Silver, Crucifixes and Garlic Traditional Geocache
OrigamiFolder: Not worth all the hassle, this area has changed so much.
Silver, Crucifixes and Garlic
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This cache is part of the Vampire Hunter series. Each of these caches will highlight an important aspect of vampires, their history and most importantly how to defeat them. Along with the log you will find a piece of the clue to the vampire lair (GC44VKA), be sure to document it but do not remove from the cache itself. The clue is a pictograph so it’s recommended to bring a camera for recording it.
Vampires are fast, they are strong and unfortunately they are quite intelligent too. As luck would have it there are advantages humanity has over them. The items in this section will be unlikely to destroy a vampire by themselves but used in conjunction with other tools/methods they can be worth their weight in gold …silver.
Silver
In recent years vampire hunters have started to combine efforts and network to maximize our resources. We’ve slowly negotiated our way into strategic markets to capitalize on any commodity that will better arm us against the vampire race.
Have you noticed the recent spike in the price of precious metals, most notably silver? Unfortunately the vampires have taken on the same goal and are trying to drive the cost so high it is very difficult for us to obtain it. We’ve responded by opening companies with the specific purpose of collecting this valuable metal.
When most people think of silver weapons killing monsters they think of silver bullets and werewolves, however, silver stakes, spears and daggers have also been known to slow them down. Silver is considered to be a metal of purity and has been used for protection against evil in almost every world culture throughout history. Silver can be melted down to form amulets, jewelry, bullets, daggers and religious symbols such as crucifixes. The level of purity is an important factor in the effectiveness of your silver. (Read: Don’t use anything “silver plated”!)
The main benefit of silver is its effect on the regenerative abilities of vampires. The most dangerous thing about doing battle with a vampire his that unless you are able to seal the deal very quickly they can recover before you know it and you’ve lost the element of surprise. Silver (if pure enough) will negate this ability and help even the playing field. Unfortunately pure silver is a soft metal so fine tuning the level of purity with hardening agents to maximize the damage is an art vampire hunters have studied for countless generations.
Crucifix
A popular Hollywood stereotype is that a cross will deter or even damage a vampire. The mere shape of two lines overlapping at 90 degree angles is not sufficient enough to save you from an undead creature of the night. What few people realize is that it is the associated faith that is the actual weapon yielded. It is having conviction and unwavering dedication even in the face of seemingly insurmountable evil. Now with that said the symbol chosen is important because it is an extension of the inner power and purity in your heart you unleash upon the beast. It is for this reason a crucifix is recommended for Christians. Yes, there IS a difference. A crucifix has the likeness of Jesus Christ on it while the cross is just a cross. As such a Jewish Star of David, Islamic Star and Crescent or heck even a Darwin fish by an agnostic or atheist can have a powerful effect so long as the intent is true and the faith is pure.
Garlic
Centuries ago it was believed by many cultures that garlic would ward off vampires. While this is not entirely inaccurate it is an exaggeration of its powers. The Egyptians believed (again partially accurately) that garlic had healing powers and it was used in many food items to keep a steady supply in your blood stream. A similar belief appeared in Slavic countries and Romania centuries later. The true effect on a vampire is the odder. That’s right; the same thing that first draws your attention to it is the same for them. You would think the smell alone would not matter but what you must realize is that the senses on a vampire are all heightened and what is a mild odor to you can be nearly overwhelming for them. Now bear in mind many vampires can overcome this effect so while the use of garlic IS recommended it should by no means be the foundation of a defense. (Also it tastes pretty good too!)
Permission obtained for placement.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)