Influence Shticks

Influence Shticks †

You have a trademark pose, stare, or walk that lets you use a specific Influence skill – Diplomacy, Fast-Talk, Intimidation, Savoir-Faire, Sex Appeal, or Streetwise – without conversation, contact, or appreciable time. This only works in person (not via phone, telepathy, etc.) and still requires an Influence roll, but it enables you to act quickly and silently (thus, Voice modifiers never apply).

Examples:

Convincing Nod:

Whenever you need to get into a place where you don't belong, you can nod as though you recognize those watching (e.g., security guards) to fake your way past. This demands a standard Influence roll with Fast-Talk.

Disarming Smile:

In any sticky situation where Diplomacy is a possible solution, you can just smile and shrug by way of an Influence roll.

Fearsome Stare:

You can use Intimidation without saying a word: simply cross your arms and glower. This conveniently leaves no evidence of a weapon, recorded threats, bruises...

Gaijin Smash:

This works only for obvious foreigners in Japan, or possibly other countries where the locals are easily intimidated by foreigners (possibly China and Korea, even Finland). You simply ignore whatever is opposing you and pretend to be an ignorant, non-japanese-speaking foreigner. You can use this with Fast-Talk and Intimidation.

Gangster Swagger:

Your manner of walking is a full-time use of Streetwise. The GM will make a secret Influence roll whenever this might impress low-life enough that they don't randomly pick you to hassle.

Haughty Sneer:

You can make doormen at exclusive hotels, salesmen at expensive shops, bank managers, and so on back off merely by peering down your nose and making an Influence roll with Savoir-Faire (High Society).

Sexy Pose:

You can use Sex Appeal simply by thrusting your chest out, cocking your hips, licking your lips, etc. This is useful when you can see but not safely approach your mark; success can convince him to approach you.