How does the manipulation skill work?

[HVTI]

I was able to use it on DeMarcus multiple times (once to grab the keycard, and the next to use it to open the door), but when I try it on other NPCs, I can only make them do one action. I thought that the purpose of the skill is for them to obey your command within a certain amount of time?

[Tunnfisk]

As I understand it, it works like any other NPC manipulation skill. It's a one-time use, and then they are immune for a set amount of time. You can only play around with the good doctor due to "tutorial"-like circumstances.

[HVTI]

Originally posted by Tunnfisk:

As I understand it, it works like any other NPC manipulation skill. It's a one-time use, and then they are immune for a set amount of time. You can only play around with the good doctor due to "tutorial"-like circumstances.

Bummer. Does this mean that the only real benefit to investing additional points into the skill would be the level cap, since you can't really do anything with the extended time period?

[Tunnfisk]

Originally posted by HVTI:

Bummer. Does this mean that the only real benefit to investing additional points into the skill would be the level cap, since you can't really do anything with the extended time period?

I can't say for sure if it only affects the level cap or if it also increases the duration.

Accordingly, it does affect the time they are under the influence.

https://www.gamerguides.com/starfield/database/skills/social/manipulation

[HVTI]

Originally posted by Tunnfisk:

Originally posted by HVTI:

Bummer. Does this mean that the only real benefit to investing additional points into the skill would be the level cap, since you can't really do anything with the extended time period?

I can't say for sure if it only affects the level cap or if it also increases the duration.

Accordingly, it does affect the time they are under the influence.

https://www.gamerguides.com/starfield/database/skills/social/manipulation

Yes, the in-game description for the skill also indicates an increased duration. As discussed so far, however, the increased time benefit isn't very useful since you cannot continuously give commands to the controlled npc.

[jclovis3]

Originally posted by HVTI:

...however, the increased time benefit isn't very useful since you cannot continuously give commands to the controlled npc.

One other good use of the manipulation skill is introduced during training. The character blacks out and is unaware of anything that is going on while they are under. This means you can commit crimes right in front of them and if there are no other witnesses, you get away with it. Trying to make them sit down some place as a means of controlling their location can backfire as they may often just get right up and follow you around so might as well not waste that one command on sitting. In some cases, they can be manipulated to attack another which in effect puts two people in a situation directed by a single command (kill two birds with one stone?).

[HVTI]

Originally posted by jclovis3:

One other good use of the manipulation skill is introduced during training. The character blacks out and is unaware of anything that is going on while they are under. This means you can commit crimes right in front of them and if there are no other witnesses, you get away with it. Trying to make them sit down some place as a means of controlling their location can backfire as they may often just get right up and follow you around so might as well not waste that one command on sitting. In some cases, they can be manipulated to attack another which in effect puts two people in a situation directed by a single command (kill two birds with one stone?).

I think that the timer you get for rank 1 manipulation is already pretty substantial. I just wish that we had the option to give additional commands, since the original training demonstration made it seem that way (picking up a key card, then unlocking the door).

[Bored Peon]

I used it to have Ron Hope give me the snow globe book off his desk.
It was not considered stealing.

I later tried it with The Collector and the artifact but apparently Bethesda hardwired the bounty and hostility to the artifact being taken.

It also works great to temporary take control of a guard and be able to sneak past them. As long as you do not send it into LOS of any hostile guards.

[The92Ghost]

I have to agree with most of the players here. We should be able to give the NPCs unlimited amount of commands during the control, since the control is timed. I've tried many times using Guards or NPCs to open a door for me with their security card but most of the time, I am getting the message that they cannot do that, which is weird since they are security and have the ID to open it it if for example you pickpock them. They can't even press a simple button that is designed to be pressed by them when they are under your control.

Take for example the guy at the UC Capital, the one that guards the contraband for the VIewport bar lady. You take control over him with the manipulation skill but when you tell him to open the door or press the button, it won't work. You can persuade them, that's for sure but you cannot manipulate them which is weird.

Same thing happens when you do that Quest for Ryujin. Basically, you cannot manipulate the security guard that guards the door towards the office where you need to install the "proof". Basically, the security guy obviously has a security ID but for some reason you cannot manipulate them into opening the door for you.

I believe this skill is highly underrated and the only valuable time when you can use it is when you affect the Board Members to take different decisions than their own or if the option to manipulate an NPC during a convo pops up from time to time in the Persuasion mini-game.

I seriously think that this skill needs to be checked again by Bethesda and make it more valuable for long-term gameplay, because right now, is basically pointless. The only thing that is cool about it, is that you have a new tech that no one else has, and "grants" you power over individuals minds, but actually not granting you those powers....

Really disappointed by the skill. Not even worth leveling up the trait until way later in your gameplay through because for example higher success in persuasion is far more important and useful than the tech which should grant you control over other individuals minds.