Cold Reading

From ElanVital

Basic Facts

Skill Definition: Cold Reading is the ability to accurately ascertain information about a subject by recognizing and interpreting cues in facial expression, body language, speech patterns, and appearance.

Common Uses: This skill can provide a wide array of knowledge, dependent on the skill level of the reader, and the ability of the subject to mask themselves. When rolled, Cold Reading should give an impression of what can be read on the subject's face *at the moment*. Generally, this means emotions. Cold Reading may also be used to try and see beyond another character's "mask", however, and to recognize lies.

Rule Information

Rule Notes: *This is not a mindreading skill*. At no level does Cold Reading offer exact thoughts. At higher levels, the readings become more precise, and easier to recognize, while at lower ones it provides a very generalized idea of what a subject is feeling. Also, it may only be applied to people. Cold Readers may not interpret the feelings of their neighbor's dog. ;)
Common Modifiers: Cold Reading is typically rolled at 0.
Counterskills: Acting, Disguise