Parley & Negotiation - Revision history

Tao alexis at 17:32, 17 March 2025

2025-03-17T17:32:06Z

Tao alexis: /* Resolving Requests */

2025-03-17T17:30:21Z

Resolving Requests

Tao alexis: /* Resolving Requests */

2025-03-17T17:23:33Z

Resolving Requests

Tao alexis: /* Charisma Check */

2025-03-17T16:40:50Z

Charisma Check

Tao alexis: /* Charisma Check */

2025-03-17T16:38:12Z

Charisma Check

Tao alexis: /* Charisma Check */

2025-03-17T16:36:53Z

Charisma Check

Tao alexis: /* Charisma Check */

2025-03-17T16:35:52Z

Charisma Check

Tao alexis at 16:34, 17 March 2025

2025-03-17T16:34:24Z

Tao alexis: /* Requests */

2025-03-17T16:21:31Z

Requests

Tao alexis at 16:20, 17 March 2025

2025-03-17T16:20:34Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[File:Parley & Negotiation.jpg|right|420px|thumb]]
+[[File:Parley & Negotiation.jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
 '''Parley & negotiation''' offers a means of resolving encounters through discourse rather than force, enabling players to influence, manipulate, or persuade others to achieve their goals. This strategy applies when dealing with hostile [[Monster|creatures]], [[Cabal|rival factions]], or neutral parties, providing an alternative to direct [[Combat|combat]].
 __TOC__

