Post by Todd on Jul 27, 2016 8:35:14 GMT -5
Greetings fellow cohorts, as I have seen done in the past when a new Curious and Conundrums arrives in our mailboxes someone posts a thread for it and since my Issue arrived today I figured I would start one up! First the artifacts I received; First up One Orient Express train ticket dated 1898 mine is number 00461, second One postcard with sand script writing and a red fez hat on the front, on the back nothing out of the ordinary except the initials A.M., third One steel hand forged trinket (hard to describe) with attached cordage, fourth Ten strips of paper as though a document has been shredded, all dated for the month of October I have in my possession October 2,5,8,11,17,19,20,23,25,26, seems to be parts of a correspondence between A.M. and an unknown other relating to the missing journalist! and last when I opened my newspaper one small square of old yellowed paper glided to the floor and upon inspection has a strange symbol and underneath says "can be found in the country where four travellers meet". Now I have a crossword puzzle to work amongst other weird things I have noticed glancing over the new vol of CandC, Happy sleuthing everyone!
The Beard
Posted 9 months ago
I have what you got, but my ticket number is 00359. So many curiosities to poke through! This will take some serious sleuthing, indeed.
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
There are certain things which, unseen by the naked eye, may come to LIGHT, so to speak, when yoU'Ve the right tools.
Seburiel
Posted 9 months ago
Ha! Well played Seburiel.
Kevin C. Johnson
Posted 9 months ago
I received mine the other day, which was why I posted the post titled "Wondering."
Seburiel, I was enlightened by finding the words FIND CODE WORD GRAVE DANGER Also my ticket number was slightly worn, but it appears to be 00338 or 00339
John Ellingwood
Posted 9 months ago
I'll upload photos of received items to the Wikia shortly, probably next week, once I know that everyone has his/her C&C in hand. Then the game will be well and truly afoot!
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
No post on Sunday makes for a sad Kimie. sigh
mskimie
Posted 9 months ago
Same here! There are so many assorted loose ends. I'd love to start tying them together!
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
This seems as reasonable a place as any to introduce oneself - I have had an ear to the door since Summertime, but am ready to settle in to serious study now that the endless dreary Winter has come to Toronto. I believe that I have in my possession the same artifacts as others have described... the usual Runic and Alchemical resources have not proven fruitful in identifying this odd metal trinket, but even the disproving of theory is a movement toward understanding and there may yet remain valuable material in the more arcane corners of my library...
It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I look forward to our collaboration!
Mme. Orijen
Posted 9 months ago
Welcome, Madame O, to our ongoing adventure.
Like you, my brief efforts to find the mysterious metal object have come to naught, but at your comment, perhaps it is time to renew my search. There may be more to it than meets the eye.
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
Hello Fellow Sleuths
This is my first issue, and with the holiday season close on us, I haven't had time to delve in too deeply yet.
Looking forward to curling up with all of the delights, with a fire in the fireplace and a large cup of mulled wine.
Janyce Hill
Posted 9 months ago
Welcome indeed!
The Beard
Posted 9 months ago
Greeting Fellow Travelers, Within the latest (V1.I5) I have found marginal annotations that had me holding the papers to the light to ensure my eyes were not failing me.
floodriptide
Posted 9 months ago
Your eyes were not deceived!
The Beard
Posted 9 months ago
Welcome to both Janyce and Floodriptide!
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
Hello, fellow wonderers. My name is Xapa. I am embarking on this mad adventure with you all now. I have received the current C&C and am in possession of the afore-mentioned items - (postcard, ticket, paper shreds, metal trinket, symbol paper). I am most curious to see what becomes of this mystery.
xapa
Posted 9 months ago
I must apologize for my error in redacting some of my above comment. It shant happen again.
xapa
Posted 9 months ago
Welcome aboard, new members. This little mystery seems to be gathering steam and more minds to help solve the puzzle. Welcome to all and if you need a nudge you can always call on any of us. Our email addresses are sprinkled throughout various posts.
Kevin C. Johnson
Posted 9 months ago
Finally... my hopes have been realized. C&C is in my hand. I need the afternoon to scour and solve.
Until then.
As ever yours,
mskimie
Posted 9 months ago
Please excuse my absence. I've been on holiday lately and have put my thinking hat aside to spend time with those I hold dear. I received my C&C some time ago. However, I , regretfully, have not worked on it until this evening. No worries, my holiday is over and I'm ready to be active in the group once more. Chelsea, I will attempt to add photographs of my own C&C findings as soon as I have the time! I'm currently working on the crossword. It's likely that I'll be up all night working on these tasks.
