BY THE BOOK

I’m sorry, I can’t let you do that. Protocol clearly states that you must follow the correct procedure when you are opening a dialogue with a potentially hostile species. I really shouldn’t let you do that at all. Look, if you want to go that way and ignore the signs, then be my guest. I, however, will be following the arrows to the nearest escape hatch while putting on my lifejacket.

Effect

The character will follow instructions, advice or correct procedure to the letter without deviating. Soldiers with intensive military training often have this trait, following the orders of the commanding officer without question. It doesn’t mean the character is a mindless drone, but it does mean that it may take some serious convincing to get them to go against their training or orders. If someone tries to convince them otherwise, they will usually make an Ingenuity and Resolve roll, and the trait gives them a +2 bonus to the roll.

This is a bonus, despite it being a Bad Trait, as most of the time failing to show initiative and going against orders will result in putting themselves in danger or annoying their teammates. The bonus does, however, also apply when trying to resist Hypnosis or Possession if the mental control is trying to get them to do something they’d normally refuse to do.