2.47.2 Constructing and understanding logical argument

A character can use his/her Reasoning skill to:

These activities help the character to argue convincingly to influence others of the merits of a particular case.

Constructing a logical argument

A character can analyse information to work out a solution to a problem and construct a logical argument supporting that proposed solution if he/she makes a dice roll using his/her Reasoning (including logical argument specialism) + IQ.

The dice roll result determines what bonus or penalty the character gets on his/her dice rolls to convince others of his/her proposal. The same modifier also applies to help others to understand the argument, as follows:

Dice roll result Meaning Modifier to arguing convincingly dice rolls and to others understanding the argument
Zero or lower No proposed solution -5
1-3 Solution and supporting argument have considerable flaws -2
4-6 Solution is reasonable but the supporting argument is crude +0
7-9 Supporting argument identifies the key factors that should impact decision +2
10 or more Supporting argument is simple and clear (even if the problem is complex) and supported by relevant factual information +4

There is a modifier to the dice roll to construct a logical argument for the complexity of the problem, from +4 for a very simple problem with a clear-cut solution to -4 for a very complex problem with no perfect solution.

A character gets a bonus to the dice roll if he/she spends time analysing the supporting information in advance, rather than just thinking on his/her feet. The bonus varies from +1 for a minute spent in preparation, +2 for an hour, +3 for a day, up to +4 for a week.

A character has a penalty of -1 to -4 on the dice roll if he/she is missing factual information when constructing his/her logical argument.

Understanding another's argument

When someone else presents a logical argument, a character listening to it can understand it if he/she makes a dice roll using his/her Reasoning (including logical argument specialism) + IQ. He/she gets a modifier to the dice roll based on how well the argument is constructed (see above).

Understanding another's logical argument helps the character in three ways:

The degree to which he/she fully understands the argument is determined by the dice roll result, as follows:

Dice roll result Meaning Modifier to argument dice rolls if attempts to use understanding to support/oppose
Zero or lower No understanding of other's argument -1
1-3 Understands some of the argument +0
4-6 Understands the main points of the argument +1
7-9 Understands the main points of the argument, and the assumptions underpinning the argument +2
10 Grasps the fine points of the argument in depth +3

There is a modifier to the dice roll to construct a logical argument for the complexity of the problem, from +4 for a very simple problem with a clear-cut solution to -4 for a very complex problem with no perfect solution.