Props are physical puzzles, tricks, and brain-teasers you can hand to your players at the table for them to actually physically handle.

Deciphering: If you write the message around something that is lying on the table (A pencil/marker, etc.) then simply handing them the strip of paper should be enough. If you want to give them several options, then the strip of paper should be handed out either before or after the cylinder is found and the cylinder should be disguised (Hairbrush handle) and with a variety of other objects.
Mirror Message: No, not just writing a message backwards. That's dumb and simple.
You can bisect the letters vertically and write a message using the letters: AHINOTUVWX
Or, you can bisect the letters horizontally and write a message using the letters: BCDEHIKOX
(Use a Scrabble Word Finder to get words)

You can do this similarly with maps or secret codes using Catoptric Anamorphosis, but it requires some measure of artistic talent and a polished cylinder. On the other hand, if you have a reflective teapot, it can make a fascinating puzzle.
If I were going to attempt it, I would place the teapot/reflective mylar/tin foil wrapped around a paper tube, etc. on the paper, and sketch an outline in pencil of the map or message. I would have a good eraser.
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Alternately it can be a letter substitution, or letters can be missing from the cypher. |
Deciphering: The key factor here, is that the substitution key must be presented. You cannot fail to mention it, nor should you provide more emphasis on its discovery. If the message is handed out earlier or later then the discovery of the message then the connection must be made by the players. The key can be obfuscated (as in an element of a larger picture, message, or image), but should be available.
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Book codes work nicely as well, if you have elements of realism in your campaign. Basically, the book allows for substitution of words based on page, line and word. The Bible is a standard, but probably my best was the use of Salem's Lot in a Vampire: The Masquerade RPG.
ReplyDeleteCould you explain the mirror messages a bit more? I am not sure I understand what you mean by "vertically bisect" or "horizontally bisect"
ReplyDeleteThanks, this page is awesome.
Sure.
DeleteWith the letters you can vertically bisect, you can write only the left side of the letters vertically down the page and when it is placed against a mirror, the full letter appears.
Same for horizontally bisected letters. Only write the lower (or upper) half of the letter and a mirror can be used to make the message appear.
When placed against a mirror
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