| Author | Message | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3903 Registered: 5-2003 |
You wake up to find yourself inside a gated, electrically fenced enclosure. It's on a steep, slippery slope. The gate is at the top, and you are at the bottom. Next to you is something that looks like an enormous iron nail. It is about two feet long, a foot wide, with a smooth, circular top, and looks extremely heavy. You hear a voice in your head. “You must have the proper attitude to succeed. But remember, no single quality is sufficient; what does not work now may work later.” | ||
| Biograd (Biograd)
New member Username: Biograd Post Number: 1094 Registered: 6-2008 |
Is the nail stuck in the ground? laying on the ground with the point facing downhill? laying on the ground with the point facing uphill? laying level along the bottom fence? Oh, and that last phrase made me think to ask, is the enclosure in fact rectangular? with two sides parallel, and two sides perpendicular, to the direction in which the grounds slopes? or if not, is it circular? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3904 Registered: 5-2003 |
Is the nail stuck in the ground? No. laying on the ground with the point facing downhill? laying on the ground with the point facing uphill? laying level along the bottom fence? This. Oh, and that last phrase made me think to ask, is the enclosure in fact rectangular? Yes. with two sides parallel, and two sides perpendicular, to the direction in which the grounds slopes? Yes. or if not, is it circular? | ||
| Lordofthegeeks1000 (Lordofthegeeks1000)
New member Username: Lordofthegeeks1000 Post Number: 42 Registered: 1-2010 |
Is the nail wider at its head? If so, how wide is it there? Is the ground regular, compact dirt? Is the slope to steep to climb? Is the gate closed? Is it possible for us to die from, for example, touching the fence? How high is the fence? | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6262 Registered: 4-2010 |
What type of ground is the slope? Dirt? Rock? It may be possible to dig handholds and footholds, and climb to the top... | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3905 Registered: 5-2003 |
Is the nail wider at its head? Yes. If so, how wide is it there? About a foot; the body of the "nail" is about six inches in diameter, and conical. Is the ground regular, compact dirt? No. Is the slope to steep to climb? No, though the angle increases towards the top. Roughly 30 degrees at the bottom, steepening to 60 near the top. Is the gate closed? Yes. Is it possible for us to die from, for example, touching the fence? As you examine the fence, an unbidden scene enters your mind's eye of bright sparks and unbearable pain. How high is the fence? About 20 feet, with a roll of razorwire at the top. What type of ground is the slope? Dirt? Loose scree over rock. It looks fairly easy to climb. Rock? It may be possible to dig handholds and footholds, and climb to the top... You see a number of deep gashes and dents, of varying sizes. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6281 Registered: 4-2010 |
Climb up to the gate and examine it. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3906 Registered: 5-2003 |
Climb up to the gate and examine it. You scramble to the top, as sand and small stones slip from under your feet. The gate is basically two heavy doors of rough metal, which appear to be made to slide apart like screen doors. They are set on a concrete block that extends forward to the edge of the slope. In the center of the block, right in front of the gate, is a two-foot deep, conical hole with a shallow indentation around it. Around the hole are words that read "Insert key and turn." | ||
| Biograd (Biograd)
New member Username: Biograd Post Number: 1101 Registered: 6-2008 |
If you go near the top and keep disturbing the ground, does the loose material start to collect near the bottom? (I'm thinking maybe we could cause the pebbles to pile up under the nail to the height of the bottom fence, lifting it up partway) | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3909 Registered: 5-2003 |
If you go near the top and keep disturbing the ground, does the loose material start to collect near the bottom? Not enough. (I'm thinking maybe we could cause the pebbles to pile up under the nail to the height of the bottom fence, lifting it up partway) Not a bad idea, but it could take days; you'd have to raise the nail fifteen feet, and the soil under it would still be collapsible. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3910 Registered: 5-2003 |
If you go near the top and keep disturbing the ground, does the loose material start to collect near the bottom? (I'm thinking maybe we could cause the pebbles to pile up under the nail to the height of the bottom fence, lifting it up partway) Not a bad idea, but it might take days as you'd have to lift it fifteen feet, and the soil, loose as it is, would collapse underneath the nail. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6300 Registered: 4-2010 |
Is the nail touching the bottom fence? Is the nail itself electrified? | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6301 Registered: 4-2010 |
What are you wearing? (The character, that is.) Maybe something could be used for insulation. | ||
| Ixoye724 (Ixoye724)
New member Username: Ixoye724 Post Number: 2838 Registered: 1-2001 |
Wow, lateral adventures abound! My next one is almost ready but I'll keep it on ice until we get done with the open ones... Is the head of the nail circular? ovular? square? another shape? something with corners? something without corners? with a rounded edge? Does it appear that the nail will roll? Would it be possible to pick up one end of the nail and rotate it (the nail) so that it's lying in another fashion? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3912 Registered: 5-2003 |
