- Type: Ability puzzle
- Location: a druid grove
- Difficulty: Medium
Background:
The players are traveling through a dense forest, following a faint trail that leads to an ancient druidic circle. As they approach the circle, they are confronted by an elderly druid who is performing a ritual to honor the spirits of the forest.
The Puzzle:
The druid approaches the players and presents them with a puzzle. “I am honoring the spirits of the five sacred plants of the forest,” he explains. “But my memory is not what it used to be. Can you help me figure out which plant goes with which spirit?”
The druid has laid out five plants in front of the players: a spiky bush, a narrow leaf, a creeping vine, a delicate flower, and a fragrant herb. Each plant corresponds to a different spirit, and the players must figure out which plant goes with which spirit in order to complete the ritual.
Solution:
To solve the puzzle, the players must use their knowledge of plants and their druidic skills to match each plant to the corresponding spirit. They may need to observe the plants and consider their characteristics, such as their shape, size, and the energy they give off.
- Spiky bush: spirit of protection and defense. The spiky nature of the bush suggests that it has a protective function, and it may be used to ward off unwanted intruders or provide shelter for small animals.
- Narrow leaf: spirit of freedom and flexibility. The tall, flexibel nature of the leaf suggests that it has a light presence in the forest. It may be seen as a symbol of the forest’s resilience and the eternal cycle of life.
- Creeping vine: spirit of growth and renewal. The vine is a symbol of life’s continual expansion and the ever-evolving nature of the forest. It may be seen as a representation of the interconnectedness of all living things.
- Delicate flower: spirit of beauty and grace. The flower is a symbol of the beauty and fragility of life, and it may be seen as a reminder to appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
- Fragrant herb: spirit of healing and restoration. The herb is known for its medicinal properties and may be used to soothe ailments and bring comfort to those in need. It is a symbol of the regenerative powers of nature.
Successful knowledge nature checks provide hints for players.
Once the players have figured out the correct associations, they can present the plants to the druids and complete the ritual.