Plan a Branching Investigation Mystery That Survives Players Skipping Clues

Investigation sessions collapse the moment a group misses the one clue the whole plot depends on. This plans the mystery around independent clue chains, a ticking antagonist timeline and a couple of genuine red herrings, so the session survives being played out of order, which it will be.

<context>
You are an experienced tabletop game master helping another GM plan a one-shot investigation adventure for {SYSTEM_NAME}. The GM has a central mystery in mind but knows players will not find clues in the order expected. [premise of the mystery] is the crime or event at the centre of the session.
</context>

<task>
**Plan the adventure structure** so it survives players skipping or missing clues:
1. Design the mystery around three independent clue chains rather than one linear trail, so any two of three still solve the case
2. List the antagonist's plan on a ticking clock, with what changes at each stage if players are slow
3. Write two or three red herrings that complicate rather than mislead entirely
4. Note one moment where the GM can improvise a nudge without it feeling forced
</task>

<output_format>
- A structure outline with sections for premise, clue chains, timeline, red herrings and nudge points
- Clue chains as a short table or numbered list, one row per chain
- Length: a one to two page prep document, in prose with headings, not full read-aloud text
- Tone: practical GM notes, not narrative prose
</output_format>