“Investigate” Adventures

Naturally, “Investigate” adventures involve finding something out. Start by rolling on the table below.  Then Journey to the adventure site, and explore it until you reach your Goal. Lastly, roll to see if you find the information you seek.

“What Do We Need to Find Out?” Roll 3d6.  (Need a die roller?) We need to find out… 3-6 …how well does this work? This usually involves testing a device or magical incantation. Sometimes the test necessitates being at a specific place at a specific time: e.g. “Only at the Lost Altar of Zathos when the stars are right!” 7-8 …what’s causing this strange phenomenon? The strange phenomenon could be anything, as long as it’s interesting: the Duchess’ seizures; a series of magical failures; the Plague… 9-10 …who is behind these attacks? Classically, the attacks in question are either mysterious, inexplicable raids on the countryside, or else mysterious, inexplicable black-clad assassins. 11 …the truth behind this bit of ancient lore.       Examples include discovering the location of a lost civilization; finding the ruins of an important site spoken of in the old histories; finding a way to decipher a long-dead language. 12 …the truth behind this bit of magical lore. Examples include finding out the specific spell or incantation needed to free someone from a magical prison – or keep them there; finding the command words to a magical item; ransacking the research notes of a long-dead wizard; discovering whether this monster type is really vulnerable to Leautid’s Acid, and so on. 13 …who is really pulling the strings here. This could involve investigating a mysterious faction or organization to see how it really works behind the scenes. Alternatively, it could also be a great way to add a new layer to an existing plot! 14 …who committed this crime, and why? Make it interesting! Some ideas: a high-profile assassination; a series of strange robberies; the theft of a historical artifact… 15 …political secrets. Examples include discovering the ambassador’s true intentions; military movements; the state of the treasury… 16 …trade secrets. Examples include finding out how trade rivals miraculously keep their prices so low; where they get their goods; sneaking into their offices to gain access to their financial records or client list; traveling to a far-off location to see how their trade routes function at the other end – and so on. 17-18 …some dirt on someone. This could be for the purposes of blackmail, but it could be legitimate, too: for instance, finding evidence of criminal activity to bring to the authorities.