Investigation is Key

[caramida]

If you've ever played in a mystery, horror, or Call of Cthulhu-style horror-mystery game, you may have encountered out-of-game frustration when something as simple as a single failed die roll has left you without a vital clue needed to keep the story rolling. Either players are forced to fumble around in the dark for ages, or the GM has to risk the perception of railroading by making certain the players get the clue (and get back on track, never mind the railroad metaphor) so as to bring the game to the next scene, or the terrifying conclusion, or whatever is next.

robin_d_laws posted a useful example of play for his GUMSHOE system, describing how the system works to prevent annoying dead-end delays in investigative mystery games.

Pretty useful, if you've been curious about GUMSHOE, but haven't had a chance to see how it actually works.

Comments

Re: You are correct, sir.

[caramida.livejournal.com]

As I recall, they mention the CSI method of the Dramatically Appropriate Timing of lab results. I"m going to have to dig out the book though, to get more specific.

Re: You are correct, sir.

[name-redacted.livejournal.com]

That's about what I figured. Maybe I'll just have to break down and buy the thing...

BTW, I ordered a couple of things from Endgame - Green Ronin's "Mythic Vistas" books The Trojan War and Eternal Rome. I don't s'pose I could prevail on you to pick them up for me when they come in?

Re: You are correct, sir.

[caramida.livejournal.com]

No problem.

Re: You are correct, sir.

[name-redacted.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

Re: You are correct, sir.

[name-redacted.livejournal.com]

Endgame let me know y'day that the books are in. Can I prevail upon you to pick them up and bring them Sunday? Let me know what the diff is between the final total and the gift cert and I'll bring you a check.

Also, the cover of the Rome book is tweaked, so they're giving me 20% off (I decided to take the refund rather than have them reorder it).

Thanks again!

Re: You are correct, sir.

[caramida.livejournal.com]

I'll see what I can do!

Re: You are correct, sir.

[name-redacted.livejournal.com]

Awesome. Don't worry about it if it's too much of a hassle to get it before Sunday, I'll be gone all next week anyway.

Thanks again!