Just started looking more into this one a little over the past week…great work so far!! I kept reading and re-reading the verse tonight and it stood out to me that there is a single capital letter A B and C within the verse. Got me thinking about a possible triangle of 3 different locations to triangulate to form a dig site, perhaps within Cherokee Park. Or steps A, B, and C, to get to where you need to be. Specifically…
A
man of adventure stands
An emblem of
B
Tow circles three, dragon of the
C

MrBackstop

Simply saying that “It’s down below Valkyries window with seven” means it is South of Cavehill Cemetary (Valkyries window) and that one of the cemetery’s famous people is the South’s “Betsy Ross”…Nicola’s name is in the Verse:
N. Marshall
In marsh, hill

Ah, I understand now what you’re putting down. That is an interesting thought. N Marshall/In marsh, hill – I getcha.

Here’s another interesting site. May be fenix will figure it out a month later!
http://eerie-indiana.blogspot.com/2014/ … nt-in.html

Irsh man hill?! Irish hill, Beargrass Valley.
Checkout Le Moo
http://tinyurl.com/y4cdjbe8

erexere

Looks like things are moving fast with the Tribute. I studied the Tribute for a couple weeks.
The only lead I thought I found was a wall mural of a train in Alamogadro, NM.

Now that is just crazy. What a small world. I grew up in Alamogordo.

Goldengate

Whoops!! Apologies for missing your name as part of the supergroup!! Your names all deserve to be on a plaque in the Secret Hall of Fame for that epic showing!

Aww! Thanks. Wait, is that like a losers board plaque? Lol. We havent given up yet though distance (and darn jobs) are a factor. Waiting anxiously to see what happens with those heading there this weekend. I wish them all luck! Thanks again. Not everyone in the group is on here. Just got on here a while back myself. I shared your nice comments and am told you are a “baller” in this hunt!

Sorry. Was hoping the 13th was buried at Ward’s Mill. Really thought it as the spot and may have been a nod to you.

GabbySand2

Sorry. Was hoping the 13th was buried at Ward’s Mill. Really thought it as the spot and may have been a nod to you.

Nah. I’m told there is a nod, but im not telling what it is.

Emblem of Burnstyle?

If a cipher program is required to solve this then I do not feel it is a tribute.

Cipher program was required in the prep. puzzle for tribute. Remember greytears?
Wait there’s more…
Here are some similarities with prelude to tribute poem:
So let us finish at the beginning — At the beginning and end
a cross ticks (acrostics) — Cross four spans
wed the pair — Your way has a twin

Choice

People who are trying to find a cipher solution in the verse (It’s important to find all clues Learned now from methods past) I found a very interesting clear text result several weeks ago. One solution I posted here then that sounded like a tribute. Second solve is much more intricate that involves four rounds of deciphering. All clues are in the verse.
Use Atbash, Hill, Vigenère and Play Fair.
I let you come up with the keyword, key numbers and keysquare

If I can guarantee you anything, without a doubt in my mind, it’s that John does not understand ciphers well enough to use any of those.
He would have had to get help from someone, and there are only two people he knows with that kind of knowledge.
However I am really interested in hearing your solution. If there is a solution, it would be easy to figure out who made it, and if you can figure that out, you should be able to figure out where it leads.

These days with websites like practical cryptography and Cipher tools one can easily insert a cipher as many levels as you like. Start with a message and go at it. Then just use the resulting letters in cap. form in your verse. Good try tho! People are getting lazy here.

Choice

I meant while you are trying to find the key and trying different methods of deciphering, all you would’ve needed is the title word.
Of course you need the accompanied verse to get the key. But to test your key you wouldn’t need the whole text, just the title. It’s not really that complicated!

Yes, you could test the key with the whole block of cipher text or a single word from the cipher text. Either would result in more cipher text once you have the correct key for the Vigenere.

MrBackstop

True Sacred Heart Academy is a good distance from the park. So it goes to the basic 4 steps from JM:
Locate the City – Louisville
Find the Park – Cherokee Park
Find the Treasure Grounds – ?
Locate the Dig Spot – ?
I wouldn’t think using square geometry outside of the park would help you at this point. It would have to be used within the Park and even more so once you get to the treasure grounds.

What if it works slightly different…
Locate the City – Louisville – HST Quote
Find the Icon – Heigold Facade
Path to Park – HWY60 from Heigold/Alt60 to Boone(Your way has a twin)
Park Confirmer- Cherokee Park(man of adventure stands at entrance)
Traverse Path in Park – multiple verse/image clues
Find the correct emblem of B – Many options and only one is correct but you won’t know what to do because the item you seek is down below(spoiler alert – it’s not buried and it’s not a casque)
Use instructions to proceed to final burial spot – rebury casque and create Tribute 2.0

Those are certainly nice pieces of art, no doubt. As a tribute I see this art by Kit as including something from all the Images of the “The Secret”.

Totally agree. In the MysteriousWritings Forum I listed a bunch of similarities. I just don’t like this painting. It’s not pretty enough! Junior should stick to his day job.

In the spirit of sharing (getting out my troll pepper spray):
The image reminds me of a couple of art works:
Edgar Degas “Woman with a Towel” [the bathroom scene in the movie As Good as it Gets played by Helen Hunt based on this painting]
https://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ … 253482.jpg
Salvador Dali “Girl or Figure at the Window”
https://www.dalipaintings.com/images/pa … window.jpg

b_sketchy

What I’m saying is, I don’t understand how one would know where to begin without first trying to find a visual match.

You start with the words, figure out what the words are telling you, and how they are tricking you.

I would be very disappointed with JM and Jr. if the destination is MN. This is supposed to be a tribute to Byron and celebrating his puzzles by introducing a new puzzle as a tribute that adheres to norms he established. To have a desertscape image point to Minnesota is like Image 8 destination being in Wisconsin. Don’t get me started with amateurish painting. Both JM and Jr. need to learn to stay within the lines (allegedly!).

Choice

I would be very disappointed with JM and Jr. if the destination is MN. This is supposed to be a tribute to Byron and celebrating his puzzles by introducing a new puzzle as a tribute that adheres to norms he established. To have a desertscape image point to Minnesota is like Image 8 destination being in Wisconsin. Don’t get me started with amateurish painting. Both JM and Jr. need to learn to stay within the lines (allegedly!).

I do not get the feeling of a desert when I look at the image. MN makes sense to me. Duluth is the largest American port city on Lake Superior. It is also known as the “Twin Port City” with Superior Port north of it. There is evidence of Viking settlers having explored this area. Duluth was named after a famous French adventurer. The the land in the image is flat and green. That sounds like the Mid-West of America to me.

To me the image has more Alamo/Mexican/Indian representation than a viking in a slip!
Viva Denmark?

Choice

I would be very disappointed with JM and Jr. if the destination is MN. This is supposed to be a tribute to Byron and celebrating his puzzles by introducing a new puzzle as a tribute that adheres to norms he established. To have a desertscape image point to Minnesota is like Image 8 destination being in Wisconsin. Don’t get me started with amateurish painting. Both JM and Jr. need to learn to stay within the lines (allegedly!).

Choice I see a lot of the “norms” established by BP and JM in this puzzle. That’s why I’m struggling to understand why you don’t think a Port City like Duluth would be a good area for the casque to be buried?
I myself do not see a desert scape, but a time of year, Autumn, when the leaves have fallen from the trees and the grass tends to grow its greenest before Winter. Now granted you can dislike Kit’s art style….every artist has their own, but the way he and JM put this piece together is brilliant in my opinion. My artistic style is completely different from my 2 sons styles and I wouldn’t think JJP and Kit would be any different in that regard.

Choice

Could’ve never guessed Louisville Kentucky

That’s because you and many others proceed like you are participating in a create your own adventure rather than an actual puzzle/armchair treasure hunt.
The sooner you realize that, the sooner you will give up and move on to something that is more deserving of your exceptional skill and wit.

