Quest
These are the story/quests featured in Hidden City. There is a vast number of stories, and please note that the order and categories are unorganized, so it might be a bit difficult to navigate. Thank you for your understanding.
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A Foggy Event
Eleanor
Fog encroachment from the City may be the cause of the recent disturbances. I tried dispersing it, but my anti-fog crystal had no effect. I need to finish examining the crystal. Can you bring it here?
Analysis of this crystal shows... no, that’s impossible. I assumed its power had been drained somehow, but the fog itself is resistant to the crystal’s influence. How?
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Eerily Beautiful Phenomenon
Eleanor
I’ve been thinking. When the lights went out, I lit a candle, but then... well, maybe it’s easier if I just show you. Can you get it from my desk?
Have you ever seen melted candle wax flow upward? It defies the laws of physics. I’ve witnessed a ton of weird stuff in my years as an agent, but this one rattled me.
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Please Keep Quiet
Eleanor
Wait, did you hear that? It sounded like a woman’s voice, coming from down the hall. There it is again! My first thought was that it’s a lost visitor, but the library is currently empty. Can you find the source of that echo?
So, the voice was coming from this music box. One of many recent strange occurrences in the library. I’ve entertained the possibility my colleagues from the Security Service could be playing a prank, but they deny any involvement.
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Book Worlds
Martha
There are powerful magical emanations here. I can feel the influence of the astral spheres, which can sometimes tear the fabric of the subtle worlds. To us, those tears resemble portals. Seen any portals around?
A portal in a book? And it’s moving...? That’s a first for me. This level of instability means the library’s energy shell has been damaged. The collision will occur much sooner than I thought.
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As Good as New
Eleanor
Something is wreaking havoc in the Knowledge Archive. Inexplicable gusts of wind are blowing indoors, knocking the books off the shelves and sending columns of loose pages whirling through the air like dust devils. Great. Now the lights are flickering! We need a bulb tester.
Hmm. According to the tests, the light bulbs are all in working order. But I swear I saw them flicker before they fully shut off.
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Careful With Predictions
Rayden Storke
A self-proclaimed medium believes the two halves of the City are about to crash into each other. I don’t put much stock in that, but something here doesn’t add up... enough to warrant an investigation. I’ll record everything we learn in the Diary.
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New Level of Mastery
Detective
Do you remember the case of the Borgia’s treasures? I think we have missed some important details. I desperately need to find a new piece of evidence. The item I require is at the %s location, but it will be hard to find. Reach %s level to find the new evidence.
Great! Partner, you have become more and more important to my investigation. With a new rank, you will be able to find new items that were hidden from you previously.
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Seeing the Invisible
Martha
I knew you’d come. The City is on the brink of calamity! Rayden thinks I’m eccentric, but I don’t care. All that matters to me is preventing a disaster. Come. Let’s head inside.
This place seems peaceful to you? That’s an illusion. I sense traces of magical energy all around us. They’re faint, practically unnoticeable, except for the headache they’re giving me.
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A Soothsayer of Paths
Rayden Storke
We’re one step away from entering the location. What will we find there? New mysteries of the City are waiting to be uncovered. Go on, enter!
The location is now open! Do you feel the pull of new adventures? The magic of the City is calling out to us!
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Dilapidated Architecture
Kira Woodville
Black has ordered me to escort Emma into the old Van Eijkels’ mansion. No one’s been inside that house for over a century. Local legend says it’s filled with rare artifacts. Could be interesting. Ready to head out?
There’s Emma, standing over by the mansion. But how’d she get the door open? I’m sure we’ll find out soon. I just hope it was worth pulling me away from hunting criminals.
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A Sudden Appearance
Detective
We studied fish behavior, disguised ourselves as fish, swam like fish, and even tried playing with the fish... and they’re still avoiding us. I have one more idea. Let’s try using your artifacts to lure them.
Your artifacts emitted a gentle glow that drew in the friendliest of sea creatures: fish, crabs, jellyfish, and a few species I can’t identify. They’re so fascinating to observe. I wonder if they’re observing us, too?
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Capturing the Moment
Inspector
The fish on this reef sure are clever! The moment you start tailing one, it vanishes. I tried keeping my camera ready at all times without being too obvious about it. Can you check if it worked?
You’re right. This camera bracelet let me snap quick photos of the fastest-moving fish, but unfortunately, the pictures all turned out to be of tails, fins, and bubbles. Slippery little rascals!
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Justified Trickery
Detective
The fish still aren’t letting us get close enough to really observe them. Let’s try one more thing: a special, extra-friendly lure. Shoot. Where did I put it...?
How great is this lure? It looks convincing enough to infiltrate a whole gang... I mean, school of fish.\n Ugh, but the real fish saw through our ruse immediately. Our cover is blown.
