Based On The Gumshoe System By Robin D. Laws Apr 2026

The , designed by Robin D. Laws, is a tabletop roleplaying game engine specifically engineered for investigative scenarios . Its core philosophy is that investigative games should not be about finding clues—which can grind to a halt if a player fails a dice roll—but about interpreting them. Core Mechanics

: These work automatically . If a character has the relevant ability (e.g., Forensic Accounting, Cop Talk) and is in a scene with a "core clue," they find it without rolling dice. Based on the GUMSHOE System by Robin D. Laws

The system is used across various genres and settings, primarily published by Pelgrane Press : The , designed by Robin D

The system divides character capabilities into two distinct categories to ensure the story always moves forward: Core Mechanics : These work automatically

: Players can "spend" points from an ability's pool to gain "special" clues—extra information that isn't required to solve the case but provides significant advantages or deeper narrative flavor.

: Used for action-oriented tasks where the outcome is uncertain, such as combat, athletic feats, or driving.