[EVENT] cK Murder Mystery

[Charmander]

⛔️ THIS THREAD IS FOR EVENT UPDATES ONLY! DO NOT POST ON THIS THREAD! ⛔️
[Only registered and activated users can see links]



Prologue

j03, Bat, Flordibel, Cinnamoroll, Great White North and Nattiee decide to finally have a meetup! Despite the stormy weather the group managed to find their way to the penthouse suite at the Neolodge in Neopia Central! What fun this is, as never have the 6 staff all been together in the same physical space before! The night is going great! Bat and j03 are sharing stories of their coding antics. Flordibel puts on a fabulous fashion show. Nattiee brought all the best snacks from both north and south of the border for the group to enjoy. Cinnamoroll of course brought her Switch for the group to play Jackbox! After an amazing dinner put on by Great White North, the group retires to the living room for some night caps and of course, more games! There does seem to be some tension in the room though. Maybe it is just from everyone having a long travel day, but something is in the air. As the group is starting a game of Trivia Murder Party; lightning strikes, followed by a booming clap of thunder. The lights go out.

Everyone scrambles to find their phones for their flashlights but realize they all left their phones in a bowl by the door to eliminate distractions on their retreat.

“I’ll go to the utility closet to find the breaker,” j03 says bravely.

Bat says, “I’ll get to the bottom of this. I'm going to try to find my phone, use the data network to hack into the security system and activate emergency lighting.”

Flordibel shakily says, “I’ll go to the kitchen to find some candles and matches.”

Nattiee and Cinnamoroll are scaredy pants, and choose to stay together holding each other in the living room without saying a word.

Great White North chimes in, “I’m going to the penthouse across the hall to find a flashlight.”

As everyone is heading off to find some source of light, there is a loud scream from across the room. Everyone comes stumbling back into the dark living room to find out what happened. Slowly, the lights flicker back on. To everyone's horror, Great White North is on the floor....dead!

[Charmander]

Scene 1

The surviving cK staff argue whether or not to call the police. Flordibel covers Great White North in a bedsheet out of respect.

“We should call the Chia Police Inspector! They will get to the bottom of this,” suggests Nattiee.

“Are you crazy!?” Interjects j03. “We are here in secrecy. The last thing we want to do is announce that the clraik staff is in Neopia; let alone now in the middle of a murder scene!”. Everyone agrees with j03’s point.

“So what do we do?” Bat questions.

“Why don’t we use the amazing minds of the clraik community to help solve this!?” Flordibel suggests. The group agrees that the best way to solve this mystery is to rely on their beloved community!



You have been called to the penthouse suite at the Neolodge to solve the murder of Great White North! The surviving staffers tell you their story of what they were doing when the lights went out. You investigate the living room where Great White North’s covered body remains. Finally you bundle up the courage to look under the sheet. You stumble across something…. There's a folded piece of paper peeking out of Great White North’s hoodie pocket. You open it up to reveal a clue!



Rebus Puzzle

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

How it Works: By looking at the picture clues, try and decode the word it represents. Each clue will correspond to something common on clraik. Each correctly identified word is worth .5 points, a total of 5 points possible.


[Only registered and activated users can see links]
(clap -ap) = cl (rain where n=k) = raik
cl +raik = clraik


You have until March 28th at 11:59pm NST to submit your written solutions HERE ([Only registered and activated users can see links]).

[Charmander]

Scene 2

You hop on your phone and delve through the clraik site inside and out. You manage to complete the Rebus. However, while solving the puzzle you notice a common theme developed towards the end. The Rebus points to the script section on clraik, particularly the Brain Tree Auto Quester script.

Now that the power is back on, j03 tries to hop on the site from the back end to see what's going on with the scripts. He’s met with the following message. “The Esophagor is refusing to give up any answers... even to an elaborate script!” j03 exclaims.

Bat has his go to override, “I’m stonewalled too by the Esophagor’s stubbornness, too!”