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By the Fish Rules
Detective
Seems like camouflage alone won’t fool all of the colorful fish on this reef. If we want a closer look, we’ll have to move like they do. What do you think of our new accessories?
Nice monofins, huh? Swimming undercover is harder than it looks. Now the fish will know the Inspector and I mean business.
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Blending In
Inspector
The Detective is convinced the fish are just being shy. If we want to observe them up close, we need to blend into their surroundings. I made us some camouflage. Let’s see if it works. Think you can find it?
Thanks, colleague. The corals and seaweed on this helmet will let the wearer fully blend into the reef. One oblivious fish has already mistaken the Detective for a cozy nook.
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The Theory of Fishwatching
Detective
Every detective knows that to catch a criminal, you have to think like one. The same applies to fish. I’ve compiled a catalog of their behaviors. Now, if only I could remember where I put it.
Thanks, buddy. This catalog contains the sizes, colors, and habitats of various fish, but the actual fish keep slipping away. The notes must still be missing some details.
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A Real Lesson
Juliette
It’s time. Adeline and I have gathered enough information about the haenyeo. For the final experiment, I’ve prepared a salty mist to mimic the feeling of seawater. May I borrow some artifacts to ensure it sprays evenly?
Ah! Your artifacts let me feel the sea on my skin, like a true haenyeo. I see now that they’re part of a much larger, living system. Not everything about the sea can be measured with charts.
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Special Tricks
Juliette
Haenyeo become experts at giving a special whistle when they exhale after surfacing. We’ll need to use a siren to replicate this sound in our experiment. Can you help me find it, mon ami?
Ah, thank you! If you press this siren just right, it perfectly imitates the famous haenyeo whistle. We just need to figure out how they’re able to make that sound naturally.
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The Perfect Catch
Adeline Svensson
Hmm. What else? The haenyeo gather seafood directly from the seabed. I brought a mechanical crab to practice, but it escaped and ran off. Can you help me catch it?
Thanks! This mechanical crab turned out to be much faster than its biological counterparts. I’m sure oysters and scallops will be easier, considering they don’t have legs.
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Safety First
Juliette
It isn’t easy to become a haenyeo. Like anything that involves the sea, their work is dangerous. Let’s establish a warning system before I head out to dive. Can you find the sign I made?
You found my warning sign. Merci. Now every surfer, boater, and curious dolphin will know there is a future haenyeo training in the area. Safety first!
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Time for a Dive
Adeline Svensson
How does one even become a haenyeo? The "sea women" can spend several minutes underwater when they dive to gather seafood. What if we could speed things up? We’d need a special transportation device. Can you look around?
Nice find. This diver’s scooter came from the lab. It’s used to swim underwater with minimal effort. Real haenyeo, of course, don’t need this kind of help. I still wonder how they do it.
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The First Lesson
Adeline Svensson
I’m going to become a haenyeo! Only until I finish my article, of course. But Ayeong’s lab is full of notes about the divers. My first step is to organize her research. My calculation board should be here somewhere. Can you help me find it?
Thanks for finding my board. I’ve charted out the most important haenyeo traits, although I’m still not sure how to quantify love of the sea. I’m sure I’ll figure it out... eventually.
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Wave Catchers
Valerie
The Goddess accepted our gifts! The sun came out, the sea calmed, and the waves brought in a brand-new surfboard. Too bad we don’t have any surf wax. Can you lend me some artifacts?
The City’s magic worked like a charm. Thanks to your artifacts, the surfboard is ready to ride the waves. I’m sure Yeongdeung Halmang would love for us to join her on the water.
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Light Among the Trees
Valerie
Why is the Goddess sad? Does she not feel welcome here? We could light candles to show how eagerly we’ve awaited her arrival, illuminating her path back to the bay even at nighttime.
These mandarin-slice-shaped candles are cool, but the gesture is more important. The Goddess is probably tired of mandarins by now, but I still want to show her we care.
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Aromatic Traditions
Valerie
If we don’t help the Goddess get out of this slump, we’re looking at a summer of bad weather and an even worse harvest. Shall we pay her a visit? What if we brought her this teapot?
Yes, I like this teapot, too. I found it at a beachside market. I bet if we serve the Goddess citrus tea, she’ll have a renewed appreciation for living under the mandarin trees.
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A Lively Grove
Valerie
The Goddess, Yeongdeung Halmang, gives the sea its abundance; or at least she did, before she was struck by this bad mood she’s in. We could try brightening up the mandarin grove and giving her something to look at other than trees.
These decorations would liven up even the dullest surroundings. They may be shaped like mandarins, but they’re actually crafted from seashells and leaves. The haenyeo probably made them. I hope they make the Goddess feel better.
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Delicious Beauty
Valerie
The Goddess of Wind and Sea doesn’t want to leave the mandarin grove. If she gets too bored in there, she may summon a storm. We need to spark her imagination and break her out of the rut she’s in. I made some mandarin flowers earlier. Can you help me find them?
