Hello,
Thanks for checking the game out! When debating, you roll against the Critter or Creatures highest attribute with the same attribute, needing to exceed 2 + the attribute bonus for Critters and 3 + the attribute bonus for Creatures.
For example, you are attempting to debate a Simple Skink (a Critter). For this scenario, let us say they have a Sympathy of +2, an Empathy of -1, and an Apathy of +1. To debate them, you must roll your Sympathy against theirs, exceeding 2 + their Sympathy bonus (or 4 in this instance). If you are able to do this successfully 3 times before failing 3 times, they will become your friend, and you can move on from there.
I hope this cleared up the confusion and I will add clarification to that section of the game in my next update.
If you have any more questions please feel free to ask!
Thank you,
Alec D. Beck