SemiRPG/Variants/Investigative

From Caelwiki

There is a corpse unrecognisable, maggot-ridden, in a pool of putrifying blood. The smell when you open the door is enough to make you almost vomit. - Moderator on Investigative Werewolf

'We should check on Zach.' 'Yeah, we should. Wait, chicken?! Where?!' - Villagers on Investigative Werewolf (Paraphrased)

Man...I was so careful when I killed Eitak, but you guys didn't even look for 'em. - Werewolf on Investigative Werewolf

Investigative Werewolf is a variant with two main changes.

Firstly, the werewolves, assassins, and other night-acting roles, describe their actions in detail, including finding and reaching the victim, killing them, and leaving the scene, to the moderator. This description, after being subject to objections by the moderator, becomes the true series of events that night.

Secondly, descriptions provided to the players of events only state the obvious such as time of day, and things that everyone can see. Details of killings are not provided at all.

Further information on events is gained through investigation into events by the characters, or in the course of their roleplaying. They receive information that they come across from the moderator in PM, and if investigating away from the other players, may optionally conduct their exploring, examination, or investigation through PM with the moderator. This can reveal some of the true course of events the previous night, and even include clues to the identity of the werewolf as appropriate, especially if the werewolf left such clues the previous night by accident... or false clues on purpose.

These findings or noticed evidence can be communicated to the other characters ingame, but aside pointing other people to the source, have no proof or substantiation. This opens the door to misinformation and lies.

Together, the changes make it an even greater battle of wits. Is this a clue or a trick? Did he find that clue, or make it up? What does this mean? The larger group needs to find the truth while the villains conceal it and attempt to mislead the others.

The game moves slower due to the increased detail of events, and the moderator is under additional load through the day and night. For large groups, multiple moderators working together may be required. For more reasonably sized games, that is not an issue.

This variant was first thought of and run Saturday the 24th of Match, 2007, by Namegduf Live, to some success.