I was sooo expecting comment from the peanut gallery!
It must be very safe for you guys when you don’t participate or offer anything or bring anything to the table. Why are you guys even here? Just to troll?

Please, this is very tiring. I thought we were sharing new developments here.

Choice

Agreed. I came across this site:
https://www.olmstedparks.org/get-involved/tribute/

Does Choice still not realize that he posted a link to the Louisville Olmsted Parks website weeks ago? I thought for sure that this would be the post to blow the Tribute Hunt wide open. All people needed to do was click his link. It takes you to the page in the first photo below. From there, people didn’t even need to work the puzzle, just explore a bit. There is more than one image match on that website. Great job Choice!

They’re still in the anger stage; soon the bargaining.

Thanks Goldengate!! We had a blast!!! And as far as the facade being a huge Chef Barbie house, that’s some funny chit.

Merlot Brougham

I don’t believe Goldengate was responsible for letting the cat out of the bag and this is not the first place to receive the “public” information. Goldengate was merely responsible for putting together some pictures into a summary from elsewhere and posting them here so Q4T could catch up. Which is what the people on Q4T do, who care about sharing information. I love Q4T but it’s the last place for breaking news. Information is posted here because people like goldengate give a shit about Q4T and gather up the shit floating around and post it here for people to see… so you can shit all over it, apparently.

Hi Merlot Brougham. I apologize if you thought I was disparaging Goldengate. I was not and never meant to do that – It was supposed to be tongue in cheek. And I apologize to Goldengate if that’s what they thought I was doing as well. When Goldengate posted that the cat was let out on Facebook yesterday – I thanked them for passing the info along. I had incorrectly assumed that the news was breaking here on Q4T. Lesson learned. Again sorry about that. But was not my intention to shit on anyone.

GoldenMartyr

Does Choice still not realize that he posted a link to the Louisville Olmsted Parks website weeks ago? I thought for sure that this would be the post to blow the Tribute Hunt wide open. All people needed to do was click his link. It takes you to the page in the first photo below. From there, people didn’t even need to work the puzzle, just explore a bit. There is more than one image match on that website. Great job Choice!

The easy answer is no. The clip below is a rare glimpse of Choice making one of many posts.

Kang

Hi Merlot Brougham. I apologize if you thought I was disparaging Goldengate. I was not and never meant to do that – It was supposed to be tongue in cheek. And I apologize to Goldengate if that’s what they thought I was doing as well. When Goldengate posted that the cat was let out on Facebook yesterday – I thanked them for passing the info along. I had incorrectly assumed that the news was breaking here on Q4T. Lesson learned. Again sorry about that. But was not my intention to shit on anyone.

We are very much on the same team here, I would think, but still appreciated. Thank you for your respectful response to my heavy-handed remarks.

I guess that’s the difference between me and you guys. I post in real time what I find so maybe others can use the info in their quest. You guys hold your findings selfishly and then insult me for posting it to begin with. That’s some low character. If someone found the posting helpful that was the purpose of the post. I guess the meaning of crowdsourcing is lost on you. You’re welcome!

I’m actually on a stroll with my rover on mars and connection is fine. I use micro-wormhole technology. Qapla’

Choice

I guess that’s the difference between me and you guys. I post in real time what I find so maybe others can use the info in their quest. You guys hold your findings selfishly and then insult me for posting it to begin with. That’s some low character. If someone found the posting helpful that was the purpose of the post. I guess the meaning of crowdsourcing is lost on you. You’re welcome!

Calm down Josh Jr. No need to get all flustered again. I just found it funny and full of irony.
The post was zero help to me. As you pointed out earlier, I was already willing to make a substantial bet against MN, etc. I am, however, curious if anybody used your post to progress to the correct city/park. Merlot immediately changed the subject after your Olmsted post from Louisville to Buffalo, maybe he caught onto what you missed?

GoldenMartyr

Calm down Josh Jr. No need to get all flustered again. I just found it funny and full of irony.
The post was zero help to me. As you pointed out earlier, I was already willing to make a substantial bet against MN, etc. I am, however, curious if anybody used your post to progress to the correct city/park. Merlot immediately changed the subject after your Olmsted post from Louisville to Buffalo, maybe he caught onto what you missed?

Josh Jr????? with 915 posts in 6 months has Choice not already surpassed the all time post leader?

GoldenMartyr

Calm down Josh Jr. No need to get all flustered again. I just found it funny and full of irony.
The post was zero help to me. As you pointed out earlier, I was already willing to make a substantial bet against MN, etc. I am, however, curious if anybody used your post to progress to the correct city/park. Merlot immediately changed the subject after your Olmsted post from Louisville to Buffalo, maybe he caught onto what you missed?

At least josh Cornell made most of his posts about THE SECRET. Choice just posts any random things that pops into his head It doesn’t need to useful or even related at all to THE SECRET

Cherokee Park has the visual images from the painting. The rest of the clues are in the Verse.
Cross four spans – cross Big Four Pedestrian Bridge to Waterfront Park.
Emblem of B – Belle of Louisville steamboat
Go to General George Rogers Clark statue – twin to William Clark from Lewis and Clark expedition.
Valkyrie’s windows with seven – There is an archway that has openwork with figures of the number 7 through it.
It’s down below – left or right area beneath the archway (There are areas around the York statue to the right of the archway and an area to the left of the archway).
Pictures are on facebook Tribute to the 13th casque group:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2366171126737617&set=pcb.1214623318707152&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Pardon if this is not new info – I searched, but didn’t see anything already on the forum for this.
I saw a picture on FB taken in front of the Louisville Free Public Library.
https://goo.gl/maps/YGUz1PTkn4G2
Those lamps look familiar to anyone? Image 9 folks – Was it already known info that there’s a legeater lamp in Louisville?
(If yes, apologies).
If not, it’s either a hell of a reason for JM to pick this city, or a hell of a coincidence…

Kang

Pardon if this is not new info – I searched, but didn’t see anything already on the forum for this.
I saw a picture on FB taken in front of the Louisville Free Public Library.
https://goo.gl/maps/YGUz1PTkn4G2
Those lamps look familiar to anyone? Image 9 folks – Was it already known info that there’s a legeater lamp in Louisville?
(If yes, apologies).
If not, it’s either a hell of a reason for JM to pick this city, or a hell of a coincidence…

There are lamps like that all over the place. I know of 3 different locations in Boston. A set at the BPL, a set on Commonwealth Ave and another set along the Charles River. The clawed foot is the big difference. Find one with a hoof and you’ve got something special.

GoldenMartyr

….or maybe valley deep is just instructing you to dig halfway between the Hill and Marsh benches. They are 10-20 feet apart, right?
…if it’s even buried.

Yep, a definitely possibility. It’s pretty cool to see those benches side-by-side. I just couldn’t make out a spot I wanted to probe while I was there last week.

….or maybe valley deep is just instructing you to dig halfway between the Hill and Marsh benches. They are 10-20 feet apart, right?
…if it’s even buried.

GoldenMartyr

….or maybe valley deep is just instructing you to dig halfway between the Hill and Marsh benches. They are 10-20 feet apart, right?
…if it’s even buried.

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xSVS_0BXHU4/maxresdefault.jpg

burnstyle

From what I know… (which isn’t a lot, because I purposefully took myself out of this very early on)…
There is the pink tourmaline, those silver bars, a random pile of uncut precious gems, and you DO have to turn in the key.
This could have all changed… but that is the last I heard.

I would pack that thing in a thick industrial vacuum pack bag and heat seal it.
The box looks bigger than before. Is it still going to be buried 3+ feet deep?

Choice

I would pack that thing in a thick industrial vacuum pack bag and heat seal it.
The box looks bigger than before. Is it still going to be buried 3+ feet deep?

I have no idea.