@@ Line 72: / Line 72: @@
 === Listener Characteristics ===
-'''Per [[Aging|age difference]] (-1).''' This applies to age categories of "young adult," "mature," "middle aged" and so on.  A young adult speaking to a mature character, or the reverse, would be done at -1 to their charisma, while a young adult and middle aged person would have a penalty of -2. Younger listener tend to dismiss the speaker as outdated or irrelevant, while older listeners perceive youth as inexperienced or impulsive.
+:* '''Per [[Aging|age difference]] (-1).''' This applies to age categories of "young adult," "mature," "middle aged" and so on.  A young adult speaking to a mature character, or the reverse, would be done at -1 to their charisma, while a young adult and middle aged person would have a penalty of -2. Younger listener tend to dismiss the speaker as outdated or irrelevant, while older listeners perceive youth as inexperienced or impulsive.
-'''[[Character Class|Character class]] differs (-2).''' Different classes often have contrasting worldviews. A [[Cleric (class)|cleric]] and a [[Thief (class)|thief]] may struggle to relate to one another, while a [[Mage (class)|mage]] and a [[Fighter (class)|fighter]] might have conflicting perspectives on knowledge, violence or civilisation.  This creates an extra hurdle in finding common ground.
+:* '''[[Character Class|Character class]] differs (-2).''' Different classes often have contrasting worldviews. A [[Cleric (class)|cleric]] and a [[Thief (class)|thief]] may struggle to relate to one another, while a [[Mage (class)|mage]] and a [[Fighter (class)|fighter]] might have conflicting perspectives on knowledge, violence or civilisation.  This creates an extra hurdle in finding common ground.
-'''[[Character Race Relations|Character race]] differs (-1).''' Even within an adventuring world where different races interact, cultural assumptions and misunderstandings remain. Elves might see dwarves as gruff and short-sighted, while humans might perceive halflings as unserious. This penalty is small but represents those initial biases.
+:* '''[[Character Race Relations|Character race]] differs (-1).''' Even within an adventuring world where different races interact, cultural assumptions and misunderstandings remain. Elves might see dwarves as gruff and short-sighted, while humans might perceive halflings as unserious. This penalty is small but represents those initial biases.
-'''Character gender differs (-1).''' While some settings may be egalitarian, historical biases or social norms could make it harder for people of different genders to influence one another. A culture with strong gender roles may dismiss arguments from someone they consider socially inferior, even if unintentional.
+:* '''Character gender differs (-1).''' While some settings may be egalitarian, historical biases or social norms could make it harder for people of different genders to influence one another. A culture with strong gender roles may dismiss arguments from someone they consider socially inferior, even if unintentional.
-'''Non-human/demi-human (-3).''' Most societies are built around human norms and anything outside of that is seen as "other." Non-human negotiators struggle because they may not share the same language, customs or body language that a human listener would expect.  This should apply only when in the [[Urban (range)|urban]] or [[Rural (range)|rural]] [[List of Ranges|ranges]] of human-based society, not when the characters are on common ground, such as a wilderness.  The reverse would be true, if a human or demi-human were attempted to make their case within an orc or hobgoblin town.
+:* '''Non-human/demi-human (-3).''' Most societies are built around human norms and anything outside of that is seen as "other." Non-human negotiators struggle because they may not share the same language, customs or body language that a human listener would expect.  This should apply only when in the [[Urban (range)|urban]] or [[Rural (range)|rural]] [[List of Ranges|ranges]] of human-based society, not when the characters are on common ground, such as a wilderness.  The reverse would be true, if a human or demi-human were attempted to make their case within an orc or hobgoblin town.
-'''Social class differs (-3).''' The higher the class divide, the harder it is to negotiate. A peasant cannot easily persuade a noble, just as a rich merchant might struggle to gain sympathy from an impoverished laborer. The difference in wealth, power and privilege creates an immediate barrier.  Assumes four social classes: poor, bougoise, gentry and nobility.  Depending on the culture, the modifier may apply as a flat -3 modifier to those outside of one's class, or it may be a cumulative difference, so that a poor person would be -9 when speaking to nobility.
+:* '''Social class differs (-3).''' The higher the class divide, the harder it is to negotiate. A peasant cannot easily persuade a noble, just as a rich merchant might struggle to gain sympathy from an impoverished laborer. The difference in wealth, power and privilege creates an immediate barrier.  Assumes four social classes: poor, bougoise, gentry and nobility.  Depending on the culture, the modifier may apply as a flat -3 modifier to those outside of one's class, or it may be a cumulative difference, so that a poor person would be -9 when speaking to nobility.
-'''Religion differs (-4).''' Of all personal differences, religion is often the most contentious and deeply ingrained. If the listener follows a different faith, they might outright dismiss, distrust or even resent the speaker's viewpoint, particularly if religious conflict exists between their sects.
+:* '''Religion differs (-4).''' Of all personal differences, religion is often the most contentious and deeply ingrained. If the listener follows a different faith, they might outright dismiss, distrust or even resent the speaker's viewpoint, particularly if religious conflict exists between their sects.
 === Location of Parley ===
-'''[[Roads & Routes|Open road]] (-2).''' Assumes a location outside an urban or rural range, effectively a hinterland or wilderness, where distrust makes negotiation more difficult. The danger in talking or trusting strangers inherently lowers the charisma of those speaking.
+:* '''[[Roads & Routes|Open road]] (-2).''' Assumes a location outside an urban or rural range, effectively a hinterland or wilderness, where distrust makes negotiation more difficult. The danger in talking or trusting strangers inherently lowers the charisma of those speaking.
-'''[[Type-8 Hex|Wilderness]] (-3).''' An inherently hostile, uncertain place, where most people encountering others must always be on guard. Whether it's fear of ambush, the urgency of travel or simply the discomfort of being outside civilisation, negotiations are much more difficult in such conditions.
+:* '''[[Type-8 Hex|Wilderness]] (-3).''' An inherently hostile, uncertain place, where most people encountering others must always be on guard. Whether it's fear of ambush, the urgency of travel or simply the discomfort of being outside civilisation, negotiations are much more difficult in such conditions.
-'''Listener's workplace (-1).''' Establishes the person on their own ground's tendency to resist requests from outsiders wanting to promote their wishes or intentions.  Moreover, negotiating with someone while they.re busy, focused, or under obligation reduces engagement and makes them less open to persuasion.
+:* '''Listener's workplace (-1).''' Establishes the person on their own ground's tendency to resist requests from outsiders wanting to promote their wishes or intentions.  Moreover, negotiating with someone while they.re busy, focused, or under obligation reduces engagement and makes them less open to persuasion.
-'''Speaker's workplace (+1).''' Indicates the character's improved likelihood of having their way if they're speaking on land or within a building of their own control, using their status to increase their chances of a favourable negotiation.
+:* '''Speaker's workplace (+1).''' Indicates the character's improved likelihood of having their way if they're speaking on land or within a building of their own control, using their status to increase their chances of a favourable negotiation.
 === Unusual Forms of Communication ===
-'''Hurried, time-sensitive speech (-5).''' Assumes the character is in a rush, trying to compel someone to do something in a hurry, such as opening a gate to let them in at a moment's notice.  If the speaker seems to be in a panic, the listener is less likely to give them credence or even fully understand the request.  They may feel feel pressured into rejecting it. Lack of proper delivery results in major difficulty.
+:* '''Hurried, time-sensitive speech (-5).''' Assumes the character is in a rush, trying to compel someone to do something in a hurry, such as opening a gate to let them in at a moment's notice.  If the speaker seems to be in a panic, the listener is less likely to give them credence or even fully understand the request.  They may feel feel pressured into rejecting it. Lack of proper delivery results in major difficulty.
-'''Written note (-1).''' Parley can be carried forth through the written word; however, ordinarily written notes are not particularly convincing, and easily subject to other modifiers (see listener's workplace).  In any case, a scrawled note is impersonal, vague or even suspicious.
+:* '''Written note (-1).''' Parley can be carried forth through the written word; however, ordinarily written notes are not particularly convincing, and easily subject to other modifiers (see listener's workplace).  In any case, a scrawled note is impersonal, vague or even suspicious.
-'''[[Eloquent Letter|Eloquent letter]] (+2).''' A well-crafted letter, unlike a brief note, allows the speaker to present their argument thoughtfully and persuasively.  A good letter can be re-read and considered without pressure, often leading to better reception.  It requires the ability to [[Read & Write (sage ability)|read & write]] and a [[Wisdom (ability stat)|wisdom]] of 15 to write an eloquent letter.
+:* '''[[Eloquent Letter|Eloquent letter]] (+2).''' A well-crafted letter, unlike a brief note, allows the speaker to present their argument thoughtfully and persuasively.  A good letter can be re-read and considered without pressure, often leading to better reception.  It requires the ability to [[Read & Write (sage ability)|read & write]] and a [[Wisdom (ability stat)|wisdom]] of 15 to write an eloquent letter.
 === Relationship with Speaker ===
-'''Acquaintance (+1).''' Describes a listener who knows the speaker through numerous encounters, where some trust occurs, though no actual business dealings or joint ventures have occurred.  This could describe a commonly met bartender, a member of the constabulary, a neighbour or a person from whom the character has bought numerous items over a period of months.
+:* '''Acquaintance (+1).''' Describes a listener who knows the speaker through numerous encounters, where some trust occurs, though no actual business dealings or joint ventures have occurred.  This could describe a commonly met bartender, a member of the constabulary, a neighbour or a person from whom the character has bought numerous items over a period of months.
-'''Associate (+2).''' Describes a listener with whom the speaker has known for a year, with whom the character has participated in a joint venture of some kind, from starting a business together, acting as fellow soldiers in a war, delving into a dungeon or like connection.
+:* '''Associate (+2).''' Describes a listener with whom the speaker has known for a year, with whom the character has participated in a joint venture of some kind, from starting a business together, acting as fellow soldiers in a war, delving into a dungeon or like connection.
-'''[[Follower]] (+4).''' Describes a person that fits the definition as provided by the link.  Followers are friends, with whom the player has proven themselves honest, forthright and willing to share or sacrifice themselves.  This applies to religious congregants, retainers and apprentices.
+:* '''[[Follower]] (+4).''' Describes a person that fits the definition as provided by the link.  Followers are friends, with whom the player has proven themselves honest, forthright and willing to share or sacrifice themselves.  This applies to religious congregants, retainers and apprentices.
-'''Paid Hireling (+2).''' Describes those contractually bound to serve the speaker, and thus inclined to obey requests. Applies only to those requests outside of the reason for which they're paid; obviously, hirelings obey any request automatically that falls within their agreed-upon duties.
+:* '''Paid Hireling (+2).''' Describes those contractually bound to serve the speaker, and thus inclined to obey requests. Applies only to those requests outside of the reason for which they're paid; obviously, hirelings obey any request automatically that falls within their agreed-upon duties.
-'''Official with authority over the speaker (-4).''' This includes situations where the character is speaking to a supernumery with an official agenda, guard at a gate, judge, magistrate or council elder.  Such persons act in accordance with orders, the law and dedicated purpose, and are generally unwilling to negotiate their duties or positions with others.
+:* '''Official with authority over the speaker (-4).''' This includes situations where the character is speaking to a supernumery with an official agenda, guard at a gate, judge, magistrate or council elder.  Such persons act in accordance with orders, the law and dedicated purpose, and are generally unwilling to negotiate their duties or positions with others.
-'''Complete stranger (-3).''' This modifier is applied to ALL situations where the character does not know the person at all, in addition to other circumstances named above.  With no prior relationship, trust is minimal. The speaker has to work much harder to persuade the listener, who may be indifferent or suspicious.
+:* '''Complete stranger (-3).''' This modifier is applied to ALL situations where the character does not know the person at all, in addition to other circumstances named above.  With no prior relationship, trust is minimal. The speaker has to work much harder to persuade the listener, who may be indifferent or suspicious.
-'''Speaker is foreign to region (-1).''' Even if the listener is not hostile, a foreigner has no local credibility. Their customs, language or mannerisms may be off-putting or unfamiliar, making persuasion subtly harder.
+:* '''Speaker is foreign to region (-1).''' Even if the listener is not hostile, a foreigner has no local credibility. Their customs, language or mannerisms may be off-putting or unfamiliar, making persuasion subtly harder.
-THINGS THAT CAN BE ASKED
+THINGS THAT CAN BE ASKED ('' '''rewrite from here''' '')<br>
 A "parley" between strangers is often a simple request between parties to let the other pass unmolested, called "free passage."  Similarly, combatants meeting upon a field of battle may request a truce or a temporary cessation of hostilities.  In some cases, a random roll may be in order; however, in most cases, enemies with an intelligence of 11 will nearly always accept an offer like this, so long as neither side surrenders anything of value.  An agreement to fight over the same ground a day later, or to agree that neither party holds that ground, the gain or loss is viewed as equivalent and therefore, reasonable.
@@ Line 155: / Line 155: @@
 ====== A-class Requests ======
 :* Obtain passage through a closed inner portal for a 90-120 g.p. bribe; such portals allow access to armouries, cloisters, guild counting houses, libraries and laboratories.

