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Murder Mystery #4 - The Chinese New Year Riddle

Inspector Quizzical is called in to solve a particularly mysterious case. A Chinese man named Zhang has been murdered in his cursed magic shop, in the city-state of Cosmotropolis on the eve of Chinese New Year. He sold all sorts of fabulous Chinese items and artefacts in his shop, including rare artefacts and substances. He was found face down with a dagger in his back, and with his own blood he has spelled out the words "Pigsy" and "Zodiac". Inspector Quizzical senses a demonic force at work. In a secret room of the shop stand 12 statuettes, each representing the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs. He is drawn to them, and as he touches them, each one speaks to him. Help him solve their cryptic clues to find the murderer, before the new year begins.
READ the statements carefully! In each of them there is a question of some kind. Answer them, and the hints will relate to a controversial or disputed fact.
When you have the hints, the answer will be threaded through them. Examine carefully.
If you liked this one, try other Murder Mystery quizzes.
Quiz by HelveticaBold
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Last updated: February 8, 2019
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First submittedFebruary 5, 2019
Times taken159
Average score61.5%
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Riddle
Answer
Rat
They call me a magician, because I am good at tricks. Mustn't reveal my secrets, but would tell you who killed Zhang if I knew. Whoever killed him was very strong, but weak willed. Wait, my magic tail tingles, and gives me a clue that may help you: ""A metal the Chinese began using over 3,000 years ago. Don't turn your back on it. It can puncture tender flesh, or craft an entire civilisation."
Iron
Ox
I am a warrior, I am no coward. I protect the vulnerable, and would have protected Mr Zhang, if I foresaw his death. His killer was quicker than I am. But I am getting a vision that may help you solve this mystery: "The lifeblood of China, thinner than blood, but is strong like an ox. Its tiny little leaves can hold the key to your future." What is it?
Tea
Tiger
The hunter must be quick, the prey must be quicker. I hunt just to survive, but tigers are hunted for their bones. Zhang was smart, so his killer had to be stealthy as well as heartless. My bones rattle now, and impart a lesson for you: "Follow this ancient Chinese road to obtain a precious substance, stronger than a Tiger's roar, softer than a Tiger's heart, and more valuable than a Tiger's bones."
Silk
Rabbit
My strength lies in stealth. I am quick to escape danger, not create it. Don't let the killer escape justice, Zhang was kind, whoever killed him had a fiery hot temper. My ears are twitching, I sense a clue to help reveal the truth: "A little metal ingot, used to measure weight and worth. It may gauge the value of precious subtances in the market, but not in the fiery heart of a demon."
Tael
Dragon
Do not fall for a charming facade, it often masks a dark soul. I am a heavenly dragon, and with my magic mirror I can see the reflections of dreams: "The most abundant bloodline in all the world, and second dynasty of the empire. Their legacy is our glory, and our downfall". May this help you peel away the mask of deceit.
Han
Snake
I am a healer, not a killer. I may have venom in my fangs, but one of us has venom in their heart. Zhang was killed by one that he trusted. A magic artifact was stolen from him: "A box without hinges, key or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid, and before it can be used, it must broken. Also a must for Foo Yung." I fear this treasure was the cause of Zhang's death.
Egg
Horse
I am his trusted steed. He never knew the true power of his greatest treasure, a unique relic that grants the user the power over life and death, but only with the right knowledge. Hush now as I whisper my vision to you:"A bird of multicoloured feathers, a symbol of eternal loyalty and fidelity. Also the most spoken tongue in all the world".
Mandarin
Sheep
Gentle, caring, loving, cowardly, and dimwitted. I'm not qualified to be a murderer. But I may be able to help, I see an image in my mind: "Paper thin blood red petals flutter in the gentle breeze. A precious flower, with a dark secret. A poison that lulls the senses, and has driven China to war more than once". The true killer was greed.
Opium
Monkey
Shameful that some are prepared to kill for material gain. What is more precious than life itself? I am sensing a whisper in my ear, surely a clue to help solve this mystery: "A cold hard child of the earth, older than China itself, harder than a dragon's teeth, and greener than envy." What could it mean?
Jade
Rooster
Each of us plays a role. I mean in the opera of life, we all have a unique part. For instance I was his pride and joy, one of us was his murderer, and you are the one to solve the puzzle. My tail feathers shimmer with colour, and compel me to share my vision with you: "Bamboo and paper, soars in the air, laying China's claim to the skies, and seizes the heavens from the dragons.". Hurry now before the new moon!
Kite
Dog
I am a soldier, loyal to my master. We all have allegiance to someone, or something. Betrayal is an ugly word. The air has changed, and brings me a vision to help guide you: "A man, occasionally a woman, ruling China for 2,000 years. He, or she, who attains immortality, will return in this role, and rule China again for another 2,000 years."
Emperor
Pig
I am logical, not reckless. A powerful relic from the old times that could change the face of the world has fallen into the wrong hands. As my curly tail straightens I sense Zhang's spirit trying to tell me something: "I see a torrent cascading over 3,000 miles long, a peril to some, but to China a hallmark of heroism and greatness, the exlusive property of the Son of Heaven."
Yellow River
Who is the killer?
It's the monkey!
Kazakhstankitten
+3
Level 32
Nov 6, 2020
I typed monkey QvQ
MayaB
+3
Level 73
Jan 24, 2021
I love these quizzes! I found them a couple of days ago and just finished this last one. They are all very interesting and well made.

Just one question: in this quiz the clue which should start with an "N" for "moNkey" starts with a "J" (jade). This is on purpose, right? The perpetrator gives a wrong clue to throw the inspector off?

HelveticaBold
+3
Level 71
Jan 24, 2021
Monkeys are very clever, the cleverest of the 12 signs, and this one thought he was clever enough to get away with it but he couldn't fool you! Well done! And thanks, very glad you enjoyed.
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