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Difference between revisions of "40d:Intimidator"

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== Qualities of a high intimidation skill ==
 
== Qualities of a high intimidation skill ==
 
{{D for Dwarf}}
 
{{D for Dwarf}}
The intimidator skill is proportionate to the length of a dwarf's beard. Naturally in a dwarven kingdom the king or high ranking authorities are chosen by the length of their beard. The dwarven King is pronounced at birth by a baby having a beard length longer than its own height. Because of this reason for leadership, nobles are exempt from working because of the dangerous attributes and scenarios arising from having too long a beard in the work place. Often injuries occur when the beard is underfoot or gets caught in a pumping gear requiring quick assistance from neighbouring dwarves. Therefore nobles and Kings have devised a method of walking to avoid treading their own beards. This pattern of step includes a wider stance when walking and has the effect of causing nobles to  swagger or even waddle depending on the size of the noble's beard and waist. New styles of beard wearing has been seen in upper circles of nobility as nobles have begun to wear their beards in knots or bows with cave spider silk ribbons with the purposed showing of wide and flowing loops of beard to show of their royalty. Naturally any peasant or non-legendary dwarf caught growing their beards too long are punished by having their heads shorn and lashes given. The beard length is a long and appreciated tradition. Going back to Urist the great who was so great a King and had so mighty a beard that all dwarves in the Kingdom sought to grow their beards after his example and chose future kings based off the size of their beards.
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A dwarf's intimidation skill level is directly proportional to the length of that dwarf's beard. Beard length has long been used as a barometer of a dwarf's social status, and dwarven [[noble|nobility]] derive their right to rule from the length and thickness of their beards. Successors to the dwarven throne are chosen at birth; the infantile sovereign is identified by having a beard longer than its own body. This quality also exempts nobles from working, as catching a beard in a an active gear assembly can snap the neck of the strongest dwarf. Among the upper class, beard decorations have become increasingly fashionable. Intricate braids, complex plaiting patterns, decorative knots, and even subtle perfumes are considered the height of dwarven chic. Weaving multi-colored silk ribbons into beards is common among the middle class, while peasants tend to stick with more utilitarian looks that can be quickly prepared, easily cleaned, and tucked into a belt.
  
Sometimes a beard grows so rugged and wild that the majority of the face is covered by it, this is a desired condition known as beardism. The trait leaves only dwarven beady eyes peering out of a tangle of hair. This is seen as a very scary and an intimidating sight by most dwarves and will hasten to avoid arguments or confrontations with these said dwarves. Naturally Elves as well are frightened by excessive beard growing, as their own faces grow no facial hair at all. Therefore, they will often attempt to prove their superiority by offering better deals to appease an dwarven broker with a very long beard.
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Upon reaching [[legendary]] status, a dwarf's beard is granted the right to extend beneath that dwarf's knees; non-legendary dwarves attempting to short-circuit normal social rules of advancement are punished with shearing, imprisonment, and even the ministrations of a [[Hammerer]] in the most serious of cases.
A common practice is for a long bearded dwarf having a tough deal with an elven liason to stand still with crossed arms and to stare at the elf long enough until the elf breaks down in tears and agrees to any bargain the broker would choose to make.
 
  
Conclusively, the intimidator skill is '''the''' prime trait a broker should always have, and even more importantly than mastery in all skills combined. An intimidating dwarf is a respected dwarf, and a respected dwarf more likely to get better deals, authority, and loyal obedience.
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Dwarves that act as brokers often cultivate facial hair that completely covers their heads, leaving only a nose and the suggestion of two beady dwarven eyes within a labyrinthine mass of hair.  This is sometimes called an "eyebrow beard" by humans, as the beard appears to start ''above'' the eyes.  It has a definite effect on human traders, and elves are particularly frightened by it, being a species completely devoid of facial hair.  The beard has the effect of forcing a negotiator to focus solely on the dwarf's eyes, as no facial cues can be divined from within the beard.  This unnerves the negotiator so thoroughly that practically any deal the dwarf names will be agreed upon.  There are stories of dwarves convincing elven traders to swear off cannibalism, although these are generally considered to be hairy tales.
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A broker's intimidation skill, therefore, is extremely important, and its mastery should be encouraged, even to the detriment of other skills. An intimidating dwarf garners respect from his peers, gets better deals at the trading table, and has a better chance of attracting the kind of mate a [[Fish dissector|Fish Dissector]] can only ''dream'' about.
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==

Revision as of 19:10, 1 March 2010

The intimidator skill is a useful trait of the outpost broker and dwarves in general. It is used in trade negotiations to secure a better deal.

It is gained by:

  • Successful trades at the trade depot.
  • Finalizing an export agreement.

Notable ways that it is not gained include:

  • Proposing an unsuccessful trade at the depot.
  • Offering goods to foreign traders.
  • Simply being assigned as the broker noble.
  • Sitting around at the depot, whether there are traders there or not.
  • Liaison meeting steps that occur before the export agreement.

Qualities of a high intimidation skill

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A dwarf's intimidation skill level is directly proportional to the length of that dwarf's beard. Beard length has long been used as a barometer of a dwarf's social status, and dwarven nobility derive their right to rule from the length and thickness of their beards. Successors to the dwarven throne are chosen at birth; the infantile sovereign is identified by having a beard longer than its own body. This quality also exempts nobles from working, as catching a beard in a an active gear assembly can snap the neck of the strongest dwarf. Among the upper class, beard decorations have become increasingly fashionable. Intricate braids, complex plaiting patterns, decorative knots, and even subtle perfumes are considered the height of dwarven chic. Weaving multi-colored silk ribbons into beards is common among the middle class, while peasants tend to stick with more utilitarian looks that can be quickly prepared, easily cleaned, and tucked into a belt.

Upon reaching legendary status, a dwarf's beard is granted the right to extend beneath that dwarf's knees; non-legendary dwarves attempting to short-circuit normal social rules of advancement are punished with shearing, imprisonment, and even the ministrations of a Hammerer in the most serious of cases.

Dwarves that act as brokers often cultivate facial hair that completely covers their heads, leaving only a nose and the suggestion of two beady dwarven eyes within a labyrinthine mass of hair. This is sometimes called an "eyebrow beard" by humans, as the beard appears to start above the eyes. It has a definite effect on human traders, and elves are particularly frightened by it, being a species completely devoid of facial hair. The beard has the effect of forcing a negotiator to focus solely on the dwarf's eyes, as no facial cues can be divined from within the beard. This unnerves the negotiator so thoroughly that practically any deal the dwarf names will be agreed upon. There are stories of dwarves convincing elven traders to swear off cannibalism, although these are generally considered to be hairy tales.

A broker's intimidation skill, therefore, is extremely important, and its mastery should be encouraged, even to the detriment of other skills. An intimidating dwarf garners respect from his peers, gets better deals at the trading table, and has a better chance of attracting the kind of mate a Fish Dissector can only dream about.

See also