@@ Line 48: / Line 48: @@
 | rowspan="3"|'''Unusual form<br>of communication''' || hurried, time-<br>sensitive speech || -5
 |-
-| scrawled note || -1
+| written note || -1
 |-
 | eloquent letter || +2
 |-
-| rowspan="7"|'''Relationship with<br>speaker''' || acquaintance || none
+| rowspan="7"|'''Relationship with<br>speaker''' || acquaintance || +1
 |-
-| associate || +1
+| associate || +2
 |-
 | [[Follower|follower]] || +4
@@ Line 70: / Line 70: @@
 Adjustments on the table are applied to the player's charisma, not the die roll.  Thus, a character with a 12 charisma in the wilderness would need to roll 3d6 equal or under "9" in order to succeed the check.  The modifiers are cumulative in nature.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:40, 17 March 2025
Line 69:		Line 69:
	Success is determined by the requesting player's '''[[Charisma (ability stat)\|charisma]]'''. The [[Ability Checks\|ability check]] however, '''is made upon 3d6''' and not a d20. This makes negotiation more predictable and rewarding for characters with high charisma, while making it wholly impractical for those whose charisma is below average — reinforcing that parley is an attribute-based interaction rather than a gamble. Negotiated encounters are therefore rewarding for some, based specifically upon their charisma, rather than an approach where any character — particularly in the case of a charismatic player whose character is not so blessed — can talk their way out of a situation through brute-will.		Success is determined by the requesting player's '''[[Charisma (ability stat)\|charisma]]'''. The [[Ability Checks\|ability check]] however, '''is made upon 3d6''' and not a d20. This makes negotiation more predictable and rewarding for characters with high charisma, while making it wholly impractical for those whose charisma is below average — reinforcing that parley is an attribute-based interaction rather than a gamble. Negotiated encounters are therefore rewarding for some, based specifically upon their charisma, rather than an approach where any character — particularly in the case of a charismatic player whose character is not so blessed — can talk their way out of a situation through brute-will.

