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 Serious ‘Stache
Valerie
One of the people who disappeared at the theater is Gregory Collins. His most notable feature is an impressive moustache he takes painstaking care of. This gentleman brought a moustache comb with him. Search the actors on stage for it. Whoever has the moustache comb will be the missing Gregory Collins.
The moustache comb was in the jacket pocket of the Lawyer, Turren. We can now say for certain that this role in the play is being played by the missing Gregory Collins. He definitely isn’t J. L.
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Professional Help
Juliette
Très bien! We got incredibly lucky. You found the voice recorder! Now we can use the information from the Detective’s investigation to find J. L. on stage.
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The Secret Behind Five Locks
Juliette
Mon ami, the New Year’s invitation to Rapture Theater was a trap! The Detective and citizens are in trouble because of me! They’ve become puppet actors in a performance run by an insane director, Mr. N. He’s playing with their lives for a performance "the likes of which the world has never seen!"
Look, the script to "The Black Widow" is inside Mr. N’s diary. The playwright is someone called "J. L." and all the pages are covered with Mr. N’s corrections... especially the finale. So what does the diary say?
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The Ecstasy of Omnipotence
Cardsharp
Apparently Mr. N is somehow controlling people’s consciousness! The actors on stage are people who’ve gone missing from the City of Shadows. When they entered the play, they were completely transformed into the characters and forgot their own pasts. The poor Detective!\n We need to find the last mask-key to Mr. N’s diary. I saw the Triumph Mask on one of the seats. Bring it to me.
You can feel the ecstasy of power radiating from the Triumph Mask. There’s a note: "I can do anything - stop the action on stage, make the actors freeze, replay the entire storyline in a different way, change any nuance of the play... I am omnipotent!" I guess this is Mr. N’s idea of happiness!
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Total Control
Juliette
Mr. N spent a long time looking for an actor to play the role of the play’s main character, and eventually he found... our friend the Detective! The play’s upcoming finale certainly bodes ill. The Baron - aka the Detective - is going to be killed. We need to open the diary as soon as possible and find out how to put a stop to Mr. N’s insane plot! Find the next key to the diary: the Surprise Mask.
Quick, give me the Surprise Mask! There’s a note from Mr. N next to it: "I am stronger than ever. The actors have completely forgotten who they are and are living the new lives that I’ve written for them in the play. I’m surprised - I never thought it would be possible to control all the actors." What’s going on here? What kind of new life is this Theater giving them?!
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A Trap for the Detective
Conductor
My friend, I’ve been carefully examining the diary of the mysterious Mr. N. I get the feeling we need to find the Laughter Mask next. We’re going to need it to open Mr. N’s diary. Find the mask at once.
Doesn’t the Laughter Mask look creepy? There was another note next to it: "I believe I’ve found a suitable actor to play the Baron. Incredibly, he came here of his own accord! It seems as though fate herself brought him to me... I am close to the goal I’ve been working toward for almost a hundred years now - to create the perfect play! A play unlike any the world has ever seen!" Mr. N is clearly talking about our friend the Detective.
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Victims of the Evil Genius
Alex
I’ve been looking closely at the next indentation in Mr. N’s diary and I think I can make out the shape of the Fear Mask. If the masks are embodiments of the diary owner’s feelings, what was he afraid of? We’ll find out soon enough. Find the Fear Mask.
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Embodied Emotions
Isabelle
What we have here is the diary of the mysterious Mr. N, locked with an ingenious kind of lock. In his hint, the Detective warned us to, "beware of Mr. N," and I think he did this for a reason. I’m sure that beneath the dairy’s leather binding are the answers to many of the Theater’s mysteries.\n To open Mr. N’s diary, we’re going to need five masks. Judging from the shapes of the indentations, the first mask is the Rage Mask. I think I saw it in the amphitheater.
Très bien! The Rage Mask you found fits perfectly in the first recess of the diary’s cover. Hey, there’s a note next to the mask:\n "Rage has consumed me! I have staged dozens of variations of "The Black Widow" but I’m still not happy with the finale. There isn’t enough drama or tragedy, and genuine emotions are sorely lacking. Yet I still feel like I am closer to perfection than ever! Mr. N."
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The Title
Martha
What awaits the actors during the finale of this drama? According to the synopsis, the Baron and his manservant have been attacked; plus you found a number of deadly items on stage. I want to perform a ritual on the items you found to confirm my hunch. Bring me a few City artifacts.
The ritual showed me an ancient Greek vase on which a violent murder was depicted. This is what the City is telling us: as soon as the play resumes, one of the characters will be killed. And, if the play is "more real than we can possibly imagine," then our friend the Detective is in grave danger.
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Spectacular Little Balls
Huntress
Did you notice that the props in the play don’t look like regular old, cheap stage props? All of these things are real. Therefore, I would be very careful with everything we find on this stage. Could you bring me that shiny vase over there on the mantel? Just be very careful!
Mein Gott! The vase you brought me is full of mercury! This is a highly toxic substance. Whatever you do, don’t touch the lid. There are a number of deadly items on this stage. What kind of finale can we expect from a play with props like these? I’m jealous of the actors for being rooted to the spot.
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The Root of All Evil
Cardsharp
You got so wrapped up in looking for the weapon that you completely forgot about a motive for the crime. Why do all these nice people want to kill each other? It’s a good thing you’ve got the Cardsharp, who is always interested in the causes of amoral behaviour. Bring me the folder on the mantel and everything will become clear.
