This area is visited as one of three required challenge locations in order to obtain the Heart Key from the Helmite Ghost.
This area is accessed from the Watcher's Keep Final Seal level, the 5th dungeon level of Watcher's Keep.
Area description[]
As the party transitions from the "Challenge Room" area (taking the easternmost the three gates offered), the party enters what appears to be a lighted and furnished rectangular room, fitted with a fountain/spa bath.
Once entered, there is no available means to exit the area, which will change when the challenge is resolved in the party's favor.
Resting on this dungeon level[]
This dungeon level is safe to rest in. There are no random spawned enemies which will disturb the party's respite.
On the map[]
There are no Automap markers in this area.
Gameplay[]
The party transitions on the southwestern side of the map, and ahead can be seen a hovering Imp.
The imp greets the party and says:
- Guests! Welcome to my domain. No doubt you seek a challenge. But are you worthy of it or merely fools? We shall soon see.
The party must select a reply, "I shall prove my worth to you, imp. I await your challenge" or "I'm sick of games and puzzles and tests."
If the party responds with being "..sick of games.." the Imp caustically says:
- Sadly, you do not make the rules here. This is my realm, my little world. So we do as I say.
If they agree, the imp replies:
- Let us see if that lump between your shoulders does more than hold up your hat. We begin with a riddle. Pay attention.
The first test - a riddle[]
The imp presents the first challenge:
- I have as many brothers as sisters, but my brothers have twice the number of sisters as brothers. How many children do my parents have?
Make a selection from the choices offered in the dialogue box. They range from four through twelve. If the party selects the correct number, the imp replies with:
- Correct. Perhaps you are a worthy mental adversary despite your doltish appearance. But to complete this challenge, you must beat me at a game of coins.
If the party makes the wrong selection, the imp says:
- So very, very wrong. Obviously, you need a hint. Very well—be aware that I am female. Now, one last chance. I suggest you get it right—or you'll be very, very sorry.
If the party gets it wrong again, the imp states:
- I suspected your intelligence was lacking when I first saw you. But do not worry. You shall have an eternity to try and figure out the right answer.
At this point a cut scene takes over and the entire party is subjected to an Imprisonment effect. The main character is lost, and it is game over.
On the other hand, if the party gets it right on the second go, with the benefit of the clue, then the imp presents the next challenge.
The second test - Game of coins[]
The imp says:
- Correct. Perhaps you are a worthy mental adversary despite your doltish appearance. But to complete this challenge, you must beat me at a game of coins.
The party may select from two replies, including "More games? Fine—get on with it" or "I passed your pathetically simple test. I can certainly beat you at coins. How do you play?"
The imp explains the game:
- The rules are simple. Here are 11 coins. We alternate turns, taking 1, 2, or 3 coins at a time. Whoever takes the last coin loses. A simple game to learn, but a difficult one to master.
This is followed by:
- Since I always play fair, I will let you start. 11 coins are left. How many will you take? Remember—whoever takes the last coin loses.
Select from the choices in the dialogue box, the choices are one coin, two coins, three coins or "Actually, why don't YOU go first".
If you select one coin, the imp says:
- I shall take 1 coin. The game is getting interesting, wouldn't you agree?
If two coins are selected:
- Well played. I will take 1 coin. There are 8 left, and it is your move.
If three coins are taken:
- Let me see... I grab 3 coins. I hate to say it, but this one is as good as over.
If the party lets the imp go first:
- If that is what you wish, then so be it. I will take 2 coins.
The game continues after these choices, with the party provided selection choices of how many coins will they remove - with the goal being to not be last one to take a coin.
If the party loses to the imp in this game, or the party realizes they will lose and forfeits, it will give you another chance - and a new game begins with the same dialogue choices as the first time it was played.
Should the party fail again, this replaying will continue. It will keep going until the party finally wins.
When the party wins the game, the imp says:
- You may have won, but I'm not going to stick around here and listen to your gloating!
And the imp disappears from the area for good.
Conclusion[]
After the imp departs, the Helmite Ghost will appear and say:
- Your wisdom has allowed you to triumph over the cunning and trickery of the imp! I hope it will be so when you face the Imprisoned One.
The party receives a 21,000 XP quest reward, and the ghost dematerializes leaving the party in this area.
Explore and investigate any containers here before transitioning back to the main dungeon level.
Notes[]
If the player is unable to figure out the correct answer to the first challenge test, and wants to be provided the answer, click the "Solve" link below.
The optimal path and actions to solve the challenge is:
The correct answer to the "How many children do my parents have?" is seven.
Gallery[]
