Perform
(Dance, Specific Instrument, Oratory, Singing, Acting)
*Perform* represents a character’s ability to entertain and captivate an audience through various forms of expression such as music, dance, acting, or storytelling. This skill can be used to earn money, impress others, or provide a distraction in social situations. The success of a performance is determined by a Perform check, with the difficulty set by the GM based on factors such as the audience’s mood, the quality of the performance, and the performer’s reputation. Characters can specialize in specific types of performance, such as playing an instrument or singing, to gain additional expertise.
Performances can influence a character’s reputation and relationships with NPCs. A successful performance may earn the character a following, positive reputation, or even financial rewards, while a poor performance could damage their reputation or provoke hostility. This skill can also serve as a way to showcase a character’s creativity and talent, adding depth to their role in the story.
Dance
Dance specialization covers the ability to perform intricate dance moves, either alone or with a partner, and to keep rhythm with music.
| Description of the Check | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Performing a simple dance or following basic choreography | Easy (9+) |
| Executing a complex dance routine or improvised moves | Average (12+) |
| Performing an intricate or physically demanding dance | Hard (15+) |
| Dancing as part of a group performance, keeping in sync with others | Very Hard (18+) |
Modifiers that may affect this check:
| Circumstance | Modifier |
|---|---|
| Dancing on a slippery or unstable surface | (flip-1) |
| Using props or special effects to enhance the performance | (shift+1) |
Results:
- Success: You perform the dance flawlessly, captivating the audience or impressing those watching.
- Failure: You stumble or miss a step, which may result in a less favorable reaction from the audience.
- Failure by a Large Margin: You make a significant error, potentially embarrassing yourself and causing a negative reaction from the audience.
Specific Instrument
Specific Instrument specialization covers proficiency in playing a particular musical instrument, allowing the character to perform solo or as part of an ensemble.
| Description of the Check | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Playing a simple melody or following basic sheet music | Easy (9+) |
| Playing a complex piece or improvising | Average (12+) |
| Performing a challenging composition or solo | Hard (15+) |
| Playing in an ensemble, staying in sync with other musicians | Very Hard (18+) |
Modifiers that may affect this check:
| Circumstance | Modifier |
|---|---|
| Instrument is out of tune or damaged | (flip-1) |
| Playing in front of a particularly appreciative or hostile audience | (shift±1) depending on audience reaction |
Results:
- Success: You play the instrument skillfully, earning applause or admiration.
- Failure: You hit a wrong note or lose rhythm, leading to a less enthusiastic response.
- Failure by a Large Margin: You make a significant mistake, potentially leading to boos, jeers, or disinterest from the audience.
Oratory
Oratory specialization involves delivering speeches, telling stories, or otherwise captivating an audience with spoken words.
| Description of the Check | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Delivering a simple speech or reciting a well-known story | Easy (9+) |
| Crafting an original story or improvising a speech | Average (12+) |
| Delivering a persuasive speech to sway opinions or incite action | Hard (15+) |
| Engaging a large or hostile crowd with oratory skill | Very Hard (18+) |
Modifiers that may affect this check:
| Circumstance | Modifier |
|---|---|
| Audience is distracted or disinterested | (flip-1) |
| Speech or story aligns with the audience’s beliefs or emotions | (shift+1) |
Results:
- Success: Your words captivate the audience, swaying their emotions or beliefs.
- Failure: You fail to hold the audience’s attention, leading to indifference or disinterest.
- Failure by a Large Margin: You lose the crowd entirely, potentially provoking hostility or backlash.
Singing
Singing specialization covers vocal performances, from simple songs to complex operatic pieces.
| Description of the Check | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Singing a simple tune or lullaby | Easy (9+) |
| Performing a complex song with emotional delivery | Average (12+) |
| Singing an intricate or operatic piece with technical precision | Hard (15+) |
| Singing in harmony with others, maintaining pitch and timing | Very Hard (18+) |
Modifiers that may affect this check:
| Circumstance | Modifier |
|---|---|
| Accompanied by skilled musicians or a well-tuned instrument | (shift+1) |
| Performing in an environment with poor acoustics or noise | (flip-1) |
Results:
- Success: You sing beautifully, moving your audience or earning their admiration.
- Failure: You miss notes or lose rhythm, leading to a less favorable reaction.
- Failure by a Large Margin: You make a significant vocal mistake, leading to potential embarrassment or disinterest from the audience.
Acting
Acting specialization involves getting into character, adopting mannerisms, speech patterns, and dressing as someone other than your true self. This can be used to try to imitate someone or simply fake emotions that you don’t feel.
| Description of the Check | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Acting out simple emotions or imitating basic mannerisms | Easy (9+) |
| Playing a specific character in a staged performance | Average (12+) |
| Impersonating someone convincingly in a social situation | Hard (15+) |
| Performing an intense, emotional scene or maintaining a disguise under scrutiny | Very Hard (18+) |
Modifiers that may affect this check:
| Circumstance | Modifier |
|---|---|
| Audience is familiar with the person or role being portrayed | (flip-1) |
| You have personal experience with the emotions or role being portrayed | (shift+1) |
Results:
- Success: You convincingly portray the character or emotion, earning praise or achieving your goal.
- Failure: You struggle to stay in character or convey the emotion, leading to a less convincing performance.
- Failure by a Large Margin: You break character or fail to convey the intended emotion, leading to suspicion or a poor reaction.