Taunt

Typically used with: Persuasion.

In short: causing incompetence through teasing. Taunt is similar to Intimidate in certain regards. Instead of an imposing demeanor, a character with ranks in Taunt uses a litany of verbal jeers and jabs to upset opponents. While intimidation instills fear, taunting entices anger, which quickly leads to slip-ups.

You can use Taunt during combat to incite rage from a single opponent, imposing −2 penalties on all rolls during the encounter. Performing such an action takes 4 AP. An opponent can only be taunted in this manner once per encounter. Taunt and Intimidate are incompatible: you're either scaring a person, or you're provoking them, so the penalties do not stack.

Whenever you successfully Taunt an opponent in combat you have the option to draw the attention of the opponent instead of imposing a penalty. This means that if a target is acting violently, it will turn its attacks towards the taunting character. This is extremely useful when a comrade is surrounded by too many foes, or to distract an opponent so someone can get the drop on them.

Difficulty

Taunt is an opposed roll, so there are no set difficulties.

Opposed Rolls

Taunt is always opposed by a target's Virtue. If a target critically fails the Virtue check, they're considered wide-eyed to everyone except the taunter for one round of combat.

Time

Taunting opponents in combat takes 4 AP.

Retry

Failed Taunt checks can be retried at a cumulative −2 penalty each time.