Cinnamoroll being the spook loving gal she is, makes the suggestion, “Why don’t we go straight to the source and deal with the Esophagor in person?” Everyone looks at each other and agrees it's the next best step to take. Flordibel gets ready in her adventuring finest. Nattiee is apprehensive to go, but is convinced by Cinnamoroll after offering to pack road snacks.

You and the group of cK staff head out of the Neolodge penthouse, lock the door and put the "DO NOT DISTURB" sign on. Then you make the trek to the Haunted Woods. Bat and Cinna are having a blast being in their spooky elements, while in the back Flordibel and Nattiee are clinging to j03, whispering to one another. You are at the back observing everyone.

You finally you reach the Esophagor, who is grumpier than usual. Bat bravely approaches the Esophagor and demands answers as to why he won't submit to his coding genius.

The Esophagor scoffs, “I refuse to be manipulated by your scripts any longer!”

Cinnamoroll tries a sweeter approach. “Please, oh so great, wise and all knowing Esophagor: Our friend Great White North was murdered tonight and we found a clue that led us to your refusal to give answers to Bat's script. Please help us find justice for our friend!”

Her sweetness works and the all knowing Esophagor says, “I will help you on one condition. You all must complete this quest I give you LEGITIMATELY! Upon completing my quest I will then reveal a clue to help you in your mystery and will also comply with Bat’s script requests going forward.” The team agreed to the conditions. j03 and Bat look at each other and smirk, knowing they can simply update their scripts but time isn't on their side.

The Esophagor proceeds to make his item demands in a series of elusive riddles.




Esophagor Scavenger Hunt

While you might not see the connection with all the clues straight away, there will always be a direct link between the clue and the item's name, description, or image. Find these items and bring them back to the Esophagor. 1 point will be awarded per correct answer for a possible total of 10 points.


These siblings actually Agree for once.

Think about what famous siblings exist in Neopia, and use that as a basis for searching for a relevant item. Here, the answer is:

AAA and Abigail Bobbleheads
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

1) This little guy caused a scary uproar in the mystery picture this year.
2) This advent prize made everyone’s purrrfect dream come true in 2022.
3) What’s only ugly and painted with red and made up of those that you hate?
4) The perfect sized item to hug and celebrate this darigan lord.
5) It loves the cold, it’s small, cute and shaped with balls.
6) Be part of a special club to eat me. I’m not your average street food.
7) Think like this NQII boss and look viscious while doing so
8) This shows where you passed through to get to me, but was only available through getting some fast food burgs.
9) I may not be bright, but with my wings I can run and fly super fast! I’m also Great White North’s favourite PetPet.
10) TNT tricks you with me every year but I’m also a tasty treat.

You have until March 30th at 11:59pm NST to submit your written solutions HERE ([Only registered and activated users can see links]).

[Charmander]

Scene 3

The group has gathered the items requested by the Esophagor and he provided them with his answer, “The death of Great White North was on 26 March 2023.”

"That’s a no brainer," snorts Bat.

The Esphagor continues, “Great White North was murdered with a Void Blade hidden in the Penthouse.” Everyone looks around at the mention of a weapon, as no one had seen even a glimpse of a Void Blade. The Esophagor then reveals his final clue. “The murderer of Great White North is one of the staffers staying at the Neolodge Penthouse!”

You hear a collective gasp from all the staffers. You carefully look at everyone's response to this statement. “One of us did it!?” Flordibel says, clutching her pearls.

“That’s impossible, why would any of us want to do that!?” j03 exclaims.

“I have given you your clue!” The Esophagor booms. “I am grateful to you completing my quest legitimately and I oblige to continue to comply with Bat's script moving forward.” The group, now suspicious of each other, walked back to the Neolodge in silence, except for Nattiee's comfort snacking.

