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Basic Dragon-Blooded Bureaucracy charms

Water Flows Downhill Argument

  Cost:  6 motes, 1 willpower
  Duration:  Instant
  Type: Simple
  Minimum Bureaucracy:  5
  Minimum Essence:  3
  Prerequisite Charms:  Geese-Flying-South Administration

Just as raindrops gather together into impressive pools, so does a Dragon-Blooded using this charm gather together his supporters into a determined faction. In a short (and often dry) oration making his position clear, those who agree with what is said find themselves driven to support the Dragon-Blooded and become his temporary allies in this endeavor (and only this endeavor). Even if they would rather keep silent or avoid an issue they see as hopeless, the magic of this charm can draw them out. The Dragon-Blooded makes a Charisma + Bureaucracy roll, which the targets of this charm resist with a Willpower roll. For every net success that the Dragon-Blooded achieves, his newfound supporters will stay with him through one disappointment or setback. Especially embarrassing failures on the floor can loose supporters even quicker, negating two successes. If the Dragon-Blooded gets five net successes, however, he has earned long-term political supporters. Otherwise, even unopposed support dies out after the character's Essence in days.

The effects of this charm is obvious to those familiar with this magic, but they will still go along with their convictions for the duration of the charm. It is important to note, after all, that this charm only affects those that already agree with the Dragon-Blooded but aren't willing to support him for whatever reason. Even those that are freshly swayed by the actual oration are otherwise unaffected, because this charm only affects people with ingrained convictions. The successful use of this charm can earn the invoker a good deal of respect, but woe betide the Dragon-Blooded that lures a number of his fellows into support of a doomed endeavor.