Nasty vibe Options

[Smokeskin]

The description for this thing is seriously vague. It is a magical effect? Pheromones? Just facial expression and mannerism? Will it show if the character is just minding his own business and not interacting? How much a problem is it if he's trying to be friendly - apparently there's no actual penalty for other social tests?

Would it work for a covert ops char who wanted good intimidation without buying charisma and social ware, or would it make him stand out when he wanted to remain anonymous?

[Mardrax]

Would it work for a covert ops char who wanted good intimidation without buying charisma and social ware, or would it make him stand out when he wanted to remain anonymous?

All the advanced character options in this book automatically suffer the effects of Distinctive Style and do not get a BP bonus.

It wouldn't work.

It's not a magical effect, it's SURGE, so it's genetical/biological. It works by the character having an "indefinable 'air of menace" and other things. "Indefinable" is the key word, like it is for Glamour.

And no, there is no penalty for social tests. Some people just have a thing for bad boys/girls.

[Mäx]

I would say it's paranatural(ie. magic) effect just like glamour is.

[Smokeskin]

It wouldn't work.

It's not a magical effect, it's SURGE, so it's genetical/biological. It works by the character having an "indefinable 'air of menace" and other things. "Indefinable" is the key word, like it is for Glamour.

Thanks for the reference on Distinctive Style.

But calling it "indefinable" doesn't really cut it, just because people interacting can't put their finger on it, there's still going to be one or more mechanisms behind it. Is it an aura that you will you notice if the Nasty Vibe char is behind you? Does it carry over voice or video, or does it only work face to face? Tons of unanswered questions on this one if you ask me.

[Mäx]

Does it carry over voice or video, or does it only work face to face?

I would say that only people your talking face to face count as being in your presence (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Glyph]

The character is described as radiating a bad vibe, and people are nervous in his presence. So I agree with Max - it sounds like a paranatural effect. And it really isn't something that the character can consciously mute or turn off.

[Fatum]

But calling it "indefinable" doesn't really cut it, just because people interacting can't put their finger on it, there's still going to be one or more mechanisms behind it. Is it an aura that you will you notice if the Nasty Vibe char is behind you? Does it carry over voice or video, or does it only work face to face? Tons of unanswered questions on this one if you ask me.

Negative vibrations, duuuuude.

[Udoshi]

The character is described as radiating a bad vibe, and people are nervous in his presence. So I agree with Max - it sounds like a paranatural effect. And it really isn't something that the character can consciously mute or turn off.

Go into your local, well-populated game store. Take a look around.

Awkward Gamer Vibe.

That. You have THAT. Always. Except its ramped up to 11.

[Yerameyahu]

I'd say it works over audio and video. Maybe not text… maybe. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[CanRay]

Depends on how literate the person can be. I've crafted some rather disturbing images based on my nightmares...

In fact, I think I improved on my nightmares, which is saying quite a bit.

[Machiavelli]

Like Mardrax said: it is SURGE. Like Mäx said: It is magic. Why? Lets see: What is surge? It is the magical change of your biological code. So i think both are right. The effect itself is magical like mentioned in the description. They use the word "paranatural" which means magical. So why do we have a discussion? ^^

Due to the fact that it is magical and "presense" doesn´t include video, telephone or anything else than standing face to face, it would also say that it doesn´t work by this means. So what is left? A freaking scary guy that makes you shit your pants even if (or maybe because of) he tries to be nice to you. Don´t you know all the movies where "victim A" is bound onto a chair and "bad guy 1" is smiling and talking very politely to "victim A" while he is cutting off "victim A"´s fingers? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Smokeskin]

They use the word "paranatural" which means magical. So why do we have a discussion? ^^

They mention nothing of the kind.

[Machiavelli]

No book at hand. Let me check at home.

[Yerameyahu]

SURGE isn't magical in effect. It's magical in origin, in the same way that Trolls are magical in origin. Are they still trolls over video? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[CanRay]

Rent "Bubba The Love Troll Does Cell Block B" and find out.

[Manunancy]

From the description it's very unclear what's exactly causing the reaction, so one can't tell for sure. In my opinion it's a whole mix of looks, body language, voice and maybe even some astral-carried feelings. My own take on it would be to reduce the effects by one step by degree of remoteness :

face-to-face : no problem
video : effect reduced by one
sound only : reduced by two
text/VR : reduced by three

[Yerameyahu]

Seems fair. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Mäx]

They mention nothing of the kind.

No, but it's description is very similar to the glamours description and that one is excpesitly mentioned to be a paranatural effect.

[Udoshi]

No book at hand. Let me check at home.

I got this one.

A character with this quality radiates the ultimate "Bad vibe." Sapient beings in her presence feel an indefinable "air of menace," ill-at-ease, and oppressed. Some might even describe the feeling as being in the presence of evil (regardless of whether this is true or not), and the superstitious might attribute something demonic to the character's nature. Add a +3 dice poolmodifier to all Intimidation Tests and any attempt to instill fear in a sapient target.

Its pretty clear that its for people near you only.

However. Two things. Nasty Vibe is an -positive- quality, not a negative one.
That being said; reputation will also play a part in social tests. Someone with Nasty Vibe will likely get a reputation for being wierd/intimidating, so their street cred will also likely be a relevant social modifier - and street cred will apply when making commcalls, even if the recipient isn't within your aura of menace.

Also, Manunancy's take seems like a very reasonable houserule.

[Yerameyahu]

'Radiates' and 'in presence' could still mean audio, video, etc. English is funny like that. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Glyph]

'Radiates' and 'in presence' could still mean audio, video, etc. English is funny like that. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I'd say that's stretching it, but on the other hand... Christopher Walken. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/eek.gif)

[Tymeaus Jalynsfe...]

'Radiates' and 'in presence' could still mean audio, video, etc. English is funny like that. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Could, no doubt, but I would say that it is not very likely. To me at least, it is apparent that it is for Face-to-Face interactions.
Of course, opinions vary... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wobble.gif)

[Yerameyahu]

My point is that you're just guessing, as is anyone. English *certainly* uses those exact terms in a metaphorical way (Glyph's example of actors is excellent). As usual, the RAW is vague.

[Tymeaus Jalynsfe...]

My point is that you're just guessing, as is anyone. English *certainly* uses those exact terms in a metaphorical way (Glyph's example of actors is excellent). As usual, the RAW is vague.

I prefer the term "Extrapolating"... it sounds much geekier... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wobble.gif)

[BookWyrm]

Have you ever walked into a room or nightclub, and although the scene looks normal & safe, you get that feeling, that sense that something is not-quite-right? Your mind runs through the litany of sensory input. but you can't lock down that indication that something is just on the edge of wrong.

Nasty Vibe is like that. Cranked to, on a scale of 1 to 10, 11. 12 automatically induces the leave-area-at-Jay-Garrick-speeds insinct.