GC17EZ3 The Devil Made Me Do It (Multi-cache) in Connecticut, United States created by Mr. Scratch and Lostboy1966

This cache has been archived.

Lostboy1966: Well, it seems as though I have managed to break my contract with Mr. Scratch after all. When you make a deal with The Devil you must be ready to pay the price, however. This seems to be it.

I think this was one of my favorite hides, but it was a love/hate thing. I loved my many trips walking it with fellow cachers, but hated doing the maintenance alone when one of the stages were reported as having problems.

Besides all of the people I have had the pleasure of doing this trek with, a special thanks to Sonoluminous and SonoSonoluminous for their efforts in keeping this going when I was unable to. Another thanks goes to team Alphadog for their constructive assistance in determining the last technical issue with this cache. I am horribly sorry that you missed out on the final walkthrough, and you guys are still authorized for a ‘Found It’ on this one as far as I am concerned.

It may be gone, but I still say it was a DAMNED fine hike. [}:)]

GC17EZ3 ▼

A cache by Mr. Scratch and Lostboy1966 Message this owner

Hidden : 11/22/2007

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Located in Devils Den Preserve. Park at the end of Pent Road in Weston.

Please allow me to introduce myself. I’m a man of wealth and taste.

But you may call me Mr. Scratch.

I’m known by many other titles to be sure, but what’s in a name? Suffice it to say that I am an individual that takes a keen interest in helping people in need. For a price, of course.

Take this case for example. Not long ago I came upon a person who seemed to be lost in the woods whilst looking for something. He was intent on staring at a gadget he had in his hand instead of paying attention to what was going on around him. I took the opportunity to sneak up on the fool to give him a fright.

”Hello!” I said.

”Yahhhh! You scared the Devil out of me!” It screamed. Appropriate, if somewhat inaccurate.

”I am Mr. Scratch. May I be of some assistance?” I asked. The game was on!

”I’ve never heard that screen name before. I’m Lostboy1966. Did you find this one yet? I’m not having any luck.” I had no idea what the dolt was babbling on about, so I took a moment to read his mind. Ah, a scavenger hunt of sorts! This could be enjoyable.

”Why yes I have.” I said, “And I’d be happy to help, if only you would sign this contract first.”

Amazingly enough, the mortal reached into its backpack, pulled out a pen, and signed my paperwork with nary a question. I’d never had it this easy!

Since the formalities were over, I pointed out the container that this ‘Lostboy’ was seeking. How the idiot could have missed the pile of sticks it was hidden beneath was beyond me. He rummaged through the thing for a few minutes and then prepared to leave.

“Excuse me, but what about our deal?” I enquired. ”You did sign a contract after all.”

”Hunh? Oh yeah, that.” It muttered. “What did I agree to anyway?”

”That you would build a cache according to my specifications, or give me your soul!” I informed him with a smile.

”Hrmpf. Well, I like my soul. It has served me pretty well. How about a nice family-friendly cache that I won’t have a hard time maintaining?”

Here’s where I love my job – I replied in a booming voice: ”I THINK NOT, MORTAL. YOU WILL BUILD ME A GEOCACHE THAT WILL MAKE OTHERS CURSE YOUR NAME! ONE THAT LEADS THEM THROUGH BRUTALLY DIFFICULT TERRAIN, CRUSHING THEIR SPIRITS AS THEY SEEK STAGE AFTER STAGE AFTER STAGE, DESTROYING THE BETTER PART OF THEIR DAY! BWAHAHAHAHA!”

”Weak.” The human said in a whinny voice.

”It’s that or your soul. I have it in writing, bubbie.” As if I needed to remind him.

”I guess I have no choice then.” It said, and with that the geocacher wandered off, looking for new hide spots. For my sake, I hope this ‘Lostboy’ comes up with something decent. Quite frankly I don't think I want the soul of someone so stupid that he can't find a geocache when he’s practically standing on it...

Cache Notes (by Lostboy1966):
Note to self: In the future, read before signing. Oh well.

This multi will have you wandering about the southern half of Devils Den, my favorite Preserve. Due to Contractual Obligations I can’t reveal the number of stages, but expect to spend a few hours and cover several miles from start to finish. Pay attention to the Attribute Ratings! You will be traversing steep/dangerous terrain at times. This trip is not recommended for children, and should be avoided in snowy/icy weather or other slippery conditions.

The Final is a large Lock-n-Lock, and all intermediate stages are smaller Lock-n-Locks, each about the size of a hockey puck. Note that there are limited Hints on this cache page since including more would give away the number of stages. Instead, at each step of the multi there will be an unencrypted hint for the next stage. You have to make the decision to read the clue before striking out for your next leg.

On the brighter side, you will visit some pretty cool spots in the park along the way. I think you’ll enjoy it. This hike is more difficult than what I normally put out, but it's not my fault: The Devil Made Me Do It!

Enjoy!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

[Stage 1:] Trg ba gbc bs gur fvghngvba. [Other Stages: No Hints here. Find them in the containers as you complete each part of the Multi.]

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)

This cache has been archived.

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The Devil Made Me Do It Multi-Cache

This cache has been archived.

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Geocache Description:

Attributes

Inventory

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