Yet Another Simple Cipher Mystery Cache
Hidden : 2/22/2011
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:



The cache is not at the posted coordinates.

This puzzle is based on a simple cipher that is very similar to the one we all use, namely ROT13.

ROT13 ("rotate by 13 places", sometimes hyphenated ROT-13) is a simple substitution cipher used in online forums as a means of hiding spoilers, punchlines, puzzle solutions, and offensive materials from the casual glance. ROT13 has been described as the "Usenet equivalent of a magazine printing the answer to a quiz upside down". ROT13 is an example of the Caesar cipher, developed in ancient Rome.

In the Basic Latin alphabet, ROT13 is its own inverse; that is, to undo ROT13, the same algorithm is applied, so the same action can be used for encoding and decoding. The algorithm provides no cryptographic security, and is often cited as a canonical example of weak encryption. ROT13 has inspired a variety of letter and word games on-line, and is frequently mentioned in newsgroup conversations.
rot13
ROT13 Substitution Table
The cipher being used here, which I'll refer to as REV13*, is also an example of a Caesar cipher. To form the substitution table for this cipher you simply start with the ROT13 table, separate the letters and find its mate by rotating around 13 places. The result is shown below as the REV13 Substitution Circle.

rev13-2
REV13 Substitution Circle
An even easier way to form the substitution table is to start with the ROT13 table and REVerse the order of the bottom 13 letters.
rev13
REV13 Substitution Table
Now use the substitution table is decipher "KIVHH NB OLTL". Trust me, you'll want to practice with this easy one before tackling the main puzzle text.

*After this puzzle was published a number of our local crypto-experts correctly identified this as being the Atbash cipher. Here's how digits translate as well.
Atbash Digits
Digit Substitution Table
Yozmp rh gsv hvxlmw kirnv mfnyvi.
Tivvw rh lmv lu gsv yozmp wvzwob hrmh.
Vovevm grnvh gdl vjfzoh yozmp.
Lmv nroorlm izrhvw gl gsv kldvi lu avil vjfzoh yozmp.
Gsv hjfziv illg lu 74 vjfzoh yozmp.
Gsv mznv Nvgil xlmgzrmh yozmp ovggvih.
Lmv wlavm vjfzoh z xlfmg lu yozmp rgvnh.
Gdl dvvph kofh lmv wzb vjfzoh yozmp glgzo wzbh.
Z kvmgztlm szh yozmp hrwvh.
Gvm nfogrkorvw yb gdl vjfzoh yozmp.
Gsivv nfogrkorvw yb gsivv vjfzoh yozmp.

Jan-26-2014 - Puzzle revised to be consistent with current cache location.

You can validate your solution with certitude.
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Additional Hints (Decrypt)

[Hide] Vg'f jvgu gur gnyy guva erqurnq - oruvaq ure hccre yvc.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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