OOC:
For the benefit of those who are new to the Storytelling System, I'll explain what happened.
You can use Social rolls to maneuver an NPC toward a desired goal (in this case, gaining Jérôme's cooperation). To do so, you must get through a series of "Doors," which represent the steps needed to nudge the NPC into doing what you want. Each NPC has a starting "Impression level" based on his or her relationship to the PC. The Impression level determines how difficult it will be to win the target over.
In the case of Jérôme Guillory, not surprisingly, his Impression level is "Hostile." In order to garner his cooperation, two Doors must be opened.
Basically, Max and Derek's successes from their Persuasion rolls helped to raise the Impression level away from Hostile. Jay used his Reconciler Merit to automatically remove the Doors (which would normally require more Social rolls). Hence, you have gotten Mr. Guillory on your side (for the moment).
Sounds more complicated than it really is.
Social Maneuvering Rules are found on p. 153 of the core book.
Each of you pushes back against Jérôme's outburst.
Jay offers clarification and understanding, both to Mr. Guillory and Samantha, while Max appeals to the man's sense of reason. Jérôme initially seems poised to verbally lambast all of you, but he holds his tongue and listens. Jay's words, in particular, begin to slowly sink in. As the two Sin-Eaters calmly explain things to him and Samantha, you can see the tension in Mr. Guillory's countenance evaporate ever so slightly. His shoulders relax, and his facial expression shifts from outrage to uncertainty as he considers the arguments made by Jay and Max.
Derek then returns fire with a more forceful and provocative response. Immediately, Jérôme's anger comes back in full force. You watch as his face twists with indignation. He takes a half a step toward Derek, especially when the Sin-Eater mentions the man's "foolish ignorant prideful facade." For a brief few seconds, it seems as though the two men might even come to blows. Mr. Guillory, however, keeps himself in check. Maybe he doesn't want to fight in front of his daughter. Maybe he understands one against three is a bad idea. Whatever the reason, he instead holds Derek's gaze. While clearly unhappy with Derek's accusations, he lets the Sin-Eater finish his tirade.
After Derek is done and Adriana departs from the room, there are several seconds of awkward silence as Mr. Guillory locks eyes with each of you. He's not-so-subtly sizing you all up. Although he's still angry, the anger appears to have subsided in the face of everyone's words and unwillingness to back down. Strangely, Jérôme begins to regard you all a bit differently, like a trial lawyer that just heard an admirable rebuttal. Newfound respect, perhaps... as grudging as it may be.
Finally, Jérôme sighs and crosses his arms in front of himself. He takes a step back and rests his eyes on Samantha for a minute. Looking at his scarred and frightened daughter, Mr. Guillory's resolve falters. He shifts his focus back to your krewe, and his eyes now contain a mixture of skepticism and resignation.
"Suppose I choose to believe that this house is haunted and that you can help us..." His tone has the quality of
'I can't believe I'm saying this out loud.' "What do you need from me?"
