Carotid Body Pressure Point Theory

Summary

The Carotid Body Pressure Point Theory is a piece of anatomical knowledge that Safia claims to possess through her medical AI during Session 3 of the campaign. The theory holds that both pigs and humans have a pressure point in the neck—specifically at the carotid body, located at the juncture of the neck—where applying point pressure with an object like a broomstick would cause the subject to faint. Safia becomes fixated on this technique as a tactical solution against the Sniff Lord, repeatedly insisting that her companions target this specific anatomical location. The validity of this knowledge is immediately called into question by Shawn, who suggests that Safia's medical AI is "actually kind of corrupted" and provides only vague guidance like "I don't know, press his neck or something."

Despite the questionable source of this information, Safia's persistent advocacy for the technique—which Sucks later characterizes as her refusal to "shut the fuck up about" the neck button—influences the party's tactical decisions during their confrontation with the Sniff Lord.

Details

The theory centers on the carotid body, which Safia describes as a specific anatomical structure where point pressure would cause a creature to faint "for long enough." She proposes using the end of a broomstick to apply this pressure, suggesting it would work equally well on both pigs and humans. Her insistence on this approach comes from what she believes is specialized anatomical knowledge provided by her medical AI.

However, the other party members interpret Safia's instructions differently than she intends. The GM frames the suggestion more skeptically, implying that what Safia receives from her corrupted medical AI amounts to little more than generic advice to "press his neck or something." The other characters appear to understand the technique as essentially strangling or choking the Sniff Lord rather than targeting a precise pressure point.

Safia's advocacy proves persuasive enough to influence at least two party members' actions. Vasso becomes convinced to trust her knowledge, with the GM noting that Vasso "trusts Safia with all of his heart because he has so much to learn from her"—referencing their established bond. Later, Sucks aims his bow at the supposed pressure point, specifically drawing "a bead on him. On the button in his neck. That Safia won't shut the fuck up about." Even while Sucks is taking aim, Safia continues her advocacy, pressing her face through the portcullis and urging him to "shoot him in the neck right here."

The theory's effectiveness remains unproven as of the end of Session 3, but it serves as a recurring tactical suggestion that shapes the party's approach to combat.

History

Session 3

The Carotid Body Pressure Point Theory emerges during the party's confrontation with the Sniff Lord. Safia first introduces the concept by asking whether she could tell somebody to press on the creature "with the end of the broomstick," explaining that "pigs in human both have something in their neck that if you press, they'll pass out." She elaborates that she's "talking about the carotid body, which is like right at the juncture of the neck and like you put point pressure on it. So like a broomstick, like the animal would faint for long enough."

Shawn immediately challenges the reliability of this knowledge, stating "I feel like I'm being taken advantage of here" and reminding Safia that "the medical AI is actually kind of corrupted. So all you're getting in your ears. I don't know, press his neck or something." This exchange establishes that the anatomical information Safia is receiving may not be trustworthy.

Despite this uncertainty, Safia's persistent advocacy convinces Vasso to trust her. The GM describes Vasso as "hyping himself up to go do it because that's what's going to work. That's what his friend. And he trusts. He trusts Safia with all of his heart because he has so much to learn from her"—drawing on their established bond.

Sucks also responds to Safia's insistence, though with evident exasperation. He draws his bow and aims at "the button in his neck. That Safia won't shut the fuck up about." While Sucks takes aim, Safia continues pressing her face through the portcullis, urging him to "shoot him in the neck right here." The session ends before the theory can be tested, leaving its validity unconfirmed.