Most if not all RPG’s have an underlying objective. These can take many forms, from an open-ended, character driven plot, to murder mysteries and other puzzles that are just begging to be solved.

Unfortunately, just knowing what the objectives are doesn’t mean you are going to get the most out of your game. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you just don’t know what to do with the clues you find.

Worse; you don’t even see them in the first place.

If this sounds like you then don’t worry. You can still enjoy your RPGing to its fullest by following these 3 simple suggestions.

Ask the ST/DM – What can my character see?

Normally your ST or DM will set up the scene for you, but no description is ever going to be truly comprehensive. Think of crime-scenes; if anyone could look at the scene and find all the answers, then there would be no need for CSI’s!

If the scene isn’t descriptive enough, ask for more details. Many game engines have a system available for such scenarios; e.g. in the World of Darkness it’s called a perception roll.

Be aware that your character’s skills and abilities will play a big part here. If your character is examining a car engine but is not a mechanic, don’t expect to learn much. Conversely, if your character is a geek, then you will likely get a lot of information from examining that computer in the corner.

Pool Your Knowledge and Skills with Other Player Characters.

Following on from above, don’t forget that RPGs are a collaborative game. Find a mechanic character to examine that car engine, or a computer geek to hack into the computer. Don’t try to do everything yourself, the chances are you will be disappointed.

Ask NPCs

Remember, the NPC is there to advance storylines/plots. In many regards it is their sole purpose for existing. It’s just a matter of finding the right one and then asking the right question(s).

The key here is to be persistent, realistic, and creative. Many a time I’ve seen characters ask a direct question, fail to get the answer they want, and then give up.

Consider what makes the NPC tick; find their motives and exploit them. (Hint: M.I.C.E: Money, Ideology, Compromise, Ego).

Now that you’re armed with the tips and tricks, go out there and start investigating!

Over to You

Are you a regular junior detective in your games? Do you have any tips to share? What have you found that works for your investigating?

Or are you a DM, preferring to create the puzzles rather than solving them? Please do share your tips for setting up the scenes in the comments below.

(image courtesy of andrewmartin)

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