Really though, having a secret identity doesn't seem well covered by any of the listed stats/actions; I think it might be better represented by a static challenge level based on the discrepancies it creates rather than a stat roll
Probably true, probably true. However, with the system as it is, all there is is the heroes rolling ability tests. So, even if you decide to add modifiers based on how obvious it is, you still gota figure out what ability you're actually going to use on the test!
Yeah... seems like Intellect or Awareness depending on what exactly you're trying to go off of; Awareness
usually seems to refer to immediate sensory awareness rather than combing through reports or something, but does mention subtlety or noticing patterns a few times.
It'd probably also take a lot of unrelated rolls to actually get the pieces and then more rolls to fit them together into a usable conclusion, so "both" is a less copouty answer than usual.
As for the conversation here about knowing each other and how. I sorta figured from the OP that by the time the game starts, we'll all actually know each other to some degree. Get past that awkward first stage of intros (doubly awkward for some of us who are more secretive.) Hum, although for knowledge before this secret group came up, I would assume that Emerald knows everyone, except possibly Wymond (and maybe Johnathan). At least if she's a small town mayor I would assume she has at least passing knowledge of the more notable residents, which include pretty much the whole party except Wymond and possibly Johnathan. The rich people might very well know each other as well... And anyone who's had stonework done (once again probably the rich people) might know Johnathan at least a little bit... Well, perhaps. Well, I'm not so great at dot connecting, but I figured I'd try a little bit there.
Yeah, we'll probably have our club going at game start.
As for who'd know each other prior to that:
Wymond might have at least met anyone curious about his antique shop, though I don't think anyone would be regulars unless he routinely had mechanical doodads for Lillian, exotic stones for Johnathan, or interesting human and/or alien trinkets for Emerald Star. Socially he might know anyone, though he's probably a bit old fashioned, heh. He might have spoken to Star if he felt comfortable trying to discover any records the town had on any Annas.
Emerald Star has potentially met just about anyone in her efforts to make sure everyone's happy and everything is efficient, notably Johnathan over making sure the quarry and medical care are both flowing smoothly. Possibly also Radia for educational concerns and Elysia to ensure spawn are being appropriately developed. She's probably attended at least a few of Radia's and maybe Lillian's parties because that sounds mayor-ish and she's no less bored than anyone else here.
Jack the Fabulous probably knows Radia because Radia is wealthy and therefore a candidate for expensive art ownership, and of course knows Lillian for the same but also because she's his manager. Jack the Morlock probably just knows Lillian, because you have to go outside to meet most people. He could have met anyone during his midnight prowlings, though that might or might not be conducive to getting to know them and vice versa.
Lillian might know anyone from her parties, though if she's mostly inviting acquaintances she'd probably need to meet them elsewhere first. I like the idea of her meeting Elysia under less than optimal circumstances. As mentioned, she might know Johnathan for stonework or Wymond if she has an interest in the right curiosities. She's also Jack's manager.
Aaaand that's it for now. I'll think on the remaining three.
Also shipping, I ship Johnathan and Emerald (although not romantically) because they are both inhuman monsters. Possibly add Elysia to that group as well (although I'm not sure if she's human or not, I guess that's something we'll find out eventually).
I'm not sure I like where this is going.Us freaks gota stick together right? Maybe make a gang....
Uh oh.