Thanks for finding these mandarin flowers. This creative citrus arrangement is sure to delight the Goddess. When I was a little kid, I hated the idea of carrots, but loved the carrot sticks my mom used to carve into fun shapes. Sometimes, a little creativity is all it takes.
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A Touch of Freshness
Valerie
The Goddess may have the summertime blues. She doesn’t want to leave the mandarin grove, but is hungry for new experiences. Since the weather depends on her, we need to cheer her up. How about we make her a nice sorbet?
This sorbet turned out perfectly, thanks to the sample freezing equipment in Ayeong’s lab. Maybe it will cast the mandarins in our Goddess’s grove in a new light and cheer her up a bit.
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A Sea Surprise
Isabelle
I suspect this instrument can be used to communicate with the sea. But for now, it’s only a seashell. Do you have any artifacts that could restore it?
Your artifacts worked! The voice of the sea echoed from deep within the shell, but it sounded... off. Oh, silly me. Of course! It needs to be played underwater. I’ll try that. I hope the jellyfish like my tunes.
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The Price of Breathing
Martha
The townspeople can breathe freely again, the sea spirits are calm, the diver’s ghost found peace... and still, all this time by the sea has been the opposite of relaxing. I wonder if that’s a sign.
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Until We Meet Again
Ayeong
The sea spirits accepted our offerings, and Moonbyul’s soul walked into the waves before vanishing. Huh? What’s that light down on the shore? It’s spreading. Wait. It’s her! Her spirit looks radiant and free. She’s young again. Lend me some artifacts to signal her.
Wow. Your artifacts sure are bright. Goodbye, Moonbyul. I hope she saw my signal, and knows I’ll always remember her. Despite spending my whole life studying the ocean, I knew so little before I met her.
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Lighting the Way
Martha
Spirits aren’t good at navigating on land. Perhaps they’ll allow Moonbyul’s ghost to go free if we light a path for them. We can use those lanterns made from old floats.
Thanks for finding these lanterns. We’ll hang them on the shoreline so the spirits can pass more easily between land and sea, and Moonbyul can find her way to her final resting place.
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An Old Debt
Huntress
The spirits may release Moonbyul if we show them a sign of our respect. Let’s return a treasure she took from the sea: a string of pearls, passed down through the generations of her family. Can you bring it here?
You found them! These pearls are beautiful, but they don’t belong on land. A hunter should take only what is needed, not a drop more. Let’s return this treasure to the waves.
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A Souvenir for the Spirits
Isabelle
Moonbyul has been bound to this bay for many years. It’s clear the mulgwisin want her to join them. But that isn’t fair. Can you find her embroidered tewak float? We can give that to them instead.
This is Moonbyul’s tewak, the float she used on her many ocean voyages. Though I can’t see her ghost, she must’ve spilled a lot of blood, sweat, and tears on her adventures at sea. May the spirits accept this offering.
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The Ornament of Eternity
Ayeong
Poor Moonbyul. The sea spirits still believe she belongs beneath the waves, even in death. I’m the keeper of the treaty now. They need to let her go. May the spirits show her mercy. Let’s offer them some ribbons.
My, what beautiful ribbons! These are a traditional offering to the gods and spirits here. Their colors remind me of an ocean sunrise. Magnificent. I hope the mulgwisin appreciate them, too.
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In Honor of Moonbyul
Martha
Moonbyul forged the first treaty with the mulgwisin. Now they’re refusing to let her go. Her spirit deserves to rest. You know your way around the bay by now. Where can we find some rice?
Thanks. Rice is an ideal offering to the sea spirits, especially when paired with island flowers. This gift from the people of the land may soften the spirits and persuade them to release Moonbyul’s soul.
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A Crucial Moment
Martha
All the elements of our new song are ready. It just needs a passionate performance and a recording. Your artifacts would let us preserve it on a better medium than that old seashell.
Your artifacts recorded the song within this nice, durable ring. With a worthy keeper to watch over it, the ring and the new treaty should be protected for the foreseeable future.
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A Heartfelt Touch
Ayeong
To show my devotion to the sea and the land, I want to perform the vocals on our song. I’m not the most confident singer, but I still want to try. A karaoke microphone would help. Can you find one?
Thanks. This microphone will be perfect. I love to sing, even if I’m not the best singer. I just hope my singing doesn’t offend the spirits. Now please, cover your ears. This one is for the sea only.
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An Otherworldly Melody
Martha
Our new sea song should bring back fond memories of the mulgwisin’s lives on land. This seashell wind chime might work. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
This wind chime is made from seashells that once belonged to living beings, much like the mulgwisin themselves. I hope it helps them rediscover their sympathy for land-dwellers... or at least, amuses them.