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
I'm curious, does everyone have The Bound Man along with a series of numbers written on their C&C as well?
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
As far as I know, everyone has that. There's been a lot of chatter about what the Bound Man could mean, but nothing conclusive yet. The numbers seem most likely to be a book cipher, as we encountered with the first mysterious radio broadcast, although it could conceivably also be something with a time count, such as a recording of sound or video. Perhaps time will tell, or perhaps we just have not put together the right clues yet...
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
I suppose the most obvious conclusion is that The Bound Man is referring to the actual short story of the same name. I'll have to make time to chime in on the chat room discussions, as I have not had the pleasure of visiting yet. I do, however have one hunch regarding the metal trinket we received in this most recent issue of C&C. At first I thought it to be a Petroglyph of sorts and I spent a significant amount of time searching for it. After some time of research, I turned my attention to my personal notes that I've been keeping, and rediscovered the whole Followers of Zosimos theme. I have a sneaking suspicion that every issue has something to do with alchemy in some way or other. The symbols are everywhere and are found on items that accompany every issue. It took me some time, but I found it. I found the exact symbol of our metal trinket here: www.gutenberg.org/files/47004/47004-h/47004-h.htm Look in Chapter 6. I could be wrong with all of this, but I think my findings are interesting nonetheless. Let me know what you think!!
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
Excellent sleuthing, Mouse! I, too, have thought that the metal trinket seemed alchemical in shape, although I couldn't narrow it down. The symbol, along with the SZ motif, also look like similar to the Charlemagne Cipher and the Chaldean alphabet.
Wheels within wheels, ever turning...
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
I was on the very same track. I spent a good amount of time reserving the same thing as well. It could go either way.
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
Researching*
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
Perhaps one of the more curious aspects of this trinket is that it does not immediately seem connected to anything in the issue. Previously, oddments and bits of trivia have been related to an article in the issue they accompanied. Not so here. Curious.
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
Yes I noticed this as well. At one point I suspected it to be a talisman to ward off the evil eye. I even researched a number of different cultural symbols that dealt with evil spirits or superstitions. I even, albeit briefly, looked up magical symbols thinking it might have something to do with Margery
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
Oh! Thank goodness for diverse and knowledgeable friend groups! The trinket is a "troll cross", meant to ward off malevolent magics. That might tie it in with the Bestiary entry for Haugbui.
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
Yes! I missed that somehow! It could be that I've been up all night looking at nothing but symbols and sigils. Well played, friends of Chelsea.
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
Ah! Pleased to see the time I spent investigating that almost-resemblance to the rune Othala was not entirely off the track, even if seasonal merriment left my own self derailed as such
Mme. Orijen
Posted 9 months ago
This may be nothing, it may be something, but last night, while perusing the handbook that came with my Inner Circle kit, I came across an illustration of a symbol used to indicate membership in the MPC. Lo and behold, that symbol is identical to the one on the paper enclosed in this issue of C&C, stating that it could be found in the country where four travelers meet.
Eleanor, aka "The Bardess"
Posted 9 months ago
Your keen eyes did not deceive you, Elizabeth. There are a few theories kicking around about this symbol. My newest personal theory is that the symbol is just as described in the handbook- a hasty way of signing off correspondence. That could mean, in turn, that the mysterious person who slipped the paper into our new issues is, himself, in the place where four travelers meet. Otherwise, we are stuck looking for that symbol on a stationary landmark or aerial map, and so far my efforts in that direction have met with nothing.
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
My apologies- my bleary eyes read over your name too hastily, and managed to pick up your middle, rather than first, name. I look forward to beating the truth out of these mysteries with you, Eleanor!
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
I thought the symbol was a simplified version of the lamp post. If you look carefully, you can match the lines up. Of course, as with everything, I could be wrong in my assumptions. Now I have something new to contemplate.
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
I agree, Mouse. And both can be used, as per the handbook, to sign correspondences to other members of MPC, to show that you, too, are in the know.
I doubt that any other members live near me, but I suspect I'll be keeping an eye out for the symbol, nonetheless...
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
I know there is at least one member, who is active in the sitting room, that is from my area. To see the symbol while I'm out and about would be thrilling, to say the least.
