Speechcraft
Design Philosophies: Words alone from the Player are generally effective. In roleplaying we believe the cards are what they are. For basic Speechcraft, we use a simple mechanic. Behind this mechanic is understanding the reaction or emotion the player is guiding the supporting character into.
There are Effect Trees which enhance the Charismatic Influence of individuals, but Charisma is not a core attribute nor standard skillset available in Cirrus Ethereal.
Persuasion, deception, intimidation, coercion, inspiration, illumination, instruction, or any other verbal skillset may be attached to Speechcraft. The outcomes may be determined more by the Player’s ability to express the desired results than articulation during roleplay.
Bonus Points for the statements to be in line with the Character’s general style.
Speechcraft: (v:20)
Story Guide’s Notes
Determining Bonuses and Variable Challenge for Speechcraft
A simple statement of cause and effect may be all that is required for a speechcraft check. Most times however, we want to keep the players in action without stopping the moments to check variables. We want to play our supporting character’s roles how they were written, and allowing a speechcraft check to alter the integrity of a supporting character is off the table. At best, we can gain a compromise offer, at worst a shut down and possible hostilities.
A perfect result on a speechcraft check could land the player’s character with a mild threat in stead of outright violence, or a shift to a dismissive or untrusting attitude. Especially in response to absurdity. That said, if the statement of cause and effect would be reasonably possible, declare the variable challenge or call for a clash.
Regardless of the genre of the statement, request, or question when a Story Guide requests a Speechcraft Check it is against a Threshold Value or Clash. Best or better outcomes come from exceeding the Threshold, while worse outcomes happen otherwise. Players may make demands, but it will always fall on the Story Guide to respond in the role of their Supporting Character.
