Social Manipulation, Reaction & Status #
NPCs want to maintain their livelihoods, and protect their status quo. If PCs want to convince an NPC to take a risk for them, they will have to come up with sufficient leverage.
When a PC makes an offer or attempts to convince an NPC of something that they might reasonably agree to, the referee can roll on the reaction table to see how the NPC responds. Regardless of any roll, NPCs are not mind-controlled and will not undertake actions that are obviously suicidal, absurd, or stupid.
Reactions #
When the players encounter non-player characters or other ships, and the referee is unsure of the NPC’s attitude towards the PCs, roll 2d6. The result is their initial disposition towards the PCs, and can change during the course of an encounter. This table can also be used to determine how an NPC reacts to an offer made by a PC.
2: Violently hostile. Immediate attack.
3-5: Aggressive. May make demands or be provoked into attacking.
6-8: Wary, uncertain. Guarded but will reasonably communicate.
9-11: Curious, open to communication, potentially helpful.
12: Friendly, enthusiastic, will offer help within reason.
Bribery #
When a PC tries to bribe an NPC with an offer in credits, throw 2d6 and consult below. Bribes have a base reasonable amount depending on the wealth and position of the NPC. For each multiple of the base amount offered, add +1 to the bribery throw.
If a request is potentially consequential or dangerous for the NPC, triple the base amount.
The referee should make the bribery throw secretly, in case the NPC decides to sell out the PCs.
Base Amounts #
- Blue collar laborers, stevedores, teamsters: 1cc
- Cops, guards, customs agents: 3cc
- White-collar workers, small business owners: 10cc
Really wealthy people like oligarchs, corporate executives, and nobles usually exchange favors instead of straight-up cash. You can’t afford what it would take to sway them. What can you offer them?
Bribery Throw #
2-5: The NPC will take the bribe, then sell out the PCs later. If the dice roll snake eyes, this happens regardless of any bonus from payment. 6: The NPC refuses the bribe and will take action against the PCs if the lower of the two dice shows an odd number. 7: The NPC refuses the bribe but will otherwise be cool about it. 3-in-6 chance of accepting the bribe anyway if an earlier reaction roll was 9+, or if the PCs offer another multiple of the base amount. 8+ The NPC takes the bribe.
Status #
PCs may add their status to reaction rolls when the NPC shares a similar background or career. Status can also be added to throws to find relevant specialists in port.