Social Skills RPG
This game is an experiment. It is a proof against those who say social conflicts have to be played by the players. This game is all about social skills. There is no other thing in this game, than social things.
Every value and all of the mechanics is relevant, because they represent things that aren't conscious decisions, rather charm, luck, presence etc. that cannot be simulated by the players.
Thanks
The Physique limit is only there to defend the style of the game. I don't want any player to run around to frighten and rape everyone in sight. It would somehow defeat the point of the game. But if it is used as a complementary system in a fantasy adventure, then the character generation should certainly change.
I will be the happiest, if you use this and it works (even with tweaks). I didn't have any full testplay (only a mechanical one), so I would like to ask you to send me some feedback how it worked. It would be very useful.
Thanks again.
An entirely social mechanic.
Well firstly let me commend you on this endevour. Hope you pull it off. Secondly I was wondering that if you go through with it, could the system be intergrated into other games? It's a shame that lots of games don't have such intricate social mechanics, a system that could easily installed would be excellent.
The most important parts of any game are story and characters. Master these and a good game is on its way.
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What he said :)
I was just going to say the point about it being integrated into other games. I would have to say that personally I shudder at the thought of detailed mechanics for social interactions (In Nomine was the one with the most arguments). However, I am really interested to see how you will implement such an idea so there is little room for interpretation.
"The world is your arena now, Sagat, not the street!"
M. Bison, Street Fighter: The Animated Movie
On Board ...
I too am on board for a "Social Skills" RPG where the combat is replaced with social interaction ... almost every RPG in existence is designed to simulate adventure fiction. To create something that simulates say, "Romantic Comedy" or maybe "Courtroom Drama" could be really exciting. I am completely open and receptive to the idea and would love to hear more about what you have in mind. Please, proceed!
Regards,
Jeff Moore
http://www.1km1kt.net/Jeff-Moore.htm
Character knows best
There's always a bit of conflict in these games about what a character's skills cover versus what a player really knows. I've always gone the route of rolling for technical/combat skills and attempted role-play of social situations, even if the players aren't necessarily as charismatic as alternate persona. I want to see how you work it out with skills and attributes.
Do you have a setting in mind for the game? Nobels/politicians in the halls of power who can't murder each other would be one possibility. Astronauts on a long flight, or the crew of a submarine also come to mind. Also, it might be helpful to include some sort of non-lethal combat system. After all, you get more with a kind word and a gun than a kind word alone - but if you can't permanently remove another from the game, its not a very good option.
There is a fine line between hobby and obsession. I seem to have lost sight of it some time ago.
Re: Character knows best
Exactly that is what I do in this RPG: define what is character knowledge and what is player knowledge. Because the truth is, that in reality you can't seduce anyone by making decisions or choosing the right words. You seduce by charm. What is charm? It isn't the choosing of words, and it isn't the choosing of bodymotions. Charm is not what you do, it's how you do it. Sure you can influence it: you can practice it, "switch on", "switch off", but in this regard it's not that different from swordfighting.
I have something settinglike in mind. Officebuildings with powerful bosses, sexy secretaries, penthouses with rich playboys and femme fatals. And no, it is no way a political correct game. The world is ruled by men, and the women have to use their charm and beauty to advance. (It does not mean that every woman is a whore in this game, there are many tools that a woman can use without any disgrace or dishonor.)
This setting is not an alternate world, rather a good defined slice of the real world, where banquets and business meetings are the battlefield of social conflicts.
To be honest I hate this slice of the real world, but I play fantasy and have fun, and I still can hate feudalism.
Word, my friend
I like this stuff. Imean, I really like it. It may have a detail I disagree with (yes, it is the Physique / Wildness limit thing) but as I see its mostly a setting thing.
I hope you do not mind, but I'll tweak a few things and use it to make royal balls and such a bit more interesting in me game. (I'm not exactly a very sharp-witted GM >.>;;)