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The Road Not Taken 8: The Silence in the Forest Mystery Cache

Hidden : 2/1/2017
Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

The next installment of that never-ending series is here. There is nothing of interest at the published coordinates, so please do not go there.  


"Almost every species in the Universe has an irrational fear of the dark. But they’re wrong. ‘Cause it’s not irrational. It’s Vashta Nerada'"
"What’s Vashta Nerada?"
"It’s what’s in the dark. It’s what’s always in the dark."

This cache takes its name from one of the great (two-part) stories from the British Sci-Fi series Doctor Who. The story also has an important place in the DW universe as it features the first (and last(?)) appearance of one of the Doctor's most faithful and mysterious companions, and it is a great example of how Doctor Who blends the horror and sci-fi genres so seamlessly. I do recommend looking up the final monologue of the episode, it features some amazing script-writing. 

Anyway, there's a matter of import that we need to discuss. The Vashta Nerada have invaded Singapore, and they have surrounded a data core that may contain the last moments of some brave men who lost their lives decades ago. The Librarian only just managed to retrieve one last scrambled message before the data core's transmission went down. Perhaps you will be able to unscramble it: 

SITL3FOTD-TTOA4FAS-TPO7TBB-TIA8DOTM-AGM5GTW-L1KH-TWO7RS-TA8TM-TNO0TD-TH8ORS 

The visitors to the Library have been saved, but there are no survivors. To those who still wish to enter, remember:

"All of you, stay in the light. Find a nice bright spot and stand"

and, if you must enter the shadows:

"Count the shadows. For god’s sake, remember. If you want to live, count the shadows... "

Please reset the placement of the cache exactly as you found it. Good luck! Oh, and if you need help, remember that you are in the largest Library in the Universe. Look him up.

You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Chmmyr: "Crbcyr nffhzr gung gvzr vf n fgevpg cebterffvba bs pnhfr gb rssrpg, ohg npghnyyl — sebz n aba-yvarne, aba-fhowrpgvir ivrjcbvag — vg'f zber yvxr n ovt onyy bs jvooyl-jbooyl... gvzrl-jvzrl... fghss." Jurer gurer vf nzovthvgl, gur ybatre ba-fperra gvzr gnxrf cerprqrapr, naq purpx npebff fbheprf. Pnpur: Nynf, cbbe Lbevpx. V xarj uvz, Ubengvb... URL, JUB GHEARQ BHG GUR YVTUGF?

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)