Gumshoes OGL SRD

8/9/2019 Gumshoes OGL SRD

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GUMSHOE SRD OGL VERSION

Copyright Notice

The GUMSHOE SRD is published under the Open Game License v 1.0 !p"ri#ht$000% &i'ards !( the !ast% )nc. GUMSHOE SRD * $01+ ,el#rane ,ress.Devel!ped% -ritten% and edited b" R!bin D. La-s% -ith additi!nal material b"enneth Hite. O,E/ O/TE/T ll c!ntent in this d!cument is c!nsidered !penc!ntent e2cept (!r the p!rti!ns speci3call" declared as ,r!duct )dentit". ,RODUT)DE/T)T4 5The Es!terr!rists5% 5Mutant it" 6lues5% 5shen Stars5% 57ear )tsel(5%5Trail !( thulhu5% and 5/i#hts 6lac8 #ents5 are trademar8s !( ,el#rane ,ress anddeclared as ,r!duct )dentit". This license d!es n!t #rant permissi!n t! use thesetrademar8s.

,ermissi!n is n!t #ranted t! use the GUMSHOE l!#!. !ntact

sim!n9d"in#earth.c!m i( "!u -ant t! use it.

Introduction

This standard re(erence d!cument pr!vides the GUMSHOE rules made availablevia the terms !( the Open Gamin# and reative !mm!ns:6" ttributi!n licenses.)t is a re(erence (!r #ame desi#ners% and is n!t tuned t! teach the #ame% !rpr!vide a pla"able #ame e2perience. )( "!u;re l!!8in# (!r a pla"able #ame% see8!ut such ,el#rane ,ress titles as The Esoterrorists% Trail of Cthulhu% Ashen Stars%Night’s Black Agents% Mutant City Blues% !r Fear Itself . Or -atch (!r #ames theusers !( this license -ill build -ith it.

/!tes appearin# in italics -ithin s


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)nvesti#ative abilities all!- "!u t! 3nd the in(!rmati!n "!ur character needs t!m!ve (!r-ard in a m"ster":s!lvin# narrative% plus !ccasi!nal additi!nal bene3ts.

General abilities help "!u survive -hile "!u;re #atherin# in(!rmati!n ands!lvin# pr!blems. 4!u create characters b" spendin# build p!ints !n "!urcharacter;s abilities. Each abilit" has a numerical ratin#. Ever" ratin# p!int c!sts 1build p!int t! purchase.

The GUMSHOE rules de3ne "!ur character b" -hat he !r she can acc!mplish inan investi#ative scenari!. The c!mp!nent elements !( each abilit" d!n;t matter inrules terms. The rules d!n;t care i( "!ur 7!rensic cc!untin# abilit" is !ne partnative mental acuit" t! t-! parts trainin# !r vice versa% alth!u#h "!u can menti!nthem -hen describin# "!ur character t! !thers. ll that matters is h!- "!u s!lvecases% and !verc!me !ther !bstacles arisin# (r!m them.

Rating! and %oo#!

The number "!u assi#n t! each abilit" is called a rating. lth!u#h "!u ma"impr!ve them #raduall" !ver time% ratin#s remain static !ver the c!urse !( the

t"pical #ame sessi!n.7!r each abilit" "!ur character has a poo# !( p!ints% -hich @uctuates !ver the

c!urse !( each sessi!n. 4!u be#in each case% !r scenari!% -ith p!!l p!ints e


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[Fro Fear Itself(

%ac'age!

[In soe gaes you ay choose to gi"e a&&itional echanical heft to thestereoty#es by turning the into )ackages'(

Each pac8a#e sets !ut minimum re


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p!ints after r!llin# the die (!r a test. 7!r ever" $ p!ints "!u spend after r!llin# thedie% "!u increase the die result b" 1. This only applies i( "!u are undistracted andn!t directl" !bserved. )t never applies durin# a c!ntest. 4!u must describe thethin# that alm!st -ent -r!n#% and h!- "!u cau#ht it barel" in time !r succeededthr!u#h sheer luc8.

[Fro Trail of Cthulhu(

Step Two: Assign Investigative Abilities

)nvesti#ative abilities are central t! an" GUMSHOE characterA the" enable "!ut! #ather in(!rmati!n and drive the pl!t (!r-ard. The number !( p!ints eachpla"er spends !n investi#ative abilities varies acc!rdin# t! the number !(re#ularl" attendin# pla"ers% acc!rdin# t! the (!ll!-in# table. The GM leads the#r!up thr!u#h the list !( investi#ative build p!ints% ensurin# that each !ne !(them is c!vered b" at least !ne member !( the #r!up.

[Co#lete this chart $ith "alues base& on the total nuber of in"estigati"eabilities you inclu&e in your gae' That nuber is 1' The -nal nubers &on’t

ha"e to be &ea& on% so fu&ge the u#$ar&s if &esire& for a #rettier!lookingnuerical #rogression'(

!(pla"ers

)nvesti#ative 6uild ,!ints

$ 234 of 1

+ 534 of 1

664 of 1

IJ 634 of 1

,la"ers -h! can !nl" attend ever" n!- and then #et the same number !(investi#ative build p!ints as ever"!ne else% but are n!t c!unted t!-ard the t!tal-hen decidin# h!- man" p!ints t! all!cate.

+ree Rating

[If your setting conce#t assues all characters $ill ha"e a #articular ability 7likeCo# Talk if e"eryone is a #olice o8cer9% in&icate $hat it is% an& that e"eryone gets: rating #oint in it for free'(

hat Good *re Ine!tigatie Rating!-,la"ers used t! the bumblin# hal(:c!mpetence !( their characters in !ther

investi#ative #ame s"stems ma" be surprised t! learn h!- eKective even a sin#leratin# p!int is.

n" ratin# in an investi#ative abilit" indicates a hi#h de#ree !( pr!(essi!nalacc!mplishment !r impressive natural talent. )( "!u have an abilit" relevant t! thetas8 at hand% "!u aut!maticall" succeed in disc!verin# an" in(!rmati!n !r

GUMSHOE SRD ? p.


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!verc!min# an" !bstacles necessar" t! pr!pel "!u (r!m the current scene (urtherint! the st!r".

4!u ma" as8 t! spend p!ints t! #ain !pecia# "ene.t!. S!metimes the GM -ill!Ker "!u the chance t! spend p!ints. )n !ther circumstances she ma" accept "!ursu##esti!ns !( -a"s t! #ain special bene3ts. Use them -isel"A spent p!ints d! n!treturn until the ne2t investi#ati!n be#ins.

Once all !( the abilities are c!vered% "!u are permitted% i( "!u desire% t! reservean" remainin# build p!ints t! spend as situati!ns arise durin# pla". 4!u ma"assi#n "!ursel( additi!nal abilities% !r increase "!ur ratin#s in the !nes "!u;vech!sen% as seems appr!priate t! "!ur character and the situati!ns she 3ndshersel( in. &hen "!u ch!!se t! d! this% "!u are n!t suddenl" ac


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hat Good are Genera# Rating!-

General abilities use a diKerent set !( rules and are measured !n a diKerentscale than investi#ative abilities. The t-! abilit" sets are handled in diKerent -a"because the" (ul3ll distinct narrative (uncti!ns. The rules #!vernin# #eneralabilities intr!duce the p!ssibilit" !( (ailure int! the #ame% creatin# suspense anduncertaint". Uncertain !utc!mes ma8e scenes !( ph"sical acti!n m!re e2citin#%

but can st!p a m"ster" st!r" dead i( applied t! the c!llecti!n !( in(!rmati!n. Thisdivisi!n ma" seem aestheticall" -eird -hen "!u 3rst enc!unter it% but as "!u#r!- used t! the GUMSHOE s"stem "!u;ll see that it -!r8s.

GUMSHOE (!cuses n!t !n "!ur character;s innate traits% but !n -hat the" canactuall" d! in the c!urse !( a st!r"line. &h" the" can d! it is up t! each pla"er. 4!ur characters are as str!n#% (ast% and #!!d:l!!8in# as "!u -ant them t! be.

General !"ility Bencmarks

ratin# !( 1:+ indicates that the abilit" is a sideline. : is s!lid but n!t !K thecharts. !r m!re su##ests a dedicated bad:asser" that -ill be immediatel"

apparent t! !bservers -hen the" see "!u in acti!n.

#$%ated General !"ilities

)( "!u have a ratin# !( 0 in a #eneral abilit"% that is "!u have put n! build p!intsint! it% "!u cann!t ma8e a test !n that abilit". That is n!t t! sa" "!u canBt d! thethin# at allA itBs !nl" i( "!u -ant t! attempt s!methin# re


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your setting' Inclu&e only abilities rele"ant to your setting in your gae' Soein"estigati"e abilities tie into s#eci-c general abilities an& "ice "ersa? ake sure you either inclu&e both rele"ant abilities% or &ro# the cross!references bet$eenthe'(

*nthropo#ogy /*cade)ic0

4!u are an e2pert in the stud" !( human cultures% (r!m the st!ne a#e t! the)nternet a#e.

4!u can

• identi(" arti(acts and rituals !( livin# cultures

• describe the cust!ms !( a (!rei#n #r!up !r l!cal subculture

• e2trap!late the practices !( an un8n!-n culture (r!m similare2amples

*rchaeo#ogy /*cade)ic0

4!u e2cavate and stud" the structures and arti(acts !( hist!rical cultures andcivili'ati!ns. 4!u can

• tell h!- l!n# s!methin# has been buried

• identi(" arti(acts b" culture and usa#e

• distin#uish real arti(acts (r!m (a8es

• navi#ate inside ruins and catac!mbs

• describe the cust!ms !( ancient !r hist!rical cultures

• sp!t -ell:dis#uised #raves and under#r!und hidin# places

*rchitecture /*cade)ic0

4!u 8n!- h!- buildin#s are planned and c!nstructed. 4!u can

• #uess -hat lies ar!und the c!rner -hile e2pl!rin# an un8n!-n structure

• Nud#e the relative stren#th !( buildin# materials

• identi(" a buildin#;s a#e% architectural st"le% !ri#inal use% and hist!r" !(m!di3cati!ns

• c!nstruct stable ma8eshi(t structures

• identi(" elements vital t! a buildin#;s structural inte#rit"

*rt Hi!tory /*cade)ic0

4!u;re an e2pert !n -!r8s !( art (r!m an aesthetic and technical p!int !( vie-. 4!u can

• distin#uish real -!r8s (r!m (a8es

• tell -hen s!methin# has been ret!uched !r altered

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• identi(" the a#e !( an !bNect b" st"le and materials

• call t! mind hist!rical details !n artists and th!se ar!und them

*!trono)y /1echnica#0

4!u stud" celestial !bNects% includin# the stars% planets. 4!u can

• decipher astr!l!#ical te2ts• pl!t the m!vement !( c!nstellati!ns

• stud" and debun8 U7O rep!rts

2a##i!tic! /1echnica#0

4!u pr!cess evidence relatin# t! the use !( 3rearms. 4!u can

• identi(" the caliber and t"pe !( a bullet !r casin# (!und at a crimescene

• determine i( a particular #un 3red a #iven bullet

Botany (!cademic)

4!u stud" plants and (un#i and can

identi(" the li8el" envir!nment in -hich a plant sample #re-

identi(" plants -hich mi#ht be t!2ic% carniv!r!us% !r !ther-ise dan#er!us

sp!t the s"mpt!ms !( plant:derived p!is!nin#s

2u##!hit Detector /Interper!ona#0

4!u can tell -hen s!me pe!ple are l"in#. 4!u must usuall" be interactin# -ith

them !r !bservin# them (r!m a cl!se distance% but s!metimes "!u can sp!t liars!n televisi!n% t!!. Un(!rtunatel"% nearl" ever"!ne lies% especiall" -hen (acin#p!ssible tr!uble (r!m the auth!rities. S!metimes "!u can in(er -h" the";re l"in#%but it;s hard t! reliabl" discern m!tive !r #et at the (acts the";re -!r8in# t!!bscure. This sense d!esn;t tell "!u -hat the";re l"in# ab!ut% speci3call"% !r seethr!u#h their lies t! the truth.

/!t all lies are verbal. 4!u can tell -hen a pers!n is attemptin# t! pr!Nect a(alse impressi!n thr!u#h b!d" lan#ua#e.

ertain individuals ma" be s! adept at l"in# that the" never set !K "!ur bullshitdetect!r. S!me pe!ple believe their !-n (alseh!!ds. ,s"ch!pathic pers!nalit"t"pes lie re@e2ivel" and -ith!ut shame% deprivin# "!u !( the telltale tics and#estures "!u use t! sense -hen a pers!n is deceivin# "!u. S!metimes "!u needlevera#e t! #et in(!rmati!n !ut !( pe!ple -h! "!u 8n!- are l"in# re:intervie-in#suspects in the li#ht !( additi!nal (acts is a #enre staple.

