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I don't have my materials with me, but for the wall (that was obviously inspired by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in DC), how exactly does that work? I don't understand how the PCs are supposed to get a specific clue from random names. I obviously just don't understand how this puzzle is supposed to work.. And if I don't get it, there's no way my players are going to be pick up on it when I lay it out for them..
So can someone explain it to me?
Venture-Agent, Minnesota—Minneapolis
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They have Handout #2 from area A13. That gives them some false names to look for on the wall.
Looking on the wall, they get the handout #3 & #4 that you have constructed. It has the false pathfinder names and epitaphs that link to the Shrine of the Failed. They probably need to make at least one of the rolls to really get this but worst case they talk to Janera or a generic NPC at the Grand Lodge (which they are already within the walls of) in order to find it out. I allow a check for each of the three epitaphs -- make notes of what failed Aspirant matches each epitaph you use.
Seeing the false names linked to Failed Aspirants should cause them to want to investigate the Shrine of the Failed. When they find out about the link to the Failed, might want to at the same time mention the shrine.
They have to go to Fimbrik's to get the password.
Going to the graveyard for the coin should link the Shrine and Password together.
Does that make sense now?
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Venture-Agent, Minnesota—Minneapolis
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You're probably going to have to hold the party's hand through these puzzles. I really have no idea how any group is supposed to figure out any of them on their own.
I wouldn't be too quick with the hand-holding. If they investigate all the areas indicated in the handouts #1 and #2 and they can make the (relatively easy) check for aspirants, they should be able to figure out the puzzle.
It is important that the GM understand it though. It is tough to run a puzzle you don't understand yourself.
Venture-Lieutenant, Nebraska—Omaha
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If your players have read the Guide to Absalom, they might know of the Shrine of the Failed.
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I don't even see a point in printing it out and showing it to them. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to laminate them and put velcro stickers on them to make them easily interchangable, but there's figuratively (and almost literally) no chance of the player actually being able to do anything other than "roll vs the DC".
I mean, I get that it's fun to be able to physically interact with something. But it seems pointless in this case. I know I'd be disheartened as a player if I realized there was literally nothing I could gain by looking/interacting with it.
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Venture-Lieutenant, Nebraska—Omaha
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It would be silly to put a real riddle into an evergreen.
Yeah, I do mean the areas of worship.
What do these images on the walls mean? vs. What do these epithet inscriptions mean?
You don't *have* to print the inscriptions if you don't want to. It's just easier to keep track of that way.
Venture-Captain, Ohio—Columbus
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So I ran this a LOT last Origins. Most tables will figure out the wall with little prompting.
Recall that the "chatter" in the bar at the beginning is of Sir Reinhart and his horse who are planning to take the Test of the Starstone. Talk of the test should naturally lead to talk of what happens to those who fail the test.
Venture-Captain, Netherlands
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So I ran this a LOT last Origins. Most tables will figure out the wall with little prompting.
Recall that the "chatter" in the bar at the beginning is of Sir Reinhart and his horse who are planning to take the Test of the Starstone. Talk of the test should naturally lead to talk of what happens to those who fail the test.
Yeah, I had some of the patrons make bets if he would make it, or end up at the shrine. That way they had at least heard about it, and it was a good opportunity to give out some background fluff, as Janira chided them for being so callous.