Is the nail touching the bottom fence? No. Is the nail itself electrified? Not that you can tell. What are you wearing? (The character, that is.) Maybe something could be used for insulation. As you consider climbing the fence using your jeans and t-shirt for insulation, you notice what looks like an unmanned, robotic machine gun outside the fence. Its barrel is tracking your movements. As you approach the fence, it clacks warningly at you. Is the head of the nail circular? This. ovular? square? another shape? something with corners? something without corners? with a rounded edge? It's not exactly sharp, but it is cleanly cut and machined. Does it appear that the nail will roll? Yes. Would it be possible to pick up one end of the nail and rotate it (the nail) so that it's lying in another fashion? Quite possible. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6359 Registered: 4-2010 |
All right then, rotate the nail so it points toward the gate. Does anything change? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3915 Registered: 5-2003 |
All right then, rotate the nail so it points toward the gate. Does anything change? No. | ||
| Ixoye724 (Ixoye724)
New member Username: Ixoye724 Post Number: 2852 Registered: 1-2001 |
So if the nail can be laid perpindicularly to the slope (in other words, laid so that it's longways with the slope, it will not roll down the slope), is it possible to pick up one end, leave the other end on the ground, and move it end-over-end up to the gate? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3918 Registered: 5-2003 |
So if the nail can be laid perpindicularly to the slope (in other words, laid so that it's longways with the slope, it will not roll down the slope), is it possible to pick up one end, leave the other end on the ground, and move it end-over-end up to the gate? Experimentation indicates that you can do this, with extreme effort because the "nail" is heavier than it looks, and feels like it's getting heavier as you go. You get it several feet up the lower slope, but once it starts steepening you are unable to get any further without the nail falling back towards you. You dodge as it slams to the ground at your feet -- then slowly, but with increasing momentum, rolls back to the bottom. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6436 Registered: 4-2010 |
Is there anything along the fence on the two sides of the slope? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3920 Registered: 5-2003 |
Is there anything along the fence on the two sides of the slope? You mean on the fence or right next to it? No. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6450 Registered: 4-2010 |
Look at the rest of the fence, on all sides...is there anything on it? Any signs? Does the entire fence appear electrified? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3922 Registered: 5-2003 |
Look at the rest of the fence, on all sides...is there anything on it? No. Any signs? Does the entire fence appear electrified? Yes. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6467 Registered: 4-2010 |
Rotate the nail completely in a circle. Does anything change? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3926 Registered: 5-2003 |
Rotate the nail completely in a circle. Does anything change? No. | ||
| It_so_happened (It_so_happened)
New member Username: It_so_happened Post Number: 716 Registered: 5-2010 |
Can you drag the nail headfirst up the hill? It shouldn't flip or roll, and theoretically the point would keep it from sliding down. Might be heavy, though. If not, can you simply roll it up? Instead of the flipping technique, can you use a similar technique with rolling instead of flipping, such that you roll one end at a time until it points longways up the slope, then roll the other end, keeping the opposite end relatively in place with packed mounds of dirt? I have no idea if this is really a physics/engineering problem, but it sure feels like one. | ||
| Ixoye724 (Ixoye724)
New member Username: Ixoye724 Post Number: 2863 Registered: 1-2001 |
Yes, it does indeed (feel like a physics/engineering problem). Perhaps if the last suggestions doesn't work we can see if there is enough loose rock to make a series of mounds to prevent the nail from rolling. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3943 Registered: 5-2003 |
Can you drag the nail headfirst up the hill? It shouldn't flip or roll, and theoretically the point would keep it from sliding down. Might be heavy, though. It is heavy. Too heavy. If not, can you simply roll it up? You get it about halfway up, sweating all the while, until it's just too steep and the nail feels heavier than it was when you started. Instead of the flipping technique, can you use a similar technique with rolling instead of flipping, such that you roll one end at a time until it points longways up the slope, then roll the other end, keeping the opposite end relatively in place with packed mounds of dirt? The dirt is too loose for this. I have no idea if this is really a physics/engineering problem, but it sure feels like one. It is, but it doesn't have to be. You have some false assumptions about the situation. Yes, it does indeed (feel like a physics/engineering problem). Perhaps if the last suggestions doesn't work we can see if there is enough loose rock to make a series of mounds to prevent the nail from rolling. It's too loose to stick together. Hint: Reread the puzzle statement. | ||
| It_so_happened (It_so_happened)
New member Username: It_so_happened Post Number: 732 Registered: 5-2010 |
Can't say I'm catching on. Take the nail up the hill, this time with a good attitude ;) Rotate gravity so that the uphill is, say, more downhill. When all this fails, roll the nail as far up the fence as you can, then roll it swiftly back down the hill to crash it into the fence. Take a closer look at this nail thing. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3944 Registered: 5-2003 |
