Knowledge: Bureaucracy

All governments are organized based on a complex system of interpersonal relationships. This system is regulated by a Bureaucracy, a process of protocols, checks and balances, and procedure that gives the government a sense of order and cohesion. Characters with this ability understand how governmental structures work and can attempt to use those structures to their own advantage. Bureaucracy roll can become rather complex (since governments are complex) but a simple rule of thumb is that Perception + Bureaucracy rolls involve identifying and sizing up specific government departments and protocols (i.e. who’s really in charge here? and which agency has jurisdiction over this matter?). Intelligence + Bureaucracy rolls are used to formulate the best plan for manipulating a bureaucratic structure (i.e. What’s the best way to bribe this official? and do I have all the paperwork to get this permit?). Manipulation + Bureaucracy is rolls are used when actually cutting through red tape and attempting to influence a politician directly using words, memos, or other incentivizing methods. Common information rolls using Bureaucracy include acquiring proper forms, identifying people who can approve or cripple certain projects, and assessing the current status of a government agency or department. Bureaucracy study rolls involve filling out all of the necessary forms to get a license or approval for something, orchestrating a lobbying (or bribery campaign), and understanding the public and private records and ledgers of specific politicians or organizations.

Ability Levels:

0	Ignorant: Getting even a simple driver’s license or registering to vote is a nightmare for you that will take days, or even weeks.
1	High School: You have a basic understanding that filling out the right forms and talking to the right people gets things done faster.
2	College: You have regular interactions with local government personnel and you frequently know who to manipulate and who to avoid.
3	Masters: You routinely meet with major political figures and pitch your ideas by them. You frequently avoid lines and red tape (unlike lesser citizens).
4	Doctorate: You either lobby politicians for a living or you administer a government agency directly. Getting the right people on your side comes easily.
5	Scholar: You are a factor in national if not world-wide politics. You can think of ways to do almost anything legally by obtaining government approval.

Possessed by:

Ravnos, Administratives, Politicians, Secretaries, Spies, Lawyers, Civil Servants, Utility Company Employees.

Sample Specialties:
Avoiding Red Tape, Creating Red Tape, Lobbying/Bribery, Political Negotiation, Political Intrigue, Black Mail, Schmoozing.
Players may choose a specialty at level 4 and gain a second specialty at level 5.