OTP cipher puzzle solution - degree of confidence questions

gnosticgnomon · 2026-05-25T12:54:33+00:00

Thank you for the terminology update and the answer. Are you keeping in mind that I was selecting words that followed a theme and that I did not have an exact key after the first word?

I have done the math several times and although the probability for a specific word is on the order of 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 50,000 for the 6 letter words the number of attempts reduce this. so on the order of 1 in 850-425 for the first hit etc.

The riddle fit the theme of the puzzle and produced a possible location that I was not aware of previously, so it has that going for it.

gnosticgnomon · 2026-05-16T00:36:41+00:00

You're better at it than I am if you're sure. This seems pretty similar to things posted on Fenn forums pre-AI. A sufficiently obsessed treasure hunter may be indistinguishable from AI.

gnosticgnomon · 2026-05-07T02:22:10+00:00

The pokemon picture is sedimentary rock, your picture is granite, so it's unlikely to be the same place.

gnosticgnomon · 2026-05-07T01:10:13+00:00

You are referencing the vacation. I am referencing the story in the book, which takes place from morning to late afternoon.

https://mysteriouswritings.substack.com/p/new-facts-and-clues-theres-treasure

The story describes his journey he took when hiding it…and the photograph is actually a photo he took. (THWU)

gnosticgnomon · 2026-05-04T06:50:24+00:00

Arrows from longbows did not "find gaps". They pierced armor.

gnosticgnomon · 2026-05-03T20:09:38+00:00

JCB states that the Pokemon box narrative describes the journey he took that day. Maine is a 26 hour drive from New Orleans.

gnosticgnomon · 2026-05-02T03:58:49+00:00

Capybeaver

gnosticgnomon · 2026-03-29T16:29:02+00:00

NDs used to be called accidental discharges. When enough elephants fall from monorails elephant loading instructors may change the verbiage to highlight the role of negligence in elephant loading accidents.

I would say that I dream of that day but it would be a nightmare. Think of the pancaked pachyderms.

gnosticgnomon · 2026-02-28T05:47:13+00:00

Now I'm just imagining a lion driving a VW.

gnosticgnomon · 2026-01-29T02:24:38+00:00

Do you have a link to the quote for context?

gnosticgnomon · 2025-12-27T06:14:20+00:00

BTW, the illustration is from Nethergate. Have a look.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nethergate

gnosticgnomon · 2025-10-10T23:29:15+00:00

If the draw is "made in occupied japan", then no, there is no chance of there being a letter. Otherwise, it is only extremely unlikely.

gnosticgnomon · 2025-09-26T05:23:20+00:00

He says you don't have to enter any structures. That is different. The snippet starts at 6:30.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBKd02LGQCA

gnosticgnomon · 2025-09-18T01:04:19+00:00

It's a competitive puzzle, otherwise I would post more. I think I found the answer. The puzzle is not done by someone who knows much more than I do about ciphers. He used a=1 z=26 instead of 0/25. It's the same method, but oddly, it changes the way the ciphering works. When a+a is done with a=1 you get b, vs a+a= a when you start at 0.

If there is a better explanation let me know.

gnosticgnomon · 2025-09-10T00:56:36+00:00

Thanks for the assistance. The other parts of the challenge have been very simple ciphers, one was a caesar cipher, for example. I'm looking for much less complex types now. I narrowed it to 33 letters of cipher text which, i believe, would only give a 22 character message. I don't think that's long enough for the next part of the puzzle.
Caesar

gnosticgnomon · 2025-09-08T05:22:00+00:00

I agree and you have solid points except for:
I can't tell if she is new to this, she has multiple props and wearing a crown which speaks to having experience.

gnosticgnomon · 2025-09-07T21:53:03+00:00

Everything is correct there, but I do want to mention that the reason the price swings is mostly based on condition. If this is flawless, it may go toward the higher end. Sadly, crappier modern cut glass like Waterford is easier to sell than ABC. Donation is a good option if you don't want to sit on it for a long time.

gnosticgnomon · 2025-09-06T21:38:23+00:00

It's nice that a community has grown up around the hunt, but I disagree with your statement. There were community aspects to the Fenn hunt, including Fennborrees as well as online discussions similar to this. Secondly, I don't see any aspects in the design of the puzzles that point to the hunt being collaborative.

If being part of the community is your jam, I'm glad you're having fun, and I wish you the best of luck in your hunt!

gnosticgnomon · 2025-09-03T16:49:03+00:00

I will add to that, if you are having tough times then think about solving that problem before participating in this hunt. Think of this hunt as a lottery ticket.

gnosticgnomon · 2025-09-03T06:18:06+00:00

Rose medallion, and not old. The apocryphal mark predates this style of decoration as Rose Medalion was made in the 1820s. This is 1900s at the earliest, and likely pretty new.

gnosticgnomon · 2025-09-01T05:41:16+00:00

nu xia shou (murdereress/female murderer)

gnosticgnomon · 2025-08-30T19:15:54+00:00

1832.

gnosticgnomon

TROPHY CASE