2ureaucracy /Interper!ona#0

4!u 8n!- h!- t! navi#ate a bureaucratic !r#ani'ati!n% -hether it;s a

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#!vernmental !Pce !r a lar#e business c!ncern. 4!u 8n!- h!- t! #et -hat "!u-ant (r!m it in an e2pediti!us manner% and -ith a minimum !( rued (eathers. 4!u can

• c!nvince !Pcials t! pr!vide sensitive in(!rmati!n

• #ain credentials !n (alse pretences

•

3nd the pers!n -h! reall" 8n!-s -hat;s #!in# !n• l!cate !Pces and 3les

• b!rr!- e


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Docu)ent *na#y!i! /1echnica#0

4!u;re an e2pert in the stud" !( ph"sical d!cuments. 4!u can

• determine a d!cument;s appr!2imate a#e

• identi(" the manu(acturer !( paper used in a d!cument

• tell (!r#ed d!cuments (r!m the real thin#

• identi(" distinctive hand-ritin#

• match t"ped d!cuments t! the t"pe-riters that pr!duced them

• 3nd 3n#erprints !n paper

E#ectronic Surei##ance /1echnica#0

4!u;re adept at the use !( s!und rec!rdin# e


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+#attery /Interper!ona#0

4!u;re #!!d at #ettin# pe!ple t! help "!u b" c!mplimentin# them% as subtl" !rblatantl" as the" pre(er. 4!u can #et them t!

• reveal in(!rmati!n

• per(!rm min!r (av!rs

• re#ard "!u as trust-!rth".

+#irting /Interper!ona#0

4!u;re adept at -innin# c!!perati!n (r!m pe!ple -h! 3nd "!u se2uall"attractive. 4!u can #et them t!

• reveal in(!rmati!n

• help "!u in small -a"s

• date "!u

)t;s up t! "!u -hether a hi#h ratin# in 7lirtin# means that "!u are ph"sicall"

allurin#% !r simpl" e2ude a se2ual ma#netism unrelated t! "!ur l!!8s.

+oren!ic *ccounting /*cade)ic0

4!u c!mb thr!u#h 3nancial data l!!8in# (!r irre#ularities. )n the -!rds made(am!us durin# &!!d-ard and 6ernstein;s investi#ati!n !( the &ater#ate scandal%"!u 8n!- h!- t! Q(!ll!- the m!ne". 4!u can

• tell le#itimate businesses (r!m criminal enterprises

• sp!t the telltale si#ns !( embe''lement

• trac8 pa"ments t! their s!urce

+oren!ic *nthropo#ogy /1echnica#0

4!u per(!rm aut!psies !n deceased subNects t! determine their cause !( death.)n the case !( death b" (!ul pla"% "!ur e2aminati!n can identi("

• the nature !( the -eap!n !r -eap!ns used

• the presence !( int!2icants !r !ther (!rei#n substances in thebl!!dstream

• the c!ntents !( the victim;s last meal

)n man" cases% "!u can rec!nstruct the se


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-h! dine !n them. 6" stud"in# e##s and larvae in a dec!mp!sin# c!rpse "!u can

• determine appr!2imate time !( death

• identi(" a crime scene% in the case !( a dumped b!d"

+oren!ic %!ycho#ogy /*cade)ic0

4!u appl" ps"ch!l!#ical insi#ht t! the s!lvin# !( criminal cases. 7r!m the details!( a crime scene% "!u can% based !n past case studies !( similar !Kenses%assemble a pr!3le detailin# the perpetrat!r;s li8el" pers!nal hist!r"% a#e% habitsand attitudes.

4!u can als! #lean use(ul in(!rmati!n (r!m simple !bservati!n !( certainindividual% especiall" as the" react t! pressure.

Geo#ogy /*cade)ic0

4!u are an e2pert !n r!c8s% s!ils% minerals% and the prim!rdial hist!r" !( theEarth. 4!u can

anal"'e s!il samples% cr"stals% minerals% and s! (!rth determine the a#e !( a r!c8 stratum

date and identi(" (!ssils

evaluate s!il (!r a#riculture !r industr"

identi(" pr!misin# sites (!r !il !r -ater -ells% mines% etc

anticipate v!lcanism% seismic events% avalanches% and !ther earthphen!mena

High Society /Interper!ona#0

4!u 8n!- h!- t! han# -ith the rich and (am!us% and h!- t! chat them up-ith!ut #ettin# securit" called. 4!u are c!m(!rtable -ith Q!ld m!ne" arist!crac"%-ith the Dav!s elite% -ith the televised chatterin# classes% and -ith the crassest!( n!uveau riche vul#arians and celebutantes. 4achts% Gul(streams% and three:starrestaurants are "!ur seemin# natural habitat. 4!u can

dress (ashi!nabl" (!r an" !ccasi!n

#et past the velvet r!pe at e2clusive clubs and parties% !r past the c!ncier#eat a (!ur:star h!tel

dr!p brand names% allude t! current trends% and #enerall" blend in culturall"-ith rich scenesters !( all t"pes

identi(" the best -ine% li


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8n!- -here and -hen the best parties% m!st culturall" imp!rtant !penin#s%!r !ther #ala events in an" cit" are due t! happen

sc!re dru#s !r !ther-ise 3nd the seam" side =i( an"> !( hi#h:s!ciet"(uncti!ns% happenin# ni#htclubs% etc.

interact -ith the rich and (am!us as an accepted e

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tric8" l!c8s ma" re


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presence ma"% in (act% be en!u#h t! prevent an Es!terr!r ritual (r!m achievin#ePcac".

s menti!ned earlier% all characters built (!r the Es!terr!rist settin# #et OccultStudies 1 (!r (ree.

Ora# Hi!tory /Interper!ona#0

4!u can 3nd s!urces -illin# t! tal8% -in their c!n3dence% and #ather =usuall"len#th"> !ral testim!n" ab!ut hist!rical events% l!cal traditi!ns% (!l8l!re% (amil"le#end% !r #!ssip. This is an e2cellent -a" t! d! research in illiterate !r semi:literate s!cieties% and in rural !r small:t!-n c!mmunities in #eneral. This abilit"als! c!vers ta8in# sh!rthand n!tes !r ma8in# rec!rdin#s -ith!ut sp!!8in# "!urs!urces.

%atho#ogy /*cade)ic0

4!u are trained in carr"in# !ut medical e2aminati!ns !( livin# human subNectsand (!rmin# dia#n!ses based !n "!ur 3ndin#s. 4!u can

• dia#n!se pr!bable causes !( sic8ness !r inNur"

• identi(" the e2tent and cause !( an unc!nsci!us pers!nBs trauma

• detect -hen a pers!n is suKerin# (r!m a ph"sicall" debilitatin# c!nditi!nsuch as dru# addicti!n% pre#nanc" !r malnutriti!n

• establish a pers!nBs #eneral level !( health

• identi(" medical abn!rmalities

)( "!u have !r m!re p!ints in Medic "!u #et %atho#ogy 1 (!r (ree.

%hotography /1echnica#0 4!u;re pr!3cient in the use !( cameras% includin# still and vide! ph!t!#raph".

4!u can

• ta8e use(ul visual rec!rds !( crime scenes

• sp!t manual ret!uchin# !r di#ital manipulati!n in a ph!t!#raphic !rvide! ima#e

• realisticall" ret!uch and manipulate ima#es

Rea!!urance /Interper!ona#0

4!u #et pe!ple t! d! -hat "!u -ant b" puttin# them at ease. 4!u can• elicit in(!rmati!n and min!r (av!rs

• alla" (ear !r panic in !thers

• instill a sense !( calm durin# a crisis

GUMSHOE SRD ? p. 1


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Re!earch /*cade)ic0

4!u 8n!- h!- t! 3nd (actual in(!rmati!n (r!m b!!8s% rec!rds% and !Pcials!urces. 4!u;re as c!m(!rtable -ith a card catal!# and 3che reader as -ith an)nternet search en#ine. The c!ntacts 3le !n "!ur pers!nal di#ital assistant brims-ith ph!ne numbers !( e2!tic and use(ul c!ntacts.

Re!pect /Interper!ona#0 4!ur 8n!-led#e !( s!cial rituals all!-s "!u t! #ain in(!rmati!n and (av!rs -ith a

culturall" appr!priate sh!- !( respect (!r a subNect. This abilit" applies t! subNects-h! c!nsider themselves 3#ures !( auth!rit"% !r -h! h!ld real !r ima#ined p!-er!ver "!u. 6" sh!-in# respect% "!u preserve "!ur status as -ell as the subNect;s.

Street4i!e /Interper!ona#0

4!u 8n!- h!- t! behave am!n# cr!!8s% #an#:ban#ers% dru##ies% h!!8ers and!ther habituVs !( the criminal under-!rld. 4!u can

•

depl!" criminal eti


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• tell a real -!r8 b" an auth!r (r!m a (alse !ne

1ra5c *na#y!i! /1echnica#0

4!u 8n!- h!- t! b!il d!-n a mass !( data C pr!babl" ra- si#nals intel% atranche !( ph!ne rec!rds% !r p!ssibl" a -h!le l!t !( surveillance tapes C ande2tract its meanin# and patterns. Given the data% "!u can

• determine -hich numbers in a set !( ph!ne rec!rds are callin# -h!% -hen%ab!ut -hat

• determine -hich cars in a cit";s traPc pattern are drivin# -here% -hen% andh!- l!n# the";re sta"in# there

• 3nd patterns in the data @!-% e.#.% m!re murders in u#ust% !r the samemuseum #uard !n dut" durin# all the incidents

• -!r8 !ut the dail" =and -ee8l"% m!nthl"% etc.> r!utine !( an !Pce% militar"base% museum% etc. and ans-er b" trac8in# its r!utethr!u#h the s"stem

• assemble a c!mmunicati!ns !r !r#ani'ati!nal picture !( a s!cial net-!r8such as a criminal c!nspirac"% academic email list% !r divisi!n !( b!rder#uards

1riia /*cade)ic0

4!u;re a (!nt !( apparentl" useless in(!rmati!n that -!uld stand "!u in #!!dstead as a c!ntestant !n a


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E3otic Ine!tigatie *"i#itie!

[E"ocation of your setting an& genre ay #ro#t you to intro&uce generalabilities allo$ing characters to glean inforation "ia eans% inherent ortechnological% una"ailable to non-ctional characters' 0ere are t$o e1a#les'(

!nalytic &aste

4!ur sense !( taste is superhuman% and "!u have% b" trial and err!r% trained"!ursel( t! use it as a precisi!n instrument. 4!u (uncti!n as a -al8in#% tal8in#chemical anal"sis lab% able t! instantl" detect the c!mp!siti!n !( nearl" an"!bNect "!u can t!uch "!ur t!n#ue t!. 6" distin#uishin# 3ne #radati!ns !( taste%"!u can% (!r e2ample% match a sample !( her!in t! the precise batch it came (r!m%!r c!nduct a c!mparative anal"sis !( s!il samples. lth!u#h "!u ma" (!r #!!dreas!n be reluctant t! d! s!% "!u can even identi(" bl!!d t"pes (r!m smallsamples% !r derive similar identi("in# !r t"pin# in(!rmati!n (r!m !ther b!dil"@uids.

S!me individuals -ith anal"tic taste suKer (r!m hi#h revulsi!n thresh!lds and

can !nl" enN!" the purest% m!st per(ect (!!ds. Others bec!me inured t! traditi!nalpleasures ass!ciated -ith the sense !( taste% !r bec!me passi!nate c!nn!isseurs!( substances !rdinar" pe!ple c!nsider inedible.

&hen usin# this sense% "!u c!nsume% at m!st% !nl" trace

[Fro Fear Itself(

General Abilities

[+e$rite general ability &escri#tions as nee&e& for your setting' +enae

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abilities for &esire& >a"or' Create ne$ abilities keye& to your setting' Inclu&e onlyabilities rele"ant to your setting in your gae' Soe in"estigati"e abilities tie intos#eci-c general abilities an& "ice "ersa? ake sure you either inclu&e bothrele"ant abilities% or &ro# the cross!references bet$een the'(

lm!st ever" General abilit" has a cherry, a (eature that 8ic8s in -hen thecharacter has ratin# p!ints !r m!re in it. #ents can al-a"s use that special

bene3t% even i( their p!!l in that abilit" has dr!pped t! 0.Soe ./MS0*E iterations% inclu&ing Night’s Black Agents% #erit the

follo$ing(

Man" General abilities als! (uncti!n as Ine!tigatie abilities% either -henused t! #ather a clue =rather than t! !verc!me !pp!siti!n> !r t! interact -ithpe!ple dev!ted t! th!se abilities; use Hand:t!:Hand% (!r e2ample% can be usedinvesti#ativel" t! in3ltrate a d!N! !r #"mnasium% and t! #ather in(!rmati!n !r#!ssip (r!m the clientele !r mana#ers.

