So now that it has been just over a week since last week's, Puzzle of Persistence , I think it's time to finally reveal how to solve this puzzle and how it was made. I first need to give a shout out to RedHood1013. He caught me on FB and presented his solution this morning. 100% Correct. Congratulations! In order to show you how to solve this puzzle, I need to first give you the elements that created the puzzle in the first place. Making Puzzle of Persistence The first element involved in this puzzle is actually a very simplistic cryptography method. It is a method of using names to stand in for numerical values. In this case, each name is actually a number. To derive the numbers, we are using a summed value of each letter's position in the English alphabet. Names are as follows: Valyrie L. - 104 James C. - 51 Kevin A. - 62 Zander I. - 77 Martin G. - 82 Nadia J. - 39 Taking the values of the names, you now can determine which is smallest and which...

So last week I brought to you this little gem of a puzzle: Puzzle of Persistence . With over 1500 unique viewers, a dozen questions (almost all requesting more clues), and then a big drop-off on Monday, I think most people got a bit intimidated by the puzzle. Well, I'm here today to let you know the extra clue I gave out over social media as well as the answer. I am not going to tell you how to solve it (yet). That would take the fun out of it. Extra Clues So first off, despite the fact that there are not actually any numbers in this puzzle, it is almost entirely MATH-based. Yes. No lies. To figure this puzzle out, you might need someone good with abstract math theories, someone that enjoys simple cryptography, and someone that can pick up on the most subtle of clues in a riddle. Though by subtle, I mean, I put the TWO (I know I said only one, but there were actually two) clues in the puzzle, right out in the open. I learned that the best way to hide something is just...

Need a new puzzle to drop into your next D&D, Pathfinder, or other RPG system session? Remember last year when I first released my  Primary Wall of Force Puzzle  and been dying for a new one? Many D&D DMs and Pathfinder GMs, and players alike went berserk trying to solve the answer to my 'simple' puzzle last time. It was probably my most successful GM Tip to date. Well, I know it has been forever and a half since my last posting. I felt it was time to start making new puzzles to drop into your RPGs. (Perhaps one a little more memorable). Below you will find the puzzle. I will post the solution next week; however, if you need the answer so you can use this puzzle for your weekend game, then e-mail , tweet , or post on my facebook page . The rules for this puzzle are simple. Follow the logic train. If you use this in a game, make sure you reserve the name spellings. That's your first hint! Name Persistence Valyrie L. and James C. are of equal persistenc...

or... The Long Over Due Answer... So, three months ago I put up a puzzle for the masses to work out. The Primary Wall of Force Puzzle used the three primary colors (of pigment: blue, red, yellow) as well as the three most basic shapes people learn (circle, square, triangle). In addition to these simple concepts, a combination of levers and walls of force-esque effects to create a simple yet complicated puzzle. A few brave souls out there tried their hand at solving the puzzle. Some were very close, pretty much solving it the same way I envisioned a party of adventures, while others assumed there was no answer. So what is the answer? Stockvault image: by  Jack Moreh Well, there are quite a few ways actually. I'll just list the two most pertinent ones so that there is room for creative juices. The first way (or, the way it would most likely be solved by a party), is to just have one party member elected to cross the walls as they are dropped and placed b...

Sometimes games and sessions can become stale and monotonous. All the skill checks, hacking and slashing through enemies that don't measure up to min-maxed characters— you name it, sometimes you'll get bored with it. So how can you create a challenge without creating an arms race? Today's GM Tip is all about showing you how you can make simple puzzles that seem challenging. Sometimes just by making a simple puzzle seem complicated, it can stump your players for a period of time.  The best part, characters can still use their rolls to aid them, but there is no auto-success. What this means is that you aren't trying to blunt off the head of a nuke (somewhat pointless).  Let's dive right into a quick puzzle and so you can get a better idea. Primary Wall of Force Puzzle Primary Wall of Force RPG Puzzle This puzzle works at any level. The puzzle itself is a made up of six different magic items (one for each color and symbol). Doesn't seem so scar...

Have you ever wondered how to make a new trap. There are a bunch of traps out there and different tables. But how do you make your own? How about I walk you through making a trap for The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game (but you can use for other RPGs). This one will be featured in August's Monthly Free Adventure compatible with The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. You know, the one we are working on together (and don't think I forgot about that). Iron Pellet Grenade Trap  CR 5 XP 1,600 Type mechanical; Perception DC 26; Disable Device DC 26 EFFECTS Trigger touch; Reset none Effect mechanism lights and drops an iron pellet grenade onto the floor (Iron Pellet Grenade, 1d6 bludgeoning damage, 1d6 piercing damage, and 1d6 fire damage, DC 15 Reflex save for half damage);  onset delay (1d3 rounds); multiple targets (all targets in a 10-ft.-radius burst) Cost 2500 gp Craft (Traps) DC 20 So, how did I build this? Well, using the rules from our handy rule books (You will fi...

Not every encounter need be life-threatening. Epic battles to fight, NPCs to influence, and traps to disarm are generally expected. But in the end, your fate is normally sealed with a roll of the die. Sometimes, a great puzzle can break up the norm and unshackle GMs and players alike from the tyranny of their dice. Today, I bring you a puzzle with unlimited uses. The initial concept, 'Don't Follow Your Heart' takes a simple room with directional markings on the floor and turns it into a giant puzzle and wall-less maze. Rules: In this variation, players must walk over every tile in a correct pattern to get ti the door on the other side. An alarm will sound if the players try to fly to the other side. The alarm will also sound and the door lock should the PCs take an incorrect path. To find the correct path, Players must follow the directional arrow that corresponds to the tile they are standing on, UNLESS that tile would have them make a left turn from their current dire...