Casque

Each of the twelve puzzles in The Secret are intended to lead the seeker to the location of what Byron Preiss called a casque, an unfired clay box designed by JoEllen Trilling and containing a clay key. Preiss’ use of “casque” is somewhat unusual, as the term is usually used to refer to a metal helmet of the sort worn by conquistadors.

Although produced from a single mold, each casque is uniquely decorated:

• The inside lid displays a specific time reading on a clock face,
• a single figure on the exterior is colored,
• and each key contained therein is painted a different color.

These customizations make it possible for genuine casques to be differentiated from hoaxes, as the decoration choices made for each casque remain confidential.

As protection against the elements while underground, each casque was buried in a durable clear acrylic box.

At present, three of the casques have been recovered.

Over time, some of the buried casques may have been destroyed or sealed over by later construction. Similarly, boxes in areas like New Orleans (which faced Hurricane Katrina in 2005) and Roanoake (which has undergone considerable shore erosion) may be lost to nature.

The Chicago casque, in its original clear acrylic container.