The treasure you seek lies not
here. Many adventures await e'er you obtain your
prize!
Welcome traveller! You are about to embark on a journey through a
magical landscape, first discovered by that renowned explorer,
Garry Holm. You will travel through a sylvan forest reminiscent of
the English coast. You will traverse a majestic mesa overlooking
twin canyons, one filled with enormous holly trees, the other lined
with moss in hues of scarlet and blue. And everywhere throughout
your journey you will encounter The Sacred Tree. Your
path will be clearly marked by signposts at each intersection.
Along your way, you will need to obtain information that will lead
you to a treasure of great value. And there are certain rules you
must follow in your travels, so that you will not stray from the
chosen path:
- Your journey will begin at the location that has been provided
to you.
- You must travel ONLY on roads or paths which have within their
name the name of The Sacred Tree.
- Each time you encounter a road bearing the name of The
Sacred Tree, you MUST turn onto that path, rather than
continuing ahead. (Any very short trails that obviously lead
nowhere will be the exception to this rule.) In some cases, you
will have to make a choice of which way to turn.
- You will never retrace your path. You may return to some roads
more than once, but you will always go onto a portion of the path
you have not visited before.
- You will travel on exactly 14 different roads during your
journey. When you have reached the 14th road, you should have all
the information you need to acquire the prize.
Here is how you will obtain the information you need during your
journey: Each time you venture onto a new path, closely observe the
signpost at the intersection of the two roads. It will identify
both the road you are leaving, and the road you are turning onto.
Each of the names on the sign will have a number, consisting of
four numerals. The first and last numerals will be the same for all
of the signs, so you are not concerned with them. You must note the
middle two numerals for the road you are turning onto, each time
you go onto a NEW road, that you have not travelled on before. If
you go onto an unvisited section of a road you have been on before,
you will NOT use the information from that signpost. You will start
doing this at the very beginning of your journey, noting the number
for the first path you take as you leave the mortal world and
venture into The Realm Of The Sacred Tree.
When you have completed this part of your journey, you will need to
make some computations using the 14 numbers you have acquired,
being sure to keep them in the order they were discovered. For each
number, add the two digits together, and make a note of those sums.
Then apply the following adjustments to each resulting number, in
the order shown:
-5 +7 -5 +1 -6 +1 +6 +10 -9 -2 +3 -2 +5
+5
Now, if you hold the tablet inscribed with these final numbers
before you, face to the south (the direction to the prize), and
chant the name of The Sacred Tree, the location of
the treasure should appear. You may use
this magical tome to determine if your computation is
correct..
Through the magic of The Sacred Tree, the treasure
shall be replenished and may be found by all who seek it. But the
first lucky adventurer to reach the prize will be rewarded with two
and sixpence for their valiant effort! Unlike the tranquil
landscape of the first part of your adventure, this location is
frequented by a great number of travellers, many of whom have
little concern for the safety and welfare of their fellowman. So
choose your path to the treasure with great care! You can find
places to leave your horse or carriage to the south or
west.
Those with a hardy constitution may choose to undertake their
journey afoot. Others will likely require a horse or carriage. But
be forewarned that the full length of your journey through
The Realm Of The Sacred Tree will carry you nigh onto
a full league, and another third part of a league to reach the
treasure, so plan your travel accordingly. If you choose to travel
by carriage, you may be well-advised to find a trusted companion to
serve as scribe, so that you might focus your attention on safely
navigating your pathway. Also please use the greatest caution to
avoid causing harm to any urchins you may encounter playing near
your path.
Godspeed to you, my friend! And may the spirit of The Sacred
Tree guide you on your journey!
A warm round of Huzzahs for Turuthok
"The Sleeper" and Owl "The Wise One" as first to conquer the
challenge!