A Puzzling Inquiry
Do you LIKE puzzles and tolerate MILD SPOILERS? Then I have something that might interest you. This week, our adventurers will find themselves facing a brain teaser. And if you'd like to take a crack at it first, or would just like to see just what it is they're up against, I've included all the information necessary to solve this riddle below. Maybe you'll solve it and laugh at how the crew struggles. Maybe you'll get some friends together and make an afternoon of it. Maybe you'll solve it along with the crew while you listen. Or maybe you'll take the puzzle, and adapt it into your own game to frustrate your players. This puzzle is yours now, do with it what you will. Enjoy. And good luck.
Everything in GREEN and RED are revealed by the dull purple glow of an old, strange candle. They appear throughout a letter, on spice containers, a sword, and a page of poetry. (In case the letter's font is illegible, its text has been pasted it below the images).
The Letter Reads:
Wsenday - 63 days at sea, 429th harvest, 12th Age
This will be no ordinary exploratory mission. Though some may call what we're searching for old news, I believe my crew will face challenges the likes of which they have never seen. The peril that lies near the edge of the world is unlike those witnessed anywhere else. Some say that the mists that hang low on the water's surface are the veil between worlds, the barrier between this realm and the next. I don't go in for that, but I do know that uncharted waters are always dangerous. Which is why I have some of my most trustworthy men on this crew. My second in command, Ebart. Has been my friend for as long as I can remember, and has saved my life countless times. He constantly inspects the weapons in the armory, keeping every blade sharp and rust free in the event of dangerous happenings. Wayland, our cook, provides an invaluable service to the crew. He keeps their spirits up. Long voyages can drive a man to crazy thoughts, but a hearty meal can bring him back to his senses. Wayland's jovial demeanor and exotic spices make every meal an event to look forward to, especially after a hard day on the sea. And last, but not least, is my cousin Sarfrenk. I didn't think he'd be suited to a life on the water, but he has found his purpose as a scout. His keen eyes have prevented harm to the ship on several occasions, and said that the solitude of the crow's nest has given him ample opportunity to write his poetry. It may be customary for one to introduce themselves first, in case these logs are ever read by someone else. If successful, history will no doubt remember me as the captain, but I wouldn't be able to get anywhere without my crew.
Like I said, this will be no easy task. But with all the hardships that lie ahead, having good men at your side is like having a candle on a dark night. Sometimes, a little light is all you need to find your path. Exactly how we get to that path, though. Well, I suppose that depends on what day it is.
Adventure awaits,
-Captain Newthrich Gerlanthrell