Can't say I'm catching on. Take the nail up the hill, this time with a good attitude ;) It perceptibly lightens in weight, and you successfully get it up and over the edge of the slope next to the gate. Rotate gravity so that the uphill is, say, more downhill. When all this fails, roll the nail as far up the fence as you can, then roll it swiftly back down the hill to crash it into the fence. Take a closer look at this nail thing. At its tip are some finely cut protuberances and indentations. The head is absolutely round, flat and smooth. | ||
| It_so_happened (It_so_happened)
New member Username: It_so_happened Post Number: 733 Registered: 5-2010 |
That worked? What is this, some crazy psychologist's therpay? =) Oh well, works for me! Put it into the hole, smile, and turn it. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3945 Registered: 5-2003 |
That worked? What is this, some crazy psychologist's therpay? =) It's cribbed from a sci-fi story. Oh well, works for me! Put it into the hole, You do this. smile, and turn it. Doesn't work. It fits neatly into the hole, is flush with the ground, and so perfectly smooth that you can't get a grip. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6570 Registered: 4-2010 |
Try that determination thing again - be determined that you will turn the nail. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3946 Registered: 5-2003 |
Try that determination thing again - be determined that you will turn the nail. It doesn't budge. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6576 Registered: 4-2010 |
Turn in a circle. Try doing it while standing on the nail. | ||
| It_so_happened (It_so_happened)
New member Username: It_so_happened Post Number: 734 Registered: 5-2010 |
Get angry, show that nail whose boss. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3948 Registered: 5-2003 |
Turn in a circle. Try doing it while standing on the nail. You turn in a circle while standing on the nail. Nothing happens. Get angry, show that nail whose boss. It doesn't seem to respond to your emotions. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6581 Registered: 4-2010 |
Turn in a circle while NOT standing on the nail. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3951 Registered: 5-2003 |
Turn in a circle while NOT standing on the nail. Doesn't work either. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6589 Registered: 4-2010 |
Turn in a circle on the nail again (thinking of the puzzle statement). | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3954 Registered: 5-2003 |
Turn in a circle on the nail again (thinking of the puzzle statement). Nothing happens. | ||
| Kalira (Kalira)
New member Username: Kalira Post Number: 365 Registered: 2-2009 |
Turn on your *cough* magnetic charm and turn in a circle on the iron nail (twice). If that fails, keep that animal magnetism going and walk in a circle around the outer edge of the nail head (twice). Apologies to the group for the punny wordplay, at least if it's unsuccessful ;-) | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3958 Registered: 5-2003 |
Turn on your *cough* magnetic charm and turn in a circle on the iron nail (twice). If that fails It did., keep that animal magnetism going and walk in a circle around the outer edge of the nail head (twice). This also fails. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6672 Registered: 4-2010 |
Be determined to turn the nail, and try to do so again. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3960 Registered: 5-2003 |
Be determined to turn the nail, and try to do so again. You tried that before. It didn't work the first time, and it doesn't work this time either. | ||
| It_so_happened (It_so_happened)
New member Username: It_so_happened Post Number: 746 Registered: 5-2010 |
Banish the nail to somewhere dark and lonely. Then look around and see if anything changed when we inserted the nail. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3963 Registered: 5-2003 |
Banish the nail to somewhere dark and lonely. You can't. Unless you count the inside of the hole now that the nail is in it. Then look around and see if anything changed when we inserted the nail. It didn't. | ||
| It_so_happened (It_so_happened)
New member Username: It_so_happened Post Number: 748 Registered: 5-2010 |
With such cold and heartless words, you deny my every approach. Make a mound of dirt on the nail. Just for grins. Push those doors open. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3965 Registered: 5-2003 |
With such cold and heartless words, you deny my every approach. You're not trying the right approach. Make a mound of dirt on the nail. Just for grins. No problem. Push those doors open. There are no hinges. | ||
| It_so_happened (It_so_happened)
New member Username: It_so_happened Post Number: 749 Registered: 5-2010 |
Slide the doors open? Turn them open? Insert key and turn. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3967 Registered: 5-2003 |
Slide the doors open? This. Turn them open? Insert key and turn. How? You have no leverage. | ||
| It_so_happened (It_so_happened)
New member Username: It_so_happened Post Number: 750 Registered: 5-2010 |
I don't know how, I'm just following orders!Slide the doors open. What shoes am I wearing? Rub the dirt on my hands and on the nail for some traction to try and turn it with. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3969 Registered: 5-2003 |
I don't know how, I'm just following orders!Slide the doors open. The gate doesn't budge. What shoes am I wearing? Sneakers. Rub the dirt on my hands and on the nail for some traction to try and turn it with. Your hands don't slide off this time, but you still don't have enough leverage to turn the head of the nail. You are on the right track, though. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6685 Registered: 4-2010 |
Are you wearing socks? Can you use your clothing to get a better grip? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3971 Registered: 5-2003 |
Are you wearing socks? Yes. Can you use your clothing to get a better grip? It's not enough. You can feel the strain, but you clearly can't get "over the top" with what you have on you. | ||
| It_so_happened (It_so_happened)