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
I wait with great anticipation for the new C&C. Along those lines does anyone know if there is a way to get copies of the original clues found in the earlier C&C?
Ghared Corwall
Posted 9 months ago
Not that I know of, which is a shame, as I would love to have the complete set. I am nearly there, as I have been following the story for some time. I have been slowly adding collages of the items received to the Wiki page, which is perhaps the best we can manage for the time being...
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
The wiki is my best reference. Seeing as to how we all receive different items from time to time, it helps with keeping track of all the items as well as all their variations.
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
I found the crossword puzzle solution somewhat disappointing as it refers to the countdown starting again, something that has already been observed.
Ringmaster
Posted 9 months ago
Fellow Members,
Out of curiosity I have managed to secure a copy of the original English translation of 'The Bound Man by Ilse Aichinger' which I believe is the story referred to in the edition of C&C. It is being delivered to me for review by the National Archives of Australia.
Would any and all be interested in the results of my examination of this book? If so, would you prefer it to be posted in this forum or through the Wiki?
Michael Coombes
Posted 8 months ago
My dear sir, while I admire your dedication, I'm afraid there was no need to go to such lengths, as the cipher of the Bound Man has already been solved. Although if you do come across anything that seems interesting or relevant in your perusal of the story, do please post your findings!
Eleanor, aka "The Bardess"
Posted 8 months ago
Hello Bardess,
I was unaware that you've already solved "The Bound Man" mystery. I presume it has been solved without the book then? Pity - clearly I've been following an incorrect assumption. Ah well, I look forward to reading the tale anyway!
Being stuck in the Antipodes, I'm rarely around when most of you are conversing but I do like to try and solve the puzzles myself anyway.
Michael Coombes
Posted 8 months ago
There is an interesting review about the Bound Man book on amazon: www.amazon.com/The-Bound-Man-Ilse-Aichinger/dp/B000FI5EGM
Mike Rotch
Posted 6 months ago
I do not seem to have been sent any kind of metal trinket. However, I have received a /small wooden disc, with a few lines scratched onto one side (like a very simplified hexagram), which was wrapped pentagonally in a piece of paper containing some sort of coded message/. It doesn't seem to match the description of anything anyone else has received, so I'm confused. I'm wondering if, perhaps, with me being in the UK, The Curator cannot send me metal objects because of customs shenanigans.
Kittendumpling
Posted 6 months ago
Apologies. My redact attempt went wrong.
Kittendumpling
Posted 6 months ago
It has come to my attention that at least one other person received the 'wooden disc', and that I was looking at it wrong, as rather than a symbol, it actually bears 'the letters F.E'.
Kittendumpling
Posted 6 months ago
Damn it! test
Kittendumpling
Posted 6 months ago
Finally! So sorry for making such a mess! I have finally found the backtick on my phone's keyboard! Pass the dunce cap!
Kittendumpling
Posted 6 months ago
You have the same as me Kittendumpling. I too am in the UK. I have tried various cipher web sites to see if I can decode the paper but no luck yet.
As an aside, can anyone recommend a good UV torch I can get in the UK? Feel free to mail me poynerm@gmail.com
Ohforf
Posted 6 months ago
Interesting. This is the first I have heard of someone receiving this disc rather than the metal troll cross the rest of us got. Would it be possible for someone to post a picture of the disc and coded paper to the wiki?
Eleanor, aka "The Bardess"
Posted 6 months ago
More than happy to do that. I have the link to the wiki but to be honest I don't know how to upload! Can you give me a brief note on how and where, my email is a couple of posts above if that's more appropriate.
Ohforf
Posted 6 months ago
ok, have uploaded a photo of the disk and the coded paper. The more I look at the disk the less convinced I am that it is the letters F E, look more like dots to me or a symbol
Ohforf
Posted 6 months ago
Many thank, Oforf! Having looked at the pictures you were kind enough to provide, I feel confident in saying that it is indeed the letters FE on the disc and that if one needs guidance, one would do well to consider the Bridge Letter.
Eleanor, aka "The Bardess"
Posted 6 months ago
The 2 objects being discussed have come from different mailings, I have both. I too am puzzled by the mysterious code on the paper its never far from my mind and I've only had it for a few days!
