Compel the Truth
This spell makes a subject unable to tell a direct lie, but the spell has some caveats making it an imperfect tool for interrogations.
Effect
The spell is resisted by the targets Willpower or Wits + Subterfuge pool, whichever is higher (difficulty 7).
If the defender beats or ties the defenders, the defender can tell lies but it's harder than normal. Rolls to lie are +1 difficulty and empathy rolls to detect lies are at -1 difficulty, unless the defender wins by three or more successes.
If the caster beats the target by three or more successes, the target has to truthfully answer all direct questions and answer the letter and the spirit of what is asked.
If the caster wins by one or two successes, the target can lie by omission and follow the letter of a request while violating the spirit of the request.
Example:
Show spoiler
A target that resists by one or two successes can also refuse to speak though it's usually fairly obvious whether they actual know something or not.
Manipulation Persistent"Where did you see the captain of the guard?"
"I saw him in the great hall" is technically a true answer but "In the arms of your chambermaid" would be a more informative answer.
by Me with Midjourney
Related School
Enchantment
Effect Duration
About an hour
Effect Casting Time
Standard A-action
Range
About ten yards
Level
Third Circle
Applied Restriction
Re-casting this spell over and over waiting for a subject to break is not easy. Every successive casting by the same caster on the same target within a span of a calendar year gives the resister a die on their Willpower roll.
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