Jargon Skill

[jchokey]

One of the PCs in our game is a mason/architect and one of his skills is "Jargon". Now, can see lots of circumstances in which Jargon might be *linked* with another test, or FoRKed into it. But I'm having a tough time imagining it a circumstance where it would be tested by itself?

Anyone ever used this meaningfully in a game?

[quixoteles]

Duel of Wits' Obfuscate is a good way to use jargon, maybe avoid the topic.

[jchokey]

Duel of Wits' Obfuscate is a good way to use jargon, maybe avoid the topic.

That's a cool idea.

However, it doesn't seem to comport with the rules.

Per the description in the CB, "Jargon" is the ability of engineers, architects, and individuals involved in such projects to communicate among each other about complex technical matters (e.g. building a structure, digging a mine, etc.) It's not the ability to speak in a confusing or impenatrable matter about any subject.

Also, Jargon's not listed as an acceptable Duelling skill, or even as a specific option for the "Obfuscate" action.

I agree that a mason or architect should be able to *FoRK* jargon into an obfuscate roll, especially if the duel is about a technical matter. ("We can't build the temple with a central dome, at least not out of these materials.... because...[technical mumbo jumbo]")

But again, that still leaves it as a FoRK, rather than as a stand along test on its own. Maybe this is just a skill that won't ever really be tested on its own?

[xenomouse]

But again, that still leaves it as a FoRK, rather than as a stand along test on its own. Maybe this is just a skill that won't ever really be tested on its own?Actually, I believe you answered your own question a few sentences before with this...


Per the description in the CB, "Jargon" is the ability of engineers, architects, and individuals involved in such projects to communicate among each other about complex technical matters (e.g. building a structure, digging a mine, etc.) Roll to test whether you successfully transmit your plans to your workers. Failure means... Frank Gehry?

[pseudoidiot]

The only thing that really comes to mind because something similar came up in our last BW session (a PC introducing himself to Dwarves using his Dwarven language skill): use Jargon to show someone you know your head from your ass, basically. So, instead of just walking in and talking shop a little, use your Jargon skill to show everyone listening that you know what you're talking about and hopefully get a positive reaction from people around you; fail the roll and they think you're incompetent or something.

I don't know how much help that is, but hopefully it at least gets your gears turning.

[Skiorht]

But again, that still leaves it as a FoRK, rather than as a stand along test on its own. Maybe this is just a skill that won't ever really be tested on its own?

I'd agree. There are quite a few skills that will never get tested on their own, but instead get a lot of use as FoRKs or helping dice. I actually find it rather refreshing and realistic. In my everyday life I employ a lot of "support skills" that supplement my actual work, but which are practically never used as such. A good example might be my skills in using common computer applications, which are merely FoRKed to my writing skill when I'm preparing a script, for instance.

In our current Hârn campaign, some of the players are already regretting their focus on their characters' core skills and are using downtime to expand their range to easily FoRKable skills and wises.

[luke]

In our current Hârn campaign, some of the players are already regretting their focus on their characters' core skills and are using downtime to expand their range to easily FoRKable skills and wises.

Music to my ears!