Romance

Romance can be a recreation or a source of lasting relationships -- and confusing the two can lead to interesting situations.Social Engineering, p.28 Romance (as a book section) is still technically for short-term encounters -- lasting relationships require building trust!see Social Engineering, p.40-41
== The Time and Place ==
If romance risks embarrassment or social stigma, suitors often start by asking discreetly for a meeting in private where they may plead their case more openly (e.g. royal court, or their elders' estate). On the other end of the spectrum, some places are much easier on proposals -- a house party or masquerade ball might be the perfect environment for pairing up. Anonymity and the general vibe of the location can ease inhibitions.
== The Person ==
=== Matters of Taste ===
Just like in the real world, a subject may be particularly interested in a character already, or be particularly uninterested. For some plot points, a GM may end up rolling target reactions or determining some dispositions in advance.Social Engineering, p.29 Some subjects may be unattracted to the romancer's sex (or species). 
=== Prior Commitments ===
A subject may have an ethical commitment that prevents a romantic engagement -- a particular Code of Honor (Arthurian knights, for instance), Vow (of celibacy, or detachment from earthly pleasures), marital fidelity, etc. 
=== Ain't My Thing ===
Some characters may just not be into romance. Killjoy, is a real killjoy, and some Sexless characters may also be aromantic/asexual as well.
== General Modifiers ==
From Social Engineering:Social Engineering, p.29
* Complying Is Risky: -1 if the courtship might embarrass the target, -3 for risking a Social Stigma or endangering a marriage, or -5 for potential physical danger. 
* Gifts: As for offering a bribe (see BriberySocial Engineering, p.48-49), but it must be presented as a gift, not as payment!
* Minor Courtship: +1 if what the suitor wants is limited (e.g., a kiss). 
* Relative Appearance: Add or subtract the difference in reaction modifiers for Appearance and Fashion Sense (if applicable). If the person being courted is not attracted to the suitor’s sex, use the lower reaction modifier for the suitor’s Appearance, but the higher modifier for that of the person being courted (if there’s a difference). With an Androgynous character, use the same modifier in either case. 
** If they're not interested in the suitor, this reaction is more of a spectrum of "how they let them down".
* Relevant Skills: +2 for successful use of Carousing or Sex Appeal (choose only one), if appropriate for the situation. If not appropriate, or the skill roll fails, -2 for making the attempt! 
* Target Has Lecherousness: +1 for self-control number 15, +2 for 12, +3 for 9, +4 for 6. This only applies if he is attracted to your sex, species, etc.
== Other Considerations ==
"You know I'm your type, right?" -- NIKI, Indigo (song)Characters may have various interests in romance and sexuality that only really have "point costs" depending on if they have a social stigma in the setting and/or it gives resistance to seduction from sources, if relevant. In general, for many adventures, a character being pansexual or asexual is a 0-point character feature.
== More on Social Engineering ==
* Social Engineering
** Face to Face
*** Reaction Rolls and Modifiers
**** Romance <- You are here
***** Seduction
***** Courtship
***** Sidebar Fade to Black?
== See Also ==
* Sex Appeal
* Power-Ups 6: Quirks, specifically for social quirks like Preferred Looks, Likes, Dislikes, etc.!
== References ==
*
category:rules