−	Adjustments on the table are applied to the player's charisma, not the die roll.	+	Adjustments on the table are applied to the player's charisma, not the die roll. Thus, a character with a 12 charisma in the wilderness would need to roll 3d6 equal or under "9" in order to succeed the check. The modifiers are cumulative in nature.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:38, 17 March 2025
Line 69:		Line 69:
	Success is determined by the requesting player's '''[[Charisma (ability stat)\|charisma]]'''. The [[Ability Checks\|ability check]] however, '''is made upon 3d6''' and not a d20. This makes negotiation more predictable and rewarding for characters with high charisma, while making it wholly impractical for those whose charisma is below average — reinforcing that parley is an attribute-based interaction rather than a gamble. Negotiated encounters are therefore rewarding for some, based specifically upon their charisma, rather than an approach where any character — particularly in the case of a charismatic player whose character is not so blessed — can talk their way out of a situation through brute-will.		Success is determined by the requesting player's '''[[Charisma (ability stat)\|charisma]]'''. The [[Ability Checks\|ability check]] however, '''is made upon 3d6''' and not a d20. This makes negotiation more predictable and rewarding for characters with high charisma, while making it wholly impractical for those whose charisma is below average — reinforcing that parley is an attribute-based interaction rather than a gamble. Negotiated encounters are therefore rewarding for some, based specifically upon their charisma, rather than an approach where any character — particularly in the case of a charismatic player whose character is not so blessed — can talk their way out of a situation through brute-will.

