Wrapping my head around social combat

[Kristviljan]

I'm kind of unsure of why social combat is a thing in the game. I haven't gotten around to really trying it out yet and I don't think I'm seeing why I would instead of just giving tests of social skills to affect the same or similar outcomes as social combat.

So I guess my question is for anyone who has run a session with social combat it in or been a part of one, why should I bother with it?

[Traskus]

It's a thing in the game because lawfulnice wanted it to be/it's in l5r. It isn't for the "roll social skill, does/n't work" stuff. It works better for political and exploration campaigns like in rogue trader. Situations where you want to accomplish something important but violence isn't the best or a desirable option.

I don't know how to get around certain problems (variety of social techniques, actual fail states) but I guess that's what role play is for. Just make sure whatever enchantment expert is in the party has a counter (someone with the arcana skill). Maybe not to call the party out but provide consequences if that's tried. The two resolve per scene limit is a bitch that I attempt to correct here.

If you don't have that in your game then don't bother. If you do, look into it.

Command is the one that confuses me. Its purpose is to clearly and effectively deliver orders to people who would already do what you say.

[Kristviljan]

I think I get it, I'll have to try it out to see what I think of it but thanks for helping me figure out where to use it.