Agitate (speech)

Agitate is a form of speech-giving made possible through the sage ability, Grassroots Movement. The character can gain the focused attention of a crowd of at least 20 people, provided they are already disgruntled or actively discussing an event. By delivering an impromptu speech, the character has a strong chance of directing the crowd to act according to their intentions.

To agitate, the character makes an intelligence or wisdom check (player's choice). Failure means the speech does not inspire the audience to act. Instead, the crowd will shout back their refusal, forcing the speaker to withdraw and relinquish control of the situation. If no others take the opportunity to address the crowd, the gathering will disperse. If guards or watchmen are present, they will recognize the character’s failure and generally refrain from dispersing the crowd. However, depending on the character's motives and the context of the speech, the agitator may still risk being arrested.

Success

If the character's check succeeds, the crowd will act as desired, but only within the boundaries of their original concern. For instance, a crowd already angry at city officials or a group of authorities can be incited to smash property, loot, attack officials or destroy public structures. However, if the crowd's concern revolves around starvation, their actions will focus on obtaining food, not unrelated violence. Similarly, a crowd seeking justice may be motivated to carry out a lynching, but they will not raid food stores or attack unrelated targets.

The dungeon master must assess the crowd’s existing motivations and ensure that the character's proposed solution aligns with those motivations. The actions of the crowd must remain consistent with their initial grievance, with the DM exercising judgment to interpret the scope and limits of what the crowd might reasonably do in response to the character's agitation.

Consequences

Take note that depending on what action the character inspires, there will be consequences to the character if crimes or a revolution results. On the other hand, a crowd that is encouraged to raise a dam to stop a flooding river, or set out to fight for a cause, or begin a pilgrimage, would not represent a request that authorities would react against. In any case, the character seeking to agitate a mob should always be aware that someone is watching, and that the character's face will be recognized. It might do for the character to take steps to change their appearance before appearing publicly, or perhaps quickly escape the place and situation, or measure their intent against the anger it will cause.

Additionally, a wise character may see how to employ agitation as the appropriate speech for the appropriate moment, within the larger agenda of creating a sustained political or cultural movement.

See History