What’s in this folder? I see... There’s a will in here. It looks like it was just signed by the Baron de Leville. The document was prepared by Turren. According to the will, after the Baron’s death, all of his property will be split between the Baroness and his partner, Count McGrave. That’s a pretty weighty motive, eh?
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The Deadly Accessory
Conductor
Hey, buddy, I took a look at the actors on stage and noticed something sticking out of Turren the Lawyer’s left pocket. At first I thought the old shyster was hiding a flask of whiskey in there, but it looks more like a revolver. Bring it to me.
I was hoping my intuition wasn’t right. There really was a revolver in the Lawyer’s pocket. I would’ve preferred the booze... Hey, why would a lawyer take a gun to a Christmas Eve party? There’s something fishy going on here.
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Fatal Decor
Huntress
What do you think happens during the play’s finale? Looking at the decorations made me think of the Christmas tree. It might tell us a lot about the Baron and Baroness. It’s also a good place to hide something. Take a good look at the large Christmas tree on stage.
What a find! Was this on the Christmas tree? How cute - it’s a set of darts for an air rifle. The tips are usually soaked in a powerful poison before use. Let’s put them carefully to one side for now.
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An Ambiguous Aroma
Martha
No, it wasn’t just my imagination. The sparkling wine in Miss Conelly’s glass has a noticeable almond smell. Look, the Baron’s associate Count McGrave is in no hurry to drink it... I wouldn’t risk drinking wine that smelled like almonds. That’s what potassium cyanide smells like.
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Fit to be Tied
Isabelle
Who was the sixth actor on stage, the man tied to the chair, playing? Look, he’s still wearing a coat. They must’ve tied him up as soon as he walked through the door! I see something shiny underneath the rope, but I can’t get to it. Maybe the City’s magic will let me loosen the knots so we can learn more about the tragic role played by this man.
The actor tied to the chair was wearing a huge chain with a coat of arms on it. It looks expensive, which means this isn’t a robbery. This crest belongs to the Baron de Leville. Talk about a "Merry Christmas" - the master of the house has been beaten and tied to a chair. Look, his face seems completely lifeless... Hopefully it’s just an act. I mean, this is just a play, and the actors aren’t really in any danger... right?
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The Faithful Spouse
Martha
I doubt the man next to the Baroness is her husband, the Baron. Though he’s dressed respectably, he doesn’t look especially fancy. I doubt the Baron would pinch pennies on his wardrobe. Who is this young man? I can see something shiny in his buttonhole. Bring me the item, please.
Hmm, this is a gold lawyer’s badge. He’s also got a business card: "Henri Turren, Esquire, Lawyer entrusted with the affairs of the de Leville family." His presence at the dinner party can easily be explained. As the family Lawyer, Mr. Turren would be one of the people the Baron trusted most. But why is the Lawyer looking at the young Baroness so lovingly?
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The Fair Lady’s Attention
Conductor
Judging from their poses and positions on stage, the young man and the woman in the purple dress just walked in. The woman is the only person who looks worried, but she’s not looking at the Butler and the man in the chair, but at Count McGrave. Who is this beautiful stranger? I noticed a valuable broach with a crest on it on her dress. Bring it to me.
You found a broach with a crest on it. There’s a ribbon pinned to it and it has the inscription: "To my beloved wife on our first Christmas. Baron de Leville, 1890." That means the woman in the purple dress is the Baroness! I’m guessing the man next to her is her husband, the Baron. He’s gazing at her so lovingly.
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Harsh Methods
Alex
Have you noticed the man on stage kneeling with his head down? He looks stunned. You can even see the mark from a blow on his face. But why? Apparently the poor fellow walked in at the wrong time; so they knocked him out and tied him up. I think this man is wearing a uniform. Who is he? Check his collar or the tray lying next to him.
What does is say on the beaten actor’s collar? A-ha! "Blake the Butler." And the cards on the visitors’ tray read: "The Baron de Leville’s Estate". This is the setting of the play... but I still don’t understand what kind of evil magic is holding the Butler, as well as the other actors, in their poses.
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Theatrical Gestures
Isabelle
The next person on stage to catch my eye is the woman with the wine glass. Her pose, the expression on her face - it all radiates confidence and triumph. We should try to find out more about her role in the production. I noticed the medallion around the actress’s neck is adorned with a lyre. Bring it to me, please. I’m too afraid to go on the stage myself.
The woman with the wine glass is so beautiful and confident. Her clothes are expensive, but a little provocative. What is her role in the play? Open the medallion you brought me so we can see what’s inside. A-ha, there’s an inscription! It says: "To the inimitable leading lady of the theater, Miss Elizabeth Conelly, from your faithful admirer Baron de Leville. I bow before your talent. Christmas, 1888."
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Mandatory Search
Juliette
The human marionettes on stage are really freaking me out. And where is the Detective? Mon ami, we simply have to find out who’s who in this strange play. Look, the atmosphere on stage is so tense, but the man in the armchair is surprisingly calm. Could you search his pockets? There must be something connected to his role in them.
The man in the armchair is calm, maybe too calm. What did you find in his pockets? Wow, it’s a silver cigarette case with an inscription. It says: "To Count McGrave from his business partner the Baron de Leville on Christmas, 1890."
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Phantom of the Theater
Mayor
The Rapture Theater promises a spectacular play that will change your life. But what is hidden behind the Theater’s heavy curtains? Who staged these shows while the Theater was hidden in fog? Who is performing on stage?\n I can’t shake this uneasy feeling. We must make sense of all of this.
