Hints Without Spoilers
Offer a useful next step, then give the team time to try it. Keep later hints and answers with the host.
Use the three-step ladder
Each clue has three ordered hints. Begin with the first one and reveal more only when the group wants additional help. Later hints may disclose much of the process, so reading the full hint sheet at the start removes useful discovery.
- ASK: “Would you like a small hint?”
- READ: the current clue’s next unused level
- WAIT: let the players try the suggested action
- CHECK: ask which step is still uncertain
- CONTINUE: offer the next level if useful
Help with the process
For a symbol message, ask players to pair each source symbol with its recovered meaning. For a record, ask whether the entry is completed or only planned. For a timetable, ask which event is fixed. Use the game’s own hint text when you need a more specific next step.
On paper or on screen
On paper, the host reads one hint card aloud. The player page reveals one level at a time and keeps shown hints available. A wrong answer can be tried again, and the timer can be paused. Hints are help rather than a penalty.
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