Social Engineering

[Johan Larson]

Might enough sweet-talk and cheap whiskey persuade Bill Stoddard to reveal some details about his upcoming GURPS book, "Social Engineering"?

[Akicita]

If we could apply Social Engineering so effectively to start with, why would we need the book?

[Johan Larson]

So we can do without the whiskey?

[Astromancer]

If the book is what it sounds like, it would be rules for cultures and ecconomies. Think GURPS :Alpha Centauri's society/ecconomics rules only far more flexible and far better linked to real world knowlege and scholarship. It would let you give different groups and societies interesting flavors, edges, and weaknesses.

[whswhs]

You need to know your subject. Offering me anything with alcohol is good for about -3 to reaction or influence rolls.

I really, seriously, can't talk about either the length or the topics of Social Engineering; those are part of my contract with SJ Games. I'm willing to talk about why I think I'm a suitable person to write such a book, if that has any interest for you. Or I'm willing to watch as you discuss what you would want in a book on social position, reactions and influence rolls, and related topics, and maybe steal topics for the revision.

Bill Stoddard

[Anders]

Originally Posted by whswhs

You need to know your subject. Offering me anything with alcohol is good for about -3 to reaction or influence rolls.

Bill Stoddard

If I offer catnip before you lord, Thy Cat?

CATNIP FOR THE CAT GOD! YARN FOR THE YARN THRONE!!

[lexington]

Originally Posted by whswhs

You need to know your subject. Offering me anything with alcohol is good for about -3 to reaction or influence rolls.

I really, seriously, can't talk about either the length or the topics of Social Engineering; those are part of my contract with SJ Games. I'm willing to talk about why I think I'm a suitable person to write such a book, if that has any interest for you. Or I'm willing to watch as you discuss what you would want in a book on social position, reactions and influence rolls, and related topics, and maybe steal topics for the revision.

Bill Stoddard

Can you at least confirm that it has something to do with social engineering?

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by lexington

Can you at least confirm that it has something to do with social engineering?

"Something to do with" would be fair. But this book uses the expression rather more broadly.

Bill Stoddard

[Flyndaran]

Originally Posted by whswhs

... I'm willing to talk about why I think I'm a suitable person to write such a book, if that has any interest for you....
Bill Stoddard

That sounds interesting to me. I think I've read that you have problems with certain forms of social interaction like humor. Am I wrong in this memory?

[Astromancer]

Originally Posted by Flyndaran

That sounds interesting to me. I think I've read that you have problems with certain forms of social interaction like humor. Am I wrong in this memory?

If this book does for social interaction what GURPS :Martial Arts does for combat interaction, how could it not be worth the money. If it's about how to structure societies in RPGs, it's worth the money. I don't always agree with Mr. Stoddard, but the man is widely read and a good author, so I trust the resaults of his labour will be worth the cash!!!!!!!