Field Cipher Mystery Cache
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A two-stage multicache with one puzzle to solve.
This cache has two stages. The above coordinates will lead you to the first stage’s container. Inside this container is a number series that you will need to decrypt using the deciphering table to derive the coordinates for the second stage. The second stage is an ammunition can about 0.3 miles away from the first stage. The deciphering table is included as a picture towards the bottom of the listing.
This is a simplified example of a cryptography system used before the era of portable electronics. Enter the text of a message to be encrypted in the blank fields of the table going from left to right, top to bottom as one would normally read. Then read letters out of the table from top to bottom, then left to right. For example, the message, “EATYOUROVALTINE!” would encrypt into TU!VTERIANYOLEAO using the table (key) below.
To decrypt a message, enter the scrambled text into the blank fields of the table starting from top to bottom, then left to right. Read the unscrambled message out of the table as one would normally read going from left to right, top to bottom.
When you derive the coordinates for the second stage, you will need to do a bit of formatting because I didn’t include N, W, ° or spaces.
The security of this cryptography system could be improved with a bigger table. Using a new table every day would help too. Of course the tables would need to be protected because anyone with the right table could decrypt a message. The same principle applies to your computer passwords, bank account PINs, etc.: Longer is usually better, frequent change is usually good, and don’t disclose it to anyone.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
V bayl rapelcgrq rirel bgure yrggre va gur uvag.
Svefg Fgntr: Wueee johlq ybu hsr a xel?
Frpbaq Fgntr: Lbox ia tue oufh.
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
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