Choice

Any ideas on where the new casque may be? Maybe Seattle, with all the “sealion” and “hawk” talk.
Also pink tourmaline mined in San Diego. Maybe San Diego Zoo area, the other end of the Spanish trail (zero stone being in St. Augustine)

I think those are smart deductions. I’d also consider “that plot in JM’s backyard where he wants a pool dug”

Seriously speaking, I’ve been researching cities with a large group of immigrants from one nation.
Washington DC has a huge ethiopian population, the largest in the u.s.
What are some prominent nations that didn’t make it into the first book? Japan? India? Mexico? Egypt?

catherwood

if we can keep the discussion in a single thread, I won’t bother the admin to move this. If this was just a “warm-up” intro puzzle, it was TOO HARD for the audience used to the actual riddles for/from The Secret (original, O.G., whatever the kids use, i have no idea what OG stands for, original generation?). I agree with the constructive critism above, that a large block of text needs to be provided in a plain file format. Just glancing at the font they chose for that image, I could not see a difference between lowercase L and uppercase I, which could create fatal errors in decryption (depending on the technique used).
I hope the real riddle+image pair stays within the style of the original. From there, we can decide how to proceed with solving it as a group.

OG = Original Gangsta(original)

With all the people who believed (or still believe) that St. Louis is a casque city, that’s my bet. Although I have not looked at the new puzzle at all, not even in this thread.

drunknerds

I think it might be foreshadowing where it says the dug up casks were done woth mischief which is the fairy way.
Seems to indicate the 13th might require a hard hat and construction vest

I’m surprised to read this. You always have liability issues and lawyers on your mind.

Choice

I’m surprised to read this. You always have liability issues and lawyers on your mind.

No publisher = no legal department = no red tape!
Let’s dig up Busch Stadium

drunknerds

Let’s dig up Busch Stadium

Are you looking for Jimmy Hoffa?!
Also the new writing reads it will be far away from people and their construction and square geometry. It won’t be in a city but away in a park or an abandoned place.

gManTexas

With all the people who believed (or still believe) that St. Louis is a casque city, that’s my bet. Although I have not looked at the new puzzle at all, not even in this thread.

If there was a 13th cask before, the new writing mentions that it was dug up and reburied in a new place.
“Catt and Ja-Eck followed Yo-Rib’s commands, retrieved the 13th casque, and hid it
AGAIN
elsewhere. Then, in the tradition of the fair folk, Catt took up his brush, and created a cryptic
painting depicting clues to the casque’s location. Ja-Eck took up his pen, and wrote obtuse
verses revealing of other clues to the casque. These were left for finders to find.”
I assume Catt is Kit Palencar.

Choice, have you seen the shhhh… the secret podcast FB page? They’ve posted a lot of cool stuff:
– Yes, they went out of their way to secure the casque in a reinforced box. They posted a picture and it’s way beyond plexiglass. I didn’t see anything that looked like metal, but have a look for yourself, I’d love to be wrong
– Interesting observation about the PT value. Fans have been donating bars of silver and gold, so there should be a good haul even if the PT is nowhere near as advertised
– They bought the original casque from the original sculptor, and had her paint it completely
– I’ve been purposefully trying to stay away from using outside information to whittle down the locations, but I will say JM’s job takes him all over the country, so it could be anywhere

That’s interesting. Or maybe they meant they retrieved it from its hiding spot in JoAnn Trelling’s storage unit. They do say it was from under the heel of man and seem to imply its right at the center of man’s square architecture. Trelling lives in NYC, after all

drunknerds

Choice, have you seen the shhhh… the secret podcast FB page? They’ve posted a lot of cool stuff:
– Yes, they went out of their way to secure the casque in a reinforced box. They posted a picture and it’s way beyond plexiglass. I didn’t see anything that looked like metal, but have a look for yourself, I’d love to be wrong
– Interesting observation about the PT value. Fans have been donating bars of silver and gold, so there should be a good haul even if the PT is nowhere near as advertised
– They bought the original casque from the original sculptor, and had her paint it completely
– I’ve been purposefully trying to stay away from using outside information to whittle down the locations, but I will say JM’s job takes him all over the country, so it could be anywhere

I’m not on somed. Is it on the 12treasures.com?

https://www.facebook.com/shhhthesecretpodcast/
it is somewhere on their facebook page. It has been mentioned on the podcast not sure on which one

The pictures of the casque and the plexiglass box is posted on facebook

After rereading the text, it seems like there was a 13th cask made originally that the jewels were kept in, including the pink tourmaline.
Now this line:
“Take the casque and bear it to a new resting place, and the Yar-On shalt
see that many wards and glyphs protect it, until it is claimed by a righteous one,
be they folk fair or new man.”
Does this mean it’s in a more secure container that plexiglass? Metal detectable maybe?

Harley Quinn

The pictures of the casque and the plexiglass box is posted on facebook

Can you upload the Images here? Some of us are not on FB.

Here’s a link to burnstyle’s post from last August, with some details/ info:
http://quest4treasure.co.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=7327

Choice

Can you upload the Images here? Some of us are not on FB.

I hope this works.
https://karenluvs.imgur.com/all

Now I think I figured out on post pics. Yay
Here are a few

Where are the bars of gold!
So don’t need to return a key?
Looks like heavy duty constructed case. Thanks for posting.

Ah, good info. This came before I joined, lucky yall!
$1500 value for a semi-precious stone is questionable. I’m familiar with gem stones since I collect them (and Roman coins). Nice quality clear 3 ct PT goes for about $150.
I know people tend to inflate value and get high appraisal for insurance purposes.

Choice

Where are the bars of gold!
So don’t need to return a key?
Looks like heavy duty constructed case. Thanks for posting.

I did not hear about gold bars, I know bout the silver bars

Cool, that’s another $160.!

Nice intro.

Here is the link to the thread here on Q4t from burnstyle. He also posted a link of a pic of the 3 karat Pink Tourmaline associated with the 13th casque.
http://quest4treasure.co.uk/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=7327&p=143560&hilit=pink#p143560

From what I know… (which isn’t a lot, because I purposefully took myself out of this very early on)…
There is the pink tourmaline, those silver bars, a random pile of uncut precious gems, and you DO have to turn in the key.
This could have all changed… but that is the last I heard.

Near the golf Tee ^(image link above)^ is the Irish Hill neighborhood. That disturbingly blood red dog leash that looks like animal intestines in the image 13 may have something to do with Le Moo in Irish Hill area. In marsh hillside/Irish man hill
viewtopic.php?f=32&t=7978&start=220

Here is my first half solve of the 13th Casque.
Your way has a twin
– Twin Ports, Duluth Minnesota
A man of adventure stands
– Leif Erikson Park, statue
At the beginning and end
Cross four spans
– 4 Pedestrian bridges over the train tracks along Lakewalk boardwalk and bike trail, after passing four bridges you will be at the Leif Erikson Park Rose garden
An emblem of B
– Aerial Lift Bridge, which is the emblem of Duluth, Minnesota

Merlot Brougham

What makes you think these are pedestrian bridges? Do you feel those instructions are for once we are already at the general treasure location and will be on foot for a period of time crossing those spans to the dig spot?
This is where I am a little conflicted based upon the “tribute” and the “lore”. Do you think the verse supposes we are on foot the entire time from start to finish? Cleveland and Chicago are both referencing nearby roads in addition to specific treasure ground clues. The Roanoke verse also covers several miles of territory. I’m not sure how I feel about that at this point. Still trying to work out the clues. Willing to be persuaded by your thoughts on this. What do you think?

