Gumshoe SRD
About this source
This standard reference document provides the GUMSHOE rules made available via the terms of the Open Gaming and Creative Commons -By Attribution licenses. It is a reference for game designers, and is not tuned to teach the game, or provide a playable game experience. If you’re looking for a playable game, seek out such Pelgrane Press titles as TimeWatch, The Esoterrorists, Trail of Cthulhu, Ashen Stars, Night’s Black Agents, Mutant City Blues, or Fear Itself. Or watch for games the users of this license will build with it.
The GUMSHOE System
The Gumshoe System is designed around the idea that investigative scenarios are difficult to run with most role-playing systems. The problem is identified as important clues being missed due to failed dice-rolls, resulting in play grinding to a halt. The Gumshoe System is designed to solve this by making the game not about finding clues, but about interpreting them. Attention is given to designing investigative scenarios, while at the same time the focus is put on encouraging the players to take control of the investigation (and, thereby, the story being told). The Gumshoe System is player-centric, putting die rolling in the hands of the players whenever possible. Non-player character abilities either modify the roll made by the player, or succeeds or fails depending on what the game master finds dramatically appropriate. Direct conflict between characters, such as combat, is an exception.
Build your own Character Sheets
Can't find a premade Character Sheet? Are you playing or developing an indie TTRPG? With shareable Character Sheet templates on Quest Portal, you can easily customize every detail with custom widgets, roll buttons, tables and more.
Roll buttons
Create roll buttons effortlessly—just type your formula in double brackets and click to roll beautiful 3D dice.
Points
Monitor health and other values easily. Set max points, adjust current points and track progress visually.
Slots
Keep track of health, spells or just about any other resource you need, marking them off as you use them.
Tables
Flexible tool for organizing and presenting diverse information. Useful for stats, items, equipment, and more.
Share with friends
Share your unique Character Sheets with friends via a link, allowing them to duplicate for their own Characters.
Collaborative editing
Collaborate in real-time. Multiple players can edit the same sheet simultaneously and see each other's changes live.