Upon returning to the penthouse at the Neolodge, the tired and bewildered staff retired to their personal rooms. You decide to sit on the couch and gather your thoughts. You have the weapon identified by the Esophagor, and the murderer is now with you in the penthouse. But how do you discreetly find out who did it so as not to spook them? As you’re pondering your predicament, Flordibel bursts into the living room and calls out to everyone:

"Guys! There was a clue hidden in my purse! It wasn't there when I packed to leave." Everyone comes charging from their rooms and surrounded Flordibel holding a piece of paper.




Wordoku

How it works: Ever done a Sodoku? This is a Wordoku. Make sure that each of the characters are used in each horizontal and vertical line as well as in each square. Oh, also can you find the hidden clue in your puzzle? Completing the puzzle correctly will earn you 5 points and identifying the hidden clue will earn you an additional 2 points for a total of 7 possible points.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

You have until April 1st at 11:59pm NST to submit an image or screenshot of your solution HERE ([Only registered and activated users can see links]).

[Charmander]

Scene 4

After solving the Wordoku and finding the hidden messages, you run to where the puzzle indicated Low and behold, taped under the spot was the murder weapon; the Void Blade! Careful not to destroy any evidence, you bag and tag the weapon. Once done, you return to the living room where the staffers are waiting.

You show the Void Blade and everyone is agasp to see it here, right under their noses.

"The Esophagor was right!" j03 exclaims, while suspiciously eyeballing his once thought to be trustworthy friends.

"Well now we have the weapon, but who did it and most importantly why!?" Cinnamoroll exclaimed.

"Ironic Great White North was killed by the Void Blade considering they were the last staffer to unlock the Void UB" Bat chuckled.

Flordibel shoots him a look that on its own could kill. Just then, the Void Blade glows in your hand and then sucks the light from the room and the group is in darkness yet again.

"Not again!" Nattiee cries out.

“Boy, would it be handy if "Lumos" worked right now!” Cinna nervously jokes. To her surprise, the light returns, but only in Bat's room. A small blue light is glowing in his room. The light came from his laptop which is open to a clraik DM between him and Great White North. You block off Bat's computer so it cannot be tampered with. The message is written from Great White North in what appears to be code with Yellow, Green and Grey squares. A recognizable code though.

"That looks like a Wordle puzzle, one of Great White North's favourite word games!" explains Cinnamoroll. You pull out a notepad to decipher the message.



WORDLE

How it works:Head to this link below to decipher Great White North’s code to Bat the same rules apply as for WORDLE. If you are not familiar with the rules see the spoiler below.

Solve the wordle clue here! ([Only registered and activated users can see links] tkZXZlbG9wZWQ7ZnJlZWRvbTtkZW1hbmRlZDtmcm9tO2NyZWF0 aXZlO29wcHJlc3Npb24=). Each correct word solved will earn you half a point (0.5) for a total of 4.5 possible points.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

You have until April 3rd at 11:59pm NST to submit an image or screenshot of your solution HERE ([Only registered and activated users can see links]).

[Charmander]

Scene 5

Everyone turns to Bat. Bat looks shocked and denies ever seeing that message.

“This is pretty damning evidence for motive, bro.” j03 sadly looks at Bat. You move everyone back to the living room to keep everyone together and again away from more evidence.

Upon returning to the living room, Nattiee screams, “She’s gone!”

You rush past Nattiee, only to see that where Great White North was laying, there was nothing. Her body disappeared into thin air! All that was left was the sheet used to cover her. You lift the sheet to investigate. Falling to the ground is another piece of paper, another clue. You open it up with eager eyes looking over your shoulder.




clraik Crossword Puzzle

How it works: Solve the clues using your knowledge of cK, its rules and its users. 0.5 points will be awarded for each correct question for a possible total of 10 points. To complete the puzzle online or print it off go here ([Only registered and activated users can see links]).

