Every standard identity substitutes for at least one ability, by default, or more if taken as an additional feature. It’s only for taking actions that the ability it subs for ordinarily covers.
An identity does not sub for that ability for the purposes of coercing a shock meter or making a stress check, unless it has the Resists Shock or Coerces feature respectively.
I know Invisible Clergy Lore, of course I can: tell an avatar from a lunatic, jump to incorrect conclusions that somehow pan out, distinguish the residue of amateur art projects.
Substitutes for: Knowledge.
Feature: Substitutes for Secrecy.
Feature: Evaluates the Unnatural.
I’m a Cult Survivor, of course I can feign compliance, tell us both what needs to be heard, see the real power dynamic, suffer discipline, keep a routine, find a way out.
Substitutes for: Secrecy.
Feature: Protects Self.
Feature: Coerces Helplessness or Coerces Unnatural
Feature: Substitutes for Connect
I’m Clued In, of course I can roll my eyes convincingly at mention of Dirk Allen, tell a real Sleeper from a poser, get in touch with a guy who claimed he was from TNI.
Substitutes for: Secrecy.
Feature: Casts Rituals.
Feature: Use Gutter Magick.
I’m Sexually Nonconforming, of course I can get into the gay bar even when there’s a long line, flirt outrageously without being stalker-y, hold a poker face while talking with cultural conservatives.
Substitutes for: Lie.
Feature: Substitutes for Secrecy.
Feature: Substitutes for Connect.
I Steal, of course I can tell if that purse is a knockoff, clock an armored car, spot a pickpocket in a crowd.
Substitutes for: Secrecy.
Feature: Substitutes for Lie.
Feature: Substitutes for Pursuit.
I Perform Illusions, Of Course I can escape from handcuffs, shoplift, misdirect attention, source you a well-behaved dove.
Substitutes for: Secrecy.
Feature: Substitutes for Lie.
Feature: Unique (can win a lot of money cheating at cards).
I’m Working Homeless, of course I can know which creepy places even the violent and crazy are scared to go, haggle
tenaciously, repair just about anything with just about anything as long as it only has to work one
time more.
Substitutes for: Secrecy.
Feature: Protects Self.
Feature: Substitutes for Lie.
I’m an Addict, of course I can find a source, communicate in slang, exert myself in brief and intense ways if there’s drugs at the end of it.
Substitutes for :Lie.
Feature: Substitutes for Secrecy.
Feature: Protects Self.
I’m a Petty Crook, of course I can get you something cheap that fell off a truck, arrange to get you bonded out of jail, tell you which beat cop is bent.
Feature: Substitutes for Secrecy.
Feature: Substitutes for Lie.
Feature: Unique (finds criminal opportunities).
I’m a Detective, of course I can run a plate, conduct surveillance, spy on your personal electronics.
Substitutes for: Notice.
Feature: Substitutes for Secrecy.
Feature: Substitutes for Pursuit.
