Throughout their adventures, Heroes investigate mysteries, explore forgotten places, search ancient ruins, follow trails, question witnesses, and uncover hidden truths. In Rhuna, a Search is rarely a simple matter of finding something or finding nothing. Every successful Search reveals something meaningful about the world, whether it answers questions, creates new ones, uncovers opportunities, or exposes dangers waiting to be faced.
When a Hero attempts to Search, they first describe how they approach the task. The WorldKeeper determines which Pathway best reflects that approach and resolves the check normally.
A Hero studying records, interpreting symbols, or recalling history may rely on Lore. One inspecting mechanisms, hidden compartments, or craftsmanship may use Skill. A Hero tracking creatures, reading terrain, or locating safe passage may use Prowess or Skill, as appropriate. Threaders may search for supernatural influences through Threads, Fires, or Vigils. Others may uncover secrets through Influence, Presence, Prowess, or any Pathway that best matches their approach.
If the Search succeeds, the Hero draws from the Discovery Bag. The result reveals what has been uncovered and helps guide the WorldKeeper in describing the discovery.
Success does not always provide direct answers. Sometimes it reveals evidence. Sometimes it uncovers opportunities. Sometimes it exposes danger. Every discovery moves the story forward.
THE DISCOVERY BAG Copy link
The Discovery Bag represents the countless things Heroes may uncover while exploring Rhuna.
Each draw provides a narrative prompt for the WorldKeeper. The discovery should be interpreted through the lens of the current location, situation, and story.
Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
Clue | Information that advances understanding. |
Mystery | Something unexplained or unresolved. |
Connection | A link to a larger person, place, faction, or event. |
Thread Trace | Evidence of supernatural influence. |
Resource | Practical value that can be immediately used. |
Object | A useful physical item. |
Relic | A significant or meaningful item. |
Shortcut | A new opportunity, route, or advantage. |
Hazard | A danger discovered before it strikes. |
Omen | A warning of future complications. |
Multiple discoveries may be combined to create richer results.
A Clue and Connection may reveal evidence linking a crime to a powerful House. A Thread Trace and Mystery might suggest a ritual occurred here, though its purpose remains unknown. A Hazard and Omen may reveal signs of a threat that has not yet arrived but soon will.
The WorldKeeper should treat discoveries as opportunities to expand the story rather than simply deliver information.
DEGREES OF DISCOVERY Copy link
The quality of the Search determines the depth of what is revealed.
PREPARE Copy link
A Prepare result reveals something useful but limited.
The Heroes gain enough information to make progress, though important details remain hidden. The discovery often points toward a next step rather than providing a complete answer.
ADVANCE Copy link
An Advance result reveals meaningful information and greater clarity.
The Heroes learn enough to substantially improve their understanding of the situation. Important questions are answered and new opportunities often emerge.
BREAKTHROUGH Copy link
A Breakthrough result uncovers something exceptional.
The Heroes gain a major revelation, hidden truth, powerful opportunity, or unexpected advantage. A Breakthrough often changes how the group understands the situation entirely.
WorldKeeper DISCOVERY TABLE Copy link
Use the following table as guidance when describing the same Discovery result at different levels of success.
Discovery | Prepare | Advance | Breakthrough |
|---|---|---|---|
Clue | A small piece of evidence. | Clear evidence that answers an important question. | A major revelation that reshapes understanding. |
Mystery | Something strange is noticed. | The mystery becomes clearer, but remains unresolved. | The Heroes uncover the hidden truth behind the mystery. |
Connection | A possible link is revealed. | The connection is confirmed. | The connection exposes a larger network or conspiracy. |
Thread Trace | Signs of supernatural influence. | The source or nature becomes identifiable. | The Heroes uncover who, what, and why behind the influence. |
Resource | Minor supplies or value. | Valuable resources or meaningful assistance. | A substantial reward, cache, or strategic advantage. |
Object | A useful item is found. | An important item with clear utility is found. | An item capable of changing the current situation is discovered. |
Relic | A noteworthy artifact. | A relic with historical or personal significance. | A legendary item tied directly to the story or setting. |
Shortcut | A minor advantage or alternate route. | A significant route or opportunity. | A major bypass, hidden access, or powerful strategic edge. |
Hazard | Danger is spotted before it triggers. | The nature of the threat is understood. | The Heroes gain a significant advantage against the threat. |
Omen | Signs of future trouble appear. | The approaching danger becomes clearer. | The Heroes learn exactly what is coming and how to prepare. |
WorldKeeper GUIDANCE Copy link
A Discovery should never feel wasted.
Even a Hazard is useful because it gives the Heroes an opportunity to react. Even a Mystery moves the story forward by creating new questions. Even a simple Resource or Object should feel connected to the world around it.
Whenever possible, tie discoveries to existing people, locations, factions, Houses, histories, Threads, Fires, Vigils, or events already present in the story. The Discovery Bag is not merely a source of rewards—it is a tool for revealing the living world of Rhuna.