Clues
Across
4. The easiest way to get access to cK's downloads
8. Members of the clraik team dedicated to community engagement
9. clraik's most popular program (7,4)
12. Pokemon userbar for reaching 4000 posts
13. $2USD is the regulated price per (7) NP.
15. The thread for all the Neopets drama (5,4,4)
17. How much rep is needed for master clraik rank (4,7)
18. Posts must be in this language
20. User with 4529 posts

Down
1. This famous cat is PrettySarcastic's avatar
2. Break a rule and expect one of these
3. Joe's annual giveaway - Wishing (10)
5. Before he was j03, Joe was this
6. To post on an old (3+ month) thread is to do this
7. The catch-all section for random threads
10. Like Jelly World, some question the existence of this part of our site (5,7)
11. Members of the clraik team dedicated to upholding community rules
14. This should be left to inform others about your marketplace interactions
16. Bat's old username
19. Mama Bear's old username


You have until April 5th at 11:59pm NST to submit an image or screenshot of your solution HERE ([Only registered and activated users can see links]).

[Charmander]

Scene 6

After completing the crossword j03, Bat and Flordibel all agree they had seen this before. As a matter of fact this was quite familiar to them.

“I knew I saw this somewhere before. This was a prompt from Mama Bear’s 2020 Slueth event!” Flordibel exclaims.

“But what does that have to do with Great White North’s murder and now body napping!?” cries Nattiee.

“Great White North does….did like puzzles. Maybe they were going through the old tasks to see if they could solve them?” Cinnamoroll postulates.

Bat interjects, “All of the previous clues have led us somewhere, this one leads us nowhere. Maybe it’s false evidence?”

“Just what the murderer would want us to think...” j03 mutters.

In looking at the previous evidence and clues and how they have progressed, you determine Bat might be correct and this may be false evidence. You review your evidence; you have your weapon, the Void Blade, at the scene of the crime but hidden. Your murderer is a staffer in the room, and your motive appears to be related to Ryus and the DM makes Bat your prime suspect, but nothing is certain. You decide to search the rooms of the other staffers and their belongings.

J03s, Bat’s and Flordibel’s rooms come out clean. Understandably so, since three other clues were found there. That leaves Cinnamoroll’s, Nattiee’s and Great White North’s rooms for possible clues. You head into Nattiee's room. Filled snacks galore to share with both her American and Canadian friends, there is one spot that is clear and conveniently illuminated on Nattiee's desk. A word search with a sticky note placed on top stating, "Can you find my secret message?"



Hidden Message Word Search

How it works: Find the Neopets related words in the word search below. However, it’s not as easy as you think. First you must solve the clue to find the word you are looking for. After finding all the words can you find the hidden message? You will receive .5 points for each correctly found word for a total of 10 possible points. In addition, you will receive an extra 2 points for identifying the hidden message.

Clues:

1) The Neopets support team
2) Where Queen Fyora resides
3) Over 200 year old cursed King.
4) Where the answer or clue number 3 is from.
5) It’s tax time in Neopia and he has come to collect.
6) It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a pea!?
7) Who is the bane of many cK member’s Neopets experience?
8) Sit back and listen to the monochrome, smooth sultry swing tunes from this group.
9) An annual event bringing all of Neopia together to claim the cup.
10) The ruler of the citadel.
11) Hock your wares. One person’s trash is another’s treasure.
12) The amazing game to play with your petpetpets and watch their community grow.
13) Come and exchange your real money for pixels here.
14) Try your best to crack the mug of this grumpy-gus.
15) Under the sea, darling it’s better, down where it’s wetter, where can I be?
16) She’s divine in purple and green, get what she wants or she’ll be mean. *in the puzzle the "H" missing. Thank you Ice for sleuthing that out*
17) Go head to head to test your pet’s true strength and skills.
18) Take part in this RPG quest if you dare.
19) You may think it’s cute and fluffy but this evil pet’s evil grin and eyes will make you think again.
20) It lagged, froze and booted you, but its prizes made you say whoo hoo!


[Only registered and activated users can see links]

You have until April 7th at 11:59pm NST to submit an image or screenshot of your solution HERE ([Only registered and activated users can see links]).

