[[Gravity Falls|onBus]] is over.
<img src="start/onBus.png" alt="ending">
The twins catch their last view of the water tower as their [[bus]] brings them home.
<img src="start/start.jpg" alt="tower">
You notice something peculiar on the [[bus seat]].
<img src="start/bus.png" width="auto" align="middle" alt="bus">
A [[cryptogram]]? It may be the last secret left to uncover.
<img src="start/busSeat.png" align="middle" alt="busSeat">
* [[You|firstSolve]] work hard to solve it.
* You let [[the internet|firstSolve]] use it's collective solving skills.
The full message seems to be: "HIDDEN DEEP WITHIN THE WOODS A BURIED TREASURE WAITS, SECRETS LOST AND STATUES FOUND BEYOND THE RUSTY GATES”
You instantly make the connection it to the [[Bill Statue|billPhoto]] shown after the credits.
<img src="start/firstSolve.png" alt="firstSolve">
Is Gravity Falls' final mystery located in the real world? Unfortunately, without enough clues it would be nearly impossible to find.
All you and everybody else can do is (link: "wait...")[(link: "wait for days...")[(link: " wait for weeks...")[(link: "wait for months...")[[[wait until...|tweet]]]]]]
A [[Tweet|readTweet]] from Alex Hirsch.
<img src="start/tweet.jpg" alt="tweet">
"Let the games begin [[`#FLSKHUKXQW`|cipherhunt]]"
`#CIPHERHUNT` Included is the first clue!
<img src="start/readTweet.jpg" alt="readTweet">
It wouldn't be Gravity Falls if you knew exactly what everything meant.
* [[You|secondSolve]] work hard to interpret the clues.
* You let [[the internet|secondSolve]] use it's collective solving skills.
(link: "WKH VUEDQ OHJHQG KDV FRPH WUXH FLSKHU'V VWDWXH'V FDOOLQJ BRX WKH VHFUHW PDS LV LQ BRXU KDQG - WR WUDFH WKH FOXHV DFURVV WKH ODQG")[THE URBAN LEGEND HAS COME TRUE CIPHER'S STATUE'S CALLING YOU. THE SECRET MAP IS IN YOUR HAND TO TRACE THE CLUES ACROSS THE LAND.]
(link: "8-15-10-19-5")[PINES]
(link: "GRQ'W IRUJHW LW'V DOO IRU SOHDVXUH - WKH KXQW LWVHOI'V WKH UHDO WUHDXUH - EXW D SULCH DZDLWV WKH ILUVW RQH WKHUH - EH VDIH, EH VPDUW, DQG RI FRXUVH EHZDUH")[DON'T FORGET IT'S ALL FOR PLEASURE - THE HUNT ITSELF'S THE REAL TREASURE - BUT A PRIZE AWAITS THE FIRST ONE THERE - BE SAFE, BE SMART, AND OF COURSE BEWARE]
The letters in red (link-reveal: "spell out")[ [[Russia|russia]]].
<img src="start/readTweet.jpg" alt="readTweet">
After narrowing down to Russia, you come to understand that the schematic on the left must be [[St. Petersburg’s Kazan Cathedral|cath]].
<img src="russia/russia.png" alt="russia">
<img src="russia/cath2.png" alt="cath2">
And the diagram on the right must be this location you found using streetview!
<img src="russia/cath1.png" alt="cath">
Isolated from the location of the lead, you must (link: "wait")[[[wait mere minutes|rusFind]]].
Fans in Russia speed to the location to [[look around|rusFind2]].
They soon uncover the [[next clue|rusClue]].
<img src="russia/cath.png" alt="fans">
Another cryptogram!
<img src="russia/rusFind2.jpg" alt="clue">
* [[You|rusSolve]] work hard to decrypt it.
* You let [[the internet|rusSolve]] use it's collective solving skills.
(link: "Ilqdoob wkh kxqw fdq ehjlq Vr vzlwfk brxu Uxeohv rxw iru Bhq Wxuq ohiw zkhq brx’uh dw wkh vkulqh’v grru Zkhq brx uhdfk wkh vwdwxh wxuq ohiw rqfh pruh Lq wkh ohiwprvw fruqhu lq wkh edfn Lv wkh lqir wkdw brx odfn D vzrug dqg d fuhvfhqw pdun wkh foxh Flskhu’v vwdwxh’v fdoolqj brx")[Finally the hunt can begin
So switch your Rubles out for Yen
Turn left when you’re at the shrine’s door
When you reach the statue turn left once more
In the leftmost corner in the back
Is the info that you lack
A sword and a crescent mark the clue
Cipher’s statue’s calling you]
* [[You|rusInt]] work hard to interpret the clues.
