11.1 Influence, in the form of favors of a particular level, can be acquired through a character's own SL, from his mistress, from an appointment, and from NPC's in certain situations. These favors can be used to influence certain decisions made be NPCs.
11.2 Favors gained from ones own SL, are gained at the start of each season and are wasted if not used. (See the tables). Mistresses give their lovers a favor each year (Influential mistresses give additional favors). These favors are gained once a character has successfully courted a mistress (unless a previous lover has used those favors in the same year). Mistresses favor are renewed in January and are available for use in the January turn. Favors from appointments is gained upon appointment and are renewed each season (again they are wasted if not used). Favors received by special circumstances do not expire and may be kept until used. All seasonal favors renew and are available for use the first month of each season.
11.3 The influence table shows the minimum level of favor needed to modify the die roll on a decision made by a NPC depending on the NPC's rank and/or position. Most decisions made by a NPC can be influenced with the appropriate favor. When a NPC makes a decision (i.e. appointing positions, judging trials and courts-martial, resigning, etc) unless otherwise stated a roll of 7 on one die is required for the NPC to make the decision the character desires. A favor of the appropriate level may be used to modify the die roll either direction. So a NPC can be influenced either way in his decisions. If the favor is of a higher level than required to influence the NPC the character gets an additional +1/-1 modifier for every level above the minimum required. Two favors may be combined to produce a favor one level higher. (i.e. two level 4 favors may be combined to produce a level 5 favor).
11.4 Unless specifically stated otherwise in the rules are tables a NPC will act on a request on a 7+ rolled on one die. In general a roll of 1 always fails, regardless of the influence used. (Nothing is ever 100% certain).
11.5 Any application or action that a character is undertaking that can be influenced must be published in the press via the mailing list. This gives other characters the opportunity to use their influence for or against the character making the application. These should be posted in character (such as a letter to the colonel of a regiment being applied for) and include a not at the bottom with the caption OOC (Meaning Out Of Character). For Example: OOC: Henri applies for the The Coldstream Guards. Once someone had announced an application for an appointment or an intention to use influence, other characters may feel free to use influence for or against this character without further announcements in the press. Exceptions to announcements are regular decisions that are going to be made by a NPC anyway. (These include a judge making a trial verdict, force deployment being chosen, Chancellor sending expeditions.) Since everyone knows these are going to be made there is no need to announce your use of influence unless you wish to do so for role playing reasons.
11.51 Please not that requesting to be excused from regimental or clerical duties must be announced in the press.
11.6 Here is an example of the use of influence.
Henri has announced that he will apply for the post of Brigade Major. After modifiers he would need a 4+ on one die to get the position. He uses a level 4 favor (The minimum needed to affect the Brigadier General who is appointing the post) to gain a +1 modifier to the die roll. He now needs a 3+ to get the position. Athos, an enemy of Henri's uses a level 6 favor against him. The modification is -3 (-1 for the favor and an additional -2 since the favor is 2 levels higher than the minimum needed.). Leaving Henri needing a roll of 6 to get the position.
Please consult with the GM or a mentor if you need help in this area.
11.61 Favors may not be sold or transferred between characters, although they can, of course, be used to benefit another character for whatever compensation that can be agreed.
11.62 Use of influence must be specifically stated in a character's orders. Including the level of favor used. Who is being influenced, and which direction the influence is used for (for or against). A favor declared as used that is of too low a level to affect the NPC being influenced is wasted. So be sure of the level needed for your purpose.
11.63 Player characters may not be influenced using favors.
Bribes
11.7 Favors can be bought in the form of bribes. The cost for each level of favor is shown on the bribes table. For each favor bought by a bribe used a die is rolled. A roll of 3+ indicates that the bribe has been accepted and the favor acts as normal. A roll of 2 indicates that the bribe was pocketed but no influence was gained. A roll of 1 indicates that the money was turned over to the CoPS and the bribe reported and the CoPS may bring charges. (A NPC CoPS will do so on a 4+ and may be influenced). Note that the die roll for the result of the bribery attempt may not be influenced.
11.8 Successful bribes may be combined with normal influence. The use of influence or bribes need not be announced in the press though, or course, they must be in the monthly orders.
11.9 If a bribe is being used to influence the outcome of a trial or court martial and is reported in which the person making the bribe is being tried the following results occur. If the trial is for a minor offense he is automatically found guilty. If he was acquitted for a major offense he is instead found guilty of a minor offense. If found not guilty at a court martial he will face civil trial for bribery the following month.
