Question regarding Mindlink and Social Skills
So, quick question: Can Mindlink be used to communicate the needed "1 minute" of time that the Diplomacy and Intimidate skills require to change a creatures attitude? Both skills are listed as being language depended, which makes sense. Mindlink, however, is listed as non-language dependent; which means... what? Exactly? Can it not be used to communicate language at all, or is it just able to communicate with or without a shared language?
My instincts say that a language dependent ability or piece of information (AKA having a conversation in Elven or bullying someone in Common) can be made using a non-language dependent medium like the Mindlink spell or certain forms of telepathy (Like a mk 3 mindlink circlet). However, the two creatures in question would need to share said language in order for such communication to happen.
Now obviously this would provide Mystics (especially Empaths) a potentially interesting avenue to pursue in combat (barring Opportunity Attacks and making Touch attacks and the like); which is why I'm asking on reddit how others are interpreting this before I greenlight it for my players and their charismatic Overlords eager to share 10 minutes worth of potential torture to enemies in a matter of seconds. Thoughts?
Posted Apr 15, 2018, 7:08 PM UTC
According to RAW I'm allowed to rule NO to using this approach as standard. But in certain cases I'd try to allow it while maintaining balance.
The general rationale for NO is that these skills require 1 minute "interacting and conversing". Actual time, actual communication, not getting a bunch of information and images dumped in your head. It requires social finesse or an intimidating presence.
Keep in mind:
Here's a safer, more RAW approach: dumping information in a target's brain during 1 minute of conversation may alter the DC of following social skill checks. Certain creatures will react poorly or with surprise when they realize you've played with their brain. Sometimes sharing information causes immediate success and negates the need for a social check. Sharing images can be very convincing. Roleplay!