Can You Take Glamour AND Nasty Vibe? Options Track this topic Email this topic Print this topic Download this topic Subscribe to this forum Display Modes Outline Switch to: Standard Switch to: Linear+

[Umidori]

So I was futzing around in Chummer experimenting on a "Devil In Human Form" sort of character, replete with a red right hand (via Striking Skin Pigmentation), a magical focus on supernatural manipulation of others (via spells like Control Mood, Control Actions, Control Thoughts, Alter Memory, Influence, etc), and a silver snake tongue (via mixing Social and Intimidation), and I was considering the potential benefits of Nasty Vibe. The major problem is that for the character concept, I wanted to be able to switch between being a sly charmer one moment and a scary evil nasty dude the next, as situations warranted. Nasty Vibe on it's own doesn't seem to have an off-switch, though: you're always terrifying toward people around you, no matter what.

At that point I thought, "Well maybe I can just rely on regular intimidation bonuses for being frightening, and take Glamour instead for that otherworldy charm factor." Because let's face it, the entire schtick of demonic manipulation is the diabolical temptation - the deal with the devil. If you're just pure dark nasty evil all the time, no one is going to trust you. But if you mix in that inexplicable charm, that roguish quality that makes you want to trust someone despite the fact that you know they are dangerous and scheming, that infectious aura of cool confidence that inspires faith where doubt should lie... well...

But in looking over the entries for these qualities again, I noticed that they aren't expressly stated to be mutually exclusive. And wouldn't having them both be the perfect option for a devilish charmer?

What are other people's thoughts on having both? Would you be able to switch between "auras"? Perhaps at will, perhaps not? Maybe it changes based on your mood?

Say... you pour on the charm when approaching someone, your glamour making you seem instantly trustworthy and likeable, and you try to work them over and get what you want, but they're hesitant. You try a bit more charm, but they insist on refusing despite your wiles, so now you lose your patience and start giving them glimpses of the nasty side. Suddenly that winning smile is replaced for an instant with a sinister, dead-serious glare, your melodious voice is now just barely tinged with acid and venom, and they're taken aback. With any luck they get the hint and give you what you want, you turn the charm back on full and go on your way, leaving them confused but generally inclined to believe they must have imagined it, because you're just such a nice seeming person! ...or maybe they need more convincing and now you've dropped all pretense. The mask having fallen away, the mark is now recoiling from the demon that a second ago they were sure was an angel. They're unnerved, freaked out. Maybe they fight, maybe they run, maybe they collapse in tears and beg for you to spare them, either way you've got them under your thumb.

~Umi