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Gifts of the Deep
Huntress
Next, our new sea song needs a good, memorable beat. I know just the thing. I brought a souvenir sogo drum here with me, but I left it near the ambush site. Mind looking for it?
You found my sogo drum! Thank you. I dropped this in the sand once, and a few tiny seashells got trapped inside. Now it clicks like dolphins using echolocation beneath the waves. It will surely draw the mulgwisin’s attention.
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Gifts of the Deep
Ayeong
This new sea song should feel modern but timeless. While diving near the shore, I picked up some interesting corals. Their holes produce sound. Can you locate them?
You found the whistling corals! Their sounds perfectly imitate the wind dancing across the waves, the cries of seagulls, even whale songs. The spirits won’t be able to resist. They’ll have no choice but to accept the new treaty.
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Familiar Notes
Isabelle
Ayeong needs help recreating a special song for the ritual that will renew the treaty. The haenyeo would sing this to soothe the mulgwisin; its notes are still etched in the sand nearby. Can you find them?
You found the old sea song written in the sand! The melody is sure to stir up the spirits’ nostalgia... but we also need to create something new. Let’s see which of its motifs we can reuse.
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Ayeong Vs. the Sea
Ayeong
The haenyeo begged me to dive deep and find the seashell that held the treaty so they could renew it. They even gave me a ritual vest to complete my task. We’ll need your artifacts to dig it up.
After I failed to fulfill the haenyeo’s request, I buried this vest out of shame. I found the seashell, true, but I dismissed the treaty as mere superstition, and in my carelessness, broke it... betraying both the haenyeo and the sea.
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Between Past and Present
Huntress
There must be a reason the conflict between the haenyeo and the sea spirits is only coming to a head now. See that glint down by the water, mein Freund? Can you go look? The sea may’ve given us another clue.
A toy lure like this isn’t for catching fish. It’s intended for humans. Maybe the mulgwisin are trying to tell us the reason they’re angry is because humankind has turned away from its devotion to the sea in favor of material things.
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A Guardian of the Shore
Martha
The mulgwisin’s grudge against the haenyeo began long ago. Even that stone statue overlooking the shore, which has stood there for centuries, looks more hostile now. Want to check it for clues?
You’re right. The sea spirits warped the statue’s appearance. It once stood as a guardian of the meeting place between land and sea, but has changed into a symbol of humanity’s relentless consumption.
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Against Tradition
Isabelle
The townspeople are now suffering the same as the haenyeo, who the spirits chose to punish for some reason in the recent past. Maybe that pile of leftover diving equipment I saw earlier can give us a clue.
There’s a snorkel here, but the haenyeo don’t use them; they’re freedivers, who rely solely on the breath in their lungs. As far as I know, this skill is central to their identity. Maybe the sea is angry that they’ve betrayed their traditions.
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A Sea Protest
Ayeong
The rift between humans and the sea spirits opened long ago. Even Moonbyul doesn’t know what originally caused the fracture, but I have a theory. Can you find a wet mattress nearby?
Thanks for finding my mattress. I slept on the high bank yesterday, and when I woke up, I was half underwater. Maybe the spirits are trying to submerge this whole area to drive away outsiders.
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Depleted Abundance
Huntress
It’s not hard to understand what caused the rift between the humans and the sea spirits. I spotted a net on the shoreline earlier that barely had anything in it. Can you bring it here?
Danke. That’s the net. See? There’s nothing in here but trash. Our greed has depleted the ocean’s bounty. That’s why the spirits are angry with us, and why they are punishing the haenyeo.
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An Invisible Treasure
Ayeong
Moonbyul could tell us more about the treaty. She lives near here, but she went out on the bay to try to negotiate with the spirits. Here, let me borrow some of your artifacts. I can show you.
Wow. Your artifacts are remarkable. They allowed me to capture the last breath one of the haenyeo gave to the spirits, and not only the breath, but the life energy it contained.
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Weakened Ties
Ayeong
Here are my takeaways: the haenyeo live hard and dangerous lives. In exchange for the spirits’ protection, each bountiful year, they give up a certain number of their own breaths. That’s the treaty in a nutshell. See this talisman?
The talisman’s glow is fading. Industrial seafood harvesting has changed the haenyeo’s way of life and forced many to abandon their trade. Thus, there are fewer breaths being offered to the spirits each year, weakening the treaty.
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A Fateful Oath
Ayeong
The legend says the whispers I heard while I was underwater are the voices of people who drowned and became sea spirits known as the mulgwisin. There’s an old necklace I want to show you, but I seem to have misplaced it.
Yes, that’s the necklace I meant. It belonged to Moonbyul, the eldest diver. It’s one of my most prized possessions. When she gave it to me, I realized the haenyeo believe that the legend of the treaty is literally true.