Jeffersun von Stock
Posted 6 months ago
Considering the Bound Man: The Bardess posted several months ago "there was no need to go to such lengths, as the cipher of the Bound Man has already been solved" in response to a query. However, my perusal of both the sitting room and the wiki have yielded no information concerning the solution. Does anyone know where, if anywhere, that solution would be?
My humble thanks,
Theseus
Posted 5 months ago
I don't know that the full solution itself was ever posted. However, if you need help solving it, I would suggest consulting the works of a particular Evangelist, specifically as enjoyed by King James.
Eleanor, aka "The Bardess"
Posted 5 months ago
Thank you, Madame Bard, for the nudge. I've got the solution. What I don't have is how the Bound Man is relevant. I see no correlation with our beloved Luke.
Theseus
Posted 5 months ago
There was some deduction necessary, as the apparent physical clue has remained elusive. But the postcards that came with volume 1 issue 3 and this post www.mysteriouspackage.com/products/curios-and-conundrums/sitting_room/43 should lay the foundation.
Todd
Posted 5 months ago
Theseus
Posted 5 months ago
I have to admit I am completely stumped by the commonality between the pictures in this edition. I would have sworn it was Jello. Never mind how I came to that conclusion. Let's just draw a veil over it and move on. So, any kind of hint, nudge, or smack on the head would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Bounder
Theseus
Posted 5 months ago
Hey Bounder... this was certainly a tricky set of images. I would suggest, as with all of the image commonality sets, that you start with a list of all the synonyms and related words you can think of for each image. Is it a specific mountain? What else might you call a map? Do Canadians have a different word for a raincoat? And so on. I found that the last image was more tenuously connected than the first three, personally. Also, looking at all the images side by side, as on the Wiki, helps me brainstorm a great deal.
I hope this helps!
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 5 months ago
I was also stumped with the last image. However, it fits perfectly if you look at them all together as ingredients to a specific summer time food. Many say the dish is good enough for a deity.
Best of luck.
Mr. Gallerani
Posted 5 months ago
Thanks to all for your helpful nudges. I've got the answer. I like my answer better, though: You can put these pictures into an entirely different context and come up with Jello. The makers of Jello began offering the product in the year marked on the picture of the map. The mountain is apparently a very popular jello mold. The coat is reference to an early supposition that Jello "coated" your throat and therefore was a cough medicine. And all of those ingredients were featured in the Watergate Salad --- and it used Jello pistachio pudding. It was a fun one, though. I really enjoyed it!
Theseus
Posted 5 months ago
Mr. Gallerani, I can't help but worry you may be on the wrong track...
Bounder, your alternative theory is a fun one! I shall have to make some jello forthwith.
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 5 months ago
I have seen reference in this thread to a bound man cipher scribbled in the margins of this issue. Alas, as I obtained my copy of the Venerable Store of Nell through a catch-up package, my copy contains no such scribblings. Would anyone be so kind as to post a transcription of the cipher for research purposes?
My humblest thanks,
Ethan Hargreaves, Esq.
Posted about 1 month ago
Are you certain? It is in the paper itself, not any of the associated artifacts. My copy of 'Nell' is also from the catch-up, and the cipher, though easily overlooked, is definitely present.
I wouldn't call it a 'scribbling', as such -- it's typeset much as the rest of the paper.
Mr. N.W. Rifflesby
Posted about 1 month ago
Mr Rifflesby,
Are you referring to the letters, some forward, some backward, printed in the center margin if so, my copy has that as well. However, it is my understanding that a bound-man cipher would consist of a series of numbers and I cannot find anything of that nature in my copy of "Nell"
Ethan Hargreaves, Esq.
Posted about 1 month ago
Your understanding is correct. On my copy they are across the uppermost margin of each page, on either side of the "The Venerable Store of Nell" heading, on pages 2 through 7. It's small type, but not magnifying-glass small.
That's a puzzling thing, if your copy doesn't have them.
Mr. N.W. Rifflesby
Posted about 1 month ago
Thank you, I scoured the issue several times and did not notice what you did. On closer inspection, I found what I was looking for. Maybe it is time to invest in some reading glasses.
Again, thank you.
Ethan Hargreaves, Esq.
Posted about 1 month ago
test
For queen and country
Posted 20 days ago
Would one of you chaps be helpful and give a nudge to a fellow stuck in the bound man conundrum. I can see the bound man and some numbers which look like they may be references to said book. However tracking down that book seems incredibly difficult. Am I barking up the wrong tree ??
