Intimidation is the blunt instrument of social influence -- when charm fails,
fear works. It covers threats (explicit and implied), coercion (forcing
compliance through dread), interrogation (extracting information under
pressure), and battlefield demoralisation (breaking an enemy's will to
fight). In the verse, Intimidation is the Legion interrogator's primary
tool, the Operative's backup plan, and the Thrax bouncer's native tongue.
In melee, physical presence matters -- a scarred veteran with a drawn blade
can substitute STR for CHA.
Rules Reference
Field
Value
Armor Check Penalty
false
Key Ability
CHA
Trained Only
false
Untrained Use
Key Ability
CHA
Notes
Special: In melee, the attacker may use STR mod instead of CHA mod. A successful
Intimidation check may demoralise a target (shaken condition, -2 on
attacks/saves for 1 minute) without combat.
Special: In melee, the attacker may use STR mod instead of CHA mod. A successful
Intimidation check may demoralise a target (shaken condition, -2 on
attacks/saves for 1 minute) without combat.
Untrained: May attempt basic threats (growls, posturing). -2 penalty on contested
social checks. No interrogation or demoralisation capability. Untrained
intimidation is crude and may provoke rather than cow.