For those wondering if social skills have value, or are curious about making a character with social finesse, I got our group off planet in a game I'm in, using the below post:
Venzo projected supreme confidence, as he imagined the leader of a top secret Imperial mission would. Staring down the clerk, he spoke with a commanding tone, sprinkling in some impatience and classified Imperial knowledge he hoped would add an increased degree of authenticity to his fake identity.
"Look. I’m well aware of your shutdown. In fact, I'll let you in on a secret you may not know: it's a planet-wide lockdown and a star ship quarantine. A platoon of troopers will be here soon enough, making a mess out of your precious impound. However, the fact of the matter is that my team and I have top level clearance superceding said lockdown." He applied an authoritative, powerful demeanor to the ruse, combining it with a subtle, relaxed calm that added escalating undercurrents of aggression as he continued. "Now, I really do wish nothing but the best for High Inquisitor Tremayne, who is also en route aboard the Interrogator, but we simply don’t need to be here for the incoming circus. Time is of the essence, we simply cannot afford any delay, especially of this kind. So, if I have to speak with your supervisor, or anyone else, you’ll be brought up on charges, prosecuted to the fullest. Now that I think about it, I’d already be leaving if it wasn’t for you and your unauthorized break. I’m certain your supervisor wouldn’t approve."
Venzo’s eyes evolved into a baleful glare, increasing the threat level directed at the clerk immensely. He was well aware of the fact that their peaceful options for escape were dwindling rapidly, and, as they did, the potential for violence became more of a reality. In fact, it could potentially begin with the man he was looking at now. The intimidation and the threat suddenly became very real, because it had to, not because he wanted it to. Consequently, the potential for violence toward the clerk was oh so subtly implied, rather than being spoken outright, allowing the clerk to consider possible outcomes of the immediate life threatening kind, beyond those of the Imperial legal system. He was happy to let the clerk assume he had a freer hand than most in accomplishing his objectives. Venzo trusted Davro's work, and Captain Ven Zoza was, after all, a high level operative. Venzo sneered with disdain. "Check your records, clerk. And be quick about it. Make the call to the control room. Any sloth on your part threatens the success of my mission. And your future."
OOC:
Venzo is using intimidation to avoid an outbreak of violence. At the same time, given the pressures of the situation, he's not feeling that remorseful about it. It's essentially "them or us."
As I'm intimidating the clerk and lying, I'm going to roll Coercion and Deception,. I'd like to use the classified knowledge to add two boost dice to both rolls. My reasoning is that the knowledge, being highly classified, really reinforces that the clerk is dealing with a powerful agent of the Empire with high level access. The other boost dice is for my newly purchased talent Sense Emotions. Adding the Influence power to both rolls, any light side force points will be used as needed, prioritizing success over advantage to avoid failure (extra points will be used for advantage). To completely avoid failure, I'll use a dark side force point if necessary. Using two purple, opposing the guard's discipline from before.
Another Example of Social Skills in action (a group member in the same game):
Keirso is genuinely confused for a moment as he processes what Lannera has said. He's never connected the word "terrorist" to himself. If he was honest with himself, he generally preferred the appellation of "hero," - something all good Jedi were, in his opinion. Rebel though... that fit.
He holds out his hands, palms up. "Do I look like a terrorist, Lannera?"
He smiles, but the expression is less coy and more imploring. She saw Kellin. Lying to her would probably only upset her more.
"Honestly though... yeah. They are looking for us. Although, as far as I can tell, our only crime is being awake and alive. We're not trying to hurt anyone. We're just trying to survive. Please, Lannera. I don't want you to get in trouble, but we need help. Please."
Keirso stretched out with his feelings again trying to get a sense of whether or not he was getting through to her. He didn't want to do anything drastic, but he also wasn't going to let Lannera stand in their way.
OOC:
I'm assuming AT LEAST two difficulty for this check, though I'll also spend a Destiny Point to make her friendly, if need be.
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I know that some players experiences via role playing are the kind where social skills are useless. However, that is not the case FFG Star Wars. Charm (Presence), Deception (Cunning), and Coercion (Willpower) are highly useful. Leadership (Presence) and Negotiation (Presence) are not without use either. Leadership can be used to exert authority and, well, leadership, with
excellent rolls turning crowds to your side or swaying individuals to become followers. And, anytime your making a deal, whether for prices or the political treaties, Negotiation comes into play.
In sum, all of the social skills can be use to great effect, sometimes combining them with one another (as seen above) to achieve goals that might otherwise require more difficult tasks be accomplished. Sometimes, but not always.
Lastly, as always, I'm not trying to walk anyone in a certain direction. However, I want to make sure that you're aware of the fact that social skills do have value. I mean, let's face it. Palpatine rose to power by the shrewd use of social skills that facilitated political maneuvering, not by slicing his way through the galaxy with a lightsaber.