Sleuth Home - Message Boards - Newbie Questions

Jun-13-2006 10:07

Hi I'm a Tough/Smart detective, check out my profile for more information. I wanted to ask what skill points I should concentrate in. I'll probably go the tough way, what faction is best? I'm currently friends with Casa Nostra.

About skills, I have advanced thread analysis, footprint analysis, advanced interogation and stress analysis.

I was thinking of taking lockpicking, as I see it about 1-2 times per case, is it useful? What about research, that seems like a far more useful skill. Basically I want to know what they do, if they can fail etc and what order I should go next with skills.

I would also possibily be looking for an Agency to join, I like this game ;)

Jun-13-2006 10:18

Renegen, we can't see what skills you have when we see your detective page :).
As for skills, you will need to focus on tough and smart like you are doing.
The Research/Lock Picking one is personal choice.

Personally, I don't actually think you NEED research for cases until about Incred. Hard or higher and found lock picking much more useful.
I'm R_Anstett will disagree as will Della Devine and many others as they think Research is one of the first to get.

I think that making mistakes as you go is part of the process.There are a lot of posts out there that talk about skill choices and what people liked.

As for factions check out the Reaper's Site which can befound via City Hall under the Community Sites links. Also most of the info you'll ever want is actually already posted on the Welcome Newbie's post as well, taken straight from Reapers. There are also plently of other posts on Factions.

Taking a look at the Mod Links will also help. Looking at sucessful, experienced players such as jstkdn, cfm or Dark Raven's post history is also a great way of finding out info.

Don't be scared to make your own choices and figure out things yourself.You're definately on the right track, and doing well.
I'm sure you'll go far in the game.

Hapy sleuthing and any other questions feel free to P.M me :)

Jun-13-2006 10:24

Research and lock picking are always successful once you have the skill by the way. :)

Jun-13-2006 10:25

Thanks, I did check the newbie post. I read how research works and it seems pretty good, eliminating a suspect outright but what does lockpick do specifically?
Also is there like a toughness check for lockpick? And finally can you abuse it, like clicking randomly on a suspect until you get a closed door, or does it only work like the first time you click on a suspect.

Jun-13-2006 10:30

From the Welcome Newbie's post:

"LOCK PICKING:
When you encounter a locked door while interviewing suspects you can pick the lock and get one question (motive or alibi) answered by exploring their house. Very useful and is the first faction skill I would recomend any newbie get. "

Um, toughness check? Anyone can get it if that what you mean? And no, as far as I know in my vast experience of using lock picking, you can't keep clicking on a suspect until you find a locked door.

Jun-13-2006 17:12

I think you will be fine either way you go Renegen...both skills are helpful, and they both save you from having to ask a suspect a question.

Jun-13-2006 17:16

Oh, one more thing...Factions are all pretty much the same. Being a tough detective doesn't help you get in good with anyone in particular.

If you are not planning on subscribing though, then I wouldn't choose La Cosa Nostra because the faction skill they offer can only be used in agency treasure hunts.

Jun-13-2006 17:53

Lock picking isn't a faction skill

Jun-13-2006 18:02

Just to clarify...Up thread that little snipet that was pasted says that locking picking is a faction skill, which as Trelane says it is not.

But safe cracking is the skill taught by La Cosa Nostra, and I just wanted to make sure you knew that it could only be used by a subbed detective in treasure hunts, since you asked what faction you should get in good with :)

Jun-13-2006 18:25

LOL Yes, Renegen. I do feel that Research is a very important skill to have. I feel it has helped me immeasureably. I also feel that lock picking is another very good skill to have as it can save you from having to ask 2 questions, thereby allowing you to have those available if you need to get witness evidence.

As for the faction skill of Safecracking, it's a good one to have if you're in an agency, but worthless otherwise. And I'm sure you've read or been told that it is best to leave faction skills for last. Build your evidence and interview/interrogation skills first. They are much more important. Happy Sleuthing!

Jun-13-2006 18:46

Research is just mahhhhvelous ;)