An Ainigmata Ostraka tablet
Ainigmata Ostraka (riddle shells) were a series of tablets found by the Spartan misthios Kassandra during the 5th century BCE. Hidden here and there in manmade structures, the misthios would find treasures containing engravings that enhanced her abilities.[1]
The Riddles
The Ainigmata Ostraka were a set of 60 riddles in various places across Greece, and five in each of Aletheia's simulations.[2]
Greece
When times are bad, it can be easy to turn away from the gods. Go to the burned temple in Kausos Village, in the Cursed Valley of Pali. I can be found in a pile of burning ashes, where a worshiping man left his post to begin his new life as a pirate.
Taking the plunge? Everyone on the island thinks this is the deepest dive, but there is a lake in the Coast of Koliadai that is rumored to be bottomless. If you are able to dive as far as the woman in marble, you will be able to claim me.
If you retrace the steps of Odysseus and take the path north, you will find a goat farm in Ithaka where he once met Athena. She helped him with a disguise to reclaim his wife and kill her suitors. Find your reward on a slaughtered goat.
When all ships look the same, it's hard to remember where you docked. Go to the shores in the Occupied Forest of Tripodiskos and look for a moored ship guarded by a dog. Find me where X marks the spot.
An unusual request came to eliminate some records. I didn't want any trouble so I took a small journey west to Mount Geraneia. Take a dive in the center of the bay and find them on the shelf in a sunken ruin.
It's dangerous outside, so I'm waiting out the war. The only time I go outside this cave is to replenish my cup. Once I leave, I travel northwest from the battlefield in the Occupied Forest of Tripodiskos. Find me at the altar of offerings at the feet of the wine god himself!
If you slip beside the Leader's house in Pilgrim's Landing, you can find me in a large bowl of olives.
In the Valley of the Snake lies a giant half buried. From where his mossy finger points, head north to the peak where I can be found.
With so much to see in Delphi, it may be hard to find me. I'm sitting at the plinth of the only bronze statue holding a spear and a sword. This great general is among seven of his peers.
What makes the Red Lake red? Take a dive and search for a hidden cave. You'll find out if you grab the bull by its horns.
Gone fishing! Needed some time away from camp. Find me at the tip of a fishing spear on the island in Pandora's Cove.
High on Artemision Point I used to sit. I was cast from Istiaia in a thunderous fit for a crime I was present for, but did not commit. Underneath this marbled beast I grieve and sit, but set me free, wanderer, and to you I'll submit.
In Boulder Bay atop the highest peak look to the south for what you seek. Under the stone arch where Theseus died, deep in the waters is where I reside.
Ready for a long hike? At the top of this mountain, you can see the entirety of Greece! Follow the road west to the Statue of Prometheus, then your long journey north begins. Find me at the peak in Oropos Heights.
Take the road going northeast toward Marathon Beach. Look for a small path lined with mysterious stone figures. Some say they were once goats turned into stone! The one with blood on its face is where you can find me.
Trying to get the best view of the Akropolis? Some think it's better from the Temple of Hephaistos, but if you head south from there, you can find me at an altar of offerings between two columns framing the view perfectly.
Head to the theater in Athens. With the right connections, I always get to watch the play from backstage. Find me on an actor's mask.
The Seaman's Judicial Court in the Port of Piraeus is the place where disputes on the open waters are settled. There is something fishy going on amongst the mess of records, and that is where you will find me.
Here on the isle of Salamis, a great warrior's legacy is remembered. Take the road south and look for a ruined sanctuary. I can be found in its vicinity on a statue of an eagle.
If you sail back to the Island of Keos, search for the marble Lion's brother. He stands proud on the peninsula at Apollo's Refuge. You can find me on his back.
In the Cradle of Myths, where the lagoon is blue, seek a hole set in stone so I may see you. When the sun blazes brightest, the fog will lift, and the Eye will open to behold your gift.
Stand atop where leaders dwell and you will see my isle. Typhon's Revenge is where I am - come visit for a while. Scale the mountain forged of fire, for at its peak I sit. But fear the smog and doom and heat, for they will test your gift.
Rumors are erupting that a precious relic was sent to be destroyed at the Foundry of Hephaistos. Dive down the throat of the volcano and be mindful of your footing. Some have been scorched trying to recover me.
There is a club not far from here that rivals this iron beauty. Travel southeast to the edge of the Valley of Dreams. I will be waiting atop the bigger of these two clubs.
