“Aha!” exclaims the Mathematician. “I have the answer now! Islandia—and in fact, the entire planet—will be swallowed up by the sun in 52 billion years!” You thank the absent-minded number-cruncher and decide to leave the City again.
View The Mathematician’s Answer »Treasure Hunts
More Literary Problems
“Quite right,” beams the Librarian upon hearing your answer. “Congratulations on being our newest member. Please accept this token of membership.” He offers you a bronze medallion. “I’m afraid I don’t have any information on the impending crisis, but please come back here anytime with other questions. We have just about every reference book imaginable…
View More Literary Problems »The Tax Cheat
The attendant’s jaw drops as he listens to your solution. “You’re right! Tremendous! Come this way!” He leads you to the Queen and explains your answer. “You have our thanks, stranger,” Her Highness intones. “Bursar, reward our faithful vassal.” A nervous man presses one of the medallions into your hand. “Come,” continues the Queen, “Sit…
View The Tax Cheat »Going Bananas
You feel a tug at your sleeve. It is another merchant. “You have a formidable talent, my friend,” he remarks. “Can I interest you in a small problem? Your answer to it is worth three obols to me.” “What is it?” you ask. Three of my traders had purchased a load of bananas—between 50 and…
View Going Bananas »The Mansion
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…
View The Mansion »The Timekeeper
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…
View The Timekeeper »The Plain of Blood
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 »The Market
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 »Throckmorton’s Treasure
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…
View Throckmorton’s Treasure »The Master Builder
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 »