* You let [[the internet|rusInt]] use it's collective solving skills.
You come to understand that Rubles are Russian's currency and Yen is Japan's, so it seems the next clue is at a shrine in Japan!
The only issue is, there are thousands of shrines in Japan. How do you know which one [[stands out|stand]]?
The Kanda Shrine! Alex Tweeted about visiting it during his recent visit to Japan! Maybe the next clue is located there.
<img src="japan/stand.png" alt="shrine">
Isolated from the location of the lead, you must [[wait|japanFind]].
Fans rush to the site and begin streaming the hunt, <a href="https://www.periscope.tv/w/1gqxvBPVMWWxB" target="_blank">live</a>. After about 9 minutes, [[something is found|japanLook]].
You immediately see what the clue found in Russia meant. Indeed, "A sword and a crescent mark the clue".
<img src="japan/japanLook.jpg" alt="jClue">
At this point you are not at all surprised that the message is enciphered.
* [[You|japanSolve]] work hard to decrypt and understand it.
* You let [[the internet|japanSolve]] use it's collective solving skills.
(link: "Frqvlghu lq brxu txhvw iru wuxwk
Wkh kxqwhu ri wkh irxqwdlq ri brxwk 400 ehiruh klv qdph lv zulwwhq
Rxwvlgh wkh jdwh lv zkhuh lwv klgghq
Ilqg zkdw’v ORVW wr sdvv wkh whvw
Iurp d Vkulqh wkdw’v hdvw wr d Vkulqh wkdw’v zhvw")[Consider in your quest for truth
The hunter of the fountain of youth
400 before his name is written
Outside the gate is where its hidden
Find what’s LOST to pass the test
From a Shrine that’s east to a Shrine that’s west
(link-reveal: "Now, what could it mean?")[
(link-reveal: "Hunter of the fountain of youth?")[
*Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León hunted for the fountain in 1513!*
(link-reveal: "400 before his name?")[
*That could be an address. In fact, 400 Ponce de León Ave is a* (link-reveal: "*Shriner temple located Atlanta, Georgia.*")[
*Which must be what the last line is referring to- a Shrine in the west!*
<img src="temple/japanSolve.jpg" alt="temple">
Isolated from the location of the lead, you must [[wait|wantFind]].]]]]]
Fans rush to the site and begin streaming the hunt, <a href="https://www.periscope.tv/w/1OdKrbnvObyKX" target="_blank">live</a>. After about 24 minutes, [[something is found|wantLook]].
A rained out 'lost' poster for Waddles the pig!
<img src="temple/wantLook.jpg" alt="lost">
There's a cryptogram you quickly decipher:
(link: "dfurvv iurp wkh vwrqhv ri wkh vsulqjv
brx’oo ilqg vrph shfxoldu wklqjv
wlhg wr d urrw lv d orqh slqn nhb
glj wr ilqg zkdw zdlwv iru wkhh")[across from the stones of the springs
you’ll find some peculiar things
tied to a root is a lone pink key
dig to find what waits for thee]
Waddles may not have been found, but that won't stop you from calling the number on the poster:
(link-reveal: "(323) 283-8650")[
-your call did not go through-
(link-reveal: "-try again-")[
-your call did not go through-
(link-reveal: "-try again-")[
-your call did not go through-
(link-reveal: "-try again-")[
As the call tries to connect, you keep your eye on Twitter. Soon enough, someone posts a recording of [[the audio|wantAudio]].]
]]]
It's a little... hard to understand.
One thing you do understand, is that it seems to be [[reversed|wantReverse]].
<audio src="temple/rtempleAudio.mp3" autoplay>
Reversing the audio makes everything clear.
While listening, you (link-reveal: "transcribe the message.")[
HELLO, IT’S GRUNKLE STAN AND I HAVE A RIDDLE FOR YOU. WHAT HAS TWO LEGS DURING THE DAY, FOUR LEGS DURING THE NIGHT, AND, UH, IT’S RED AND WHITE AND, I DUNNO, I’M NO GOOD AT THESE RIDDLES.
IT’S AT OCHRE COURT, ALL RIGHT? THE NEXT CLUE, IT’S AT OCRE COURT. IT’S, UH, IT’S LIKE, IT’S A BIG OLD BUILDING IN RHODE ISLAND. AND IF YOU GO UP THE STAIRS, THERE’S GONNA BE A BUNCH OF PICTURES OF NUNS ON THE WALL.
