Influence Shticks

1 point

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 (p.
B359), 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 . . .
Gangster Swagger: Your manner of walking is a full-time use
of Streetwise. The GM will make a secret Influence roll when-
ever this might impress low-life enough that they don’t ran-
domly 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 Influ-
ence 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 use-
ful when you can see but not safely approach your mark; suc-
cess can convince him to approach you.