The application of Politics

[warmachine]

The Diplomacy skill is applicable when: convincing someone to give to charity; convincing someone to drop a lawsuit; convincing warring factions to sign a cease fire. Politics is the skill of getting in and staying in office. Presumably this means government office at decision forming level.

To me, the art of negotiation and compromise with people with different values and agenda differs from convincing members of your group, who have similar values and agendas and share the resources of the group. To me, the latter has the name 'politics'. Where as diplomacy is influencing a single decision, politics is influencing many, simultaneous decisions, some small, some large, some made quickly, some made slowly. Just think of the petty squabbles in meetings.

So, I propose that Politics is extended to include influencing a group of which you are a member and concerning resources the group collectively controls. Members are trusted more than non-members and Politics rolls should be +4 better than Diplomacy, Sex Appeal etc. If a group is not fond of an idea suggested by one its members, it'd get a frostier reception if it came from an outsider. Influence rolls will often be opposed by the Politics skill of those who have different ideas. It is not used in reaction rolls as such people already know you.

[cmdicely]

Originally Posted by warmachine

The Diplomacy skill is applicable when: convincing someone to give to charity; convincing someone to drop a lawsuit; convincing warring factions to sign a cease fire. Politics is the skill of getting in and staying in office. Presumably this means government office at decision forming level.

To me, the art of negotiation and compromise with people with different values and agenda differs from convincing members of your group, who have similar values and agendas and share the resources of the group. To me, the latter has the name 'politics'.

Actually, I'd say politics -- or Politics -- is mostly about convincing people that you (or your plans) conform to their values or agendas. If they already share your values and agenda, you don't have much convincing to do.

[warmachine]

Originally Posted by cmdicely

Actually, I'd say politics -- or Politics -- is mostly about convincing people that you (or your plans) conform to their values or agendas. If they already share your values and agenda, you don't have much convincing to do.

Surely that's Propaganda and Public Speaking.

Are you telling me you don't have much convincing to do in a club commitee or project meeting?