The Vault: A Book of Puzzles

The Vault: A Book of Puzzles is a unique project that includes multiple puzzles for anyone to enjoy.  A huge thank you must go to Sundai Segadi who spearheaded the making of the book. It truly is an excellent collection for those not only just getting into the world of puzzling, but also for those who have been part of the treasure hunting community for a while.

The project of The Vault brought together talented puzzlers from across the states. Each created a puzzle for the book and manages its own section on the Book’s Discord or Facebook Group.  What this mostly means is there are all different types of puzzles and I’m sure there is one for you! Come join the fun.

It must be said some of the puzzles have been solved, with their treasures claimed. However, don’t let this deter you from purchasing a book (available on Amazon) – it will forever be a classic book of puzzles to gain experience from – which is treasure in itself. Solving the puzzles may help you solve other puzzles that still offer treasure prizes into the thousands, like that of CRACKED! By Prof. F  – or even into the millions, like that of There’s Treasure Inside by Jon Collins-Black.

I had the pleasure of asking some of the Authors the following question. Below you will find each of their answers with note to what puzzle they created in The Vault. Thanks to each of them for their participation!

The Question in regard to The Vault: A Book of Puzzles

  • What did you enjoy most about the process of creating your puzzle, and what advice might you give puzzlers working on finding solutions – to maybe not only your hunt in THE VAULT, but all hunts in general?

Sundai (Red Fish Puzzles):  On behalf of the entire Vault Team, thank you! We are incredibly proud of how the book has turned out and humbled by the community’s response. I’ve always aspired to work on bigger projects, like creating a book, but I wasn’t quite brave enough to take the leap. Then, someone asked me to collaborate on a book, and their belief in its possibility gave me the courage to believe as well. I don’t know if I ever told them, but I feel like they gave me a gift. After that experience I wanted all my friends to feel the same self-empowerment, and that together, no leap is too big.

Rev. Ken Cooley (Love): My hunt grew into a monster. I had an idea for a Mind Games puzzle based on an awesome couple I had married. (Note: I am a real-life Ordained Minister) It was going to be short and sweet. Once Sundai approached me about being a part of the book My puzzle grew into Godzilla. I wanted to do a puzzle that had pieces in it that everyone could enjoy then had to really think about how to solve. I think I accomplished both.

My best advice is do not overthink. There is a way my brain works that I will look 3 steps ahead when I should stop and look at the step I am on. As humans we tend to think we know all the answers before putting in the work. It is okay to step away from something, clear your mind, and come back. I will usually go grab a coffee. Although now I drink way too much coffee. 

Cathy Vail (The Case of the Missing Cuber): I think what I enjoyed most about creating the puzzle was just getting to be on a team of creators. It was fun to know we were all in it together. I also enjoyed my kids helping out with the puzzle and giving their opinion. I will say they think their readers are pretty smart. I tried to make it a little bit easier than maybe they wanted. 

If I had to give any advice for solving our puzzle it would be don’t overcomplicate things. But I feel like that could apply in a lot of puzzles or hunts. Things can be complex without being complicated. That is an expression I feel like I have heard a lot.

Tony Youngblood (What Three Words Puzzles): My puzzles were maps-based, and I enjoyed learning about far-flung locations and fascinating historical sites!

My puzzling advice would be: Take a break! A puzzle may first seem impossible, but often, you will have the eureka moment when you’re doing something completely different.

Tristina (At Kenny’s): For me, designing my puzzle was a fulfilling experience, knowing that someone or a group is going to solve it and derive a sense of accomplishment and joy from knowing they have successfully solved a puzzle. 

When tackling a puzzle or treasure hunt, it is prudent to meticulously evaluate every aspect, as inconspicuous clues can significantly impact progress. If hindered by obstacles or reaching an impasse, consider temporarily setting aside the challenge and revisiting it, as this may facilitate novel perspectives. It is also vital to understand that being the first to solve a puzzle or complete a treasure hunt is not the sole measure of success. Each puzzle or treasure hunt undertaken provides a unique learning experience, affording valuable knowledge and expertise that can be applied to future challenges. As such, it is crucial to maintain a resilient mindset and persist, as opportunities for success will inevitably arise.

Unicorn (Mini Move It! A/B Sea):  I started as a solo puzzler, devouring every “traditional” puzzle and riddle book I could get my hands on.  It wasn’t until recently that I discovered the online communities that people such as Sundai and yourself have built.  (THANK YOU, community builders!).  I have quickly discovered that not only are there a whole bunch of other people that share my puzzle passion – but there is also a shared joy in jumping down a puzzle rabbit hole together!  (THANK YOU, fellow puzzling friends!) 

Both of my puzzles contain at least elements of the more traditional puzzles that I grew up working on.  My best general advice on puzzling is to develop theories, test them out… and if they don’t work, go back and see where you can pivot or adjust your theories.  Grab a friend and brainstorm ideas!  Sometimes the best thing to do is take a break – often coming back to a puzzle with fresh eyes is the best way to gain a new insight!  Good luck and happy puzzling.

Melissa (Giants Amongst Men): What I enjoyed most about creating this puzzle is the joy I imagine people discovering through the process, and for my puzzle in particular, the joy I imagine them finding after they discover the solve! How fun!! In this case, the solve starts you on a whole new adventure should you choose to accept it!
Also, I got to flex and workout a little of my creative skills and I smile everytime I look at it! Being able to look at a poetic riddle and understanding its hidden meaning and knowing it came from me???? Mind blowing and a little unreal if I’m being honest! I am still a bit in shock !

My advice: Work out what you understand, then find someone with outrageous or opposing ideas and try to understand the difference. Keep an open mind but make your own wise decisions. There must be a reason. Oh and don’t forget to have fun, make friends, and remember that you too are a creator!

Chantel & Mike (Old MacDonald had a Farm): For Old MacDonald Had a Farm I think what we enjoyed the most was conceptualizing the puzzle. Figuring out how to layer clues so that you get that rush of dopamine once you’ve figured out what to do is always a fun challenge for us!

When solving puzzles, it’s always important to remember that the real adventure is in the exploration. Don’t be afraid to try things – if it doesn’t work out, you can always start again with a new method! 

Lindsay and Maureen (A Creative  Journey): I think something we enjoyed a lot about creating our puzzle was to include a sense of having fun while solving it. We chose a treasure map format to give it that feel of play and adventure. Our advice for puzzlers working on hunts, in general, would be to approach it with an open mind. People have different ways of seeing things and working on a puzzle is a great opportunity to learn how to see things with different eyes. We did try to incorporate something of a learning curve in our puzzle. Some of the messages are pretty straightforward, while a few might require a bit more thought.

Jenny (Secret Garden): I love the challenge of creating ‘aha’ moments. Those things that when you first look at a puzzle make you think quietly to yourself, ‘what in the world!?’ – but then somehow the pieces come together to give an answer – and that satisfying ‘aha’ moment. There is a great sense of accomplishment there, but I think it also gives a person confidence towards life.   To know that if at first something seems impossible – there remains that knowledge inside you that you can do it!

The advice I often give puzzlers is to let your mind wander – to try different things and explore whatever you want. I know it is in effort to solve a puzzle, but if a solution to a puzzle isn’t found by exploring – that doesn’t mean you weren’t successful. I have enjoyed exploring puzzles so much that while I do still try and solve them, it’s not so much my goal.

My goal is to enjoy the journey – to experience all the different explorations that can be inspired by a puzzle.  That is treasure to me – and I hope you all remember to ‘Treasure the Adventures’ too.

Available on Amazon

The Vault book of puzzles