−	Adjustments on the table are ~~applies~~ to the player's charisma, not the die roll.	+	Adjustments on the table are applied to the player's charisma, not the die roll.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:36, 17 March 2025
Line 69:		Line 69:
	Success is determined by the requesting player's '''[[Charisma (ability stat)\|charisma]]'''. The [[Ability Checks\|ability check]] however, '''is made upon 3d6''' and not a d20. This makes negotiation more predictable and rewarding for characters with high charisma, while making it wholly impractical for those whose charisma is below average — reinforcing that parley is an attribute-based interaction rather than a gamble. Negotiated encounters are therefore rewarding for some, based specifically upon their charisma, rather than an approach where any character — particularly in the case of a charismatic player whose character is not so blessed — can talk their way out of a situation through brute-will.		Success is determined by the requesting player's '''[[Charisma (ability stat)\|charisma]]'''. The [[Ability Checks\|ability check]] however, '''is made upon 3d6''' and not a d20. This makes negotiation more predictable and rewarding for characters with high charisma, while making it wholly impractical for those whose charisma is below average — reinforcing that parley is an attribute-based interaction rather than a gamble. Negotiated encounters are therefore rewarding for some, based specifically upon their charisma, rather than an approach where any character — particularly in the case of a charismatic player whose character is not so blessed — can talk their way out of a situation through brute-will.

