Three men stand in the center of this clearing where the dead grass is stained a rusty brown from the blood of combatants. It appears the tradition will continue: all three men hold a flintlock pistol. A small crowd has gathered. One of the busier on-lookers sidles up to you and asks if you wish…
View The Plain of Blood »A screaming mass of humanity has gathered in the largest of the City’s plazas to buy and sell every kind of commodity. Three men arguing over a pile of medallions draw your attention. “What seems to be the problem?” you ask them. The oldest man sizes you up and decides to confide the problem. “It’s…
View The Market »A hole is excavated beneath the tile you name, and sure enough, a small chest is found with a plaque on it that reads: “Herein lies my greatest and only treasure.” “Well, I guess you ain’t a crook after all,” announces the sheriff. He uncuffs you as the heirs open the chest. Inside are four…
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Standing in front of an unfinished house is a woman wearing a carpenter’s apron and holding a hammer. “Who are you?” she asks. “Just a traveler,” you answer, “trying to figure out these earthquakes and tidal waves. What do you know about it all?” She snorts. “I know they scared my assistants so they ran…
View The Master Builder »The City! What a difference from the rest of the Island: tall buildings, lots of noise, too many people, shops everywhere… “Excuse me,” you ask the befuddled individual standing before an enormous chalkboard in the city square. “Are you The Mathematician?” “Certainly, indubitably,” mumbles the figure. “Identity property: anything is equal to itself.” “Right… So,…
View The Mathematician » You enter this temple of learning with some trepidation and much hope. Surely the teachers here will know the truth about Islandia… But the rooms are full of squabbling academics debating matters of such little importance that you almost walk out without a backward glance. The seniors are asleep, and even the fresh persons have…
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“Hola, weary traveler!” calls the strange, gnome-like individual who stands before an elaborate chess table. “Care to pass some time in honorable combat?” You shake your head. “My time is too valuable to waste in idle games,” you state. “Ah, so your time has value!” exclaims the dwarf. “Then I’ll make it worth your while….
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You start at the top left cell with 100 drachmas (100d). The number in each door is the amount you must pay every time you pass through it. You may enter a room as often as you like. The letters may be taken immediately or left to be taken later, but each letter may be…
View Map of The Crypt »Within sight of the capital, you come across an armed camp. The leader of these mercenaries is a Warlord bent on overthrowing the Queen and ruling Islandia. “Isn’t that a waste of time if the island will soon be destroyed?” you ask. “Insolent dog!” spits The Warlord. “We have ways of dealing with counter-revolutionaries like…
View The Warlord »The Sorceror smiles at you. “Yes, you have found me,” he admits. “And now I am prepared to fulfill any one request of yours I can.” You take a deep breath. “Get me off the island,” you demand. The Sorceror nods. “A wise decision. Islandia cannot survive the weight of the Moonstone much longer.” “The…
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