Speak Carefully

Not every battle is fought with steel

"this is actually one of the most useful products for any ttrpg i've used."
- ChaoticGoodra, designer of the Vessel

Launch Special! 

I'm running a launch sale that doubles as a massive community drive.

• 2-Week Sale: 25% OFF ($15) until August 15th
• End of the Sale: Full Price ($20) & Release of Community Copies

Take your social encounters from flat to unforgettable with a toolkit designed for Directors who want to make diplomacy and intrigue feel more real and meaningful. After all, negotiations are at their best when talks turn to tension.

Speak Carefully gives you everything you need to make negotiations that matter, written and designed for modularity and versatility. Use this book to deepen your NPCs, challenge your players, and create the tense conversations that could change the fate of your campaign.

This 106-page supplement contains the following:

• 18 curveballs to create unexpected twists that shift the stakes 
• 9 diplomatic styles that serve as new variations on negotiations
• 26 negotiation tactics that let the negotiator directly challenge the heroes
• 18 adaptable negotiators for you to immediately use at your table
• 12 pages of negotiation advice to guide you from preparation to execution
• 4 new 1st-echelon consumables
• 4 new 2nd-echelon trinkets
• 8 new interpersonal perks for heroes
• 2 new downtime projects to help streamline the pre-negotiation period

FAQ

Why do I need this negotiation supplement?
This supplement is directed towards Directors who want to elevate the role of negotiations in their campaigns, especially if...

• You want negotiations to be as exciting and dynamic as combat
• Your campaign centers on politics, intrigue, or complex social dynamics
• You want to further challenge your players in social encounters

Speak Carefully aims to provide the tools and levers needed to help each of these directors run more dramatic negotiations and make them a highlight of the campaign.

Does this supplement change any of the core rules?
This isn’t a rework of negotiations. The goal of this supplement is to give new levers and mechanics for Directors to make more dramatic and cinematic negotiations. These do not replace any of the core rules but aim to work alongside them.

Will there be a codex implementation?
As much as I'd want to, I don't have the resources to do so at the moment. However, it is something I would love to have in the future. While it's not available now, community interest and future success will help make it possible. If you'd like to help with making a Codex implementation, please let me know.

Can I use the mechanics here for a commercial product?
Yes! You're welcome to create and publish commercial works that use or build upon the mechanics from Speak Carefully, as long as you follow as few simple guidelines.

• Attribution
  Please credit either my full name (Fernando Miguel Lofranco) or "Ritehunter," or reference "Speak Carefully" in your product's credits wherever the negotiation mechanics appear.
  (For example: "Negotiation mechanics by Ritehunter" or "Opulent Diplomatic Style taken from Speak Carefully")
• No Standalone Systems
  You cannot release any of the mechanics here as a standalone system or toolkit. They must be part of a larger creative work, not just a reprint or repackaging of these rules.
• No Implied Endorsement
  Unless I have given you explicit and signed permission, you are not allowed to give the impression that I endorse or sponsor your product in any way.
• On Liability
  I take no responsibility for any legal claims against your product. You agree not to bring any claim against me based on or arising from your use of the content in Speak Carefully.

For full details, please refer to the Commercial License section inside this supplement.

Who is the guy on the cover and banner?
That's none other than Sir Damien Valherst, Duke of Ravensfall. He was brought to life by Nel Kyle Montelijao, who does amazing work. Sir Damien Valherst isn't just a striking face for the cover and banner; he has his own profile as an adaptable negotiator, ready to challenge your players at the table.

When and how do the Community Copies get refreshed?
Every single purchase will be matched 1-for-1 to create free community copies. So if you're buying now, you're directly helping another Director facing financial barriers gain access to this extensive supplement.

I will release the copies at the end of the sale period (August 16th). Afterwards, I'll update the community copies at the start of every month. But, if the community copies go empty, feel free to contact me so I can refresh it.

Do you have any other future projects?
My next big release is the Stormrider, an adrenaline-fuel hero that rides an arcane motorcycle for relentless, high-velocity action. The Stormrider is already feature-complete for levels 1 through 10, with 5 subclasses and 5 power sources to customize your ride to your playstyle. I've been designing and playtesting this since December 2025, so I'm really excited to crowdfund it later this year.

Speak Carefully is an independent product published under the DRAW STEEL Creator License and is not affiliated with MCDM Productions, LLC. DRAW STEEL © 2024 MCDM Productions, LLC.

Speak Carefully was made by humans, for humans, without the use of generative AI.