4 D's of Diplomacy
Every NPC of note, including AIs, will have a Desire, Decorum, Dynamic, and Deceit written into their briefing, to help provide consistent and interesting experiences. Players can leverage items against NPCs to discover this information and gain an advantage in diplomatic encounters.
The Four D’s are not intended to be used as a checklist, and there will be plenty more information that can be discovered organically through roleplay.
Desires
Desires are what a character wants. This can be specific to a specific scenario: for example, does this character want information, resources, or equipment out of a negotiation? Are they just doing a job or motivated by their values? Do they want mutual success or for their side to come out on top? It can also refer to grander, more general objectives: they might value honour, seek prestige, or be motivated by spite.
Dynamic
Dynamic refers to how the NPC sees their relationship with the players. Do they see themselves as your friend or foe, and do they consider themselves to be holding all the cards? Do they think they can easily wipe the Alliance from existence, or do they admire you? Would your threats be seen as serious, and do they think the gifts you’re promising have any merit?
Decorum
Decorum is all about being polite, which can be difficult when you’re not familiar with the planet’s culture. Are you using the appropriate style of communication and following the correct customs? Do you know how highly this person values seniority; and do you even know what that means in their culture? Different cultures value different things: being direct, underhanded, or dancing around the point will all be received differently by each group, and then by different individuals.
Deceit
Deceit is different to the other three “Ds” in that it is far more circumstantial and is good practice in LARPs to not constantly have NPCs lie. Any character may practice deceit, but through the right items players are able to detect these lies. This can be done in slower time, such as when reading correspondence, or in an intense situation like a hostage situation as a hail Mary. NPCs may also have access to this ability, but remember anyone can see through a bare-faced lie, or earn a reputation for untrustworthiness if they say one thing and do another…
Detecting Lies
The Detect call is commonly used to detect lies. If you hear “Detect Lie” after making a statement, you must reply yes or no.
