Pulp Fantasy Core--The Gumshoe (Detective)

PULP FANTASY CORE
(c) Jerry Harris, 2012
Published here as Open Game Content.

Pulp Fantasy Core Index

Gumshoe
(Detective)
Does this situation require some personality or some creative "extra-legal" skills?

HP: 8 + (1d8 x 4) + (Con bonus x 5)
Enhanced Stats: Dex, Cha, and Int
BAB: Melee +5 + Str bonus
Ranged +5 + Dex bonus
Ref Save +5 + Dex bonus
Fort Save +1 + Con bonus
Will Save +1 + Wis bonus


Class Skills
- Deduction/Observation: ((Int + Wis)/2) + 3.
Deduction is a "clue" skill for mysteries along the lines of discerning the psychology of the event and perhaps the criminal angle of a crime scene or a potential one. The Ref will give out details that wouldn't be obvious. Use DC 12 in general. There should always be a complication for using this skill (instead of the player's own wits).

Observation is essentially a "Sense Motive" skill for determining an NPC's mindset. The Ref will give out mannerisms and details that wouldn't be obvious.

This skill also includes these skills: Detection of traps, trapped items, and ambushes; Disarming Traps; and Finding secret doors and hidden items. Use DC 12 in general, DC 18 if a master is trying to be deceptive or has set up a trap and such.

- Connections: ((Int + Cha)/2) +3. Detectives know lots of different people at all levels of society. Some of these people may owe favors to the detective, or might want a favor in the future from the detective. This isn't an act of coercion or trickery. This is getting help from people that the detective knows. Calling in minor favors or simple information inquiries (DC 12) may involve a simple cash or reciprocal information exchange. Larger favors and more sensitive information (DC 18) will likely involve calling off any debts or incurring owing a favor (and a possible future adventure hook). The Ref determines the nature of the transaction.

- Shady Skills: (Dex + Int)/2 + 3
Stealth (Hiding, sneaking), Pick Locks, Escape Artist, Forgery, Pick Pockets

- Con Artist: ((Int + Cha)/2) + 3
Fast Talk, Charm, Haggle, Disguise, Intimidate (psychological threat, something that scares the opponent)

+2 more skills, but with restrictions. May be defined during play.