For queen and country
Posted 20 days ago
For Queen and Country, if you have yet to solve the problem , I suggest you reread some of the earlier comments between the Bardess and Confusion Abounds. In particular the lines " Evengelical...King James...Luke," gave me the nudge I needed to crack it. Personally, I feel the Bound Man was in reference to Luke being rumored as a slave by some religious scholars. Elsewise, I have no clue what else it could mean
Mystfield
Posted 18 days ago
The Beard
Posted 9 months ago
I have what you got, but my ticket number is 00359. So many curiosities to poke through! This will take some serious sleuthing, indeed.
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
There are certain things which, unseen by the naked eye, may come to LIGHT, so to speak, when yoU'Ve the right tools.
Seburiel
Posted 9 months ago
Ha! Well played Seburiel.
Kevin C. Johnson
Posted 9 months ago
I received mine the other day, which was why I posted the post titled "Wondering."
Seburiel, I was enlightened by finding the words FIND CODE WORD GRAVE DANGER Also my ticket number was slightly worn, but it appears to be 00338 or 00339
John Ellingwood
Posted 9 months ago
I'll upload photos of received items to the Wikia shortly, probably next week, once I know that everyone has his/her C&C in hand. Then the game will be well and truly afoot!
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
No post on Sunday makes for a sad Kimie. sigh
mskimie
Posted 9 months ago
Same here! There are so many assorted loose ends. I'd love to start tying them together!
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
This seems as reasonable a place as any to introduce oneself - I have had an ear to the door since Summertime, but am ready to settle in to serious study now that the endless dreary Winter has come to Toronto. I believe that I have in my possession the same artifacts as others have described... the usual Runic and Alchemical resources have not proven fruitful in identifying this odd metal trinket, but even the disproving of theory is a movement toward understanding and there may yet remain valuable material in the more arcane corners of my library...
It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I look forward to our collaboration!
Mme. Orijen
Posted 9 months ago
Welcome, Madame O, to our ongoing adventure.
Like you, my brief efforts to find the mysterious metal object have come to naught, but at your comment, perhaps it is time to renew my search. There may be more to it than meets the eye.
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
Hello Fellow Sleuths
This is my first issue, and with the holiday season close on us, I haven't had time to delve in too deeply yet.
Looking forward to curling up with all of the delights, with a fire in the fireplace and a large cup of mulled wine.
Janyce Hill
Posted 9 months ago
Welcome indeed!
The Beard
Posted 9 months ago
Greeting Fellow Travelers, Within the latest (V1.I5) I have found marginal annotations that had me holding the papers to the light to ensure my eyes were not failing me.
floodriptide
Posted 9 months ago
Your eyes were not deceived!
The Beard
Posted 9 months ago
Welcome to both Janyce and Floodriptide!
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
Hello, fellow wonderers. My name is Xapa. I am embarking on this mad adventure with you all now. I have received the current C&C and am in possession of the afore-mentioned items - (postcard, ticket, paper shreds, metal trinket, symbol paper). I am most curious to see what becomes of this mystery.
xapa
Posted 9 months ago
I must apologize for my error in redacting some of my above comment. It shant happen again.
xapa
Posted 9 months ago
Welcome aboard, new members. This little mystery seems to be gathering steam and more minds to help solve the puzzle. Welcome to all and if you need a nudge you can always call on any of us. Our email addresses are sprinkled throughout various posts.
Kevin C. Johnson
Posted 9 months ago
Finally... my hopes have been realized. C&C is in my hand. I need the afternoon to scour and solve.
Until then.
As ever yours,
mskimie
Posted 9 months ago
Please excuse my absence. I've been on holiday lately and have put my thinking hat aside to spend time with those I hold dear. I received my C&C some time ago. However, I , regretfully, have not worked on it until this evening. No worries, my holiday is over and I'm ready to be active in the group once more. Chelsea, I will attempt to add photographs of my own C&C findings as soon as I have the time! I'm currently working on the crossword. It's likely that I'll be up all night working on these tasks.
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
I'm curious, does everyone have The Bound Man along with a series of numbers written on their C&C as well?
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
As far as I know, everyone has that. There's been a lot of chatter about what the Bound Man could mean, but nothing conclusive yet. The numbers seem most likely to be a book cipher, as we encountered with the first mysterious radio broadcast, although it could conceivably also be something with a time count, such as a recording of sound or video. Perhaps time will tell, or perhaps we just have not put together the right clues yet...