WSoe ./MS0*E gaes% like Ashen Stars% aintain a tighter se#arationbet$een in"estigati"e an& general abilities% so that the general Business Aairs

ability% use& to kee# a cre$’s -nances huing% &oesn’t garner you the clues youget fro the in"estigati"e Forensic Accounting ability' To use this ore restricti"ea##roach% oit the abo"e #aragra#h'(

*th#etic!

thletics all!-s "!u t! per(!rm #eneral acts !( ph"sical derrin#:d!% (r!mrunnin# t! Numpin# t! d!d#in# (allin# !r !nc!min# !bNects. n" ph"sical acti!n n!tc!vered b" an!ther abilit"% pr!babl" (alls under the rubric !( thletics.

)( "!ur thletics ratin# is !r m!re% "!ur Hit Thresh!ld% the Tar#et /umber "!ur!pp!nents use -hen attemptin# t! hit "!u in c!mbat% is . Other-ise% "!ur Hit

Thresh!ld is +.

2u!ine!! *6air!

4!u 8n!- h!- t! run a pr!3table business.

Concea#

4!u can hide thin#s (r!m vie- and c!nceal them (r!m search. 4!ur meth!dsmi#ht include cam!u@a#e% h!ldin# items !ut !n "!ur pers!n% sna8in# thin#s int!dra-ers un!bserved% buildin# secret c!mpartments% !r even alterin# a thin#;svisual si#nature -ith paint !r plaster.

This abilit" als! all!-s "!u t! disc!ver thin#s intenti!nall" c!ncealed.

Di!gui!e

This is the s8ill !( alterin# "!ur !-n appearance% p!sture% and v!ice t! beunrec!#ni'able. Dis#uisin# !thers in an"thin# m!re c!mple2 than a baseball cap!r (alse mustache is #!!d !nl" (!r brie( peri!ds% as p!sture and b!d" lan#ua#e arevital c!mp!nents in an" success(ul dis#uise.

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This abilit" als! c!vers sellin# "!ursel( as a diKerent pers!n v!cal mannerisms%altered b!d" lan#ua#e% dress and m!ti!n sense% and realistic:seemin# reacti!ns.

Success(ull" dis#uisin# "!ursel( as an actual pers!n alread" 8n!-n t! th!se"!u;re interactin# -ith is e2tra!rdinaril" diPcult. 6rie( v!ice:!nl" mimicr" pits "!ua#ainst a DiPcult" !( . 7ace:t!:(ace impers!nati!n re


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• plant !bNects !n unsuspectin# subNects

+#eeing

lth!u#h "!u are n!t a str!n# !verall athlete% "!u can b!!t it li8e a bat !ut !(hell -hen chased b" dan#er!us pe!ple% bein#s% !r m!vin# !bNects.

)( "!ur 7leein# ratin# is m!re than t-ice "!ur 3nal thletics ratin#% "!u can bu"ratin# p!ints in 7leein# ab!ve the value at a reduced rate% #ettin# $ ratin# p!ints(!r each build p!int spent. Hence% i( "!ur thletics ratin# is 0% all "!ur 7leein# ishal(:price.

Ga)"#ing

4!u are c!nversant -ith the rules and eti


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Y Establish analytic ra##ort Once "!u have success(ull" h"pn!ti'ed a patient%"!ur ,s"ch!anal"sis p!!l increases b" + durin# an" (uture use !( ,s"ch!anal"sis!n them. 4!ur ,s"ch!anal"sis ratin# must be at least + t! #ain this bene3t% andthe + p!ints must be spent !n the patient.

Y +eco"er eories The patient;s (ra#mented !r buried mem!ries% as !(dreams% traumas% !r mur8" m!nster attac8s% can be called t! the sur(ace and

Qrelived. This is a DiPcult" test. Relivin# an e2perience that c!st Stabilit" -illc!st the patient the same am!unt a#ain% alth!u#h "!u ma" practice immediate,s"ch!l!#ical Tria#e t! minimi'e the patient;s sh!c8. The GM is (ree t! pr!vide(alse mem!ries i( she (eels "!u are Qleadin# the -itness.

Y )ost!hy#notic suggestion Up!n li(tin# the trance% "!u ma" cause "!ur patientt! per(!rm a sin#le acti!n -ith!ut apparent th!u#ht. 4!u ma" re Spells and !ther c!mple2 activities cann!t be p!st:h"pn!ticall"induced. The patient -ill n!t accept a su##esti!n c!ntrar" t! her n!rmal behavi!r. This is a DiPcult" !r hi#her testA the GM ma" increase the DiPcult" based !nthe su##esti!n.

Y Ease #ain 4!u can relieve s"mpt!matic pain in a patient. This rem!ves themechanical penalties (!r bein# hurt and lasts until the patient is -!unded a#ain. This is a DiPcult" !r hi#her testA the GM ma" increase the DiPcult" dependin#!n the pain;s severit". This &oes not $ork un&er battle-el& con&itions'

Y False eories 4!u can purp!sel" implant (alse mem!ries in the patient !rbur" real !nes. This is e2tremel" unethical -ith!ut a direct therapeutic bene3t=such as easin# a remembered trauma>. This is a !ntest bet-een "!ur H"pn!sisand the patient;s Stabilit". 4!ur DiPcult" /umber is IA the patient resists -ithDiPcult" . #ain% the GM ma" increase "!ur DiPcult" based !n the severit" !(the mem!r" chan#e. t the GM;s discreti!n% i( the patient suKers a (urther trauma

=such as her Stabilit" dr!ppin# bel!- :I a#ain>% she ma" suddenl" recall the truth.

In.#tration

4!u;re #!!d at placin# "!ursel( inside places "!u have n! ri#ht t! be. 4!u can

• pic8 l!c8s

• deactivate !r evade securit" s"stems

• m!ve silentl"

• 3nd suitable places (!r (!rced entr"% and use them

Despite its name% )n3ltrati!n is as use(ul (!r #ettin# !ut !( places undetected as

i( its (!r #ettin# int! them.

Mechanic!

4!u;re #!!d at buildin#% repairin#% and disablin# devices% (r!m classic pit:and:pendulum traps t! DD pla"ers. Given the ri#ht c!mp!nents% "!u can create Nur":ri##ed devices (r!m !dd bits !( scrap. Mechanics d!ubles as an investi#ative

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abilit" -hen used t!

• evaluate the a"or of certain settings by s#litting this into

ulti#le &isci#lines% each s#eciali as the need arises.

)tems !( !bvi!us utilit" t! a paran!rmal investi#ati!n d! n!t re


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the supernatural. )s it purel" the -!r8 !( the Es!terr!rists% !r are there !therunnatural (!rces !ut thereF Decide (!r "!ursel(% and pac8 -isel".

Other abilities impl" the p!ssessi!n !( basic #ear suitable t! their c!re tas8s.haracters -ith Medic have their !-n 3rst aid 8itsA ,h!t!#raphers c!me -ithcameras and access!ries. )( "!u have Sh!!tin#% "!u have a #un% and s! !n.,reparedness d!es n!t intrude int! their territ!r". )t c!vers #eneral:purp!se

investi#ative ea"or of certain settings you ay $ish to break this out into

GUMSHOE SRD ? p. $


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• hide in plain si#ht

• perceive (either with sight or other senses) potential hazards to yourself or

others.

!r m!re p!ints in Surveillance #rants "!u 1 (ree p!int !( the investi#ativeabilit" Electr!nic Surveillance.

E3otic Genera# *"i#itie!

[Fi&elity to your setting an& genre ay #ro#t you to intro&uce generalabilities allo$ing characters to #erfor fantastical actions i#ossible in our $orl&%or to interact $ith iaginary technologies' 0ere are soe sa#les'(

)t c!sts I build p!ints t! #ain a ratin# !( 1 in an" We1otic general ability Z and 1build p!int (!r each additi!nal build p!int a(ter 1.

'utant Poer: Blood Spray

4!u can per(!rm a ran#ed attac8 in -hich "!u send a hi#h:pressure spra" !(

"!ur !-n bl!!d #ushin# (r!m "!ur m!uth. 4!u hit "!ur tar#et !n a success(ul6l!!d Spra" test. )( "!u hit% the !pp!nent must ma8e an thletics test% theDiPcult" !( -hich e in !rder t! re#ain his (!!tin#. )( he (ails%he c!ntinues t! slip !n the bl!!d% l!sin# (urther attac8s until he 3nall" succeeds.

bl!!d spra" attac8 inspires instinctive revulsi!n. n"!ne -ithin direct visualran#e must ma8e a Stabilit" test !r suKer the ur#e t! @ee. ictims -ith theOl(act!r" enter p!-er add "!ur 6l!!d Spra" p!!l t! the DiPcult" !( this test.

haracters -h! d! n!t @ee suKer ill eKects -hile the" remain able t! see andsmell "!ur bl!!d their Hit Thresh!lds decrease b" 1% and the Hit Thresh!lds !(an"!ne the";re attemptin# t! attac8 eKectivel" increases b" 1.

)n additi!n t! an" 6l!!d Spra" p!ints "!u spend% each use !( this p!-er c!sts"!u + Health p!ints. Health p!ints l!st t! 6l!!d Spra" use can be re(reshed -ith alar#e meal !( red meat% -ashed d!-n -ith lar#e


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iroare *nancement: +ominator

4!u emit pher!m!nes pr!v!8in# the instinct !( intelli#ent bein#s t! !be" hi#h:status individuals in a s!cial hierarch". &hen an interacti!n -ith a supp!rtin#character has turned a#ainst "!u% spend p!ints (r!m "!ur 6ureaucrac"% !p Tal8% D!-nside% )nterr!#ati!n% and?!r )ntimidati!n p!!ls. The GM then pla"s thecharacter% subtl" !r !vertl"% as i( "!u have #ained the upper hand. The subNect

must be -ithin m !( "!u -hen "!u 3rst initiate the eKect.[Fro Ashen Stars(

Cerries

[In soe gaes% you ay $ish to trick out general abilities $ith the follo$ing-lli#(

lm!st ever" General abilit" has a cherr"% a (eature that 8ic8s in -hen thecharacter has ratin# p!ints !r m!re in it. #ents can al-a"s use that specialbene3t% even i( their p!!l in that abilit" has dr!pped t! 0.

E3a)p#e Cherry( Crac'er!8 Crypto)( "!ur Di#ital )ntrusi!n ratin# is !r m!re% "!u #et 1 (ree ratin# p!int in the)nvesti#ative abilit" r"pt!#raph". 4!u can als! encr"pt "!ur team;s electr!nicc!mmunicati!ns a#ainst all but #!vernment:level =/S% GH[% M)D% DGSE% GRU%Unit $00% etc.> crac8in#.

W7r!m Night’s Black AgentsZ

%otentia# %oint!

[/seful in soe settings? best $hen restricte& to one% or a fe$% abilities you$ish to highlight'(

S!me abilities are m!re abstruse% diPcult% !r c!mple2 than !thers% en!u#h s!that the" can;t simpl" be b!u#ht Q(r!m scratch durin# character impr!vement. The" re


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help themselves. s (ar as "!u;re c!ncerned% the (ees the cre- earns (!r its casesare Nust a means t! an end. The" 8eep the ship !perati!nal and the #r!upsuPcientl" e


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That;s hard en!u#h (!r a #r!up !( armchair detectives% -ith!ut -ithh!ldin# hal(the pieces (r!m them. Ever" investi#ative scenari! be#ins -ith a crime !rc!nspirac" c!mmitted b" a #r!up !( anta#!nists. The bad #u"s d! s!methin# bad. The pla"er characters must 3#ure !ut -h! did it and put a st!p t! their activities.

&hen "!u d! see in(!rmati!n -ithheld (r!m characters% it;s seld!m p!rtra"edas a (ailure !n the part !( the c!mpetent% (act:#atherin# her!es. )nstead the

-riters sh!- an e2ternal (!rce preventin# them (r!m appl"in# their abilities. )n aspace !pera sh!-% "!u mi#ht #et the pr!verbial i!n st!rm that prevents the cre-(r!m scannin# the planet be(!re the" #! d!-n. )n(!rmati!n is !nl" -ithheld -henit ma8es the st!r" m!re interestin#Cusuall" b" placin# the her!es at a handicap-hile the" m!ve (!r-ard in the st!r"line. )n GUMSHOE terms% the";re n!t tr"in# t!#et an available clue and (ailin#A the";re usin# an abilit" (!r -hich n! clue isavailable.

Hist!ricall"% st!r":based r!lepla"in#% !( -hich investi#ative #ames -ere anearl" i( n!t the earliest e2ample% ev!lved (r!m dun#e!n:bashin# campai#ns. The"treat clues the same -a" that dun#e!n #ames treat treasure. 4!u have t! search(!r the clue that ta8es "!u !n t! the ne2t scene. )( "!u r!ll -ell% "!u #et the clue.

)( n!t% "!u d!n;tCand the st!r" #rinds t! a halt.

H!-ever% treasure #atherin# isn;t the main event in a dun#e!n #ame. There%the central activit" is 8illin# the m!nsters and enemies -h! live in the dun#e!n. The treasure:3ndin# phase c!mes a(ter-ards% as a mere re-ard. )( "!u d!n;t #etall the treasure in a r!!m% "!u l!se !ut a bit% but the st!r" 8eeps #!in#% as "!utr!mp d!-n the hall-a" t! the ne2t m!nster:3lled chamber.

