Ways for a character to "attack" others or "defend" themselves without physical violence, talking or otherwise. It's all about gaining an advantage in the immediate situation. Compare with Social Engineering.
- And Then What?: The villain is caught off-guard by asking what they intend to do once their plan succeeds.
- Armor-Piercing Question
- Break Them by Talking
- Death Glare
- Forgot to Gag Him
- I Shall Taunt You
- Passive-Aggressive Kombat
- Scheherezade Gambit
- Shaming the Mob
- Shut Up, Hannibal!: The villain makes fun of the hero by claiming they're no different from their opposition or that their idealism makes them a naive fool. The hero responds by addressing that the villain's claims are complete nonsense and/or a very poor rationalization for giving up on punishing the villain.
- Talking the Monster to Death
- Talking Your Way Out
- Verbal Judo
- Villains Never Lie