New member Username: It_so_happened Post Number: 752 Registered: 5-2010 |
Are you sure you can't run and jump onto one edge of the nail, using the traction on your sneakers to turn it? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3972 Registered: 5-2003 |
Are you sure you can't run and jump onto one edge of the nail, using the traction on your sneakers to turn it? Yes. There are other options. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6690 Registered: 4-2010 |
Go back to the bottom of the slope. Wasn't there a machine gun somewhere? What if we can somehow get that to rotate (without being shot)? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3974 Registered: 5-2003 |
Go back to the bottom of the slope. Wasn't there a machine gun somewhere? There are several, one on each side of the fence. What if we can somehow get that to rotate (without being shot)? Their muzzles follow you as you move. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6726 Registered: 4-2010 |
Is there any possible way we could get the muzzle to rotate completely around without getting shot? And what do you mean by "one on each side of the fence"? What fence? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3976 Registered: 5-2003 |
Is there any possible way we could get the muzzle to rotate completely around without getting shot? You'd have to get behind the gun to do that, and by the time you did that, you wouldn't need to since you'd be outside the fence. And what do you mean by "one on each side of the fence"? What fence? You're fenced in, remember? There are four sides to the fenced-in square you're in, and one gun on each side. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6754 Registered: 4-2010 |
Ah, I thought there was only one gun, on the outside of the bottom side of the fence. My error. Try sliding the doors open again. Then try turning in a circle while standing on the nail. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3978 Registered: 5-2003 |
Try sliding the doors open again. You can't. Then try turning in a circle while standing on the nail. Nothing happens. Are you expecting the nail to magnetically stick to one of your shoes? | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6757 Registered: 4-2010 |
Well, the puzzle statement does say "what doesn't work now may work later".... Do you have any objects on you? That might magically work as a magnet? Do any of the rocks seem magnetic? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3979 Registered: 5-2003 |
Well, the puzzle statement does say "what doesn't work now may work later".... You have a false assumption about what that means. Do you have any objects on you? That might magically work as a magnet? Do any of the rocks seem magnetic? No to all. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6761 Registered: 4-2010 |
Take a quick nap. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3981 Registered: 5-2003 |
Take a quick nap. You wake up refreshed. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6767 Registered: 4-2010 |
All right, try turning the nail again. Or turning in a circle. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3984 Registered: 5-2003 |
All right, try turning the nail again. How? Or turning in a circle. It doesn't work. I told you you had an FA about the puzzle statement. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6769 Registered: 4-2010 |
"No single quality is sufficient"...hmmm. Try grabbing the nail and then turning in a circle, in an attempt to pull the nail all the way around. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3985 Registered: 5-2003 |
"No single quality is sufficient"...hmmm. There's more to that statement. Try grabbing the nail You can't. It's flush into the ground. and then turning in a circle, in an attempt to pull the nail all the way around. A very awkward attempt. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6772 Registered: 4-2010 |
"But remember"... Try to remember how to turn the nail. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3987 Registered: 5-2003 |
"But remember"... Try to remember how to turn the nail. You're overthinking this. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6774 Registered: 4-2010 |
Describe the character we are playing as. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3989 Registered: 5-2003 |
Describe the character we are playing as. An LTPF puzzle who, judging from past attempts, clearly has some talent in physics and the willingness to try offbeat methods -- repeatedly. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6776 Registered: 4-2010 |
Is there any way we can tell if the machine guns will actually shoot us if we try to climb the fence? Pick up a rock and toss it over the fence. And duck, just in case. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3992 Registered: 5-2003 |
Is there any way we can tell if the machine guns will actually shoot us if we try to climb the fence? Pick up a rock and toss it over the fence. And duck, just in case. The rock shatters in a stream of bullets. | ||
| It_so_happened (It_so_happened)
New member Username: It_so_happened Post Number: 757 Registered: 5-2010 |
That's an accurate gun! Let's do everything we've already done all over again. ... Just kidding. Can I assume that "It doesn't seem to respond to your emotions" was a blanket statement for all of my emotions in relation to the nail? If not, turn the nail with a bad attitude. I can't remember if we ever checked our pockets or not. Can we examine the concrete slab closer, as well as the sign that said "Insert Key and Turn"? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3993 Registered: 5-2003 |
