JBowtie -- please stand up! NOW with mystery riddles to solve!

[Verequus]

JBowtie, I've been trying to get in contact with you for some weeks. But neither you allow to send emails from other members (which is not necessary to block, as a spammer can't get your email address) nor could an admin reach you, as his email bounced twice off (which basically means, that your email account doesn't work anymore).

Anyway, I'm looking for a XML standard for the rules, which caters to my preferences (or is easy to adapt). I've had already a look at the d20-XML group and I have to say, that I'm turned off from those proposals. I've seen your participation in some discussion on ENWorld and I'm wondering if your efforts are available for the public. If yes, could please point me to their location?

Thanks in advance!

Edit: For bumping purposes I have included a mystery riddle, whose rules are explained below.

 

[Verequus]

The rules are simple. I'll give you a setup and a related question. You can ask Yes/No-questions to gain more information. I'll tell you also, if you are following a red herring. If you are unsure of something, simply ask. I can summarize the current situation, if you get lost. I will answer posts as soon as possible. People, who know already the solution, should please refrain from spoiling the other's fun.

While it looks, that the rules make it simple and easy, I can assure you, that I've needed with a group of two other people over 2 hours for the first riddle - although it isn't that difficult. Embarrissinglyy enough, someone else succeeded to solve the same riddle with only a few questions, so it depends more on you and how you think than on the imagined situation.

 

[Verequus]

1. Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet lie naked and dead in a puddle of water in the middle of a room. This room has a wide open window, but its door has been locked from the outside. How did Romeo and Juliet die?

 

[jdrakeh]

1. Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet lie naked and dead in a puddle of water in the middle of a room. This room has a wide open window, but its door has been locked from the outside. How did Romeo and Juliet die?

Questions:

1. What time of year is it?
2. Can you reach the eave (overhang) of the roof from the window?
3. Are there any other items in the room?
4. If so, is one of those items a vial containing liquid or powder?
5. Does either Romeo or Juliet have blue-tinged lips?
6. Does either Romeo or Juliet have a stab wound upon their person?
7. Do both Romeo and Juliet have a stab wound upon their body?

 

[Verequus]

1. What time of year is it?

While not a real yes/no-question, I will answer it, as it isn't that relevant to the solution: It is summer, afternoon and it doesn't rain.

2. Can you reach the eave (overhang) of the roof from the window?

No.

3. Are there any other items in the room?

Yes.

4. If so, is one of those items a vial containing liquid or powder?

I'll shortcut the future questions, that there is a broken aquarium in the room.

5. Does either Romeo or Juliet have blue-tinged lips?

No.

6. Does either Romeo or Juliet have a stab wound upon their person?

No.

7. Do both Romeo and Juliet have a stab wound upon their body?

No.

 

[jdrakeh]

Are Romeo and Juliet fish?

 

[Verequus]

Are Romeo and Juliet fish?

Yes. But that doesn't answer, how they died.

 

[jdrakeh]

Yes. But that doesn't answer, how they died.

Obviously, the cause of death was suffocation (i.e., being deprived of oxygen rich water). But do you want exact circumstances (i.e., I am I to deduce *how* the aquarium was broken)?

[Edit: Incidentally, I deduced that they were fish immediately after you mentioned the aquarium. Did this really stump your players for hours?]

 

[Verequus]

1. Is the room on the first storey of the building?

No.

2. Does the window open on an alley?

There is a normal surburban neighborhood street.

3. Is it windy outside?

Yes.

 

[jdrakeh]

Yes.

Whoops! I edited my above post. Obviously, I take it that I am to deduce the circumstances under which the fish died...

1. Does the window have shutters?
2. Is the broken aquarium on the floor below the window?