This cache is inspired by the 1965 short story "'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman" by Science Fiction writer Harlan Ellison. It is one of the most reprinted stories in the English language, and has won multiple awards. (Reading the original story is encouraged to fully set the scene, but not essential, as will become apparent.)
The cache is intended to introduce you to the story, plus provide a unique geocaching experience in an urban environment.
Please read ALL the instructions on this page and do also review the attributes. You WILL need to use the Geochecker link below.
The Story
The story is set in a future world where time is highly regulated and all citizens are expected to adhere to a strict time schedule. Not keeping to time isn’t just rude, it is against the law. This law is governed by the master timekeeper, called the Ticktockman. He has the ultimate power, having access to a person’s “Cardioplate”, whereby he can reduce the number of heartbeats you have left. For those disobeying the most, he can stop their heart altogether.
Everyone in this world appears to comply – with the exception of a man called Everett C. Marm. He has disguised himself as a Harlequin, and proceeds to rebel against the regime. He gets up to all kinds of mischief, including distracting factory workers by showering them with thousands of jelly beans.
The Harlequin then goes on the run, and the Ticktockman tries everything to catch him, even taking the drastic step of diverting workers away from the factory in order to track him down…
Where your story starts
And here’s where you join the story. Where we leave behind the original text, move the story on, and start the geocaching adventure.
The Harlequin is on the run and you need to give chase. You don’t know exactly why the Harlequin is running away but suspect that you may find out as you get closer.
You’ve last seen him dancing over the rooftops of central Redhill. As he disappears from view a piece of paper flutters down as shown below:
Starting at the listed coordinates, working down Station road, look up and find 4 numbers which are permanently placed. All numbers are visible from Station road (no need to leave Station road), and they are all between the starting coordinates and the station roundabout. Use the table to add the numbers up and find numbers for A to F.
Once you have found the numbers, use the following to locate the cache
N51 14.(B+C)F(A+C) W000 10.(A-B-C)(C+F)(F-E-A)
Then check the attributes again, and USE THE GEOCHECKER LINK BELOW to prove you have the right location, and to gain vital additional information. There are more secrets to find... Finally, NO SPOILERS IN YOUR LOGS please - lets keep the Harelquin's secrets secret
Good luck!
***Update April 2017***
Some great recognition for the cache from the Geocaching community - much appreciated!
***Very proud to be awarded an Amberel Top Cache in March 2017 - "An original cache - wow, that doesn't happen often these days :-) And beautifully executed too :-)".