That's an accurate gun! Let's do everything we've already done all over again. ... Just kidding. Can I assume that "It doesn't seem to respond to your emotions" was a blanket statement for all of my emotions in relation to the nail? Yes. If not, turn the nail with a bad attitude. I can't remember if we ever checked our pockets or not. Nothing in 'em. Can we examine the concrete slab closer, as well as the sign that said "Insert Key and Turn"? The concrete slab lies under the gate, extending a few feet either side of it. On your side is a hole, about a foot away from the gate, in the concrete slab, currently filled to capacity by the nail, which is perfectly flush with the slab. The sign is straightforward; there's nothing special about it. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6784 Registered: 4-2010 |
Is the sign metal? Plastic? Stone? Will we get electrocuted if we touch it? If not, try turning the sign. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3994 Registered: 5-2003 |
Is the sign metal? Plastic? Stone? It's etched into the concrete. Will we get electrocuted if we touch it? If not, try turning the sign. Nothing happens. | ||
| It_so_happened (It_so_happened)
New member Username: It_so_happened Post Number: 758 Registered: 5-2010 |
So if it's a foot away from the gate, can I push against the gate for the leverage I need as I attempt to turn the nail? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3996 Registered: 5-2003 |
So if it's a foot away from the gate, can I push against the gate for the leverage I need as I attempt to turn the nail? You press your feet to the gate, your hands to the nail and push. As you strain, the nail moves, and as you stretch forward you hear a series of clicks. Behind you, in step with the turning of the key, the gate slowly slides open until you can squeeze through. Good work! Physics didn't work before in getting the nail up the hill, but does now... That is the significance of the puzzle statement. ;) The gate, fence and slope dissolve around you, and you find yourself standing in another square, flat and grassy this time, and again fenced, electrified and guarded on three sides. In front of you is a wide, shallow pond, with dozens of hungry-looking piranha in it, and in place of a fence, a chalky cliff about ten feet high, with water trickling over it into the pool. Beside you stands a stern-looking man in a jumpsuit and holding a long baton. He slaps it against his leg and announces, "This next test is one of courage. You must cross the pond and climb the cliff to escape. Into the water with you!" | ||
| It_so_happened (It_so_happened)
New member Username: It_so_happened Post Number: 759 Registered: 5-2010 |
I'm guessing the pond stretches fully across? Test the water with my finger to see if these pirahnas are really all they are cracked up to be. Ask the man about himself... | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3998 Registered: 5-2003 |
I'm guessing the pond stretches fully across? Yep. You can't walk around it, you are going to have to go through it. Test the water with my finger to see if these pirahnas are really all they are cracked up to be. Seconds after you dip your finger into the water, the piranha turn towards it. You draw your finger away just as one leaps from the water with a SNAP! Ask the man about himself... He smiles coolly; there is no light in his eyes. "I am your proctor, as it were. With my piranha-repellent suit I could pass this test with no trouble." One hand strays to a pistol at his belt, and he taps you on the shoulder with the baton and points you towards the water. "I remind you again, this is a test of courage, and you are already failing..." He winks. | ||
| It_so_happened (It_so_happened)
New member Username: It_so_happened Post Number: 760 Registered: 5-2010 |
Describe the chalky cliff. Anything stand out? Also, describe this man. What do you mean by "no light in his eyes"? Ask him the difference between courage and blind stupidity. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 3999 Registered: 5-2003 |
Describe the chalky cliff. Anything stand out? It looks fairly easy to climb. Every so often, an object flies over the edge with the current and drops with a small splash into the pond, twisting and shining in the light as it falls. Also, describe this man. He's pretty nondescript, but there is something odd about him. He wears a jumpsuit, some sort of weapon, and looks ready to use his baton on you. What do you mean by "no light in his eyes"? After a close look, you're not positive he's human. He's smack in the middle of the Uncanny Valley; he stands too straight, has no wrinkles that you can see, and he looks straight through you. Ask him the difference between courage and blind stupidity. "That depends on the circumstances," he answers with a private little smile. "I'm only here to test you, not to argue. Now cross that pool... unless you're yellow." | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6788 Registered: 4-2010 |
Ask the man if you can have his piranha-repellent suit. Or if he can shoot the piranhas. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4002 Registered: 5-2003 |
Ask the man if you can have his piranha-repellent suit. Or if he can shoot the piranhas. He refuses, and hefts his baton. | ||
| Gregoryuconn (Gregoryuconn)
New member Username: Gregoryuconn Post Number: 104 Registered: 9-2010 |
Kill the man and steal his pirhana repellant suit, then swim across the pool. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4006 Registered: 5-2003 |
Kill the man and steal his pirhana repellant suit, How? He is armed. then swim across the pool. | ||
| Kalira (Kalira)
New member Username: Kalira Post Number: 373 Registered: 2-2009 |
I don't know why, but I keep getting this image of using the guy as a raft (and the baton as a pole) to cross... Said we had to cross, didn't say we had to swim. No clue if that's actually helpful, though. Ask the man what his suit is made of. How long is the baton? Ask him if we can borrow/have it. Don't suppose this is of any use, but worth a shot -- think of the pool as frozen. Any change? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4007 Registered: 5-2003 |
