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Message: <blockquote data-quote="dmnqwk" data-source="post: 6752126" data-attributes="member: 6804204">As a DM, don't be afraid to lie, cheat and steal to win friends and influence PCs.When it comes to persuasion, mention to the PCs there might be a big gold reward when they accomplish the task for the NPC. Bribe them with the prospect of huge rewards... then when they come to claim it, lie. If they ask you about it out of character, merely inform them that their character believed it was true, but that you never promised them anything.For example:NPC Quest Giver: If someone was to slay that blackhearted ogre for me, I might be inclined to reward them.PC: Oh, and how much would you be offering.NPC: Perhaps a sum of 200 goldPC: Holy Hand Grenades, we'll do it!*Much fighting ensues, Ogre is slain. PCs return with the head as proof*PC: Pay up time, 200 gold please!NPC: Oh, for what? Oh the Ogre... I merely implied I might be willing to offer it, do you have anything in writing?*At which point the PC, who feels ripped off, decides to fireball the NPC only to find it's an illusion and the NPC is safely elsewhere.*Having the PCs persuasion, deception and intimidation rolls leave repercussions every time would be a hassle for you, yet feel free to remember an innkeeper who is regularly ripped off might start getting bonuses to resist, or just offer disadvantage to the roll. He may even become hostile/confrontational (I always picture Eddie in UK TV show Hustle when I think of this).As for Deception, always ensure you roll even if the NPC is being honest, it can be hilariously entertaining. And consider setting a benchmark for the roll of 15.NPC and PC both exceeded 15, NPC won: You're not quite sure if he is lying or not. He seems truthful but your gut is acting up.NPC exceeded 15, PC did not: He seems quite honest and trustworthy.Both NPC and PC rolled below 15: The PC believes the opposite. if the NPC is lying, the PC is informed he is honest, but if the NPC was being honest, he is called a lying sack of poop.PC exceeded 15, NPC did not: Give an honest appraisal of the situation. Either suggest he is a lying sack of poop, or he is honest and trustworthy.Opposed rolls dont always need to just be against each other, it's more fun to sometimes allow dismal failure on both parts. Intimidation:A success of 1-5 points for the NPC would result in informing the PC they are apprehensive, consider assigning Disadvantage on any further social interactions that encounterA success of 6-9 points would be best to apply a Frightened effect for a minute, no saving throw until combat, which would make heavy use of the cannot approach rule.A success of 10+ is when I would consider manipulating the PCs intentions. When they try to act in a way unsuitable to being Afraid, consider informing them they cannot do that (such as sleight of hand or further deception/persuasion rolls.) Being in control is different to allowing them carte blanche.</blockquote>

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