Plaque Finding (beta)
BETA TEST ACTIVE 7/5–7/11
Puzzlers often tell me they love puzzles that prompt them to get out of the house and explore—even if they don’t win a prize, and even if they don’t even solve the puzzle! My goal with Plaque Finding is to create more of those experiences. Each Plaque Finding mission is part puzzle, part exploration, part mapping, and part learning something new—after all, you have to read a plaque! Tell me what you think of this format. It the beta test goes well, I may serialize it like Keys To Philly.
Plaque Finding is a totally new format that I’ve invented. Here’s how it works: The puzzle will provide coordinates, then pose a cryptic question. To find the one-word answer, you’ll have to explore—physically and/or virtually—because the puzzle links two real-world locations in Philly! The first is a point of interest (artwork, attraction, historic site, etc.) and the second is an unrelated plaque (historical marker, dedication, interpretive sign, etc.) Both are less than 2,000 feet from the starting coordinates—but the coordinates are ALSO their exact midpoint. (In other words, the point of interest and the plaque are equidistant from the coordinates in opposite directions.)
Example Puzzle:
Starting Coordinates: 39.92975, -75.16357
Cryptic Question: My operatic aunt loves the spring. What’s her husband’s name?
How to Solve: You know that the answer to the question will be found on the plaque, so “husband’s name” is probably not relevant to figuring out what the point of interest is. “Aunt” is likely not related to the point of interest either, since it’s connected to the question. The pertinent words, therefore, are “operatic spring,” and less than 2,000 feet from the starting coordinates, you can find the Singing Fountain! (Operatic = singing; spring = fountain.) Since the starting coordinates are the midpoint, identifying the point of interest tells you where to find the plaque—it will be the same distance from the coordinates, but in the exact opposite direction as the point of interest. At that location, you’ll find this plaque:
Solution: An aunt’s husband would be an uncle, so the answer is Buddy!
I’ve always loved this strange little plaque, but it’s definitely on the smaller side of what I would use for an actual Plaque Finding puzzle, which is one reason I’m only using it as an example. Sadly, the other reason is that it’s no longer there!
The beta test puzzle that I’d love for you to try out is here. Submit your solution here! The free phone app I recommend for mapping assistance is under “how to participate,” below.
Where:
Within Philadelphia city limits
When:
Beta test active 7/5–7/11
Time to complete:
You tell me! This is a beta test!
Difficulty:
You tell me! This is a beta test!
Price:
Free!
How to participate:
The beta test puzzle is here; submit your solution by 7pm on 7/11 for a chance to win a prize! Also, I recommend downloading the free Measure Map app (iPhone/Android). “Circle View” will be especially helpful!
Prizes:
For the beta test, 5 randomly selected solvers will each win a ticket to a Jester Fest event of their choice at Otherworld Philadelphia. Jester Fest takes place 7/12–7/21.
“You know it kills me when I can't figure out what you were thinking!”
—Elana