What is the general opinion of Burlews diplomacy rules?

[blargney the second]

I just used them on Wednesday. The party had captured a were-rat and were in the process of interrogating him in the local guards' jail cell. He was willing to talk as long as he got concessions for his sentence. I traded the PCs one piece of useful info per concession they gave him.

 

[darthkilmor]

I love that they address the issue of whether the target does what you want them to do (as opposed to just "shifting to Helpful"). However, I'd like to see some modifiers for social status. E.g., there should be a modifier if I'm trying to convince, say, a king to do something. Even if the king is a single-digit aristocrat and I'm a 20th-level PC, the fact is that he's a leader groomed to rule and with armies at his command, and I'm just some schmuck adventurer.

Wouldnt that be covered in the King having an advisor? If the king Was just some 3bit aristocrat with no wise counsel I image he Would probably listen to a very high level PC that could concievably dethrone him right then and there.

Edit: Or do you mean you dont like how there is no opposed diplomacy roll ?

 

[Rystil Arden]

How does this happen, I'm not understanding ?

If you just look at the rules, even with the modifier for "Fantastic" Deal and "Intimate" relationship, it is impossible for a level 20 Wizard with average Charisma (he didn't need to raise it) to Diplomacy his lady love, a level 20 Priestess with good Wisdom (she did need to raise it).

 

[Thomas Percy]

Where I Can find these rules?
Thanks for help.

 

[buzz]

Wouldnt that be covered in the King having an advisor? If the king Was just some 3bit aristocrat with no wise counsel I image he Would probably listen to a very high level PC that could concievably dethrone him right then and there.

Edit: Or do you mean you dont like how there is no opposed diplomacy roll ?

I meant that simply being a king or person of significant power should count for a healthy bonus, as PC levels usually outpace NPC levels. "I don't care who you are; I rule this nation by divine right and will not be swayed to your will. Do not come before me again."

 

[Piratecat]

I've got a book on 101 ways to "Pass the Salt", IYKWIM(AITYD).

Ah. The Kama Saltra.

 

[el-remmen]

Ah. The Kama Saltra.

Oof.


On topic: I remember taking a look at these awhile ago, but don't remember the details. Link?

I am about to start using AGoT Influence and Reputation in my next D&D game and have house ruled diplomacy a bit to be less useful with hostile targets.

I have also made this caveat on in my house rules: Remember: Diplomacy does not make people do things, it only changes the attitude of the target to make them more (or less likely to do things).

This means that a Lawful Good guard is not going to let you into his master's house in the middle of the night just because you have convinced him to be "helpful". He will offer help to the limits of his ability without violating his duty. That is, try to find some other way for the PC to accomplish his goal, promise to speak on behalf of the PC to his master in the morning, etc. . .

 

[Rodrigo Istalindir]

Where I Can find these rules?
Thanks for help.

Link

 

[Zaruthustran]

Here's the link:
http://www.giantitp.com/articles/jFppYwv7OUkegKhONNF.html

I agree that D&D's treatment of social interaction is broken. Diplomacy, Bluff, and Intimidate need to be distilled, or at least further defined.

I'd rather see something like:

Debate (any extended social interaction, whether elaborate lie or religious evangelism)
Feint (a quick distraction, verbal or otherwise. Includes a temporary fasttalk.)
Intimidate (roll to induce fear effect)

For the ability to conduct oneself properly in a social setting, I'd use Knowledge: Nobility and Royalty.

I do think there should be a derived stat for Presence, which would be something like Turn Undead (a mechanic drawing from stats, feats, level, and possibly skills). Like base 10, + level, + cha modifier, + synergy bonuses from the social skills, Survival, and know: nobility.

-z

 

[el-remmen]

Link

Hahaha!

I guess I did read and like these rules. . . I suddenly remembered where I got some of the modifiers I am using now!

As for the example a few post above regarding passing the salt, why would you need to make a diplomacy check for that?

It is only when there is some sort of potential conflict that such roles should even matter.

Convincing your loving 20th level priestess wife to pass the salt is one thing, convincing her to host a party in honor of enemies of her church would be another. . .