investigate

Investigates topics via phased semantic search and relational/tag graph traversal using Distillery MCP tools.

24|9|Updated Mar 22, 2026

Search Tags:#context #retrieval #investigate #relationships #knowledge-graph #semantic-search #topic-research

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/norrietaylor/distillery --skill investigate-norrietaylor

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: investigate
Source: https://github.com/norrietaylor/distillery/tree/main/skills/investigate
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/norrietaylor/distillery --skill investigate-norrietaylor

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Compile deep context on a topic by combining semantic search with relationship traversal across a multi-phase retrieval process, surfacing connections that keyword search alone misses.

Core Features & Use Cases

4-phase retrieval: seed search, relationship expansion, tag expansion, and gap filling to assemble comprehensive context.
Relation-aware discovery: traverses entry connections to surface related material.
Tag-driven exploration: expands scope using domain-specific tags to surface relevant information.
Gap filling guidance: identifies missing people, projects, and topics to widen knowledge coverage.

Quick Start

Provide a topic you want to investigate and the system will assemble deep context via four-phase retrieval.

Frequently Asked Questions about investigate

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I compile deep context on a topic using semantic search and knowledge graph relationships?▼

To compile deep context on a topic, you combine semantic search with relational graph traversal. This surfaces connections that keyword search alone misses by traversing entry connections and expanding through domain-specific tags.

What is the best way to research a topic and surface connections that keyword search misses?▼

The best way to research a topic comprehensively is using a four-phase retrieval process: seed search, relationship expansion, tag expansion, and gap filling. This method assembles deep context and surfaces connections that keyword search misses.

How does relationship traversal work when expanding topic research across a knowledge graph?▼

Relationship traversal works by exploring entry connections from seed topics to surface related material. It traverses graph relations to discover linked information, then expands scope using domain-specific tags to widen knowledge coverage.

Do I need Distillery MCP tools to perform multi-phase retrieval and gap filling for topic research?▼

Yes, you need access to Distillery MCP tools for search, relations, and list operations to perform multi-phase retrieval. These tools enable the semantic search and relationship traversal required to identify missing people, projects, and topics.

Can I use semantic search to identify knowledge gaps and missing topics during context retrieval?▼

Yes, semantic search can identify knowledge gaps during the gap filling phase of context retrieval. It identifies missing people, projects, and topics to widen knowledge coverage and surface comprehensive context across multiple retrieval phases.

Why does keyword search alone miss connections that a four-phase retrieval process can surface?▼

Keyword search alone misses connections because it cannot traverse relational graphs or expand scope using domain-specific tags. A four-phase retrieval process combining semantic search with relationship traversal surfaces comprehensive context that keywords miss.