YOU GOTTA LOOK BEHIND ONE OF THE NUN PICTURES. SISTER MARY HILDE MILEY. REAL, REAL GROUCH, THAT NUN. LIFT UP THE PICTURE TO FIND A CLUE BEHIND THE NUN. ALL RIGHT? THAT’S THE WHOLE THING.
SO, YOU KNOW, BE CAREFUL WITH THE PICTURE. DON’T BREAK IT. I DON’T WANT YOU TO GET ANYONE IN TROUBLE, ALL RIGHT? YOU DON’T WANT OL’ GRUNKLE STAN GOING TO JAIL.
ANYWAY, GO TO THE PLACE, LOOK BEHIND THE NUN, FIND THE THING, AND UH, UH, ALWAYS? BE… MYS… LOOK OUT FOR MYSTERIES!!! THAT IT, DID, DID I DO IT? ALL RIGHT
(link-reveal: "What does Stan mean?")[
*He's certainly not being too cryptic.* [[*Ochre Court*|courtClose]] *is a large mansion in Newport, Rhode Island.*]]
<audio src="temple/templeAudio.mp3" autoplay>
Ochre Court is closed for the day. The clue won't be available until morning in Rhode Island.
<img src="temple/courtClose.jpg" alt="ochre">
People all around the world are in on the hunt. Some get ready for [[bed|courtWait]] while others [[wake|courtWait]] to a long day of waiting.
The sun slowly makes it's way towards Ochre Court. The mansion is property of Salve Regina University.
<img src="temple/courtWait.jpg" alt="court">
Isolated from the location of the lead, you must [[wait|courtFind]].
A few fans enter the mansion, [[looking|courtKick]] for the nun painting in question.
<img src="court/nun.jpg" alt="nun">
They [[can't get|courtKick2]] it though.
That part of the mansion is not open to the public. Nevertheless, [[hopeful|courtKick3]] fans still arrive, looking to find it.
[[Ochre Court|courtKick4]] goes into lockdown. Security is on high alert.
You open a (link-reveal: "Tweet from the staff.")[
Hi #CipherHunt! We weren't asked to participate, so there's some confusion. But we're [[looking into it|courtKick5]].
<img src="court/tweet.jpg" alt="tweet">]
"We are aware that a note was planted behind a picture but it was taken right away. We are looking for the picture of it so we can make it available. If not, we're deeply sorry."
(link: "Wait")[(link: "Wait longer")[(link: "Wait")[[[A Tweet from Alex|courtTweet]]]]].
"`323-283-8650 #CipherHunt`"
(link-reveal: "(323) 283-8650")[
-your call did not go through-
(link-reveal: "-try again-")[
-your call did not go through-
(link-reveal: "-try again-")[
-your call did not go through-
(link-reveal: "-try again-")[
As the call tries to connect, you keep your eye on Twitter. Soon enough, someone posts a recording of [[the audio|courtAudio]].]
]]]
You eagerly listen and (link-reveal: "transcribe the audio.")[
A man whose first name is his last
A statue honoring his past
Right behind him by the sign of his park
A golden head shows light in the dark
I dunno what that means… Well, I don’t have to go out there; figure this out. Wonder what’s on tv.
(link-reveal: "What could it mean?")[
*There are a few people with the same first and last name, but not many with a* (link-reveal: "*park named after them.*")[
*Griffith Park in L.A. bears the name of Griffith J. Griffith.*
Isolated from the location of the lead, you must [[wait|grifLook]].]]]
<audio src="court/new.mp3" autoplay>
Soon enough, a fan locates a golden Stan head! She returns home to [[investigate further|grifInv]].
<img src="grif/find.jpg" alt="head">
"We've hit a hiccup! The nuns of Ochre Court have nabbed the clue before we could! Hang tight- you will be given a new clue soon! #CipherHunt"
"The new clue goes live at 12:30PM west coast time! Prepare yourself treasure hunters! #CipherHunt"
(link: "Wait")[(link: "Wait longer")[(link: "Wait until 12:30")[[[A Tweet from Alex|courtTweet2]]]]].
<img src="start/tweet.jpg" alt="tweet">
Included with the head is a (link: "sheet of")[ (link: "sheet of blank paper?")[(link: "sheet of blank paper and UV light.")[sheet of paper with hidden ink and a UV light to [[reveal|grifSee]] it!
<img src="grif/light.jpg" alt="light">]]]
Unable to to capture the whole message under blacklight, she attempts cryptanalysis alone. You feel (link: "''helpless''")[''helpless and frustrated''] as you [[wait|grifDone]] for her next Tweet.
<img src="grif/try.jpg" alt="try">
The message!
