In the medieval kingdom of Davern, every decision carries weight, and in the gameYes, Your Grace, investigations are one of the most critical mechanics that define the ruler’s success or downfall. Whether dealing with threats, court rumors, or accusations within the castle, the act of launching or resolving aninvestigationrequires careful resource management and keen judgment. These moments of inquiry add depth and realism to the role of a king, and understanding how investigations work is vital for any player hoping to maintain order, uncover truth, and protect the royal family.
What Is an Investigation in Yes, Your Grace?
InYes, Your Grace, aninvestigationis a narrative and gameplay mechanic that allows you to dig deeper into issues presented by petitioners or events in the kingdom. Investigations can involve anything from tracking down a thief, identifying a traitor, uncovering a spy, or verifying the truth behind troubling reports. As the ruler, you must assign agents typically yourgeneral,witch, orhunterto look into the matter.
Key Elements of Investigations
- Petitioner Triggers: Investigations are often triggered by interactions with townsfolk or nobles presenting claims or complaints.
- Agent Deployment: You must choose which agent is best suited for the investigation. The right choice increases the chance of success.
- Time Requirement: Agents are unavailable for a few days when assigned, meaning you need to plan ahead for future tasks.
Each investigation adds to the immersive storytelling of the game while also influencing outcomes that affect trust, alliances, and even the ending.
How to Start an Investigation
Investigations are not something you can launch randomly. They’re tied to the game’s narrative progression and appear as options after certain interactions or events. When a petitioner raises suspicions such as theft, missing persons, or mysterious happenings you will sometimes receive the option to investigate further.
Steps to Launch an Investigation
- Listen to Petition: Pay attention to the details shared by the NPC. Some cases are more serious and require urgent investigation.
- Evaluate Agent Roles: Decide whether thegeneral(for military or protection),hunter(for tracking and stealth), orwitch(for magical or unexplained events) is best suited.
- Send Agent: Assign them to investigate the issue. They will return after one or more turns with results.
Choosing the right agent not only affects the success rate but may also determine how many resources you save or lose in the long run.
Common Investigation Scenarios
Throughout the game, you’ll encounter a variety of situations where investigations become available. Each comes with its own moral and strategic implications. Below are some of the most memorable and critical investigation events players face during a campaign.
1. The Thief in the Market
Early in the game, a merchant accuses someone of stealing. You can choose to either punish the accused immediately or send an agent to investigate the truth. A successful investigation reveals whether the theft was genuine or a setup, influencing your standing with the people.
2. The Witch’s Prophecy
When dark omens start appearing in your court, fear spreads among the populace. Is it sorcery or just superstition? Assigning your own witch to look into it can calm the people and protect your reputation or reveal a deeper threat lurking beneath the surface.
3. Noble Conspiracies
As alliances form and tension rises before the war, rumors swirl of betrayal among the nobles. In one event, a loyalist claims another noble is working with the enemy. Send your general or hunter to gather intelligence. A failed investigation may cost you an important alliance, while success can reveal hidden plots.
4. The Missing Villagers
Citizens report that villagers have gone missing near the edge of the kingdom. Some say it’s bandits, others say it’s monsters. Your response shapes morale and faith in the crown. A thorough investigation could prevent panic and restore order.
Choosing the Right Agent
Knowing your agents’ strengths is essential to successful investigations. Misassigning the wrong character might waste days and resources or lead to false conclusions. Each agent excels in different types of missions.
Agent Roles
- General: Best used for military or security-based investigations. Excellent in battles, guard work, or enemy tracking.
- Witch: Ideal for magical events, poisonings, or cases involving supernatural elements.
- Hunter: Skilled in stealth and wilderness. Useful for tracking suspects or investigating strange animal attacks.
Balance your use of agents between investigations and other kingdom duties. Losing an agent to a minor issue could leave you vulnerable in more urgent matters later.
Consequences of Investigation Outcomes
Every investigation inYes, Your Gracecarries consequences both good and bad. These consequences might affect the trust of your people, shift political alliances, alter future events, or even influence the fate of your family.
Positive Outcomes
- Strengthened loyalty from allies or villagers.
- Uncovering traitors before damage is done.
- Preventing unnecessary executions or punishments.
Negative Outcomes
- Loss of resources or gold if an agent fails or gets misled.
- Breaking trust with an ally if you fail to act decisively.
- Unrest among the people if justice appears biased or slow.
Sometimes, choosing not to investigate is just as powerful a decision, especially if your resources are limited or the risk outweighs the reward.
Tips for Mastering Investigations
To fully benefit from the investigation system, players must juggle time, trust, and truth carefully. While it’s tempting to send agents for every mysterious situation, that approach may backfire without a proper plan.
Investigation Best Practices
- Keep Notes: Track who said what and which events seem connected. Some investigation chains continue over several weeks.
- Don’t Overcommit: Always leave at least one agent free for emergencies if possible.
- Prioritize High-Risk Events: Not every theft or rumor deserves investigation. Focus on those that affect alliances or kingdom-wide consequences.
- Use Dialogue Clues: Some petitioners give subtle hints that suggest who is lying or telling the truth.
Theinvestigation system in Yes, Your Graceis not just a game mechanic it’s a reflection of leadership under pressure. These moments test your ability to separate truth from rumor, act with wisdom, and protect both the crown and the common people. Whether uncovering betrayal, solving village disputes, or deciding who to trust, each investigation shapes the destiny of Davern. Approach them with strategy, foresight, and compassion, and you may just hold your kingdom together through the darkest of times.