Merlot, they are pedestrian bridges in the solve I am currently working. The instructions are meant to have us walk from the starting point to the treasure spot just like in many other puzzles…I believe SF and Boston are examples of walking puzzles as well. As for the “T”, I fall in line with Choice as seeing this as a “probe” above the furniture platform and as a very important clue that I believe to be part of some wrought iron fence as well as a possible indication for the final dig spot “OC”…One Casque.
To your point about some of the puzzles being traveled in different manners…all walking or some walking,some automobiles….Milwuakee and NY are long walks if the searcher chooses to go that route but will be easier doing the front part in a car. But as I said, I see this one as stictly a walking puzzle.

Yet another interesting site!
http://www.monarchwaystationnetwork.res … ation-map/

Christensen Fountain
https://tinyurl.com/yxewrap5
Bernheim Bridge
https://tinyurl.com/y495voua
Directions
Https://tinyurl.com/y2te7xr2
From Heigold Facade to Le Moo to Christensen Fountain to Bernheim Bridge.
A long walk!
https://tinyurl.com/y6a2x4xr

GabbySand2

Emblem of Burnstyle?

Find this, follow directions.

That’s emblem of D (Fenix)

Choice

To me let us finish at the beginning means the act of deciphering.
Also At the beginning and end (finish) spells out At-b-a-sh

No, you’re still misunderstanding.

Choice

Cipher program was required in the prep. puzzle for tribute. Remember greytears?
Wait there’s more…
Here are some similarities with prelude to tribute poem:
So let us finish at the beginning — At the beginning and end
a cross ticks (acrostics) — Cross four spans
wed the pair — Your way has a twin

Jm didnt make the prelude though.

burnstyle

Jm didnt make the prelude though.

Choice is also combining Prelude lines that should not be combined. So let us finish and At the beginning were separate lines created in hopes that people would fall for the trap of combining them.

To me let us finish at the beginning means the act of deciphering.
Also At the beginning and end (finish) spells out At-b-a-sh

Does anyone know when the cask was hidden? Before or after Oct. 2018?

in case anyone here doesn’t know about it, here is a link to the forum where the most discussion is taking place, as well as links to supporting documents.
http://mysteriouswritings.proboards.com … asure-hunt

Merlot Brougham

After an ever EVER so brief skim of the Facebook stuff, my reaction is: neither Nashville nor San Antonio are port cities.
If that is in any way relevant, I have no idea. Depends on one’s definition of “tribute” I suppose.

Good question, but my instinct is that this might not necessarily be a port city. I think this 13th casque is allowed to be a bit different from the others.
I’m pleased to see this 13th puzzle, and that people aren’t objecting to this thread on it. I like how it’s been done.

The Image is kinda creepy.

Also here’s the facebook page where the whole thing originated. Lots of discussion going on there, too
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1182128925289925/
And check out the Shhhh podcast, dropping late Saturday night, when the 13th casque puzzle will be analyzed. It will feature a very familiar face… someone who might even be in this very thread… someone who might even be in this very post.

Merlot Brougham

After an ever EVER so brief skim of the Facebook stuff, my reaction is: neither Nashville nor San Antonio are port cities.
If that is in any way relevant, I have no idea. Depends on one’s definition of “tribute” I suppose.

Minneapolis-St. Paul and Galveston are also coming up.

After an ever EVER so brief skim of the Facebook stuff, my reaction is: neither Nashville nor San Antonio are port cities.
If that is in any way relevant, I have no idea. Depends on one’s definition of “tribute” I suppose.

Here’s my area of interest. Wheeler park on top right being the round hatchet ball. Across london bridge to Crazy Horse.
https://tinyurl.com/y5y2t5my

https://tinyurl.com/y6f3mmo5
https://tinyurl.com/y57llcla

I couldn’t find our thread where this hunt was announced, so feel free to redirect me. Over on another board, they have received preliminary clues.
Earlier announcement article ->
http://mysteriouswritings.com/the-secre … 500-prize/
sub-forum with new threads discussing the first level of clues ->
http://mysteriouswritings.proboards.com … asure-hunt
Should we spawn this off into a parallel section? We’re swamped with the existing book, and it would be good to keep this topic separated.

The text you posted is the decryption of what’s in that jpg. The unencrypted text in the jpg gives the keys / cipher method for decryption.
The image itself, isn’t the image that will be used for locating the casque. It was provided as a prelude to the puzzle, possibly to give an idea of some of the methods used by the puzzle creators, when they finally release the image/verse. (This particular prelude makes me think that drunknerds was involved in this portion….I seem to recall reading (someplace) that he was a contributor. The puzzle uses a riddle, with an acrostic puzzle, followed by a method used with cryptic crossword puzzles, in order to let you know how to decrypt the text.)
The issue I have with the method: The text is too long and uses two encryption methods. In order to decrypt that text using online tools, you either have to have a jpg OCR tool that’s perfect
or
you have to use an imperfect OCR tool, followed by manual proofreading /corrections
or
you have to type it out, hoping you make no mistake, prior to decryption , in order to use the tools
or
you have to manually decrypt directly from the jpg, using two different decryption methods.
One typo or incorrect OCR conversion and the final decryption produces gibberish…..for a long introductory story.
Too many ways to get errors while trying to decrypt, just to read the damn text. It would have been great, if a PDF or doc was made available, so that the encrypted text could be captured, directly.
(This should be ‘fun’….and, a little bit challenging, right? Challenging in a maddening way, with painstaking (painful) methods required for decoding the text (that can result in a multitude of errors) rarely seems to be ‘fun’, imho.)
Still….good riddle….fun decryption (once you figure it out)….but, with too much text encrypted (imo).

catherwood….I agree and think your idea is good: It would be great if this were spawned into a separate subforum to keep things clean and separate.

if we can keep the discussion in a single thread, I won’t bother the admin to move this. If this was just a “warm-up” intro puzzle, it was TOO HARD for the audience used to the actual riddles for/from The Secret (original, O.G., whatever the kids use, i have no idea what OG stands for, original generation?). I agree with the constructive critism above, that a large block of text needs to be provided in a plain file format. Just glancing at the font they chose for that image, I could not see a difference between lowercase L and uppercase I, which could create fatal errors in decryption (depending on the technique used).
I hope the real riddle+image pair stays within the style of the original. From there, we can decide how to proceed with solving it as a group.

I assume most members have to rely on a posting of the text and hope to be accurate OCR scan.
I noticed one solver was getting some of the text on top encrypted and then garbage, obviously a typo or spacing issue.
Unless the typo is at the beginning of the text, one should be able to correct the error quickly.
Then again if the encryption is the type that you get whole lot more text than the original text, you are boned!
Please post the image/text when available, I read they should be available by Valentine’s day.

