The Zen Garden by Privateer

This is a text-only brainteaser (with some sound) inspired by Japanese art and haiku.

It's not easy!

It has been designed to be explored and contemplated over endless cups of green tea.

(I highly recommend downloading this game rather than playing online. Some players have encountered difficulties with online play in the later stages.)

Play online

Review 2theleft

18 Mar 2026

Befitting its theme, this game is precisely and economically crafted. The scenes are rich with significance even though they are in fact quite sparsely decked with objects.

You think: how hard can this be with so few things to check?
Ten days hard! And four times completely stuck. I had to resort to the Comments on those occasions, but I didn't mind. It's very clever the way you are led to overlook things. As I said, scenes are quite sparse. It's not as if things are hidden by clutter - you just don't see them!

Be advised it can get quite intractable in places, so don't bang your head aginst the wall too much.

Comment Rakeru

04 Nov 2025

So far I love the game, but now I'm super stuck. Imma try my chances and hope someone replies :)

------------------------------------------------------ SPOILER ----------------------------------------------------------------
I explored the west side and finished the maze, now I need coins but I don't know how to get them. From the comments I guess that there is one outside the inn and one at the shrine and I have to do something with the bell, but no clue what. And I can't find the one at the inn at all, no matter where I look. I'd be great if someone could help me.

Comment DavyB

23 Jul 2025

@alphasoup, have you tried SAY X?

Comment alphasoup

11 Jul 2025

I'm giving the guard at the castle the password, but it just says it doesnt understand my command. How do I phrase the command to tell the guard the password is "X"?

Comment DavyB

22 Jan 2025

@jollytinselfluff are you at the beginning of the game? Playing online I had no problem going up into the mountains by typing UP and down to the beach by typing DOWN?

Comment DavyB

22 Jan 2025

Privateer drops into the site now and again but doesn't seem to check every day. I'll check out these sticking points through messaging those affected. It's been a while since I played this game through, so no quick answers promised!

Comment jollytinselfluff

22 Jan 2025

I keep geting stuck on the place where there's a track that goes up into the mountains and down into the beach.It's just not leting me go anywhere! Can anybody help me?

Comment Scout 167

22 Jan 2025

I have looked at the constellation in the cave but the item still doesn't appear in the mill. Could anyone help? I know it's been several years but you seem to still be active

Comment ellessential

13 Dec 2024

Loved this game! Question for Privateer, what's the song played in the inn's bad ending? It sounds like Hatsune Miku haha.

Review ellessential

13 Dec 2024

I loved this game :) I drank so much green tea while playing it. Puzzles are hard, but I could piece things together & I combed through the comments for hints when I couldn't figure it out. I need to play it with sound to get the full experience now. Super relaxing & pretty (though the inn was kind of scary ngl). 10/10 would recommend. Served, ate, and left no crumbs.

Comment DavyB

26 Apr 2024

Kmo73: The frog is where you would expect to find it...but you have to bring it to the surface. Hopefully that's enough to help you along!

Comment Kmo73

25 Apr 2024

I am very late to this party but I discovered this brilliant game and I've been playing it for two days now! I think I've almost completed it but I cannot find a frog for the life of me! I've made the tea, got the parasol, just need the damn frog! Please could somebody help me?!

Comment DavyB

19 May 2023

"I don't regret it enough to remind myself how to change it."
I'd be happy to change it for you? No charge!

Comment Privateer

19 May 2023

I don't regret it enough to remind myself how to change it. :D

Comment DavyB

18 May 2023

"That was a cruel trap which I do regret now."

It could be fixed?

Comment Privateer

18 May 2023

Hi Blobflop,

Yes, you can. Sorry! That was a cruel trap which I do regret now. Best of luck if you forgive me enough to try again! :/

Comment Blopflop

17 May 2023

Can you lock yourself out of winning by giving the heron too many fish?

Comment Blopflop

17 May 2023

Nevermind found it

Comment Blopflop

17 May 2023

I swear to god there's a pebble you can get somewhere early on but I cannot find it, am I losing my mind?

Comment DavyB

19 Oct 2022

ZWRulez: I played this game many years ago but do remember being stuck in the same place. I think I found the answer among the hundreds of old comments and remember thinking I could never have worked that out by myself! You need to wait on the bank of the river for clues...and then interpret them...I need to replay this game myself!

Comment ZWRulez

18 Oct 2022

Thank you, DavyB! That's exactly what I needed! I managed to figure out the bit with the mill on my own, so now I just gotta figure out where it nature I need to observe.

Comment DavyB

18 Oct 2022

ZWRulez: Have you tried "shoot arrow at thread"?

Comment ZWRulez

17 Oct 2022

Okay, quick revision to my last comment! I figured out where that piece of pottery was, but I've run into a similar problem where I can't quite figure out how to combine the bow and the arrow to shoot it down. I know I've got the right arrow (not the broken one), and the bow, but I'm not sure where to go from there. Also ignore what I said about there not being many places left to unlock. I forgot there's an entire area blocked by fog that I haven't been able to explore yet!

Comment ZWRulez

16 Oct 2022

Hi! First of all, this game is absolutely fantastic. I'm thoroughly enjoying it so far, and I plan on playing it to the end. To be honest, I actually started this game a few years back and ended up being forced to abandon it because I was just too busy at the time. But I'm back, and I absolutely love rediscovering things and can't wait to discover the new things I never got to.

Anyway, the mill has me stumped, unfortunately. I vaguely remember something about using it to cause a flood. I've taken the fan off the wall and have seen the handle, but for some reason I can't for the life of me figured out how to pull the handle and get the mill moving. I've tried all variations of "pull", "handle", "crank" etc I can think of to no avail. Am I missing an item, or just missing something extremely obvious?

I'm very sorry to bother you but while I'm at it, I figure I'll ask about the pottery in the stone basin, as I'm honestly not sure to retrieve it. I assume I need a bucket to empty the basin, or an item to fish the pottery out, or something of the like, so I'll put it aside for now though.

One final thing, if you don't mind. I remember getting stumped here before, and I guess here we are again. I've tried to "observe nature patiently" by waiting in as many places as I can think of, but nothing seems to be happening. I've either managed to skip over a place, or I just haven't found it yet (although I'm not sure how many places I could have left to unlock at this point).

That's all for now! Thank you for this incredible game, it's just as beautiful and brilliant as I remember!

Comment Privateer

21 Aug 2022

Thanks very much TheSinnamon Roll! I'm very happy you enjoyed it. :)

Review TheSinnamonRoll

20 Aug 2022

Extremely well done game! Descriptive, includes audio cues that are fitting for the occasion, and has some unique puzzles that set it apart from other games. One of my favourite parts is the attention to world building in this game, by drawing on Japanese lore and history. Some of the commands are a little niche, but that also adds to the feeling of the game. This game clearly had a lot of heart put into it, and was an excellent play, and equally rewarding to finish. Very well done, Privateer!

Comment Privateer

19 Aug 2022

Hi TheSinnamonRoll!

Sorry for the delayed response.

Only people who are kind to hungry-looking cats can get into the monastery...

Hope that helps. If it doesn't, I'll keep my eyes on this website(now I know someone is playing it) and give you more direct help if/when you want it. :)

Comment TheSinnamonRoll

15 Aug 2022

Hello again! I figured out how to get into the castle, but now I'm stuck trying to get into the monastery, my inventory consists of:
a frog, a narrow fragment of pottery, a bow, a blossom, a colourful fragment of pottery, a scrubbing brush, a large fragment of pottery, a basket, a playing card, a sword, the shattered remains of a ladder, a key, a conch shell, a blanket, a jagged fragment of pottery, an arrow, a winnowing fan, a red paper lantern, a broken arrow and a goat bell.
Am I missing something or is it just me and commands again?

Comment TheSinnamonRoll

13 Aug 2022

Sorry to bother you, but could I ask for the command to enter the castle? I used the password and have the beach+pond pottery, minnows, brush, lantern, and card, but I can't seem to enter. Do I need a specific item, or am I just not typing things in correctly?

Comment DavyB

19 Jul 2022

"im trying to make the tea but i can figure out how"

I was caught by this as well. You can't make the tea until much later in the game, so ignore it for the moment. A friendly warning would help!

Comment MEEHEE

19 Jul 2022

well, i started the game and im already stuck. im trying to make the tea but i can figure out how, maybe the turtle has something to do with it?

Comment Privateer

11 Mar 2022

Hi Cmkcornejo,

You're on the right track, but you need an unbroken arrow. :)

SPOILERS********

Search the top room in the castle. Look under everything.

Comment Cmkcornejo

12 Feb 2022

i can see the last fragment dangling from a silk thread. i have a bow and a broken arrow in my inventory but it is not letting me shoot the thread. any advice on getting that last fragment down?

Comment Privateer

09 Sep 2021

Ah, don't use capital T.

(never realised that mattered until now. Sorry!)

Comment _xXMidnight

07 Sep 2021

:D
*tries*
...
the guard's not working

Comment Privateer

26 Aug 2021

****spoilers****

'Look under beehive'

'Say Typhoon'
then
'cross bridge' (or just go 'north', I think - but 'cross bridge' definitely works)

Hope that all works :)

Comment _xXMidnight

24 Aug 2021

===spoiler===
lantern on the door I never bothered to check, check.
obnoxiously large carp possible named Typhoon or displaying password, check.
literally looking everywhere on the comments to find a hint on the beehive, check.
tried "say [insert password]" to the guard, check.
now what because the guard won'T LET ME IN-
*ahem*
sorry.
I really do sound rude q-q

Comment Privateer

24 Aug 2021

*sorry. I mean, you'll have to examine everything outside the old building to find the thing to take into the temple.

Comment Privateer

24 Aug 2021

Hi Midnight,

The beggar won't budge, but there is something outside the building you can take into the temple. You'll have to examine everything outside the temple very carefully to find it. That's probably what you need to do next to progress.

Yes, feeding the heron is a very evil trap. Actually, I regret making it that evil. My advice is - don't feed it anything until you find the information...much, much later in the game.

Well done for finding the beehive. That's a tough puzzle, I think. Did you look under it? :)

Comment _xXMidnight

24 Aug 2021

I found the minnows :D
...
also saw that a very evil aspect of this game is to feed the skylark the exact amount of minnows, how many exactly?

Comment _xXMidnight

24 Aug 2021

whee, I'm stuck again :'D

===spoilers===
Basically, I've found the beehive, and I've got two pieces of pottery, the one at the beach and the one at the pond. What do I do? I've got a pebble, the pottery, and a brush.
Do I need to get something?

Comment _xXMidnight

23 Aug 2021

Oh.
Hm.
I'm guessing you need to <spoiler>take the beggar into the temple, that correct?</spoiler>

Comment Privateer

23 Aug 2021

Hi Midnight,

I do still check these messages from time to time. Just so happened that I checked soon after yours.:)

You're collecting bits of pottery basically. If you examine them when you get them, you might start to get an idea of why...but the main thing for now is to find them. Like Pokemon, gotta catch 'em all!

Getting up into the castle and surveying the landscape from the windows might give you some ideas of what to do in the rose garden. You'll need the password to get in though.

There's something in the temple that you'll need for that - and something OUTSIDE the old building that you'll need to take into the temple. Examine everything; everything described and maybe even only implied in the descriptions.

I'll keep checking in to see if you want more/better hints. Good luck!

Comment _xXMidnight

23 Aug 2021

I don't even know if you're still here, but oh well. Worth a shot.

I'm considering the possibility that the pottery you found near the old lake is just a red herring, but there are several other aspects in which I'm also suspicious of, like the turtle on the rock, the beggar in the old building (where he says you can get enlightenment, but of course you know that), and the rose garden. I tried getting lost in there.
Help?

Comment Privateer

11 Oct 2020

Hi Pukkieduk,

Yes, you have to choose the right colour. There are a couple of clues as to what colour is associated with Lord Issa outside the castle. Think of things like flags, uniforms, etc...Then you just need to Examine the appropriate panel.

E.g.

Examine blue panel

PS: It's not the blue one! :)

PPS: Thanks! Glad you're enjoying the game!

Comment Pukkieduk

10 Oct 2020

It's been ages since a played a text adventure. But this game is amazing.
I hope you will still respond because right now I'm really stuck in the game.

I know that there must be some action with the panels in the hall (I'm in the castle) but can't find out what to do. It has to do with choosing the right colour(s) (carpcolour?) and than what?

Comment Privateer

19 Sep 2020

Hi username,

Yes, sorry I think I misunderstood your question. Check out the basin of water at the pagoda. It's around there. :)

Comment Privateer

18 Sep 2020

Hi!

Look up :)

Comment This is my username

18 Sep 2020

Hi! Thanks for the help, I've successfully now retrieved my fourth piece...and I'm stuck again. From what I've gathered, the final piece is hanging on a string and I need to shoot it off, but I have no clue where to find it. I'm thinking it has something to do with the pagoda? I'm carrying a narrow fragment of pottery, a colourful fragment of pottery, a goat bell, a jagged fragment of pottery, a scrubbing brush, a playing card, a red paper lantern, a large fragment of pottery, a basket, a blossom, a sword, the shattered remains of a ladder, a key, an arrow, a conch shell, a blanket, a bow and a winnowing fan.

Comment Privateer

17 Sep 2020

Hi username,

Glad you're enjoying it. :)

The trick in the mill is to know which agricultural tool to pick off the wall. Choosing the correct one will reveal what you need. The clue for which tool can be found in the DARK cave (which you went through to get out of the castle.) Hope that helps. If you need a further push, just let me know!

Comment This is my username

17 Sep 2020

Ok, ok, I really ought to stop asking for help, because turns out, if I just concentrate for a bit, I'll figure it out! Lost at the mill though. How do I make it flood??

Comment This is my username

17 Sep 2020

Ok, never mind again, I've gathered that I'm not ready to make the tea yet. But I can't find a key for the locked door in the castle. Help!

Comment This is my username

17 Sep 2020

Wait, never mind, asked the old man about the tea. What does "observe nature patiently" mean? I waited in the garden, tried to watch the turtle or the heron, looked at the cherry trees....does it have something to do with the wind chime? Fantastic game, by the way.

Comment This is my username

17 Sep 2020

Hi Privateer,

I'm having trouble making tea. I assume the first step is to boil water, but I can't find a sink, a pot, water, or a stove.

Comment Privateer

03 Sep 2020

Hi nikib42,

You can get through the thicket with a sword :)

Comment nikib42

01 Sep 2020

Hi,

I'm completely stuck. I've found the impenetrable thicket, glow worms, locked door, hive, and have 3 fragments. No idea where to find this key... :(

Please help.

Comment Privateer

25 Aug 2020

Hi Willow,

Yes, you do indeed need a key. To find it you'll need to open up a new set of locations. Check out the coloured panels in the castle hall. You'll need to consider which colour is special to Lord Issa.

If you need more help, just give a shout.

Good luck! :)

Comment Willow_petrobelli

25 Aug 2020

Hi! Im a bit stuck haha! So I’ve found the hall and gone up all the stairs in Lord Islas keep. But at the top there is a door I can’t open. I think you need a key but i cant find it anywhere. I have 3 pottery pieces (one from the boat, one from the beehive and one from the lake), a playing card, sword, a broken arrow, basket full of fish, a scrubbing brush and i used my rice. i dont rly know what to do now and a bit of help would be amazing!! Thank you!

