Rung #97 hints and answer

September 4, 2026. Here is the full clue ladder for this puzzle, gentlest first. Each rung is worth fewer points, so open only what you need. The answer stays hidden until you click.

Hint 1, worth 5 points

A grieving Roman emperor is said to have burned an entire year's supply of me at his wife's funeral.

Hint 2, worth 4 points

I was once worth more than gold, and empires bent their trade routes just to own me.

Hint 3, worth 3 points

Stripped from the inner bark of a tree, I dry and tighten into brittle rolled quills.

Hint 4, worth 2 points

Warm, reddish-brown, and sweet, I dust your latte and perfume your pastry with a hint of spice.

Hint 5, worth 1 point

I smell like the holidays themselves, baked into every apple pie and swirled into hot cider.

Extra hint, the shape of the answer

8 letters, starts with “C”.

Reveal the answer to Rung #97

CINNAMON

Cinnamon was once so precious that its source was kept secret for centuries. Traders invented tales of monstrous birds guarding it to justify the price.

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