Logic Masters Deutschland e.V.

This is the first puzzle in the Zippular Lines series. This puzzle introduces Zippular Lines along with the common constraints of Kropki Pairs and XV Pairs. These puzzles make use of modular math: the remainder of the sum of two numbers is the same as the sum of the individual remainders of the two numbers.

Zippular Lines were inspired by the Zipper Lines created by Jaze and the many excellent puzzles featuring them created by the community. I wanted to expand the possible pairs of digits on a line, so I chose to modify the constraint to compare the sum’s Modular Line remainders (0, 1, or 2) instead of the full sum. This creates a line which is less constrained but still has lots of potential.

Zippular Lines Series

1. The Prophecy (Zippular Lines #1)
2. The Magic Potion (Zippular Lines #2)
3. The Roc’s Shadow (Zippular Lines #3)
4. The Ankheg (Zippular Lines #4)
5. The False Tautology (Zippular Lines #5)

Ziffular Lines Series

1. The Humble Beginning (Ziffular Lines #1)

Rules:

• Normal Sudoku, Kropki Pairs, and XV Pairs rules apply, along with Zippular Lines.
• Sudoku: Place the digits 1-9 once each in every row, column, and 3x3 box.
• Zippular Lines: Each pair of digits an equal distance from the central spot on a Zippular line have the same SUM MODULO 3 (the remainder when the digits are summed and then divided by 3). The digit in the central spot has the same remainder when divided by 3.
• For example, 658 is a valid Zippular line, because 6+8=14, and 14 and 5 have the same remainder (2) when divided by 3.
• Kropki Pairs: Digits separated by a white dot are consecutive. Digits separated by a black dot are in a 2:1 ratio. Not all dots are necessarily given.
• XV Pairs: Digits separated by a V sum to 5. Not all V are necessarily given.

Streamers have permission to use this puzzle.

Play in SudokuPad

I am a big fan of fantasy adventures, so I decided to add a bit of lore to this puzzle series. The lore is completely optional and will come in the form of a hint for one of the puzzles in the series (not necessarily the current puzzle). The hint will make some difficult deduction a bit easier, but it will not make the puzzle trivial. All puzzles are unique and solvable without using a hint.

“The prophecy states that the mighty Ankheg was wounded in a previous battle. One of its armored plates is not as strong as the rest. Look for a white spot on the left side, near the back legs. From that spot, do not go directly down. Instead, go diagonally down to the left and imagine a black bullseye on the dotted line. Strike there, and watch out for its pincers!”