So, Kaelie and I set off to solve a map!

The map:

The map has a large 'X' marked in the middle of it. Near the marking, you can see several dotted lines forming a square. Contour lines drawn along the map indicate that the destination is located near sea level, and a drawing of two farm plots surrounds the 'X'. Straight lines have been drawn from the center, pointing northeast and southwest. From other markings on the map, you guess that the destination is southeast from here. Judging by your surrounding environment, you will not find the treasure in this province.

Identified it as Zone I on the zone map (Riverhaven and surroundings) and off we went. Searched out the East gate - nothing. West gate - nothing. North gate - nothing. Checked for areas north and south of Riverhaven that may look like part of different zones but actually belong to Zone I. Nope!

Assist... it's a valid map.

At this point we're convinced we're being trolled. Then we talk to Etherian, who revealed the secret technique that cracked the conundrum:

Look in places that don't match the clues!

And it worked!

[Riverhaven, Blackmoon Road]
A cooper and a carter share space along the road. Hammering and sawing indicate a lively business. The smell of fresh-cut wood and pine tar is a pleasant counter to the normal fishy smell in town. Green wood is being unloaded where it can be stacked and dried. Looking bored, a young Gor'Tog flicks a quirt at two garns as they walk a treadmill, powering the saws and drills of both shops by an elaborate festoonery of belts and pulleys that creak and squeal and vibrate erratically.
You also see an aged copper skippet and a rustic shop.
Also here: Hodierna's Fist Kaelie (speaker).
Obvious paths: northeast, southwest.

In conspicuous evidence - one aged copper skippet full of treasure. Conspicuously missing - any farms or being outside of town in any way.

Troll map indeed.

Mazrian

You tap a gleaming silver signet ring crested with a cambrinth falcon's head that you are holding.

The signet ring is made with metal.
It appears that the signet ring can be worn around the finger.
You are certain that the signet ring weighs exactly 2 stones.
You are certain that the signet ring holds exactly 4 mana.
You are certain that the signet ring is worth exactly 2250 Kronars.
Roundtime: 8 seconds.

It's a nice looking piece. =) No special verbs or anything that I can see.

Mazrian

This is why I just sell them now. 99% of the time it requires 1, if not 2, assists and the treasure has never once been worth the days of searching.

<I would probably do maps or something map-like even if there was no special loot, or the loot was just the equivalent of an above-average box.

Treasure maps should totally have a % chance to be instantly fatal via booby traps.

>This is why I just sell them now. 99% of the time it requires 1, if not 2, assists and the treasure has never once been worth the days of searching.

That may be your experience, and obviously you've wronged a gypsy in a past life, because you seem unlucky as heck. I know that in the 150+ maps Anjinson's player and I have hunted, we've actually had less than 10 that were actually buggy. Most the ones we thought were buggy, were in some really odd and off the beaten path rooms. Which is a good thing, in my opinion.

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The Kasto mimic abruptly solidifies, looking very much like Kasto.
>
You say, "What a handsome fellow you are!"

As an aside, it would be neat if there was some NPC where you could turn in a map for another map, with some timer connected with it that prevents you from spamming it until you get a spot you're comfortable with.

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Uzmam! The Chairman will NOT be pleased to know you're trying to build outside of approved zones. I'd hate for you to be charged the taxes needed to have this place re-zoned. Head for the manor if you're feeling creative.

That's a really good idea for maps

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