[Vote] Through the Sandinavian Tundra - Detective Game (2-week edition)

💡 Attention - A Reminder of Extended Event Duration💡

Due to the upcoming public holiday, the duration of this detective game will be extended to two weeks. With a story that is a bit more complicated this time.

The new submission deadline is January 9, 2026 (Friday after next).

To make up for the extended duration, rewards will be doubled accordingly! Participants in the voting will receive 2x vote points, and those who submit answers with a thoughtful deduction process will earn 2x bonus points as well.

The extension only applies to this single event, and after this we'll back to our normal weekly routine :>

🎇Thank you for your understanding and support! Wish you all a prosperous and pleasant NEW YEAR!!!

👇Without further ado, let's then dive into the game. Shall we 👇

❄ Late night train, through the Scandinavian tundra, a missing Sapphire ❄

📕Story Background

The Nordic Star sleeper train was cutting through the Scandinavian tundra, traveling strictly Northbound toward the Arctic Circle at a blistering 180 km/h. Outside, a whiteout blizzard raged, sealing the passengers inside a tube of warmth and luxury. Among them was the billionaire collector Mr. Hideo, transporting the famous "Frost Star" Sapphire in the VIP Lounge.

At exactly 11:00 PM, disaster struck. The train made a violent, screeching emergency stop to avoid a fallen tree on the tracks. The deceleration was massive, throwing passengers off balance and sending luggage tumbling. The lights flickered but held. In the chaos of those few seconds, the "Frost Star" Sapphire was snatched from Mr. Hideo’s table. By the time the train ground to a halt, the thief had vanished.

Detective Z arrived on the scene to interview the only three people who were in the vicinity of the VIP Lounge.

Doctor Aris, a visiting physicist, was found in the Observation Deck at the rear of the train. He seemed annoyed rather than guilty. "I was filming the blizzard out the back window with my phone," he stated, showing you a video file timestamped at 11:00 PM. "When the brakes hit, the phone flew out of my hand. It slid all the way to the front of the carriage. I spent the next five minutes on my hands and knees looking for it under the seats."

Countess Livia, a wealthy socialite, was found blotting a large red wine stain on her white blouse in the Dining Car. She appeared flustered. "I was sitting at the booth—Table 4—facing North, watching the snow fly past," she explained. "I was just raising my glass to my lips when the brakes slammed on. The shock was so sudden that the wine splashed all over my chest and lap! I ran immediately to the washroom to soak it out. That is why I wasn't in the hallway when the alarm sounded."

Finally, Z spoke to Marcus, the night waiter. He was kneeling in the corridor connecting the Lounge and the Dining Car, picking up pastries. "I was walking North, heading toward the engine to deliver a late-night snack," he said, clearly shaken. "When the train braked, the tray flew right out of my hands and smashed against the door in front of me. It took me ages to clean up the mess. I didn't see anyone enter or leave the Lounge."

After talking to all three people, Detective Z carefully reviewed the details, and pointed out that one of them was lying. Which made them the most suspicious one. Do you know who that is, and why?

(This story is absolutely fictional. Any inconsistencies with common sense work for the plot)

🔍Known Clues

1. The train was traveling to a single direction at high speed before braking hard.
2. Testimonies and physical evidence both matter. 

🕵️‍Questions and Discussions for YOU

1. WHO was lying? WHAT led Detective Z to this conclusion, and can you guess the possible motive behind?
2. What kind of transportation do you usually prefer when you are on a trip? Driving yourself (car), taking the train, or flying? (Open-ended)

🎉Participation Rewards

The FIRST user to successfully deduce the identity of the "culprit" and their motive in the comment, will receive a reward of 2,000 GT points! Other participants will earn 200-500 GT points based on the completeness of their submissions. 💰

📅Submission Deadline

January 9, 2026

Reminder: This is the submission deadline if you want to claim the reward with your vote, but after this date the vote will still remain open for a period of time, so please feel free to participate at any time if you want to test your skills, detectives!

----- Previous answer (The One Who Lingered) -------

Correct Answer: Noah

This case hinges on sequence, not motive.

• Liam left before 9:10. The coffee was still warm after 9:20, eliminating him.
• Maya left at 9:18. She had no reason to approach the table, and no evidence places her near the body afterward.
• Noah claims he immediately fled the room upon discovering Collins.

But here’s the contradiction:

If Noah truly entered, saw the body, and ran out instantly:

• The rainwater from his soaked jacket would be near the door, not pooled beneath a chair by the table.
• The flickering light would still be broken (it is), meaning he never even attempted the repair.
• The coffee remaining warm suggests Collins was alive or had just been alive when Noah arrived.

The only explanation that fits all facts: Noah arrived while Collins was alive, stayed in the room, struck him, and then fabricated the story of “finding the body.” The puddle proves time spent inside, not a brief discovery. Thus, these all made Noah the de facto culprit.

Link to the post: https://forum.gtarcade.com/topic/251459

We will be rewarding 200 GT points to all players who voted correctly, and additional points to some outstanding responses.

Congratulations and enjoy your juicy GT points reward!!!