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Security at the Door
Juliette
The Detective was right, it’s spooky in here... Do you think he’s somewhere in the theater? Let’s find him. I still hope that the invitation and the gala premiere aren’t a trick. Maybe we just came too early and the show will start later. Let’s take a look around for now.
Ah, it’s so pretty in here! Red velvet, gilding, paintings in heavy frames! But it appears the place hasn’t been cleaned in a long time. There are some things on the floor, cobwebs on the walls, and the chairs are dusty. Achoo! It doesn’t look like this place is prepared for an audience. And I don’t see the Detective...
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A Surprising Offer
Juliette
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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Christmas Magic
Conductor
A steam engine in the winter is a good thing: it runs and heats at the same time. So, it’s decided! Let’s put a steam engine in Santa’s Workshop to speed up the gift conveyor belt. Though I assembled it myself, it requires a little magic from you to work properly. Find what we need in the City.
Wonderful! Look at how fast the gift conveyor belt runs now! The steam engine is huffing and puffing, toiling and warming Santa’s Workshop. After her snowy tricks, her iciness cannot stop it from warming up. Icy beauties are gorgeous, but you won’t last long near them.
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Precise Calibrations
Martha
We’re just a step away from fixing the beacon and getting Santa back to the City of Shadows. Set all five runes into the magical globe. It’ll take a lot of magical energy to calibrate the globe. Bring me a few artifacts from the City; they should help. As soon as everything is ready we can get started.
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Starting Point
Conductor
Hey, buddy! Can you give us a hand with our search? I think the last ice rune we need, the Prime Meridian Rune, can be found in the far corner of the Workshop. I noticed a blueish glow coming from over there. Once you find it we’ll finally be able to activate Santa’s magical beacon.
So, did you find it? I noticed the Prime Meridian Rune when I was helping the elves fix their conveyor belt. They’re wrapping Christmas presents much quicker now. The old Conductor is still good for something, ha ha.
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Precious Ice
Cardsharp
What do you think, my dear, are the runes very valuable? They’re as beautiful as precious gems. Could they be made from sapphires? No? Too bad... the poor Cardsharp certainly wouldn’t mind a few precious gems. By the way, I saw the Rune of the East in the Workshop. Be a dear and fetch it.
Yes, yes, this is definitely the Rune of the East. I wonder if Santa will reward whoever helps him get back to his Workshop... In any case, don’t forget that Cardsharp did his fair share to save Christmas!
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Magical Components
Martha
Find the Rune of the West. We’ll set it in the magical globe and activate the beacon. I just know that Santa will find his way to the City of Shadows soon.
You’ve found the Rune of the West. These ice runes really are remarkable magical items. I can sense the power of the rune you found - like a blizzard, the toughness of ice and the softness of fresh snow. It’s an unusual and very powerful combination. The combined signal from all five runes will definitely reach Santa wherever he might be.
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Elegant Components
Mayor
I’ve looked over the diagram of the magical globe. The next rune is the Rune of the South, which has a letter S on one side. We need five coordinate runes. There’s no time to waste. Find the Rune of the South right away!
I never would’ve thought the runes could be so... unusual. I guess I was expecting something like a mechanism. You know, something with screws and cogwheels. Oh well, set the Rune of the South in the globe. It’s time to find the other ones - Christmas is right around the corner!
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Cold Fire
Juliette
In order for the beacon to activate and show Santa the way to the City of Shadows, we need to set coordinate runes into the magical globe. According to the elves, Santa’s Workshop should have back-up runes in it somewhere. Let’s start by finding the Rune of the North.
Wow, the Rune of the North is so beautiful! It shines like a star in the clear night sky. I’d love to make a necklace of runes just like it. I’d even outshine the Mistress and her diamonds!
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Burning Bright
Martha
The five baubles with Santa’s memories are hanging on the Christmas tree. Warmth and the belief in miracles will help light the Christmas Fire and melt the ice covering the globe. Then the beacon will begin emitting magical signals so Santa can find his way back to his Workshop.\n Could you please bring me a few more artifacts from the City? They will help me focus the flow of the Christmas Fire in the right direction.
I thought nothing could surprise me, but this is the most beautiful Christmas tree I’ve seen in 200 years. Look, the Christmas star on top seems to shine with the light of a thousand happy smiles! The ice encasing the globe is melting, and the beacon is beginning to pulsate. I can sense all the ice magic leaving this place. I hope Santa will come back soon!
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Fun on Ice
Mayor
I especially like Santa’s last ornament. This is the wish of a certain little girl who couldn’t walk, but really wanted to go ice skating at least once in her life. So Santa made her magical ice skates and the girl got better. Find the Christmas bauble with the ice skates inside.
Great, you found the last Christmas tree ornament! I used to have ice skates just like these when I was a little boy. I even won a competition in them! It was one of the happiest moments of my life, and it was all thanks to Santa Claus. This ball is truly a worthy decoration for a magical Christmas tree!
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Childhood Daydreams
Juliette
Santa Claus drew a doll inside the fourth bauble. Oh, mon ami, how I used to dream of getting such a pretty doll when I was little - one with a porcelain face and hands, and wearing an elegant dress! This long-awaited toy makes me so happy! It’s good that Santa hasn’t forgotten about it. Find the Christmas bauble with the doll inside.