[Charmander]

Scene 7



You repeat the message under your breath so the others do not hear. It appears Nattiee and j03 are in the clear and they both breathe a sigh of relief. Your attention now shifts to Cinnamoroll, Flordibel and Bat. You have explored all the staff’s room except for one.

Cinnamoroll speaks up "Why would you suspect me!? Great White North and I are so close! We’ve even met up in person, aaaand she's Poot approved!” She takes a pause. “Yes she's from a rival city, but that's not reason enough for me to even hurt her!"

"You seem awfully defensive. You know her so well and could get close enough to commit the crime without any fight from her." Flordibel informs the group. Everyone start’s pointing fingers at each other. There is only one solution. Investigating Cinnamoroll’s room.

You open the door to Cinnamoroll’s room and it is packed to the ceiling with Squishmallows!

"How did you get all of these in here?" Nattiee asked as her jaw hits the floor.

"What? Haven't you heard of vacuum packing?!" replies Cinnamoroll. Pushing through the multiple squishmallows, something sticks out like a sore thumb. A burlap Moose doll sits on the fireplace mantle. You investigate further and see a small knife sticking out of the moose’s chest.

"Is that a Voodoo moose?" j03 inquires.

"Now that IS damning!" exclaims Bat. "Anyone can fake a DM but that is savage!"

Cinnamoroll is stunned and on the verge of tears. “First of all, I’ve never seen this before! Secondly, it's not squishmallowy enough to even be mine!”
Nattiee picks up the voodoo moose. "Look! Another clue!" There’s an envelope sticking to the back of the knife in the moose.

You open the envelope to an extensive message. You have never seen this language before. You bring it to the group to look it over.


Cypher

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Decode the cypher before it’s too late! Solving the cypher will earn you 5 points!

You have until April 9th at 11:59pm NST to submit your written solution HERE ([Only registered and activated users can see links]).

[Charmander]

The Final Act

"So there's no answer on who did it!?" says Flordibel exasperated.

"It appears that way." confirms j03.

"I guess there's only one thing left to do." says Cinnamoroll.

"Have a snack!?" Answers Nattiee.

"Well yeah, but before that! Follow the last clue to where it all began." explains Flordibel.

You follow the team back down the hall to the living room when you run into the backside of j03 and are winded. When you catch your breath you look up and see that the group has stopped dead in their tracks and jaws gaping wide!

[Charmander]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]






Epilogue

There, sitting in the living room in the middle of the with a devious grin on their face is none other Great White North! What is even more surprising is who it sitting next to her. It's Lyrichord!

“SURPRISE!” they both scream and burst into hysterical laughter. The group is dumbfounded and standing in the entrance way stunned. Great White North continues, “Since we were getting away on a team retreat I thought I would concoct a fun little team building activity for the staff to welcome Lyrichord aboard, but also a fun activity for the community!”

“Wow! You both really pulled one over on us!” chuckles j03.

“How did you know it would all work out!?” questions Bat.

“I had a good hunch! I knew you wouldn’t trust the Neo PoPo and would involve our amazing community to help solve my murder. I paid off the Esophagor with some of Nattiee’s snacks she smuggled in. The rest fell into place, as Lyrichord and I were able to plant clues while you were all gone and during the power surge.” Great White North explains.

"It really was a lot of fun to watch in secrecy and help plant clues when Great White North was playing dead." Lyrichord added.

“I really hope there are no hard feelings. I thought this would be a great way to introduce Lyrichord on as a Coordinator and create some team comradery.” Great White North shyly expresses.

“Well it sure was an adventure of a lifetime!” Cinnamoroll exclaims.

“I agree! No hard feelings! Welcome to the team Lyrichord!” Flordibel assures.

“So now that you’re alive and well…Can we finally get back to snack and games!?” asks Nattiee.

“Cheers to our clraik community detective for helping us through his mystery as well!” says Great White North.

“Cheers!” screams the group!

