Rhetoric

A character who has this proficiency has mastered the Appollonian science of public oratory. He can speak well, but more importantly, he knows the accepted rules and conventions for delivering legal and political speeches. Rhetoric was adopted by the Appollonians after the Succession Wars and became an integral part of the education of upper-class Appollonians. Many citizens attend the law courts and political speeches not out of interest in the case or issues, but simply to hear the most skilled orators speak. When a character makes a formal speech in Appolloian to an audience of educated Appollonians, he may make a Rhetoric proficiency check. If successful, his delivery was excellent (regardless of the content of the speech) and the audience was at least entertained and possibly moved; the DM can give a +5 bonus on subsequent use of Law or Politics proficiencies. However, use of rhetoric does not impress non-Appollonians, nor is it appropriate for haggling with merchants over prices! If two characters with rhetoric get into a debate over an issue, the highest roll that also succeeds wins; only the winner receives a bonus.

Class Grouping

General

Slot Cost

1

Attribute

Wisdom

Modifier

0