Puzzles
Story (Does not contain puzzle content)
Your breath condenses before you as you survey your destination: a cluster of utilitarian, weather-proofed buildings sandwiched between stark white plains and the frigid ocean. At first glance, things look pretty normal. A smattering of busy-looking researchers dressed in cold-weather gear walk about or fiddle with outdoor equipment.
At second glance, however, things seem a little strange. There are small black-and-white figures waddling around everywhere. Penguins! Scores of them! They look out over the bed of parked trucks. They pop out from between buildings. You even see one in a tug-of-war with a researcher over his hat. This is definitely not normal.
"Oh, thank goodness! The crisis negotiator is here!" exclaims a frazzled researcher who notices your arrival. "It has been absolute chaos since the penguins took over. They're treating this place like it's their own club or something," she huffs. "We don't know how to get them to leave us alone."
You reassure them that you're a professional and that you've got this. Negotiating is like solving a series of puzzles, you explain. First, you will investigate and learn more about the penguins. Then, you will use what you've learned to meet with each of the four penguin leaders that the taskforce has identified and profiled. After building a rapport with the four leaders, you will be able to conduct the final negotiations.
"Okay, we're counting on you," a second researcher says with some relief. "Oh, and welcome to Antarctica."
FILE NO: 2025-12-P-01
DESIGNATION: "The Card Shark"
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Wears a bow tie
LAST SEEN: Entering the alley behind the mess hall
OBSERVATION NOTES:
- Dapper bearing, with signs of mild vanity
- Adopts a wide range of demeanors while playing poker
- Can perform a perfect card spring with no opposable thumbs (or any functional digits?!)
FILE NO: 2025-12-P-02
DESIGNATION: "The Dancer"
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Atypically tall and willowy for species
LAST SEEN: Directing penguins moving equipment at the main warehouse
OBSERVATION NOTES:
- Unusually flexible and fluid range of motion
- Even routine movement is rhythmic and dance-like
- Observed bearing long fabric ribbons
FILE NO: 2025-12-P-03
DESIGNATION: "The Fortune Teller"
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Wears headband with a polychromatic gemstone and a large feather
LAST SEEN: Tent in front of the weather monitoring station
OBSERVATION NOTES:
- Calm demeanor
- Often still for extended periods. Meditating?
- Piercing stare; feels like it looks directly into your soul
FILE NO: 2025-12-P-04
DESIGNATION: "The Tycoon"
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Juvenile; wears a top hat and carries a crook-handle cane
LAST SEEN: At the ocean shoreline
OBSERVATION NOTES:
- Despite appearing to be a juvenile penguin, has the mannerisms of a grumpy miser
- Shrewd instinct for advantageous deals
- Exhibits intense focus upon opportunities for profit
List of Puzzles