)ma#ine a dun#e!n #ame -here "!u al-a"s had t! r!ll -ell t! 3nd an!therr!!m t! plunder% !r sit ar!und (eelin# (rustrated and b!red.

Man" !( !ur (av!rite r!lepla"in# #ames use the traditi!nal r!ll:t!:#et:a:cluem!del. 4!u ma" have been luc8" en!u#h t! pla" in them -ith!ut ever seein# "!ur

#ame #r!und t! a halt a(ter a (ailed in(!rmati!n r!ll. ,erhaps "!ur GM% !r thescenari! desi#ner% has care(ull" cra(ted the adventure s! that "!u never have t!#et an" speci3c clue t! advance the st!r".

M!re li8el"% "!ur GM adNusts !n the @" t! "!ur (ailed r!lls% creatin# elab!rate-!r8ar!unds that #et "!u the same in(!rmati!n b" diKerent means. &hen "!uthin8 ab!ut it% these runar!unds m!ments are essentiall" time 8illers. The" brin#ab!ut a predetermined% necessar" result -hile #ivin# "!u the illusi!n !(rand!mness and chance. GUMSHOE cuts !ut these 3ller m!ments in (av!r !(scenes that actuall" advance the st!r". &ith the time saved% "!u can c!nstructm!re detailed% c!mpellin# m"steries (!r the pla"ers t! s!rt !ut. That;s -here thestreamlinin# c!mes in.

)( "!u;ve never had a #ame st!p dead !n a missed clue% "!u ma" naturall"3#ure that it never happens t! an"!ne. Havin# run GMin# seminars atc!nventi!ns (!r "ears% ) can assure "!u that this is n!t the case. ,e!ple c!me upt! me all the time t! share their h!rr!r st!ries !( #ames that literall" #! n!-here!n a bl!-n sp!t test. This sh!uld n!t be surprisin#. GMs are d!in# -hat the rulestell them t! d!% and (ailin# t! see the un-ritten rule that the" sh!uld then spend

GUMSHOE SRD ? p. +1


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3ve t! t-ent" minutes !( #ame time intr!ducin# a -!r8ar!und.

GUMSHOE #ives "!u the rules "!u sh!uld actuall" use as -ritten% and s8ips the-!r8ar!und.

6ut even i( "!u;ve never n!ticed this pr!blem% pla" it because it (!cuses andstreamlines pla"% eliminatin# the elab!rate -!r8ar!unds "!ur GM has t! use t!ma8e the missed in(!rmati!n r!lls invisible t! "!u. )t replaces these m!ments !(

circular pl!ttin# -ith m!re interestin# scenes that m!ve the st!r" (!r-ard.

!ystery Str"ct"re

[Alter as nee&e& for your genre'(

Ever" investi#ative scenari! be#ins -ith a crime% c!nspirac"% !r !ther act !(dis!rder c!mmitted b" a #r!up !( anta#!nists. The bad #u"s d! s!methin# bad. The pla"er characters must 3#ure !ut -h! did it and put a st!p t! their activities.

4!ur GM desi#ns each scenari! b" creatin# an investi#ati!n tri##er% a sinisterc!nspirac"% and a trail !( clues.

1he ine!tigation trigger$ This is the event% that attracts the attenti!n !(investi#at!rs.

• The &isco"ery of a ur&er "icti% ob"iously slain &uring a ritualistickilling'

• The &isco"ery of a cor#se slain by su#ernatural eans% #erha#s by a

creature'

• Sightings of su#ernatural creatures or #henoena'

1he !ini!ter con!piracy$ This sets !ut -h! the bad #u"s are% -hat the";ved!ne s! (ar% -hat the";re tr"in# t! d!% and h!- the investi#ati!n tri##er 3ts int!the !verall scheme. The GM als! determines -hat has t! happen t! prevent the

pl!t (r!m #!in# (!r-ard. This% un8n!-n t! the pla"ers% is their vict!r" c!nditi!n C-hat the" have t! d! t! th-art the bad #u"s and brin# the st!r" t! a p!sitivec!nclusi!n.

Once the GM has the l!#ic !( the st!r" -!r8ed !ut (r!m the villain;s p!int !(vie-% she then thin8s in reverse% desi#nin# a trai# o& c#ue! leadin# (r!m theinvesti#ati!n tri##er t! an understandin# !( the sinister pl!t and its pla"ers%suPcient t! #et t! -!r8 destr!"in# it.

Opti!nall"% the GM ma" als! plan a series !( antagoni!t reaction!. These la"!ut -hat the bad #u"s d! -hen the" 3nd !ut that the";re bein# investi#ated. TheGM determines -hat c!nditi!ns tri##er them% and -hat the anta#!nists attemptt! d!. These ma" include (urther crimes% #ivin# the team m!re t! investi#ate. The" ma" tr" t! destr!" evidence% hinder the investi#ati!n b" plantin# (alse leads%!r t! intimidate !r disp!se !( p!tential -itnesses% includin# acc!mplices the" n!l!n#er trust. The" ma" attac8 the investi#at!rs. 7!!lish% !verc!n3dent !r ris8:ta8in# anta#!nists ma" ta8e them !n directl". lever anta#!nists -ill stri8e (r!m adistance% ta8in# #reat pains t! c!ver their trac8s.

Ordinar" crime dramas ma" call (!r a simpler structure. The bad #u"s c!uld still

GUMSHOE SRD ? p. +$


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be (urtherin# a sinister pl!t% !r the" ma" be d!in# n!thin# a(ter c!mmittin# thetri##erin# crime !ther than h!pin# that the investi#at!rs d!n;t catch up -iththem. )n this case there is n! !n#!in# c!nspirac" t! disrupt. T! achieve vict!r"and brin# the scenari! t! a success(ul c!nclusi!n% the investi#at!rs need merel"pr!ve their case a#ainst the criminals. The climactic scene mi#ht inv!lve -rin#in#a c!n(essi!n (r!m the -r!n#d!er% !r pr!v!8in# him int! revealin# the crucial bit !(

evidence -hich -ill ensure his c!nvicti!n.

#rom Str"ct"re To Story

The GM;s structure n!tes are n!t a st!r". The st!r" !ccurs as "!u% the team !(pla"ers% brin#s the structure t! li(e thr!u#h the acti!ns !( "!ur characters. Thest!r" pr!ceeds (r!m scene t! scene% -here "!u determine the pace% disc!verin#clues and puttin# them t!#ether. 4!ur characters interact -ith l!cati!ns% #atherin#ph"sical evidence% and supp!rtin# characters run b" the GM% #atherin# e2pert ande"e-itness testim!n".

The 3rst scene presents the m"ster" "!u have t! s!lve. 4!u then per(!rmle#-!r8% c!llectin# in(!rmati!n that tells "!u m!re ab!ut the case. Each scenec!ntains in(!rmati!n p!intin# t! a ne- scene. ertain scenes ma" put a ne- t-ist!n the investi#ati!n% as the initial m"ster" turns !ut t! be Nust !ne aspect !( amuch bi##er st!r". s clues accumulate% a picture !( the case emer#es% until "!urcharacters arrive at a climactic scene% -here all is revealed and the bad #u"sc!n(r!nted. -rap:up scene acc!unts (!r l!!se ends and sh!-s thec!nse

T! m!ve (r!m scene t! scene% and t! s!lve the !verall m"ster"% "!u must#ather clues. The" (uel "!ur (!r-ard m!mentum.

WWW6EG)/ S)DE6RZZZ

&ip ,or Players: Containing Speculation

)nvesti#ative scenari!s !(ten b!# d!-n int! speculative debate bet-eenpla"ers ab!ut -hat coul& be happenin#. Man" thin#s can be happenin#% but !nl"!ne thin# is. )( m!re than !ne p!ssible e2planati!n ties t!#ether the clues "!uhave s! (ar% "!u need m!re clues.

&henever "!u #et stuc8% get out and gather )ore in&or)ation.

WWWE/D S)DE6RZZZ

Gathering Cl"es

Gatherin# clues is simple. ll "!u have t! d! is 1> #et "!ursel( int! a scene-here relevant in(!rmati!n can be #athered and $> have the ri#ht abilit" t!disc!ver the clue and +> tell the GM that "!u;re usin# it. s l!n# as "!u d! thesethree thin#s% "!u -ill never (ail t! #ain a piece !( necessar" in(!rmati!n. )t isnever dependent !n a die r!ll. )( "!u as8 (!r it% "!u -ill #et it.

4!u can speci(" e2actl" -hat "!u intend t! achieve Q) use Te2tual nal"sis t!

GUMSHOE SRD ? p. ++


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determine i( the mem! -as reall" -ritten b" Dan'i#er.

Or "!u can en#a#e in a m!re #eneral in(!rmati!nal 3shin# e2pediti!n Q) useEvidence !llecti!n t! search the crime scene.

)( "!ur su##ested acti!n c!rresp!nds t! a clue in the scenari! n!tes% the GMpr!vides "!u the in(!rmati!n arisin# (r!m the clue.

S!me clues -!uld be !bvi!us t! a trained investi#at!r immediatel" up!nenterin# a scene. These passive clues are pr!vided b" the GM -ith!ut pr!mptin#.Scenari!s su##est -hich clues are passive and -hich are active% but "!ur GM -illadNust these in pla" dependin# !n h!- much #uidance "!u seem t! need. On ani#ht -hen "!u;re c!!8in# -ith #as% the GM -ill sit bac8 and let "!u pr!mpt her(!r pa!!ie c#ue!. &hen "!u;re b!##in# d!-n% she ma" v!lunteer -hat -!uldn!rmall" be actie c#ue!.

Core C#ue!

7!r each scene% the GM desi#nates a core c#ue. This is the clue "!u abs!lutel"need t! m!ve t! the ne2t scene% and thus t! c!mplete the entire investi#ati!n.

GMs -ill av!id ma8in# c!re clues available !nl" -ith the use !( !bscureinvesti#ative abilities. =7!r that matter% the character creati!n s"stem is set up s!that the #r!up as a -h!le -ill have access t! all% !r nearl" all% !( these abilities.> The abilit" the GM desi#nates is Nust !ne p!ssibilit"% n!t a strai#ht Nac8et i(pla"ers c!me up -ith an!ther plausible meth!d% the GM sh!uld #ive !ut thein(!rmati!n.

S!me clues -!uld be !bvi!us t! a trained investi#at!r immediatel" up!nenterin# a scene. These passive clues are pr!vided b" the GM -ith!ut pr!mptin#.Scenari!s su##est -hich clues are passive and -hich are active% but "!ur GM -illadNust these in pla" dependin# !n h!- much #uidance "!u seem t! need. On ani#ht -hen "!u;re c!!8in# -ith #as% the GM -ill sit bac8 and let "!u pr!mpt her

(!r passive clues. &hen "!u;re b!##in# d!-n% she ma" v!lunteer -hat -!uldn!rmall" be active clues.

Specia# 2ene.t!

ertain clues all!- "!u t! #ain !pecia# "ene.t! b" spendin# p!ints (r!m therelevant investi#ative abilit" p!!l. Durin# "!ur 3rst (e- scenari!s% "!ur GM -ill!Ker "!u the !pp!rtunit" t! spend additi!nal p!ints as "!u unc!ver these clues.(ter that it;s als! up t! "!u t! as8 i( it there;s an"thin# t! be #ained b" spendin#e2tra time !r eK!rt !n a #iven clue. 4!u can even pr!p!se speci3c -a"s t!impr!ve "!ur alread" #!!d resultA i( "!ur su##esti!n is persuasive !r entertainin#%

the GM ma" a-ard "!u a special bene3t n!t menti!ned in her scenari! n!tes.Each bene3t c!sts either 1 !r $ p!ints (r!m the relevant p!!l% dependin# !n the

diPcult" !( the additi!nal acti!n and the sc!pe !( the re-ard. &hen as8in# "!u i("!u -ant t! purchase the bene3t% the GM al-a"s tells "!u h!- much it -ill c!st.dditi!nal in(!rmati!n #ained pr!vides @av!r% but is never re


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(re


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ar" the -a" "!u run simple searches acc!rdin# t! pacin# needs and thepre(erences !( "!ur #r!up. S!me pla"ers li8e t! (eel that their characters areinteractin# -ith the ima#inar" envir!nment. T! suit them% use a call:and:resp!nse(!rmat% describin# the scene in a -a" that su##ests places t! l!!8. The pla"erpr!mpts bac8 b" 'er!in# in !n a detail% at -hich p!int "!u reveal the clue

=ou Besi&e the $in&o$ stan&s a roll!to# &esk'

)layer I look insi&e=ou =ou -n& an albu full of ol& #hotogra#hs'

t !ther times% !r (!r pla"ers less interested in these small m!ments !(disc!ver"% "!u mi#ht cut strai#ht t! the chase

=ou =ou -n& an albu full of ol& #hotogra#hs in the roll!to#&esk'

)n the 3rst case% the pla"er -h! 3rst v!ices interest in the detail 3nds the clue.)n the sec!nd% it #!es t!% at "!ur discreti!n

• the character t! -h!m the clue seems m!st thematicall" suited =(!re2ample% i( "!u;ve established as a runnin# m!ti( that #ent en8ins

al-a"s stumbles !n the dis#ustin# clues% and this clue is dis#ustin#% tellhis pla"er that he;s !nce a#ain stepped in it>

• a pla"er -h! hasn;t had a -in !r sp!tli#ht time (!r a -hile

• the character -ith the hi#hest Evidence !llecti!n ratin#

Die $olls

ll die r!lls in GUMSHOE use a sin#le !rdinar" =si2:sided> die.

