Cryptid Creeks
Core RulebookCore Mechanic
Roll 2d6 + ability modifier (Athletic, Smart, Cool, Smooth, or Attuned, ranging from -3 to +3). Results use four tiers: 6- is a miss with a Navigator reaction, 7–9 is a hit with complication, 10–11 is a clean hit, 12+ is a triumph with extra benefit. Advantage adds a third d6 (keep best two); disadvantage keeps worst two. Scouts gather Clues through Snoop Moves, then collaboratively Answer a Question by theorizing an answer and rolling dice plus Clues minus the Question's Complexity. Misfortunes replace hit points — accumulate four and you mark a Spirit's Sash, which can later be lifted to bump a roll up one success tier.
Best For
Families and groups who want a coming-of-age mystery adventure with cozy horror tone — think Gravity Falls, The Goonies, or Stranger Things at the table, accessible to teens and newcomers.
Highlights
Answer a Question mechanic means mysteries have no predetermined solution — players theorize answers from gathered Clues, Spirit's Sashes let players retroactively alter outcomes by channeling clubhouse ghosts, six playbooks with Watcher's Gifts that grant each Scout a unique supernatural edge, included Pilot Episode walks new groups through their first session step by step
Considerations
Tightly bound to its Clawfoot setting and tone — not easily reskinned for other genres, collaborative mystery resolution requires comfort with improvised answers rather than pre-written solutions, no combat system — confrontations use the same general moves as other challenges, Misfit playbook starts without a Watcher's Gift which may feel limiting