I try to eschew GM-initiated investigative spends when running GUMSHOE games. This is a division of information categories you can use in any game, though.
In GUMSHOE, 'free' info is what you get with a 0-spend of an Investigative Ability that you have. 'Paid' info costs you 1 point.
In a dice-rolling RPG, you get the 'free' info if you have the relevant knowledge or training; 'paid' requires a successful roll.
Below are some examples. Note how the paid info builds on a related type of free info.
FREE ........ PAID
- What is the evidence found on the body? ....... What does it mean?
- This person is lying to you. ........ Why are they lying? What are they lying about?
- Ask the GM if you know how to identify the mysterious chemical. ..... Tell the GM you know a scientist who can identify the mysterious chemical.
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