Deliver structured and compelling speeches to inform, inspire, sway, or manipulate an audience - whether it’s a crew, crowd, council, or clan.
Roll 1d100 + Public Speaking bonus vs DR 100 + modifiers
Opposed rolls may apply when the audience or a key listener uses Insight, Lie Detection, or Sense Motive to resist your influence or spot manipulation.
On success, you sway the audience in a meaningful way:
- They may agree with your position
- Accept your leadership or judgment
- Calm down (if angry or panicked)
- Cheer, support you, or act as directed
- The speech must align reasonably with your standing, rhetoric, and current events. If you overreach or lie, counters may apply.
–20 DR if the audience is supportive or predisposed in your favor
–10 DR if the speech is routine, well-prepared, or backed by allies
+10 DR if audience is divided, skeptical, or under pressure
+20 to +50 DR if the audience has strong opposing beliefs, loyalties, or a rival is present
+10 DR if you are poorly known or lack credibility with them
–10 DR if you hold an esteemed title, wear a symbol of authority, or have supporting documentation
Rallying a rebel crowd to delay violence until reinforcements arrive: DR = 100 + 20 (divided crowd, tense moment) = 120
Roll = 126 → Success → Crowd hesitates, buys precious time
Public Speaking is more than reading a script—it’s the ability to speak with conviction, clarity, and authority in front of a group. It’s a vital skill for diplomats, leaders, and cultists alike. Whether delivering an impromptu plea or a well-crafted address, you can influence public mood, guide decisions, and forge emotional bonds with a crowd.
This skill plays a vital role in dramatic moments—eulogies, trial defenses, political rallies, peace negotiations, or declarations of war. It also determines your ability to maintain composure and presence when speaking in hostile, uncertain, or chaotic conditions.
Combine with:
Persuasion – Reinforce your speech with direct appeals
Insight – Tailor your tone based on audience emotions
Storytelling – Frame arguments within compelling narratives
Manipulate Perception – Recast your message subtly
Read the Room – Adjust content mid-speech based on reaction
Sense Motive – Detect hidden agendas or false appeals
Lie Detection – Catch factual distortions or emotional manipulations
Insight – Resist emotional sway or rousing tactics
Politics – Undermine speech with knowledge of policy, precedent, or alliances