The clraik staff, now reunited with an added member, and mystery solved, are back to their retreat at the Neolodge. You leave them to continue on with their activities and feel like it’s time to hang up your sleuthing hat and magnifying glass… until it’s needed again.


FIN






WRAP UP

Congratulations detectives! You have solved the mystery of the "death" of Great White North! I hope you all had blast putting your sleuthing skills to test. The following users participated in all clue and were able to obtain at least 80% (42) of total possible points (53.5).




Ice (62.5)
Polorin (54.5)
Slowpoke (52.5)
kittyray (52)
Buizel (51.5)
Ember (51.5)
Nyanobyte (50.5)
Nattiee
TsUNaMy WaVe (49.5)
Lyrichord (49.5)
Zenitsu (49.5)
Maia (48.5)
Hall (48.5)
Shazi (47.5)
LibraryFaerie (46.5)
GreyFaerie (46.5)
Peanutface (46.5)
I_royalty_I (45.5)
Bulbasaur (45.5)
chii3d (45.5)
DarkSkies (45)
Cinnamoroll (44.5)
rodelicious (44.5)
Kibba (43.5)
Cat Purrson (43)
phantasia (42.5)




To reward you for your Sherlock level skill you will receive the following prize!

This lovely userbar!
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Here is a breakdown of our Speed Sleuthers who were the first to correctly submit answers for each clue.


BONUS POINT WINNERS

Clue 1: Ice
Clue 2: Ice
Clue 3: Zenitsu
Clue 4: Polorin
Clue 5: Polorin
Clue 6: Ice
Clue 7: GreyFaerie

Thank you to everyone who participated in the event! I hope you all had a blast. Shout out as well to Cinnamoroll and Nattiee for helping be plan and put this event together!


PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Did some of the puzzles have you stumped? Here are the solutions for each puzzle if you wish to see them!


CLUE 1

community
user bar
pokemon
graphic design
neopets
guide
bots
scripts
brain tree
auto quester

CLUE 2

1) Scary Tree Stamp
2) Christmas Meowclops
3) Blood of my enemies mutant makeup
4) I love lord Kass pillow
5) Abominable Snowball
6) Caviar Hot Dog
7) Drai King Terask Head
8) Entrance to Haunted Woods Background
9) Dofrey
10) Crunchy Chocolate Rod of Supernova

CLUE 3
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
On the Third Line there is a clue JO3SCHAIR

CLUE 4

UTILIZE
DESIGNS
DEVELOPED
FREEDOM
DEMANDED
FROM
CREATIVE
OPPRESSION

CLUE 5


[Only registered and activated users can see links]
Across
4. VIP
8. COORDINATORS
9. STEALTHCORE
12. SUICUNE
13. MILLION
15. UNDERYOURSKIN
17. FIVEHUNDRED
18. ENGLISH
20. MAMABEAR

Down
1. GRUMPYCAT
2. INFRACTION
3. WONDERLAND
5. INFAMOUS
6. GRAVEDIGGING
7. SPAM
10. ADULT SECTION
11. MODERATORS
14. FEEDBACK
16. ODD
19. BACCHUS

CLUE 6


Clue Answers:
1) TNT
2) FAERIELAND
3) JAZAN
4) LOSTDESERT
5) TAXBEAST
6) SUPERATTACKPEA
7) TONYP
8) JAZZMOSIS
9) ALTADORCUP
10) LORD DARIGAN
11) TRADINGPOST
12) HABITARIUM
13) NEOCASHMALL
14) KINGSKARL
15) MARAQUA
16) JUDORA
17) BATTLEDOME
18) NEOQUEST
19) MSPP
20) KEYQUEST

WORD SEARCH KEY


[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Hidden Message: “ no Grogu or Goku you need one more clue for the pup the cat and the bat”

CLUE 7



"Want to play a game? I sure like games! Did you figure out who killed your dearest Great White North? You found the weapon but who did it? Was it the bat, the cat the pup, the goku or the grogu? Remember, nothing is as it seems. Head to the place where it all began to be enlightened."