A Performer In Action
Sir Gareth demonstrates courtly manipulation.
Gareth is Level 4, Performer 3, with Court Politics 2 and Subtle Influence 1.
At a royal feast, His Majesty has asked Gareth to convince the Duke of Westmarch to support a border treaty without making it seem like he's being lobbied. The Duke is no slouch and will notice obvious manipulation. He is proud, suspicious of court intrigue, and has been drinking. Gareth hopes to plant the seeds of an idea through seemingly casual conversation about hunting, mutual acquaintances, and border security.
First, Gareth Focuses on the Duke's conversational patterns and hot-button issues and identifies topics that make the Duke animated versus defensive.
With Level 4 + Performer 3 + Court Politics 2 + Subtle Influence 1 = EL10 - 2 wagered = EL8, he rolls against the Duke's Level 3 + Performer 1 = EL4 natural wariness. The Duke gets a passive resistance roll for a 2. Gareth rolls a 5, creating a Mutual Understanding 3 persistent Boost.
Gareth seeks to carefully guide the conversation. He mentions that tariffs have been hurting his shipping investments. The Duke blusters that he's suffering the same, and that someone should do something about it. Progress, but not enough. Fortunately, so long as he doesn't tip the old man off, this is a task with accumulating results.
With his reconnaissance Boost of Mutual Understanding 3 he's now EL13. He rolls a 6 against the Duke's 4 and wins by 2. The GM calls it a Progress 2 Hindrance on the Duke.
He comments that he'd like to pressure the king about it with a self-deprecating joke that he's really not important enough. The old Duke slaps the table with a tipsy shout — "I am quite important enough, and if no one else will do it, I am no coward!"
He again rolls a 6. The Duke's EL4 is reduced by his previous Progress 2 to EL2 and he rolls a 2, giving Gareth another 4 on the Duke's Hindrance, making it Progress 6 — more than his base Level.
Quite right, Gareth agrees, refilling his goblet. The Duke is convinced that supporting the treaty was his own brilliant idea. "You know, Gareth, I've been thinking — this border situation needs a firm hand. Perhaps it's time I threw my support behind some diplomatic solutions…"
Perfect. His Lordship will never realize he was just expertly manipulated.