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The Sea’s Tricks
Ayeong
I overheard the haenyeo whispering amongst themselves about the treaty, spirits, and revenge. That’s how I learned about the legend. I wrote everything down in my notes. But then... see that belt?
Yes, this weight belt is meant to keep divers at their desired depth until they’re ready to resurface. But I watched a hostile creature rip this belt off one of the haenyeo and throw it onto the shore.
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Precious Breath
Ayeong
When the divers told me about the spirits, I thought they were just pulling my leg. But then I witnessed one of the haenyeo inexplicably suffocating in real-time. Can you find my lung trainer?
Thanks. I always keep this lung trainer in my lab. I gave it to one of the haenyeo to help her breathe. Her lungs were so weak, the little ball inside hardly budged.
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First Problems
Ayeong
I learned about the legend of the treaty my second day on the island, when I found my buoy so overgrown with coral that its sensors were damaged. Then it mysteriously washed ashore. Take a look.
This buoy helped me study the ocean, but it was damaged by unusual marine activity. According to the haenyeo harvesting seafood nearby, it was the work of the spirits.
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A Crack in the Familiar World
Ayeong
An hour ago, I was on Jeju Island. But I made a mistake. I broke a seashell, there was this blinding flash, then all of a sudden, you were standing here. My equipment didn’t tell me anything valuable about the seashell I broke. Can yours?
Your artifacts seem to glow when placed near the seashell. Maybe it helped create the magnetic force field that brought me here. Or maybe the answers we need extend beyond the realm of science.
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Curiosities for Every Taste
Ayeong
Please, leave the shore. Like I told you, there is no virus. I have an important mission here. I’m studying new species that have never been seen outside of this island. My findings are all written on those observation cards.
These cards represent the future of marine biology! Perhaps these creatures are producing the whispers we heard; or, they could be poisonous and responsible for the townspeople’s illness. I’ll look into it and let you know what I learn. Until then, I need to focus.
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Amazing Fauna
Huntress
Seems like there’s something troubling Ayeong. I doubt she knows what’s causing the townspeople to fall ill... or maybe, she’s really good at keeping secrets. Mein Freund, did you notice that creature she’s hiding in her aquarium?
This research aquarium was hidden behind a black boulder. There’s a glowing sea creature inside, like the ones the townspeople have reported seeing. Ayeong says it’s a specimen she hasn’t been able to examine yet.
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A Recorded Threat
Ayeong
There may be another explanation for the illness you mentioned. You say the victims are suffering hallucinations? Could they be similar to the whispers I heard? Because we can test that. Help me find my drone?
Gases can sometimes rise from the ocean depths and cause hallucinations. This drone recorded underwater sounds during my dive. If I’m right, you won’t hear the same whispers that I did. What? Oh. You can hear it, too, huh?
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A Call from the Deep
Ayeong
I don’t know anything about a leaked virus, but I’ve noticed plenty of strange things while working on this bay. I heard a disembodied voice whisper, "the sea will swallow the sky," and it happened more than once. I marked the locations on my map.
The crosses on this seafloor map represent where I heard someone whispering to me underwater. I thought I’d just dived too deep and hallucinated them. But then today, the air’s salt content inexplicably skyrocketed.
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A Strange Discovery
Ayeong
I’m a marine biologist. I study ocean life around Jeju Island. Did my equipment confuse you? None of it is for working with viruses. Don’t believe me? Take a look at my salinity scanner and see for yourselves.
This scanner measures the salt content of water. Huh? It’s covered in salt crystals, and the readings are way off. But I just got this. This is the first time I’ve turned it on. It’s brand new.
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The Drowning City
Martha
The townspeople who’ve fallen ill claim to feel like they’re drowning on dry land. Water pours out of their mouths when they try to speak, and some even mention seeing fish and mermaids floating in the air. I’ll record everything we find in the Diary as we investigate this bizarre epidemic.
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New Level of Mastery
Detective
Do you remember the case of the Borgia’s treasures? I think we have missed some important details. I desperately need to find a new piece of evidence. The item I require is at the %s location, but it will be hard to find. Reach %s level to find the new evidence.
Great! Partner, you have become more and more important to my investigation. With a new rank, you will be able to find new items that were hidden from you previously.
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Floating Troubles
Huntress
Mein Freund, you’re here! But be quiet. I’m lying in wait. My instincts tell me we’re close to the source of what ails the townspeople, but I haven’t found anything yet. Come with me. Let’s sneak down to the shore.
That glass house reminds me of my father’s laboratory, and there are machines inside. I wonder if a scientific experiment caused the townspeople to fall ill? Or maybe someone is cultivating new diseases in there? We need more information.
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Under the Mandarin Canopy
Martha
We’re one step away from entering the location. What will we find there? New mysteries of the City are waiting to be uncovered. Go on, enter!
The location is now open! Do you feel the pull of new adventures? The magic of the City is calling out to us!
