Roottrees Search and Entry Guide: SpiderSearch, the Library, and Locking In Answers
Learn when to use Internet searches, periodicals, and the library, and how to fill in character cards. Treat finding information and locking in a card as separate tasks.
Scope: The Roottrees are Dead, 2025 commercial edition (PC)
Checked scope: Covers family tree basics, matching the first 9 people, using searches and evidence, and starting Roottreemania. Does not include answers for every person, every achievement, or a complete solution to the additional case. Includes English UI labels.
Sources checked on: 2026-10-16
11 / 11 results
Choosing the Right Investigation Tool
When you find a new lead, first identify which tool can investigate it.
Scroll horizontally to read wide tables.
| Screen | Purpose | Entry / Action |
|---|---|---|
| SpiderSearch | Search for names, organizations, works, and similar terms | Search using the original spelling found in the text |
| Periodicals | Investigate magazine and newspaper articles | Select a publication and specify the person or subject to investigate |
| Public Library | Research books | Find a book by checking its title and author |
| Evidence | Examine acquired photographs and documents | Select faces and read all pages |
| Notebook | Organize clues | Separate terms already searched from new ones |
| Family Tree | Combine information about people | Match position, name, photograph, and occupation |
No entries in this table match. Shorten the search or clear the input to show all entries again.
Order for Filling In a Person's Card
Knowing a name is not enough to lock in a card if the photograph or occupation belongs to someone else.
- First check the branch and generation on the family tree.
- Find evidence linking the name in a source to the person.
- Register and select the corresponding portrait from a photograph.
- Select an occupation from articles about their career.
- If the card will not lock in, recheck the photograph and occupation before changing the name.
In the main case, several correct entries lock in together. Do not assume a person's information is wrong merely because nothing happens immediately after entering 1 person.
A Basic Pattern for Expanding Searches
Rather than repeatedly searching the same full name, extract new proper nouns from the text.
Scroll horizontally to read wide tables.
| Initial Clue | Next Place to Investigate | Notes to Keep |
|---|---|---|
| Article about a person | Workplace, works, and family members' names | The relationship in which the name appeared |
| Magazine name | Look up the publication in SpiderSearch, then go to Periodicals | Person or subject searched |
| Mention of a book | Public Library | Keep the title and author together |
| Group photograph | Evidence | Acquired portraits and unidentified faces |
| Married name | Articles about maiden names or family members | Evidence linking the names to the same person |
No entries in this table match. Shorten the search or clear the input to show all entries again.
Checks Before Using Hints
Duck's hints help you decide where to look again.
- First check your existing evidence for unread pages or unregistered portraits.
- If you are still unsure, select Duck and investigate the person or source indicated.
- If a hint draws your attention to a particular person, check that card's entries.
- Even if a name is missing from the options, keep searching rather than immediately assuming a bug.
Frequently asked questions
Searching a full name returns nothing
Check that you have not reversed the order between the on-screen name list and your search input. Compare the spelling of the first and last names with the text, using the normal English name order.
I entered the right information, but nothing happens
In the main case, several people lock in together. A correct name can also be paired with an incorrect portrait or occupation. Check the evidence one item at a time instead of changing everything.