How much does a temple cost? Head southeast to the Sanctuary of Asklepios. In the temple, you'll find me among the donated limbs.
Back and forth along the Diolkos, talk about repetitive work! Though it's the fastest way to get a boat across the mainland, you may feel mocked. Along this path stands the statue of Sisyphos pushing his boulder up the hill. Find me in the cave behind this statue, I am on a table with a sacrificed body.
If the seas are not to your favor, seek out a trident. The biggest one is in Korinth, being held by the Statue of Poseidon. You will find me there on one of its prongs.
Travel southwest of Korinth in the Valley of Judgment to find a beautiful monster. You can find me on the tip of her tongue. Just be careful not to get swallowed by her gaze.
It's easy to get distracted by the finer things on this island. With so much work to do to complete the Temple of Apollo, it seems it will never be finished! Find me on top of the temple's Portara. It's the only thing erected so far.
If you climb to the peak of Mount Zas, you will see two smaller islands to the south. I can only be found on one of the islands in a pile of hay near a friendly donkey. Make a decision - the last traveler starved to death trying to choose between the two!
There is an occupied farm on the eastern coast of Kynthos Hills. I can be found buried beneath a large pile of hay.
Within the Birthplace of Apollo, seek the Temple of Delians. There is a secret passageway to an underground tomb behind a bronze statue. Find me in a pile of apples guarded by snakes.
Go to the largest and most lavish house in Mykonos City. I am located on a table in a bath filled with red flower petals. Such a great view of the sea.
Search for the Marble Quarry in Tavern Point. I was thrown down a pit along with the many bodies of exhausted slaves.
Atop Knossos Palace you will see a tree that shoots for the stars. But, like the love that lies at its roots, it'll never get that far. I hide away between bark and bone and curse the promises they made. Set me free at the foot of this tree, where with all their hearts they prayed.
If you stand on the shoulder of Leonidas, you will see he gazes toward the sanctuary dedicated to a mighty king of Sparta who ruled long ago. Start your journey southeast to Helot Hills and find me at the temple's altar.
There is a pond in the south of the Chasms of Taygetos where rocks are arranged to look like a map. A reward is hidden on this map marking your current location.
You have come so far, your training is nearly complete. With shining strength in hand, you will seek victory. Take the path north up Mount Taygetos and you will find me at its snowy summit, where stone turns weak.
It sounds too good to be true... a spring that heals all? Travel east along the border of Psophis Foothills to find a cave that once housed the Ionides sisterhood of nymphs. I will be waiting near its entrance on a submerged basin of offerings.
Craving something sweet? Once you get to the Temple of Demeter and Kore in Tegea, head southwest to the fields in Pan's Cradle. I'll be stuck to a broken hive that's oozing with honey. Don't get stung!
What tragic times! Our farm once raised the fastest horses. Go to the race course in the Forest of Soron. There you'll find me on a table with small toy horses, the last remaining memories of a great team.
Oops, I messed with the wrong people. I'll head north to the peak where the Metal Bird overlooks the Golden Fields. Then, down to the sunken ruins beside Stymphalos village. There I'll be waiting with my pile of cabbage.
As a champion, time is your greatest competitor. Go to the Hippodrome and climb up the second column closest to Olympia. Look north towards the peak. There, I will be sitting on the right wing of a Titan, who had to swallow this lesson along with his pride.
Look for a stone centaur in the middle of a pond in the Plains of Flax. Walk in the direction it faces until another centaur points you in a new direction. Though it will be difficult as the fog gets thicker, fear not, for I will be safe inside a cave of treasures waiting for you to find me.
How much wood does it take to get to the other side? Head east to the coast of the Cursed Land of Oedipous. Where a bridge is being built to Euboea, I will be waiting at the last plank.
Sometimes soldiers can be pigs! Actually, if you follow the road going east out of Kreusis Port, there lie pits full of bloody pigs. You can find me on an altar where a sacrificial pig is being prepared.
Travel west toward a large burned temple in the Mount Helikon region. You'll find me inside, at the source of the fire!
South of Skandeia Bay, from the goddess' light I ran. Past the den of teeth and bones, past poor sacrificial lambs. Across the sea on a lonely isle where ships reluctantly rest in peace, I nestled deep in a dark chamber and bade goodnight to Greece.
Chicken craving? I hear they keep a hidden coop at the temple north of Messene, overlooking the mine. You will find me there in a bag of feed.
Workers are told if they extract any unusual items from the Mines of the Great Trench, they must report them. But if you pay them enough, they will 'forget' their loot on the far side of the lake, under a willow tree in Messene village.
