Hyperbolic Veracity

Hyperbolic Veracity

◊Descriptors – interaction, talent, reputation

◊Effect – Enhanced Deception 9 • 3 points

Hyperbolic Veracity (Enhanced Traits)

◊Modifiers – limited: -1/rank

◊Action – free

◊Range – personal

◊Duration – sustained

◊Results – bonus to Deception checks made without lying; less effective when used more than once on the same subject

Description

“You lied.”

“I exaggerated.”

        —Saavik and Spock

Spock has a +9 bonus to Deception checks due to his ability to comprehend and employ body language as well as his effective use of hyperbole and selective sharing of information. Spock’s personal reputation for integrity combined with the Vulcan for regard for candor and truthfulness make Spock’s efforts at Deception surprisingly effective.

These same attributes are somewhat limiting to the way in which Spock can employ this particular aptitude. Spock can’t bring himself to speak an outright falsehood and he must therefore put great thought into how he can deceive without betraying his values. In addition, this ability loses effectiveness once Spock has used it to successfully deceive any given character; they become more cautious when interacting with Spock and are less likely to fall for a similar effort. The gamemaster can therefore apply a circumstance penalty whenever Spock makes a subsequent Deception check to influence that character (whether or not he applies the bonus from this ability to the attempt) and may rule that a very similar bluff or trick simply fails without rolling.