Vanguard Diplomacy Guide (Basics)

Diplomacy Basics

Diplomacy interaction opportunities are marked as such with a 'quill & ink icon in the NPC interaction window. By selecting this dialogue option you will begin a 'Parley' which opens a special interface between you and the NPC.
 

 

The Parley

The diplomacy exchange, called a Parley, is played out in an exchange of cards which represent expressions & statements. The player is armed with a set of cards that can expand as the player levels, but the player can only take up to 5 cards (expands as your character progresses) in hand to a Parley - select your hand with care, not all opponents play nice. Each card has a different set of stats and effects including Dialogue points, Expression points required, Expression points generated, card recharge timer.

Pay attention to the dialog window (see A in previous image) during Parley. This dialogue moves forward as you progress. Unlike many MMORPG's of late, you can't just wisk through conversations with NPCs in Vanguard. Often, in addition to extensive lore, vital quest information is outlined in the dialogue including directions to quest areas or items, tips on how to defeat certain mobs or other little clues to completing the next quest.

 

Diplomacy Strategy

Before you begin a parley you must select the cards you will want to use in that exchange. This is referred to as your 'Diplomacy Strategy'. Once your diplomacy training is complete you should have around 10 cards from which to choose from when building up your 'diplomacy strategy'  - or 'cards in-hand' (see C in the first image).

Keep in mind that certain types of conversations will negate certain expression types, and certain NPCs will play different types of expression cards. So you'll have to alter your strategy from time to time to stay ahead of your opponents.

Diplomacy Cards

Each diplomacy card has a set of unique values which help move you through the exchange. You start out (after training) with somewhere around 10 cards - of which you can carry 5 into parley with you.

Name of Statement

The name of the statement helps you differentiate one card from the next. The 'Name of Statement' is often referred to in diplomacy strategy guides as well as conversations with friends and fellow Vanguard fans.

Dialogue Points

Dialogue points are indicated in the upper right corner of the card. These points advance the conversation in the favor of the person playing the card. Get enough Dialogue points and you keep the conversation going your way and win the Parley.

The color of the wax seal, behind the dialogue point value, (see B in 'Vanguard Cards' table) indicates what type of statement the card is - if that type of statement is negated (indicated by grayed our expression pool and 'X' indicator on expression pool icon) then those points will not be awarded to you and will not move the conversation in your favor. Certain types of conversations negate particular types of statements.

Incite conversations negate flattery statements/expression points
Convince conversations negate inspire statements/expression points
Interview conversations negate reason statements/expression points
Gossip conversations negate demand statements/expression points
Entertain conversations negate nothing

Expression Points

Expression point cost is indicated in the middle/center of the card. You must have generated the required Expression points in order to play each card. (there are starter cards that have no requirements)

Expression Point Pools

Expression point charge is indicated in a 2 sided table below the Expression point cost meter. Points facing you collect in your expression point pools, points facing the NPC collect in the NPCs expression point pools.

Each card you play will cost you expression points and will replenish the expression pools powering the next card move - run out of expression points and you must stand and simply listen.

Card Timer

Each card has a turn timer in the bottom right corner of the card. This indicates how many turns the card will be 'out of play'. The number is generally a range (IE 1-3 turns, 4-5 turns etc) You must play other cards from your hand until this card is recharged and ready to play again.

 

Diplomacy Progression

Storyline Quests (0 – 39 skill)
The initial quests help establish the basics of the diplomacy parley interface. They also introduce the player to the expansive racial lore Vanguard designers included in the game. Each race has a intricate in-depth lore which will help players understand their character’s race and some of the cross faction motivations and tensions. Quest rewards include new diplomacy cards, new diplomatic clothing and diplomatic skill gains.

Civic Diplomacy (40 – 149 skill)
Once you've completed the initial quests, you'll have the opportunity to influence certain conditions in cities and outposts. Apparently, diplomats will be able to influence some of the characteristics of towns - prosperity, inclusiveness, productivity, political power, military might and so on. Multiple diplomats all working together to a particular end can be quite effective.

Regional Trade (150 – 199 skill)
This level of skill opens up the income possibilities for diplomats. Diplomacy will open the door for players to purchase items cheaply in one region and sell these items in another region for hefty profit. Players can find the trade routes that are most profitable and work their way into a very profitable set up.

Writs (200 – 299/349 skill)
Not much is known - fill us in - we're dying to know!!

Embassy (300/350 – 500 skill)
Not much is known - fill us in - we're dying to know!!

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