Mon chéri, the doll in this Christmas bauble is so lovely! We’ve almost completed the entire collection of Christmas tree ornaments full of Santa’s memories.
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Christmas Stories
Martha
The next Christmas bauble with Santa’s memories has a book in it. That’s not surprising. Can you imagine how many books filled with fairy tales and other wonderful stories have been given as Christmas presents? Search Santa’s Workshop for the Christmas bauble with the book inside. It’s a real treasure!
Yes, this is the bauble with a book of fairy tales inside! I got one just like it for Christmas when I was little. Sorry, I’m just feeling very nostalgic right now. I need to be alone for a little while.
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Trimming the Tree
Conductor
Santa left instructions on how to awaken the Christmas Fire. Its warmth will break the curse on the Globe of Wishes. The beacon will lead Santa back to the Workshop and Christmas will be saved! Judging from the drawing in the letter, we’ll need to find the Christmas bauble with the hat in it next.
Just looking at this snow globe fills me with delight! Look, inside there’s a hat with a pompom on it. I remember getting the same one for Christmas as a kid. Could Santa still remember my hat? I’ll hang this ball on the magic tree myself.
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The Magical Ornament
Detective
Wow, it’s a snow globe with a candy cane inside! Looking at it makes me feel like a kid again. Such simple sweetness, and so much joy... Children really need so little! Hang the ball on the Christmas tree. Here are Santa’s instructions, what do they say?
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Icy Shackles
Martha
This is real magic! Who could’ve imagined that the beacon would be a frozen Globe of Wishes. According to legend, Santa can see everybody who has made a Christmas wish within it. He can even look inside the homes of each and every person.\n Look, the magical globe is completely covered in ice! No wonder we didn’t pay any attention to it earlier. Once again we’ve found traces of ice magic in Santa’s Workshop.
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Counting the Seconds
Juliette
The elves told us about the last navigational device. It’s the Christmas Chronometer, an incredibly precise tool for measuring time. It also counts the time left until Christmas. Find the Chronometer - I can’t wait to take a look at it.
It’s wonderful that you found the Christmas Chronometer! Now we have all of Santa Claus’s navigational devices. It won’t be long before we can figure out why Santa can’t come back home.
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Magical Vintage
Detective
I should mention that Santa Claus is pretty old-fashioned. He marks his route on a map with a Frosty Drawing Tool. Find one in the Workshop so we can show Santa the way to the City and save Christmas.
Okay, it looks like you managed to find a Frosty Drawing Tool. To be honest, I thought it would be more unusual. The thing does belong to Santa Claus, after all.
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Cosmic Azimuth
Conductor
When navigating a route among the stars, it’s important to be able to determine your direction. You can’t do this without a Heavenly Compass. Find it in the Workshop.
Buddy, I’m pleasantly surprised. You found the Heavenly Compass so quickly! It looks like a pretty complex device. I’m not sure I could use it to determine my direction.
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Above the Horizon
Mayor
The little elves told us about the Astral Sextant. It’s a device for measuring the height of the sun and other stellar objects. It helps you fix your coordinates. Find the Astral Sextant. I’m curious to see what it looks like.
Wow, is that really Santa’s Astral Sextant? It’s a pretty complex instrument... I’d never be able to figure out how to use it on the go. Okay, we’ve got two of the devices from his navigational system. If we find the others, Santa will be able to find the City of Shadows and bring Christmas to every home.
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Heavenly Rings
Juliette
In order for Christmas to be saved, Santa Claus has to find the way back to the City of Shadows. We need to learn as much as we can about Santa’s navigational devices and beacons and figure out how they work. Start by searching the Workshop for the Astrolabe. This item is made up of a system of heavenly rings, one of which has our planet on it.
Great, it’s the magical Astrolabe! Santa uses it to determine his location in space. This device must be pretty tricky to use when you’re flying on a magical sleigh pulled by reindeer. But Santa seems to be used to it.
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A Trek Through the Stars
Martha
We did it! The elves are gradually regaining consciousness. Look, there’s something shiny in Steel Ricky’s hands! It looks like a map of the heavens - diamond-like stars appear to be floating in the air and they’re all linked together in a chain with a piece of golden thread. Unfortunately, the little elves are still silent. What are we going to do? Hey, they wrote a note! Let me see it.
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Fine Skill
Mayor
Do you remember Santa’s letter? He left orders for five elves. We just need to find the last one, Gold Danny. He’s the one who made the ice crown based on the Snow Queen’s sketches. Could this be where all the holiday woes began?
Gold Danny is covered in ice, just like the other elves. The villain who’s responsible for all of this must have known we would want to question the elves and cast this icy curse on them for that very reason.
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The Frozen Flim-Flammer
Detective
One of the Christmas elves on the list is Slick Charlie. I bet he’d get along swimmingly with the Cardsharp. Guys like that always have a few tricks up their sleeves - and a five of clubs in their hat. Please find him. Maybe then we can figure out where Santa went.
Great! You’ve found Slick Charlie. The poor guy is frozen stiff. Okay, let’s recap. All the elves we’ve found are frozen in ice. It’s not pleasant, but still fixable. Hopefully Martha can find a way to revive them.
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The Little Fashion Mogul
Mistress
Last Christmas I ordered an exclusive hat made of crimson silk. I think Trendy Ernie made it for me. He’s probably around here somewhere. Quick, find him!
Trendy Ernie is frozen too, just like an ice sculpture. In this state he couldn’t even open his mouth, much less tell us what happened to Santa.
