RPG PDF Review: GURPS Mysteries (2005) [****]
RPG PDF Review: GURPS Mysteries (2005) [****]
Publisher: Steve Jackson Games
Author: Lisa J Steele
Format: PDF, 124 pages.
Price: $13
This GURPS supplement focuses on running mystery games. The material tends to focus on murder mysteries though it is widely applicable to other mysteries. As usual most of the material is system-neutral with a few GURPS tables here and there. Chapter 7 is all GURPS.
Chapter 1: The Imperfect Crime
An introduction to mysteries: plots, backgrounds, character types, elements. We’re introduced to four major formats: the Cozy, the Hard-Boiled Story, the Procedural Story and the Thriller. Steele goes over the conventions of dramatic mystery which has certain rules that by and large every story mystery follows.
Chapter 2: “A Little Reddish Mould...”
Crime scenes. What clues can be found, what are the procedures. The different types of crimes along with motives and telltale clues. Lots of ways to be poisoned.
Chapter 3: The Deadliest of Revealers
A whole chapter on interrogating witnesses. Things that investigators need to know about the reliability of witnesses. Also expanded Influence rules to cover more nuanced interactions.
Chapter 4: Oaths and Ordeals – Low-Tech Mysteries
Investigations from the Middle Ages up to the late Victorian Age. What kind of things can an investigator do and what forensic techniques are available. We end with a sample organization: the Victorian Thief Takers.
Chapter 5: The Modern Detective
Covers from the early 1900’s to modern times. Also a section on science fiction mysteries. A sample organization and a 2-1/2 timeline of criminal investigation round out the chapter.
Chapter 6: Paranormal Mysteries
Mysteries in a fantasy world with magic. Three and a half pages on useful GURPS Magic spells for investigators. Horror and Psionic mysteries are also well-covered.
Chapter 7: Characters
Character templates. Advantages and disadvantages as they pertain to the mystery genre. Equipment.
Appendix: Bibliography
I liked this supplement. There is a lot of stuff and it seems quite comprehensive. I don’t read mysteries and rarely watch mystery shows so a lot of this was quite new and interesting. I think there is enough guidance given here to run a proper mystery or two, either as part of a mystery or as a break in a non-mystery campaign.
Overall a good supplement at a good price.
My Journal
Thursday, February 08, 2007