Comment Willow_petrobelli

25 Aug 2020

Hi! I’m a bit embarrassed for asking so early haha but I’m stuck at the door at the top of the stairs after crossing the bridge which the password in Lord Issas castle. I have 3 pieces of pottery (1 from the lake, one from the boat and one from the beehive), i have a broken arrow, playing card, scrubbing brush, sword, red lantern, i used the rice, i have the basket and the fish from the village and I think that’s it. I think you need a key of some sort but I don’t know where to find it. Thank you for the game its truly lots of fun!

Comment Privateer

28 Jun 2020

Hi David,

Congratulations on getting through it and thank you very much for the kind words!

I'm very happy you enjoyed it. :)

Comment jerkdavi

27 Jun 2020

I have managed to solve the problem that I had, and complete the game.
The game is astoundingly well written, and the story and the puzzles are completely captivating. I haven't stopped thinking about the game since I started playing it (a few day ago). It will keep my mind happily occupied for a number of days, like any good art does. Bravo Privateer!

Comment jerkdavi

27 Jun 2020

Dear Privateer,

First of all, I am thoroughly enjoying your game. The amount of detail using very little wording is astonishing to me, and something which I strive toward in my day to day life.

With that said, I feel that I am kind of stuck on a particular part of the game.

*** spoiler ***

I am currently colleting money for a parasol, and I have read in previous comments that I need to do a certain thing with a bell before a roadside shrine.
I have tried all the verbs that came to mind (ring bell, tie bell on cord, put bell on cord, use bell on cord,...) without much success. If you could give me a nudge in the right direction, I would be much obliged.

This is my inventory: You are carrying a dish, a basket, a scrubbing brush, a goat bell, a playing card, a broken arrow, a sword, a key, the shattered remains of a ladder, a sheet of paper, a conch shell, a blanket, a frog, a bow, a winnowing fan, a red paper lantern, a figurine, a bunch of bluebells and a small coin.

Thank you for still being active in responding, and for the tremendous help you have been to others here and to myself.

Greetings from Croatia.
With much love,
David

Comment Privateer

11 May 2020

Hi Ecorin,

Thanks for the kind comments. I'm glad you're enjoying the game.

You're right that it's a secret passage you're looking for to take you north. The passage is in the main hall of the castle. You need to examine the panel of Lord Issa's colour. That will open up more locations where you'll find the last 2 bits of pottery - and which will probably answer your other questions. :)

Best of luck!

Comment Ecorin

11 May 2020

Wow, this game is amazing. Love how almost all commands are straightforward, but piecing them together is not. The ambience is very zen, and I love how succinct your descriptions are, it actually renders the images more vivid and the game more fluid

With that in mind, I am a little stuck ^^"
Like, I feel that I lack directions and reading the comments did not help (did not want to spoil myself too much). I don't really know where to go next, or what to do next? So I'd love some very light hints as to where I should focus my attention, or an area I should search more (not really how I should solve it, more about what problem I can tackle)

======= spoiler ======
I was able to enter the castle, and I have:
colourful fragment of pottery (pond), a large fragment of pottery (boat), a jagged fragment of pottery (beehive),
a basket, a red paper lantern, a blossom, a pebble, a playing card, a broken arrow, a sword and a scrubbing brush.
I also learned how to make sparrows fly.

But the last level is blocked by a door I do not know how to open. I suppose that it is yet too soon for me to make tea or to "be in harmony".
Based on the windows in the keep, I wager the two remaining pieces are in the temple, and in the "clouds after the floods" north.

For the temple, I suppose it has to do with the skylark? But whenever I try to look at it, it "hides" :\ ... Listening to it gives nothing more than an odd sentence about my past freedom

As for the clouds, I was not really able to obtain more information from the beggar. I didn't find any way to go more north, I suppose there is a hidden passage with the inn? Other entry point could be the dusty track, or behind the keep, but I didn't see anything useful
===

Really love the game, will have to see how the ambiance evolve and pans out, but I love the very evocative lore and storyline. Definitely a favorite, will have to see if more :D

Thanks a lot!

Comment Privateer

05 May 2020

Hi LottaVentures,

Well done! It sounds like you've found the password.

The command is: "say [password]" :)

Comment LottaVentures

05 May 2020

Hi Privateer, I'm having a great time so far gathering items and clues, but I feel like I'm stuck.

<spoilers>

I think I know what the password is (based on the markings), and I think the structure of the response has to finish the haiku. However I can't seem to find the right combination of the password and user commands (given the set of commands as found in the help section). Am I on the right track? Or is there another step I have to complete first?

Comment Privateer

25 Apr 2020

*end

.................

Comment Privateer

25 Apr 2020

Thank you so much superridley!

I'm very glad you made it to the and and enjoyed it. :)

Review superridley

24 Apr 2020

OMG Finally beat it!
It wasn't easy!
...you did warn me :P Excellent game
needed a few hints along the way, but I kinda feel like I missed out by not solving it all myself. Assuming I'd ever finish.

Comment Privateer

24 Apr 2020

I genuinely relieved you don't mind [too much]! :D

In hindsight, there's no reason to have such a nasty trap. I should change it but I'm not sure I even remember how any more!

If you need any help zapping through it, feel free to ask. :)

Comment superridley

24 Apr 2020

Oh, you are one COLD mother! And I thought "follow the letters" was evil...

BUT I can't be angry with you ^^ You made a great game, and I'm happy to play through again.^^ And you're totally awesome for keeping up the support this long after the game was released!

Comment Privateer

23 Apr 2020

Hi superridley,

Well done for getting so far. You are very near the end...kind of...you're going to hate me...

That's not a glitch. It's the cruelest trap of the game and I regret making it so brutal: if you overfeed the heron, it won't eat anything more. Ever. You have to feed it exactly the right number of minnows.

So, the game is unwinnable now. Can I make you less angry with me by saying something about it all being about the journey? :/ Sorry!!

Comment superridley

23 Apr 2020

Gosh, I think I'm almost done, but I'm stuck again! I've

--------spoiler-----

made it through a certain death motel and heard a haiku about a certain bird, but now he's no longer hungry? I've fed him minnows before, but now it just says It doesn't want it. BUT if I give it the frog it also says "It does not want it", but the game ends anyway! Is this a glitch? I'm so confused!

Comment Privateer

19 Apr 2020

Hi Melissa,

You need 1 (I think) more fragment of pottery, then the fog will lift and you'll find the things you mentioned.

I can't remember which bits of pottery went where but here are the locations:

pond
beach
outside water mill
under bee hive
in basin of water

If you need help finding the last one, let me know which one you haven't got and I can give a hint.

I'm glad you're enjoying it. :)

Comment MelissaGamer

18 Apr 2020

Please help me!
Inventory: You are carrying a narrow fragment of pottery, a scrubbing brush, a goat bell, a large fragment of pottery, a basket, a sword, a pebble, a playing card, a red paper lantern, a jagged fragment of pottery, a blossom, a broken arrow, a key, the shattered remains of a ladder, a sheet of paper, a winnowing fan, a conch shell, an arrow and a blanket.

I can't find the monster or the maze, the fog is not lifted yet, and the cat disappeared after entering the gap and I can't find the coins. This game has been fun so far, so I really want to finish it.

Comment Privateer

30 Mar 2020

Hi Meowcat,

I'm glad you're enjoying the game. Hopefully it will help to pass the time while we're all stuck indoors!

Finding the password involves quite a lot really. Try to find the fish in the moat. Then you'll need to find a way to make it swim closer...some food will do it. People sometimes leave food as offering in religious places.

But you'll need a lantern. They often hang outside taverns, even old abandoned ones...but might take some searching for.

Hope that helps! If not, give me a shout for more useful clues. :)

Comment Meowcat

26 Mar 2020

Hi, I need help with finding out the password to cross the bridge. I'm a little embarrassed at getting stuck so early in game which so far has been very intriguing.

Comment Privateer

02 Jan 2020

Hi Matsumoto!

The inn is on the other side of the cold mountain pass (which is next to the shrine where you got the coin from the cat). The second coin is outside the inn somewhere.

By the way, I'd save the game before you actually go into the inn. I was regrettably cruel with what can happen there. :/

Best of luck!

Comment matsumoto

01 Jan 2020

Hey there! I'm struggling with finding the second coin (got one with the cat). I've read it's at the inn, but I can't recall where is the inn. I also just returned the beggar's item.

Inventory:
You are carrying a frog, a basket, a red paper lantern, a blossom, a dish, a large coin, a playing card, a broken arrow, a sword, a bow, a key, the shattered remains of a ladder, a sheet of paper, a winnowing fan, a conch shell, a blanket, a scrubbing brush, a figurine and a bunch of bluebells.

Comment Privateer

29 Oct 2019

Hi nil,

The rice is in the mountain temple, but you'll need a lantern to see it.

The lantern is outside the abandoned inn, but it takes a thorough examination to find it. Examine everything as far as you possibly can.

Don't be embarrassed posting for help. I should be embarrassed that I still check in regularly to see if anyone's playing it. It's exciting when they are!

Hope you enjoy it. Always happy to respond in the end, even if it takes me a few days sometimes. :)

Comment ngl

28 Oct 2019

So I feel kinda embarrassed reaching out to you, but I noticed that you still respond to comments here a full six years after this game was published, so I might have a shot! I've only been playing for about half an hour, but I'm stuck. "You are carrying a colourful fragment of pottery, a blossom, a pebble, a jagged fragment of pottery and a scrubbing brush." I read some comments here to figure out what to do with the beehive, and then just went back to walkin' around, lookin' for stuffs. But I can't figure out what to do next :( I can't find this rice people keep talking about. Can you help me out?

Comment Privateer

19 May 2019

Well done, Fealwenn! :)

Glad you're enjoying it.

Comment Faelwenn

17 May 2019

Found it!

==============Spoiler===================
I examined the water of all the water sources I could find :D

Comment Faelwenn

16 May 2019

This is such an amazing game!! Thank you so much for making it! I am stuck with 4 pieces and don't know where the dangling piece is. Can someone please help me?

Comment Blopflop

28 Feb 2019

I feel dumb

Comment DavyB

27 Feb 2019

Blopflop, have you tried SAY ...?

Comment Blopflop

27 Feb 2019

Please help, how do you tell the guard the password? What command do you use?

Comment Privateer

05 Jan 2019

Sure thing, Siyufox. You know the dusty path leading up to the castle - with the military banners? Examine dust. I can't remember if you have to examine path first. Probably not. :) Enjoy the rest of the journey!

Comment Siyufox

04 Jan 2019

Could someone please tell me where the goat bell is? I've examined everything carefully but must have missed something.

Comment Privateer

25 Jul 2018

Well, you could always read some haiku. In particular, I recommend: Kobayashi Issa and Santoka Taneda. They are quite different, but both amazing.

Basho is probably the best-known name in haiku. Also fantastic.

Comment LiquidMou

25 Jul 2018

I see, thank you for the answer. For some reasons even if I finished the game, I can't stop thinking about it.

Comment Privateer

24 Jul 2018

...oh, and I remember that "a time when you were free of all things" refers to your life prior to this adventure. (It's really there to provide a link between the skylarks in the sky and those on engraved on the basin - which gives a clue about what to do there.)

Comment Privateer

24 Jul 2018

Hi LiquidMou,

The world is basically composed of a combination of classical images and haiku. I didn't want to root it in an actual time and place too much. As for who *you* are in this world? I'm not sure really. I think I was trying to imagine what it might be like if you were to find yourself inside a poem or a painting. But you must not really belong there permanently because, if you did, you'd see yourself in the picture on the dish! :)

Comment LiquidMou

24 Jul 2018

Thanks you two for answering! I see.
Btw, excuse me if I'm being too curious but does the main character had some kinds of... story? Like, who is he and what does "when I was free of all things" mean?
Or can you just tell me which era of Japan does this story take place?

Comment Privateer

22 Jul 2018

Hi LiquidMou,

Well done! :)

I'm very happy you enjoyed that experience.

About the writing on the wall - if you keep cleaning the wall, you get some more words that hint at being polite to him. I did indeed try to base him on a Kappa (nice creature spotting, well done!) who, according to what I've read, can usually be defeated in the way you did. It's good to know, isn't it? :)

Enjoy your tea and observations always :)

Comment peter edwards

22 Jul 2018

LiquidMou,
I played this game long ago, but I do remember that the monster's name is Mizuchi, as he will tell you if you speak to him. As you have discovered, being polite to him pays off!
Well done. You completed the adventure much quicker than I did!

Comment LiquidMou

22 Jul 2018

Oh and, there's one more thing that's been bugging me. I kinda cheated back then at the river's ford part by reading the comments underneath mine. I only saw the writing "Mizuchi" on the walls and didn't understand what it supposed to do with being polite to him ... Maybe I've missed hints somewhere. Or was it a part in his lore?
Also the creature's description reminds me of a Kappa somehow

Comment LiquidMou

22 Jul 2018

But after sticking with this game for days, can't say I didnt't feel a little bit empty when it ended though... I've got fond of the world it portrayed so much

Comment LiquidMou

22 Jul 2018

!!Finally I've beat this!! Such a satisfied feeling, after many tries and frustration. The music at the end is a bonus +++ point. Now I can "drink tea and observe nature" without feeling guilty :) Bless you Privateer for this masterpiece, I absolutely enjoyed it *bow*

Comment Privateer

22 Jul 2018

I think "fire arrow at thread" also works. I probably implemented that first and then just made "shoot" a synonym of "fire" - which it isn't. :)

Comment Privateer

22 Jul 2018

Yup, you have to shoot the thread.

A few different commands work, but I remember that "shoot arrow at thread" was one.

You're quite right that shoot BOW, not shoot arrow, would be that correct syntax!! I should fix that. I also should listen to my dad, who told me so! :)

Comment LiquidMou

22 Jul 2018

So... we're supposed to shoot the silk thread with the bow I guess? But I don't the exact command to do that, like do I need to attach the arrow to the bow? I tried "shoot bow" but it didn't work.

Comment Privateer

21 Jul 2018

Yes, you have found the leafless tree. :)

Don't worry about the crow. His job is just to sit on it.

Clapping in the rice fields isn't necessary - but it's a good thing to have done. It teaches you how to make sparrows fly...might be useful later in the game!

Comment LiquidMou

21 Jul 2018

I'm stuck again ;; I can't figure out what to do with the crow and the sparrows. I tried clapping at the rice fields but there was no significant change, and I don't know what to do with the crow. I think the withered branch is actually the leafless tree? Or maybe it's somewhere else?

Comment Privateer

21 Jul 2018

Thank you very much LiquidMou :)

Your appreciation means a lot and has made the project so much more worthwhile!

Comment LiquidMou

21 Jul 2018

And uh, I like the parts with the skylark. When I first played this I found the atmosphere really peaceful and relaxing. But then there was that part when he said "when I was free of all thing". It all suddenly feels so... suffocating, somehow.
...I really should stop babbling and go back to the game lol. Sorry for being annoying ;

Comment LiquidMou

21 Jul 2018

Aww, that's too bad :( I actually love that poem of him. It gave me many indescribable feels. I even write it down in my diary; what a beautiful piece of writing ;_;
The death of the warrior left such impact on me, I think so far he's the character I like the most. "My princely life was just a dream" is such a sad line isn't it...

Comment Privateer

21 Jul 2018

Ah, that's ok then. You must have already "examined boats" when they weren't there, found and examined the tracks, and got the pottery fragment? Once you pick up the pottery, the boats gradually return to the beach.

In other words, you were thorough enough in your examination of the beach not to need the warrior's poem! You can forget that poem then. You've already solved that part.

