Sleuth Home - Message Boards - Newbie Questions

Jan-9-2007 02:20

Hi there! I know from what I read previously that there is no formula for playing the game. But I would just like some advice: I am a tough and charming detective. Should I be thinking of improving those skills (e.g. Smooth talking to Intermediate Smooth talking) or should I look to up Smarts?

What have you found to work for you?

Jan-9-2007 06:12

I'm tough and charming and I've heard this theory before from people that aren't.

"Pick a side!", they say which means forgetting who you really are. You are a chameleon, baby, you come into a room, size up the suspects and choose your strategy to get them to talk. None of this walking in with only a club to beat over their heads or a little sweet talking in some dame's ear. You can do either whenever you choose. So enjoy it and live it!!

Yes, it may be a little harder at first. Balance your gear and as you're able to do harder cases the gear will get better too. Join an agency and you'll have a locker to store gear for any quick changes you'd like to make. Before I joined an agency, I had a smart accessory, a tough accessory, a charming coat, tough shoes and charming hat. My gear's a lot better now, though I am quite attached to my boots :)

This worked for me. I didn't need any handwriting analysis in the beginning to solve my cases. I needed them to talk - in any way possible and that is your gift.

My opinion on skills:

Flirting is key.

There are some smart skills you absolutely must have right away - that's hair & thread.

Make sure you have all 4 of these Interr/Rule Bending and Sweet talk/Interrog.

Back to smart skills - get research

Beef up the Interr/Rule Bending and Sweet talk/Interrog. while throwing in some adv. hair or thread

As you play more, you will feel what you need to get. You really will. You'll know what skill will make your like easier.

Sorry for the rant there at the beginning - but I love being tough and charming and wouldn't change my versatility for anything!!

Jan-9-2007 07:11

I will point out that as you earn more experience and do the upper level cases being a balanced detective with both Charming and Tough skills as well as gear being balanced makes solved cases much much easier.

Jan-9-2007 10:34

Though, if you do decide to choose one side, it is not necessary to "balance out" later on. Except for faction skills I dont have any charm skills at all, and I solve most of my AI cases. (I've done 11 successful AV hunts, and the 4 failed are my idiocy, not my choice of skills!)

Jan-9-2007 16:54

hey thanks Treschaude :) Flirting is my fave Sleuth skill. It's always interesting to see how other people have developed their sleuths. Your way makes a lot of sense. lol and ranting can be very cathartic. :)

Jan-9-2007 23:38

I'm tough and charming and I did not pick a side. I got all my tough skills and charming skills, and I must say that later on when your doing AI cases, they both come in handy. I got research right off the bat and worked on all of my PE skills. Except I was stupid and left handwriting for last, and it costed me the most. I then worked on my tough and charming skills.

Jan-10-2007 06:15

I'm tough and charming too, and I've gone through as tough since I started playing. Even now, I stick with tough because I'm used to it and it works well for me, even though I have all the skills.

I think it really just comes down to personal preference.

Treschaude, you crack me up ;)

Jan-11-2007 05:13

Thanks alot guys! I really apreciate the help. Give me some time, and I'll share my sleuth with you after putting al this to practice.