D&D Wizard Puzzle: The Acrance Scroll

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  • Type: Cypher puzzle
  • Location: A wizard tower
  • Difficulty: Difficult

Background:

A wizard invites the party to his tower. He has acquired an ancient scroll that is written in a mysterious and unknown language. The scroll is said to contain powerful magical knowledge, but the wizard is unable to decipher it on their own.

The Puzzle:

The wizard presents the players with the scroll and challenges them to decipher it using their knowledge of languages and magical symbols. The scroll is written in a series of arcane symbols and unfamiliar words, and the players must figure out what it says.

Of course, you can make up what is found on the scroll but here are some ideas for inspiration:

  • The first symbol on the scroll is a triangular shape with three circles inside. This symbol represents the element of fire and is often used in spells related to heat, flame, and destruction.
  • The second symbol is a circular shape with four arrows pointing outward. This symbol represents the element of air and is often used in spells related to wind, movement, and communication.
  • The third symbol is a wavy line that represents the element of water. It is often used in spells related to emotion, intuition, and healing.
  • The fourth symbol is a square with a horizontal line running through the middle. This symbol represents the element of earth and is often used in spells related to stability, growth, and abundance.
  • The fifth symbol is a five-pointed star that represents magic and the arcane. It is often used in spells related to divination, transformation, and protection.
  • The sixth symbol is a circle with a cross inside. This symbol represents protection and is often used in spells related to wards, barriers, and shielding.
  • The seventh symbol is a crescent moon with a star inside. This symbol represents the goddess and is often used in spells related to fertility, love, and femininity.
  • The eighth symbol is a spiral with a dot in the center. This symbol represents the sun and is often used in spells related to energy, creativity, and masculinity.
  • The ninth symbol is a hexagram with a dot in the center. This symbol represents balance and is often used in spells related to harmony, balance, and cosmic forces.
  • The tenth symbol is a circle with an X inside. This symbol represents death and is often used in spells related to transformation, rebirth, and letting go.

You can also add complexity by having players figure out how these symbols must be connected. For instance, two lines go from the first to the ninth symbol. But the eighth and third symbol are never connected, and so on.

Solution:

To solve the puzzle, the players will need to use their knowledge of languages and magical symbols to decode the scroll. This might involve:

  • Identifying and translating individual symbols or words that are familiar to the players.
  • Using context clues to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar symbols or words.
  • Consulting with other experts or magical sources to gather more information about the language or symbols used on the scroll.

As the players work on deciphering the scroll, they may discover that it contains a series of spells, magical formulas, or other arcane knowledge. With their combined skills and knowledge, the players should be able to unlock the secrets of the scroll and gain access to its powerful magical knowledge.