The beach gives you: a stone, a brush, a fragment of pottery, and a basket of fish. That's it. :)

Comment LiquidMou

21 Jul 2018

And no I believe there are boats on the beach right now: "Each hut has a fishing boat in front of it."

Comment LiquidMou

21 Jul 2018

I typed "examine boats" but nothing seems to be happening. It said "Precariously narrow little boats.
You find nothing else in them."
Helpp ;;

Comment Privateer

20 Jul 2018

*disappointing :)

Comment Privateer

20 Jul 2018

No trouble at all. I'm actually relieved you found this bit tough. I thought it was the most difficult (maybe even unforgivably spurious) puzzle of all, but amazingly no-one until you has been troubled by it. Most dissapointing, so I'm glad finally someone is!

Spoiler below...........................................

The description of the beach mentions boats - but they are not there. Just "Examine boats".

Then you'll be on the right track! :)

Comment LiquidMou

20 Jul 2018

I feel bad to bother you, but I can't make use of the warrior's last words "Inspecting boats that were not there". I mean I tried to examine the beach thoroughly but still got stuck. Can you give me some hint?

Comment Privateer

19 Jul 2018

Thanks LiquidMou! I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Happy exploring! :)

Comment LiquidMou

19 Jul 2018

'kay, so a playing card and an arrow. Now I will try to find that leafless tree's location and see what to do next.
I figured out that the empty room with a long table has to hide smt but forgot to check every corner of it. I even tried to lay the blanket on the table thinking "that must be the most logical solution" XD Your game is really good, it has something that urges players to come back even if they couldnt find a way out. For someone impatient like me thats quite a feat!

Comment Privateer

18 Jul 2018

Oh, and there is something else in that locked room for you to find that is important.

Good luck!

Comment Privateer

18 Jul 2018

Hi LiquidMou,

Your inventory looks good. The card is under the table in the tavern (where you got the lantern)...but to be honest, it might as well be decorated with some scarlet sushi...:)

Comment LiquidMou

18 Jul 2018

Oh thanks, I figured it out when scrolling through the older cmt XD
Also I notice that almost everyone got the playing card already and I can't find it anywhere... Can you please give some hint? I have a frog, a colourful fragment of pottery, a basket, a large fragment of pottery, a goat bell, a red paper lantern, a jagged fragment of pottery, a broken arrow, a sword, a scrubbing brush, a blossom, a key, the shattered remains of a ladder, a sheet of paper, a conch shell, a blanket and a winnowing fan in my inventory rn. Maybe I had missed something obvious here?

Comment Privateer

17 Jul 2018

or maybe it was just "cross bridge"...

Comment Privateer

17 Jul 2018

Hi LiquidMou,

You can't go in yet. "North" or "Cross bridge" will do it. :)

Hope you enjoy the rest of the journey.

Comment LiquidMou

17 Jul 2018

Excuse me... I've just started this and absolutely love the game so far, but I seem to encounter a problem. After I found the password and heard the guard say "You may pass", the game kept telling me that I can't go inside the castle. Is there any command I have yet to know other than "in"?

Comment Privateer

09 Apr 2018

Thanks superridley!

Go back into the mill now and re-read the location description (or type "look" if you haven't left). Something will have been made visible (I don't think you need to examine anything in particular to see it.)

Good luck!

Comment superridley

09 Apr 2018

Oh, and no worries about the "delay". You're diligence in answering comments is amazing! As is your game!

Comment superridley

09 Apr 2018

Ah, I already got that particular item. I should have mentioned, sorry!

Comment Privateer

09 Apr 2018

Hi superridley,

Sorry for the delay. Have you been into the dark cave WITHOUT the lantern? If you do that and have a look around, you'll get a bit of a clue. If that's not enough, let me know and I'll be more helpful! :)

Cheers!

Comment superridley

06 Apr 2018

Ach! At this point I need to make a flood at the water mill, but for the life of me I can't figure out how! Please help lord Privateer!

Comment peter edwards

28 Feb 2018

Superridley,
Although I haven't played this game for a very long time, I seem to remember that there are two brushes, one of them a scrubbing brush. I believe that if you 'clean wall' while the scrubbing brush is in your possession you may get somewhere...

Comment Privateer

28 Feb 2018

Hi superridley, that is indeed the right place to use the brush. I implemented several different commands there, but I can't remember which exactly! Sorry! I think I tended to avoid "use __ on __" commands in this game. I tried to insist on more specific commands. Try "clean wall" or "clean wall with brush", for example. I am surprised it says you're not carrying a brush if you are though...I hope that helps.

Cheers!

Comment superridley

26 Feb 2018

Hi, me again! I'm in the top room of the pagoda with the dirty walls, and when I type "use brush on walls" or "use scrubbing on walls" I get "You're not carrying a brush." Is this a glitch, or am I not supposed to use the brush here?

Comment Privateer

26 Feb 2018

No problem at all, superridley. I enjoy seeing how people get on with the game.

Comment superridley

23 Feb 2018

Oh, and I seriously appreciate your dedication to responding to comments.

Comment superridley

23 Feb 2018

THX!!! Never thought to look for a panel color not in the standard ROYGBIV range xD

Comment Privateer

17 Feb 2018

Hi superridley, I'm glad you're enjoying the game. :)

You've got a really good inventory; I don't think you've missed anything. To access the next block of locations (and the key for that door) you'll need to examine the coloured panels in the hall downstairs. Which panel to examine is the question. You're unlikely to get it by trial and error. Being very observant as you approach the castle might help.

Good luck!

Comment superridley

16 Feb 2018

GREAT game!! And on that note, I'm stuck! I've gotten to the big door at the top of the keep and have: You are carrying a colourful fragment of pottery, a scrubbing brush, a red paper lantern, a playing card, a jagged fragment of pottery, a large fragment of pottery, a basket, a frog, a sword, a broken arrow, a blossom and a goat bell. Heeellllllllllp!!
Thanks,
Wicked space dragon!

Comment DavyB

20 Jan 2018

Hi Ghost_mechanix, I've sent you a message about downloading the Quest system. For those in charge of the site, perhaps it would be useful to have a clearly identified button on the home page linking to a short site guide? This could also warn about current hang problems when playing online and give guidance on adding reviews and asking for help? ...and identify recent developments, etc!

Comment Ghost_mechanix

20 Jan 2018

can anyone help me how i open the file after downloading the game????

Comment Privateer

25 Dec 2017

Oh, good luck and merry Christmas!!

Comment Privateer

25 Dec 2017

Hello laurencehg,

Well done on getting so far in the adventure. The spot on the creature's head is indeed important. In the monastery there's a hidden hint on how you can get him to spill the magic water on his head (you'll need a brush to reveal the hint though...)

Otherwise I can give you a similar hint below if you prefer (words written backwards in case you don't prefer:))

Spoiler
Spoiler
Spoiler
Spoiler
Spoiler
Eb etilop ot mih!

Comment laurencehg

25 Dec 2017

Hello Privateer!

I'm really enjoying the game. I'm completely stuck at the ford, I can't figure out what to do with the monkey. I have already observed the spot on his head. Could you give me a hint?

Thank you, and merry christmas!

Comment Privateer

12 Oct 2017

Hi AbbyBaba,

Have you looked under the beehive? The only useful thing there is underneath.

You'll need to get into the castle before you can find the mill. A good first step would be to go back to where you spoke to the beggar and examine that building (outside) as carefully as you can. Examine everything. You can find something there that might give you further ideas of where to go and what to look at. Also check out the castle moat - the water and anything you see in the water. These tips may be enough to get you past the guard and into the castle.

Let me know how you get on. I'll try to check the comments out more regularly now I know someone is playing!

Cheers!

Comment Privateer

12 Oct 2017

Hi Moonface (Faraway Tree?),

Glad you're enjoying the game. Once you found the final piece of pottery you'll have felt a cool breeze. Return to the location just outside the Zen Garden and you'll find the fog to the west has lifted. Go west. There's the river...and more puzzles once you cross it. (You're probably about half way through the adventure now, btw.)

Good luck!

Comment AbbyBaba

08 Oct 2017

I am very confused. I feel like I'm missing something obvious.

You are carrying a colourful fragment of pottery, a blossom and a scrubbing brush.

A hint, please? What do I do with the pond? Where is the mill? I don't see how the beehive is helpful. Ugh, please help! I've asked the beggar about the carp, pottery, and the castle. The guard won't say anything not about the castle. I'm generally just stuck.

Comment moonface

01 Sep 2017

Hi Privateer

What a beautiful game! This is only my second text-based adventure and I am completely hooked.

I am a bit stuck and wonder what I have missed? I have found all the pottery pieces adn found the writing, but can't seem to find the river? It seems like I'm missing something obvious...

My Inventory: a basket, a blossom, a playing card, a goat bell, a broken arrow, a sword, the shattered remains of a ladder, a scrubbing brush, a key, a conch shell, a red paper lantern, a bow, a winnowing fan, a sheet of paper, a frog, a blanket and a dish.

Comment Privateer

09 Jul 2017

The directions in the garden say "You can go east into the tea-house". Once in the tea-house, the exit is indicated by "You can go west". I did make it possible to enter with "in", since I had used the preposition "into" in the description, but really it's an east-west thing. It seems my efforts to help you navigate between these two locations backfired in your case.

However, I wonder if your display settings are ok, or if you're missing bottom lines of text sometimes? I have seen you have similar problems in other games where you seem to have overlooked exits given at the bottom of location descriptions?

Comment Privateer

09 Jul 2017

You are in a teahouse.

You can see an old man sitting on the floor. Tea-making utensils are spread out before him.

You can go west.

[west takes you out, just as east took you in. Sorry that confusion spoiled the experience for you]

Review GameofChocolate

09 Jul 2017

I had a hard time making tea which is fine, I was willing to work that out. However when it says I can go into the hut but I can't work out how, I gave up. Puzzles are fine but your directionals need to be more clear.

Comment Privateer

01 Jun 2017

Thank you, Happysnap101! Congratulations on completing it. :)

Review Happysnap101

30 May 2017

A really clever game - took ages to complete [and with plenty of help from the comments/reviews!

Excellent.

Comment Privateer

10 May 2017

Thank you for the kind review, kendrafortune. I'm glad you enjoyed it - despite the difficulty!

Review kendrafortune

09 May 2017

This is a really well crafted game with some genuinely difficult puzzles to solve. I definitely couldn't have solved it without the hints given in the comments here. Be prepared to take your time with it.

Comment Privateer

21 Apr 2017

Thank you ButterflyT! I'm very happy you enjoyed the game. :)

Review ButterflyT

19 Apr 2017

This game was INCREDIBLY ENTICING. I don't know if it's just the fact I like to solve puzzles, but these puzzles were so thoughtfully created that I had to come back each time and get a little further. I did find it a bit difficult at times and was a bit put off that there was no walkthrough; but having played the game till the end I am SO GLAD there isn't, it actually forced me to explore and use my noggin a little bit! Not only that, but if you do get stuck, the author of the game is ready and willing to lend you a hand!

Comment ButterflyT

19 Apr 2017

oh wow don't i feel like an idiot. i only asked the vendor about the money, didnt try actually giving it to him!

Comment Privateer

18 Apr 2017

No, your two coins add up to 5 Mon so you have enough to go parasol shopping. Well done on getting so far! :)

Comment ButterflyT

17 Apr 2017

i have a large coin and a small coin but i have to get 5 coins for a parasol, ive given the beggar his bowl was i supposed to use it to get money?

Comment Privateer

13 Apr 2017

Hi butterfly,

You've already made a flood by turning the handle. "Under a cloud, AFTER a flood" is what you want. So, turn the handle again to turn it off. Then have a look and see what you can find there.

Good luck!

Comment ButterflyT

07 Apr 2017

nevermind about the bell, i found that! still stuck on the mill though!

Comment ButterflyT

07 Apr 2017

i cant seem to work out how to get the narrow piece from the mill. ive turned the handle and the water fills the stream but i think im supposed to make a flood? also ive looked through the comments and most people have a goat bell in the inv but i dont know where im supposed to look for that!

Comment Fnoevan

27 Mar 2017

Nevermind me, I've found the way... hahaha

nice game!

Comment Fnoevan

27 Mar 2017

There's... something that bugs me
I wanted to search through the comments but I'm afraid to continue spoiling the game
When it says:
> x countryside
In which direction will you look?

I tried answering north, down, up, ahead, right, left
but none seem to be any of the correct directions....

what should I type then?

Comment georgri

26 Dec 2016

OK, I see your point.
Maintaining the game indefinitely just because something in the engine is spontaneously non-backward-compatibly updated from time to time is kind of ridiculous.

It's a pity the site can't even maintain properly working versions of classic games like the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

I am a programmer and am curious of how the Quest engine works.
If I could go ahead and with your permission tear apart your game and make it workable online for the latest version of Quest, would you care to revise it? Is it even possible with .quest files or are they "closed"?

Comment Privateer

26 Dec 2016

Hi georgri,

I do take your point and if I had the time and energy I probably ought to follow your excellent suggestions. To explain my laziness regarding this matter, the game was written more than 2 years ago for V5.3 at which point it worked fine online. Since then Quest has undergone various updates, each one bringing its own issues. I made necessary adjustments to keep the game playable online to begin with, but it became increasingly difficult to do so and was not something I wanted to keep doing indefinitely. So finally I decided to draw a line under things by simply recommending the game be downloaded with a brief explanation as to why.

I still take an interest in the game in as far as I enjoy seeing how people get on with the puzzles but, as for maintaining the game's online accessibility, I have had to leave that in hands of the Quest gods.

Merry Christmas! :)

Comment georgri

26 Dec 2016

Hello, Privateer.

First, it's very fond of you to support this game thoroughly and to give a full reply to my angry inquiry.
The game is awesome, and your attention to the details such as sound effects really pays off.

To this date, no one here said "I was stuck in an online version and I'm dumping the game". People are dumping the game silently because a) they weren't invested enough or b) they thought it's their fault to dump the game despite of being invested.

I'm dumping the game because of insurmountable technical difficulties and I refuse to admit that any part of it is my fault.

To fully address my issue, I ask you to create and upload a separate version of the game without sound effects to at least give an option to play to the end for the "technically-disabled" people like me.
There are reasons the Quest engine was ported to be run in internet browsers, and those reasons should resonate with you too.

- Some folks could enjoy playing on their Linux or MacOS machines, which are not natively compatible with the Quest software.
- Some users are security-disabled, like me. Including playing at work or from internet cafes (they are still a thing).
- Some could play from a mobile phone. (Yes, the game runs in mobile browsers!) Sure, typing on a phone is less joy (though, someone could use a tablet with a physical keyboard), but remember that the phone gaming platform is currently dominating the market by sheer number of users.

Maybe, you could link to the "online-friendly" version in the description of the main game.

=============================
Ok, enough bitching about the compatibility.
The protagonist of the story did not see the Narrow piece even after the flood went and gone. "Look at/under swarm" did not work.
I then just visited the beggar and just returned to the place, not interacting anyhow with the mill, and the piece was just magically there.
From your assessment of the situation, I fancy it is a glitch aft

Comment Privateer

19 Dec 2016

Hi Geogri,

Sorry the sound issue is causing frustration. It seems that for most people the game has to be played in a downloaded state to be sure of avoiding problems. As far as I know, Quest doesn't provide us with an option for offering a download-only game, so the best we can do is to inform players that downloading is highly recommended in a case like this. The online play option is probably most useful for allowing people to investigate the game and to see if it's interesting enough to download.

