A stately manor rises above the gardens of the cultivated landscape around you. You are about to bypass the estate when a troupe of angry people march out and start screaming at you. “That’s the one! Thief! Officer, do your duty.” A local sheriff comes forward and cuffs you as you stare in amazement. “What’s…
A lonely clock tower pierces the noonday sky. Twelve dolorous knells drown out the greeting you call out to the wizened old man leaning out the window. When the bells have stopped, you shout up again to get his attention. “Are you the Timekeeper?” “Of course I am!” the old man yells back, startled. “How…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
“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….
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…