Any point to the "interrogation" skill?

[Happy Fun Ball]

Given that players are usually required to come up with the interrogation tactics, angles, and methods on their own, is an "Interrogation" roll redundant?

It seems like it is adequately covered in Acting, Empathy, Fast Talk, Intimidation, Law, Research, Psychology, and other circumstantial skills (Seduction?). The kind of interrogation a player will attempt is dependent (mostly) on those skills. I've played enough games with you, Logan, where an interrogation is necessary and very rarely do we need to make an actual Interrogation roll. We're using the above skills, and we play it out.

Is it redundant, perhaps, like Parkour?

Anyway, opening a discussion up here, because I think the "Interrogation" skill might carry with it an expectation of utility that just does not exist in a Logan game, and is covered by a number of skills that better encourage the role-play of an interrogation, which is what we seem to do most of the time. This would let people put their, perhaps wasted, interrogation points into actual interrogation tools that will bring in-game success and help the players focus on what's relevant instead of a number.

What do you think? If there's a use for the skill, I missed it, because it hardly ever comes up in my experience. What exactly does that skill do that isn't covered in other skills?

(Also, we should probably change the sheets to say "Research" instead of "Library Use/Research." Library Use is redundant -- hardly the only place to do research -- and it seems the only purpose it serves is to confuse people who are looking for "Research.")

[logan9a]

I think both may be good points - anyone else have any thoughts on these things?

[Fantômas]

Depends on if interrogation could mean the knowledge of types of Enhanced interrogation techniques and how to use them correctly and appropriately

[logan9a]

Point, though it's been proven that physical torture is a poor interrogation method. They'll tell you whatever you want to get the pain to stop.

Hum. Not sure on this one and Russ does bring up a good point.

[PotatoJedi]

I agree with Russ on both points. Not only does it barely ever come up, but when it does, it's not even used. Pete - if that is the case, it's definitely not being used that way. Logan never asked for such a roll when we were trying to do/come up with things.

I can go ahead and change library use to just Research if that's something preferred.

[Happy Fun Ball]

"Library Use" is a leftover from the old Chaosium sheets. "Research" was added because it's more relevant. Logan should get final say, but I say do it. Make it "Research."

On the main point, I'll let other people weigh in, but you know where I stand. It's a leftover from "numbers based" gaming, and we totally don't do that any more.

[logan9a]

I'm thinking Research would be fine.

[Scott]

I agree with Russ about interrogation. Kill it with fire.

...

I am indifferent on changing library use/research.