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Stress Detection - Worth it?
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Jen Wong
Jen Wong

Jan-18-2010 02:32

Is stress detection worth it? or should I just wait till after I get lockpicking? thanks!

BTW, I'm a smart and tough build.

Replies

Cordelia Falco
Cordelia Falco
Battered Shoe

Feb-3-2010 01:40

An example of when stress detection is helpful:

I had a case the other day where there was a note from a right-handed person and a note from a left-handed person. It was a case where there were four pieces of evidence and the minimum number of suspects, so I knew that every person with a real alibi would also have a piece of evidence pointing to them.

Because of the stress detection skill, I knew that I only had one question remaining with the Librarian (she really wasn't feeling helpful!). Knowing that I only had one question helped me to plan where that one question would be most useful, and work out the odds. I calculated that I had the best chance of ruling out the most number of people by asking if the left-handed note belonged to the one left-handed suspect with a real alibi. It didn't, which meant that it belonged to one of the two remaining left-handed suspects, neither of whom had an alibi. So that meant I only had two suspects to ask for WE on, and I solved the case.

If I hadn't known I only had the one question, I'd have calculated I had a better chance of eliminating suspects by asking about suspects with no alibis instead.

So no, stress detection doesn't stop people clamming up, but it does help you work out the best odds for getting a lucky result in tricky situations.

Jesse Hunter
Jesse Hunter
Bibliophile

Feb-3-2010 10:02

Cordelia, that's a perfect example of when stress detection is useful with townies. It's a strategy related skill which is also useful with suspects. As I go down the list looking for motives and alibis I try to leave each suspect with at least one question left. That way I know I can still eliminate one last suspect through WE should my PE investigation stall out. I can't count the number of times a successful case has come down those remaining questions.

I still wouldn't recommend it as an early purchase, but will never hesitate to argue that it should be picked up before cross training from tough to charm or vice versa. Stress Detection is a relatively cheap (esp for tough detectives) and immediate way to get the most use out of your current skill set - as opposed to the long process of pumping dozens of points into interviewing skills that rarely make a difference even when maxed out.

Cordelia Falco
Cordelia Falco
Battered Shoe

Feb-3-2010 23:45

"I still wouldn't recommend it as an early purchase, but will never hesitate to argue that it should be picked up before cross training from tough to charm or vice versa."

Agree completely!

Roland Moonstar
Roland Moonstar

Feb-22-2010 17:18

I thought it was a mistake to pick it up, but for an absolutely newbie like myself, it actually has proven useful. Especially as I have no useful talents, most of my accusations are based on the testimony of fellow witnesses, so it helps to know how many questions I have left, especially when I end up with 2 or 3 people who all have 'no alibi' or a false alibi. And I'm glad I bothered quizzing everyone, as it turns out people prevaricate for no apparent reason.

Based on what other people have read, it has little value to experienced players who have other tips and resources at their disposal, but for me, an absolutely newbie, it has proven useful.

Anikka
Anikka
Babelfish

Feb-22-2010 20:14

Actually, I know plenty of experienced players who have plenty of tips and resources at their disposal (including me) who make use of Stress Detection all the time.

Everyone has their own style of play, and so some people don't see a point in this particular skill, but I often depend on it.

Breitkat
Breitkat
Pinball Amateur

Feb-26-2010 21:39

And for the record, Roland, this community is a surprisingly honest one. There are MANY different opinions expressed here, but very few liars or con-men about.

I think you'll find the vast majority will say the same basic thing about Stress Detection: That it has its moments, but it's not an inherently invaluable, can't-live-without-it skill. It tends to be a 'guiding' sort of a skill, (as Cordelia showed us) and does tend to have much more use for more experienced detectives.

Lockpicking, on the other hand, I think you'll find a consensus on also. But you'll find that most will say it IS an inherently can't-live-without-it sort-of a thing. (For those who don't know what we're talking about, Lockpicking will automatically answer EITHER the alibi or motive question for up to two suspects. And no, it's not pickpocketing. Different skill there.) For most, if not all of us beyond the newbie stage, we generally count every question we can get as better than gold. So any we can get for free is an extra bonus. It's for this reason, primarily, that the vast majority of people, I'm willing to bet, would say to go with Lockpicking first, and wait til a later point to pick up Stress Detection.

Hope that helps a bit, Jen. ;-)

Breit

Tagasiyasat
Tagasiyasat

Apr-22-2010 01:39

Well, lock picking is great to have, so that you don't have to waste a question on a suspect. But stress detection is also cool so when you know that someone's about to clam up, you'll choose your question(s) wisely

ThePumpkinKing
ThePumpkinKing
Tome Raider

Mar-11-2012 08:42

I absolutely love stress detection. That way I can plan my questions so that every suspect has at least one question left each, when all suspects and every alibi are found. That way I know I can eliminate at least one suspect if I can't find out whodunnit after trying to fit the PE to my suspects. Works every case!

Peter O'Neil
Peter O'Neil
Old Shoe

Mar-12-2012 20:10

I also like it, PK. Of course the real question is - what do you value most ... and least? Which skills will you acquire first, and which later. After all, if one plays long enough, you'll be able to get them all!!

As to lock-picking vs stress detection, I love them both. For me, if I had a new character though, I would get lock-picking first.

ThePumpkinKing
ThePumpkinKing
Tome Raider

Mar-13-2012 05:08

I agree. Research and lock picking first, + evidence analyzing skills, but I'd go for stress detection pretty soon after that.

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