I don't know why, but I keep getting this image of using the guy as a raft (and the baton as a pole) to cross... Well, if you could pull it off -- the solution I want out of you isn't necessarily the only one. Said we had to cross, didn't say we had to swim. Correct! No clue if that's actually helpful, though. Ask the man what his suit is made of. He has no idea. How long is the baton? About three feet. Ask him if we can borrow/have it. He refuses, and warns you of dire consequences if you ask again rather than just dive in the pool and get it over with. Don't suppose this is of any use, but worth a shot -- think of the pool as frozen. Any change? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4008 Registered: 5-2003 |
I don't know why, but I keep getting this image of using the guy as a raft (and the baton as a pole) to cross... Well, if you could pull it off -- the solution I want out of you isn't necessarily the only one. Said we had to cross, didn't say we had to swim. Correct! No clue if that's actually helpful, though. Ask the man what his suit is made of. He has no idea. How long is the baton? About three feet. Ask him if we can borrow/have it. He refuses, and warns you of dire consequences if you ask again rather than just dive in the pool and get it over with. Don't suppose this is of any use, but worth a shot -- think of the pool as frozen. Any change? Nope, sorry. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6797 Registered: 4-2010 |
Part the pool and walk through the dry path in the middle. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4009 Registered: 5-2003 |
Part the pool and walk through the dry path in the middle. You don't have a magic staff or a phone line to the gods. Besides, judging from the piranha activity, it's not like they couldn't just jump onto you if you got too close. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6808 Registered: 4-2010 |
Get close enough to the piranhas that they jump out of the water, but move away so they get stuck on dry land. Once you get the piranhas out, go ahead and cross. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4014 Registered: 5-2003 |
Get close enough to the piranhas that they jump out of the water, but move away so they get stuck on dry land. You trick a few into jumping out, but notice that the pool doesn't get any emptier. The proctor snickers at your efforts. Once you get the piranhas out, go ahead and cross. "You'll have to do more than that!" laughs the proctor. "Go on already, ya coward." | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6820 Registered: 4-2010 |
Are you wearing shoes? Might you be able to walk across the pool on top of the piranhas? | ||
| Kayleetonkslupin (Kayleetonkslupin)
New member Username: Kayleetonkslupin Post Number: 740 Registered: 9-2010 |
At this point, I'm tempted to say just kick the guy where it hurts and throw him to the piranhas, and when they're distracted by him, get across... | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4018 Registered: 5-2003 |
Are you wearing shoes? Yes. Might you be able to walk across the pool on top of the piranhas? Unless you're Jesus, no. And they'd still snap at you. At this point, I'm tempted to say just kick the guy where it hurts and throw him to the piranhas, and when they're distracted by him, get across... Not a bad idea, but he has said his suit is piranha-repellent, remember? He stares sternly and authoritatively at you, as though divining your thoughts. "Lily-livered punk," he says. "You wanna piece of me?" | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6835 Registered: 4-2010 |
Try to get behind the proctor without him noticing. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4019 Registered: 5-2003 |
Describe your efforts to do this. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6840 Registered: 4-2010 |
Walk around him, so you're facing his back. If not, try crawling. If that fails, try crawling through his legs. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4024 Registered: 5-2003 |
Walk around him, so you're facing his back. If not, try crawling. If that fails, try crawling through his legs. He seems a little confused and dazed after all this, and falls down as you crawl between his legs. "Hey! You can't do that!" | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6872 Registered: 4-2010 |
While he's fallen down, swipe his baton or pistol, knock him out, put on the suit, and swim across. If he gets up, run around him until he gets dizzy and passes out, then steal his weapons and suit, and cross. | ||
| Kayleetonkslupin (Kayleetonkslupin)
New member Username: Kayleetonkslupin Post Number: 771 Registered: 9-2010 |
Inspired, Balin! | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4027 Registered: 5-2003 |
You knock him out, slip on the suit, and step into the water. Instantly the piranha pounce, and you barely escape with your feet intact. As it is, you've lost your shoes, and the lower legs of the suit are ragged and bloody with scratches around your ankles. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6883 Registered: 4-2010 |
Wow - that totally did not work like I'd hoped. Throw the proctor into the pool, and cross while the piranha are distracted by him. BUT TEST THE WATER FIRST to make sure they won't suddenly go for you while they're nomming him. | ||
| Kalira (Kalira)
New member Username: Kalira Post Number: 377 Registered: 2-2009 |
Have we established just how shallow this shallow pool appears to be? Also, how far is it to get across? Is there flat ground on the other side, or is it just water all the way until the cliff? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4029 Registered: 5-2003 |
Throw the proctor into the pool, and cross while the piranha are distracted by him. He floats out to the center of the pool. Oddly, the piranha completely ignore him. BUT TEST THE WATER FIRST to make sure they won't suddenly go for you while they're nomming him. You barely avoid losing your fingers - they leap from the water and try to chomp you while you're still inches away. Even after you step away, your "piranha-proof" jumpsuit dripping with splashed water, they still leap about the edge, biting savagely. Have we established just how shallow this shallow pool appears to be? It looks to be about knee height; you can easily see smooth stone lining the bottom. Also, how far is it to get across? About 20 feet. Is there flat ground on the other side, or is it just water all the way until the cliff? The latter. | ||