The sound itself is only a sound effect for atmosphere, so you're not missing anything important there - which I understand is all the more annoying for you given your situation. My choices were to remove the sound or advise in the game description that people play by downloading; Finally, I opted for the latter because some people mentioned that they enjoyed the sounds. I appreciate for you, the former option would have been more convenient.

If you'd like a walkthrough to help you quickly get yo you current position on a computer that allows you to download, I'll be happy to help? I'll just need your inventory.

(RE narrow pottery: I'm happy to say there isn't a glitch. The beggar gives you advice but you don't actually need to speak to him. However, there IS something you need to remember to do at the mill, which is hinted at in the clue he gives you. I think perhaps this accounts for why you didn't find the pottery second time round when you were expecting to.)

Best of luck if you decide to download and continue the adventure. There's plenty more to do once you've crossed the river.

Comment georgri

19 Dec 2016

Also, I am in the worst situation with the Mizuchi sound bug possible.
I'm playing the game on my workplace.

I do not have any speakers nor earphones on my working computer, so I'm deaf to any sounds in the game.
Futhermore, I can not download the text game engine executable, because it's hosted on github and the internet proxy does not allow me there because of the company's security policies.

So, I do not even have an option to continue with the game because of the sound I didn't even hear.
Oh, it's so overwhelmingly frustrating!

Why to even host the game online if there's no option to mute it or play it to the end? Will removing the sound help? Is it SO intrinsic to the game? Please, tell me about the significance of it as you would describe it to a deaf person.

Comment georgri

15 Dec 2016

After having read all the comments, I was still stuck for a long time on this glitch.

SPOILERS
The narrow piece of pottery does not appear until after the beggar tells you about it. (I had to restart the game because of the heron, so I didn't speak to the beggar about it the second time).

Comment peter edwards

06 Dec 2016

jecbata,
Just enter "i" or "inv" (for inventory).

Comment jecbata

06 Dec 2016

how do you tell the game to tell you what items you're carrying?

Comment Privateer

23 Nov 2016

Thank you very much for your comments Kelly! I'm glad you're enjoying the game.

Peter is quite right (thank you too!), and after you've gone through those four stages, you can just "give tea to old man" (I think I implemented "serve tea" as an alternative too.)

Cheers!

Comment Kellybt2

21 Nov 2016

Aha! Facepalm... Thank you Peter! Cheers!

Comment peter edwards

21 Nov 2016

Hi Kelly,
As far as I remember, you don't need any "tools". You have found the 4 pieces of knowledge. All you need to do is to go through them in the right order in the format "[verb] tea".

Comment Kellybt2

21 Nov 2016

Hi Privateer,
First I would like to say that this is a wonderfully crafted game! I have thoroughly enjoyed the subtle detail and the beautiful world you have created. Also, I very much appreciate that this is not a "figure out how to phrase my intentions" kind of game. The puzzle comes from the game itself and piecing together clues rather than figuring out wording. So, thank you!
With that being said, I think the very last puzzle I haven't been able to solve for the game might be a matter of my inability to figure out wording... ***SPOILER*** I cannot figure out how to make the tea. I have waited in the correct location and observed the 4 pieces of nature that should give me the knowledge to make tea. But once in the tea house, I cannot see what tools I have available to work with. I have tried to talk to everyone in the game about it and have resorted to reading the comments, but couldn't find anything helpful. Any advice or a hint? Thanks again for your time!

Comment Privateer

20 Nov 2016

You're welcome, Lochie Moon. You can leave the garden with the command "out". "In" and "out" are commands that you'll use quite a lot in this game along with "up", "down" and the standard compass point directions. The descriptions of the exits will indicate which to use.

If you're new to text adventures, I should let you know that, in this game, you should try to examine everything. Often the description will mention further things that you can examine...and so on...

Hope you enjoy the journey. :)

Comment _Lochie_Moon_34_

20 Nov 2016

Oh thank you, I did notice it said that you could leave the garden, but since this is only the second text adventure I have played, I don't know many commands. I will figure it out eventually.

Comment Privateer

20 Nov 2016

Hi lochie moon,

Sounds like it's time to start exploring the world beyond the garden for useful clues and objects. You can always go back and ask the woman on the bridge about anything interesting you might have found. The old pond is probably a good place to start. See if there's anything there that might help you understand what's going on...

Good luck!

Comment _Lochie_Moon_34_

20 Nov 2016

I have been playing for about an hour now, and I am still stuck on the part with the teahouse and garden. Is anyone able to give some pointers please?

Comment Privateer

04 Oct 2016

Good luck Wordhorder, and thank you Peter Edwards for helping all these adventurers while my own onlining ability (is that a thing?) is so limited! :)

Comment Privateer

04 Oct 2016

Leonard8811,

Thank you very much for that review. Much appreciated!

Comment Wordhorder

02 Oct 2016

Peter, I'm in the keep... will wander and will be back if I get too stuck. Thanks for your help!

Comment peter edwards

02 Oct 2016

Wordhorder,
You can't enter the castle yet - you haven't reached it! What do you see in front of you?

Comment Wordhorder

02 Oct 2016

I'm in the castle. "Cross bridge" did it.

Comment Wordhorder

02 Oct 2016

Peter,

The guard has stood aside, but I can't find the right phrase to enter the castle. Tried every variant of 'go through gate' 'in' etc that I can think of...

Comment peter edwards

02 Oct 2016

Wordhorder,
You're on the right track regarding the carp. To find it you have to examine the moat, then the water. Don't waste your rice until you find it!

Comment Wordhorder

02 Oct 2016

Okay, so now I have blossom, and beehive pottery. I also have a hint about clouds...Will keep exploring!

Comment Wordhorder

02 Oct 2016

Thanks Peter, I believe there's a carp in the moat? But then there's also a fish that guards the castle... I threw my rice in the moat but nothing happened, so I reverted to my last save.

Re: the beehive, I 'looked at' the legs and the boxes, but no cigar. Assuming there is a different command. Will try variants of 'look under the beehive'... thanks again!

Comment peter edwards

02 Oct 2016

Wordhorder,
When you examined the beehive, you were told that it was made up of wooden boxes held up by four legs. Have you looked under it?
Re the fish. Which fish do you mean? One is easy, the others not so easy!

Comment Wordhorder

02 Oct 2016

So I'm stuck very near the beginning. I have found the beehive, but no pottery there. Where is it? I have rice, a paper lantern, a pebble, a scrubbing brush, and one piece of pottery. Haven't found the fish yet either - utterly stumped!

Review leonard8811

30 Sep 2016

Great game. More satisfying that all of the "video" games I have played. Just as reading a book has richer detail than watching a film, this game allows the imagination to "see". Something that is often missing from this day and age.

The details are all carefully placed. There is very little that isn't needed, allowing the attentive mind to see clearly the connections and subtle suggestions made.

Thanks for your work in creating this experience : )

Comment leonard8811

30 Sep 2016

Of course right after I ask for help I figure it out. NVM Thx : )

Comment leonard8811

30 Sep 2016

Thanks Peter. Stuck at Inn, can't seem to find the entrance. Any hints? I will keep looking at white things until I figure it out..

Comment peter edwards

30 Sep 2016

Matt,
Simply type "look through windows" and take it from there...
Peter

Comment leonard8811

30 Sep 2016

figured out the bee.

Comment leonard8811

30 Sep 2016

Hi - great game, enjoying it so far.

I have met the bee in the rose garden a few times, but I can't seem to figure out what to do. My intuition is to follow it, but I don't know which way it goes..

Also, in the castle I am trying to look out the windows.. I have tried "look at countryside" which prompts me to choose a direction. I can't figure out what syntax the game is looking for.

Thanks,
Matt

Comment Privateer

27 Sep 2016

Hi Creed,

By the looks of your inventory you've already given the warrior his helmet. Bearing his poem in mind, you should return to the beach. The poem mentioned "inspecting boats that are not there on a beach of black sand"...or something similar! Hopefully that hint will get you back on track.

Glad you're enjoying the game! :)

Comment peter edwards

26 Sep 2016

Creed,
I've remembered! A clue will come from the dying warrior if you give him something. You will then need to go to the beach.

Comment peter edwards

26 Sep 2016

Creed,
We have a problem! I remember you need the help of a well-fed cat to find your way into the monastery, but I'm blessed if I remember how to get what you need to please the cat. If I remember, I'll post another message, unless Privateer intervenes...

Comment creed (Tactical Genius)

26 Sep 2016

Thanks Peter, I should have been more specific I think, I can't even get into the monastery in the first place haha:P

You are in front of a monastery.

The perimeter wall and gate are topped with clay roof tiles. Rising above the monastery wall is a pagoda.

You can go east to the crossroad, or you can follow the monastery wall around to the northwest or southwest.

> in
You can't go there.

Comment peter edwards

26 Sep 2016

Creed,
From the front of the pagoda, I think you only have to type "in". Hope I've remembered that correctly!

Comment creed (Tactical Genius)

26 Sep 2016

Hi! Loving the game so far, I just have no idea how to get into the pagoda! Much confusion:P You are carrying a blossom, a colourful fragment of pottery, a scrubbing brush, a jagged fragment of pottery, a playing card, a frog, a broken arrow, a sword, a bow, a key, a blanket, a conch shell, the shattered remains of a ladder, a goat bell, a red paper lantern, a winnowing fan, a few grains of rice, a narrow fragment of pottery and an arrow
THANKS!

Comment peter edwards

13 Sep 2016

th1stle,
You'll find what you seek behind something. A crow is nearby...

Comment th1stle

13 Sep 2016

Love the game! I was wondering where the bow was. I have: a goat bell, a narrow fragment of pottery, a blossom, a colourful fragment of pottery, a large fragment of pottery, a scrubbing brush, a playing card, a jagged fragment of pottery, a red paper lantern, a basket, a sword, a broken arrow, a key, the shattered remains of a ladder, a sheet of paper, an arrow, a conch shell, a blanket, a winnowing fan and a frog.

Comment YELLOWFELLOW

11 Sep 2016

thanks!

Comment peter edwards

09 Sep 2016

It's been a long time since I played this game, but I think you have to use the sword in this location...

Comment YELLOWFELLOW

09 Sep 2016

I'm stuck. I seem to be missing something. I've found the secret passage, the constellation and the thicket of bamboo but now what? Perhaps I need to find an actual winnowing fan for the constellation? If so where? What should I do now?
Inventory
You are carrying a blossom, a colourful fragment of pottery, a pebble, a scrubbing brush, a jagged fragment of pottery, a playing card, a sword and a broken arrow. I dropped the lantern but I know exactly where it is.

Comment YELLOWFELLOW

09 Sep 2016

Silly of me, I got it. No need to reply.

Comment YELLOWFELLOW

09 Sep 2016

I found the carp, threw the rice in the moat and found out that it had black markings on its head. What should I do now?
Inventory
You are carrying a colourful fragment of pottery, a few grains of rice, a red paper lantern, a blossom, a pebble, a jagged fragment of pottery and a scrubbing brush.

Comment thelifeless91

08 Sep 2016

Aaaaaauuuuuuugggggghhhh! Can't believe I didn't try that! Thank you!

Comment Privateer

07 Sep 2016

Hi thelifeless91,

From the edge of the rose garden just type "in".

Good luck!

Comment thelifeless91

07 Sep 2016

peter edwards,

I am at the edge of the garden, but I can't get in b/c the path is overgrown. Is there something I'm missing or do I have to get in by another way?

Comment peter edwards

07 Sep 2016

Hi thelifeless91,
As I recall, the bee lives in the rose garden, and is helpful there. Keep exploring and I'm sure you'll find your way to it. In other words, look for the garden, not the bee!

Comment thelifeless91

07 Sep 2016

I seem to understand that a bee is the key to getting into the rose garden, but I cannot for the life of me find the bee! Little help? Inventory: Colorful fragment of pottery, scrubbing brush, playing card, blossom, frog, broken arrow, sword, lantern.

Comment regigigas

02 Sep 2016

Ah it turns out I was... I have now made progress and acquired several items.

Comment regigigas

02 Sep 2016

I've tried to get started with this game for quite a while now. I've examined every object that I can see, asked the woman and man every word that might be relevant. It's a bit embarrassing that I'm stuck right off the bat, but is there something basic that I'm missing?

Comment Privateer

31 Aug 2016

Hi Jevisan,

Yup, it's quite dangerous to give things to the heron until you learn more about him. I'm glad you like the game though. I think your next step should probably be to get into the castle. You'll need to fully examine the low wooden building, inside and out, and ask the beggar about anything you can think of that might help. I'm also happy to help if you give a shout - though I might not be able to reply for a couple of days. :)

Good luck!

Comment jevisan

31 Aug 2016

omg i just gave the frog to the heron and it ate it XD such a sad ending :'(

I really enjoyed the game and obviously im giving it a second try but i couldn't find out what to do next. I had the pottery from the beehive and the pond, the frog, the blossom, the brush and the card.

Its such a good game, i love it

Comment DavyB

18 Aug 2016

...in relation to the sound file problem, I think it is connected with taking the option to wait for it to finish rather than the file itself.

Comment Privateer

18 Aug 2016

Hi Cyril,

Thank you very much for the review. I'm very pleased you enjoyed the game. :)

Comment Privateer

18 Aug 2016

Hi DavyB,

Thank you very much indeed for your very kind review. It's much appreciated!

Also, thank you for confirming that that sound file doesn't like online play. It's an odd thing. All the other sound files work - perhaps it's Mizuchi's begrudging Parthian shot after having been thwarted! :)

Comment Privateer

18 Aug 2016

Hi takanenohana,

There is no particular place in the rose garden to wait. A (randomly generated) bee will come eventually. :)

Review DavyB

17 Aug 2016

I played the Zen Garden through to ‘completion’ a month ago but decided to work through it again before putting in a review, as I’d missed some of the puzzles, including the maze. Going through a second time, I still found much to enjoy, as I could step back and appreciate it more, and also found a few elements that I’d missed on the first pass.

As others have said, this is a challenging game, and I was only able to complete it by looking at several of the hints given to others who had run into difficulty. Because of the challenge, it was very satisfying in cases where no hint was needed. :)

There is so much to like about this game! It is very well written and tightly designed across a relatively small number of locations. The use of sound in a few specific places, especially the collection of the pottery, was very effective and significantly added to the overall experience.

There seem to be quite a few red herrings in the game, judging by the items I had at the end, but perhaps I missed a role for them? The only herring that delayed me was <spoiler>a suggestion that there were resources to make tea at the beginning, when in reality it was only towards the end that I had enough knowledge to actually complete the task</spoiler>.

The game is also very well implemented and, so far, for me, is the best I have found on the site. It is particularly impressive that this appears to be the first game from Privateer. After a gap of nearly three years, perhaps there is another in the pipeline? ...despite the considerable effort that is clearly needed to reach this standard!

Comment DavyB

16 Aug 2016

Playing the game online, it fails after dealing with Mizuchi, with the text box disappearing. I suspect this is connected with the sound file that is played at that point.

Review Cyril

16 Aug 2016

Beautifully done! Very nice story line with intriguing puzzles. Not an easy game to win. Well worth the effort. In many ways more detailed than other text adventure games. Requires you to really pat attention to details and to search patiently. Not a game for those who expect immediate gratification. But for those with patience and determination a very fun and challenging game. Well worth playing again and again.

Comment takanenohana

16 Aug 2016

i'm walking around now and i also am using the 'z' function but no bees still...is there a specific space where i should wait? ah i know i should be patient with this but i can't seem to be so! too curious on what happens next!!!

