious with their manners but difficult to
posure rolls are made in an extended and contested ac- approach. Conversely, characters with high dots could
tion. There is no two-step process. There is still a contest have the social graces of a practiced diplomat or racon-
of attraction and will, but it’s based purely on demeanor teur, knowing just what to say and when to say it in any
rather than dialogue. In this case, each participant still given situation.
seeks a number of successes equal to double the opponent’s Possessed by: Diplomats, entertainers, executives,
Resolve or Presence. politicians, salesmen
Specialties: Bar Hopping, Dress Balls, Formal Events,
Roll Results Frat Parties, State Dinners
Dramatic Failure: Your character looks awkward,
clumsy or foolish, or puts his foot in his mouth. He’s likely Roll Results
to be laughed at publicly, gets a drink thrown in his face, Dramatic Failure: Your character embarrasses him-
or draws the attention of an angry boyfriend or bouncer. self in such a way that others avoid him if possible or treat
No one else is willing to pay your character sexual inter- him with contempt. All further Social rolls made in the
est for the remainder of the scene. scene fail outright.
Failure: Your character kills time with the object of Failure: Your character doesn’t succeed in winning
his attention, but gains little ground. She is not yet en- friends, but he doesn’t embarrass himself, either.
couraged or discouraged in him. Success: Your character blends effortlessly with the
Success: Your character gathers some interest in his crowd and is accepted by his immediate companions.
subject. Exceptional Success: Your character owns the room.
Exceptional Success: Your character has his subjected Not only does he win over immediate acquaintances, he’s
riveted, maintaining her attention with his every move the life of the party, the person everyone wants to meet.
or word.
Suggested Equipment: For seducer — alluring clothes Carousing
(+1), an appealing perfume or cologne (+1), an offered Dice Pool: Manipulation + Socialize + equipment
drink (+1), a good pick-up line (+1), an excellent line (carouser) versus Composure + Empathy (subject)
(+2), a mutual acquaintance (+1), suggestive physical Action: Extended and contested (the task requires a
contact (+2); For subject — significant other (+1 to +3), number of successes equal to double the highest Stamina
a headache (+1), bad mood (+1) among the character’s acquaintances; one roll equals one
Possible Penalties: For seducer — ugly or inappro- hour of carrying on)
priate clothes (-1), bad personal hygiene (-2), unkempt Sometimes the best way to uncover someone’s secrets
appearance (-1); For subject — drunk (-2), sexually frus- or to secure their help is to show them a good time on the
trated (-1), recent break-up (-2) town — provided your character can keep up with his
intended victim. Carousing is an extended and contested
Socialize action. Roll Manipulation + Socialize + equipment for
your character. The subject’s Composure + Empathy is
The receiving line stretched out past the ballroom and rolled in competition (or roll the highest dice pool in a
down the mansion hall. Julia stood close to Stapleton near group of companions). The side that accumulates a num-
the end of the line. She wrapped her stole around her bare ber of successes equal to double the opponent’s Stamina
shoulders and tried not to shiver. “How long is this going to wins the contest. If your character wins, the victim is at
take? I’m freezing.”
his mercy and agrees to any reasonable request your char-
Stapleton smiled. He looked like a picture out of a acter makes. If your character loses, he’s left in the dust by
1940s fashion magazine, poised and comfortable in his his hard-drinking buddies and can’t try again until the
tailored tuxedo. “I don’t expect it to take more than half an following night — provided he doesn’t wind up in jail
hour,” he said, eyeing the procession. “Everyone wants to first.
get to dinner and start sampling the wine. By the time we get

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SOCIAL SKILLS-SOCIALIZE