Chapter 3
Basilica Cistern
They say old water gates are still hidden beneath the Cistern. Open them in the dark so the water can run along the conduit.
Play for freeInside the mechanism
The chapter's mechanism is made of modules. The Master sees and operates them, the Keeper holds the manual for each:
- Reflection
- Column rows
- Drops
- Water level
- Torch
7 minutes and three sparks: three mistakes and the mechanism stalls, but you can replay at once with a new layout.
How to play
- One player creates a room and sends a friend the link or the four-character code.
- One becomes the Master and sees the mechanism. The other becomes the Keeper, holds the manual and can only explain it in words.
- Talk through the built-in voice chat or sit side by side. Roles swap after each chapter.
Historical note
The Basilica Cistern was built under Emperor Justinian in 532. Underground stand 336 columns about nine meters tall: twelve rows of twenty-eight. Many of the columns and capitals were taken from older buildings, which is why they don't look alike. The Cistern held a water supply for the Great Palace and the buildings around it. Stone heads of Medusa lie at the bases of two columns, and no one knows for sure where they were brought from. Today the cistern is open to visitors, who walk on raised walkways between the columns, right above the water.
This place is also in Tunel, a hidden-role detective game for a group of friends: the “Basilica Cistern” scenario.
FAQ
- How many players?
- Exactly two, each on their own phone or computer. No sign-up, no download.
- Is it the same every time?
- A chapter's manual never changes, so you can learn it. The mechanism is rebuilt every game, so the answers change.
- Is the mechanism real?
- The mechanism and its puzzles were invented for the game. The history note above is factual.