// Scripted agents — decode disruptors, loops & passive-aggressive scripts.
We map behaviors, not worth. Spot the Tell, name the Script, apply a clean Counter-Move. Move slow; refuse performance.
Common scripted roles you’ll meet at thresholds: counters, doors, queues, and group spaces.
Tell: Re-asks answered questions; hunts for reassurance signals.
Script: You defend clarity; they hold the pen on “reasonable.”
Counter-Move: “I’m clear.” (full stop) Resume prior action; no extra proof.
Field Notes: Often paired with the Righteousness Flip if you keep your line.
Tell: Drifts inside your distance, reacting to your micro-moves.
Script: You speed up, talk more, or cede positioning.
Counter-Move: Reset distance. Slow breath. Continue task without commentary.
Field Notes: Combine with “Distance as Law” drill.
Tell: Jokes that require your laugh to proceed.
Script: You validate; they gain time & status while you lose pace.
Counter-Move: Neutral face. “No thanks.” Return to task.
Field Notes: If humor fails, expect a mild righteousness flip.
Tell: Rapid info dump after your clear request.
Script: You track their channel instead of your objective.
Counter-Move: “Run it as asked.” or “I’ll wait for the result.” (silence)
Field Notes: Works with Card Reader Interrogation patterns.
Tell: Quick glances to others; subtle nods that redistribute attention.
Script: Group “decides” your access while no one owns it.
Counter-Move: Address the owner directly: “Who can authorize this?” (wait)
Field Notes: Often anchors Stall Gate loops at counters.
Tell: Sends you back to the same blocked step (“Go ask them first”).
Script: You accept the loop and erode resolve.
Counter-Move: “Who resolves this here?” If redirected again: “I’m good.” Exit.
Field Notes: Classic Double Tendril (stall → redirect back).
Tell: After you note an absence (“I never see anyone do X”), multiple people suddenly perform X in obvious view—often at the same time.
Script: Overwrite your memory and pace so you doubt your perception and accept the injected behavior as normal.
Counter-Move: “Noted. This is new.” (silent after) Treat multiplication as signal of panic, not proof. Resume your original action and timing.
Field Notes: Pattern window is usually 24–48h after your first observation; duplication (2+ at once) is a tell. Log the “before” in one line to anchor recall.
Tell: NPC approaches stall mid‑script: hover without hook, misplaced lines, eyes scan then drop, physical reroute without contact.
Script: Normally they bait for pace or validation; here the script fails to load against sealed jurisdiction and seeks a new entry point.
Counter-Move: Hold stillness. Keep task cadence. No corrective smile, no aid. If addressed, respond with a one‑beat neutral: “I’m good.”
Field Notes: This is pre‑emption, not avoidance. Expect energy deflation, awkward laughs, or silent reroute within 1–3 seconds. Log time/place; the frequency of denials confirms field governance.
Drills for pace control, tone bait, and loop breaks that pair with the NPC Map’s counter-moves.