Sleuth Home - Message Boards - Sleuth Talk

Sep-24-2006 17:43

I am not a joiner - I tried it and it just didn't suit me. The gamesmanship of being in an agency didn't seem to fit with the role playing aspect of Sleuth. It affected treasure hunts and, frankly, the politcal aspect did not appeal to me.

The problem is that the game is biased towards this style of play, when very few noir detectives in fiction worked from a multiple person agency - even Sam Spade's partner had died before the first book started. You can buy an agency, but for no reason at all you can't use the Lab. Sherlock never needed Watson to help with his Bunsen burner.

Ben and his team are obviously highly creative - perhaps they could develop this area of the game next? What are your views?

Sep-24-2006 22:10

I am a lone wolf as well, except that I prey upon the weak. I agree with the others that there are many areas open for people of the solo variety. You can always create your own cases for the community, and arch villian hunts allow players to chase after my friends. The featured mysteries are some of the most thrilling mysteries ever created, and they are geared toward solo detectives. (Although it would be cool to have agency featured mysteries) The downside is that you need a certain level of experience before engaging in one of the dangerous chases, but this was created to limit the already staggeringly high body count of detectives who ended up running into my corporate foodcarts. Detectives often formed groups to solve mysteries, such as Ghostwriter and Scooby Doo. Sometimes the thrill of solving mysteries derives from the sense of belonging to a team and knowing that all members contributed toward the reward. There is no winner takes all approach with agencies. Everyone works to better the agency. If you want to be on your own, there are plenty of opportunities to show to the world and yourself that you have the skills to beat the forces of evil.

Sep-24-2006 22:19

Even Ben couldn't beat you, though Chelsea! He has you listed as failed on his character sheet.

Damn you and your fruit carts. I've been slammed unconscious with like 20 of those already.

Sep-24-2006 22:29

I see Fiddler's point, and I like the idea of an "office" for a single detective who liked to work alone.

He could have an "office" with a crime lab, that allowed him to research (get a second crack) at uncovering information about a piece of physical evidence for once case a day. He would get the equipment room to store a change of gear (5 pieces). And a case file to hold his 3 or 4 cases. But the 'office' would be cheaper, and would only allow a maximum of one member. He could even start treasure hunts on his own (this brings me back to my request to consider hunts limited to smaller agencies...)

I like the idea of letting lone (but subscribed) agents have more perks in the game. Arch Villains are fun but - lets face it - it can be months before you build enough skills (and cash) to make Almost Impossible Cases feasible.

Sep-24-2006 23:08

Patience is a virtue. There are more perks for subscribed (and lonely) detectives of all levels in the works!

Sep-24-2006 23:10

I like your idea Dogberta

Sep-25-2006 00:55

I think Dogberta has hit the nail on the head.

Sep-25-2006 05:09

How 'bout subbing a double detective for one month and let this character join your agency. Even when the subscription expires your double can be of help in the crime lab.

Sep-25-2006 08:32

I'm not sure it would be fair to force people into larger agencies - not everyone likes having to be socialble with people they don't know and others just prefer working on their own for various reasons.
As it is people at least have a choice to make the game fit their preferences, although I agree that the lone wolves might be at a bit of a disadvantage. But with Sunny's announcement that more perks are on their way, this may change :)

Sep-26-2006 06:17

More stuffs coming! Yes! The villains are already so good!
*Wonders what the new stuff will be*