Comment Privateer

16 Aug 2016

Hi takanenohana,

Spoiler warning ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You're right, the river becomes accessible only after finding all 5 pieces of pottery. The fifth is in the rose garden........walk around (or wait) until you see a bee. Then follow it *immediately* with "follow bee". :)

Comment Privateer

16 Aug 2016

Well done Fantasylover22! Thanks for playing! :)

Comment takanenohana

16 Aug 2016

oh scratch that, i've only found four. i guess thats why i couldn't find the river? any clues to go to the rose garden??

Comment takanenohana

15 Aug 2016

thank you! i managed to get all 5 pieces of pottery and the monk told me that there was a deadly test coming up which was really scary tbh...i dont know what to do with the smudges on the wall in the pagoda, or how to go to the river and into the rose garden that everyone talks about...any hints to get to those locations? thanks a bunch!

Comment Fantasylover22

15 Aug 2016

I finished the game! :) Thank you for such a great game!

Comment Fantasylover22

14 Aug 2016

Thank you privateer! I'm going to give it a go later today if I have time. I'll definitely make sure I save it!

Comment Privateer

13 Aug 2016

Hi Fantasylover22,

Thought I'd better reply quickly to this one, firstly because during the week I have few opportunities to get online at the moment, and secondly because you're at a really dangerous (and cruel) point in the game!

Definitely save it before you go on because a) the maze is potentially lethal if you get lost, and b) you can make the game unwinnable if you mess with the heron before you know exactly what you need to do with it!

So, that said, the door to the maze is somewhere in the inn, instructions for getting through the maze are sort of encrypted on a piece of paper ("calligraphy is the way!"), and you will need a cherry blossom with you...

Not sure if you've got the frog already, but in case you haven't, its where any decent haiku-dwelling frog ought to be. Might need a little encouragement to get it to show itself though. But like I say, don't do anything with the heron until after you've dealt with the maze! :)

Best of luck. I'd love to know how you get on, but my replies will probably be slow in coming for a few days.

Comment Fantasylover22

13 Aug 2016

Hi Privateer,
I'm really enjoying this game but am suck again! I have crossed the ford, bought the parasol and made tea. The garden is still not in harmony because the heron doesn't have the frog. I have been reading the comments and seen there is a clue about the heron in the maze but where is this maze? Really confused! Please help!
Thank you!

Comment Privateer

12 Aug 2016

Hi Takanenohana,

Well done on your progress!

Spoiler warning.......................................................................................................................

To "solve" the mill, you first need to discover and take a farming implement from the wall. The clue for this is found in the dark cave....

(When you solve this puzzle you will find that what you have to turn is not actually called a 'crank' and that finding the correct command is pretty straight forward.)

Good luck! :)

Comment takanenohana

11 Aug 2016

hello again privateer! i'm happy to say that i've reached the pagoda and taken the paper (which is good progress if i do say so myself). now i am at the water mill and i cant seem to use the crank? or should i say, dont know what to type so that i can use the crank??
i think i'm bad at thinking of words--
hope someone can help??

Comment takanenohana

10 Aug 2016

thank you for the reply!

somehow i managed to pass by it using only "look at tuft" while all this time i used the complete sentence as "look at tuft of grass"! i guess the game didn't recognized what i was trying to say haha! thank you again privateer!

Comment Privateer

10 Aug 2016

Hi takanenohana,

I wonder what the issue is here? Can you see the helmet but can't pick it up, or are you not seeing the helmet? The following commands should work:

1) "listen to cricket" reveals the tuft of grass. 2) Then, examine/ exam/look at/ x tuft (of grass) - will all reveal the helmet, 3) which you can then pick up with "get helmet"

Hope that helps. :)

Comment Privateer

10 Aug 2016

Hi Fantasylover22, thanks very much for the review. I'm delighted you enjoyed the game. :)

Comment takanenohana

09 Aug 2016

hi privateer! thanks for the reply

unfortunately i haven't been able to retrieve the helmet. i tried all the commands i could think of on the tuft of grass, like 'look at' or 'examine' or 'go to' but i still couldn't get the helmet. did i get something wrong? or did i not input the correct command? thanks again!

Review Fantasylover22

08 Aug 2016

Amazing! I warn you IT IS HARD but that just makes it all the more satisfying when you find a clue! Although there is no walk-through/hint privateer is great at getting back to comments so just leave a comment if you get stuck. It is so fun and my only tip is to examine EVERYTHING!

Comment Privateer

08 Aug 2016

Hi Fantasaylover22, well done! :)

Comment Privateer

08 Aug 2016

Hi takanenohana, I'm glad you're enjoying the game....

Spoiler warning................................................................................................................................................................

The dying warrior's helmet is in the nearby meadow. You will find it (and be able to get it) once you've listened to the cricket and noted something specific to examine ('tuft of grass').

I hope that helps? If not, let me know. If so, good luck with the rest of the journey. :)

Comment Fantasylover22

08 Aug 2016

Don't worry I got into the castle!

Comment Fantasylover22

07 Aug 2016

Just started and loving the game but am already stuck! How do you get into the castle? I know the beggar's clue but can't find the password. I've been looking through the comments and see people talking about a carp. Don't know what or where this is! Please help!

This is my inventory- colourful fragment of pottery, a basket, a large fragment of pottery, a red paper lantern, a playing card and a scrubbing brush.

Comment takanenohana

06 Aug 2016

hi Privateer! I have just started playing your game and I have to say that I could not stop! It was frustrating at times so i had to re-think everything but it is a really good game! considering I've only started to get interested in text based games.

I am having troubles with the dying warrior. I know where to find his helmet but I can't take it from the spot that it is in and cannot use anything from my inventory to take it too. please help!
my inventory is:
You are carrying a colourful fragment of pottery, a goat bell, a red paper lantern, a pebble, a playing card, a sword, the shattered remains of a ladder and a scrubbing brush
I think I don't have enough inventory?

much appreciated! :D

Comment Privateer

30 Jul 2016

Hi Stella S, thank you for your review. I'm happy you enjoyed the game. :)

Review Stella S.

30 Jul 2016

Amazing cover art, amazing story, just simply amazing.
Very relaxing, much like the title suggests, and visualizable.
Keep it up!

Comment Privateer

24 Jul 2016

Hi Nookim,

Congratulations and thank you for playing. It's a very satisfying experience for me also when someone gets involved in the game and enjoys it.

No projects planned at the moment - just drinking lots of tea and watching nature. :)

Comment nookim1

24 Jul 2016

Dear Privateer,

I have completed the game! :)
I have really enjoyed playing your game this past week. It was truly a very satisfying experience.
I am happy that I've beaten the game but at the same time sad that it is now over.
:(
Do you have another project in the works?

NooKim

Comment Privateer

24 Jul 2016

...where you found the bowl, I mean. :)

Comment Privateer

23 Jul 2016

Hi Nookim,

Spoiler warning.................................................................................................................

When you gave the beggar his bowl, he'd have mentioned something about resting at that place to observe nature. If you go back there and wait....very patiently...the solution to your tea-making conundrum will reveal itself, bit by bit...

Nearly there! :)

Comment nookim1

23 Jul 2016

so i bought the thing and gave it to the woman,
and I gave the thing to the beggar, but he didn't give anything.
I'm guessing I have to make tea but I don't know where to start or if i need something.
HINTS?!?

Comment Privateer

23 Jul 2016

Hello Nookim,

Well done on your progress. Always happy to give hints. :)

Spoiler warning --------------------------------------------------

There are two places to find money; one is by doing something with the bell at the roadside shrine, the other is by checking the snow outside the inn (if that's the one you haven't succeeded in yet, you need to read the wording of the description very carefully - it's a haiku by Santoka Taneda if you're interested!)

Let me know if/when you want any further hints! Good luck!

Comment nookim1

23 Jul 2016

Hello Privateer,

Now I don't like to be annoying, but I want to beat the game already!!!
:)
That being said, I need some more hints.
Where should i look to get more money? I have 4 Mon. currently.
I've talked to the girl. And I did the heron part. Now just the parasol and make tea with the old man...
somehow...

NooKim

Comment nookim1

23 Jul 2016

got it...
you can't just "use" the key...
lol

Comment nookim1

23 Jul 2016

darn, i tried using the key multiple times but i must have typed the wrong command in...
I've tried open door with key
use key on door...

Comment Privateer

22 Jul 2016

Hi Nookim,

SPOILER WARNING - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - --

Don't worry about the spearhead. It's not useful. You need to find a use for the key. Go to the top of the castle and use it to open the door...Then search the room carefully and you'll find something that will allow you to break the thread of the dangling pottery fragment.

Once you've done that make sure you've fully explored the monastery and also save the game before going on. There are a couple of ways to die and one way to make the game unwinnable (don't do anything with the heron until someone reads you a poem about him!)

Best of luck!

Comment nookim1

22 Jul 2016

Hello Privateer,

I am carrying a blossom, brush, bell, card, broken arrow, sword, basket, lantern, broken ladder, bow, key, winnowing fan, and the four pieces of pottery. I have noticed the spear-head in the wall.
I was thinking of using the ladder or the arrow but I haven't figured anything out.

NooKim

Comment Privateer

21 Jul 2016

Hi Nookim,

You need a couple of things to get that piece of pottery. What have you got in your inventory right now?

Comment nookim1

20 Jul 2016

You are very welcome. You are an inspiration.

NooKim

Comment nookim1

20 Jul 2016

Hello,

I am wondering how to get the dangling piece of pottery. I have four pieces. Thats the last one for me.
Also, hints on what to do afterward would be greatly appreciated.
THX!

NooKim

Comment Privateer

20 Jul 2016

Hi Noori Kim,

Thank you very much for the review. I'm happy you enjoyed the game. I made it by myself and it took me AGES! :). Hard to say how long because I worked on it off and on. Several months in total though. That's why I'm so happy you played it!!

Comment nookim1

20 Jul 2016

Hello Privateer,

I really enjoyed the game. Did you make the game by yourself or did you have a team? And how long did it take you? Thank you.

Noori Kim

Review nookim1

20 Jul 2016

I really enjoyed this game. GJ!

Comment Privateer

25 Jun 2016

Thanks reauxdog! Glad you enjoyed it.

Comment reauxdog

23 Jun 2016

Never mind my last inquiry. I found (and solved) the maze (and the game). Nicely done, Privateer!

Comment Privateer

23 Jun 2016

Hi reauxdog, thanks very much for letting me know about that. I'm glad it's working for you as a standalone. I didn't want to have to delete that little sound effect. I was quite fond of it! :)

Comment reauxdog

23 Jun 2016

Thank you for the response. Indeed, I was playing the online version and it did play the sound but froze up afterward when I was visiting the creature at the ford. I downloaded the standalone version and successfully got past that. I believe that I have everything I need except that I seem to be missing the maze. I am pretty sure I know what to do when I find it...it's just finding it that is the latest challenge :) I will keep searching...

Comment zorkdork

21 Jun 2016

Thank you for all your help! It was a wonderful game and I thoroughly enjoyed it. :)

Comment Privateer

21 Jun 2016

Well done Zorkdork! I'm very glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the kind review.

The version you have played is complete - the recent update didn't amount to a significant change as it turned out.

All the best :)

Review zorkdork

21 Jun 2016

Incredible game! It is very different from other text adventures and has many more puzzles than you expect. A very fun and intriguing task with elements that keep the game interesting. Certainly worth playing over and over!

Comment zorkdork

21 Jun 2016

Aha! Found what I was looking for; I didn't look hard enough last time. Thanks!!

Comment zorkdork

21 Jun 2016

I have the game downloaded but if it was updated since a year ago, I don't have the newest version. I've made it past the cold and given the man what I have found so far (though I know I need more), but maybe I've missed something.

Comment Privateer

21 Jun 2016

Hi Zork, you're welcome. I'm glad you made it across the river. Another player is having technical difficulties there. May I ask if you're playing online or from a download?

To access more locations after crossing the river (including the maze), you'll need to negotiate the cold road north. That requires you to wear something warm - something you are currently carrying, in fact.

You might want to save the game at this point. The maze is quite perilous!

Comment zorkdork

21 Jun 2016

Thank you so much for your help, I had been typing in commands in the meadow that were far too complex for what I needed to type. I've made it across the river but it seems everyone else has found a girl or the maze once they got there, yet I haven't. Am I missing something?

You are carrying a frog, a basket, a goat bell, a blossom, a dish, a playing card, a broken arrow, a sword, a bow, a key, the shattered remains of a ladder, a sheet of paper, a winnowing fan, a conch shell, a blanket, a wooden bowl, a scrubbing brush, a figurine and a bunch of bluebells.

Comment Privateer

21 Jun 2016

Reauxdog (and all), I've look at your issue and found that if I play online, I get the sound but then no text box so, in effect, the game is crashed. No idea why this happens (the sound file is no different to every other one in the game.)

However, I found that no such problem occurs if one downloads the game and plays it that way.

I therefore highly recommend downloading the game rather than playing it online.

Comment Privateer

21 Jun 2016

Hi Zorkdork,

You don't have anything to give the beggar yet. You are right in that you will fnd something later on...

You are also right that you have to shoot the thread. The arrow you have is broken though...

Your next step should indeed be to get into the sleeping quarters. There's something you have to give to the dying warrior. Check out the grassy meadow nearby. Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll find it!

Good luck!

Comment Privateer

21 Jun 2016

Hi reauxdog,

Sounds like you're doing the right thing at the ford. When you solve the monkey-demon problem you SHOULD be rewarded with a nice little sound effect. But it sounds as though in your case the sound effect doesn't occur, and the game just freezes instead? I have no idea why this might be occurring. I guess it be due to a slow connection speed, or maybe the new version of Quest is less stable than the version this game was written on. Are you playing online or with a download? Alternatively, if you're playing on an iPad, that might be making a difference. All I can suggest is contacting the Quest people - perhaps through the forum - and asking for some tech advice. I wish you luck because you've come a long way in the game!

Comment peter edwards

21 Jun 2016

reauxdog,

It's been a long while since I played this game, but I'll try to help. I gather you've met the monkey-faced demon at the ford and have paid him respect. This, I seem to remember, is correct. How did you do this? The correct way is to **********spoiler********** "wob ot" him. I have no idea why your game ended. Perhaps Privateer will explain (or correct me if I'm wrong!)
Peter

Comment zorkdork

21 Jun 2016

Oops! Forget to add my inventory if this is of any use in figuring out where I am.

You are carrying a frog, a colourful fragment of pottery, a basket, a large fragment of pottery, a goat bell, a blossom, a narrow fragment of pottery, a jagged fragment of pottery, a playing card, a broken arrow, a sword, a bow, the shattered remains of a ladder, a sheet of paper, a winnowing fan and a scrubbing brush.

Comment zorkdork

21 Jun 2016

After returning to this game after a year because I remember loving it so much, I've made significant progress (much thanks to the clues left in the comments) but seem to be stuck. Fortunately, I'm pretty sure I can make it through the rest of the game if I figure out how to get through where I am.

POTENTIAL SPOILERS

I know I need to give the beggar something though I'm not sure if I already have that item (or am supposed to) since I've tried giving him everything in my inventory. I'm guessing that might have something to do with the coins later on but am not sure. Also, I know I need to get the key to get into Issa's quarters to get to the chest and all that, and am very confused that only one person has asked about this but it wasn't really answered so I'm guessing I've missed something obvious. There was a hint about shooting the arrow with the bow at the thread, but none of the commands I try work even though I (think I) have all the items necessary. I also am not sure where to obtain the helmet.

Hopefully if any of these can be answered or hinted at, they will lead to other answers. Thank you so much!