Tests

test !ccurs -hen the !utc!me !( an abilit" use is in d!ubt. Tests appl" t!#eneral s8ills !nl". Unli8e in(!rmati!n #atherin# attempts% tests carr" a (airl" hi#hchance !( (ailure. The" ma" p!rtend dire c!nse


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Cooperation

&hen t-! characters c!!perate t!-ard a sin#le #!al% the" a#ree -hich !( themis underta8in# the tas8 directl"% and -hich is assistin#. The leader ma" spend an"number !( p!ints (r!m her p!!l% addin# them t! the die r!ll. The assistant ma"pa" an" number !( p!ints (r!m his p!!l. ll but !ne !( these is applied t! the dier!ll.

Continuing Callenges

7!r tas8s -here drama% verisimilitude !r suspense call (!r a (eelin# !( repeatedeK!rt% assi#n the !bstacle a p!!l representin# the base DiPcult" !( d!in# it all at!nce unaided this -ill #enerall" be !r hi#her% !(ten much hi#her. The tests perse use the standard DiPcult" !( .

The pla"ers ma" ta8e turns% c!!perate !n each acti!n% !r use an" !ther meansat their disp!sal in a series !( tests thletics t! batter d!-n a d!!r% !r Di#ital)ntrusi!n t! penetrate a 3re-all% (!r e2ample. The p!ints the" r!ll and spendaccumulateA -hen the" have en!u#h p!ints t! !verc!me the initial DiPcult"% the

tas8 is d!ne. /! p!ints !r r!lls spent !n a (ailed test add t! the t!tal.haracters can;t render an imp!ssible tas8 p!ssible Nust b" appl"in# the

c!ntinuin# challen#e rules.

%ero S"m Contests

'er! sum c!ntest !ccurs -hen s!methin# bad !r #!!d is de3nitel" #!in# t!happen t! !ne !( the ,s% and "!u need t! 3nd !ut -hich !ne ta8es the hit. Eachpla"er ma8es a test !( a #eneral abilit". 'er! sum c!ntest can be p!sitive !rne#ative. )n a p!sitive c!ntest% the character -ith the hi#hest result #ets abene3t. )n a ne#ative c!ntest% the !ne -ith the l!-est result suKers an ill

c!nse !r -!rst =in ane#ative test>% the tied pla"ers ma" subse


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General Spen&s

Occasi!nall" "!u;ll -ant t! create a tas8 at -hich there is n! reas!nable chance!( (ailure% but -hich sh!uld c!st the characters a de#ree !( eK!rt. T! d! this%simpl" char#e the character=s> a number !( p!ints (r!m relevant #eneral abilit"p!!ls. &here tas8s can be per(!rmed b" c!!perative eK!rt% multiple charactersma" c!ntribute p!ints t! them. 1 !r $ p!ints per character is a reas!nable #eneral

spend.

Ma'ing Genera# 1e!t! ithout *"i#itie!

[Deci&e $hether you $ant your gae to be unforgi"ing 7gri settings% horroratos#here9 or heroic 7u#beat settings featuring oni!co#etent #rotagonists9%then choose your o#tions fro the t$o choices belo$'(

[Forgi"ing(

4!u can al-a"s ma8e a test !( an" #eneral abilit"% even -hen "!u have n!p!ints in its p!!l% !r even i( "!u have a ratin# !( 0.

[/nforgi"ing( 4!u can al-a"s ma8e a test !( an" #eneral abilit" i( "!ur ratin# is 1 !r m!re%

-hether !r n!t "!u currentl" have p!ints in its p!!l. 4!u can never test a #eneralabilit" -hen "!ur ratin# is 0.

Luc'y Shot!

[Forgi"ing settings only'(

)n a desperate situati!n% "!u ma" be called !n t! use an #eneral abilit" "!ud!nBt have. Once per epis!de% a character -ith a ratin# !( 0 in a #iven abilit" ma"attempt a luc8" sh!t. The !ther pla"ers must #rant unanim!us permissi!n (!r the

character t! tr" a luc8" sh!t. The" have a vested interest because the !nce:per:epis!de rule applies t! the entire cast' )( the" let "!u use the luc8" sh!t% n!ne !(them -ill be able t! tr" it later !n.

)( all!-ed t! #! (!r-ard% "!u spend up t! p!ints (r!m "!ur hi#hest current#eneral abilit" p!!l% and add it t! "!ur r!ll.

Sh!uld "!u succeed% "!u #et the result "!u -anted% but are re


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about cost!bene-t than #ass!fail'(

)n a t!ll test% "!ur success is assured% i( "!u -ant it en!u#h% but the c!st !( "!ureK!rt is n!t. The GM in(!rms "!u !( the DiPcult"A "!u r!ll the die -ith!utann!uncin# an e2penditure. Once "!u see the die result% "!u then decide -hethert! spend the p!ints needed t! brid#e the #ap bet-een die r!ll and DiPcult"% !r t!all!- "!ursel( t! (ail. The base DiPcult" !( a t!ll test is % -hich ma" be m!di3ed

up-ards as circumstances -arrant.

Contests

!ntests !ccur -hen t-! characters% !(ten a pla"er character and a supp!rtin#character c!ntr!lled b" the GM% activel" attempt t! th-art !ne an!ther. lth!u#hc!ntests can res!lve vari!us ph"sical match:ups% in a h!rr!r #ame the m!stc!mm!n c!ntest is the chase% in -hich the investi#at!rs run a-a" (r!m slaverin#entities intent !n rippin# them limb (r!m limb.

)n a c!ntest% each character acts in turn. The 3rst t! (ail a r!ll !( the c!ntestedabilit" l!ses. The GM decides -h! acts 3rst. )n a chase% the character -h! b!lts

(r!m the scene acts 3rst. &here the characters seem t! be actin# at the sametime% the !ne -ith the l!-est ratin# in the relevant abilit" acts 3rst. )n the event!( a tie% supp!rtin# characters act be(!re pla"er characters. )n the event !( a tiebet-een pla"er characters% the pla"er -h! arrived last (!r the current sessi!n#!es 3rst in the c!ntest.

The 3rst character t! act ma8es a test !( the abilit" in


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bl!- sei'es the initiative and there(!re #ets the 3rst !pp!rtunit" t! stri8e his!pp!nent% !r i( his intended tar#et anticipates his attac8 and beats him t! thepunchC!r sh!t% as the case ma" be.

s GUMSHOE is pla"er:(acin#% h!- this -!r8s depends !n -hether the , in thesituati!n is the a##ress!r !r the de(ender.

)n a Scuin# c!ntest% the , #ets t! #! 3rst i( his Scuin# ratin# e !r =i( the character;s thletics ratin# is !r m!re.> The Hit Thresh!ld isthe DiPcult" /umber the character;s !pp!nent must match !r beat in !rder t!harm him. Less c!mpetent supp!rtin# characters ma" have l!-er Hit Thresh!lds.reatures ma" have Hit Thresh!lds !( !r hi#her% re#ardless !( their thleticsratin#s.

Dea#ing Da)age( &hen "!u r!ll !n !r !ver "!ur !pp!nent;s Hit Thresh!ld% "!uma" deal dama#e t! him. T! d! s!% "!u ma8e a dama#e r!ll% r!llin# a die -hich is

then m!di3ed acc!rdin# t! the relative lethalit" !( "!ur -eap!n% as per the(!ll!-in# table

eapon 1ype Da)ageModi.er

7ist% 8ic8 $

Small impr!vised -eap!n%p!lice bat!n% 8ni(e

1

Machete% heav" club% li#ht3rearm

0

S-!rd% heav" 3rearm J1

7!r 3rearms% add an additi!nal J$ -hen 3red at p!int blan8 ran#e.

Supernatural creatures !(ten e2hibit alarmin#l" hi#h dama#e m!di3ers.

haracters ma" never spend p!ints (r!m their c!mbat p!!ls t! increase theirdama#e r!lls.

The 3nal dama#e result is then subtracted (r!m "!ur !pp!nent;s Health p!!l.

GUMSHOE SRD ? p. 1


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&hen a c!mbatant;s Health p!!l dr!ps t! 0 !r less% that c!mbatant be#ins t!suKer ill eKects% ran#in# (r!m sli#ht impairment t! helplessness t! deathA seesidebar.

Unli8e !ther c!ntests% participants d! n!t l!se -hen the" (ail their test r!lls.)nstead% the";re (!rced !ut !( the 3#ht -hen the" l!se c!nsci!usness !r bec!meseri!usl" -!unded.

*.austion/ In0ury and +eat

Unli8e m!st abilities% "!ur Health p!!l can dr!p bel!- 0.

&hen it d!es this% "!u must ma8e a !nsci!usness R!ll. R!ll a die -ith theabs!lute value$ !( "!ur current Health p!!l as "!ur DiPcult". 4!u ma" deliberatel"strain "!ursel( t! remain c!nsci!us% v!luntaril" reducin# "!ur Health p!!l b" anam!unt !( "!ur ch!ice. 7!r each p!int "!u reduce it% add 1 t! "!ur die result. TheDiPcult" !( the !nsci!usness r!ll is based !n "!ur Health p!!l before "!u ma8ethis reducti!n.

I& your poo# i! any4here &ro) 9 to :;% "!u are hurt% but have suKered n!

permanent inNur"% be"!nd a (e- super3cial cuts and bruises. H!-ever the pain !("!ur inNuries ma8es it imp!ssible t! spend p!ints !n )nvesti#ative abilities% andincreases the DiPcult" /umbers !( all tests and c!ntests% includin# !pp!nents; Hit Thresh!lds% b" 1.

character -ith the Medic abilit" can impr!ve "!ur c!nditi!n b" spendin#Medic p!ints. 7!r ever" Medic p!int spent% "!u re#ain $ Health p!intsCunless "!uare the Medic% in -hich case "!u #ain !nl" 1 Health p!int (!r ever" Medic p!intspent. The Medic can !nl" re3ll "!ur p!!l t! -here "!u -ere be(!re the incident in-hich "!u received this latest inNur". He must be in a p!siti!n t! dev!te all !( hisattenti!n t! directl" tendin# t! "!ur -!unds.

I& your poo# i! "et4een :< and :==% "!u have been !eriou!#y 4ounded. 4!u must ma8e a !nsci!usness r!ll.

&hether !r n!t "!u maintain c!nsci!usness% "!u are n! l!n#er able t! 3#ht.Until "!u receive 3rst aid% "!u -ill l!se an additi!nal Health p!int ever" hal( h!ur. character -ith the Medic abilit" can stabili'e "!ur c!nditi!n b" spendin# $Medic p!ints. H!-ever% he can;t rest!re "!ur Health p!ints.

Even a(ter "!u receive 3rst aid% "!u must c!nvalesce in a h!spital !r similarsettin# (!r a peri!d !( da"s. 4!ur peri!d !( (!rced inactivit" is a number !( da"se On the da" !( "!urdischar#e% "!ur Health p!!l increases t! hal( its ma2imum value. On the ne2t da"%

it re(reshes (ull".hen your poo# dip! to :=> or "e#o4% "!u are dead. Time t! create a

replacement character.

$ )n !ther -!rds% treat the ne#ative number as a p!sitive. 7!r e2ample% i( "!urHealth p!!l is at +% the DiPcult" !( the r!ll is +% and s! !n.

GUMSHOE SRD ? p. $


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Bigger ,igts

!mbat bec!mes m!re cha!tic -hen t-! #r!ups !( c!mbatants 3#ht% !r a#r!up #an#s up a#ainst a sin#le !pp!nent.

)( !ne #r!up !( c!mbatants is surprised b" the !ther =see sidebar>% thesurprisin# side #!es be(!re the surprised side.

Other-ise% determine initiative as (!ll!-s.C#o!e?up .ght i( an" , has a Scuin# ratin# e resp!nd -ith their !-n -ave !( attac8attempts% !rdered b" the characters the";re tar#etin#% a#ain usin# a le(t t! ri#htpla"er seatin# !rder. &here multiple !pp!nents attac8 a sin#le ,% the GMdetermines their !rder !( acti!n in -hatever manner she 3nds c!nvenientC

usuall" the !rder in -hich she;s trac8in# them in her r!u#h n!tes. The !rder !( acti!n can there(!re chan#e sli#htl" (r!m r!und t! r!und (!r the,s; !pp!nents% but n!t (!r the ,s.

