anoymous text

[lazyjustice]

And so, my friends, it is that time once again.

Lay your troubles at my door and let Auntie soothe your worried spirits.

I am here, my friends.

I am listening.

[he is also bored]

[in any case, at the bottom and signed with a flourish is the word:]

Auntie

Comments

[anon text]

[lazyjustice]

My Dearest Spookster,

While your goal appears to be noble; it will not, I'm afraid, be easy.

Though I know nothing of who you are or your abilities, you will not be able to intimidate everyone. In fact you may goad the very people you are intimidating into further violence so they may prove to themselves and you how much they are not afraid. Therefore, there are some situations in which you will be forced into violence and may have to stand up to whatever force is working against you and I hope you can subdue it for reasons I will get into.

If you are willing to accept that risk, the biggest factor of intimidation, or posture, or 'posing', as it were, is to suggest a consequence dire enough to dissuade someone from committing the act you are against.

For example: If you touch this or that object, I will beat you to within an inch of your life.

Again, this may cow some while it will spur others to action.

But should you fight and lose, or get beaten soundly enough, you will lose your reputation and so no Posturing will work until such a time that you can regain it, if you can do so.

Unless you are extremely powerful, I would suggest getting together a cabal of like minded individuals to enforce your 'ideas', as it were. An individual can be easily gotten around, but most would think twice at facing a group of consequence, thereby stopping any fights before they start.

Though again, some may take that as a challenge.

My final suggestion is to take notes of those whose Posture you find intimidating and see how they do it and how you may emulate them.

Otherwise, be prepared for a long grueling fight balanced on the precipice of maintaining your reputation or falling brutally into the realm of no one taking you or your goals seriously.

Best wishes,

Auntie

Re: [anon text]

[youfool]

Actionable threats, mobs, and copying the tried and true, all while keeping a close eye on the banes and blessings of reputation. Thank you, Auntie.

[lazyjustice]

[... he wonders if he should have said all that. He just got carried away with the theory of it all.

....Ma, oh well. What was the worst that could happen?]