Comment reauxdog

20 Jun 2016

Wonderfully written and designed game. Puzzles well done...difficult but not too obtuse or otherwise seemingly random in context. Having said that, I am a bit stuck. Got all the pieces and have met the monkey at the ford. However, cannot figure out how to cross. I've shown some respect for him but every time I do so, the game ends. I have the following in my bag of tricks: You are carrying a basket, a bow, a key, a sheet of paper, a scrubbing brush, a frog, a playing card, a blossom, a broken arrow, a sword, a goat bell, the shattered remains of a ladder, a red paper lantern, a winnowing fan, a conch shell, a blanket and a dish. I know I am missing something but what pray tell?

Comment Privateer

29 Apr 2016

Spolier warning.................-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-..-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Re the rose garden: you've done the hard bit. Now just look under the hive :)

You'll probably want to fnd your way into the castle soon. Ask the beggar (about everything you can think of.) That should help. The temple and the tavern are important locations for this next step. Examine everything in and on them as closely as you can.

Hope that helps!

Comment LemonCheesecake

29 Apr 2016

i have the piece from the pond, a pebble, playing card, i followed the bee but i cant figure out what to do once there

Comment Privateer

20 Apr 2016

Hi lemon cheesecake,

I have't written a walkthrough, I'm afraid. But I'll give you a hint if you let me know what you're stuck on. And what's in your inventory? That'll help me get an idea of what you've done already. :)

Comment LemonCheesecake

20 Apr 2016

really stuck. only have one fragment piece and dont know what to do next, a walkthrough or more hints would be great!

Comment Privateer

14 Apr 2016

You're very welcome. Always happy to help. :)

Comment kaedezee

14 Apr 2016

Thanks! I see what you mean now :) A lot of this game involves looking more closely at things. I'd have to remember that. Thanks again for the help, and again, nice work on the game!

Comment Privateer

14 Apr 2016

Hi kaedezee,

Glad you're enjoying the game!

Spoiler warning......................................................................................................................

You haven't screwed up, don't worry. Just examine the water now and you'll find something useful that wasn't there before. (If you had examined the water before throwing the rice, you'd have see this thing but it'd have been too far away to look at closely. Then when you threw the rice, you'd have seen it come closer...However, it doesn't matter if you didn't do this. You'll just get a nice surprise when you examine the water now.)

Hope that makes sense. Probably not until you examine the water! :)

Comment kaedezee

13 Apr 2016

Such an engaging game :) Really enjoying it so far! I tend to prefer games that I don't need to invest a lot in, but this game seems like it's going to be a pretty big exception!
I've already thrown the rice into the moat, but nothing is happening...do I need to wait longer, or have I screwed up already?
I've got a colourful fragment of pottery, a pebble, a scrubbing brush, a blossom, a jagged fragment of pottery, a red paper lantern and a playing card.

Comment phantom

01 Mar 2016

Thanks so much! I had asked the beggar about the password and had gathered that it was related to the carp but was totally lost as to what to do next. Excited to explore the castle now :)

Comment Privateer

29 Feb 2016

Hi phantom,

Spoiler warning...........................................................................................................................................

If you ask the beggar about the password, he'll tell you "The fish guards Lord Issa's castle." That's a clue as to where the password is to be found. You already have something in your inventory that will allow you to examine the carp closely.

Hope that helps. Am happy to provide further hints if needed.

Good luck!

Comment phantom

28 Feb 2016

I can't figure out how to get into the castle. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with the carp or what the password could be. My inventory: a colourful fragment of pottery, a scrubbing brush, a playing card, a large fragment of pottery, a basket, a few grains of rice and a red paper lantern.

Comment Privateer

02 Feb 2016

Hi Kyu, thank you very much for your encouraging review. I'm delighted you enjoyed the game!

Review KyuJones

01 Feb 2016

This game was very thought provoking and beautiful.

The setting drew me in and I HAD to keep playing even just for that. Immersive writing. ^_^ And the puzzles!! I had a great time pondering over them. I also loved being able to get hints from other players and the game creator in the comments section as I put bits and pieces together. The puzzles flow so well and leave you feeling accomplished at every small one completed, as the bigger picture begins to form.

I will most likely play again. I highly recommend this game! Highly.

Comment KyuJones

01 Feb 2016

WOOOO!!!
Thanks so much Privateer. Great game with beautiful ambiance. Also very much appreciate the hints from others and you. :D

Comment Privateer

29 Jan 2016

Hi Kyu,

Well done on your progress! Your quest for funds and the shrine are connected, so there seems to be only one puzzle here you need help with.

SPOILER WARNING-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is an extra object you need. If you go back to the dusty mountain path with the military banners and examine everything as thoroughly as possible, you should find this dusty little object.

Good luck!

Comment KyuJones

29 Jan 2016

Yay! Made satisfying progress since your last advice, Privateer.
I am quite enjoying this game as a break from work here and there.... so good to have a nice brain challenge to perk you up!

I completed river and maze, which brought me up to half completion on DISH! But...I am currently baffled at the tiny shrine and also where to get more funds....
I've read through previous comments to see if those hints may help, but am still befuddled. "dusty object" was a previous hint for shrine, but I am nooooot certain I have the object to which that hint pertains....

INV: scrubbing brush, a playing card, a sword, a bow, a basket, the shattered remains of a ladder, a sheet of paper, a key, a blanket, a conch shell, a winnowing fan, a dish, a figurine, a bunch of bluebells, a small coin and a red paper lantern.

Comment Privateer

26 Jan 2016

IFforClassroom....Thank you very much for taking the time to rate my game here and on IFDB. Much appreciated and I'm very happy you enjoyed it!

Comment Privateer

26 Jan 2016

Hi Kyu,

SPOILER WARNING........................................................................................

The writing on wall, the instructions on paper, the river, the anticipated return of the cat: all will come later. Quite soon in fact. You just need that dangling fragment (I'm pretty sure there were only 5 to collect.) If you examine it, the see it's hanging on a thread. You can cut the thread by firing an arrow at it. Can't remember exact phrasing, but I'm pretty sure I implemented a variety of possibilities, so it shouldn't be hard to get the right one. ("fire/shoot arrow [at thread]" all work if I'm not wrong.

I suggest saving the game after you've got that final fragment. Two ways to die and, worse, one way to make the game unwinnable lie ahead.

I'm pleased blowing the conch shell gives satisfaction! That is actually its only purpose. :)

Comment KyuJones

25 Jan 2016

Privateer,

I can't figure out what to do with wall writing, how to get dangling china, or where the river is..... unless that is the stream. Oh, also, the paper is instructions to something that I suppose I don't have access to at the moment. :/
I'm also hoping i see the cat again... :3

INV: narrow fragment, jagged fragment, blossom, colourful fragment, large fragment, scrubbing brush, playing card, frog, sword, bow, basket, shattered remains of ladder, sheet of paper, key, blanket, conch shell, arrow and winnowing fan

I like randomly blowing the shell, btw. ^_^ Not sure if it serves a purpose later, but it's fun.

Comment Privateer

24 Jan 2016

Rrehrlich...It was great fun to make. Thank YOU for playing it!

Peter is right about the 'observe nature patiently' part. All in the same place you met the monkey. Incidentally, if you forget the wording of something you've observed there, the cycle will repeat given enough time.

By the way, "z" works as "wait" in Quest, so one can speed up the patient waiting if necessary! :)

Comment rrehrlich

24 Jan 2016

Thank you - clearly I don't understand what patiently really means 😊. This is a beautiful game and I enjoyed it. Thank you for making it, Privateer!

Comment peter edwards

23 Jan 2016

rrehrlich,
You are very close to winning. You have the right idea. A lot of patience and waiting is required in one particular place, and the answers will be yours! The bad news is, I can't remember where that place was... I think it was where you met the monkey. If it wasn't, I apologise, and hope that Privateer will intervene and put us both out of our misery!

Comment rrehrlich

23 Jan 2016

Okay, I hope that this is my last request for help 😊. I am trying to make tea and I can do what the monkey does, but I can't figure out what to do next. I have spent quality time with the worms, the crow, the bees and the horsefly and I have no idea how to proceed. I have tried to stir, mix, sift, whisk, shake, etc all with no success. I have looked up Japanese names for the whisk, but I'm all out of ideas. Can someone once again point me in the right direction? The girl and he heron are in place and I have figured out how to make the sparrow fly, so I'm reasonably sure it's time to make tea now, but I may be wrong.

Comment rrehrlich

23 Jan 2016

Thank you so much!

Review IFforClassroom

23 Jan 2016

As much fun, challenge, and professionalism as an IFcomp piece.

Comment peter edwards

21 Jan 2016

rrehrlich,
It's been long since I played this game, but I seem to remember that you have to bow to him. Can't remember the exact phrasing...
Good luck.

Comment rrehrlich

21 Jan 2016

Ack! I've finally seen the writing on the wall and I *still* can't cross the river!! I have tried saying please, asking politely, politely asking, etc and I just can't seem to hit on the right phrasing. And if it isn't something to say and If calligraphy is the way, I'm not sure how to write it. Please help?

Comment rrehrlich

20 Jan 2016

Thank you for your help. I am now trying to cross the river and I can't figure out how to get mizuchi to move. I have tried to throw things in the liquid, mop up the liquid with the blanket, stab the feet with the sword, feed him a minnow, etc. all with no success. Is there a hint about how to get past him?

Comment Privateer

19 Jan 2016

Hi rreherlich,

SPOILER ALERT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You need to find and examine the fish in the moat.

Have you found the lantern and taken it into the temple? If so, you might have found something useful for getting the fish to approach you...

Good luck!

Comment Privateer

19 Jan 2016

Hi kyu Jones, I don't have a walk through on hand I'm afraid. I can put one together and post it in the forum if that helps. Won't be able to do that for a few days though due to heavy work load. In the mean time, I can give a hint if you let me know where you are and what you've got?

Glad you're enjoying the game. Sorry I couldn't be more help right now!

Comment rrehrlich

19 Jan 2016

I'm enjoying the game very much, but I can't figure out how to cross the bridge into the castle. I have tried every combination and type of fish word I can think of (fish, the fish, minnow, etc) to say to the guard, but I can't figure it out. Can you help me out? Thank you!

Comment KyuJones

18 Jan 2016

I'm enjoying the game and keep coming back to work on it, but would love to know if the walkthrough you finished might be available somewhere for those who would like it?
I am stumped quite a lot lately and only make a smidge of progress every now and then. T_T
It is quite a beautiful and intriguing setting and definitely keeps my brain turning..... But I would love a walkthrough for moments I have tried and tried and just need bits of info. :3

Comment Privateer

14 Jan 2016

Hi sylverdin,

SPOILER ALERT......................................................................................................................................

You're absolutely correct. You do need to find his helmet. It's in a location not far from where he is, amongst tall grass. Keep your eyes AND your ears open to find it!

Best of luck!

Comment sylverdin

13 Jan 2016

Help! I'm stuck at the dying warrior. I know it must have something to do with his armour, but I can't for the life of it figure out what I'm missing. I have: a frog, a colourful fragment of pottery, a basket, a large fragment of pottery, a goat bell, a red paper lantern, a blossom, a narrow fragment of pottery, a jagged fragment of pottery, a playing card, a broken arrow, a sword, a bow, the shattered remains of a ladder, a sheet of paper, a winnowing fan and a scrubbing brush. Do I need to find his helmet?

Comment Privateer

01 Dec 2015

(If you start working on getting into the castle, a use for the rice will occur to you...I'll tell you that now because I honestly can't remember if the beggar says much about the rice. He does know a few useful things though, if you're patient enough with him.)

Comment Privateer

01 Dec 2015

Hi Leinad,

The beggar doesn't want the rice (there is something he'd appreciate being given, but you won't have found it yet. You'll probably know it when you see it, but it's a long way off.)

In the meantime, he'll help you anyway. He knows quite a lot about the world you're in. Ask him about the rice and anything else you can think of. If you're not sure how to get into the castle, you can ask him about that...

Good luck!

Comment Leinad Why

01 Dec 2015

Thanks Privateer!
This may seem trivial... but what do I do with rice, I mean like shouldn't the beggar want it???

Comment Privateer

25 Nov 2015

Hi Leinad,

SPOILER WARNING

Well done finding the lantern. Probably your next step should be to take it to the temple, where it might provide you with some enlightenment.

After that, you may be able to find a way of getting into the castle.

Hope that helps! (and thank you for the review. I'm pleased you're finding it a fun challenge...despite the bruised forehead and dented wall plaster!)

Review Leinad Why

25 Nov 2015

Yeah! One of (if not) the best game here! Certainly tops in the Puzzle section. But dam does it make you work :O. This game is so flawless it should be like, for sale XD (dont get any ideas Privateer) I mean it's really much better than the 'choice of games' ones that attempts to rip you off. Hint for all those who want to smash their heads against a wall after trying this game out; ask the creator! A really great guy who is dedicated to preventing Zen related suidcides!
ejm29 is obviously loopy for not realizing the igenuity of the game. Beautifully written can't wait for any future games!

Comment Leinad Why

25 Nov 2015

woops I've been caught up in other things for a bit sorry Privateer, for not responding!
This is my inventory...
A blossom, a colourful fragment of pottery, a scrubbing brush, a playing card, a red paper lantern and a jagged fragment of pottery.

Thanks for all your hard work :D!!

Comment RAII

05 Nov 2015

Ok. I get it. "cross bridge". Strange. I'm certain I tried it before and nothing happened.

Comment RAII

05 Nov 2015

And I'm stuck immediately after solving this puzzle. A bit frustrating.
> ask guard about bridge
"You may pass," he mutters.
> go bridge
You can't go there.
> go castle
You can't go there.
> in
You can't go there.
> go gate
You can't go there.
P.S. I'm probably doing something wrong.

Comment RAII

05 Nov 2015

> Upon hearing the password, the guard stands aside.
Thank God

Comment Privateer

30 Oct 2015

Hi Leinad,

You're quite right on several points...
1 Waiting multiple times in the right location is critical
2 That location may not be available to you yet...you may need to forget the tea for now and focus on other stuff first
3 Slapping the old man around won't help - although I can see why you feel like doing that! The lazy git! :)

What's your inventory? I might be able to give a nudge if your stuck.

Comment Leinad Why

29 Oct 2015

I've even tried singing to the tea XDD.

Hey Privateer kudos to you for keeping this game up for 2 years!

Comment Leinad Why

29 Oct 2015

Oh wait after reading the previious comments... making the tea is like a final step of the puzzle right? so I go explore the world before I can sip from the holy grail and reach nirvanna right?

Comment Leinad Why

29 Oct 2015

Oh and does waiting do anything? I've waited very patiently at all sorts of locations for hundreds of moves (no kidding) its a wonder I didnt die of hunger or something.

Comment Leinad Why

29 Oct 2015

ARRRGH! how do you make tea!!! I tried blossom and everything and that old man just ignores me like the old guy in karate kid :P SCREW U OLD MAN! prepare the F-ing tea yourself! I tried to hit him... didnt work you shoulda made it at least possible and make him like some master who is invulnerable to my pitiful attacks . lol I need help people!

Comment Privateer

14 Apr 2015

Hi Georgia,

Spoiler alert............................................................................................................

Good thinking RE making a flood at the mill. To achieve that you have to pick a particular tool off the wall. Like the coloured panels, you're unlikely to select the right one by trial and error or by chance. A clue can be found in the DARK cave...

Best of luck!

Comment Georgiamellon

13 Apr 2015

thanks for the help again! I found the passage :)

I've now reached the mill and i know I'm supposed to make a flood somehow? Stuck again!

