This is an item that is basically a magical lock to a nearby secret and impenetrable door. It’s a way to sneak an interesting puzzle into the game, basically.
In an otherwise empty room is a long, anvil-like piece of stone. The top is flat, and inscribed on the left half of the top are a sequence of figures. To the right of those figures is a small bowl filled with sand. The sand is level and unmarked.
Nothing bad happens if the sand is disturbed, and the sand can be returned to a state of “clean slate”, simply by flattening the sand. The “anvil” is stuck to the ground, and is immovable.
There is a nearby secret door that is found but can’t seem to be opened. The only thing in the room is this anvil-like thing with the figures on it.
The sequence looks like this(I hope the link works, cut and paste if you have to):
http://www.goslin.info/various/sequence-puzzle.jpg
(Feel free to download and use that image if you want.)
Once the appropriate next symbol is scribed in the sand, the secret door pops open. Can you figure out the next symbol?
ANSWER: Draw two 8’s next to each other, like this 88. The symbols in the diagram are mirror imaged numbers from 1 through 7.
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November 8, 2005, 18:22
November 24, 2005, 10:16
April 30, 2006, 20:57
-Drackler Wyrmdragon
November 8, 2007, 4:50
I don't know, I've thought the same about some puzzles, but just watch my players tear thier hair out trying to work it out!
November 8, 2007, 12:39
I think we need more stories about the puzzles here. :)
April 22, 2008, 11:18
August 29, 2010, 12:08
August 29, 2010, 12:08
March 29, 2013, 18:20
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BxBuN6W-EISwa21sOVl5TmcxZW8/edit?usp=sharing
In my game I am going to say that there are faded writings on the walls which the party can't read... unless they don't get the puzzle, at which point I'll start saying they've "deciphered" a clue:
(roughly getting more obvious going down)
* The one eyed man is king
* If you stare into the abyss...
* Divide and conquer
* Think deeply, reflect
* Mirror, mirror on the wall
* We're into double digits