Research is used to uncover obscure information about individuals, events, organizations, or other things **that have faded beyond living memory** but still exist in recorded history. Alternatively, Research can be used to find facts or information contained within bureaucratic records. In order to conduct the Research activity, a character must have access to a library or libraries that might conceivably contain the information that they are searching for — a noble villa’s private library might contain original ownership records, but is unlikely to contain information regarding alien interlopers from the last age. The character makes an [[Arcana]] or [[History]] check (determined by the topic of Research) against the DC listed on table below, taking an appropriate amount of time and spending the indicated amount of gold. On a success, they learn what they are looking for along with a point of [[Gather Information#Key Knowledge|Key Knowledge]]. Success by 5 or more grants an additional fact or useful piece of information and an additional point of Key Knowledge. Failure means that the character learns nothing, and on a failure by 5 or more they instead learn an incorrect piece of information that could lead them astray or cause some trouble. The cost of research is reflective of bribes, library fees, and other related expenses. At the Narrator’s discretion, a character may dispense with these if they already have access to a library that might contain the information. | Obscurity | DC | Time | Cost | Examples | | --------- | --- | ------- | ------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Uncommon | 10 | 1 week | 10 gp | The original name of a particular village | | Esoteric | 15 | 2 weeks | 25 gp | The original owner of a piece of land or business, the location of an ancient tome | | Hidden | 20 | 3 weeks | 100 gp | The true history of the founding of a dynasty, the real lineage of the local ruler | | Secret | 25 | 5 weeks | 500+ gp | The name of a fiend, the location of a city destroyed by the gods in the last age | #attackBonus #abilityCheckBonus #lore