Some people accept the world as it appears on the surface—but not you. You look deeper. Whether as a lawman, a private eye, a wandering inquisitor, or a nosy scholar, you are driven to uncover hidden truths. Lies, half-truths, and secrets surround every crime and every conspiracy, and you’ve trained yourself to read between the lines, follow faint trails, and fit scattered clues into a coherent picture.
Investigators are invaluable in both crowded cities and quiet villages, where corruption, mystery, and danger often lurk unnoticed. Wherever you go, people may seek your help in solving crimes, finding lost things, or exposing hidden plots—but others may fear you for what your sharp eyes might uncover.
- Tool Proficiencies: Thieves’ tools or one gaming set of your choice
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment:
A notebook full of scribbles and leads, a magnifying glass or small spyglass, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a pouch containing 15 gp.
Feature: Follow the Trail
You have a knack for piecing together clues and spotting inconsistencies. When in a settlement or city, you can usually gain useful information about a person, object, or event by spending a short time asking questions, examining the area, or consulting local contacts. While this may not always lead directly to the answer you seek, it often provides a strong lead or a new angle to pursue.
Suggested Characteristics
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
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1
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I always notice small details others overlook.
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2
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I don’t trust what people say until I see the proof.
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3
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I keep calm, even in the face of danger.
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4
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I’m fascinated by puzzles and riddles.
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5
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I ask a lot of questions.
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6
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I record everything in my notebook.
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7
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I treat every mystery like it’s a grand conspiracy.
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8
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I enjoy playing mind games with others to test their honesty.
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| d6 |
Ideal |
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1
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Truth. The truth must always come out, no matter the cost. (Lawful)
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2
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Justice. Wrongdoers should never escape their crimes. (Lawful/Good)
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3
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Knowledge. Every mystery hides a lesson worth uncovering. (Neutral)
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4
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Freedom. People should know the truth so they can make their own choices. (Chaotic)
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5
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Power. Secrets are leverage, and leverage is power. (Evil)
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6
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Curiosity. I investigate not for duty, but because I must know. (Any)
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| d6 |
Bond |
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1
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I owe my mentor everything—I carry on their work.
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2
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A powerful person destroyed my life, and I’ll uncover their secrets.
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3
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I have a missing person I’ve sworn to find.
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4
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I’m loyal to the community I grew up in.
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5
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A journal of unsolved mysteries is my most treasured possession.
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6
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I work for an organization that relies on my investigative skills.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
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1
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I’m suspicious of everyone.
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2
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I get obsessed with unsolved mysteries and neglect everything else.
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3
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I’m blunt to the point of rudeness.
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4
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I’ll bend the law to uncover the truth.
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5
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I sometimes jump to conclusions too quickly.
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6
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I keep dangerous secrets to myself.
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