(link: "50 + 50 WKDW’V WKH FLWB
IURP RQH DQJOH LW’V TXLWH SUHWWB
BRX’OO ILQG D ERZ WLH DQG RQH HBH, DW KLV KHDG LV D UHFWDQJOH
VWRQHV EB VWDLUV DWRS WKH WRS ULJKW DQJOH
WKH VWRQH ZLWK WKH XY VZLUO FDQ JORZ
ILQG WKH EODFN SRXFK WKDW’V EHORZ")[50 + 50 THAT’S THE CITY
FROM ONE ANGLE IT’S QUITE PRETTY
YOU’LL FIND A BOW TIE AND ONE EYE, AT HIS HEAD IS A RECTANGLE
STONES BY STAIRS ATOP THE TOP RIGHT ANGLE
THE STONE WITH THE UV SWIRL CAN GLOW
FIND THE BLACK POUCH THAT’S BELOW
(link-reveal: "What could it mean?")[
(link-reveal: "*Well, 50 + 50 =*")[ *100.*
(link: "*100 City.*")[(link: "*Century City.*")[[[*Century City in LA!*|centGo]]]]]]]
But what of the rest of the clue?
You [[research|centRes]] Century City.
And upon opening a map you find a (link-reveal: "curious building.")[<img src="cent/building.jpg" alt="building">
The Century City Plaza Towers!
Isolated from the location of the lead, you must [[wait|centLook]].]
(link: "Fans")[Fans and [[stars|centLook2]]] speed to the location.
Jason Ritter, the voice of Dipper, and Ariel Hirsch, Alex's sister, arrive at the towers.
<img src="cent/fans.jpg" alt="fans">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOAkN4dzZZQ&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Streaming live</a>, and with fans by their side, the [[next clue|centLook3]] is found after about 17 minutes.
<img src="cent/usb.png" alt="usb">
A fan takes home the discovered USB flash drive.
Their Twitter feed is set to private so you (link-reveal: "wait, pressing refresh.")[
-private-
(link-reveal: "Refresh")[
-private-
(link-reveal: "Refresh")[
-private-
(link-reveal: "Refresh")[
-private-
(link-reveal: "Refresh")[
[[Audio file.|centAud]]]
]]]]
You listen to the audio and (link-reveal: "transcribe it onto paper.")[
Howdey treasure hunters! Grunkle Stan here to tell you about the next clue- woah! Who are you?!
mmmmm! It is me! Sister Mary Hilda Miley, and I decree that you shall never find the treasure muahahahaha!
Ummm... Some kind of ghost has flown into the Mystery Shack here, she's got a ruler and a ghost hand -BASH- HEY!
I am the spirit of seriousness! I hate anything fun: Carbonated beverages, boys and girls holding hands at school dances, and most of all I hate treasure hunts! Also knuckles! -BASH-
OW! Soos get the vacuum cleaner
Yes sir Mr. Pines. -vrooooooooom-
No! My one weakness! A creative solution! I'll be back! You'll never find the treasure!
Good job Soos. Have a chicken nugget.
To me, this is a raise!
Alight kids, the next clue is a kind of tricky one you see. This is one that can only be found by someone who is currently in the building it is hidden in. That's right, I'm looking for students at the California State Summer School for the Arts. Only CSSSA students can find this clue. I don't want anybody else going to CSSSA, alright? You're not allowed in. Only students there are allowed in. Students, scour the sublevel! You'll know it when you see it, and watch out for Sister Miley's ghooooooost!
Seriously.
(link-reveal: "What could it mean?")[
*Stan isn't being too cryptic again, and you don't know anyone who is a student at CSSSA.*
Isolated from the location of the lead, you must (link: "wait")[[[wait mere minutes|csssaLook]]].]]
<audio src="cent/audio.mp3" autoplay>
Within unreal time, a picture is posted of what seems to be the next clue. You [[wonder|csssaWon]] how someone got there so quickly.
<img src="cent/csssa.jpg" alt="csssa">
Upon checking more closely, you see that the image was posted over a week ago! Nevertheless, you return to the clue at hand.
* [[You|csssaDec]] work hard to figure the clue.
* You let [[the internet|csssaDec]] use it's collective solving skills.
You understand the numbers are coded in hexadecimal.
(link: "25")[37°](link: "31")[49'](link: "13")[19.0"](link: "N")[N]
(link: "7a")[122°](link: "0d")[13'](link: "3b")[59.0"](link: "W")[W
And can be formatted as (link-reveal: "GPS coordinates")[ to (link-reveal: "Piedmont, CA")[ (link-reveal: "the Pines twins' hometown!")[
Isolated from the location of the lead, you must [[wait|pmGo]].]]]]
To be continued...