Social Merits

Social merits refer to special skills, abilities, or aptitudes in interactions with others that characters may possess. These may range from very simple merits, such as those that indicate a character has a likeable face or instinctively grasps nuance easily, to very complex and supernatural ones, often possessed by only a few beings in the world at any given time. Merits always represent either an innate quality of a character, a situation they have encountered that has permanently affected them, or a skill they have worked hard to acquire.

Social merits are broken down into merits belonging in the realm of Appearance (merits involving what the character looks like or how they present themself), Charisma (merits involving the character's personality and aura), and Manipulation (merits involving social maneuvering or politics).

Appearance Merits

Enchanting Voice: This character has an exceptionally beautiful voice that others love to listen to.

Fashion Sense: This character instinctively dresses perfectly for every occasion.

Forgettable: This character is extremely average-looking and others have trouble remembering what they look like when they aren't around.

Sexy: This character is sexually attractive and easily attracts attention from others as a result.

Soothing Voice: This character has a soothing, almost hypnotic voice, making others stop and listen.

Charisma Merits

Approachable: This character is easy to befriend or start a conversation with.

Best Friend: This character has a best friend who loves them and will always come to their aid when they are in trouble.

Dual Nationality: This character has parents from two different countries and enjoys dual citizenship and other privileges as a result.

Flirt: This character is excellent at flirting with others and at gaining their attention.

Funny: This character is considered hilarious by others and is welcome in most social situations.

Good Credit Rating: This character has an excellent track record of handling money and debts and is considered a good investment.

Good Listener: This character encourages others to tell them secrets by being a comforting confidante.

Good Taste: This character instinctively identifies what most consider the "best" things in life and is considered an aesthete.

Gossip: This character is an entertaining gossip, leading others to tell them things at the drop of a hat.

In Love: This character is in love with someone and is noticeably confident and happy.

Laid-Back Friends: This character has a friend network that supports them without being intrusive into their life.

Made Man: This character is known to be a member of an organized crime group and inspires considerable fear and respect.

Natural Leader: This character has a compelling personality that makes others want to follow them.

People Person: This character loves being around others and is a fun acquaintance for everyone.

Pillar of the Community: This character is liked and respected by others, who turn to them for leadership when unsure.

Seductive: This character has a sensual quality that draws others to them with very little effort.

Smooth: This character is good at fitting into social situations and is usually considered to belong by whomever else is there.

Stand-Up Associate: This character is known to have taken a fall to protect someone else and has a reputation for being trustworthy and reliable.

Supportive Family: This character has a loving family who will support them when they call for it, even without knowing what's going on.

Unflappable: This character controls their emotions and seldom suffers from breakdowns or emotional struggles.

Manipulation Merits

Alimony Recipient: This character receives payments from an ex-spouse that help keep them supplied with necessities.

Corporate Savvy: This character understands the corporate world in and out and knows how to manipulate its power dynamics.

Eye for a Bargain: This character is a skilled haggler and often gets better prices on things they need.

Great Liar: This character is excellent at lying and often does such a good job that others cannot convince anyone otherwise.

Media Savvy: This character is good at manipulating news media to their liking.

Natural Aptitude: This character is especially good at a specialized innate skill, far more than most other people.

Natural Politician: This character is excellent at politics and manipulating groups to get their way.

Snitch: This character has an informant in an important bureaucracy or authority and gets relevant secrets from them.

Upright Citizen: This character has a reputation for being a good and honest person, even if they don't act like it.

Way With Words: This character phrases things perfectly in order to convince others to believe or agree with them.

Wealthy Partner: This character has a romantic or business partner who makes a significant amount of money and shares it with them.