While traversing the beautifully rendered landscapes of Assassins Creed Shadows, players exploring the Izumi Settsu province may randomly encounter a peculiar NPC who presents a thought-provoking riddle. This “sucked in from the bottom” puzzle forms part of the game’s engaging world events, offering players a chance to test their wits for potential rewards. The encounter’s random nature means you might stumble upon it in bustling Sakai or more secluded areas, adding an element of delightful unpredictability to your exploration of feudal Japan.
Deciphering the Pipe Riddle’s Solution
The riddle presents a poetic description: “I am sucked in from the bottom and let out from the mouth. What am I?” This clever wordplay references the mechanics of a traditional Japanese kiseru pipe, where tobacco is indeed drawn upward from the bowl (the bottom) and exhaled through the mouth. When presented with the three multiple-choice answers, selecting “Is it tobacco smoke?” proves correct, while the fishing net and water wheel options intentionally misdirect players unfamiliar with historical smoking implements.
The riddle’s design beautifully incorporates cultural elements from the game’s setting, rewarding players who consider both the literal meaning and the context of 16th century Japan.
Navigating the Reward Dilemma
Upon correctly solving the riddle, players face a meaningful choice that impacts their gameplay experience. The NPC, demonstrating the complex morality of Shadows‘ world, attempts to renege on the wager by pleading financial hardship. Opting for “I want my Mon” yields an immediate but modest 100 Mon currency reward, though the NPC’s reluctant compliance suggests this may not be the most honorable path.
Alternatively, choosing “You can keep the Mon” unlocks more valuable informational rewards – either Scout Intel that reveals nearby points of interest or a World Rumor hinting at special side content. This decision point exemplifies the game‘s nuanced approach to player choice, where short-term gains must be weighed against long-term benefits.
Strategic Value of the Intel Rewards
The informational rewards offered for generosity prove far more valuable than the immediate monetary gain in most gameplay scenarios. Scout Intel becomes particularly useful for players who haven’t fully uncovered their current region, as it automatically highlights nearby points of interest that might otherwise be missed. World Rumors, on the other hand, often lead to unique side quests or special encounters that enrich the narrative experience.
The game intelligently determines which type of intel to provide based on your current exploration progress – if you’ve already revealed all nearby locations, you’ll receive a rumor by default. This adaptive reward system ensures players always receive the most relevant benefit for their specific situation.
Why This Encounter Matters
Beyond being a simple diversion, this riddle event exemplifies several strengths of Assassins Creed Shadows‘ design. It demonstrates how the game weaves cultural elements into gameplay mechanics, encourages players to think beyond combat and stealth, and presents meaningful choices with tangible consequences. The encounter’s random nature also promotes thorough exploration, as players never know when they might stumble upon such engaging interactions.
For completionists, solving this and similar riddles contributes to fully experiencing everything Shadows’ meticulously crafted world offers, while the rewards provide practical benefits that aid in broader gameplay objectives.
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Wisdom Rewarded in Shadows
This seemingly minor riddle encounter encapsulates much of what makes Assassins Creed Shadows’ open world so compelling. It challenges players intellectually, presents morally nuanced decisions, and rewards cultural curiosity – all while providing gameplay benefits that extend beyond the immediate moment. The optimal choice of accepting intel over money reflects the game’s broader emphasis on knowledge and exploration as valuable currencies in their own right.
As you continue your journey through feudal Japan, remember that sometimes the wisest choice isn’t the one that fills your purse, but the one that expands your understanding of the world around you.
Have you discovered other interesting riddles or world events in AC Shadows? Share your experiences below!