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Familiar Faces
Conductor
Apparently Santa Claus was getting ready to step out and left some work for his elves to do. Happy Willy is an old friend of ours after last Christmas’s epic prank. It would be a real shame if he’s also in the clutches of the icy dream... Let’s look for Happy Willy. Maybe he can tell us where Santa Claus went.
My fears have been confirmed: Happy Willy is also trapped in ice and shows no signs of life. I’m afraid this elf won’t be able to tell us anything at all.
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Hey, over here!
Huntress
I’m still not certain that the problems at Santa’s Workshop, and the broken conveyor belt, are the work of the Snow Queen... but we can’t save Christmas without Santa Claus. Where has that kindly old soul wandered off to? It looks like he just stepped out for a minute, but based on the layer of dust, he’s been gone for a long time.\n Remember how the elves, Santa’s helpers, asked us for help? They must know where he is. Let’s try to find one of the elves.
There’s a little elf curled up into a ball under a workbench. Judging from this anvil, he must be a blacksmith. So he’s the one who made my special dagger!\n The elf is all covered in hoarfrost, and he’s barely breathing. But who froze him? Look, there’s a note next to him.
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Wicked Beauty
Martha
Here’s the box we’re looking for... You can feel the black magic and coldness emanating from it! What’s inside? A very beautiful item: a crown made of ice...\n Whose wish were the little elves fulfilling when they made this Christmas present? Hey, there’s a letter next to it! Looks like we’re about to find out. Go on, open it.
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Phony Gemstones
Cardsharp
Yes, my friend! Even I, an expert at winning the rarest items, writes a letter to Santa every year. I have ever since I was little! This year I asked Santa to give me a valuable accessory: a box for my magical deck of cards, encrusted with rubies and emeralds. Help me find this valuable case.
What a disaster! I was looking forward to getting that box, but the lid’s broken, and the gemstones it’s decorated with aren’t real, they’re just glass! I demand material compensation for this! We need to figure out who took it upon themselves to ruin Christmas.
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A Hole for a Dandy
Juliette
The Detective might be a good-looking guy, but he’s such a nerd! This is the umpteenth Christmas he’s asked Santa for some kind of hat. Does he collect them or something? This year he asked for a Trilby Hat made of brown felt. Let’s try to find his hat.
Yeah, that’s it, the Trilby Hat the Detective wanted for Christmas. But what is this? It’s an enormous hole! Every present we’ve found so far has been ruined.
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Alas and Alack...
Conductor
Hey, buddy, I heard you’re searching Santa’s Workshop for letters asking for presents, right? Well, I gave old Saint Nick mine. I asked Santa for a bottle of the good stuff, a 25-year vintage. So what? It’s the holidays, you’re supposed to spoil yourself! That stuff would really hit the spot right now. Find my drink.
A beautiful bottle filled with a noble beverage, and the cork is right where it ought to be. Looks like my present is okay. All right, in the interest of the investigation let’s give it a try... Yuck! My drink is ruined! This isn’t the aged whiskey I asked for!
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Adding to the Arsenal
Huntress
Here’s my letter to Santa. I recognise it thanks to the special flourish of the pen on the envelope. Okay, everything seems fine - I asked for a special dagger with a silver blade for hunting werewolves. I wonder if he finished it... Look for the dagger among the gifts.
Yeah, this is exactly the kind of dagger I wanted for Christmas. Unfortunately, it’s completely ruined! Look, the entire blade is covered in rust. Who could have done this kind of damage to this beautiful weapon?
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An Unexpected Find
Valerie
Here’s the first letter... What a coincidence, it’s from me! Here’s what I wrote to Santa: \n "Dear Santa,\n I was really, really good this year. I tried to be nice and to help everybody, but this is tough to do in the City of Shadows! So I was a goody-two-shoe all year long. Do you think you could bring me a nice pair of earrings for Christmas? Thanks in advance, and Merry Christmas!"\n That was fun, but where’s the box with my present? Find it.
Hurray! You found my earrings. What’s this? There’s a gemstone missing from one of them! Could somebody have robbed Santa’s Workshop? Then why wouldn’t the thieves just steal both earrings? No, there’s something else going on here...
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Open Sesame!
Valerie
Visiting Santa’s Workshop is my childhood dream! But we didn’t come here to gawk. We need to figure out why the letters asking for Christmas presents aren’t making it to Santa. And what kind of dangers are mentioned in his elf’s letter. Let’s get to work!
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A Door to a Fairy Tale
Juliette
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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Secrets In Semi-darkness
Detective
The Mistress’ bedroom has such a dreary atmosphere, how can Juliette be here for long? Don’t get distracted. We only need to find one more shard and then the Mistress won’t punish Juliette. Look for the final mirror shard.
Great! You’ve found the final shard! Now we’re able to restore the Mistress’ mirror!
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Unbelievable Creation
Juliette
You’ve helped me so much with selecting these lilies... But I’m afraid that when the Mistress finds out about my enthusiasm, she’ll certainly visit my greenhouse and demand all the flowers. We need to create a lily to distract the Mistress’ attention away from the other flowers. Use the City’s magic, it will always help you.
You managed to create an unbelievable flower - a Black Lily! It turns out that such a flower truly exists and it’s beautiful. They also call it a bat, or the more exotic - Cat’s Whiskers. I read all this in City Hall’s library; only it’s not a lily, but some kind of other plant. But I won’t tell the Mistress about it. Let’s enjoy the Black Lily and not touch the rest of the flowers in the greenhouse.