A bit confusing. Is this the Image 13?
http://mysteriouswritings.com/wp-conten … larger.jpg
And below is the text (deciphered)?
“Awakening
Many summers have come and gone since the fair folk first set foot upon the new world’s
shore. The acorns of the forest grow into mighty oak trees, the arroyos of the desert crumble to
deep canyons, and the winds of the prairie ever bend the grass.
Amongst the fair folk still dwelling in the old world, songs are sung (and stories told) of
Yo-Rib, he whom the world could not slay. Accompanied by the resolute Ruddy, and the brave
Brandan, Yo-Rib navigated the mist and storm of the seas between, and arrived safely; first of
the fair folk to visit the blue-skyed new world.
After many wonders, these three explorers returned to the world of old, and their tales
became the fabric of legend, told and woven into the souls of all fair folk. Most enchanted by
these stories were the leprechaun Catt, descended from Brandan, and the sea-troll Ja-Eck,
great nephew of Ruddy. Together, they dared the voyage, and thereby came to make the new
world their home.
As the years passed, Catt and Ja-Eck rarely saw one another, since Catt preferred to
explore the meadow, glade, and woodlands, while Ja-Eck chose to stay by the seacliff, knowing
whelkin, fog, and wave. They both enjoyed creating their own music and art, the oddest parts
and pieces of which they would leave for the native peoples to find. Yet the native peoples, and
even the animals of the new world, rarely caught sight of Catt and Ja-Eck, for they (in the
manner of most fair folk) dwelt light on the land. The only exceptions were Catt’s spirit animal,
Hawk, and Ja-Eck’s familiar, Sealion.
One day, after many years of serenity in the new world, Hawk brought to Catt a head of
a message from Yo-Rib, he whom the world could not slay. Sealion brought to Ja-Eck the tail of
the message, and this is how the leprechaun and the sea-troll were brought together to discuss
the body of the message itself…
To Catt of the leprechauns, and to Ja-Eck of the sea-troll clan, say unto them
both:
Many of our folk fair hath made the voyage out to the new world after Catt and
Ja-Eck did show it done by two folk good of heart. But, alas, the new man, with
his iron, and his plastic, and his siege of asphaltium, has wrung from the land
near all quiet. The fair folk have broke and been rolled into hiding. The terrible
lowing of machine herds has overrun even the sacred 12 casque reliquaries. Nay!
We do not begrudge those of the new people who have found and taken
possession of any casque, for they did so with honor and mischief- in the proper
way of our people. Yet we, last of the Yar-On, fear that the remaining unclaimed
casques may be lost; buried beneath the architectures of man. We summon all
fair folk of the new world to protect the reliquaries that are yet undisturbed. But to
you, Catt, and to you, Ja-Eck, let be said this: There lies a 13th casque known
only to the Yar-On. It is a casque of great beauty, adorned with gold and silver,
and protected by the incantation of enclosing. Within are kept rough gemstones,
so loved by Orion the hunter, and a grip of pure silver, a gift from and back to
Artemis. Kept also within is the fabled Heart of the Ice Kingdom, noble pink
tourmaline.
You are called upon to take the 13th casque from the place where it lies, for
it is directly under the heel of the new man and his encompassing avarice. You
will hide the casque again, far from man, and his blinding fear, destruction, and
square geometry. We leave the choosing of the new location to you; the Yar-On
bow to your knowledge of the new world. When you are ready to begin, Catt, and
you, Ja-Eck, begin walking. You shalt be guided to the reliquary of the 13th
Casque. Take the casque and bear it to a new resting place, and the Yar-On shalt
see that many wards and glyphs protect it, until it is claimed by a righteous one,
be they folk fair or new man.
Catt and Ja-Eck followed Yo-Rib’s commands, retrieved the 13th casque, and hid it again
elsewhere. Then, in the tradition of the fair folk, Catt took up his brush, and created a cryptic
painting depicting clues to the casque’s location. Ja-Eck took up his pen, and wrote obtuse
verses revealing of other clues to the casque. These were left for finders to find. Catt and Ja-Eck
returned to forest and seacliff, to wait for one who lands in the east, to look west with the right
kind of eyes, to the place and time where the fair folk broke away and rolled back into hiding.
The fair folk, new world and old, have heard the summons of the Yar-On and are taking
action to save the remaining hidden casques. Unless you walk partly in their world, you will
never see them, never know their works, and you certainly will be unable to defeat their
measures, such as glyphs and cryptics, which the fair folk use to protect their treasures.”

I don’t think there’s any argument about the area of Cherokee park being the location. That being said, the area between Heigold and Big Rock is huge. It has to be traveled by car. So the only way of pinpointing the exact spot may be by the good old triangulating or as others call it vectoring. I, for my own entertainment like to use the POSSIBLE directional map in the image, i.e. the rod map. Others have been connecting way-points to see where they intersect. Sacred Heart Academy is way out of the Cherokee park and into the “square geometry” and you really can’t find an accurate spot for drawing a line. The further you are the less accurate line and therefore the more area of search.

That’s true, it is away from the city and its square geometry. But that’s the beauty of Cherokee Park, it is away from the city and has many solid matches that I don’t believe you will find anywhere else. The Heigold House’s connection to Beargrass Creek and the park are very strong.
I’m always up for looking at other solves. Best of luck.

Choice, I think it could be representing the wood slats of the World’s Fair benches in Cherokee Park. Or perhaps a staircase of some sort.

Choice

Just to wake this thread up from coma (or not!); Gen. Clark is pointing towards Clarksville, Indiana across the Ohio river…
Is this map of Indiana?

Falls of the Ohio state park has a similar shape, it’s where Lewis & Clark met for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, interesting history regarding to first settlers of the area…
(and it’s across the Ohio River , big four bridge (4 spans), and the area where general Clark is pointing)
here’s a link to google maps :
https://bit.ly/2X09EZL
(Still it’s a bit hard to deny all the other visual matches near Cherokee park & Big rock area … it has to be near that place IMO …)

Repost alert!
The point I’m trying to make is the image matches are all over the place.
They spread from Ohio river area i.e. General Clark statue, Heigold Facade and water tower all the way down to big rock. And many matches in the middle. So using those spots as waypoints or pins on a map one could come up with image correlation. Obviously this is just a hypothesis and for all we know the cask is across the river in Clarksville!
Afterall Gen. Clark is pointing that way…
https://tinyurl.com/y2vo7rsq
Towards
https://tinyurl.com/yyvxuwya
Note the T he’s holding.

Since people are such big fan of my map/image correlation
, here’s the last one I posted a while back at MW showing image matches and area of interest:

In my solve “Your way has a twin” is a reference to MN but not the twin cities.
Look to the Twin Ports and you’ll start to see more answers. The “leash” is a match for the Monarch Highway which starts in Laredo, TX and ends in Duluth, MN.

MrBackstop

In my solve “Your way has a twin” is a reference to MN but not the twin cities.
Look to the Twin Ports and you’ll start to see more answers. The “leash” is a match for the Monarch Highway which starts in Laredo, TX and ends in Duluth, MN.

This is an interesting idea and was also being discussed last night in the SA thread. Has your solve found any World’s Fair Bench(es) in Duluth yet?

Bench is one solution for the OC but not the only one. It may just be a hint to someone’s ID, a brand or emblem. Similar to user ID logo.

Choice

Bench is one solution for the OC but not the only one. It may just be a hint to someone’s ID, a brand or emblem. Similar to user ID logo.

I personally see a lot of small details that strongly link the OC to the bench. I’m copying his comparison image and I tend to agree with Drunk Nerds who pointed those details out very succinctly. I’m paraphrasing him, but note the ends of the C’s don’t curve inward and the bars holding the letters do curve. Also notice the open triangular space between the bar holding the letters and the letters themselves. Those are very particular details that are in both the bench and the OC. I think it’s pretty persuasive and at least worthy of serious consideration.
In my unimportant opinion, this would be a very smart “treasure ground” indicator for JM to choose. It’s a “World’s Fair Bench” which fits great with the lore of the hunt. It’s also a very specific design, but a fairly popular bench. I have found examples of these World’s Fair Benches in numerous cities. We have what looks like it could be a pretty solid match, but we need to figure out more clues to find the specific World’s Fair Bench JM wants us to find.
In the spirit of the tribute, the puzzle mechanism being used is very similar to how Preiss/JJP used the fence in Grant Park for Image 5/Chicago:
The moment you walk into Grand Park, you will see that style fence post (and presumably before they were removed – the “halo”) everywhere in the park. It’s a significant clue and one that is definitely the treasure ground clue in the image, but until you use the other clues and the verse to find which specific fence post you are using as your marker, you could spend a lifetime digging holes around Grant Park.
To take the comparison of tribute and lore one slightly more abstract step, Preiss also puts “fence and fixture” in the verse 12 and “land near the window” in verse 11 to link image to verse. There’s only one verse here, but it seems possible the “One Casque” (both words capitalized) could be a clue to tell us the OC in the image is a meaningful treasure ground indicator and will be where the digging takes place, particularly since it’s attached to a probe in the image itself. I would suggest this may be clever way of incorporating a “method past” to give us additional instructions and direct us to what is an important part of the puzzle.