S!me bein#s ma" stri8e m!re than !nce per r!und. The" ma8e each attac8 insuccessi!n% and ma" divide them up bet-een !pp!nents -ithin ran#e% !rc!ncentrate all !( them !n a sin#le enem". GMs !rder these attac8s in -hatever!rder the" 3nd c!nvenient% s! l!n# as the" (all -ithin p!rti!n !( the r!und dev!tedt! enem" attac8s. Usuall" it;s easiest t! have them act a#ainst multiple ,s at!nce% startin# -hen the" reach the 3rst tar#et in the seatin# !rder

&hen called up!n t! act% each character ma" stri8e at an" !pp!nent -ithinran#e !( his -eap!ns.

reatures ma" ch!!se t! use their acti!ns t! deal additi!nal dama#e t! d!-ned!r helpless !pp!nents rather than en#a#e active !pp!nents. The" aut!maticall"deal !nce instance !( dama#e per acti!n. Onl" the m!st cra'ed and bestial humanenemies en#a#e in this behavi!r.

haracters -h! N!in a c!mbat in pr!#ress c!me last in !rder !( precedence. )(m!re than t-! characters N!in durin# the same r!und% the GM determines their

GUMSHOE SRD ? p. +


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relative precedence usin# the rules ab!ve.

The 3#ht c!ntinues until !ne side capitulates !r @ees% !r all !( its members areunc!nsci!us !r !ther-ise unable t! c!ntinue.

Surprise

,la"er characters are surprised -hen the" 3nd themselves suddenl" in a

dan#er!us situati!n. v!id bein# surprised -ith a success(ul Surveillance test. Thebasic DiPcult" is % adNusted b" the !pp!nent;s Stealth M!di3er.

,la"er characters surprise supp!rtin# characters b" snea8in# up !n them -ith asuccess(ul )n3ltrati!n !r Surveillance test. The basic DiPcult" is % adNusted b" the!pp!nent;s Stealth m!di3er.

Surprised characters suKer a J$ increase t! all #eneral abilit" DiPculties (!ran" immediatel" subse b" 1 p!int. Militar":#rade b!d" arm!rreduces bullet dama#e b" + p!ints.

Li#ht b!d" arm!r is heav"% h!t% and mar8s "!u !ut as s!me!ne l!!8in# (!rtr!uble. ll !( these dra-bac8s appl" d!ubl" t! militar":#rade b!d" arm!r.)nvesti#at!rs can;t e2pect t! -al8 ar!und !penl" -earin# arm!r -ith!ut attractin#the attenti!n !( the l!cal S&T team. rm!r and heav" -eap!ns ma" pr!ve use(ulin discrete missi!ns c!nducted a-a" (r!m pr"in# e"es.

)n ch!!sin# t! ma8e c!ntemp!rar" b!d" arm!r hi#hl" eKective a#ainst3rearms% -e;re dra-in# !n the p!rtra"al !( evlar vests in c!p sh!-s and m!vies.&e ma8e n! claims (!r an" resemblance bet-een these rules and real li(e. Therules als! (av!r cl!se:up ph"sical c!n(r!ntati!ns% -hich are m!re in 8eepin# -iththe h!rr!r #enre than 3re3#hts. GMs usin# the GUMSHOE rules in m!re realistic%h!rr!r:(ree investi#ative settin#s ma" -ish t! reduce the eKectiveness !( b!d"arm!r a#ainst #un3re.

reatures !(ten have hi#h arm!r ratin#s. The" ma" p!ssess hard% b!n" hides !rm!nstr!us anat!mies that can ta8e #reater punishment than !rdinar" !r#anisms.

M!st supernatural creatures are m!re resistant t! bullets and !ther missile-eap!ns than the" are t! blunt (!rce trauma% slashes% and stab -!unds.

[Delete or o&ify references to su#ernatural creatures as nee&e& for yourgenre'(

GUMSHOE SRD ? p.


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Cover

)n a t"pical #un3#ht% c!mbatants see8 c!ver% hidin# behind -alls% (urniture !r!ther barriers% e2p!sin# themselves !nl" (!r the (e- sec!nds it ta8es them t! p!pup and 3re a r!und at their tar#ets. The GUMSHOE rules rec!#ni'e three c!verc!nditi!ns

E3po!ed( /! barrier stands bet-een "!u and the c!mbatant 3rin# at "!u. 4!urHit Thresh!ld decreases b" 1.

%artia# Coer( b!ut hal( !( "!ur b!d" is e2p!sed t! 3re. 4!ur Hit Thresh!ldremains unchan#ed.

+u## Coer( E2cept -hen "!u p!p up t! 3re a r!und% the barrier c!mpletel"pr!tects "!u (r!m inc!min# 3re. 4!ur Hit Thresh!ld increases b" 1.

One Gun, Two Combatants

)( "!ur !pp!nent has a #un -ell in hand and read" t! 3re% and "!u char#e him(r!m m!re than 3ve (eet a-a"% he can empt" his entire clip !r chamber at "!ube(!re "!u #et t! him% badl" inNurin# "!u. 4!u are aut!maticall" hit. He r!lls !ne

instance !( dama#e% -hich is then tripled. 4es% -e said tripled. nd% "es% thetriplin# !ccurs a(ter -eap!n m!di3ers are ta8en int! acc!unt. This is -h" (e-pe!ple char#e -hen their !pp!nents have the dr!p !n them.

)( "!ur !pp!nent has a pist!l but it is n!t -ell in hand and read" t! 3re% "!uma" attempt t! Nump him and -restle it (r!m his #rip. )( he has a pist!l -ell inhand but is una-are !( "!ur presence% "!u ma" als! be able t! Nump him% at theGM;s discreti!n. The characters en#a#e in a Scuin# c!ntest t! see -hich !(them #ets c!ntr!l !( the #un and 3res it. The -inner ma8es a dama#e r!ll a#ainstthe l!ser% usin# the pist!l;s Dama#e M!di3er% includin# the J$ (!r p!int blan8ran#e.

)( "!u Nump an !pp!nent -ith an unread" ri@e% a Scuin# c!mbat brea8s !ut%-ith the !pp!nent usin# the ri@e as a heav" club.

!mmo Capacity

The Esoterrorists sets aside the l!vin# attenti!n t! 3rearm intricaciescharacteristic !( m!st c!ntemp!rar":era R,G s"stems. 7!r e2ample% charactersneed rel!ad !nl" -hen dramaticall" appr!priate. Other-ise% the";re assumed t!be able t! re3ll the c"linders !( their rev!lvers !r Nam clips int! their aut!matic-eap!ns bet-een sh!ts.

&hen rel!adin# is an issue% GMs ma" re


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and?!r

the e2penditure !( p!ints (r!m !ne !r m!re 3#htin#:related Generalabilities.

Eample Combat Option: !oo* Shiel&

%rere@( Hand:t!:Hand J

)( "!u have a Hand:t!:Hand rating !( !r m!re% "!u can dra# a c!nvenientm!!8% henchman% !r mini!n int! the path !( inc!min# #un3re. Spend + Hand:t!:Hand p!ints and then ma8e a Hand:t!:Hand attac8 a#ainst an" m!!8 in ,!int:6lan8 ran#e% !r + Hand:t!:Hand and $ thletics and then ma8e a Hand:t!:Handattac8 a#ainst an" m!!8 in l!se ran#e. =Th!se p!ints d! n!t add t! "!ur attac8.>)( n! m!!8 is cl!ser than /ear ran#e% "!u cann!t use M!!8 Shield.

)( "!u succeed% all ran#ed attac8s that miss "!u hit the m!!8 instead until "!urne2t turnA the m!!8 can d! n!thin#. dditi!nall"% the m!!8 pr!vides : rm!ra#ainst inc!min# 3re% l!sin# p!ints !( Health (!r each bullet that hits "!u.H!ldin# a m!!8 up in (r!nt !( "!u #ives "!u (ull c!ver% and increases "!ur n!rmal

Hit Thresh!ld b" 1. On "!ur ne2t turn% "!u ma" 3re a -eap!n% but must eitherdr!p the m!!8 =!r% m!re li8el"% his c!rpse> !r spend + additi!nal Sh!!tin# p!intst! 3re (r!m under his arm.

W7r!m Night’s Black AgentsZ

[Many cobat o#tions an& cherries allo$ an ie&iate ability #ool refresh' Fore1a#le(

*.ample Com"at Option: 'artial !rts

haracters -ith a Scuin# ratin# !( can speci(" that the" are trained in !ne

!r m!re martial arts. Once per 3#ht% their pla"ers ma" #ain a :p!int Scuin#re(resh b" utterin# a brie(% ev!cative narrative descripti!n !( his !r her ele#antl"b!ne:crunchin# m!ves

• Q&ith a @!-in# ata Gurama% ) tr" t! s-eep him up !nt! m" sh!ulder andd!-n t! the pavement.

• QUsin# m" 8rav ma#a trainin#% ) tar#et the bac8 !( his 8nee -ith a piv!tin#%an#led 8ic8.

• QRememberin# the s-eat and humidit" !( that s-elterin# 6an#8!8 #"m s!l!n# a#!% ) summ!n up all m" stren#th t! ta# him -ith a (er!ci!us cr!ss Nab.

t the GM;s discreti!n% especiall" p!etic !r believabl" !bscure descripti!nsma" (etch a I:p!int re(resh.

These utterances needn;t be impr!visedA pla"ers can prepare 8e" phrases inadvance% then adapt them t! the situati!n at hand.

W7r!m The Esoterror Fact Book .Z

GUMSHOE SRD ? p.


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%unning !ay

7leein# (r!m an !n#!in# 3#ht re


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4!u see a particularl" #risl" murder !r accident scene

4!u learn that a (riend !r l!ved !ne has been vi!lentl"8illed

4!u disc!ver the c!rpse !( a (riend !r l!ved !ne

4!u are attac8ed b" a supernatural creature

4!u see a (riend !r l!ved !ne 8illed 4!u see a (riend !r l!ved !ne 8illed in a particularl"

#rues!me manner

GMs sh!uld (eel (ree t! assess Stabilit" L!sses (!r !ther incidents% usin# thee2amples pr!vided as a benchmar8. S!me especiall" !ver-helmin# creaturesma" imp!se hi#her than n!rmal Stabilit" l!sses -hen seen (r!m a distance% seenup cl!se% !r rippin# "!ur lun#s !ut.

haracters ma8e a sin#le r!ll per incident% based !n its hi#hest p!tentialStabilit" l!ss.

Gr!ups cravin# an additi!nal p!int !( c!mple2it" can !ccasi!nall" alterDiPcult" /umbers (!r Stabilit" tests dependin# !n the character;s attitude t!-ardthe destabili'in# event. haracters -h! -!uld l!#icall" be inured t! a #iven event(ace a DiPcult" !( +% -hile th!se especiall" susceptible (ace a I. character-h!se da"time identit" is that !( a sur#e!n !r c!r!ner mi#ht% (!r e2ample% (ace al!-ered DiPcult" -hen enc!unterin# #rues!mel" mutilated b!dies. st!c8 carracer -!uld #et a better chance a#ainst car accidents. /! character t"pe #ets abrea8 -hen enc!unterin# supernatural creatures.

Lo!ing It

Li8e Health% "!ur Stabilit" p!!l can dr!p bel!- 0.)( "!ur Stabilit" ran#es (r!m 0 t! I% "!u are !ha'en.

DiPcult" /umbers (!r all #eneral abilities increase b" 1% and it bec!mes m!rediPcult t! use investi#ative abilities.

)( "!u -ant t! ma8e an )nvesti#ative spend% ma8e a test -ith the abs!lutevalue+ !( "!ur current Stabilit" p!!l as "!ur DiPcult". 4!u ma" deliberatel" strain"!ursel(% v!luntaril" reducin# "!ur Stabilit" p!!l b" an am!unt !( "!ur ch!ice. 7!reach p!int "!u reduce it% add 1 t! "!ur die result. The DiPcult" !( the Stabilit"test is based !n "!ur Stabilit" p!!l before "!u ma8e this reducti!n. )( "!u (ail% "!ustill ma8e the spend% but "!u sh!uld r!lepla" this (ailure.

)( "!ur Stabilit" ran#es (r!m t! 11% "!u ac


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-a" t! #et it bac8 it t! purchase it a#ain -ith build p!ints.

&hen "!ur Stabilit" reaches 1$ !r less% "!u are incura"#y in!ane. 4!u ma"c!mmit !ne last cra'" act% -hich must either be sel(:destructivel" her!ic !r sel(:destructivel" destructive. Or "!u ma" ch!!se merel" t! #ibber and dr!!l.ssumin# "!u survive "!ur permanent N!urne" t! the sh!res !( madness% "!urcharacter is


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e2chan#e n!tes% ma8e hand si#nals t! the GM% !r use meanin#less c!de-!rds% as i( c!mmunicatin# s!methin# imp!rtant the pla"er is una-are !(.