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Royal Worthiness
Juliette
I thought we should have a Golden Lily in the greenhouse. It decorates flags and the coat of arms of my native France.
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Treasure from China
Juliette
Rumour has it that in the East, maybe in China, they bred a hybrid Shandong Lily. People say they’ve seen it in the City of Shadows. Please bring this flower for my greenhouse!
The Shandong Lily is a beautiful, simple and heavenly beauty! And its scent is so strong! The rumours about this lily were true. It’s now clear why this lily is considered the most enigmatic flower in Asia. It’s even used in religious rituals.
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Wild Beauty
Juliette
There’s another very beautiful lily called the Byzantine Lily. It grows in the wild fields of Greece. But I’m certain you can find it in the City of Shadows. It will be a worthy addition to my greenhouse.
What’s your impression of the Byzantine Lily? I agree, it’s beautiful! Mon ami, I’m going to have the best greenhouse ever!
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Under the Tiger’s Sign
Juliette
I really like the Tiger Lily. They were greatly revered by Tibetan and Eastern rulers. Bring some Tiger lilies for my greenhouse.
I’ve already read all the instructions for growing Tiger lilies... and how to water them, and give them light. These flowers will occupy a worthy place in my greenhouse.
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Whiter than Snow
Juliette
I already figured out what I’ll grow in my greenhouse... Lilies. After all, they are symbolic of all life situations. For example, the white lily was worshiped by the Romans as the flower of Juno and the symbol of hope. It’s called the Madonna Lily. Bring it, please.
These Madonna lilies were woven into the cloak of Zeus and in the hair of the muses. That’s how much importance they gave it.
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Dreams come True
Valerie
Everything is ready for the fairy summoning ritual. We put all the flowers in the hollow of the oak tree. Lavender opens a magical third eye; St. John’s Wort protects against negative spells; Crocus attracts fairies; Thistle gives courage to everyone and Primrose makes everything invisible visible. I would add a couple of City artifacts to enhance the flowers’ effects. Bring them and we can begin.
Did you also see some kind of stirring in the hollow or are my eyes playing tricks on me? Look - something over there is shining! Go get it quickly! Wow, the fairies gave me a powder box, and there’s dust in it. Interesting, Fairy Dust can grant my wish? Its capabilities must be respected. And so, I’m off to the library. Goodbye. I’m very grateful to you for your help.
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Harbingers of Spring
Valerie
The final item I need to summon fairies is Primrose or cowslip. The document states that this flower makes the invisible visible. Bring Primrose and we’ll be able to see with it.
According to the instructions, in order to summon fairies I have to eat a few of the blossoms from the Primrose you brought. I hope they weren’t collected near the highway...
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Prickly Beauty
Valerie
The fairy summoning ritual requires another ingredient - Thistle. I would pluck it myself, but thistle is very prickly. It’s better if you bring it.
I could kiss you! You aren’t afraid of the terrible prickles on Thistle. Set them aside until I think of how you can hold them without getting pricked.
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Lavender Dandy
Valerie
I need Crocuses for the fairy summoning ritual. What’s strange is you need to collect them at night in the City of Shadows... It won’t be easy, but you can do it. Bring me some Crocuses as soon as possible.
Well done! At night, without fearing any gargoyles and werewolves, you collected a whole bouquet of Crocuses. Now I’m certain that the medieval ritual to summon fairies will be successful.
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Medicinal Flowers
Valerie
Judging by the illustrations in the medieval document, St. John’s Wort is needed to summon fairies. These aren’t simple flowers. The author writes that they have remarkable properties. Maybe that’s why St. John’s Wort is plentiful in the City of Shadows. Bring these flowers, please.
Did you know that St. John’s Wort is a medicinal plant? They can treat wounds, poisoning and all sorts of ailments. St. John’s Wort also repels dark magic of the night and improves sleep.
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Flowers from the South
Valerie
Little fairies, as you know, really love flowers. That’s why we need fragrant flowers for the fairy summoning ritual. The first thing I need is Lavender. Find it, please.
The Lavender you brought is also mentioned in the "Alchemist’s Experiment". He calls this flower an elvish leaf and warns that one must be very careful when using it.
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Night-time Treatments
Martha
Now you know how to make medicinal vitamin cocktails for the Conductor. But without magic, we still can’t pull it off. To restore vision, every night the Conductor needs to apply a Honey Dressing. It’s not difficult, but can’t be accomplished without a few City artifacts. Bring them, please.
I guarantee that after a course of vitamin cocktails and Honey Dressing, the Conductor’s vision will improve. It’s true that boggarts have a sweet tooth for honey. But this is not a problem for you, and besides, the Conductor is used to them. Thank you for your concern about the health of the City’s citizens. You’ll receive a small reward.
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Benefits of Chicory
Martha
Bring garden-variety Chicory and squeeze the juice from it. This will be the next ingredient in our secret magic-free recipe to improve vision. All our ingredients are entirely natural. The most important thing is for the Conductor to agree to take them.
I hope you didn’t forget to wash the Chicory you found? One must never forget about hygiene. I have no doubts about your good sense.
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Blueberry Drink
Martha
Last, but not least, is blueberries. It will be useful to you and to the Conductor. Bring some blueberries. Only fresh ones, not frozen. I hope you know where to get them.
You’re simply an expert! Where do you find all this? The blueberries that you brought can also be juiced, but personally I prefer the whole berries.
