Investigation is the search for clues, evidence or information that is in some way hidden, and also includes the mental process of deduction and logical reasoning. In addition to the uses below, it can be used for related mental tasks
This relates to physical searches of an area or collection of items. You can search for a specific item, any items of value, a person, or for hidden traps, doors, or compartments
| Target of Search | DC |
|---|---|
| Search a chest or sack for an item | Easy |
| Find a person in a crowded area | Moderate |
| Find a secret door | Hard |
| Spot a trap without triggering it | DC of the trap |
| Find evidence of someone's presence | Moderate or contested by Stealth |
| Find evidence of tampering | Moderate or contested by Stealth |
Action: A standard action allows you to search one hex. A full action allows you to also search three hexes
Try Again: yes
Special: You may make a Thorough Search which doubles the time spent and gives you advantage on your search roll
An evening’s time, a few gold pieces for buying drinks and making friends, and a DC 1 Gather Information check get you a general idea of a city’s major news items, assuming there are no obvious reasons why the information would be withheld. The higher your check result, the better the information. If you wish to avoid spending money, make the check at disadvantage
If you want to find out about a specific rumor, or a specific item, such as a map, the DC for the check is 2 or even higher, at the GM's discretion
If you wish to avoid suspicion, or conceal your interest in the information you seek, make the check at disadvantage. A failed check yields little to no useful information. A result of 0 signifies that you are not able to hide your interests
Action: A typical Gather Information check takes 1d6 x 10 minutes
Try Again: Yes, but it takes time for each check. Furthermore, you may draw attention to yourself if you repeatedly pursue a certain type of information
If you wish to piece together information on a mysterious subject, on which the full truth of the matter is not known by any one person you speak to, use Investigation. If you wish to puzzle out additional information from what you already have, use Deduction
The DC of the mystery or puzzle correlates to the difficulty of the challenge (Easy, Moderate, Hard, Near Impossible). The challenge of the puzzle is heavily influenced by the amount of information available. A high investigation check allows you to glean information others would miss
Deduction may be used at any time to try to connect the information you already have together to uncover new information or an implication you had missed. Due to the nature of the game, there is always some information loss due to communication and this can help bridge that gap. The DC is 1 for obvious facts or implications, and 2 for more subtle implications or information. A deduction check represents an active pursuit of information and should normally be suggested by the player
Action: Varies, see above
Try Again: Yes, but you must have some new information