Is Lying a Reasonable Technique?

[Figleaf23]

Thanks. Some of them need still need some polishing though.

[Daigoro]

These are cool and we can never have enough non-combat Techniques.

Originally Posted by Figleaf23

Thanks. Some of them need still need some polishing though.

My thoughts-

Originally Posted by Figleaf23

Fit-In
Average
Default: Acting-2, Shadowing-2, Observation-2
Cannot exceed base skill.
This allows a person to appear to be innocuous and appropriate despite being noticed.

Works fine as is, although the text might be expanded with some bonuses for wearing a uniform or carrying a clipboard. Savoir Faire might also be a default, or various situation-specific skills, such as Soldier on an army base or Physician in a hospital.

Stand-out
Average
Default: Performance-2, Acting -?
Cannot exceed base skill.
Allows a person to draw attention to themselves without appearing to do so deliberately. Apply bonuses for Charisma, and the absolute value of any Appearance modifier to the roll.

For what purpose? Maybe call it Distract, and use it to give a partner a bonus to their Stealth skill or other attempt to avoid notice.

Characterization (Specify)
Average
Default: Acting
The character has developed particular skill at portraying a particular character, either in a play or as a cover. Use the level in this technique instead of the level in Acting for performing as this character.

"In a play" would mean using Performance skill (unless these came from 3e?). You could add levels of generalisation to this- for portraying a member of a particular class or ethnic group, down to a specific cover personality, with varying levels of difficulty.

Repertory (Play/Work)
Average
Default: Acting, Musical Instrument, Singing
The character has developed an in-depth and comprehensive grasp of a particular play or work of music, and hence performs it better than the base skill level.
(I didn't come up with this one.)

Again, should be Performance. Also, with levels- All of Shakespeare; All of Romeo and Juliet; just Romeo's part.

Excite
Average
Default: Sex-Appeal -4
Cannot be improved above base skill.
The character has practiced quick use of the skill (one second, free action) to momentarily distract someone else. In combat this technique can be used in the same way as a Ruse (Feint). Out of combat it will trigger a one minute IQ reduction in affected characters (can be renewed with continued use of the Technique), and will cause those with Lechery disadvantage to make a self-control check.

I wasn't clear on what this represented, till I re-read the Sex Appeal and Lechery parts. Call it Flirt, perhaps?

Enable
Average
Default: Carousing -2
This is the technique of prolonging or intensifying a social activity -- e.g. buying another round just as people are thinking of leaving. Roll a quick contest of Will vs Enable with each person in the group who is a free agent (servants and underlings who have no choice do not need to be tested) Apply -1 to the Enable technique per free-agent in the group to be influenced.

"Party On"? "Don't Go Yet"?
Also possible with Savoir Faire- "The Duke would be most disappointed if he missed you", maybe Fast Talk- "Oh, but you should see my.. ummm... etchings!", for other situations. However, I do see it to be more likely as a practised Technique in the case of Carousing.

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by Figleaf23

Characterization (Specify)
Average
Default: Acting
The character has developed particular skill at portraying a particular character, either in a play or as a cover. Use the level in this technique instead of the level in Acting for performing as this character.

That one is covered in GURPS Social Engineering by Rehearsed Role. It's a perk that removes the penalties for not knowing the specific role you're going to play.

Also, see the comment below for stage acting.

Repertory (Play/Work)
Average
Default: Acting, Musical Instrument, Singing
The character has developed an in-depth and comprehensive grasp of a particular play or work of music, and hence performs it better than the base skill level.
(I didn't come up with this one.)

You have fallen into one of the pitfalls of GURPS: Defining a trait by its name and not by its game effects. The skill of Acting has nothing to do with being on the stage (or in a film). What you want is the skill of Performance. Acting is specifically the skill of playing a role with genuine intent to deceive.

Excite
Average
Default: Sex-Appeal -4
Cannot be improved above base skill.
The character has practiced quick use of the skill (one second, free action) to momentarily distract someone else. In combat this technique can be used in the same way as a Ruse (Feint). Out of combat it will trigger a one minute IQ reduction in affected characters (can be renewed with continued use of the Technique), and will cause those with Lechery disadvantage to make a self-control check.

Already discussed in Social Engineering, which makes it simply a Quick Contest of Sex Appeal (or some other skill) vs. IQ or Tactics. In effect, this treats "excite" as the core use of the Sex Appeal skill. It has no penalty, and I don't think it should be possible to buy it up, any more than you can buy hitting people with your fist up from Brawling.

Bill Stoddard

[vicky_molokh]

Originally Posted by whswhs

any more than you can buy hitting people with your fist up from Brawling.

Interestingly, you can buy Kicking above your Brawling/Karate level with Technique Mastery. The fact this is not allowed for punching just adds Murphiness to the rule.

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by vicky_molokh

Interestingly, you can buy Kicking above your Brawling/Karate level with Technique Mastery. The fact this is not allowed for punching just adds Murphiness to the rule.

I wonder if it would work to have a "different core activity/technique" perk for a skill. Like Brawling having kicking as its unpenalized core activity for an armless man, or an ostrich.

Bill Stoddard

[vicky_molokh]

Probably fair game for armless entities. As GM option, of course. Not RAW.

And come to think of it, Perk: Skill Adaptation (Lying can default to Performance) is an interesting option.