Inventory: colourful pottery, jagged pottery, brush, frog, lantern, blossom, playing card, arrow, bow, broken ladder.

Comment Privateer

11 Apr 2015

hi Georgia,

Do you know what Lord Issa's special colour is?

It's found on a couple of things, including the castle guard's uniform. :)

Comment Georgiamellon

11 Apr 2015

Thanks for the hint privateer, I've gone to the hall with the panels and I've examined panels of as many colours as I can think of. I can't think of any more colours and I'm still stuck! :( I'm probably missing something obvious, haha

Comment Privateer

11 Apr 2015

Hi Georgia, glad you're enjoying the journey. Your next step should probably be to........SPOLIER.............................SPOILER.......................find a secret passage in the castle. It's in the main hall. You need to examine the wall panel of a significant colour: e.g. Examine red panel (it's not the red one!) Happy to provide a further hint if wanted/ needed...

Good luck!

Comment Georgiamellon

10 Apr 2015

I love this game so far, but I'm completely stuck!
I've gotten past the rose garden and have made my way into the castle. I've found the arrow and now I'm not sure what to do next :/ some help would be much appreciated! :)

Current inventory: Frog, colourful fragment of pottery, red paper lantern, blossom, jagged fragment of pottery, playing card, broken arrow and a scrubbing brush.

Comment gl

28 Feb 2015

Ahhhh, ignore my last comment! I found my way :)

Comment gl

28 Feb 2015

This is very embarrassing, but I do not know how to get passed to first part!
I've taken the fragment, shown the woman, examined everything mentioned and go no where!

Comment Privateer

08 Feb 2015

Hi sonyaswan,

I'm pleased you're havng fun with the game. Here's a hint which I hope will help.................................................spoiler.................................

Almost all your questions will be resolved one by one once you have dealt with the dying warrior. His armour is not complete.

Well done for creating a flood at the mill. You might have found a cloud (of sorts) in or around that location to look under?

Hope that gives you something to work with. And thanks for pointing out the typo! Good luck!

Comment sonyaswan

07 Feb 2015

Hi, I've been playing for a couple of days on and off and am now absorbed by this game :)
I have got the water mill to turn, but I can't figure out how to get into the pagoda. I also can't get into the top room of the castle.
I am carrying a blossom, a colourful fragment of pottery, a scrubbing brush, a frog, a goat bell, a red paper lantern, a jagged fragment of pottery, a broken arrow, a sword, a bow, a helmet, the shattered remains of a ladder and a winnowing fan.
I would like to be able to go further north so I can find the cloud but I am unsure if it is the same place I have been where I gan get the sparrows to briefly move away from the rice..
I have managed to get to where I am by reading the hints posted here before very carefully when I have got stuck, but I'm not sure any of them are helping me at the moment. I would like a gentle push in the correct direction please :)

PS- there seems to be a missing "a" where the crow is, thought you might like to know ;)

Comment Privateer

05 Dec 2014

Thank you very much for the reviews. I'm glad you enjoyed the game.

Review jdpjdpjdp

03 Dec 2014

A really fantastic game experience. I seldom finish games of this level of difficulty -- and make no mistake, this is a difficult game to finish -- but the poetic nature of the writing and the almost otherworldly feeling of the piece makes it hard to step away from. The level of difficulty is the only negative thing I have to say: I had to ask for help more than once, and some of the solutions really are tough marks to hit without some assistance. Thankfully, the creator has been more than willing to oblige, and the overall experience is definitely worth it.

Not a quick play, but if you want to stretch your mind, gradually, over time, this is the game for you.

Comment jdpjdpjdp

03 Dec 2014

Finished! Thanks for the tips, and a review is forthcoming!

Review ejm29

03 Dec 2014

Look pretty good. But it probaly needs a little more clue towards what to do. I think I have been to all locations and spoken to everyone, but im still stuck on "observe nature patently" im obviously just doing somthing wrong. Nice game though :)

Comment Privateer

03 Dec 2014

Hi jdpjdpjdp,

Well done on your progress...
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::spoilers:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Regarding the tea, everything you need is already in the teahouse (assumed to be among the 'tea-making utilities'); all you need to do there is provide the correct verbs in the correct order. The natural things you have observed provide you with that information. You should use verb+tea.

If you can't remember exactly what you observed, don't worry. The natural 'cycle' repeats if you wait long enough so you can meet the monkey et al again.

Best of luck!

Comment jdpjdpjdp

02 Dec 2014

OK... lots of progress made since my last message. I'm all the way to making the tea, and here's where I'm stuck again. I've "observed nature patiently" and seen what nature has to show me, but I can't figure out how to complete that first step (emulating the monkey). Obviously I need to get some water (I assume from that side of the river), but can't figure out how. Any help, as ever, would be greatly appreciated!

Comment Privateer

01 Dec 2014

Hi jdpjdpjdp,

Sorry for the delay in replying...no computer access at weekends.

For the final fragment the water mill is indeed involved. That's where the flood in question can occur (if you make it happen) and also where a cloud (of sorts) can be found.

If you find yourself at a loss as to how to interact with the mill, it may be that you have missed a vital clue in the dark cave. That's a gentle nudge, but it you're getting a bit frustrated and want a bit more direct help, I've written it backwards below so you can take or leave it!
***********************************************

teg dir fo eht nretnal erofeb uoy og otni eht krad evac

Comment mansikka

29 Nov 2014

Thank you Privateer, I'll try if I can find it! :)

Comment jdpjdpjdp

28 Nov 2014

I was stuck in two-dimensional thinking, lateral and vertical, and completely forgot depth! I should know better. Thank you.

Now I'm down to the last fragment, which I think is the one the beggar eludes to. Clouds are over the fields to the north, but what about the flood? Is the water mill involved at all? Unlike my last question, where I knew the general area, with this I'm not even sure I'm on the right track. I can't find anything else at the mill, and in the fields all I can do is momentarily startle the birds. If you've got another "a-ha!" moment to spare, I'd really appreciate it.

And while I'm here, this is a really engaging game. I'm not a particularly patient guy, and games with puzzles this tough usually don't keep me long because I get frustrated and rage quit. The fact that I still WANT to get deeper in this game means you've done a really good job making an experience that gets its hooks into the player. Well done, and thanks for the willingness to help!

Comment Privateer

28 Nov 2014

Hi jdpjdpjdp, :::::::::spoiler::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

LOOK BEHIND TREE will see you right. :)

Comment jdpjdpjdp

28 Nov 2014

Actually, that's my problem: I already found that, I know exactly where it SHOULD be (I think), but I can't figure out how to actually get it.

SPOILER:::::::::::::

It should be leaning against the tree with the crow in it, right? The one right by the water mill? Because I've tried every combination of look/examine/search and branch/tree I can think of, I've tried cutting the tree down, I've tried to climb it... nada. I'm sure I'll feel dumb as soon as you tell me, but... yeah, please tell me, it's driving me nuts.

Comment Privateer

28 Nov 2014

jdpjdpjdp, pleased you're enjoying the game and thank you for the compliments.

I'm very happy to give any hints/ solutions you like. But since you've come so far, I reckon a nudge might be enough to help you find the bow, but let me know if you need something more explicit...

:::SPOILER::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

A clue for the location of the bow can be found *on* the chest in Issa's sleeping quarters.

Good luck!

Comment jdpjdpjdp

27 Nov 2014

OK, this is the first game I've played here where I was stumped but also enjoying myself too much to just give up... that was a compliment, BTW. So I'm begging for help.

I've got a huge inventory and 3 bits of the pottery. I've found the hanging fourth and can't get it. I saw another player here provide a long list of inventory items, all of which I've found except for a bow. I don't know how much more specific you would or wouldn't be comfortable with me being, for the sake of spoilers, so hopefully this vague sense of where I am in the game will be enough for you to give me a helpful nudge or two.

Really good game, in any event!

Comment Privateer

26 Nov 2014

Hi mansikka, I'm glad you're enjoying the game. The lantern is ::::spoiler::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: in the same location as the beggar.....examine the low wooden building very carefully to find it. If you need a further hint, just ask :)

Comment mansikka

24 Nov 2014

Hi, I found this game trying to get some ideas for my own creation... and I couldn't stop playing it. :D I've really liked it so far, but I seem to be missing the lantern and for some reason I cannot find it. Any hints?

Comment Privateer

11 Jul 2014

Further spoiler:::::::::

The other fragment you probably found would have been by the old pond. I would suggest your next step is to work out how to enter the castle.

Happy to give a further nudge if wanted :)

Comment Privateer

10 Jul 2014

Spoiler ahead::::::::::::::::::

You'll have found the jagged fragment in the rose garden, after cunningly interacting with the local wildlife there.

Good luck!

Comment cleopayne

09 Jul 2014

Thanks for the reply! My main problem right now is just a stupid mistake on my part, because I collected the jagged piece of pottery earlier, forgot to save the game, and can't remember for the life of me where it was. I'm trying desperately to re-find that before I move on with the game.

Comment Privateer

09 Jul 2014

Hi cleopayne, you've already solved the rose garden in less than an hour. I thought that one would take longer, so don't feel like an idiot!

Spoilers ahead::::::::::::

I would advise examining *everything* very carefully. Sometimes when you examine something, you get more clues about what else you can examine in the description.

Have you asked people about the fragment you found? The woman and the beggar are your best bet.

But if they don't help enough, ask again here. I or a previous player will be happy to help.

And don't worry if it takes some time. It's not a game you can easily race through. Your overall objective should reveal itself gradually. Hope that helps!

Best of luck!

Comment cleopayne

09 Jul 2014

I feel like a complete idiot, but I've been playing this for an hour and have frankly gotten absolutely nowhere. Any hints on where to go? I've already collected a piece of pottery from the rose garden and talked to a lot of people, but I don't think I've learned anything useful.

Comment Privateer

05 Jul 2014

Don't worry zkenyon. If you no longer have the rice, you did the right thing and it hasn't been wasted. Look carefully at the place you threw it to see what effect it might have had...

Comment zkenyon

05 Jul 2014

I have gotten rid of my rice, and I did not notice an effect, I waited long but nothing came of it, and now I have no rice.

Comment Privateer

30 Jun 2014

Thank you very much for the kind review, beautyvsashes. I'm happy you enjoyed the game.

Review BeautyvsAshes

30 Jun 2014

I started this game because I was bored one afternoon; I sure am glad I did! This game is beautifully written and the puzzles are challenging but not impossible - especially when previous players and Privateer are ready and willing to offer subtle clues where needed. For which I am truly grateful. You know a game is good when you don't really want it to end. I found myself enjoying the world that had been created and found myself wanting to interact with everything. The music added to the atmosphere, and the concept of the game was perfect. Although I didn't play this whilst drinking green tea (I try to not mix my laptop with liquid), I did spend considerable time exploring. Which, should you play this too, let me give you some advice. Examine everything. Look everywhere. Ask questions where you can. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves beautifully crafted puzzles, because this is definitely one of them! My favourite game on here so far :)

Comment Privateer

29 Jun 2014

Email received and replied to. Yup, the heron situation is quite cruel. I tried to figure out a way of making that puzzle less cruel without making it less tough, but nothing seemed right. I reckon, when I am back in civilisation, I might resolve that cruelty issue by making a code people can enter to...purge the heron (in effect only!!)

Good luck finishing the game.

Comment BeautyvsAshes

26 Jun 2014

Privateer, I have sent you an email, so as not to create any spoilers here :)

Comment BeautyvsAshes

26 Jun 2014

Oh, and thank you peter edwards and Privateer. You've all been very patient with me.

Comment BeautyvsAshes

26 Jun 2014

So if you overfeed the Heron, there is no way to finish the game?? Oh dear. I sense a third start coming on...lol. However, as I am still really keen to finish the game, I don't mind :)
My problem was I had bed the heron prior to seeing the paper maze girl. Brutal mistake.

Comment Privateer

26 Jun 2014

Peter is right. The haiku given to you by the girl in the maze is the instruction you need to follow. If you overfeed the heron, you (and it) are a bit stuffed!

Comment peter edwards

26 Jun 2014

As I said, it's been a long time since I played. but I seem to remember that the number of fishes you give the heron is critical - too many and it refuses the frog, too few and it gulps it down! Does the paper maze girl help? Sorry I can't! Hope Sarah4 remembers more...

Comment BeautyvsAshes

25 Jun 2014

Okay...this frog has got me completely stuck! Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Comment BeautyvsAshes

24 Jun 2014

This is the issue: I have fed the heron until it doesn't want anymore fish, but it also doesn't want the frog (Thank you for the saving advice Privateer and peter edwards!!). I can't give the frog, I can't feed the frog, I can't place the frog, put the frog, throw the frog...I can drop it but that doesn't seem to do anything. I shall keep on pondering this... :) Thank you sarah4 for always offering some advice!

Comment sarah4

23 Jun 2014

Once you have managed to get the heron to hold the frog in its mouth without eating it then you have done all you need to with the heron. If you haven't figured out how to achieve this yet then the girl in the paper maze's words should give you the solution of how to sate the heron's hunger so it won't have an appetite for amphibians.

Comment peter edwards

23 Jun 2014

It's been a long time since I played this game, but the best of advice I can give you is to save the game before dealing with the heron!

Comment BeautyvsAshes

23 Jun 2014

Thank you for the subtle hints. They have really helped me thus far...except with this heron. I have poked, prodded, pulled, fed, begged and so on to get it to move. But it prefers the shallows.

Comment sarah4

22 Jun 2014

You don't really need to do anything with the turtle, just make sure all of the other elements in the garden, mainly the old man, the young woman and the heron are as they are depicted in the bowl, then wait until the turtle crawls back onto the rock and find a way of getting the lark in the tree to return to its position in the illustration. If you need any help figuring out how to achieve this final puzzle, there is a clue in the mural in the castle. Hope this helps, you are right at the end now so don't give up!

Comment BeautyvsAshes

22 Jun 2014

Thank you Sarah4! That did help! I actually was not carrying around that object, as it was located in the one area I thought I had examined many times...but actually had not examined it properly! Tricky! :) Now however I am stuck on the turtle. Do I have to figure out how to make him stay on the rock? I actually haven't thought much about him all game.

Comment sarah4

20 Jun 2014

You're so close to the solution of the game now, but you may need a little divine intervention to help you get there. A little time spent at the roadside shrine may be just what you need to tie up all the loose ends, you will also find a use for a dusty object you may have been carrying around since near the beginning of the game. I'm trying to not give too much away, but if you need more explicit clues then please ask.

Comment BeautyvsAshes

20 Jun 2014

Hello Privateer,

I am glad my thought processes are creating ideas for future puzzles! However, my thought processes are not currently helping me with the current puzzles... I think the only thing I haven't yet tried is to climb the willow tree and the leafless tree. I think that's the next thing I'll try haha.

Comment Privateer

19 Jun 2014

Hi BeautyvsAshes,

SPOILERS BELOW::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

You do need to find more money, but it's not in the snow.

Sadly, there is no way of changing the sour expression on the frog's face, although I like the way you're thinking (your thought processes keep giving me lots of ideas for future puzzles!) But maybe he'll feel more at ease - on some existential level at least - when he's in the correct place...

Comment BeautyvsAshes

19 Jun 2014

Thank you Sarah4 and Privateer. I am saving as I go so I don't end up dying or being unable to finish the game. I just have one (okay so two) questions...should I find more than one coin in some fallen snow? Or do I have to find 4 more? I'm guessing I need to get rid of the sour expression on the frog's face? Ahhh so many wonderful puzzles... :)

Comment Privateer

18 Jun 2014

I'd also advise you to save the game at this point. There aren't many ways to "die" or make the game unwinnable...and you seem to have got the info you need to avoid any such outcome...but just in case you make a mistake, it might be worth while.