Have had a little play around with this. After going over and giving some feedback on the facebook page I thought I add some info here also:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1neOMEW … sp=sharing

Just to add, its a very rough version I just posted. I literally just knocked that pdf up after an hour of walking through the image and things do seem to line up for Saint Paul.

Agreed. I came across this site:
https://www.olmstedparks.org/get-involved/tribute/

Nice job with the leash bbi. In case this can help with your St. Paul theory, Rice park has a round water fountain with a lady standing with similar pose.
https://tinyurl.com/yy37etqy

Choice

Agreed. I came across this site:
https://www.olmstedparks.org/get-involved/tribute/

That’s Louisville, there’s also Buffalo:
https://www.bfloparks.org/
Buffalo has a few interesting characteristics beyond Olmsted and the benches. Known as The Queen City, also a port city.

Hmmm? –
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ … C06336.jpg
Same woman – different tomahawk –
http://www.hawthorneinsalem.org/images/ … me=MMD2182

Choice

I would be very disappointed with JM and Jr. if the destination is MN. This is supposed to be a tribute to Byron and celebrating his puzzles by introducing a new puzzle as a tribute that adheres to norms he established. To have a desertscape image point to Minnesota is like Image 8 destination being in Wisconsin. Don’t get me started with amateurish painting. Both JM and Jr. need to learn to stay within the lines (allegedly!).

Still babbling….you will soon find out that you have a reason to feel especially silly when someone lets things slip and everybody catches up.
Burnstyle seems like he is trying to give some hints. Maybe people should read them.

You sure earned your tagline.
BTW Your tagline is taken out of context. There shouldn’t be a question mark.

I can’t wait to hear your excuses when you realize it.

I don’t know what you’re babbling about. I never said it won’t be in MN but I’ll be disappointed if it were. Learn to read D.

Choice

I don’t know what you’re babbling about. I never said it won’t be in MN but I’ll be disappointed if it were. Learn to read D.

Just don’t delete anything this time please, okay? Thanks.

You don’t make sense. You’re sooo lost here. Seek help.
Infact it might’ve been a giant DB that made that statement:
viewtopic.php?f=32&t=7978&hilit=minnesota&start=80

We are talking about completely different things. Thanks for the attack again lil buddy.

Then communicate more clearly.

Here’s one from the left field, literally!
So, the base of the “bench”, the half circle looks like the bend of the Ohio river on top. Overlaying the map the yellow circle at the tip of the half circle will line up with the bottom corner of Shawnee park; another Olmsted park.
Shawnee park circle
http://tinyurl.com/y2n8sows

Choice

Christensen Fountain
https://tinyurl.com/yxewrap5
Bernheim Bridge
https://tinyurl.com/y495voua
Directions
Https://tinyurl.com/y2te7xr2
From Heigold Facade to Le Moo to Christensen Fountain to Bernheim Bridge.
A long walk!
https://tinyurl.com/y6a2x4xr

Don’t forget to add the Louisville water tower to the walk. It has the image match of the Indian with a dog on a leash.

Here’s another way of looking at the rod:

I don’t know if it matters…..but I believe the butterfly in the image is a Viceroy – the state butterfly of Kentucky. Viceroy’s look very much like Monarchs but are a different BF. Maybe the butterfly is the twin??

MERLIN

I don’t know if it matters…..but I believe the butterfly in the image is a Viceroy – the state butterfly of Kentucky. Viceroy’s look very much like Monarchs but are a different BF. Maybe the butterfly is the twin??

Looks like a Monarch to me:

If you’ve read the note from the creators, there is a line that says, “There are some old tricks and some new things you will have to figure out.”
Well I think I figured out a new trick. JM is quite a word smith if my idea is accurate.
I believe the words
“valley deep”
have significant meaning to the clues of Daniel Boone. At one time Boone was a representative in Virginia and at one time was the Sheriff of Fayette County (Lexington). And now as we know there is a statue of Daniel Boone in Louisville on Eastern Parkway. Boone’s twin statue is Richmond at Eastern Kentucky University outside of Lexington.
VA
– Virginia
L
– Lexington
L
– Louisville
EY
– Enid Yandell created Boone’s statue
D
– first letter in Daniel
E
– last letter in Boone
E
– Eastern
P
– Parkway
This may be a weird coincidence but with all the word smithing that has gone on in the 12 hunts, I think John Michaels worked this little gem into the Verse as a new trick.

Just for giggles
https://tinyurl.com/yygas4tp

Choice

Does anyone know when the cask was hidden? Before or after Oct. 2018?

It was hidden in October 2018. And one of the clues I believe gives us a reference to 10/18.
The Wheel/Shield has 10 circles on the outer rim and 8 holes on the inside for a total of 18. I think this is JM’s creative way of dating the bury month.

GoldenMartyr

….or maybe valley deep is just instructing you to dig halfway between the Hill and Marsh benches. They are 10-20 feet apart, right?
…if it’s even buried.

I think that would be possible but a bad spot to put the casque. That area is an open field covered in grass. With all the acreage in Cherokee Park that is not covered by lawn grass, I believe JM would have buried it in an area with Cover from the view of the roads and in an non-landscaped spot. Time will tell.

I just hope it wasn’t buried under a bridge. Floodwaters can sweep it away. On a ledge under a bridge is a possibility.

Very nice Merlot.
Another clue for London bridge?
The animal may be the ‘legeater’.
Missing leg hint.
Hooves similar to Image 9.
Legeaters on the London bridge.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/156936251 … st-2dG8FL3
I believe that the 13th cask is near Brunswick Georgia on Jekyll Island. I have posted some images that are very similar to the 13th cask image.

I was testing different things to see if there’s any ciphered clue in the verse. There isn’t (I don’t think); only a tribute message.
All the cap. letters: YAACABIVILOCTCIV
Vigenère decrypt with keyword = GREYTEARS
Decrypt the result with Caesar Cipher with shift value 4
Result: Of sad team bt ur far

edit: double post
Monarch, Queen (chess), Victoria.

I’m flattered that you think I might have been involved, EZ.
However, I have had zero association with any part of the puzzle and am looking forward to solving it with all of you.
Sidenote: I hate ciphers. If there’s one in the actual puzzle I’m pretty useless beyond showing it to the crypto experts I know.
I am so excited for this!

I think it might be foreshadowing where it says the dug up casks were done woth mischief which is the fairy way.
Seems to indicate the 13th might require a hard hat and construction vest

Any ideas on where the new casque may be? Maybe Seattle, with all the “sealion” and “hawk” talk.
Also pink tourmaline mined in San Diego. Maybe San Diego Zoo area, the other end of the Spanish trail (zero stone being in St. Augustine)

Just to wake this thread up from coma (or not!); Gen. Clark is pointing towards Clarksville, Indiana across the Ohio river…
https://tinyurl.com/y2vo7rsq
in the direction of
https://tinyurl.com/yyvxuwya
Note the T he’s holding.
Is this map of Indiana?

The image has coughed up plenty of data at this point. It’s time to work the verse.

Thanks captain obvious

Choice

Thanks captain obvious

If it’s so obvious, why do you serially post minute image related details, connections and dreams that you think MAY be important to the solution?
Solve the verse and find the casque O’gifted one.

Choice

i do have it narrowed to multiple spots depending on how you interpret image/verse.
Near benches.
Under bridge.
Below T.
I’ve hinted to all of these spots months ago here and on the mysteriouswriting’s site.
I mostly interpret 4 spans as traveling/driving over 4 bridges and not the Big Four Bridge. This bridge is a pedestrian bridge. That means you have to walk for several miles to the next spot. Not likely unless you Uber!

Choice

i do have it narrowed to multiple spots depending on how you interpret image/verse.
Near benches.
Under bridge.
Below T.
I’ve hinted to all of these spots months ago here and on the mysteriouswriting’s site.
I mostly interpret 4 spans as traveling/driving over 4 bridges and not the Big Four Bridge. This bridge is a pedestrian bridge. That means you have to walk for several miles to the next spot. Not likely unless you Uber!

