The Foxglove Papers
A pen and paper puzzle hunt through downtown LA
2019 · Lenses: Words, Websites, Games, Narrative, Public Weirdness, Spatial Stories · Roles: Concept, Writing, Copywriting, Design, Web Design, Development, Game Design, Puzzle Design, Worldbuilding, Production
Emma Foxglove is a former intelligence analyst who was betrayed by the CIA. Fed up with life on the run, she wrote a series of papers that tell her story. Hidden within them are codes that will lead pursuers to landmarks around downtown LA, and eventually to Emma's current location. The Foxglove Papers is currently playable in downtown Los Angeles as an entirely offline experience.
After solving a clue in Gloria Molina Grand Park, you find yourself at the Redwood Bar & Grill, where you notice that the ceiling tiles are maritime signal flags. Using clues found in the page you're on, you discover the flags spell out the word "BOAR." Looking at the map, you'll find a boar's head icon over Disney Concert Hall, your next location a couple blocks away. Once there, you'll have a new puzzle to solve on the next page.
This is the second Overlay I made, after Join Cult. I wanted to make something low-tech, that players could complete without using their phones. I playtested it extensively and iterated for months before I declared it finished. Then I neglected to market it or make it publicly available. I blame the pandemic.
But you can play it now if you want!