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
I suppose the most obvious conclusion is that The Bound Man is referring to the actual short story of the same name. I'll have to make time to chime in on the chat room discussions, as I have not had the pleasure of visiting yet. I do, however have one hunch regarding the metal trinket we received in this most recent issue of C&C. At first I thought it to be a Petroglyph of sorts and I spent a significant amount of time searching for it. After some time of research, I turned my attention to my personal notes that I've been keeping, and rediscovered the whole Followers of Zosimos theme. I have a sneaking suspicion that every issue has something to do with alchemy in some way or other. The symbols are everywhere and are found on items that accompany every issue. It took me some time, but I found it. I found the exact symbol of our metal trinket here: www.gutenberg.org/files/47004/47004-h/47004-h.htm Look in Chapter 6. I could be wrong with all of this, but I think my findings are interesting nonetheless. Let me know what you think!!
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
Excellent sleuthing, Mouse! I, too, have thought that the metal trinket seemed alchemical in shape, although I couldn't narrow it down. The symbol, along with the SZ motif, also look like similar to the Charlemagne Cipher and the Chaldean alphabet.
Wheels within wheels, ever turning...
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
I was on the very same track. I spent a good amount of time reserving the same thing as well. It could go either way.
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
Researching*
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
Perhaps one of the more curious aspects of this trinket is that it does not immediately seem connected to anything in the issue. Previously, oddments and bits of trivia have been related to an article in the issue they accompanied. Not so here. Curious.
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
Yes I noticed this as well. At one point I suspected it to be a talisman to ward off the evil eye. I even researched a number of different cultural symbols that dealt with evil spirits or superstitions. I even, albeit briefly, looked up magical symbols thinking it might have something to do with Margery
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
Oh! Thank goodness for diverse and knowledgeable friend groups! The trinket is a "troll cross", meant to ward off malevolent magics. That might tie it in with the Bestiary entry for Haugbui.
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
Yes! I missed that somehow! It could be that I've been up all night looking at nothing but symbols and sigils. Well played, friends of Chelsea.
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
Ah! Pleased to see the time I spent investigating that almost-resemblance to the rune Othala was not entirely off the track, even if seasonal merriment left my own self derailed as such
Mme. Orijen
Posted 9 months ago
This may be nothing, it may be something, but last night, while perusing the handbook that came with my Inner Circle kit, I came across an illustration of a symbol used to indicate membership in the MPC. Lo and behold, that symbol is identical to the one on the paper enclosed in this issue of C&C, stating that it could be found in the country where four travelers meet.
Eleanor, aka "The Bardess"
Posted 9 months ago
Your keen eyes did not deceive you, Elizabeth. There are a few theories kicking around about this symbol. My newest personal theory is that the symbol is just as described in the handbook- a hasty way of signing off correspondence. That could mean, in turn, that the mysterious person who slipped the paper into our new issues is, himself, in the place where four travelers meet. Otherwise, we are stuck looking for that symbol on a stationary landmark or aerial map, and so far my efforts in that direction have met with nothing.
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
My apologies- my bleary eyes read over your name too hastily, and managed to pick up your middle, rather than first, name. I look forward to beating the truth out of these mysteries with you, Eleanor!
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
I thought the symbol was a simplified version of the lamp post. If you look carefully, you can match the lines up. Of course, as with everything, I could be wrong in my assumptions. Now I have something new to contemplate.
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
I agree, Mouse. And both can be used, as per the handbook, to sign correspondences to other members of MPC, to show that you, too, are in the know.
I doubt that any other members live near me, but I suspect I'll be keeping an eye out for the symbol, nonetheless...
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
I know there is at least one member, who is active in the sitting room, that is from my area. To see the symbol while I'm out and about would be thrilling, to say the least.
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
I wait with great anticipation for the new C&C. Along those lines does anyone know if there is a way to get copies of the original clues found in the earlier C&C?
Ghared Corwall
Posted 9 months ago
Not that I know of, which is a shame, as I would love to have the complete set. I am nearly there, as I have been following the story for some time. I have been slowly adding collages of the items received to the Wiki page, which is perhaps the best we can manage for the time being...
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 9 months ago
The wiki is my best reference. Seeing as to how we all receive different items from time to time, it helps with keeping track of all the items as well as all their variations.
