Debate
Debate is a form of non-violent conflict used by those who have passed through the Portal of Fate. The main abilities involved are the innate skill of Debating found in Influence and the numerous advanced abilities in Dramatics.
The Basics of Argument
The core mechanic is similar to rock-paper-scissors.
- All adventurers are always in one of three mindsets: CAUTIOUS, ANALYTICAL, or PEDANTIC.
- Debate attacks all employ one of three styles: PETTIFOGGERY, PONTIFICATION, or PASSION.
- When one adventurer debates another, the outcome is determined by comparing style to mindset.
- Each mindset is weak, neutral or immune to a different style.
- If accosted in a style your mindset is weak to you will take a major blow to your ego. A neutral style will still cause you a small ego loss. However, if you are immune to their style, your opponent will be knocked down a peg; taking ego damage as if you had attacked them with an style they are weak to.
| Mindset↓ Style→ | Pettifoggery | Pontification | Passion |
| Cautious | neutral | weak | immune |
| Analytical | weak | immune | neutral |
| Pedantic | immune | neutral | weak |
- The winner is the first to get their opponent's ego to 0.
- Debates are always one-on-one.
Advanced Rhetoric
The Dramatics skill introduces 3 attitudes (Lawyerly, Saintly, Zealotry) and 3 fast-talk afflictions (DebateHurry, DebateCircuitous, DebateLoophole).
- Each attitude cures and defends against one of the afflictions.
- Each affliction weakens the afflicted's use of a particular mindset.
- You can only maintain one attitude at a time.
| Attitude | Cures | Empowers |
| Lawyerly | Loophole | Pettifoggery |
| Saintly | Hurry | Pontification |
| Zealotry | Circuitous | Passion |
The Focus Enchantment is also important.
How to Improve
- Have greater Maximum Ego and Ego Regeneration
- Use a reflex system to...
- ...randomize your mindset and style after every round.
- ...always switch to the style your opponent's mindset is weak to.
- ...script keyboard shortcuts to make manual control easier. (Some have used a 10-key pad for this.)
Why get good at debate anyway?
Apart from the enjoyment found in a vigorous debate circle or tournament, debate sees two important uses: peaceful village revolts and winning the Seal of Justice.
Revolts
Some villages revolts will be under a ritual of peace so you won't be able to decapitate rival faction members to prevent them from influencing the villagers. However, if you defeat someone in debate, they are unable to use Influence at all for 10 minutes. This may be enough time to shift the odds in your favour.
Keep in mind that without hindering attacks, nothing restricts your opponent from simply leaving the room when you begin debating them. If a key villager is in the room, they may be less likely to run from your words.
Challenge of Justice
The first-place winner gains the honor of being the Sealbearer of Justice, though there are typically awards for second through fifth place as well.