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Table of Contents
Glean From Clues
Requires: Trained in Investigation
Time Required: 1 minute
You spend a full minute examining an object or location, or interacting with a person. Roll Investigation vs. a TN of 16.
- Success: You may ask three questions of the Director from the lists below concerning the subject of your examination.
- Failure: You may ask one question from the lists below. If you are examining a person, they become aware that you are attempting to discover details about them.
The Director should answer such questions truthfully, but if the information is concealed with a TN higher than 16, they may require a separate action to actually gain the information. Even on a failure, however, you will at least be aware of a discrepancy.
As an example, Cywen does a quick examination of the crypt that the party has just entered. She rolls a 17 on her Investigation skill, and asks:
- What is the purpose or function of this place?
- Are there people or creatures present?
- What unusual sounds, smells, or sensations are present?
She is informed that the room is a crypt, and that a strong odour of decay prevails. But the Director has three zombies concealed within the crypt, with a Stealth TN of 18, and informs Cywen, “There are creatures hidden somewhere in here; you can see footprints in the dust.” If Cywen wants to find the zombies, she will have to Search for them.
Once you use this ability on a given person, location or object, you cannot use it on that subject again. However, universal investigation actions, such as Gather Information or Perform an Investigation, may still be used.
Investigating a Location
- What is the purpose or function of this place?
- Are there people or creatures present?
- Are there any hidden passages, traps, or hazards?
- What signs of recent activity are there?
- What unusual sounds, smells, or sensations are present?
- Are there clues that indicate history or events that occurred here?
- Are there objects or features that seem out of place?
- What are the exits, entrances, and possible escape routes?
- Are there defensive measures or security mechanisms in place?
- Is there anything here that could be useful, valuable, or dangerous?
Investigating a Person
- Who is this person? Name, title, or role?
- What are their intentions or motivations?
- Are they lying or hiding something?
- What is their emotional state or mood?
- Do they have any unusual habits, possessions, or markings?
- Are they skilled or knowledgeable in anything relevant?
- How do they relate to other people or organizations here?
- Do they pose a threat or offer potential help?
- Are they carrying anything of interest or significance?
- Are they withholding any information?
Investigating an Object
- What is this object’s purpose or function?
- Who made or used this object?
- How old is it, or when was it last used?
- Are there any unusual markings, inscriptions, or symbols?
- Does it contain anything hidden, locked, or secret?
- Is it damaged, broken, or showing signs of wear?
- Can it be moved, opened, or interacted with?
- Does it emit any unusual sounds, smells, or vibrations?
- What materials is it made from? Are they unusual or valuable?
- Has it been altered, tampered with, or customized?