They keep piling up in the city, so the dead are taken east toward the bridge that splits into three directions. Then north, to where a winding road leads to a small camp. They are to be dumped in a pit along with the other waste. You can find me down there, like cold feet poking out from under a blanket.
The theater in Patrai brings the seas to the people, showcasing one of the region's most prized boats. Find me taking a 'bow'!
Blood and dirt stains are less noticeable on darker fabric! Head east across Erymanthos Peaks to the village of Boura. They specialize in fabric production. Find me in a large vat of red dye.
At Scavenger's Coast, north of Pellene, young people gather to dive through a hole in the cliff. Find me at the bottom... if you dare to take the leap!
Behind the Ancient Stronghold lives an eternal king. His gaze is glazed and his bones are stones, and the ruins in the south he calls his home. I made the mistake of raiding his bed, and now I lie with the dead instead.
My lover lived in the Petrified Valley and I, in the Ancient Pearl. To Eresos I had to go in order to see my girl. But there was a sonorous crack halfway through, and blue was what I reaped. The wooden behemoth groaned and creaked, and at the bottom of the river we began to sleep.
From the Mastic Farm, follow the coast east. Keep going till the land's existence does cease. Tucked away in this cave, I watch sails go by. They left me here, to rest and to die.
Elysium
Marble and limestone can't hold forever. A house needs reinforcements, and its foundations must be build to endure. One faulty crack can destroy everything. I fell with my eroding fortification into the water to the east, and will be shadowed by a wooden bridge forever if not found.
To find me, move from the palm to a mouth of the Glorious Dead. The wall of water that spits out of it can be reached by only the most competent climber. It may be wet outside, but i'm kept dry inside.
Though the river Styx is a beast best left undisturbed, it has been traversed for eternity from head to tail. I can be found where it wags in the north, tucked into the leaves of a thriving bush.
In Elysium, flowers are not mere decoration. Stolen away from her mother, Persephone pays tribute to Demeter with the lush sights and smells of blooming growth. Demeter sings on the winds brewing in the Heart of Elysium, and can easily heard from the bed of white flowers where I wait.
The eyes of the Marble Maiden are wise to watch the river Styx, especially in this unpredictable corner of Elysium. While she keeps her sights on the Mortal Encampment of Adonis's rebels, I act as an offering to her until you take me for yourself.
Underworld
Impious Salmoneus wanted to be treated like a god, but his foolish impersonations only tempted the real gods to smite him. Their might scorched an entire village to the north, leaving nothing but a hollow crater. I now lie in waiting in scorched remains.
Ixion was a murderer. He broke every rule of hospitality when he killed his guests and tried to seduce none other than the wife of Zeus. The god of thunder ultimately struck him down, tying poor Ixion to an eternally spinning wheel. Go northwest to find me near the blazing fire pit.
Go to the east and push the boulder up and over the mountain. When it lands, push it over the crest of the mountain again. And again, and again, and again - for eternity. Before going mad, look down before giving it another push.
To be truly deprived is to bend to drink water from a pool only to have it disappear in front of your own eyes. To open your hand for fruit on a tree, only to have the branch suddenly move out of reach. This misfortune was the curse of Tantalos. You can keep from his curse by finding a shallow pond west from where you found me. The tree at its center keeps me safe and shaded.
Kronos and the Titans ruled all before their fall was prophesized. They were overthrown by the Olympians, and were doomed to reside in the deepest abyss of Tartaros forever. Move fom the Echoes to the western Altars that represent the twelve members, and find me below the arc.
Atlantis
I am standing tall with my ten brothers. We surround our mighty father, Poseidon. Silent. Watchful. With a waterfall at my back, I have the most glorious view of Helios retiring his flaming chariot for the night.
Like so many coins, I was tossed into a fountain for good fortune. Finding me will be fun. It's not every day you get to dance with the dolphins of Atlantis.
"Break that boulder... Carry those rocks... Faster now!" I've absolutely had it with people telling me what to do. I'm going to start my own quarry on the other side of the palace. At least there I can dig for adamant in peace, and at my own pace.
Like some sort of forgotten creature, an abandoned house hides underneath a bridge. And hidden it will remain, as the trees and plants have enveloped it in the most natural of disguises.
Life couldn't get any better than this. I get to watch magnificent beasts gallop around the track from the best seats in Atlantis. There's nowehere I'd rather be than sitting here under the stars with my best friend.
References
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – The Fate of Atlantis
