Chapter I - Introduction
My dear readers, my fondest greetings to you! If you are reading this, it means you have not destroyed the whole of existence.

Well done.

I would like to believe that this is in part due to my previous attempt at writing, The Survivor's Guide: A Few Simple Tips and Tricks. This may be merely the delusion of an aging woman. Nevertheless, here I am, at it again. This time I propose to educate you on the field of manipulation, or: getting others to stop being such idiots and do what you tell them. This is an area of knowledge which will serve you in good stead, be you adventurer, politician, or - like me - a little of both.

Let us begin.

It is a common misconception that the same persuasive techniques will be good for all and sundry. This assumption is, quite simply, stupid. This being the case, I shall break this guide into sections, covering the manipulation best suited to the more common races found in these lands, along with the alterations one must make dependent upon the gender of the one being manipulated, hereafter called the subject.

Chapter II - Elves
Elves are pacifists. No matter how powerful, their first action in any given situation will be to observe it. This gives the manipulator a chance to practice her art - remember, it is exceedingly difficult to sway the minds of those who cannot hear or will not listen. In the manipulation of elves, your target is the heart. Your subject is easily swayed by emotion, beauty, sincerity, and similar foolish things. If you are emotionless, ugly, and an unabashed liar, you should admit these things. Elves can be extremely sympathetic. Furthermore, they are often very forgiving - should you offend your subject, return later with a well thought-out apology and some sort of gift. The following things are sure to please: Flowers (the rarer the better), fine wines, masterworked instruments, and suchlike. If you have a need of angering your subject, the destruction of beautiful things, especially those first offered as gifts, will accomplish the task marvelously.

Chapter III - Dwarves
There is no form of life more hard-headed than a dwarf. It can be very difficult to get anything into that thick skull without heavy tools. Do not even bother with subtlety. Plain speech is your best option, as it will put them off their guard. Avoid long words or confusing turns of phrase. If you are willing to pay a price in return for what you want from a subject, say so. It is not bribery, it is bartering. Be warned, however: as difficult as it is to get something into a dwarven skull, it is next to impossible to get it out. Any insults will be remembered until the day the subject dies - or longer, if they are insults to his clan. Once a dwarf has taken a dislike to you, your only recourse is reason. Should the subject begin showing signs of anger at this, vacate the area at once. Once the subject has made up its mind on a topic, it will not change unless given time to think the matter over: incessant badgering of the subject will only cause it to grow more stubborn and less likely to reconsider. Gold, gems, fine weapons and armor are always appreciated, especially when they relate to the history of the subject's clan. However, always be certain that these are offered in trade for something, never as a gift, which would be perceived as a bribe.

Chapter IV - Halflings
The halflings, or hin as they refer to themselves, are capricious creatures. They admire most a sense of humor, a willingness to laugh at anything, and a quick wit. They will accept gifts without reservation - especially food, I find, though the gods themselves do not know where it all goes. Certainly not to their hips, the fortunate creatures - but I digress. They enjoy compliments, but dislike inaction. When not moving, they prefer to be eating or engaged in some sort of physical activity. Do not expect to hold the attention of one of these little people for long unless you have a knife to its throat. Quarrels with hin can last for as little as a span of minutes, which allows one to try multiple times to achieve one's goal. I have discovered no surefire method of arousing the wrath of a hin, short of actually harming someone the hin cares about. This said, hin are fiercely loyal and, once yours, will follow you into the Nine Hells, skipping and carving moustaches on statues along the way.

Chapter V - Gnomes
Your guess is as good as mine.

Chapter VI - Humans
Perhaps one of the more difficult races to manipulate simply because of the diversity of personality found within the race. When working with a human subject, one must always consider the individual or small group. Their choice of lifestyle, their background, whom they spend their time with, what their goals are - these are all good clues. For example, a human with many dwarf friends is likely to share at least some traits with dwarves. In this case, one may then refer to the appropriate section for dwarves. Remember that humans will most often put themselves before their society or humanity as a whole, yet at the same time might be willing to sacrifice themselves for family. The simple rule for manipulating humans: Know your subject. This is true for all peoples, but with humans it is vital. Humans are more likely to be manipulated by one who is within their social circle. They are easily offended - pointing out their flaws often does the trick - but are also more open-minded to suggestions and new ideas than any race save perhaps halflings.

Chapter VII - Gender
It goes without saying that gender alters the circumstances of any given manipulation. There are four possible pairings to be considered:

Man to man: This is as much a contest of power as it is anything else. If the other man believes you to be more powerful, you immediately begin with the upper hand. Establish your dominance and do not give it up.

Man to woman: Please. Do not insult us by trying.

Woman to man: His sense of superiority is your greatest asset. Admit that he is more powerful than you, and from there on you can almost give the subject direct orders without him objecting. If the man is somewhat intelligent, you can attempt to reason with him - but if he believes that you are more intelligent, he will be frightened and become stubborn. Admissions of weakness, needing help, and tears are excellent tools for invoking his pity and desire to help - this works regardless of whether the man is even mortal. One can bring a demon to his knees, offering to life in exchange for your safety with the right words and a hint of a tear. Lastly, breasts. You have them for a reason.

Woman to woman: A very delicate manipulation. Use every ounce of guile you have, and be prepared to change tactics at a moment's notice. For best results, play on the fears of your subject. Danger to children or family is an excellent motivator. Be careful when threatening to take valued possessions for yourself, as this can result in an extremely violent response.

Chapter VIII - Conclusion
Enough! Gods above and below, I feel that my fingers shall fall off soon. Never have I been more grateful for the existence of scribes. This, then, is it: As complete a guide to manipulation as I can give without writing myself into my own grave. Study this guide closely, know its tenets, and you shall have your vampiric lover feasting on tomatoes instead of maidens in no time. I warn you to keep in mind that there is no guide that can replace close personal knowledge of the subject, but if you are armed with this knowledge and my little book, you shall find yourself unstoppable.

And now I must, once more, say farewell. May you be granted all that you have earned, and receive all that you deserve.

Sincerely,
The Lady