. Se#ectie *)ne!ia$ The #r!up decides !n an event that did happen in the-!rld that the pla"er has n!- (!r#!tten all ab!ut. He;s married% !r 8illeds!me!ne% !r pseud!n"m!usl" -ritten a best:sellin# b!!8. Ever"!ne hemeets re(ers t! this ne-% veri3able (act that he has n! 8n!-led#e !(.

%!ycho#ogica# 1riage

character -ith the Shrin8 abilit" can spend p!ints (r!m that p!!l t! helpan!ther character re#ain spent Stabilit" p!ints. 7!r ever" Shrin8 p!int spent% therecipient #ains $ Stabilit" p!ints.

)( a character is actin# in an erratic manner due t! mental illness% a an!thercharacter can spend $ p!ints !( Shrin8 t! snap him int! a state !( temp!rar"lucidit". He -ill then act rati!nall" (!r the remainder !( the current scene.

Head Ga)e!

Mental illness can be cured thr!u#h pr!l!n#ed treatment usin# the Shrin8abilit". t the be#innin# !( each scenari!% in a pr!l!#ue scene precedin# the mainacti!n% the character administerin# the treatment ma8es a Shrin8 test =DiPcult".> (ter three c!nsecutive success(ul tests% and three c!nsecutive scenari!s in-hich the patient remains ab!ve 0 Stabilit" at all times% the mental illness #!esa-a".

H!-ever% i( the character ever a#ain ac


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characters in the (!rm !( -elts% cuts% pain% and #eneral (ati#ue. Stabilit" is lesstan#ible but can be subNectivel" measured in the characters; m!!ds andreacti!ns. ,h"sical abilities% als! tied t! (ati#ue and sharpness !( re@e2es% are als!handled -ith a n!d t! the demands !( realism.

WWWE/D S)DE6RZZZ

Improving ,o"r Character t the end !( each investi#ati!n% each pla"er #ets $ build p!ints (!r each

sessi!n the" participated in. =This assumes a small number !( +: h!ur sessi!nsA i( "!u pla" in sh!rter bursts% m!di(" acc!rdin#l".> ,la"ers -h! had characters die inthe c!urse !( the investi#ati!n !nl" #et p!ints (!r each sessi!n inv!lvin# theircurrent character.

These build p!ints can be spent t! increase either investi#ative !r #eneralabilities. 4!u ma" ac


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the !pp!nent either starts t! hit% !r runs !ut !( p!ints. Once en#a#ed% !pp!nents3#ure !ut h!- hard the ,s are t! hit% and adNust their eK!rts acc!rdin#l".

*r)or is subtracted (r!m each instance !( dama#e the !pp!nent ta8es. &herea -eap!n !r -eap!ns is listed in brac8ets a(ter the number% the rm!r reducesdama#e !nl" (r!m th!se -eap!ns. S!me rm!r ma" pr!tect a#ainst all Scuin#attac8s but n!t Sh!!tin# attac8s% !r vice versa.

n !pp!nent;s *#ertne!! Modi.er represents its abilit" t! sense "!uractivities% -hether thr!u#h standard senses li8e si#ht and hearin#% !r e2!tic !nesli8e ech!l!cati!n% pher!m!ne rec!#niti!n% !r ener#" si#nature readin#. &hen "!utr" t! snea8 past it% the lertness M!di3er is applied t! "!ur base )n3ltrati!nDiPcult"% -hich is usuall" . )t als! applies t! Surveillance tests -hen "!u;retr"in# t! !bserve the !pp!nent -ith!ut bein# !bserved in turn. The lertnessM!di3er re@ects all !( the individual;s sensin# capabilities% b!th natural andtechn!l!#ical. sec!nd number appearin# a(ter a slash represents the !pp!nent;slertness i( its #ear is s!meh!- neutrali'ed !r ta8en a-a".

n !pp!nent -ith a Stea#th Modi.er is either si#ni3cantl" harder !r easier t!sp!t -ith Surveillance. )t alters the diPcult" number (!r that !r similar tests.

Sample Creature Stat Block: 1ipovore

*"i#itie! thletics % Health 1% Scuin# 1$% Sh!!tin# % plus !ne shipb!ardabilit" at and an!ther at .

Scu7ing eapon!ADa)age punch J$

Shooting eapon!ADa)age disrupti!n pist!l J1

Hit 1hre!ho#d +

1ypica# 1ech Dis#uiser% ,ers!nal 6luKer% Tether

*#ertne!! Modi.er J$

Stea#th Modi.er J$

Say Modi.er J$

Specia# t :1$ hit p!ints a lip!v!re (alls int! a deep c!ma that ma" be mista8en(!r death.

[Fro Ashen Stars(

Sample Creature Stat Blocks: arious !nimals

*ggre!!ie Her"iore, Catt#e?SiBed

*"i#itie! thletics % Health % Scuin#

Scu7ing eapon!ADa)age #!re?trample J$

Hit 1hre!ho#d $

*r)or 0

*#ertne!! Modi.er :$

GUMSHOE SRD ? p. II


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*r)or 1

*#ertne!! Modi.er J1

Stea#th Modi.er :+

*pe3 %redator, Mon!ter?SiBed

*"i#itie! thletics 1% Health 1% Scuin# 1Scu7ing eapon!ADa)age bite% s-ipe !r cla- J

Hit 1hre!ho#d $

*r)or $


Stea#th Modi.er :+

%ac' %redator, Dog?SiBed

*"i#itie! thletics % Health +% Scuin#

Scu7ing eapon!ADa)age bite :1Hit 1hre!ho#d

*r)or 0


Stea#th Modi.er J1

%ac' %redator, o#&?SiBed

*"i#itie! thletics % Health +% Scuin#

Scu7ing eapon!ADa)age bite J0

Hit 1hre!ho#d( *r)or 0


Stea#th Modi.er :

1e!t! and Supporting Character!

Game statistics in GUMSHOE are% -henever p!ssible% pla"er:(acin#. &hen "!uas GM have the ch!ice bet-een ma8in# a determinati!n based !n a pla"er test%!r !n a test made b" "!u !n behal( !( a supp!rtin# character% al-a"s ch!!se thepla"er. 7!r e2ample% "!u ma" -ant t! speci(" that there;s a chance a harried

relative !( a 8idnappin# victim mi#ht eventuall" l!se her patience -ith theinvesti#at!rs and participate in a dama#in# press c!n(erence. Rather than havin#her ma8e a Stabilit" test t! see -hen and i( this happens% set it up s! that a pla"erma8es a Reassurance spend t! (!restall her.

Li8e-ise% i( "!u -ant t! have a supp!rtin# character steal s!methin# in asituati!n -here the ,s are in n! p!siti!n t! aKect the !utc!me% simpl" decree

GUMSHOE SRD ? p. I


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that it happens. D!n;t b!ther testin# the character;s 7ilch abilit". T! d! !ther-iseis t! en#a#e in (alse branchin# "!u are creatin# unpredictabilit" (!r "!ursel( in a-a" that remains invisible t! the pla"ers. The" d!n;t #et a chance t! alter the!utc!me% and thus #ain n! bene3t (r!m the uncertaint" "!u;ve intr!duced.

)a-ar&s)n !r !ut !( c!mbat% the characters; survival ma" be threatened b" ass!rted

ha'ards% (r!m electrical sh!c8 t! p!is!nin#.

E#ectricity and Other Shoc'!

Dama#e (r!m e2p!sure t! electricit" varies acc!rdin# t! v!lta#e. 4!u can suKer

Mi#d !hoc' % e


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Health per enhancement.

*.ample Ha4ard +escription:&emporal Sock

Mi#d 7!r the remainder !( the interval% "!u l!se 1 Health each time "!u use ancademic !r Technical abilit".

Moderate 7!r the remainder !( the interval% the DiPcult" !( an" #eneral

abilit" r!lls increases b" $.WHa'ard descripti!ns (r!m shen Stars.Z

+ire

Dama#e (r!m e2p!sure t! 3re varies acc!rdin# t! the sur(ace area !( "!ur b!d"e2p!sed t! the @ame% and repeats (!r each r!und =!r% !utside !( c!mbat% ever"(e- sec!nds> "!u remain e2p!sed t! it.

Minor e3po!ure, m!st !(ten t! an e2tremit" li8e a hand !r (!!t% carries adama#e m!di3er !( $.

%artia# e3po!ure, t! up t! hal( !( "!ur sur(ace area% carries a dama#e m!di3er!( J0.

E3ten!ie e3po!ure, t! hal( !r m!re !( "!ur sur(ace area% imp!ses a dama#em!di3er !( J$.

The GM sh!uld al-a"s #ive "!u a chance t! av!id bein# set !n 3re. ThediPcult" !( e2tin#uishin# a @ame is usuall" % but mi#ht be hi#her (!r an!mal!us@ame:li8e mani(estati!ns% !r -hen "!u are c!ated -ith a (uturistic accelerant.

Su6ocation

&hen deprived !( air% "!u #et t-! minutes be(!re the nastiness 8ic8s in. (terthat p!int% "!u l!se 1 thletics ever" ten sec!nds% as "!u stru##le t! h!ld "!urbreath. Once that p!!l depletes% "!u start l!sin# Health% at a rate !( 1 p!int ever"3ve sec!nds.

1o3in!

T!2ins are either inhaled% in#ested !r inNected directl" int! the bl!!dstream. The"var" -idel" in lethalit". d!se !( a l!-:tech cleanin# substance ma" imp!se adama#e m!di3er !( $% -here a vir!:active nerve #as mi#ht ran#e (r!m J t!J1. )nhaled t!2ins tend t! ta8e eKect ri#ht a-a". )nNected and in#ested t!2insta8e dela"ed eKect% an"-here (r!m minutes t! h!urs a(ter e2p!sure. Theirdama#e mi#ht be parceled !ut in increments% and ma" prevent "!u (r!m

re(reshin# Health p!ints until s!meh!- neutrali'ed. s -ith an" ha'ard% the GMsh!uld al-a"s #ive "!u a chance t! av!id e2p!sure t! them.

De!igning Scenario!

The GUMSHOE s"stem supp!rts a certain st"le !( scenari! desi#n. The rules areless imp!rtant t! the success !( "!ur #ame than the -a" "!u structure "!ur

GUMSHOE SRD ? p. I


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adventures.

Cl"es

)( a piece !( in(!rmati!n is essential t! m!ve the st!r" !n% it;s a core c#ue. )tc!sts n!thin#. 4!u can als! !Ker min!r tidbits !( in(!rmati!n at a 0 p!ints% i( thein(!rmati!n n!t c!nse


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,la"er (rustrati!n level usuall" serves as a better tri##er (!r a @!atin# c!re cluethan a predetermined time limit. )( the";re havin# !bvi!us (un interactin# -ith thevivid supp!rtin# characters "!u;ve created% !r bein# creeped !ut b" uncann"phen!mena% "!u can #ive them m!re !( -hat the" -ant b" savin# the c!re clue(!r the 3nal scene. On the !ther hand% i( "!u see the";re #ettin# b!red and(rustrated% "!u can slip in the @!atin# clue earlier.

Leeraged C#ue!

staple element !( m"ster" -ritin# is the crucial (act -hich% -hen presented t!a previ!usl" resistant -itness !r suspect% causes him t! brea8 d!-n and suddenl"suppl" the in(!rmati!n !r c!n(essi!n the detectives see8. This is represented inGUMSHOE b" the #eeraged clue. This is a piece !( in(!rmati!n -hich is !nl"available (r!m the c!mbined use !( an interpers!nal abilit"% and the menti!n !(an!ther% previ!usl" #athered clue. The cited clue is called a prere@ui!ite clue%and is b" de3niti!n a sub:cate#!r" !( c!re clue.

%ipe C#ue!

clue -hich is imp!rtant t! the s!luti!n !( the m"ster"% but -hich bec!messi#ni3cant much later in the scenari!% is called a pipe clue. The name is are(erence t! screen-ritin# Nar#!n% -here the inserti!n !( e2p!siti!n that bec!mesrelevant later in the narrative is re(erred t! as Qla"in# pipe. The term li8ens thecare(ul arran#ement !( narrative in(!rmati!n t! the -!r8 per(!rmed b" a plumberin buildin# a h!use.

,ipe clues create a sense !( structural variet" in a scenari!% lessenin# the sensethat the ,s are bein# led in a strictl" linear manner (r!m Scene t! Scene 6 t!Scene . &hen the" -!r8 -ell% the" #ive pla"ers a Qeure8a m!ment% as the"suddenl" piece t!#ether disparate pieces !( the pu''le. p!ssible ris8 -ith pipe

clues lies in the p!ssible -ea8ness !( pla"er mem!ries% especiall" !ver the c!urse!( a scenari! br!8en int! several sessi!ns. The GM ma" !ccasi!nall" have t!pr!mpt pla"ers t! remember the 3rst piece !( a pipe clue -hen the" enc!unter alater c!mp!nent.