Yeah, could be near benches and below T(rees).
I don’t think there’s any way in the world that JM would put it under bridges. What most people don’t realize is how shallow Beargrass Creek and its other tributaries are. Flash floods are common in Cherokee Park. The areas around the bridges are always changing and being pelted with debris from changing water levels.

Indeed. Infact there was a major one late 2018 when they were there. There are youtube videos.
I was thinking of a different bridge. The Big 4 if you interpret “cross 4 spans” where it comes to a
T
; the sandy area:
https://tinyurl.com/yxwqohnv
Also T for a tree is problematic because of growing roots. I’m more of a golf
T
ee fan:
http://tinyurl.com/yxvr7h6p

Choice

I haven’t looked but this is my original interpretation of the OC branding iron as it’s called. T bar for the probe and OC for one cask. So that’s basically X marks the spot.
Also “It’s down below — Valkyrie’s window with seven”:
Down below or under.
Valkyries take the warriors’ souls to heaven. 7th window of heaven is God?
At the 4 corner circle, Arizona quarter has “UNDER GOD” inscription.

Understood. Thank you for explaining your train of thought on that. For now, given the clues we have so far, I tend to think that the end of the “probe” and the connection to the verse (which would seem to stress its importance in the hunt) is a very convincing match for the base of a very popular park bench that seems to be ubiquitous in American parks, particularly Olmsted parks/port city parks, and has a very interesting history that connects to the original hunt in a very seamless way, fitting of a tribute, and for now deserves additional attention.

I don’t think it’s connection is to a bench (although it could be ) as much as it is to someone on FB that thought it was an indication of “OC” for one casque…..like in the verse.

No I did not listen to it yet. What I’m saying is is that I don’t think the clue itself is necessarily a bench. I’ll try to listen the podcast and get some more info. And while I’m at it I wanted to add this. I can certainly see the casque being buried near a bench but I believe the clue is an indication of a wrought iron fence of some sort.
At the beginning and end
Cross four spans
This means from the starting point of the puzzle to the end, pass 4 bridges. But, I see these as pedestrian bridges….no cars or trucks.

MrBackstop

I don’t think it’s connection is to a bench (although it could be ) as much as it is to someone on FB that thought it was an indication of “OC” for one casque…..like in the verse.

I don’t think I am completely following. You don’t think what’s a connection?
Is the suggestion the OC in the verse and the OC in the picture are just self-referential to each other and nothing more?

OC as in One Casque and the T probe. Maybe both, OC next to the bench.
Did you guys listen to the 12treasures.com audio about 13th cask and dante’s inferno and circles of hell?!

Choice

Did you guys listen to the 12treasures.com audio about 13th cask and dante’s inferno and circles of hell?!

Sounded like the inane ramblings of a crazy person, to me.

An emblem of B
B means Bridge, but has nothing to do with the four pedestrian bridges (spans).

MrBackstop

An emblem of B
B means Bridge, but has nothing to do with the four pedestrian bridges (spans).

That was my exact thought. That’s why I slapped together my solve the day after the puzzle was released!
London bridge in AZ (beginning and end of alphabet) and there are emblems of monarchy at the start and end (shield) and even legeater lamps!
Crossing 4 spans being the 4 corners where 4 states create a cross (butterfly’s 4 wingspan segments). The wooden brace holding the butterfly forms an A and it’s location is AZ (south-west).
BTW the bridge is literally a bridge to nowhere. That island has no name or at least I couldn’t find one.

I like your thoughts on AZ, that’s cool. I’m in MN myself and here’s my main reason why:
A man of adventure stands
I was trying to figure out what man may be important to both the USA and Canada since there are casques in both countries. A man more important than Christopher Columbus would be…Leif Erikson. He discovered North America way before Columbus. Leif Erikson is our man of adventure.

Take a walk down Lakewalk in Duluth and you’ll find yourself in Leif Erikson Park. His statue stands at the edge of the park. So many of the clues started coming together once I found my way into this area.

Choice

That was my exact thought. That’s why I slapped together my solve the day after the puzzle was released!
London bridge in AZ (beginning and end of alphabet) and there are emblems of monarchy at the start and end (shield) and even legeater lamps!
Crossing 4 spans being the 4 corners where 4 states create a cross (butterfly’s 4 wingspan segments). The wooden brace holding the butterfly forms an A and it’s location is AZ (south-west).
BTW the bridge is literally a bridge to nowhere. That island has no name or at least I couldn’t find one.

Could the posts below the rail to the right be the “Queen” chess piece shape?
http://photo.accuweather.com/photogalle … 0fed7a.jpg

MrBackstop

No I did not listen to it yet. What I’m saying is is that I don’t think the clue itself is necessarily a bench. I’ll try to listen the podcast and get some more info. And while I’m at it I wanted to add this. I can certainly see the casque being buried near a bench but I believe the clue is an indication of a wrought iron fence of some sort.
At the beginning and end
Cross four spans
This means from the starting point of the puzzle to the end, pass 4 bridges. But, I see these as pedestrian bridges….no cars or trucks.

That you for clearing up that point about the bench. I appreciate it. I think I would fall in the other camp for now. It seems like a very strong clue to me, but who knows.
If someone puts together a solve with an image match that does better than a World’s Fair Bench for the end of the “fire poker”, I’ll be totally on board. Until then, I think that’s going to be a key piece of the solution. We will find out once someone digs this thing up.
What makes you think these are pedestrian bridges? Do you feel those instructions are for once we are already at the general treasure location and will be on foot for a period of time crossing those spans to the dig spot?
This is where I am a little conflicted based upon the “tribute” and the “lore”. Do you think the verse supposes we are on foot the entire time from start to finish? Cleveland and Chicago are both referencing nearby roads in addition to specific treasure ground clues. The Roanoke verse also covers several miles of territory. I’m not sure how I feel about that at this point. Still trying to work out the clues. Willing to be persuaded by your thoughts on this. What do you think?

MERLIN

Could the posts below the rail to the right be the “Queen” chess piece shape?
http://photo.accuweather.com/photogalle … 0fed7a.jpg

Actually if you pan slightly to the left of that image you’ll see a bunch of other posts that have 2 sets of 2 bumps or ripples along the post. Combine the designs of both?
https://tinyurl.com/y5nno3jg

MERLIN

Hmmm? –
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ … C06336.jpg
Same woman – different tomahawk –
http://www.hawthorneinsalem.org/images/ … me=MMD2182

If you like the hatchet women checkout this sweetie!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanne_Hachette

Choice

Actually if you pan slightly to the left of that image you’ll see a bunch of other posts that have 2 sets of 2 bumps or ripples along the post. Combine the designs of both?
https://tinyurl.com/y5nno3jg

there’s a dragon too
https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5809/23 … 690d_b.jpg

MERLIN

there’s a dragon too
https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5809/23 … 690d_b.jpg

And it’s twin is in London. Hence two dragons on top of the Tribute page.
http://www.newgeography.com/content/002 … ndon-fixed
Did you see the birdseye view of the island I posted? Looks just like the woman with tiny leg (one leg) in a sharp angle resting on the Marina?
viewtopic.php?f=32&t=7978&start=70
Most of my posts relating to cask 13 are on the mysterious board. If interested checkout my posts. Start from last page 1st. I don’t know if you have to be a member to view or not.
http://mysteriouswritings.proboards.com/user/826/recent

Choice

And it’s twin is in London. Hence two dragons on top of the Tribute page.
http://www.newgeography.com/content/002 … ndon-fixed
Did you see the birdseye view of the island I posted? Looks just like the woman with tiny leg (one leg) in a sharp angle resting on the Marina?
viewtopic.php?f=32&t=7978&start=70
Most of my posts relating to cask 13 are on the mysterious board. If interested checkout my posts. Start from last page 1st. I don’t know if you have to be a member to view or not.
http://mysteriouswritings.proboards.com/user/826/recent

Is there a 1939 World’s Fair Bench anywhere nearby?

