Pandora - A unique puzzle adventure

In the bustling academic realm of the University of Twente, an extraordinary event unfolds, captivating students’ minds and challenging their intellect in ways they never imagined. Welcome to Pandora, a five-day puzzle hunt orchestrated by the Pandora committee at Inter-Actief. The event is always recognized by many students, staff, and professors because people walk around with pool noodles and PVC pipes (better known as blowpipes by the participants).

Much like the old mythical box of Pandora, it holds within its confines a world of mystery, intrigue, and exhilarating challenges. It is not merely a game but an immersive experience where participants delve into a realm where every corner of the campus becomes a stage for their adventures. The aim? To solve puzzles, outwit rival teams, and emerge victorious in the quest for glory.

At its core, Pandora revolves around teamwork, strategy, and cunning. Teams of intrepid individuals gather to embark on a journey filled with cryptic clues, enigmatic puzzles, and unexpected twists. The setting? The sprawling expanse of the University of Twente, transformed into a playground of intellect and skill. There are limits, such as barbed wire fences, and other obstacles that are marked as restricted areas. Luckily, the 1.4km by 1.25km campus has enough space to hide the puzzles.

Pandora starts the moment the theme and committee are revealed at the Pandora Hype Drink, a small event, but at the beginning of the event already. Here, amidst the buzz of excitement and anticipation, participants register and engage in the pregame—a tantalizing taste of what awaits them a month later when they will be puzzling five days straight from the moment the sun goes down on Monday until it comes up on Saturday morning when the brains of the participants are fried and cannot see puzzles until the year after.

As the clock strikes Monday evening in the week of the event, Pandora ignites into full swing with its inaugural meeting. Here, teams gather to receive their weapons, crucial tools in their quest for dominance, and their mission for the week is explained. But Pandora is not merely about brute force; it is about wit and cunning. Armed with their arsenal, participants set forth to decipher the puzzles scattered across the campus, each one a breadcrumb leading them closer to victory.

Central to the Pandora experience are the nightly meetings, where the narrative unfolds, and new challenges are unveiled. It is here that teams receive vital clues to aid them in their quest, and where the battle between rival factions intensifies. The story progresses with each passing day, weaving a tapestry of intrigue and excitement that keeps participants on the edge of their seats.|

This year’s Pandora was again not without perils. The pirates of Baratria Bay had some rival teams lurking in the shadows, ever ready to thwart the progress of their adversaries. Here, the concept of “kills” comes into play—a strategic maneuver that can turn the tide of battle in an instant. Armed with their personal kill codes, participants engage in tactical skirmishes, eliminating opponents and bolstering their own chances of success.

Yet, amidst the chaos and competition, Pandora offers moments of respite and camaraderie. The Cake Drink, a beloved tradition, brings participants together to indulge in sweet treats and friendly competition. Here, culinary prowess is put to the test as homemade creations are shown for possible rewards and the recognition of the tastiest and prettiest cakes.

As the days pass and the challenges mount, teams must rely on their ingenuity and teamwork to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious. Bonus puzzles and weapons add an extra layer of complexity to the game, rewarding those who dare to think outside the box.

In the end, as the final drink approaches, participants gather to celebrate their achievements and honor the victors. It is a time of reflection, camaraderie, and triumph—a testament to the spirit of collaboration and competition that defines Pandora.

This year the theme was pirates, and most people expected to see Pirates of the Caribbian, but they got the less-known Barataria Bay which is located in near New Orleans in Lousiana. The pirates that joined with their pirate crew did get a different Pandora than the previous years due to the absence of Pro Deo, the committee had to think of other options and how to entertain 150 students in the lecture halls. But with variances of story, duels, and the program taskmaster it all went smoothly while some people might have yawned in the back from the sleep deprivation that got the better of them.

While the committee was with fewer people than normal there were enough surprises this year. The Pandoradio was brought back to life after an absence of 6 years and all pirates enjoyed sending us commercials that were played on a real ‘pirate station’. Besides the commercials being played on the radio there was also live commentary on the events which was the most professional set-up where committee members called each other and put the phone against the microphone. This gave quality news about people swimming in different locations on campus (while they did not even have to do that). A lot more happened during this year’s Pandora, but sometimes pictures say more than a thousand words, so check out the pictures.

In the annals of university life, Pandora stands as a testament to the power of intellect, teamwork, and imagination. It is more than just a game; it is an experience that bonds individuals, challenges minds, and creates memories that will last a lifetime. So, dear reader, will you dare to unlock the secrets of Pandora and embark on a journey like no other? The adventure awaits.

Pandora

Since the start of Pandora in 1999 with the James Bond theme there have been 25 years of Pandora, and with the arrival of ChatGPT and Google Lens, the game has changed a lot. However, everyone still likes to play the ever-changing game that is called Pandora. This leaves me with two questions if you know more information about the names, puzzles, or anything related to Pandora’s that were held around the year 2000 please let the Pandora committee know via iapandora2024@gmail.com. And for the generation that is still studying and wants to organize the most iconic activity of Inter-Actief please sign up via ictsv.nl/joinpandora.