Singapore Puzzle Hunt 2016

Singapore Puzzle Hunt 2016 was the 2nd iteration of the Singapore Puzzle Hunt, with kick-off occurring on July 16th, 2016.

Pre-hunt, the website and registration page contained the following blurb about the hunt theme - "For the past few nights, I have been haunted by my own visions of the hooded figure trawling the corridors, his wizened hands sifting inwards amongst the shelves. He is definitely in search of something for self-gain. To defeat him, I must assemble a team of puzzle solvers to help me. This is our only chance, I thought, as I sent a secret message into the dark night. Will you respond to this urgent call for help?"

1 month before the hunt, registered teams received the Prelude puzzle, which revealed the theme of the hunt and asked solvers to come dressed in theme.

In line with the theme for this year's Singapore Puzzle Hunt, teams were asked to come dressed as Hogwarts students and the onsite venue was decorated like the castle with paintings of the various House ghosts. Upon arrival, teams were sorted by the Sorting Hat into one of the four Houses, led by one of the House Masters (which played a role in the story during the Runaround). For even more theme immersion, there was also an interactive event puzzle based on one-on-one dueling between representatives from each team, in order to pass their N.E.W.T.

Hunt Introduction
https://sgpuzzlehunt.com/2016/puzzles/r1intro.pdf

Plot
The theme for this year's Singapore Puzzle Hunt is "Order of the Puzzles" (referencing Order of the Phoenix, a Harry Potter novel). Teams are Hogwarts students asked to join the Order of the Puzzles and help stop the return of the Dark Lord.

There are 9 Round 1 puzzles themed after various Harry Potter references. The Round 1 meta is a pure meta (without any shell) that uses only the Round 1 answers. Solving this meta will identify someone who can help them in their quest, and prove their worthiness to be inducted into the Order of the Puzzles.

There are 7 Round 2 puzzles themed after various Harry Potter characters. The Dark Lord has broken up his soul to seal them into 7 new Horcruxes and transmuted these into objects held by these unsuspecting characters. After solving the Round 2 meta and discovering the final item hidden amongst the new Horcruxes, teams would be able to use it to help them defeat the Dark Lord during the Runaround.

Hunt Souvenirs
Each team member received a thematic customized wand. A Marauder's Map and small treasure chest filled with vials of potions are also provided to teams for the Runaround.