Dear Lead Investigator,

I am aware you have become wrapped up in the most recent gathering of the Royal Detective Society, and have found yourself leading one of the many lessons in investigation that have become commonplace in that mediocre club. However, as a matter of fair play, I am here to support you. It is in my interest that the world is full of truth-seekers such as yourselves, as it pushes me to be more careful about my schemes.

Being the lead investigator is a challenge, and you will have a lot of pressure put on you to perform admirably. Consider the FAQ below, as well as the examples of all the possible inquiries that may be made of you (sorted alphabetically). Reach out using the chat feature to get even more specific assistance.

Best of luck,

Moriarty

FAQ

  • What is my goal as the Lead Investigator?

    Your goal is to win as quickly and as magnificently as possible. Solving things feels good. It is not your job to be coy, sneaky, tricky, or misleading. Finding ways to be strategic and straightforward will always serve you well.

  • What can't I do?

    You cannot directly reveal (draw/say/write) an 'answer', which is an underlined word or phrase in each part of the case story. You also cannot reveal synonyms of those words. Finding a way around this restriction is a big part of your gameplay. Players, as they don't know these 'taboo' words, can write and say them freely, perhaps to your advantage.

  • When can we use an Ally?

    One Ally card may be used at the end of each round. This means cases with fewer rounds use fewer Allies. If the Ally is single use, return it to the deck. If it is a permanent upgrade, tuck it under your Character deck for future plays.

  • When do I use my Character card?

    The Lead Investigator uses this card at the start of the second round, after revealing Key Evidence. Other players do not use their ability. Choose your Lead Investigator wisely!

  • What if I mess up?

    It is okay. You can let players know you misunderstood something and redo a previous clue, or let the mistake slide if it won't matter too much. Your judgement is fine in this, just try to keep the spirit of play and let others know if you need to redo something. As long as you don't specify why or how you messed up, it will likely not have a large effect.

  • What can I say?

    You are in a position of a mentor to these investigators. While you cannot solve the case for them, or sway their thinking, you can remind them gently of their conversations. If they forgot if they had or hadn't said something, or if you heard them say it, clarify what you can. You can help their memory where possible, without steering their hand.
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Character Cards

  • Dr. Emine Ali

    Adding these words to mini cards with arrows allow pointing at a specific part of the body, while using mini cards without arrows can show 'general' symptoms.

  • Katherine Warne

    Simply reveal multiple Key Evidence. In a round with three to choose from, you still have a choice of the second one you reveal.

  • Ato Sahle Desta

    Line drawings are hard to interpret, so play it simple. A blood drop, a heart, the shape of a wound, a basic tool of a trade. Just don't draw an underlined word.

  • Sherlock Holmes

    The other investigators get to lead you on this one. Take the chance to write incorrect answers they have discussed, or invent some of your own that are adjacent but not spot-on correct.

  • Shih Xiuying

    This can be incredibly specific and leading towards an underlined word or phrase, but it will be up to the investigators to figure out which Category it is for.
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Inquiry Cards

  • Drawings of Dancing Men

    Drawing human stick figures without props will only give a little information, like an action (e.g. throwing) or who was present. Or, in the case of an accident or self-caused event, you could treat the figure as both Subject and Foe!

  • The Game is Afoot

    While you cannot use an underlined word or any synonyms, you can use something very close to really focus your investigators, or introduce something they were not considering. You don't have to write three words.

  • I Guess You'll Do

    You can let the Investigators give some theories before pointing, or even place this arrow on a specific Category when playing it. Be sure to remember to repoint it after placing guess tokens at the end of each round!

  • The Irregulars

    Sift through the mini cards and take the first Ally you find and place it by the Lead Investigator as an additional temporary Ally (you don't keep it after this case). You also may use an additional Ally this game at the end of any round- and it doesn't have to be the one you just drew.

  • It's Elementary

    You will essentially circle all the letters that are in an answer, but not how many of each or the order. Shorter words can be guessed, while longer words may only be confirmed with this clue.

  • A Letter to Watson

    This is a powerful chance to change how everyone thinks. As long as you avoid the underlined words, you can really push the focus onto anything you would like. That is why it costs so much.

  • Master of Disguise

    Use mini cards, especially with arrows, to spread around these words on the play area to your heart's desire, like a ring on each of two Categories, or a boot on each foot. Consider even adding to the Key Evidence.

  • Message from Mycroft

    After listening to players discuss many incorrect theories, this can be used to tell them one to avoid.

  • Simple Deduction

    Using a mini card, you can write some Category numerals that are 'related', like Weapon and Cause, but more importantly, place it anywhere. You can place it on a played card, or a Key Evidence, or another Category.

  • Whatever Impossible

    As long as you do not choose an underlined word, this is a great chance to reveal an important word, like an action, object, place, or feeling.
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