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Feinting for someone else

Man, that's quick response time! I see these skills differently. Diplomacy is about lying and deception and anything else that'll change someone's mind in a give-and-take discussion, while bluff is for quickly trying to fool somebody. That, IMO, is why bluff gives synergy bonuses to diplomacy, not the other way around. Diplomacy if for persuasion - which takes time.

I like having combat v. non-combat skills, it makes skill-based characters more useful. If you start letting diplomacy do some of the things (well, actually the main thing IME) bluff does, a PC can just take diplomacy and ignore bluff.

Taunting IMO is well within the effects of bluff, w/o any need for a houserule. But one thing I like about using diplomacy is the idea of the courtier using diplomatic ability to distract the BBEG. Interesting idea.
 

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splitinfinitude said:
Man, that's quick response time! I see these skills differently. Diplomacy is about lying and deception and anything else that'll change someone's mind in a give-and-take discussion, while bluff is for quickly trying to fool somebody. That, IMO, is why bluff gives synergy bonuses to diplomacy, not the other way around. Diplomacy if for persuasion - which takes time.
The SRD says the following on Diplomancy: "Check: The character can change others' attitudes with a successful check". That seems to be taunt. Make them really dislike you.

splitinfinitude said:
I like having combat v. non-combat skills, it makes skill-based characters more useful. If you start letting diplomacy do some of the things (well, actually the main thing IME) bluff does, a PC can just take diplomacy and ignore bluff.
I like characters who focus on "non-combat skills" having something to do IN combat. Without sneak attack, feint is pretty useless. This use of diplomancy isn't the same a bluff. Deflect attention vs draw it from others. As it is, you can take intimidate and ignore diplomancy.

splitinfinitude said:
Taunting IMO is well within the effects of bluff, w/o any need for a houserule. But one thing I like about using diplomacy is the idea of the courtier using diplomatic ability to distract the BBEG. Interesting idea.

This is a house rule the same way new magic items are house rules. The courtier is exact image I had though.

Either way (bluff or diplomancy) it seems reasonable.
 


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