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Following Protocol
Rayden Storke
Stone wants us to enter the gallery as soon as possible. But I’m on duty, and I do things by the book. We’ll inspect the surrounding areas first. C’mon. Let’s look around.
The perimeter is secure. I’m sure this is all just a formality. Stone’s claim about witches seems far-fetched to me. What would they want with an art gallery?
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A Fashion Improvisation
Fabien Delamode
This cape will be the foundation of Monsieur Van Eijkel’s new look. It’s nearly finished; all that’s missing are the stained-glass inlays. I want them to be as luminous as the mansion’s windows. May I borrow some of your radiant artifacts?
Magnifique! Your artifacts lent the cape the glow it needed. Monsieur Van Eijkel is sure to turn heads anywhere he goes. This masterpiece is luxurious, distinctive, and most importantly, modern.
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An Inspiring Atmosphere
Fabien Delamode
The wardrobe requires a spark, a touch of inspiration, for the artifact to work. But I can’t seem to find one. Wait... do you see that vibrant patch of light? Let’s try that.
Ah, a stained-glass window! Of course. Just look at the colors. Let me examine it using the Artifact of Perfect Taste. Voilà! My inspiration is back. I must begin sketching immediately. My next work will be a masterpiece.
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A Yardstick of Fashion
Fabien Delamode
Even if Monsieur Van Eijkel has nothing suitable in his wardrobe, his mansion is overflowing with curiosities. I’ve heard he has something called the Artifact of Perfect Taste. Naturally, I must see it. Can you track it down for me?
Ooh la la! This is a marvelous piece. What craftsmanship! Now, let’s determine if this Artifact of Perfect Taste can help me create a wardrobe worthy of Monsieur Van Eijkel.
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A Man’s Wardrobe
Fabien Delamode
As I expected, nothing in Monsieur Van Eijkel’s wardrobe vibes with current fashion trends, but I noticed he had a pair of men’s culottes. Those have potential, even with the excessive ruffles. Oh, mince. Where did I put them?
Merci! Monsieur Van Eijkel claims he wore these to a royal reception once. A fun story, though not fun enough to make them fashionable today. Still, these are finely tailored. Remove the ruffles, and we may have something to work with here.
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A Voluminous Silhouette
Sim Van Eijkel
Thus far, Mr. Delamode has found nothing in my wardrobe he deems suitable for me to wear. Curiously, he’s also spent the better part of an hour examining my mother’s old dress. I wonder why?
My mother wore this dress to a royal ball many years ago. Mr. Delamode appears so enchanted by it, I’ve decided to give it to him. Hopefully it will give him some inspiration.
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High Fashion
Fabien Delamode
I noticed several tall wigs while examining Monsieur Van Eijkel’s wardrobe. Though certainly outdated, they are undeniably chic. This one in particular caught my attention. Take a look.
Gentlemen once wore these beautiful wigs, too... not just the ladies. When Monsieur Van Eijkel asked about modern kinds of wigs, the first thing I recommended was a barber.
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Best Friends Forever
Adi
Good news! Sim wants to be my friend. He even gave me this as a gift: an automaton wolf. The bad news? It doesn’t turn on. But I don’t have the heart to tell him... Maybe your artifacts could get it running?
The wolf’s lamps are lit, thanks to your artifacts. Now it can sit, stand, and hold up its paw. Sim may not be an automaton like me, but that isn’t going to stop us from being friends.
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A Sweet Gift
Adi
Well, you got me! I only wanted to make friends with Mr. Van Eijkel. People say he’s a human artifact. I am an automaton, so I thought we’d have something in common. I brought some cotton candy here as a gift, but I dropped it when I was startled just now. Can you help me find it?
Oh dear, this cotton candy is beyond saving. Still, Mr. Van Eijkel thanked me for the gesture. I also brought him some tools, but Sim said he isn’t mechanical the way I am.
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A Multifunctional Item
Sim Van Eijkel
The most recent gift is the strangest of the bunch: a single object capable of doing the work of an entire toolkit. I even consulted my catalog of artifacts to see if we had anything like it. Do you know what this is?
Hmm. A multitool, you say? Incredible. I intend to establish a museum, though, not a workshop.\n Wait. Did you just hear footsteps at the door? Quick! Before our mysterious benefactor slips away again. At last... we’ve caught him red-handed!
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A Peculiar Tool
Sim Van Eijkel
You’d hardly believe some of the items that have shown up on my doorstep recently. Another one was a brush meant to be used on delicate machinery. I have a similar brush myself that I use for my watch. Take a look.
These brushes are indispensable for cleaning small, intricate mechanisms. The craftsmanship is top-notch. What puzzles me is why anyone would give something so valuable to a stranger?