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Spinach Cocktail
Martha
The next ingredient in the magic-free recipe to improve vision is Spinach. I’ll squeeze the juice from these leaves using my own strength.
It’s wonderful that you brought so much Spinach. Bring it here. I’ll bake a pie using what’s left over.
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Help from Carrots
Martha
Now it’s time for the most popular folk remedy - Carrots. Its properties are known to improve the eyesight of practically everything. Bring some Carrots and squeeze out the juice.
Wow, so many Carrots! That’s enough for the Conductor and for me. In fact I drink freshly squeezed carrot juice every day and I highly recommend it.
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Celery Juice
Martha
Magical glasses for the Conductor? In this case, it’s best to treat him with folk remedies. Magic, like medicine, is not the only beneficial thing. I have an old recipe for improving vision. Let’s use it. Bring some Celery root and squeeze the juice from it.
You brought fresh Celery root. That’s good. Now squeeze the juice from it. This job requires the use of force, as I don’t want to use magic.
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Stop Death
Martha
Everything is ready for the ritual to neutralise the effect of the Camera of Death. Surround the belongings of those whose stories are eternal with magical artifacts, and I’ll cast the spell. Hopefully, the ritual will be successful.
After the ritual, the Camera of Death disappeared, but a ceremonial scythe materialised in the circle. How symbolic... We have Death’s traditional weapon, which means the people of the City are saved and the aging effect is gone. You deserve a reward. Take it quickly!
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Path of Love
Huntress
I remembered the undying story of Ariadne and Theseus. She gave her lover a thread, which helped him find his way out of the Minotaur’s labyrinth. Bring me Ariadne’s Thread.
Ariadne’s Thread helped Theseus escape from the elaborate labyrinth where a monster - the Minotaur - dwelled. I hope it will help neutralise the Camera of Death’s effect.
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Queen of Egypt
Isabelle
I hear you’re looking for items of those who have remained in people’s memories forever. Cleopatra comes to mind. The Egyptian queen was in love with Julius Caesar. Bring Cleopatra’s Crown. It will help neutralise the Camera of Death’s effect.
You found the unique crown of Cleopatra. The Egyptian queen who wore it was a great ruler and a beautiful woman. Her memory has lived on over the centuries.
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Flowers of Love
Martha
I know another undying story from the time of King Arthur. It’s the tragic love story of Tristan and Isolde. Try to find Isolde’s flowers. This will help break the Camera of Death’s spell.
It’s good that you managed to find Isolde’s flowers. See, it’s Blackthorn. These flowers united Tristan and Isolde, even after death.
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Forbidden Emotions
Martha
I can tell you another timeless story: Lancelot and Guinevere. To neutralise the effect of the Camera of Death’s photos, bring Lancelot’s Shield.
You found the shield that protected Lancelot during his many victories. He performed all his heroic deeds in honour of his love, Guinevere. She was not only his queen and King Arthur’s wife, but the love of his life. The story, alas, was not a happy one, but has remained in our memory forever.
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Tragic Mistake
Martha
Oh no! The Camera of Death has fallen into Valerie’s hands. It drains the life out of anyone it photographs. We must neutralise the photos that have already been taken before it’s too late. I need five items belonging to those whose stories do not die. The first one that comes to mind is the story of Romeo and Juliet. Find one of their things.
Romeo and Juliet are perhaps the most famous lovers. It’s the story of two young people from warring families who risked everything for love. Unfortunately they both died. Romeo drank poison and Juliet stabbed herself with a dagger. Though a tragedy, their story has remained in people’s memory for centuries.
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Fancy Eddie
Valerie
Our collaboration has finally borne fruit. We just need to sew the costume together and get Eddie to try it on. Can you make it happen quickly? The magic of the City will help make the costume irresistible.
Oh, what fabulous little Halloween costume! Eddie is so handsome! You did so well. Here, have this doodad I found in the City. It’s more useful to you than to me.
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We Continue to Work
Valerie
I know you’re an expert craftswoman, but I’m afraid something will happen and everything will be ruined. So, I entrust the Sewing Pattern to you while I go and fetch some sequins for the costume.
Great job! The master’s hand is immediately visible! I didn’t doubt you one bit that your pattern would turn out better than mine!
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Transfer the Sewing Pattern
Valerie
As far as I know, to transfer the sewing pattern to the fabric we’ll need a Fabric Cutter. It’s a wheel with sharp teeth that’s attached to a convenient handle.
Once the cutter is found, you can cut out a festive getup for my Eddie. I’ll bring the fabric right away! I think you can handle it.
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Brace the Fabric
Valerie
It’s impossible to do anything in tailoring without Pins. I think a couple dozen will be more than enough to make the Halloween costume for Eddie. Bring some Pins as quickly as possible.
Please put the Pins you found somewhere close to hand for when needed. We’ll use them to temporarily hold together the cut-out pieces of Eddie’s costume.
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Basic Tools
Valerie
Please find the Tailor’s Rulers. These are the basic tools of the master cutter who will help sew the festive costume for Eddie.
I admit, I’m surprised there are so many lines and curves. I hope you understand what they’re used for. Eddie and I believe in your talent.
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Take the Measurement
Valerie
Do you have a free minute? I could really use your help. Halloween will be here soon, so I’ve decided to make Eddie a festive costume. I just need to find sewing tools to make the pattern, transfer the drawing to the fabric, cut and sew. It’s a piece of cake for you, right? First I need a Measuring Tape to take the measurements.