Re!tricted C#ue!

ertain clues -hich are necessar" t! the s!luti!n !( a m"ster" -ill n!t be8n!-n t! ever"!ne -ith the abilit" re


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the !ne blessed -ith this (!rtuit!us 8n!-led#e. &here n! clear 3rst act!r e2ists%as in a clue pr!vided as s!!n as the investi#at!rs enter a scene% the GM ch!!sesthe investi#at!r -ith the hi#hest current p!!l in that abilit" =i( applicable> !r theinvesti#at!r -h! has had the least recent sp!tli#ht time !r m!st re


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Sec!ndl"% durin# character creati!n% have "!ur pla"ers n!te their ch!ices !(investi#ative abilities !n the GM;s )nvesti#at!r R!ster. This enables "!u t! pic8 !ut-hich characters mi#ht n!tice !bvi!us clues% and ensure sp!tli#ht time is evenl"spread.

&hen "!u prepare "!ur ne2t sessi!n% "!u can use the )nvesti#at!r R!ster t! see-hat interests "!ur pla"ers. )( s!me!ne has a +:p!int ratin# in rt Hist!r"% "!u

c!uld add a s!me (!r#ed art-!r8 !r a menacin# sculpture t! "!ur n!tes. This isparticularl" use(ul in an impr!vised #ame.

WWS)DE6RZZ

Scene Types

Havin# planned !ut "!ur m"ster"% it;s time t! arran#e it int! scenes. Each !(these ta8es place in a diKerent l!cati!n !r inv!lves an interacti!n -ith a diKerentsupp!rtin# characterCusuall" b!th. Under the title !( the scene% -rite the scenet"pe% and the scene !r scenes -hich lead t! the current scene% and scenes -hichlead (r!m it. Here is an e2ample scene header (r!m the intr!duct!r" adventure.

&e Good %everend

Scene 1ype( !re

Lead?In( The 6rie3n#

Lead?Out!( The isi!nar"% The S8eptic% /e-sh!unds !( Se


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HaBard

ha'ard scene presents the cre- -ith an impers!nal !bstacle t! their sa(et" !rabilit" t! c!ntinue the investi#ati!n. )t must t"picall" be !verc!me thr!u#h tests!r c!ntests.

Su"?%#ot

sub:pl!t scene #ives the characters an !pp!rtunit" t! -heel% deal% e2pl!reand interact -ith!ut directl" alterin# the c!urse !( the investi#ati!n. These ma"arise (r!m pers!nal arcs% side deals% public relati!ns eK!rts% !r simpl" the curi!sit"!( !ne !r m!re a#ents. &here the central m"ster" pr!vides structure and (!r-ardm!mentum% the sub:pl!t adds @av!r and character. Se% but better(!rm -hen the pla"ers can c!nnect the c!re and alternate scenes in m!re than!ne -a".

*ctiating %#ayer!

c!mm!n c!mplaint ab!ut investi#ative scenari!s is that the" Qrailr!adpla"ers int! ti#htl" (!ll!-in# a slavishl" predetermined st!r" path. lth!u#h "!u

GUMSHOE SRD ? p. I


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rarel" see the !pp!site c!mplaint v!iced% a si#ni3cant number !( #r!ups @ail inc!n(usi!n -hen n!t steered in an !bvi!us directi!n.

Let pla"ers -ei#h !pti!ns (!r as l!n# as the discussi!n seems livel" and (un. )("!u see the #r!up #et (rustrated and unable t! ma8e a c!llective ch!ice% #entl"insert "!ursel( int! the discussi!n. Summari'e the vari!us su##esti!ns made anddirect the discussi!n t!-ard a c!nclusi!n. Guide the pla"ers in eliminatin# ch!ices

-ith!ut nud#in# them t! a pre(erred ans-er. This detachment is easier t! attain-hen "!u d!n;t settle !n !ne.

Remind the pla"ers that the !nl" -a" (!r-ard in a m"ster" scenari! is t! #atherm!re in(!rmati!n. &hen thin#s #et static% re(er t! the characters; drives. s8them -hich ch!ices be(!re them m!st suit their speci3c drives.

6e read" (!r m!ments -here pla"ers (eel !ver-helmed% either because thereare t!! man" ch!ices t! ch!!se bet-een !r% m!re li8el"% n! !bvi!usl" ris8:(reech!ice. /ud#e them !n-ard b" inv!8in# their drives. Remind them that the";vebeen trained b" the O as pr!blem:s!lvers. ,erhaps unli8e the pla"ers% thecharacters are used t! (!rmin# h"p!theses% testin# them b" #atherin#in(!rmati!n% and revisin# their the!ries% and m!vin# (!r-ard. The" resp!nd t!dilemmas b" brea8in# them d!-n int! steps. &ith a little c!achin#% the";ll


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d!ubt% ma8e the pla"er hal(:ri#ht. ,erhaps Elsa has been parasiti'ed b" an ODE-hich can be e2tracted and subNected t! an em!ti!nall" satis("in# c!meuppance%all!-in# the team t! b!th save an inn!cent and punish the #uilt".

)t;s n!t necessar" t! turn the narrative !n a dime -ith ever" piece !( pla"erinput. The 8e" is t! av!id a scene in -hich n!thin# happens% !r in -hich "!urscene is less interestin# than the !ne su##ested b" the pla"er. &hen a pla"er

sa"s that the c!mputer archive in the ruined citadel must have a h!l!#raphiclibrarian% it;s a disapp!intin# t! rule it !ut% !r prevent the pla"ers (r!m 3ndin# itbecause the" haven;t the ri#ht s8ill t! spend (r!m. E2tractin# use(ul in(!rmati!n(r!m a h!l!:character is m!re (un% and m!re pl!t:advancin#% than n!t. Thisd!esn;t mean% h!-ever% that there the pr!#ram sh!uldn;t a(ter-ards sprin# anast" surprise !n them.

Leading and +o##o4ing

)mpr!visin# is a techni


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=Even at that% "!u ma" need t! impr!vise durin# pla" i( n! pla"er steps up t!claim the needed clue% bendin# the details !( the scenari! s! that the samein(!rmati!n can be #arnered -ith a diKerent abilit"% p!ssibl" b" an!ther pla"er.>

.sing the $ight Ability

4!u can #ive !ut clues b!th activel" and passivel". 6" de(ault% th!u#h%

GUMSHOE assumes that the use !( interpers!nal abilities is activeA the pla"ershave t! c!rrectl" ch!!se an appr!priate abilit" and describe h!- the";re usin# itt! !pen a c!ntact up t!

• QHe seems 8ind !( smitten b" "!u. =7latter">

• QThe s


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)layer ) e2amine the b!d" l!!8in# (!r a cause !( death .

.M R!ll 7!rensic nthr!p!l!#"

)layer ) succeed.

.M )t;s blunt (!rce trauma t! the bac8 !( the s8ull. There are traces !( a slim"residue

GUMSHOE st"le)layer ) e2amine the b!d" l!!8in# (!r a cause !( death.

.M WChecks $orksheet to see if the #layer’s character has Forensic Anthro#ology% $hich she &oes'( )t;s blunt (!rce trauma t! the bac8 !( the s8ull. There are traces !( a slim" residue.

)n neither st"le d! "!u see pla"ers #rabbin# their character sheets as s!!n asthe" enter a ne- scene and sh!utin# !ut Qnthr!p!l!#"^ rchae!l!#"^ rt Hist!r"^Evidence !llecti!n^ The" d!n;t d! this because it -!uld be -eird% b!rin#% andstupidCand because in neither case d!es it 3ll all the re Eas"% ePcient% "et s!meh!- n!t nearl" as

disruptive !r Narrin# as a verbal instructi!n.Even better% use !ne !( the musical stin#s available (r!m the ,el#rane ,ress

-ebsite (!r Nust this purp!se.

GUMSHOE SRD ? p.


70/72

Appen&i I: Open Game 'icense 1ersion 24a

The (!ll!-in# te2t is the pr!pert" !( &i'ards !( the !ast% )nc. and is !p"ri#ht$000 &i'ards !( the !ast% )nc =5&i'ards5>. ll Ri#hts Reserved.

1. De3niti!ns =a>5!ntribut!rs5 means the c!p"ri#ht and?!r trademar8 !-ners-h! have c!ntributed Open Game !ntentA =b>5Derivative Material5 meansc!p"ri#hted material includin# derivative -!r8s and translati!ns =includin# int!!ther c!mputer lan#ua#es>% p!tati!n% m!di3cati!n% c!rrecti!n% additi!n% e2tensi!n%up#rade% impr!vement% c!mpilati!n% abrid#ment !r !ther (!rm in -hich ane2istin# -!r8 ma" be recast% trans(!rmed !r adaptedA =c> 5Distribute5 means t!repr!duce% license% rent% lease% sell% br!adcast% publicl" displa"% transmit !r!ther-ise distributeA =d>5Open Game !ntent5 means the #ame mechanic andincludes the meth!ds% pr!cedures% pr!cesses and r!utines t! the e2tent suchc!ntent d!es n!t emb!d" the ,r!duct )dentit" and is an enhancement !ver thepri!r art and an" additi!nal c!ntent clearl" identi3ed as Open Game !ntent b"

the !ntribut!r% and means an" -!r8 c!vered b" this License% includin#translati!ns and derivative -!r8s under c!p"ri#ht la-% but speci3call" e2cludes,r!duct )dentit". =e> 5,r!duct )dentit"5 means pr!duct and pr!duct line names%l!#!s and identi("in# mar8s includin# trade dressA arti(actsA creatures charactersAst!ries% st!r"lines% pl!ts% thematic elements% dial!#ue% incidents% lan#ua#e%art-!r8% s"mb!ls% desi#ns% depicti!ns% li8enesses% (!rmats% p!ses% c!ncepts%themes and #raphic% ph!t!#raphic and !ther visual !r audi! representati!nsAnames and descripti!ns !( characters% spells% enchantments% pers!nalities% teams%pers!nas% li8enesses and special abilitiesA places% l!cati!ns% envir!nments%creatures% e 5Use5% 5Used5 !r 5Usin#5 means t! use% Distribute% c!p"%edit% (!rmat% m!di("% translate and !ther-ise create Derivative Material !( OpenGame !ntent. =h> 54!u5 !r 54!ur5 means the licensee in terms !( this a#reement.

$. The License This License applies t! an" Open Game !ntent that c!ntains an!tice indicatin# that the Open Game !ntent ma" !nl" be Used under and interms !( this License. 4!u must aP2 such a n!tice t! an" Open Game !ntent that"!u Use. /! terms ma" be added t! !r subtracted (r!m this License e2cept asdescribed b" the License itsel(. /! !ther terms !r c!nditi!ns ma" be applied t!an" Open Game !ntent distributed usin# this License.

+. OKer and cceptance 6" Usin# the Open Game !ntent 4!u indicate 4!uracceptance !( the terms !( this License.

GUMSHOE SRD ? p. 0


71/72

. Grant and !nsiderati!n )n c!nsiderati!n (!r a#reein# t! use this License%the !ntribut!rs #rant 4!u a perpetual% -!rld-ide% r!"alt":(ree% n!n:e2clusivelicense -ith the e2act terms !( this License t! Use% the Open Game !ntent.

I. Representati!n !( uth!rit" t! !ntribute )( 4!u are c!ntributin# !ri#inalmaterial as Open Game !ntent% 4!u represent that 4!ur !ntributi!ns are 4!ur!ri#inal creati!n and?!r 4!u have suPcient ri#hts t! #rant the ri#hts c!nve"ed b"this License.

. /!tice !( License !p"ri#ht 4!u must update the O,4R)GHT /OT)E p!rti!n!( this License t! include the e2act te2t !( the O,4R)GHT /OT)E !( an" OpenGame !ntent 4!u are c!p"in#% m!di("in# !r distributin#% and 4!u must add thetitle% the c!p"ri#ht date% and the c!p"ri#ht h!lderBs name t! the O,4R)GHT/OT)E !( an" !ri#inal Open Game !ntent "!u Distribute.

. Use !( ,r!duct )dentit" 4!u a#ree n!t t! Use an" ,r!duct )dentit"% includin#as an indicati!n as t! c!mpatibilit"% e2cept as e2pressl" licensed in an!ther%independent #reement -ith the !-ner !( each element !( that ,r!duct )dentit". 4!u a#ree n!t t! indicate c!mpatibilit" !r c!:adaptabilit" -ith an" Trademar8 !rRe#istered Trademar8 in c!nNuncti!n -ith a -!r8 c!ntainin# Open Game !ntente2cept as e2pressl" licensed in an!ther% independent #reement -ith the !-ner!( such Trademar8 !r Re#istered Trademar8. The use !( an" ,r!duct )dentit" inOpen Game !ntent d!es n!t c!nstitute a challen#e t! the !-nership !( that,r!duct )dentit". The !-ner !( an" ,r!duct )dentit" used in Open Game !ntentshall retain all ri#hts% title and interest in and t! that ,r!duct )dentit".

. )denti3cati!n )( "!u distribute Open Game !ntent 4!u m

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