Basic Details
Makes your body language harder to read while equipped, usable in response to “Detect Lie” or “Read”.
Designed for Diplomatic gameplay. This is Specialist Equipment and can only be used by members of the DIPLO Division.
Usage
This item uses 1 Power each time it is used to resist a call. It automatically uses any attached Power automatically until it has run out; you must roleplay turning the device off to pause its use.
Obtaining
This item is available at Character Creation and during the game from the Ardent’s Shop for 8 Credits.
Upgrade
This upgrade is designed for Pacification Fields. If added to this item, the Kinesics Nullifier only uses Power when resisting “Detect Lie”.
If this upgrade is added in-play to other items, it uses 1 Power to resist “Detect Lie” or “Read”.
Description
Resist is a single call that allows a call of “Read” or “Detect Lie” from any source to be treated as having no effect. If a call is resisted, the caller should treat the situation as if they’ve made an effort to get some insight into the target, through mechanical means or more subtle means like reading body language, but cannot confidently draw conclusions. A character having the ability to Resist a call should not necessarily be treated as suspicious in all circumstances; there could be any number of reasons for someone to be willing and able to hide their intentions.
The Kinesics Nullifier Upgrade automatically triggers when needed, and does not have the roleplay requirement of dulled emotions that the Pacification Field does.
How To Use
- In response to “Detect Lie”, call “Resist” and expend 1 Power.
- In response to “Read”, call “Resist” and, if not attached to a Pacification Field, expend 1 Power.
- Once the device has no Power attached it stops working.
In-Game Use Examples
Nan-daughter-Narhan stands alone on the offramp of the damaged shuttle, a dozen blasters pointed at her head; “I wouldn’t try it, it’ll be worse for you if you do”. “Oh yeah?” sneers a raider. “You’re full of it. Just you, all by yourself? You got a whole army in there?” “Last warning”. The raider leers and peers into her face, calling “Read: emotional state”. Nan is no diplomat, and she is admittedly terrified for the safety of her fellow crew, but there’s one thing her training has taught her and that’s to keep, her, cool. She meets the gaze of the raider. “Resist”. The raider hesitates, deterred, and then feels the others looking to him. “Pfft. I think we’ve made our point. No need to waste ammo on you. We’ll be back later! Have a tribute ready this time”. It’s only once they’re out of sight that Nan allows herself to breathe, breaking out into a cold sweat.
In Diplo, a situation emerges:
Carew: “Beans, you buffoon, did you move my folder?”
Beans: “WHAT, no I never, how could you.”
Carew squints.
Carew: “Detect lie”
Beans squints back.
Beans: “RESIST. I didn’t take it and even if I did, you totally took my scanner last week”.
Carew: “What? No I never”
Beans: “DETECT LIE. Ha.”
Carew: “Resist! Double ha! I can’t believe your audacity. I’m the one asking the questions here!”
High Commissioner: “Would you two just quit it already? There’s spare kit in the cupboard, shut up or get out”.