OSINT-6 CHANGELOG 251221

The SRD's Influence action wasn't deep enough for a game centered on access, disclosure, authority, leverage, and human judgment. A single attitude and check can resolve a simple request. Espionage play regularly asks harder questions: Does this person know the answer? Can this person grant access? What would compliance risk? Which obligations or limits control the response?

We replaced the single action with a bounded Influence procedure. The agent states a specific request, and the Game Master establishes only the parts of the responding character's social profile that matter. Those parts can include attitude, interests, pressures, knowledge, access, authority, limits, and existing agreements.

Access and authority come before willingness. A friendly receptionist can't disclose information the receptionist doesn't know or grant permission held by a security director. A high check can't manufacture either capacity. Once the responding character can provide the result, willingness determines whether a check belongs. A willing character accepts through a reasonable method. An unwilling character refuses because the request crosses a controlling limit or remains unacceptable. A hesitant character can be influenced.

For hesitant characters, the request's complete cost sets the stakes. Low-stakes requests begin at DC 10, Moderate at 15, High at 20, and Severe at 25. Unacceptable requests receive no check until circumstances change. Attitude and leverage can modify the attempt, but neither turns a bounded concession into unrestricted control.

The request itself also needs a narrow definition. Permission to enter one controlled room doesn't include permission to search the building, copy records, detain staff, or return later. A successful result accomplishes what was asked within the agreement reached.

This procedure gives social action firmer limits while leaving room for many approaches. Persuasion, deception, intimidation, bargaining, and professional authority can all matter. The method selects the check. The profile and request determine what success can actually produce.