| Kayleetonkslupin (Kayleetonkslupin)
New member Username: Kayleetonkslupin Post Number: 777 Registered: 9-2010 |
Maybe the pirahna-proof suit is actually a pirahna-attracting suit, or else they just like clothes? See if they like the suit? | ||
| Kalira (Kalira)
New member Username: Kalira Post Number: 378 Registered: 2-2009 |
Welp, there goes my hope that we could manipulate physics to our advantage. ACK! I just noticed there's something we haven't even looked into. Can we see anything specific about the objects falling from the waterfall? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4033 Registered: 5-2003 |
Maybe the pirahna-proof suit is actually a pirahna-attracting suit, Hmmm... or else they just like clothes? See if they like the suit? At arm's length, you dip it into the water, and the piranha immediately start to methodically shred it. Welp, there goes my hope that we could manipulate physics to our advantage. ACK! I just noticed there's something we haven't even looked into. Can we see anything specific about the objects falling from the waterfall? It's hard to tell, but they're definitely alive. And shiny. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6903 Registered: 4-2010 |
Toss the suit off to the side, and let the piranha jump out of the water and eat it. When the pool is empty, cross it. Unless the waterfall is refilling the piranha population...crap. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4036 Registered: 5-2003 |
Toss the suit off to the side, and let the piranha jump out of the water and eat it. CHOMPBITESNAP! When the pool is empty, cross it. Except... Unless the waterfall is refilling the piranha population Which it is. ... crap. Sorry. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6906 Registered: 4-2010 |
Right now, I would LOVE to jump on the proctor's back and raft him across the pool...except he's in the middle of it. If we still have the baton, use it to fish him back, then try and float on him across the pool. Row with the baton. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4037 Registered: 5-2003 |
Right now, I would LOVE to jump on the proctor's back and raft him across the pool...except he's in the middle of it. If we still have the baton, You do. use it to fish him back, You consider straining to reach him, then realize this will mean exposing your bare arm inches over the piranha-infested pool. And he's too far anyway, unless you care to wade... then try and float on him across the pool. Row with the baton. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6908 Registered: 4-2010 |
Well, since the suit is no more, GINGERLY try wading. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4041 Registered: 5-2003 |
Well, since the suit is no more, GINGERLY try wading. It's still there, just in rags. You still want it? If you do, you're on the right track. ;) | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6913 Registered: 4-2010 |
Yes, I do. Try dipping your foot in, but CAREFULLY! If piranhas come for you, get out of the way. Or try wrapping your foot in the rags and doing the same thing. Or throw the rags as far away as possible to calm the piranhas down. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4046 Registered: 5-2003 |
Try dipping your foot in, but CAREFULLY! If piranhas come for you, get out of the way. They turn and head straight for your foot. You withdraw it. They look frustrated. Or try wrapping your foot in the rags and doing the same thing. Snapsnapsnap! Or throw the rags as far away as possible to calm the piranhas down. On land, or in the water? | ||
| Kayleetonkslupin (Kayleetonkslupin)
New member Username: Kayleetonkslupin Post Number: 812 Registered: 9-2010 |
Will throwing the rags on land get the piranhas to jump out and die??? If so, do it!!!! | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6984 Registered: 4-2010 |
Hmmm... Take one of the rags and toss it in the water. If all the piranha flock to that, maybe we can sneak across while they're distracted. Be careful though. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4048 Registered: 5-2003 |
Will throwing the rags on land get the piranhas to jump out and die??? No. If so, do it!!!! Take one of the rags and toss it in the water. Chompbitesnapburp! If all the piranha flock to that, maybe we can sneak across while they're distracted. Be careful though. Good thought, but they finish off the tiny scrap before you've gotten more than a few feet in. They turn back for you, and you hastily return to shore. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6993 Registered: 4-2010 |
Throw the rest of the rags in...AWAY from you...and hurry across while the piranhas are eating. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4050 Registered: 5-2003 |
Throw the rest of the rags in...AWAY from you...and hurry across while the piranhas are eating. You start across, but notice that the rags are floating steadily back towards you -- and the piranha are coming with them. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 6996 Registered: 4-2010 |
Run like mad. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4052 Registered: 5-2003 |
Amazingly, you make it to the cliff. (You're still in the water, though.) Two problems, though - the current is erratic and the cloth is coming towards you; and you hear an almighty SNAP!! as a pissed-off piranha flashes past your ear from the clifftop. It's a pity you didn't bring something to defend yourself with. Or something to fend off the piranha-infested jumpsuit. :p | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 7000 Registered: 4-2010 |
