Condemnation without investigation is the height of ignorance.
Albert Einstein
Investigation Checks – Deep Dives into the RPG World
This series represents my concerted efforts to critically analyze and review specific RPG resources. The primary objective here is to furnish readers with comprehensive assessments, guiding them towards worthwhile investments, and cautioning them against fruitless expenditures. When I embark on an Investigation Check, it isn’t a superficial or one-off usage of a resource that prompts the review. Instead, it’s based on repeated and thoughtful utilization, evaluating its merit over a period of time, and determining whether it brings significant value to the table. However, there might be exceptions to this approach. In cases where a resource has proven to be an outright disappointment after a single use, compelling me to consider it a squandering of resources, I may feel compelled to write a post about it to advise others.
Making the Cut: How a Resource Earns an Investigation Check
Determining whether to conduct an investigation check on a resource hinges on a few key principles I uphold.
The foremost principle is ownership. To provide an accurate review, I believe it’s crucial to actually own the resource in question. It perplexes me to see people offering reviews on resources they don’t even possess.
The subsequent criterion is based on practical application. It’s essential for me to have used the resource multiple times during actual play. My reviews are always grounded in multiple, thoughtful uses, which allow me to evaluate the resource’s value and utility over time. Naturally, there are some resources that aren’t explicitly used at the table, instead serving as pre-session research tools. In these cases, exceptions to this rule are made. Such resources could range from a collection of essays on the hobby, specialized resource websites, to insightful guides like The Monsters Know What They’re Doing: Combat Tactics for Dungeon Masters.
Blueprint of an Investigation Check Post
The format of an Investigation Check post hinges largely on the nature of the resource being scrutinized, be it a tangible book, digital PDF, or a dedicated resource website. Each analysis kicks off with a visual element, often an image of the resource’s cover; followed by author’s links, a rating system, and a direct link for purchase or access to the resource, topped off with a succinct summary. This ensures immediate access to the resource itself, should it pique your interest.
Subsequently, I present a brief prelude about the resource, featuring any essential background or preliminary insights that could enhance your understanding of the ensuing in-depth discussion.
In the case of a book, a structured overview of its chapters is offered next.
Afterwards, I furnish a balanced evaluation, enumerating both merits and shortcomings of the resource at hand, if any. This segment culminates with my final thoughts or verdict on the resource.
The post often wraps up with additional details and resources, such as a video review by another creator on the same topic, further enriching your perspective.
Closing Thoughts
As we come to the close of this discussion, it’s clear that the Investigation Checks process is more than just a review or critique. It’s a careful, deliberate exploration of a resource, digging deep into its potential value and application in the world of RPGs. It’s a tool not just for myself, but for the broader community, to make informed decisions about which resources can truly enhance our gaming experience.
Additional Things To Ponder
Here are some examples of Investigation Checks for your reading pleasure.
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