'Mouse' -DeathofaLemon
Posted 9 months ago
I found the crossword puzzle solution somewhat disappointing as it refers to the countdown starting again, something that has already been observed.
Ringmaster
Posted 9 months ago
Fellow Members,
Out of curiosity I have managed to secure a copy of the original English translation of 'The Bound Man by Ilse Aichinger' which I believe is the story referred to in the edition of C&C. It is being delivered to me for review by the National Archives of Australia.
Would any and all be interested in the results of my examination of this book? If so, would you prefer it to be posted in this forum or through the Wiki?
Michael Coombes
Posted 8 months ago
My dear sir, while I admire your dedication, I'm afraid there was no need to go to such lengths, as the cipher of the Bound Man has already been solved. Although if you do come across anything that seems interesting or relevant in your perusal of the story, do please post your findings!
Eleanor, aka "The Bardess"
Posted 8 months ago
Hello Bardess,
I was unaware that you've already solved "The Bound Man" mystery. I presume it has been solved without the book then? Pity - clearly I've been following an incorrect assumption. Ah well, I look forward to reading the tale anyway!
Being stuck in the Antipodes, I'm rarely around when most of you are conversing but I do like to try and solve the puzzles myself anyway.
Michael Coombes
Posted 8 months ago
There is an interesting review about the Bound Man book on amazon: www.amazon.com/The-Bound-Man-Ilse-Aichinger/dp/B000FI5EGM
Mike Rotch
Posted 6 months ago
I do not seem to have been sent any kind of metal trinket. However, I have received a /small wooden disc, with a few lines scratched onto one side (like a very simplified hexagram), which was wrapped pentagonally in a piece of paper containing some sort of coded message/. It doesn't seem to match the description of anything anyone else has received, so I'm confused. I'm wondering if, perhaps, with me being in the UK, The Curator cannot send me metal objects because of customs shenanigans.
Kittendumpling
Posted 6 months ago
Apologies. My redact attempt went wrong.
Kittendumpling
Posted 6 months ago
It has come to my attention that at least one other person received the 'wooden disc', and that I was looking at it wrong, as rather than a symbol, it actually bears 'the letters F.E'.
Kittendumpling
Posted 6 months ago
Damn it! test
Kittendumpling
Posted 6 months ago
Finally! So sorry for making such a mess! I have finally found the backtick on my phone's keyboard! Pass the dunce cap!
Kittendumpling
Posted 6 months ago
You have the same as me Kittendumpling. I too am in the UK. I have tried various cipher web sites to see if I can decode the paper but no luck yet.
As an aside, can anyone recommend a good UV torch I can get in the UK? Feel free to mail me poynerm@gmail.com
Ohforf
Posted 6 months ago
Interesting. This is the first I have heard of someone receiving this disc rather than the metal troll cross the rest of us got. Would it be possible for someone to post a picture of the disc and coded paper to the wiki?
Eleanor, aka "The Bardess"
Posted 6 months ago
More than happy to do that. I have the link to the wiki but to be honest I don't know how to upload! Can you give me a brief note on how and where, my email is a couple of posts above if that's more appropriate.
Ohforf
Posted 6 months ago
ok, have uploaded a photo of the disk and the coded paper. The more I look at the disk the less convinced I am that it is the letters F E, look more like dots to me or a symbol
Ohforf
Posted 6 months ago
Many thank, Oforf! Having looked at the pictures you were kind enough to provide, I feel confident in saying that it is indeed the letters FE on the disc and that if one needs guidance, one would do well to consider the Bridge Letter.
Eleanor, aka "The Bardess"
Posted 6 months ago
The 2 objects being discussed have come from different mailings, I have both. I too am puzzled by the mysterious code on the paper its never far from my mind and I've only had it for a few days!
Jeffersun von Stock
Posted 6 months ago
Considering the Bound Man: The Bardess posted several months ago "there was no need to go to such lengths, as the cipher of the Bound Man has already been solved" in response to a query. However, my perusal of both the sitting room and the wiki have yielded no information concerning the solution. Does anyone know where, if anywhere, that solution would be?
My humble thanks,
Theseus
Posted 5 months ago
I don't know that the full solution itself was ever posted. However, if you need help solving it, I would suggest consulting the works of a particular Evangelist, specifically as enjoyed by King James.
