Would Robotech:UE be the place for social combat rules?

[jgants]

Thinking about the still-possible Rob:UE, I got to thinking. It seems to me a lot of the shows had a lot of social interaction, including influence over others.

A lot of other RPGs have been introducing "social combat" type systems recently. So I thought - maybe Rob:UE would be a good place for that kind of thing. Just like Nightbane (or was it Splicers?) was the origin of the perception rules in the Megaverse, Robotech could become the origin of social combat rules.

It wouldn't even have to be main rules or anything. Maybe optional rules that show up in the Rifter or something.

Any thoughts?

[Jefffar]

As a GM I've always liked having to make players role play rather than roll play their way through social situations. I do know there are ways to get role playing within "social combat" rules, but I've never found them as fun as just forcing the players to try to convince my NPCs.

That being said, fi you notice, a high PB or MA grants you abilities to charm, impress or intimidate. Skills like anthropology, interrogation and seduction also have a strong social aspect.

[Lt Gargoyle]

while i think it could help a bit to move some of the games along, I agree with Jeffar on the role playing. It is a great way to develope the characters in ways dice will nevr do.

[Jefffar]

I think the rules could be useful as a way for the GM to figure out the interactions of his NPC's and help to keep them unique both in his mind and the players.

They may also be useful as a way for the GM to help map out future events that the players can influence.

My problem witht hat is if you go by the D&D rules, even if the approach is terribly horribly wrong, the PCs still havea chance of success (small one, but possible).

If a player pullls a bonehead move like complimenting the emporer on his daughter's bedroom proficiency before asking for the honour of leading a certain military expidition - I want the guy to have to scramble to avoid an encounter with the headsman, not have a slight chance of gettign what he wants.

[Nekira Sudacne]

I am firmly against any and all social combat rules.

that's what roleplaying is for.

the MA and PB attributes should be kept in mind, but there should not be any formal system, it takes away from actually roleplaying.