Insult skill

[Keguri]

While discussing the uses of Intimidation skill I thought of lack of an opposite, but at least equally useful skill.
If Intimidation serves to make the subject not attempt confrontation even if he's got chances of winning, where is the skill that would make the subject attempt the confrontation when he's got no chances of winning?
This skill can be learned and mastered, the skill of witty Insults was perfected by many generations of satirists etc.
This skill is widely used - cops use it to get the excuse to beat the prisoner. Criminals use it to get the chance to put charges on cops. It's an extremely useful skill in every society where 'he who starts the fight is guilty'.
This skill could work equally well in different times and subcultures. It would be useful for Bards to defame their opponents, it's useful in social situations to wittily make fool of somebody etc.
What mechanics would you use to simulate 'Insult' skill?

[Flyndaran]

Sounds like a specialized form of Fast Talk. You are trying to goad someone into making a rash decision based on what you say.

[the_matrix_walker]

Since you're trying to manipulate behavior rather than just cause harm, I would refer to this as "Provoke" or "Goad" rather than "Insult"

This is case of using your words to get someone to do what you want, so it's probably a function of Psychology or Fast Talk (perhaps a specialization or technique).

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by Keguri

While discussing the uses of Intimidation skill I thought of lack of an opposite, but at least equally useful skill.
If Intimidation serves to make the subject not attempt confrontation even if he's got chances of winning, where is the skill that would make the subject attempt the confrontation when he's got no chances of winning?
This skill can be learned and mastered, the skill of witty Insults was perfected by many generations of satirists etc.
This skill is widely used - cops use it to get the excuse to beat the prisoner. Criminals use it to get the chance to put charges on cops. It's an extremely useful skill in every society where 'he who starts the fight is guilty'.
This skill could work equally well in different times and subcultures. It would be useful for Bards to defame their opponents, it's useful in social situations to wittily make fool of somebody etc.
What mechanics would you use to simulate 'Insult' skill?

There is detailed mechanics for this in GURPS Social Engineering. Part of it is in Chapter 3, under "Wit, Mockery, and Insults," and part is in Chapter 6, under "Provoking and Taunting," especially "Starting a Fight."

Bill Stoddard

[Nyarli]

GURPS:Action suggests fast-talk. Dungeon Fantasy allows Singing. IMO it is also reasonable to allow Public speaking to be used this way (not in combat of course).

[Flyndaran]

Default use can get you a lifelong career out of it.... I'm looking at you unfunny Don Rickles.

[Keguri]

Thank you. Seems like GURPS indeed has got everything covered. Social Engineering sounds like a very, very interesting rulebook. :)

[Quixotic Qlippoth]

Is there a 4th Edition version of maneuvers/techniques/whatever for non-combat skills? I could easily see an "instigate" technique being part of Fast Talk.

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by Quixotic Qlippoth

Is there a 4th Edition version of maneuvers/techniques/whatever for non-combat skills? I could easily see an "instigate" technique being part of Fast Talk.

Not a fully worked out list. Social Engineering has writeups for a handful of social techniques, such as Cutting Out and Hinting. More could easily be worked out.

Bill Stoddard

[johndallman]

Originally Posted by Quixotic Qlippoth

Is there a 4th Edition version of maneuvers/techniques/whatever for non-combat skills?

Absolutely. There are several examples on B232-233.