Week One - Task #02. “Map of Shadows”

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Moderators: Prof. Sindor Aloyarc, Anne-Marie Gagne, Katherine Laurier

Week One - Task #02. “Map of Shadows”

Postby Katherine Laurier » Sun Nov 02, 2025 7:39 am

The tree’s roots sink deeper than earth, they sink into memory, myth, and mourning. Its branches stretch through the past like fingers raking back curtains of yesteryear. These pumpkins are not decorations, they are lanterns of spirits lost.

Moundshroud returns in a cloak of smoke but still barely speaks. Instead, he gestures and a swirling squall peels the dry leaves from the base of the tree to reveal a map.

It’s not drawn on parchment. It shimmers in the air, glowing trails from one pumpkin to another, each line connecting a place, a people, a time. A path through centuries where the veil thins, and stories cling like cobwebs.

To find Pipkin, you must follow the path.

One of the lanterns flickers to life now, high in the branches. Its face is sharp and knowing, its toothy smile filled with mystery.

The world you knew is slipping away, and you’re not just chasing after an exuberant friend anymore. You’re walking into the heart of how we remember the dead.

Task:
Where are the trails leading you? Find out and follow the path by solving this maze. As you go farther along your path, mysterious lights flicker around you. You even notice letters. Gather the letters that you stumble upon (only the letters that are along the line in your maze solution) and unscramble them.
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Solving the maze will earn you 5 beans, and unscrambling the letters will earn you the remaining 5 beans. Please send answers to both Katherine Laurier and Prof. Sindor Aloyarc.
Hint: The letters when unscrambled will give you a two-word phrase related to the adventure you are embarking on.

Alternatively, write a research piece of at least 150 words on one of the following topics: pumpkins, traditions on remembrance of late loved ones (either in general or in a specific area), and myths or superstitions related to death or spirits.

This task is worth 10 beans, with an additional 14 bonus beans for completing all Week One tasks by end of activity. Deadline is 11:59pm (HOL time) on Friday November 21st.
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Katherine Laurier
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Re: Week One - Task #02. “Map of Shadows”

Postby Katherine Laurier » Sun Nov 02, 2025 2:57 pm

Great thinking to those who followed the right path:
Janne Halla
River Fenwick
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Re: Week One - Task #02. “Map of Shadows”

Postby Emily Spencer » Mon Nov 03, 2025 9:10 pm

As one can only imagine, Ireland is rife with superstitions about death. Go figure, right! Several of them give very specific instructions on how to act in certain situations. Did you know that if you happen to meet a funeral, you must turn back and walk at least four steps with the mourners? Well, now you do! Also, make sure to cover all of the mirrors in the house where the death occurred to prevent the soul of the recently departed from staying trapped in the mirror.

There are also many Irish superstitions concerning death. Say it isn't so, Emily!! For example, stumbling at a grave is considered a bad omen. Worse yet, if you fall and touch the ground, you will more than likely die by the end of the year. If that wasn't grave enough, if you forget to turn the pictures of the deceased face down, you risk being possessed by their spirit. I kid you not! Also, if you are unlucky enough to have a magpie look at you, you are doomed to die shortly thereafter. I always knew birds were evil!

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There is magic in the night when pumpkins glow by moonlight
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