Merlot Brougham

Is there a 1939 World’s Fair Bench anywhere nearby?

I haven’t looked but this is my original interpretation of the OC branding iron as it’s called. T bar for the probe and OC for one cask. So that’s basically X marks the spot.
Also “It’s down below — Valkyrie’s window with seven”:
Down below or under.
Valkyries take the warriors’ souls to heaven. 7th window of heaven is God?
At the 4 corner circle, Arizona quarter has “UNDER GOD” inscription.

Here is what I see the axe as representing. Do you guys see anything else along the Duluth Lakewalk?

Kang

OK, since Goldengate has kinda let the cat out of the bag (no judgements), I’ll throw a couple more out there (same location).

I don’t believe Goldengate was responsible for letting the cat out of the bag and this is not the first place to receive the “public” information. Goldengate was merely responsible for putting together some pictures into a summary from elsewhere and posting them here so Q4T could catch up. Which is what the people on Q4T do, who care about sharing information. I love Q4T but it’s the last place for breaking news. Information is posted here because people like goldengate give a shit about Q4T and gather up the shit floating around and post it here for people to see… so you can shit all over it, apparently.
Edit: How many times did I say “shit”? I bet it was at least below valkyries window, with 7

Thread was pretty happy till you showed up GG with your negativity troll. You should lock yourself up in a room away from people and sharp objects till you go through your five stags of grief. Or seek a team of professionals.

Could’ve never guessed Louisville Kentucky

Choice

Agreed. I came across this site:
https://www.olmstedparks.org/get-involved/tribute/

Ever check what you come across?

I always post clues trying to help other searchers with their theories. What about it?
I also suggested that tribute may be a clue to Ute tribe.
Alamo, Nevada is north of Coyote Springs. To the south east is Ute. (trib-Ute)
To the west of Alamo, where the disk is floating is Area 51. Remember Josh’s obsession with UFO!
To the south of the disk where the probe rod is corresponds with Las Vegas suburbs. Viva …

At least they don’t have MAGA hats on!

Quick! – somebody Google ‘world’s biggest Chef Barbie dollhouse’
That thing must have a full-sized kitchen!

Lets do 20 jokes in 20 minutes:
All facade and no substance.

Geesh, get a sense of humor troll.

OK, since Goldengate has kinda let the cat out of the bag (no judgements), I’ll throw a couple more out there (same location).

Goldengate

Safe to say the cat lept out of the bag yesterday evening on Facebook and elsewhere
…
These folks have done an awesome job chasing down clues…Hats off to them

GG – Sorry, I missed whatever you’re referring to on Facebook. Thanks for relaying the info.
And I second your Hat’s off. (Though wouldn’t mind if they took a bit longer to dig it up).
The footrace is on people!….

Goldengate

And Choice, sure, keep trying. Someday, someone will find your trolling funny.

People were showing the same symptoms when Dr. Gay announced his finding, confusion, anger, frustration. Get over it lil man. Don’t take it out on me; we’re stock up on crazy.

Simply saying that “It’s down below Valkyries window with seven” means it is South of Cavehill Cemetary (Valkyries window) and that one of the cemetery’s famous people is the South’s “Betsy Ross”.
Nicola Marschall designed the first Stars and Bars flag with 7 stars. Nicola’s name is in the Verse:
N. Marshall
In marsh, hill

Thanks GG for the kind words regarding the facade and Caroline, William, Nick, Anthony and Lisa. Missed me but that’s ok. I shared your comments to the gang and we are all very appreciative!

Sorry to hear that. Hope things work out.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the popped balloon hanging from the branch. I thought this might be a rebus puzzle or word puzzle but I am stuck.

Dominick

Does anyone have any thoughts on the popped balloon hanging from the branch. I thought this might be a rebus puzzle or word puzzle but I am stuck.

Pretty sure that’s the gem Dom

strike13

Pretty sure that’s the gem Dom

LOL. I have been at this too long.

Why was this search removed from 12Treasures.com?

maybe it’s been found?

I removed it from 12treasures.
as far as I know it has not been found.

Still haven’t made up with JM?

Choice

Still haven’t made up with JM?

sadly, It’s gotten worse. As lame as it sounds, it’s kind of heartbreaking, I miss my friend.
He asked for it to be removed, so I removed it.

People who are trying to find a cipher solution in the verse (It’s important to find all clues Learned now from methods past) I found a very interesting clear text result several weeks ago. One solution I posted here then that sounded like a tribute. Second solve is much more intricate that involves four rounds of deciphering. All clues are in the verse.
Use Atbash, Hill, Vigenère and Play Fair.
I let you come up with the keyword, key numbers and keysquare

The key to breaking the cipher if you choose not to look at the verse on the left would have been to find all instances of “13xx xxxxxx”. It really doesn’t get anymore obvious than this.

I don’t believe it’s at that house or in the yard of that house. I believe if you go across the street to a vantage point where you can see both the bench and house together, it might be to the left corner of the bench. Right about at these coordinates: 44.926301 -93.296393

That dormer doesn’t look like what you think it does.
BTW here’s a quote from the lure: “You will hide the casque again, far from man, and his blinding fear, destruction, and
square geometry.”
https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/mn/ … _26701931/

Choice

That dormer doesn’t look like what you think it does.
BTW here’s a quote from the lure: “You will hide the casque again, far from man, and his blinding fear, destruction, and
square geometry.”
https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/mn/ … _26701931/

But that’s not the House of the Seven Gables.

I’m confused now. That’s the house pictured in his solve and coordinates.
Are we going to Salem?

Actually, the way the cipher was written, all one had to do is decipher the title “Fudnoqrdl”.
Only then you can go on and do the rest using the same technique.
Misspellings can easily be corrected when you start getting garbage out.

Why not start with “th casque” as known plain text? This would have been the easiest and by far most obvious way to attempt to use brute force.
…but yeah, what you said….guessing 9 letter words till you had a match would be an option.

Choice

Actually, the way the cipher was written, all one had to do is decipher the title “Fudnoqrdl”.
Only then you can go on and do the rest using the same technique.
Misspellings can easily be corrected when you start getting garbage out.

It was a revolving key… so that would not have worked.

I meant while you are trying to find the key and trying different methods of deciphering, all you would’ve needed is the title word.
Of course you need the accompanied verse to get the key. But to test your key you wouldn’t need the whole text, just the title. It’s not really that complicated!

Mister EZ

Too many ways to get errors while trying to decrypt, just to read the damn text. It would have been great, if a PDF or doc was made available, so that the encrypted text could be captured, directly.

Mister EZ

(This should be ‘fun’….and, a little bit challenging, right? Challenging in a maddening way, with painstaking (painful) methods required for decoding the text (that can result in a multitude of errors) rarely seems to be ‘fun’, imho.)

I wonder if this was intentional due to formatting and ease of guessing plain text words.
It appears there were two ways to solve the puzzle. Starting from the left(verse) or from the right(cipher text).
fun = starting from the left – understand the instructions, solve the riddle, acrostic, cryptic crossword.
painful = starting from the right – transcribe, use brute force/tools to decrypt.
I’d even guess that the creator of the puzzle would have released the cipher text in a doc had somebody got close to uncovering the method the “fun” way.

GoldenMartyr

The reason he (the puzzle creator) didnt release the text block in a copy able way was because he was worried people would be able to easily brute force it…. He was almost right about that. He wanted people to focus on the verse.
I doubt he would have released the text at all in a way where it could be copied.
He seemed to be a bit disappointed when it was broken with brute force.

Sort of kind of right….see above.