Oh, you already found the Measuring Tape! Now take Eddie’s measurements so the costume will fit just right. But we need other tools to make the pattern.
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King of Desserts
Cardsharp
My appreciation to this esteemed gathering of pudding lovers! I recommend that everyone with an appetite partakes in some Christmas Pudding. Sir, can you go to the trouble of bringing some? It truly is the king of all puddings!
Because I respect everyone gathered, I’m prepared to share the secret of my Christmas Pudding. I won’t delay them the pleasure of trying it. I add dark beer and cognac for extra flavour and when serving, pour brandy on it and set it afire. Bon Appétit!
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Delicious and Beneficial
Huntress
Oh, mein Gott! These puddings are delicious but a mountain of calories. I must try to stay in shape, so please find me some Rice Pudding with dried apricots. This is an excellent option for a light dessert.
Wonderful! I highly recommend Rice Pudding with dried apricots and raisins. The rice gives you strength and the fruit boosts your mood.
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Caramel for Isabelle
Isabelle
Bon appétit! I see a feast in progress. You really managed to get your hands on all these treats in the City? I know of one unique pudding that, certainly, you’ve never come across - caramel. Find it. You won’t regret it.
Thank you. I’m not going to brag, but your Caramel Pudding proved to be more appreciated than all the others. It has a distinctive, delicate taste with hints of mint.
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Chocolate Masterpiece
Juliette
Rumour has it that around the City you can find pudding to suit any taste. Could you find me some Chocolate Pudding? It’s been a long time since I tasted it. I miss it.
Tell me, did you bake this Chocolate Pudding yourself? No? Who in the City bakes so marvelously? It would be nice to send regular customers to this pastry chef.
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A Delicate Treat
Valerie
I noticed that you’re interested in desserts. What have you already found? English pudding? No-o-o, I don’t like that. Now, if there was strawberry semolina... Find it. You won’t regret it.
Oh, you found it! Pudding made from semolina with strawberry preserves, with whole berries - what could be more delicious?! But traditional English pudding, in my opinion, is not the right one.
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Peasant Dessert
Martha
I’m exhausted from performing all sorts of rituals and never ending magic! I want something yummy. What do you think about pudding? Please bring a traditional Hampshire pudding.
Thank you. What I like about Hampshire Pudding is the apricot-plum jam and apple crust. A long time ago in England this dish was prepared nearly every day. It’s an ordinary peasant dish.
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Striving for the Ideal
Cardsharp
Isabelle requires the "ideal shape" to be brought to her. According to the philosophical teachings of Plato, the most perfect shape is the Circle. But it can’t be made from matches. What if it’s made by combining matches and artifacts? Maybe magic will help us create this perfect shape?
You’ve done the impossible. You see, a Circle has no beginning, no end, no direction and no orientation. Even the riddle about angles and degrees does not apply here. It truly is the ideal shape. What a good job! I have a sharp, creative mind and I am always bettering myself. Thank you for your help. You get your reward.
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By Degree
Cardsharp
Sir! Isabelle’s new riddle has me stumped. "Three has one hundred and eighty friends, six has seven hundred and twenty. So who has nine hundred friends?" What is it? Oh, look, all the shapes have corners! They are measured in degrees, and nine hundred degrees is a Heptagon. Bring it quickly.
Yes, the Heptagon is the answer! Thank you for your help. You led me to the right answer.
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6D
Cardsharp
Isabelle decided to tell me a riddle. I need the shape that in India corresponds to the sacred geometry of the universe. Hmm, let's count the sides. Left, right, front, back, up, down. That's six - it's a Hexagon! Find it. I'm sure it's the answer to Isabelle's riddle.
You worked out the Hexagon! Well, I... well done! You quickly determined that the answer to Isabelle’s riddle is a Hexagon. Do you have another riddle matching my intellect?
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Five Steps to Perfection
Isabelle
Everything related to amulets and magic is my job. Of course I know about the Amulet of Health. This shape is the Pentagon. Make it out of matches and quickly bring it to Cardsharp.
An amulet in the shape of a Pentagon symbolises eternity and perfection in addition to health. I use it as a magical tool in some rituals and spells. A Pentagon, even made from matches, is a powerful talisman.
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Four Pillars
Isabelle
I can give you the answer to Cardsharp’s riddle right now. It’s a Square. The Greeks called it a tetragon. There must be four matches in the box to make it. Make a Square for Cardsharp.
Here’s the Square! This talisman symbolises permanence and stability. Don’t be surprised that I found the answer so quickly. The study of talismans is my specialty.
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Masonic Trinity
Isabelle
Cardsharp told you a riddle? You need the shape that the Masons associate with light, darkness and time? Well the Masons’ beloved shape is the Triangle. Find it or even make one out of matches. I hope this is the correct answer.
I never thought that such a simple object, like a matchstick triangle, could be associated with the Masons’ Cosmos idea of light, darkness and time. We magicians see geometric shapes in our own way.
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Assemble the deck.
Isabelle
You’ve collected all the cards from the Deck of Images. The people of the City are now out of harm’s way. I want to securely seal it so that nobody else can use them. Please bring me some urban artifacts to strengthen the magical seal.
Thank you! Thanks to you the City of Shadows has avoided a serious trouble. I hope that Martha’s distraction spell is strong enough so that the Mistress of the Manor forgets about the missing Deck of Images and that Juliette won’t divine on anything anymore. Here is your reward for helping.