−	Adjustments on the table are applies to the ~~dice roll~~, not ~~charisma~~.	+	Adjustments on the table are applies to the player's charisma, not the die roll.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:35, 17 March 2025
Line 68:		Line 68:
	=== Charisma Check ===		=== Charisma Check ===
	Success is determined by the requesting player's '''[[Charisma (ability stat)\|charisma]]'''. The [[Ability Checks\|ability check]] however, '''is made upon 3d6''' and not a d20. This makes negotiation more predictable and rewarding for characters with high charisma, while making it wholly impractical for those whose charisma is below average — reinforcing that parley is an attribute-based interaction rather than a gamble. Negotiated encounters are therefore rewarding for some, based specifically upon their charisma, rather than an approach where any character — particularly in the case of a charismatic player whose character is not so blessed — can talk their way out of a situation through brute-will.		Success is determined by the requesting player's '''[[Charisma (ability stat)\|charisma]]'''. The [[Ability Checks\|ability check]] however, '''is made upon 3d6''' and not a d20. This makes negotiation more predictable and rewarding for characters with high charisma, while making it wholly impractical for those whose charisma is below average — reinforcing that parley is an attribute-based interaction rather than a gamble. Negotiated encounters are therefore rewarding for some, based specifically upon their charisma, rather than an approach where any character — particularly in the case of a charismatic player whose character is not so blessed — can talk their way out of a situation through brute-will.
		+
		+	Adjustments on the table are applies to the dice roll, not charisma.

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 To put this another away, if the players make a strong case, or if accepting the request aligns with the circumstances, then the DM should drop the roll entirely and let the scene play out naturally. Meanwhile, when there’s uncertainty, the die serves as a neutral arbiter, preventing bias and maintaining fairness.
 {| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 25px; text-align:center; background-color:#d4f2f2; max-width:440px"
@@ Line 78: / Line 66: @@
 | speaker is foreign<br>to region || -1
 |}
 Much of the difficulty in making requests involves differences between the speaker and the '''listener's characteristics'''.  The table of modifiers adjusts the 3d6 roll up or down (though mostly down) where the speaker is of a different character class (fighter vs. cleric), race, gender, social class ([[Peasantry|peasant]] vs. [[Gentry|gentry]] vs. [[Nobility|noble]]) or religion.  Humanoids other than humans or demi-humans, such as goblins, orcs, kobalds and the like, are particularly resistant to fulfilling requests.

@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 However, if a request is made where the players gain while the NPCs concede material value, status, honour or time spent, then a roll '''must be made''' to determine if the players' request is fulfilled.  In such a case, the player or players clearly state what's wanted, whereupon the players choose which of them will roll 3d6.  The number needed to succeed, and the consequence of failure, depends upon the request being made.  Note that some requests are so excessive that they can never be granted, and that even asking for them is tantamount to a declaration of hostilities.
-=== Parley Success ===
+=== Charisma Check ===
 {| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 25px; text-align:center; background-color:#d4f2f2; max-width:440px"
 |+Request Modifiers

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 == Example of Play ==
-For example, if the party has gained the attention of the local thieves' guild, and that guild knows what the party is doing and why, then an encounter between the thieves' guild and the party should play out according to the most logical motivations of the NPCs in this case.  Either the guild is angry and prepared to threaten or kill, or it is interested in negotiation, or it seeks information of some kind.  The best answer should be obvious to the DM and the parley played out accordingly, without any need to roll a reaction die.
+If it's determined that both sides do agree to pause (and a player party member could wreck this by unleashing a single arrow), then it falls to the speaking member of the party to "make a request."  This would almost certainly express, first, the desire to put down weapons and parley.  Further requests could then follow if this succeeded.
 == Requests ==
@@ Line 20: / Line 28: @@
 === Parley Success ===
-{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 15px; text-align:center; background-color:#d4f2f2; max-width:440px"
+{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 25px; text-align:center; background-color:#d4f2f2; max-width:440px"
 |+Request Modifiers
 ! Consideration !! Specifics !! Charisma<br>adjustment