THE WRATH OF STOPHELES

A Mini-Hunt by Dan Katz


"Defeat is such a subjective term," M. F. Stopheles says, sipping a glass of blood-red wine. "If I view this glass as half-empty, I might say that last year five Mystery Hunt teams managed to defeat me and win back their souls." He chuckles to himself. "On the other hand, if I view this glass as, well, fully full," he continues as his glass refills itself, "I might say that over thirty Hunt teams left their souls in my possession and are now slaves to my amusement. You see, it's a matter of perspective."

You nod, pretending to jot notes on a small tablet with one hand, and fingering the small round object concealed in your pocket. The MIT engineers who built the "Angel Bomb" have assured you that if detonated, it will destroy hell, free the imprisoned hunter souls, and vanquish M. F. Stopheles, at least until it's convenient for him to appear in another puzzlehunt. The only catch: the bomb must be detonated in Stopheles' center of power, and nobody has a clue where in hell that is.

"Well, enough pleasantries," Stopheles declares, quickly draining his glass. "Let's begin the tour." He walks to the corner of the room and pulls a cord, ringing a bell that echoes into the depths of hell. You've arrived posing as a Tech reporter, researching an article about the fates of the hellbound Hunt teams. You're hoping that Stopheles' egotistical desire for press coverage will cause him to reveal his center of power during the tour, but knowing his predilection for puzzles, you also intend to keep your eyes peeled for hidden information.

After a moment, two dapper men dressed in bright white and jet black slink into the room. "Ah, here we are. Perhaps you remember Mr. Blackwell and Mr. Blancwell?" Stopheles asks, gesturing to the two demons who judged the Pride talent show during the 2007 Hunt. "They'll be joining us on the tour, partially to add insight, mainly to pour me drinks." He snaps his fingers and is immediately handed a Bloody Mary. "Shall we?"



The Chaotic-Neutral Mid-Afternoon Archers Who Arch At Teatime

Illegal, Immoral, and Fattening

Lake Effect Snow

Left Out

Lego My Ego

Piranhas in a Bathtub

Setec Astronomy

The Silly Hat Brigade

Too Much Clue

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Metaphysical Plant



I am indebted to Mike Selinker, Mark Gottlieb, Jonathan Sheffi, Sean Trowbridge, and Amanda O'Connor for testing these puzzles when they were harder and/or broken, and for providing invaluable feedback.