I'm using linguistics by running off of a prepared speech, but I'm not certain if the ST will allow that to happen.<br/>(It's not bad though)<br/><br/>As for friendliness, there's nothing inherently hostile about talking, even when engated in debate.  And Corinthi, if your character DIES if you don't do the seahome mission, then we really have no choice of what plot hook to follow.<br/><br/>Social combat isn't about draining willpower, but not making your opponent want to spend willpower, or even defend.<br/><br/><br/>As for a quick breakdown:<br/><br/>Parry MDV: Highest of Manipulation, Wits, or Charisma + Highest of Presence, Investigation, and Integrity divided by two.<br/><br/>Dodge MDV: Willpower + Integrity + Essence divided by 2.<br/><br/>The social talent skills:<br/><br/>Presence (1 target social manipulation<br/><br/>Invetigation (I target information gathering)<br/><br/>Performance (Mass persuasion)<br/><br/>Socialize: Used for social sneak attacks and coordinating social mass comat units.<br/><br/>Linguistics: Replaces appearance while working through test