Congrats on crossing the river and finding the girl, by the way! :)

Comment sarah4

18 Jun 2014

I would recommend you return to the pond and skim some stones to help clear your mind, though doing so may disturb nearby wildlife! Hope this helps!

Comment BeautyvsAshes

18 Jun 2014

Okay, I am well and truly stuck again. I have gotten across the river, gotten a hint from the singing girl and get the feeling I need a frog...only I have no idea where to find the thing!!!

Comment BeautyvsAshes

18 Jun 2014

Thank you so much Privateer. I got the email and am all caught up and have gone ahead only to be thoroughly stumped...again. Haha. I will have a good look around before I ask for help, but I now see what you mean about what the writing refers to becoming obvious. What to do with that info is less obvious. Thank you once again! :)

Comment Privateer

17 Jun 2014

Walkthrough sent. Good luck!

Comment Privateer

17 Jun 2014

Hi BeautyvsAshes,

No problem, I'll email that to you :)

Ironically, my previous "fix" just made it so you could pick up the narrow fragment...but then couldn't drop it! NOW, I believe I have fixed it properly so you can pick it and and drop it as many times as you like!

Walkthrough nearly done...

Comment BeautyvsAshes

17 Jun 2014

Oh and I had also discovered the writing on the wall, but I'll be darned if I know how to use it!!!

Comment BeautyvsAshes

17 Jun 2014

That is alright :) This is how we improve on things. Plus, I may be the only person who decided to do that haha. Here is my list of items (included should also be the narrow fragment - which I can't pick up): "You are carrying a colourful fragment of pottery, a scrubbing brush, a playing card, a blossom, a large fragment of pottery, a basket, a broken arrow, a sword, the shattered remains of a ladder, a sheet of paper, a key, a conch shell, a blanket, a pebble, a winnowing fan, a jagged fragment of pottery, an arrow, a red paper lantern and a bow."
Thank you so much for being willing to do the walkthrough in part. I could probably remember some of it but not all! If you don't want to leave the walkthrough on here, you can email it to me at: [email protected] :)

Comment Privateer

17 Jun 2014

Hi BeautyvsAshes, the bad new is: you have stumbled on a glitch that I had not noticed. The good news is: I have just fixed it (thank you for finding it!!)

But the bad news is: you'll need to restart with the new game file. But the good news is: If you let me know exactly what you were carrying, I'll be able to provide you with a walkthrough that will get you to the point you're at with minimum hastle!

I'm really very sorry about that! How did I miss it??

Comment BeautyvsAshes

17 Jun 2014

I seem to have stumbled upon a problem...when examining the basin, I found something I need, and can't get it. So after reading the text, I decided to drop all in order to be, "free of all things." However, when that didn't work, I went to take all again. But, I now cannot pick up the narrow fragment again. Is this meant to happen? Or have I managed to stumble upon a glitch? I am really hoping it isn't a glitch!

Comment Privateer

16 Jun 2014

You're very welcome! :)

Comment BeautyvsAshes

16 Jun 2014

Privateer...thank you so much! I shall get exploring once again. I cannot believe, seriously CANNOT believe I didn't think of your last suggestion. I've literally done that everywhere else! Hahaha...I'll chalk that up to a blonde moment and move on! :)

Comment Privateer

15 Jun 2014

BeautyvsAshes, one more thing...SPOILER:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

You found the sunny clearing - that was the hard bit. Now just look under the hive :)

Comment Privateer

15 Jun 2014

*its

Sorry, that typo was going to annoy me forever! :)

Comment Privateer

15 Jun 2014

Hi again BeautyvsAshes! Congratulations on making such good progress. Here's a handful of hints to help you on your way: SPOILERS:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

In Lord Issa's quarters:-
The conch is not useful - but studying the chest in which it was found will be helpful for you
There is also an arrow hidden in that room which you will need

The beggar:-
If in doubt, ask the beggar about everything you can think of. He can be annoying in his responses, but he does know a thing of two about where to find fragments of pottery

The lantern:-
This item was useful in providing light in the dimly lit temple...however, it's light may be a hindrance to you in another dark space.

I hope that gives you something to be going on with! Ask again if you need more :)

Comment BeautyvsAshes

15 Jun 2014

Okay so I am stuck again... I have a conch shell, key, minnows in a basket, paper, found a sunny clearing, gotten 3 pieces of pottery and discovered some writing in the pagoda (walls). But I am at a total loss as to what to do next. I am really enjoying this game and the beautiful nature of it :)

Comment BeautyvsAshes

14 Jun 2014

sarah4 thank you so much! I spent ages re-searching places and FINALLY made some progress - quite a lot actually. It is clear you spent a long time creating this and it really shows. I will leave a review once I have finished this. :)

Comment Privateer

14 Jun 2014

And yes, BeautyvsAshes, you're quite right; when you say the correct password, you will know it instantly.

Comment Privateer

14 Jun 2014

Very good advice. Consulting the beggar about some of these issues might help shed some light too; he knows quite a lot about the world in which he sits...but Sarah4, having completed it, and myself, having written it, know *almost* as much as he does, so give a shout if you start to get frustrated! I'm pleased you're enjoying it so far though.

Comment sarah4

14 Jun 2014

I would advise you to do a spot of fishing to help inspire you, but you will need some bait first, have a good look in the temple, a light source will definitely help with this and you will find one if you look around. Hope this helps!

Comment BeautyvsAshes

14 Jun 2014

Okay so I assume if you say the password and there is no response then it is wrong? If so, I am completely bamboozled. I have a blossom, brush, piece of pottery and a pebble. Oh and a playing card. I am so stuck!

Comment BeautyvsAshes

14 Jun 2014

Thank you Privateer...this is a beautiful game by the way :)

Comment Privateer

14 Jun 2014

...keep everything in lower case! :)

Comment Privateer

13 Jun 2014

Hi beautyvsAshes. If you think you have the password, just use the command "say" followed by the password. For example:

say qwerty

Good luck!

Comment BeautyvsAshes

13 Jun 2014

I am new to this game and just feeling my way around. The guard keeps asking me for a password, but I don't know how to give him one. I think I have the answer, but I don't know how to phrase a response. Any hint on how to word it would be VERY much appreciated. Thank you!

Comment Privateer

13 Feb 2014

Edit: Parser slightly expanded and neater anti-accidental-solution-finding mechanism implemented. To the person who downloaded this about 10 minutes ago: Probably worth re-downloading to get these improvements.

Comment Privateer

11 Feb 2014

Made a bit more cheat-proof...or if you prefer, players are now protected from accidentally stumbling across solutions when using certain techniques that some Quest players know about...

Comment Privateer

12 Jan 2014

*vice versa :)

Comment Privateer

12 Jan 2014

Removed bamboo frame: what works with downloaded game doesn't work so well with online game, and visa versa

Comment Privateer

12 Jan 2014

Bamboo frame added to decorate text (not essential to re-download or restart)

Comment Privateer

30 Dec 2013

Edit: Just a new cover picture

Comment Privateer

20 Dec 2013

Tiny punctuation change in an obscure message. Don't bother to re-download for this. I just have nothing better to do than fix minute details...

Comment Privateer

19 Dec 2013

discovered a missing "a"! Fixed. Phew! (no need to re-download unless you have OCD like me)

Comment Privateer

12 Sep 2013

Thank you very much for the review, Sarah4. I'm pleased you enjoyed the game. And I have to congratulate you on your lateral thinking, especially as you managed to find a certain fragment BEFORE hearing a certain Death Poem! It's very rewarding to know you had fun in this adventure. Cheers!

Review sarah4

11 Sep 2013

Hi Privateer, sorry for not reviewing sooner but I have been away for a couple of weeks. Thanks again for all your help, the calligraphy puzzle was quite exquisite and I wish I had been able to work it out!

This was an absolutely outstanding game, I don't think I can do justice to the quality of the concept, narrative and puzzles in this review, but I will give it a go! I must admit that, when I saw the game description, I had been anticipating a small one or two room puzzle, I was unprepared for the epic scale of the game that unfolded as I accessed more and more locations. As a fan of epic text adventures, this was a very welcome surprise indeed!

This is one of the most impressive, original and challenging text games I have played and I really can't think of any way it could have been improved. Having said all this, there are a few aspects of the game I would like to pick out for particular commendation.

Firstly, the language, locations, objects and characters are beautifully and meticulously described. Even short descriptions are well-executed and the use of imagery from Japanese literature and art is wonderfully integrated into the game. The spelling and grammar are impecable, which is always such a pleasure as poor spelling can mar an otherwise enjoyable game. I greatly appreciate the attention to detail this represents!

Sometimes, beautifully written and descriptive games can be somewhat light on puzzles leaving the player feeling like they are reading a book rather than playing a game, this could not be further from the case with The Zen Garden. There are more puzzles than you can shake a winnowing fan at, and, all of them are exquisitely executed and perfectly integrated into the game environment. Not all of the puzzles are essential to solving the game, however, they all, at the very least, offer you a valuable clue to solving other puzzles. I enjoyed the way that the game was essentially divided into two quests, the solution of the first pointing toward the solution for the second. M

Comment Privateer

04 Sep 2013

Quite big sound files sometimes. Recommend downloading so you don't miss them.

Comment Privateer

30 Aug 2013

Hi Sarah4, well done for making such good progress! I should apologise in advance that unless you redownloaded the game, your (probably soon to be seen) congratulations screen will be, whilst complete, marred by an error window and a weird illogical line of text at the end...and no music. I hope that doesn't end your journey on a bum note!

SPOILERS AHEAD:

The winnowing fan (well done for finding it!) is not useful. its function was simply to cover the handle on which it was hung.

The paper maze: You're right that the sheet of paper IS important. The letters give you the directions. Imagine someone were to paint the letters in one movement keeping the brush on the paper. E.g LM = the brush goes south, then east, then north, then southeast, etc... (my dad/ beta-tester warned me that was an evil one to crack!)

As for making the tea, you'll have heard the (seemingly not very helpful) advice the old man in the teahouse gives you. Combine this with what the beggar tells you when you return an item to him that he has left somewhere. Then you will have a location in mind, and what you do there is suggested by the word "patiently"...Do ask again if you need another hint. I have not been very explicit!

Thanks again for your comments. It's very rewarding to know someone is playing and enjoying the game.

Comment sarah4

30 Aug 2013

Hi Privateer, thank you so much for your speedy reply and many thanks for being so considerate when creating this game! I had foolishly not thought of examining the appropriately hued panel (and am kicking myself for not having worked it out myself!) so thanks so much for that hint as I have consequently travelled far further now. I have reunited the pottery fragments and have a good idea of what I need to do to help restore harmony to the garden. However, I'm afraid I must ask for another clue if that would be possible please. I'll try and give you an idea of where I am without giving too many spoilers for those who are just beginning the game!
I have bought the item that the dish suggested would be required by the young woman in the garden, so, I presume I have to get on with making the tea now! I'm not sure how to do this yet, but, before I worry about that, I need to figure out how to find my way through the paper maze without being killed. I read the warning on the silk screen, but haven't found any directions yet. I picked up a piece of paper from the monk's table in the pagoda (he just keeps going on about calligraphy so I assumed the paper he'd presumably been writing on might be important!) unfortunately, I can't see how the letters on the sheet of paper could represent directions. I thought it may be a code, but, if so, I haven't cracked it yet!
Also, I have the winnowing fan, I've just found the glow worm constellation which confirmed my vague memory of a winnowing fan having something to do with sorting the wheat from the chaff (I think I remember one being mentioned in the story of Ruth in the Old Testament), but, despite doing everything I can think of, I can't seem to figure out how to harvest the rice from the field in order to 'winnow' it. I thought the sickle would be helpful but I'm told it's of no use and so can't take it. I have a sword with me but can't seem to turn that into a ploughshare and can't extract the spear head

Comment Privateer

29 Aug 2013

Edit: Right! Now when you finish the game, you are rewarded with some music, rather than an error message! Sorry!!

Comment Privateer

28 Aug 2013

Hi Sarah4,

I am very pleased you discovered my game and I really appreciate your encouraging comments. Thank you! I sort of had you (and like-minded adventurers) in mind when I wrote it as I had seen your comments on other games. Hence, there are no images, and I tried to give you something to get your teeth into as you were so efficient at completing other games! :)

SPOILERS AHEAD:

From what you have told me, I think you have not yet found the secret passage out of the castle? If I am right. most of the issues you raised will be addressed once you open up this new set of locations. And even more of your questions will be answered once you then go on to find the last 2 fragments in these locations. So, perhaps I should not say too much else. But, if you want a hint for finding the secret passage here it is: examine the panel in the hall which is of a colour favoured by the owner of the castle (and use complete words for this: e.g. red panel, or green panel, etc.)

I hope this helps. If not, let me know and I'll provide more.

Good luck!

PS: After you find all the fragments, I'd suggest you save the game. There are a couple of ways of "dying" and it would be annoying to have to go round and pick them all up again!

Comment sarah4

28 Aug 2013

This is a wonderful game with beautiful descriptions and a truly novel concept for a text game! I've been enjoying exploring my surroundings and contemplating the world around me. I've solved a few of the puzzles and have discovered, thanks to one of the characters, the import of these pottery fragments I've been collecting and have picked up a number of items which I am yet to find a use for. I was wondering if I could possibly ask for a little clue please, don't worry if you'd rather not give anything away, I'll just have to read a few more haiku for inspiration! But, if you would be willing to help then here are the things I'm struggling with:
I believe I am missing two pottery fragments, one of which the beggar has given me a helpful hint about. I have spotted a location through one of the windows in the castle keep which I think may yield my prize, but I have no idea how I can reach these cloud-covered fields.
I have discovered that I am carrying two items (minnows and frog) that cause the turtle to react when I offer them to him, but, although the turtle blinks or stretches, nothing useful seems to come of this.
Using another clue I found in the tower, I have successfully startled a sparrow, though it immediately returns to its resting place with no perceptable results, I wonder if this is because I am missing an item of clothing that the clue in question featured? If so I haven't found it, or anything like it, yet.
I have been unable to interact with the fog or windchime in any way.
I have not been able to find any clue about retrieving the key for the door in the tower.
I have been carrying around a single blossom, goat bell, playing card, broken arrow, frog, basket of minnows and sword for a while now without finding a use for any of them.

There are other puzzles I am yet to solve but I feel solving one or two of the above riddles would help me make some headway with others.

Also, I am visually impaired so was just checking that there were no images used in thi

Comment Privateer

27 Aug 2013

Edit: One character's ASK key improved, so you're less likely to miss a useful clue.

Comment Privateer

27 Aug 2013

Edit: A couple of VERY minor tweaks only. Not worth re-downloading. restarting for.

Comment Privateer

26 Aug 2013

Latest (and last surely!) edit: Could be worth re-downloading on the basis of this change. Discovered a missing flag that made one challenge a bit easier than it should have been. I'm sure you want the most difficult version!!

Comment Privateer

25 Aug 2013

Last edit: Just a couple of minor cosmetic changes. Not worth re-downloading for in my opinion, unless you were desperate for an ivory background and some slightly better spacing in the Game Over message!

Comment Privateer

24 Aug 2013

To the half a dozen players who have already started this game: important glich has just been fixed. Recommend re-dowloading/ restarting with new version to avoid meeting with frustration. Enjoy!