Eleanor, aka "The Bardess"
Posted 5 months ago
Thank you, Madame Bard, for the nudge. I've got the solution. What I don't have is how the Bound Man is relevant. I see no correlation with our beloved Luke.
Theseus
Posted 5 months ago
There was some deduction necessary, as the apparent physical clue has remained elusive. But the postcards that came with volume 1 issue 3 and this post www.mysteriouspackage.com/products/curios-and-conundrums/sitting_room/43 should lay the foundation.
Todd
Posted 5 months ago
Theseus
Posted 5 months ago
I have to admit I am completely stumped by the commonality between the pictures in this edition. I would have sworn it was Jello. Never mind how I came to that conclusion. Let's just draw a veil over it and move on. So, any kind of hint, nudge, or smack on the head would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Bounder
Theseus
Posted 5 months ago
Hey Bounder... this was certainly a tricky set of images. I would suggest, as with all of the image commonality sets, that you start with a list of all the synonyms and related words you can think of for each image. Is it a specific mountain? What else might you call a map? Do Canadians have a different word for a raincoat? And so on. I found that the last image was more tenuously connected than the first three, personally. Also, looking at all the images side by side, as on the Wiki, helps me brainstorm a great deal.
I hope this helps!
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 5 months ago
I was also stumped with the last image. However, it fits perfectly if you look at them all together as ingredients to a specific summer time food. Many say the dish is good enough for a deity.
Best of luck.
Mr. Gallerani
Posted 5 months ago
Thanks to all for your helpful nudges. I've got the answer. I like my answer better, though: You can put these pictures into an entirely different context and come up with Jello. The makers of Jello began offering the product in the year marked on the picture of the map. The mountain is apparently a very popular jello mold. The coat is reference to an early supposition that Jello "coated" your throat and therefore was a cough medicine. And all of those ingredients were featured in the Watergate Salad --- and it used Jello pistachio pudding. It was a fun one, though. I really enjoyed it!
Theseus
Posted 5 months ago
Mr. Gallerani, I can't help but worry you may be on the wrong track...
Bounder, your alternative theory is a fun one! I shall have to make some jello forthwith.
Chelsea, M.C.
Posted 5 months ago
I have seen reference in this thread to a bound man cipher scribbled in the margins of this issue. Alas, as I obtained my copy of the Venerable Store of Nell through a catch-up package, my copy contains no such scribblings. Would anyone be so kind as to post a transcription of the cipher for research purposes?
My humblest thanks,
Ethan Hargreaves, Esq.
Posted about 1 month ago
Are you certain? It is in the paper itself, not any of the associated artifacts. My copy of 'Nell' is also from the catch-up, and the cipher, though easily overlooked, is definitely present.
I wouldn't call it a 'scribbling', as such -- it's typeset much as the rest of the paper.
Mr. N.W. Rifflesby
Posted about 1 month ago
Mr Rifflesby,
Are you referring to the letters, some forward, some backward, printed in the center margin if so, my copy has that as well. However, it is my understanding that a bound-man cipher would consist of a series of numbers and I cannot find anything of that nature in my copy of "Nell"
Ethan Hargreaves, Esq.
Posted about 1 month ago
Your understanding is correct. On my copy they are across the uppermost margin of each page, on either side of the "The Venerable Store of Nell" heading, on pages 2 through 7. It's small type, but not magnifying-glass small.
That's a puzzling thing, if your copy doesn't have them.
Mr. N.W. Rifflesby
Posted about 1 month ago
Thank you, I scoured the issue several times and did not notice what you did. On closer inspection, I found what I was looking for. Maybe it is time to invest in some reading glasses.
Again, thank you.
Ethan Hargreaves, Esq.
Posted about 1 month ago
test
For queen and country
Posted 20 days ago
Would one of you chaps be helpful and give a nudge to a fellow stuck in the bound man conundrum. I can see the bound man and some numbers which look like they may be references to said book. However tracking down that book seems incredibly difficult. Am I barking up the wrong tree ??
For queen and country
Posted 20 days ago
For Queen and Country, if you have yet to solve the problem , I suggest you reread some of the earlier comments between the Bardess and Confusion Abounds. In particular the lines " Evengelical...King James...Luke," gave me the nudge I needed to crack it. Personally, I feel the Bound Man was in reference to Luke being rumored as a slave by some religious scholars. Elsewise, I have no clue what else it could mean
Mystfield
Posted 18 days ago