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Filled to the Brim
Sim Van Eijkel
I wonder why I keep receiving these weird items. Yesterday, there was another knock at my door, and I found an oiler delivered on my windowsill, completely full. Mind grabbing it for me?
Thanks. This oiler appears to be filled with regular old machine oil. Is this some contemporary custom I’m unaware of? It doesn’t feel threatening, but it still makes me uneasy.
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A Surprise Package
Sim Van Eijkel
A few days ago, a nice box appeared outside my door wrapped in a decorative ribbon. It seemed harmless, but I thought it was a good idea to keep it somewhere safe until I knew what it was. Please find it.
This gift box was delivered without a note. Whoever dropped it off knocked once and was gone before I reached the door. The box contains gears of every size. But why would I need them?
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The Perfect Shape
Olivia
The pieces are all in place to put the broken statue back together, but the cracks will still be visible. Wait... I know! What if we used the power of your artifacts to put on the finishing touches? May I borrow some?
The energy from your artifacts bloomed around the statue, and the damaged places simply vanished. Hmm. I’ve seen this sculpture before, in the Encyclopedia of Masterpieces. It’s a symbol of family unity.
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It’s All About the Recipe
Olivia
I’m not an expert on dreams, but I am an expert on sculptures, including Sim’s. Ordinary adhesives won’t work on this type of marble. We’ll need one concocted from a special recipe.
Excellent! The recipe for this adhesive came from a teacher of mine. You know, I feel weirdly calm when I touch this marble. You, too? Or is it just me?
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Appropriate Tools
Olivia
Thieves damaged the statue in Sim’s dream, but if these fragments fit the real broken statue, maybe it can still be fixed? I’ll need my tools. Can you bring them to me?
Thanks! I’ll use these tools to scrape away the moss so we can properly examine the underlying marble. Now, let’s compare the fragments. Yes! As I thought, they fit perfectly. We can restore this statue, after all.
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A Mysterious Mineral
Olivia
Sim is such a gracious host. He told me all about his dream, the one with the statue. He also mentioned the rocks his mansion left for him this morning, apparently as a gift? I wonder if those two things are related?
I’m sure these fragments belong to the broken statue. You don’t see this type of marble very often. I’ve never even worked with it personally, but I’ve read that it holds a special kind of energy.
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Good Manners
Sim Van Eijkel
Do you think the preparations we’ve made for Olivia’s visit will be enough? I’ve also acquired one of her sculptures. I thought she might appreciate seeing her work here, but I’m not sure where I set it down. Can you help me find it?
The turtles in this sculpture hold a special significance for me. Turtles have remarkably long lifespans... something I am more than familiar with. I hope Olivia approves, and can help me understand why I dreamed of that broken statue.
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A Gourmet Treat
Sim Van Eijkel
I think it’s best to discuss important things over tea. Seeing how this is my first social call in many years, I’ll be serving marzipan pie for dessert. Mind fetching it from the kitchen?
Doesn’t this pie smell delicious? Once I’ve given Olivia the tour, I plan to tell her about a peculiar dream I had recently, of a statue that was crying out for help after being shattered by those thieves from earlier. Maybe she’ll know what it means.
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A Century-Old Legacy
Mr. Jenkins
Even after all these years working with artifacts, this part still amazes me. The description calls it a portrait, but the surface is completely blank. Maybe the image will reappear after it’s been charged.
Look! The image now shows a three-dimensional portrait of Sim’s parents. I’m sure he’ll cherish such a lovely memento. This wouldn’t have been possible without your help.
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A Renewed Life
Kira Woodville
We unlocked the mansion and freed Sim Van Eijkel, a half-human, half-artifact imprisoned in his own home for more than a century. I wonder what his future holds?
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A New Chapter
Dr. Barry
Thanks to you, Sim’s in the clear. He’ll age at the normal rate from now on. But he’s still bound to the mansion, and can’t leave until the unique symbol of his life is installed in the console. May I borrow some artifacts?
That’s it... the last component. The mansion has reconfigured itself to no longer recognize Sim as part of its structure. The last heir of the Van Eijkel family is free, no longer a living exhibit, but a new resident of our City.
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Everyone Needs a Dream
Emma Luxmore
We need to protect Sim from rapidly aging once time resumes its forward movement. To live is to dream, but after a century in confinement, his imagination needs a jumpstart. Let’s look for an artifact relating to dreams.
This dream generator is simply stunning. Look at all the butterflies. They will grant the mansion renewed ambition, and Sim will be free to pursue his own dreams elsewhere.
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The Heart Wants What It Wants
Kira Woodville
It’s my fault Sim almost aged a hundred years in the blink of an eye. I want to prevent that from happening again. Dr. Barry said we need an artifact representing the emotions. Let’s look around for one.
A volcano representing emotion? Interesting. This will separate Sim from the mansion at the emotional level, and will teach the house to be more welcoming to guests in the future.
