I am confused as to the difference between Bluff and Persuade. The two are so intrinsically linked that there seems to be little difference between them. If I lie (Bluff's territory) I am persuading people that what I say is true. If I tell the truth (Persuades territory) I am persuading people that what I say is true.

If had a high bluff I would be better at making people think I'm telling the truth when I'm not, but if I tell the truth with a high bluff, I would be crap at persuading people I am telling the truth without a high persuade. This makes little sense, why would there be such a great divide in this instance? It seems logical that someone who can create a great lie would be able to tell the truth just as easily

Likewise, if I had a high persuade and try to persuade a person into thinking I am telling the truth when I am not, I would be crap at it without a high bluff, but if I try to convince a person into thinking I am telling the truth when I am, I would be amazing at it.

So my question is this, "does this make sense and is this how I am to see bluff and persuade, if the answer is no, then what is the point of taking two of the skills over just one and how am I to see it?"

Tristan

If had a high bluff I would be better at making people think I'm telling the truth when I'm not, but if I tell the truth with a high bluff, I would be crap at persuading people I am telling the truth without a high persuade. This makes little sense, why would there be such a great divide in this instance? It seems logical that someone who can create a great lie would be able to tell the truth just as easily.

These things are always open to personal interpretation. However, I do think that you're simplifying the two skills. Persuade doesn't just encompass telling the truth, nor does Bluff only involve telling a lie.

The skills are different. My take is pretty simple:

- Bluff measures a character's ability to lie to or deceive others by using misleading body language, acting and fast-talking.

- Persuade measures a character's ability to sway people's opinions. For me, this involves qualities like public confidence, a compelling demeanor (personal charm, sexual allure for example) and general oratory skills.

Basically, if you're trying to deceive someone rather than change their stance on something, you'll use Bluff rather than Persuade. And vice versa.

As an example, a Council hopeful giving a speech to the public on why they should vote for his policies over those of his fellow candidates would include Persuade, and no Bluff.

Alternatively, a character who has committed a crime and attempts to deceive the arresting Watchman by quickly making up a sham story is using Bluff, not Persuade.

Hope that helps.