A Very Keen Understanding
Robin Laws has recently designed a new RPG called The Esoterrorists, which utilizes his new GUMSHOE system. Simon Rogers, the publisher, has posted an interior layout sample in PDF. Ignore the fact of the layout, to which I say, "Eh." Marvel instead at the text: Robin's very keen understanding of both RPG play and the nature of investigative stories. Assuming the ball is not dropped on page 3, this game will be awesome.
Comments
In Call of Cthulhu, I've made players make "Know" or "Idea" rolls if their "Spot Hidden" rolls fail to secure clues. No one sits around and waits in my mystery games! However, I suspect Mr. Laws' system will be much more elegant than shouting, "Give me *another* 'Idea' roll!" and muttering under my breath, "And make this one or this whole adventure is screwed."