This section includes puzzle hints for Myst III: Exile's first age, J'nanin. It is also the "hub" age. You arrive in J'nanin after following the intruder through his dropped linking book. J'nanin, referred to as the lesson age, serves as a hub that connects to three other ages. You must uncover various mysteries and solve several puzzles before unlocking the path to these other ages.

This section doesn't offer complete solutions to the puzzles and problems you'll face in J'nanin. Thus, it's free of storyline spoilers and complete puzzle-solution spoilers. Use this section if you just need a nudge in the right direction for J'nanin's tough challenges.

Be careful when browsing through the questions; although the questions are presented in chronological order (from things you will likely accomplish first to things you will likely accomplish last), it's possible to be slightly spoiled from the questions themselves. Don't read ahead unless you're still perplexed!

Where to Start in J'nanin

Q: J'nanin is overwhelming! How should I proceed after arrival?

A: You aren't in a rush! There's no reason to feel pressured on time. Just because the intruder stole Atrus' Releeshahn book doesn't mean you must capture him and retrieve the book within a certain time limit. Take time to explore around J'nanin and don't get flustered if something doesn't make sense--not much will until you reach certain areas and obtain particular clues!

However, if you're looking to get started without much exploration, how about following the intruder toward the dome. After following him, you may want to search the building below the dome for some clues.

Q: I can't seem to follow the intruder inside the dome. Is there a way to catch him by entering the dome?

A: You've followed the intruder inside the dome, but the door just won't open. You can examine the window numerous times and spot the intruder inside pacing around the room. There's no way to break open the door and burst inside the room. Instead, you must find an alternate route inside the dome. Look inside the structure below the dome (use the ladders and staircases to reach the area below the dome) for clues on how to enter the dome and, hopefully, nab the intruder and recover Atrus' Releeshahn book!

Q: I've located the intruder's "study" and several of his contraptions. What are the important items in the room that I should examine closely?

A: The bottom floor of the dome (just through the greenhouse section) contains many important clues, not just for J'nanin but for several other ages as well. You should make note of everything in the room, no matter how obscure. First and foremost, locate the intruder's journal inside the room and learn more about his plan as well as his name, Saavedro. The journal also contains important puzzle clues. You should also examine the contraptions throughout the room. These include the scales (make note of what's inside each scale), the flytrap, and the balanced dolls.

The Elevator

Q: I found the elevator inside the intruder's study, but it doesn't seem to work correctly. I'm always facing the wrong way when I reach the top! What's up?

A: The elevator isn't rotating correctly. Thus, when it reaches the upper floor of the dome, it's turned the wrong way, and you aren't able to exit onto the upper floor. You must find some sort of elevator controls to make sure the elevator operates properly.

Q: I can't find the elevator controls!

A: Try looking underneath the elevator. Send the elevator to the upper floor, without you on for the ride. Then explore the elevator shaft with the elevator out of the way.

Q: OK, I've explored the area below the elevator and discovered four mechanisms. I've fiddled with them but can't figure out what I need to do here. Where are the clues?

A: It's unlikely you will be able to solve the elevator puzzle by trial and error alone. You'll need some information. Make sure you've explored this study carefully; read everything available. In particular, examine those informative sketches...

Inside the Observatory

Q: I'm in the top of the dome, but Saavedro linked away. How should I proceed?

A: Don't leave the dome just yet. Instead, examine the three "telescopes" positioned around the room.

Q: The three telescopes around the dome are interesting, but I'm not sure what to do with them.

A: Examine the telescopes carefully and take note of the main landmark each telescope can focus in on. Practice adjusting the telescope controls; notice how the controls alter the viewpoint of each telescope.

Q: After completing the telescopes, what's my next goal?

A: The small spheres around the telescope image are extremely important--particularly the positions! Since you can't take them with you, this is definitely something you should jot down in your notes.
 

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