You didn't take the baton?? Or pistol?? Why? Is there any way to climb up the cliff without hitting the waterfall? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4054 Registered: 5-2003 |
You didn't take the baton?? Or pistol?? Why? You never did say you were picking them up, but heck, I'll let you have them anyway. Is there any way to climb up the cliff without hitting the waterfall? Moving away from the waterfall would involve getting closer to the jumpsuit. (SNAP!) Think (SNAPPITY!) quickly! (SNAPSNAP!) | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 7006 Registered: 4-2010 |
Use the baton to send the jumpsuit rags far away into the water. | ||
| Kayleetonkslupin (Kayleetonkslupin)
New member Username: Kayleetonkslupin Post Number: 816 Registered: 9-2010 |
Oh, this does not look good... Um...how many bullets have you got? Would there be any point in shooting piranhas or hitting them with the baton? (Don't do it if there isn't. I just wanted to know) | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4055 Registered: 5-2003 |
This is SF, so you're armed with a laser pistol. You sear the water, and dead fish flop to the surface in clouds of steam. The water warms perceptibly. All the fish in the pool are dead, but two more (live this time) plop into the pool from the clifftop, raking you with their teeth as they go by. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 7065 Registered: 4-2010 |
Sear the waterfall as well. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4056 Registered: 5-2003 |
More barbecued fish fall into the water. The water starts to steam around you. | ||
| Kayleetonkslupin (Kayleetonkslupin)
New member Username: Kayleetonkslupin Post Number: 892 Registered: 9-2010 |
Piranha soup? Let's make sure we don't get boiled...ick... | ||
| Kalira (Kalira)
New member Username: Kalira Post Number: 380 Registered: 2-2009 |
Go back to the side of the pool without the cliff and get out (so we don't boil while firing a laser at the water we're standing in). Fire the pistol at the water in the pool for as long as you can or until the water steams away. Any good? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4057 Registered: 5-2003 |
Go back to the side of the pool without the cliff and get out (so we don't boil while firing a laser at the water we're standing in). Fire the pistol at the water in the pool for as long as you can or until the water steams away. Any good? What the heck. It takes hours, but you gradually empty the pool and step in, while live piranha continue to fly over the cliff edge and fall to the ground. They litter the ground, still snapping at you weakly as you pass. However, you find it hard to reach the cliff as more piranha are dropping past it all the time... | ||
| Kalira (Kalira)
New member Username: Kalira Post Number: 381 Registered: 2-2009 |
Hmm... well that didn't work out quite like I hoped. Experiment time: 1. Try using the baton to whack away the piranha as they fly over the cliff toward us. Does this seem pointless, or does it look like this might work? 2. Get the jumpsuit rags if there are any left, and hang them on the end of the baton. Hold the baton at arms length and try to walk toward the cliff and start climbing (in my head, it's us climbing up on the right side of the waterfall while holding the baton so the rags are on the left side of the waterfall). Do the piranhas go for the rags and avoid us? Is it even possible to do this? 3. Do we have any visions of what might happen if the rags were thrown up over the cliff? Don't do it yet. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4059 Registered: 5-2003 |
Hmm... well that didn't work out quite like I hoped. Experiment time: 1. Try using the baton to whack away the piranha as they fly over the cliff toward us. Does this seem pointless, or does it look like this might work? It would... if you had three arms, so that you could climb and bat away piranha at the same time. 2. Get the jumpsuit rags if there are any left, and hang them on the end of the baton. Hold the baton at arms length and try to walk toward the cliff and start climbing (in my head, it's us climbing up on the right side of the waterfall while holding the baton so the rags are on the left side of the waterfall). Do the piranhas go for the rags and avoid us? Is it even possible to do this? Not really, the piranha don't seem to be able to steer in midair and are simply snapping at whatever comes in reach. 3. Do we have any visions of what might happen if the rags were thrown up over the cliff? No. Don't do it yet. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 7365 Registered: 4-2010 |
Ball up one of the rags and throw it over the cliff. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4065 Registered: 5-2003 |
Ball up one of the rags and throw it over the cliff. It comes back over the edge, with a piranha wrestling and gnomming it until it smacks into the empty pool below. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 7440 Registered: 4-2010 |
Is there any area on the cliff where we can safely climb without being in piranha range? | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4066 Registered: 5-2003 |
Is there any area on the cliff where we can safely climb without being in piranha range? No. And they don't seem to fall in any particular pattern, either. | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 7498 Registered: 4-2010 |
Throw a bunch of the rags over the cliff, and climb up while the piranha are distracted. | ||
| Jenburdoo (Jenburdoo)
New member Username: Jenburdoo Post Number: 4072 Registered: 5-2003 |
It works! The pirana are too busy biting the cloth to pay attention to you, and you pull yourself over the cliff. With that, the test ends, and you have passed. Congratulations! Your reward will be to undertake even more strenuous tasks, if I can ever think them up... SPOILER | ||
| Balin (Balin)
New member Username: Balin Post Number: 7518 Registered: 4-2010 |
Nice one! Kept me thinking, and the puzzles were fun. |
