Page 42 - Chronicles of Darkness

•••• Expert: This character can draw out even the most Sample actions: Show of force (Strength + Intimidation),
guarded people. Even tiny details of behavior can Stare down (Presence + Intimidation), Subtle threat
be the clue to figuring out what someone wants. (Manipulation + Intimidation)
Sample Specialties: Direct Threats, Interrogation,
••••• Master: Human behavior is open book to this char- Murderous Stare, Torture, Veiled Threats
acter. People often accuse her of being a mind reader. Sample contacts: Barroom Tough Guy, High-powered
Executive, Police Interrogator
Expression Levels:

Expression is the character’s ability to communicate his • Novice: This character always wins a staring
thoughts and emotions. It covers writing and spoken com- contest, and the right words from him can rattle
munication, art like painting or sculpture, and performances someone and make them do something stupid.
like acting, music, and dance. A character can use this to
compose a song or poem, write a book, or put together exactly •• Professional: At this rank, the character knows
the right words for a rousing speech. exactly when to bluster and when to shut up and
There is some overlap between this Skill and the Crafts let the silence work for her. People back off when
Skill. Expression is generally used when trying to create a piece she is angry, and she can scare most people into
of artwork specifically for aesthetic or emotional reasons, as op- doing what she wants.
posed to making an accurate copy or model, which uses Crafts.
Sample actions: Composing a poem (Wits + Expression), ••• Experienced: The character ends more fights with
Dance performance (Dexterity + Expression), Reciting a a look than with actual violence.
prepared speech (Presence + Expression)
Sample Specialties: Dance, Journalism, Music •••• Expert: The toughest criminals crack after ten
Composition, Painting, Speeches minutes in interrogation with him. He can clear
Sample contacts: Investigative Journalist, Political Speech a room with a look.
Writer, Reclusive Poet ••••• Master: A word and a glance can make drill ser-
Levels: geants or mob hitmen run from her.
• Novice: A character at this level has a knack for turn
of phrase, an excellent ear for music, or undeniable Persuasion
artistic talent and ability to convey emotion. Persuasion is about using influence, charm, and careful
arguments to change minds and influence behavior. It can
•• Professional: This character can work as a ses- involve logic and reason, glib fast talking, or appealing to
sion musician or local reporter. His command of emotions or baser instincts. Unlike Intimidation, Persuasion
language is careful and effective.
doesn’t just involve forcing a character to change how they
••• Experienced: At this rank, the character’s words act, Persuasion is about changing their mind and how they
and movements can convey feelings with astonish- want to act.
ing power. Her performances and speeches impress Sample actions: Fast talk (Manipulation + Persuasion),
and inspire. Impassioned plea (Presence + Persuasion), Seduction
(Manipulation + Persuasion)
•••• Expert: A character at this rank of Expression Sample Specialties: Fast Talking, Inspiring, Sales Pitches,
could be a best-selling author, top-20 composer, Seduction, Sermons
or presidential speech writer. Sample contacts: Car Salesman, Speech Coach, Trial Lawyer
Levels:
••••• Master: This character’s speeches or performances
could go down in history. He has the power to • Novice: A character at this rank always seems to
sway everyone who hears his work. know the right words. She excels at finding a solid
argument, and knows how to pursue it to get what
Intimidation he wants.

Intimidation is the art of using fear to convince others to •• Professional: This character could be a profes-
do what you want. A character can use this Skill for threats, sional salesman or trial lawyer. Given a little bit
interrogation, subtle implications, or even a direct show of of time, he can find a tack that will get someone
force. It can convince characters to back down from a con- to see his side of things.
frontation, reveal information they don’t want to share, or
get them to cooperate against their better judgement. It can’t ••• Experienced: A character at this rank regularly
change their minds, but it can certainly change their behavior. wins sales awards. He can get people to question
even strongly held beliefs.
41
Social Skills