ARGOS ROLEPLAYING NOTES - CHASTITY
A woman's honor, in Argos, most often relates to her chastity, and chastity is more a state of mind and perception by others than it is anything else. A woman who dresses outside of conservative taste, or even speaks boldly among men and strangers, can easily be considered non-chaste, even though she may be completely loyal to her husband. On the other hand, a wife who discretely sleeps around, without getting caught, an appears from all angles to be true can, indeed, be considered chaste.
In other words, chastity falls into the province of roleplaying in the game. Chaste women who are free with their wit and/or hold frank discussions with men may be perceived to be unchaste. These women disgrace themselves in the in the eyes of others, regardless of their true sexual nature. If a woman is raped, she can retain her chastity by maintaining a calm, conservative, lady-like demeanor. If the raped woman dressed provocatively, society may hold the opinion that she deserved what she got--that she advertised for it--and therefore is not chaste.
Use these notes when portraying Argossean women, especially nobles, in the game.
MECHANICS
Besides roleplaying, there can be a mechanical benefit to female characters who are perceived as chaste. For every 5 ranks in Performance (Chastity), the character will net a +1 synergy bonus to Diplomacy. In other words, spend points to obtain 5 ranks in Performance (Chastity) and gain the benefit of 7 points (5 spent on Diplomacy, if it is a class skill, and 2 free points for the Diplomacy synergy bonus). Spend 5 to get the benefit of 7, plus the benefit when the Diplomacy it is rolled by itself.
In other words, women who are respected do better diplomatically.
And, in the Hyborian Age, the power that women can obtain is not in the strength of their sword arm. It is in the power that they have over men to do their bidding.
A woman's honor, in Argos, most often relates to her chastity, and chastity is more a state of mind and perception by others than it is anything else. A woman who dresses outside of conservative taste, or even speaks boldly among men and strangers, can easily be considered non-chaste, even though she may be completely loyal to her husband. On the other hand, a wife who discretely sleeps around, without getting caught, an appears from all angles to be true can, indeed, be considered chaste.
In other words, chastity falls into the province of roleplaying in the game. Chaste women who are free with their wit and/or hold frank discussions with men may be perceived to be unchaste. These women disgrace themselves in the in the eyes of others, regardless of their true sexual nature. If a woman is raped, she can retain her chastity by maintaining a calm, conservative, lady-like demeanor. If the raped woman dressed provocatively, society may hold the opinion that she deserved what she got--that she advertised for it--and therefore is not chaste.
Use these notes when portraying Argossean women, especially nobles, in the game.
MECHANICS
Besides roleplaying, there can be a mechanical benefit to female characters who are perceived as chaste. For every 5 ranks in Performance (Chastity), the character will net a +1 synergy bonus to Diplomacy. In other words, spend points to obtain 5 ranks in Performance (Chastity) and gain the benefit of 7 points (5 spent on Diplomacy, if it is a class skill, and 2 free points for the Diplomacy synergy bonus). Spend 5 to get the benefit of 7, plus the benefit when the Diplomacy it is rolled by itself.
In other words, women who are respected do better diplomatically.
And, in the Hyborian Age, the power that women can obtain is not in the strength of their sword arm. It is in the power that they have over men to do their bidding.
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