So last time I generated a setup for a solo mystery using the system in Technoir. Now to actually start playing it.
As this is a how-to and not a detailed write up of how I'd describe the events unfolding I won't be adding 'literary flourishes' that I'd usually do.
First I need to show you the current map and table of clues in case you are just coming to this.
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The mystery revolves around Ran finding out his ex-lover Rhesan has developed, or is developing a magical virus. He has come to the Guard to exact revenge on Rhesan dumping him.
So here are a few more details of how I use the clue map and table to play solo:
1. Each clue has the possbility of revealing another clue linked to the mystery.
2. No matter what I roll I will discover this additional clue, randomly generated from the table. If it doesn't make sense then I may pre-pick a particular column, or columns, to generate the next clue from (but stay open to interpretation for a little while, and possibly ask a Mythic question(s)).
3. What I won't know is if this connection to the mystery is accurate or not. This is where your gaming system steps in.
4. If you roll an incompatible, or duplicate, clue either re-roll, or simply move down the list to the next available clue. Otherwise you can link them, which makes the mystery more interconnected.
This always leaves me somewhere to go, even when I'm not sure how that clue relates to the overall mystery, or if it is accurate or not.
So, back to my example, where do we go from here? It makes sense that Ran is our first point of contact, so our intrepid hero, let's call him Shan, interviews Ran.
At this point I can generate a few details for Ran - there are plenty of tools around to do this, so I won't list the ones I use, but here are the pertinent facts:
Ran Riverbrand
Occupation: Banker
Description: Tall
Personality: Clever
Motivation: Defend Belief
Shan interviews Ran and using FU as my system and gets a Yes, and result.
This means I generate at least one truly connected clue and I decide the 'and' nets the next clue as well. So what do I get? [2] [4] - which is the Virus again. OK this is a little early so I don't want to link it again at this point, but helpfully shows my 4th rule above, I will simply move down to Bad Drugs.
I decide to connect this to Rhesan (as Ran is informing on him, and shows you can be flexible with the plot map) and use a Mythic complex question to come up with the connection - Release Messages.
My interpretation is that Rhesan received a 'vision' while under the influence.
My second clue gained is [6] [3] the Threat Emerson Seabright. Ran also mentions Seabright was do to with the drugs, which as a Threat, is bad news. As I wasn't asking directly about Seabright I won't write anything for the connection between the Bad Drugs and him.
I add them to the clue map as follows:
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Now, I can either follow up on Rhesan or Emerson. So, in a spot of genre emulation I decide that I don't know enough to approach Rhesan at this point (and potentially give away the investigation), which leaves a scene with Seabright.
I decide that we were in control the last scene so Chaos is now 4.
Here are the current Mythic lists, with personal additions from my character (in true downbeat detective fashion):
NPCs - (Personal) Ex-Sarra Stoutfish, Ran Riverbrand, Rhesan Coli, Emerson Seabright
Threads - (Personal) Have a drink, Stop virus release, Arrest Rhesan/conspirators
I of course roll the obligatory 4 so an Interrupt scene, Move away from a thread (Arrest) - Proceedings Food.
OK, so we're a little early to be moving away from a thread, especially that one. So maybe it's a brief respite?
After a moment of inspiration here's something I've never had to do before, but maybe again shows the flexibility of the clue map approach.
I'll generate another clue and put it on the map but not connect it. [4] [3] New Inn in Snake Alley, showing that Mythic does indeed write itself perfectly some times.
On the way to see Emerson Seabright my guard stops at the New Inn for something to eat (and possibly drink), does someone turn up? Likely 69 - Yes Emerson Seabright.
On that cliff hanger I'll leave it there for the time being.
