Role-playing Games Stack Exchange
Role-playing Games Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [gumshoe]

For questions about the GUMSHOE System, a role-playing game system created by Robin Laws that is designed for running investigative scenarios.

For questions about the GUMSHOE System, a role-playing game system created by Robin Laws that is designed for running investigative scenarios. The premise is that investigative games are not about finding clues; they are about interpreting the clues that are found.

The GUMSHOE System is used in various games published by Pelgrane Press, including:

  • The Esoterrorists (2007)
  • Fear Itself (2007)
  • Trail of Cthulhu (2008)
  • Mutant City Blues (2009)
  • Night's Black Agents (2013)
41 questions
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Preventing player passivity in GUMSHOE?

I really like the game worlds of the various GUMSHOE games I have (Fear Itself, Esoterrorists, Mutant City Blues) but haven't run it yet. My big concern is that I've seen the "ablative skill system" kind of mechanic work very poorly in other games…
mxyzplk
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Gumshoe/Lorefinder - how do you deplete a Boost?

I don't have access to Trail of Cthulhu, so I don't have the full Gumshoe system on my hand, so I can only refer to Lorefinder. If a character, according to LoreFinder When spending from a Boosted, skill, your pool increases by 1 point after…
Extrakun
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4
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Can interpersonal interactions that use investigative abilities fail or make things worse?

The core idea behind Gumshoe as a system is that 'Core' clues are successfully found with an appropriate use of an investigative skill. There are a whole bunch of interpersonal investigative skills such as Flattery, Intimidation, Reassurance. Can an…
Wibbs
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4
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How can I graft Wilderness of Mirrors onto Gumshoe?

Or specifically, how can I adapt Wilderness of Mirrors Mission Planning/Obtaining Information/complication/Trust system onto the resource management/clue finding Gumshoe system.
anon186
3
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What is the best way to use extended contests in Gumshoe?

I need a good, solid mechanic for extended contests in GUMSHOE. An ideal one would work for a wide variety of situations, such as chases and cat-and-mouse games.
anon186
2
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Does a standard use of an investigative skill use up a pool point?

I understand how Spends work in Gumshoe, allowing Investigators to get additional 'perks'. However, does a standard use of a skill use any points from the pool associated with that skill.
Wibbs
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