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Firm Intentions
Emma Luxmore
Dr. Barry once saved my brother and me from a similar bout of sudden aging. If she says Sim’s time can be restored, then I believe her! We need an artifact shaped like a spring. Can you find one?
The willful spring is so strong that it can’t be fully compressed. The mansion should accept it as Sim’s replacement. Can you imagine the willpower needed to endure a century in captivity? And without losing his humanity, no less.
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A Bright Thought
Dr. Barry
The mansion contains an imprint of Sim’s consciousness, and therefore sees him as part of itself. To free him, we have to replace that imprint with a rare artifact that embodies clarity of mind. It resembles a puzzle. Can you find it?
Well done. Kira’s the most familiar with the console at this point, so she should be able to integrate this artifact into the mansion’s systems. Once freed, Sim will finally be able to see what the modern world has in store for him beyond these walls.
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Correct Orientation
Dr. Barry
To keep Sim from aging, we have to separate his fate from that of the mansion. I referenced the Encyclopedia of Artifacts in my research. We need the Compass of Fate. Can you find it?
The Compass of Fate can change Sim’s destiny. We’re lucky the Van Eijkels had this in their collection. The League of Researchers has studied it extensively... now I can finally put all of that knowledge to good use.
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A Plan B
Dr. Barry
The mansion was suspended in a state of temporal stasis. Resetting the date disrupted that delicate balance: the door opened, and time rushed forward to catch up with the present. I can activate my Frozen Moment technology to pause its flow, but I’ll need your artifacts.
Your artifacts charged the prototype. I’m happy to say it worked flawlessly. Time has stopped moving in the mansion, for now. Let’s use this opportunity to figure out a solution to the problem of Sim’s rapid aging.
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Reading Lips
Sim Van Eijkel
I can hardly hear a word Emma’s saying. I can only read her lips. Something about the house, I think. My grandfather’s hearing aid is in that cupboard. Can you get it?
Ah! Much better. My grandfather’s old hearing aid still works. Emma says the mansion is open again, and my guests are safe. Wonderful. Yet I feel utterly exhausted. My knees hurt, and the room is spinning. Oof... I need to lie down.
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First Aid
Emma Luxmore
Kira repaired the console and the door of the mansion unlocked. So, what’s wrong? Sim has collapsed on the couch and his hands are freezing cold. We need some hot water.
Wow, even the hot water bottles in this mansion are vintage. But why did Sim begin suddenly aging? The same thing happened to my brother and me once, except in this case, it isn’t just Sim. The mansion itself is rapidly falling into decay.
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To Freedom
Kira Woodville
With the wires repaired and Sim’s artifact back in place, we’re ready to reboot the console. If the sign above the entrance starts glowing, that means the mansion has reopened. Can you check if it’s lit?
Woo hoo! According to that sign, the mansion door is unlocked... finally. The console has stopped throwing sparks, and I’ve reset the system to today’s date. I need to go tell Black we’ve found the long-lost Van Eijkel heir.
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A Living Heritage
Sim Van Eijkel
I’m hopeful that brave maiden can restore the Altar of Command and save Emma. Perhaps I, too, shall finally be freed from my captivity. My artifact of virtue is shaped like a heart. Think you can find it?
Yes, this is my artifact of virtue. It was made by my parents, who entrusted it to the house when I was but a frail, frequently ill child, so that the mansion would recognize me and my authority.
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Not a Single Spark
Kira Woodville
In theory, once I repair the console, the mansion door should swing open. Fingers crossed. I’ve found the damaged wires. Hold them steady while I clean and reconnect them.
Nice work! The wiring seems more stable now, but the console doesn’t only use conventional machinery. It also contains the Van Eijkel artifacts infused with their virtues. Which one belongs to Sim?
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One Careless Move
Kira Woodville
The Altar of Command appears to be some sort of control console. I suspect the system malfunctioned after sparks damaged the wiring. Let’s use your artifacts to examine it more closely.
It worked! Thanks to your artifacts, I found the source of the malfunction. Part of the mechanism isn’t drawing power. Sim must have damaged it when he removed the seal.
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Through the Fire
Sim Van Eijkel
On the first day the house could act independently, a huge spark erupted from the Altar of Command. There were no flames, but a nearby tapestry caught fire. Please, find it.
Yes, that’s the tapestry. My mother wove it, and I rescued it from the flames. Later on, I moved it away from the altar, though that was the only time I ever saw sparks fly.
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There Are No Accidents
Sim Van Eijkel
I need to come clean about something. As I was the last one in the house, I removed the seal from the mansion’s Altar of Command, believing I could teach the house to think for itself. But I was wrong. Can you find the seal?
You found the seal! And... it’s still broken. There was no other way to separate it from the Altar of Command. Later, the house closed off the great hall where the rare artifacts are kept. They might’ve proved useful.