Cryptos

[judyg8or]

It's not possible to post that without spoiling it. If you have already determined what the rhyme is that the text refers to and worked out what to do with it, the type of cipher becomes clear. If you haven't done that but have used the clues posted here instead without following the reasoning, you might stuggle with later puzzles that require the same type of thought process. It's definitely best to read the spoilers as an absolute last resort so you don't miss out on anything.

Yes I can see the logic there -- but still that is quite a leap . Not once you hit on the correct Rhyme, but actually finding the correct rhyme is like a needle in a haystack!
It's been a long time since I played Cryptos, but I don't remember any puzzle that would take such guess work to find out what code/cipher to use.

I was just wondering if I missed something obvious that pointed to that particular cipher...

[kuang]

I think the PS was in the source originally because there was a tag missing, but that was corrected sharpish. That puzzle gave me a massive headache and I can't help wondering how nasty the home stretch is going to be

Judyg8or, I've just PMed you with the reasoning so as not to give any overt hints away for the people who've still to make it this far

[Chili_Palmer]

I need your help, please!

Having spent several days trying to find the keyword for that hill cipher I'm totally lost now. I just can't find it! Or maybe I'm too stupid to use that hill cipher applet. So can anyone give me hint please?

[kuang]

You need to find the rhyme that the letters 'J.J.' refer to, and then look for the rhyme in the first line. You already know one word, the other is the key. I posted a tip further back on how the applet works, and how you know if the key you're trying is possible - not all keys work with the Hill cipher.

[Chili_Palmer]

Hello kuang,

thanks for your answer. It finally shows that I'm just a bit stupid! I tried that word for umpteen times and it seems I always forgot to build the decrytion array before decrypting. Well, maybe I can find out where the decrypted text leads to.

Done! (maybe I'm not that stupid after all)

[Cryptos]

My science project is over and done, so back to the riddle we all love! Be prepared for a flurry of new levels, as well as *gasp* a graphic overhaul.

[kuang]

Heh, congrats on getting it all out of the way - hope things went well

[armadillo_pie]

Hooray!!

My science project is over and done, so back to the riddle we all love! Be prepared for a flurry of new levels, as well as *gasp* a graphic overhaul.

Congratulations on your project! And a gigantic HOORAY for new levels. I can't wait to play. I think this may be my favorite online riddle of all time.

[dresherm]

Greetings all,

I have been playing cryptos for a week now and I've been following this thread about two days. I always thought that by the time I had reached the end of it you all would have beaten the game already. I never expected to be able to play new levels and brainstorm with you all. I can't wait for the new levels.

[fred]

It's been a long winter. Glad to be back on the hunt for Cryptos. 33 is another tough level. I need the keyword. If I understand what I've done and the hints in the forum the keyword is X letters long so that Bradel's cipher size is minimal. It is a word that rhymes with a word in the first line of the J.J rhyme. Am I on the right track? Is there another nudge that could move me forward (since my own brain is once again incapable of such feats)? Many thanks for any help.

[kuang]

There is only one rhyming pair in the first line. One of the words you already know because you've worked out the encryption method, the other is the key

[fred]

Cracked the code finally. Thanks for all the help. I was stuck on the 'first value' of Bradel. It was one larger than I thought it should be. Hope I can take the string and turn it into the proper URL.

Got it! What's the opposite of "How do you spell it"? A peek at the earlier levels mentioned above really helped. Thanks.

[Cryptos]

Spring break = Free time = Cryptos levels (plus or minus one graphic overhaul).

A question to the puzzlers:

Would you mind at all if we put related Google ads on Cryptos? Would you click on them?

[kuang]

If they were interesting, quite possibly If it helps you to continue throwing levels at us, I'm sure nobody would have any objections

[fred]

Certainly, go for it if you feel you need the revenue to continue this fine riddle game. Most of us are deeply immunized against such ploys, but if the ad guys are willing to pay for it................ But -- PLEASE -- no audio/interactive/animated distractions. If Ihave to blast that Gamershood mosquito ad one more time.................. The visuals are bad enough.