Cryptic Clue Fest II


 * This page is about the current Cryptic Clue Fest. For the one that happened in 2009, see Cryptic Clue Fest.



The Cryptic Clue Fest II is a puzzle-solving event held in a similar nature to the original Cryptic Clue Fest. It was released on August 20, 2010 and closed on September 3, 2010. Clues were revealed on the Cryptic Clue Fest II thread on the RuneScape Official Forums and image hints were revealed on the RuneScape Facebook Page.


 * An NPC clue points to the NPC players need to talk to.
 * These are revealed by the NPCs that take part in the event.
 * An item clue reveals the items needed to bring to the NPC.
 * These clues are released on the official RuneScape Forums by Jagex Moderators.
 * Noted items can NOT be used.
 * EXACT number of items has to be in the inventory. Any more or less will not work.
 * Players may also have other items in their inventory alongside with the required ones.
 * The NPC does not take the items, only look at them.

Players could proceed one stage of the event once a day, as soon as the new clues were released. They could choose to do all the clues on the final day. Players wishing to complete this task, however, must had to visit each of the NPCs in this mini-quest in the order that the clues were given. Attempting to skip ahead and talk to the NPCs out of order would simply give the player the normal dialogue, as if there were no event.

Quickguide
SPOILER WARNING!

For those players interested in a compiled list of items and locations to complete this event without having to solve the riddles, this list is provided below:

Clue 1: 20 August
Clue 1: 20 August

Forum clue
The sun had begun to dip slowly beneath the horizon, bringing another quiet day in Lumbridge to a close.

I was making some final adjustments to a log I was writing when I heard the sound of somebody knocking on the oak, front door of my humble home.

Cautiously, I approached and opened it slightly to peek outside. To my surprise however whoever had knocked had vanished, leaving only a single, large, envelope sticking out of a crack in my door.

The envelope’s large, red; wax seal was emblazoned with a strange symbol. I carefully plucked it free and headed back inside to open it.

Within the envelope, I found a piece of folded parchment and a hastily written note. Placing the folded paper aside, I began to read the note;

I was told that if I ever felt I was in danger, you were the one person I could trust.

Something of great value is threatened by greed and those of ill will; I assure you this is no joke, but a very serious cry for aid.

I have included a clue that you must solve. This clue will reveal my identity and a selection of items you should carry with you so I know you have solved my challenge. I must be certain of your skill and your identity, you see.

I will explain everything when we can speak safely in person.

Trust no-one!

I knew that whatever I was being dragged into was trouble, but curiosity pulled at my hands, urging them towards the so-called ’clue’ and I found myself unfolding it...

I had expected some sort of anagram, a riddle or code to break. I found myself a little shocked by what I discovered...

"my shopping list Remember tO Deliver Documents on thE way to the ClerK. Bucket RING mould 3 PIeces of caKE 2 ruBber tUbes Concentrated KhalphitE spiTS 10 FingErs from A newT HERbal teaS"

- Mod Mark H

The bizarre shopping list was written in the same script as the note, but the grammar was incredibly poor. This didn’t seem like any clue or puzzle I had come across in my life, but there had to be something more to it.

The person who had written this clue and the letter were the same person, I was sure. So why was this one written so strangely when the other had been written normally?

An idea struck me and I took my notebook out and I began to write down all the things that stood out in the list and soon an answer began to emerge.

Twitter hint
Look at what's obviously out of place and see what happens when you add them together!

Forum clue
...As I approached Varrock the sun was just beginning to set in the west.

The city was a strange place for me, half a run-down slum and the other half a rich, wealthy place of commerce. As I moved down the main street leading to the centre I noticed the homeless hunched in side streets whilst nobles tried to ignore them as they walked past.

The previous contact had informed me of a secret group protecting an ancient treasure horde, they used clues and puzzles to hide the location of such a treasure from another organisation who sought to steal it. I wasn’t sure why I was getting wrapped up in this mess but they needed my help.

I had been sent to meet with another member of this secret society. I found myself outside his shop and whilst other merchants were beginning to pack up their wares I found the store before me empty.

Off to the side I noticed a side room, the door slightly ajar... and a small pool of red liquid leaking out from underneath.

I pressed myself against the wall and opened the side room door slightly, peaking in. Inside, near a large table, a man was laying face down with his outstretched hand clutching a strange statue, the other clutching a crossbow, the pool of red from the door leading underneath the man’s chest. The room had been thrown into disarray, with chests and drawers all flung open; somebody had obviously been searching for something.

I bent down, grimacing as I pulled the statue from the man’s hand. It was cheap stone, a rather ugly and crude figure of a hooded figure clutching a book. On the underside some ancient writing was marked, it read “The secret lies within”. I felt the statue again and had an idea...

With a swift and strong motion I threw the statue against the hard flooring and the statue shattered as expected. Amongst the broken stone fragments I spotted two scraps of parchment, tightly folded.

Scrap 1

''..also features more displays on our rich history. Resident art critic Jacques is particularly proud of our rare painting of King Lathas of Ardougne! So whether it is part of an educational visit, a daytrip around the City of Varrock, or to make substantial donations, please don’t hesitate to visit us! ''

The first parchment seems to have been torn out of some form of advertisement for something.

Scrap 2

''Skyward hall of forgotten ages, 11 treasures stand in barless cages. Find included some calculus expounded, Compare conclusions with tables founded.''

''Two of Treasure 1: X + (6x6) = 48 Five of Treasure 2: Y + (65/5) = 60 Eight of Treasure 3: 3Z + 51 = 150''

The second parchment was another grid, this time full of common items found throughout RuneScape. Below it was an odd riddle that seemed to explain what I would need to do, and a series of math equations. Perhaps the missing number in the equation was the key to the grid.

The grid with the items seemed familiar, like the layout of something I had seen somewhere, perhaps a layout of somewhere in the museum?

Note: Due to a slight oversight, non-members cannot access the location to solve this clue. However, Mod Mark H has posted a numbered layout to help solve this clue on the forum.

Twitter hint
Try re-writing some of the math problems! X + (6x6) = 48 can be rewritten as 48 - (6x6) = X

Forum clue
...The Museum felt like a different place at night, the suits of armour stood like silent guardians warding against trespassers like myself and the full moon outside cast long shadows from the various display cases creating a labyrinth of shadows.

The clues in the statuette my contact as fiercely protected had led me here, and soon I had found what I was looking for; two tiles hidden in different places.

As I moved to a window to get some proper light, I heard footsteps from the nearby stairs. I leaped behind a display case to hide, peeking out slightly to see who was there. A figure in a dark cloak and hood appeared, I could see that they had a wicked looking dagger in their hand and they were scanning the room looking for something...no, not something, someone.

The figure moved closer and closer, I knew if I moved they would hear me and weaponless I wouldn’t make it to the exit, I was trapped. Then I heard another set of footsteps enter the room.

A flash of green light, a cry of shock and somebody falling down echoed in the room, leaping from my hiding place for the door I saw the hooded figure snared on the floor, a young girl with a handful of runes and a red hat stood by the door.

“Come on!” she shouted at me “We’ve got to get out of here before that spell wears off!”

We ran, bursting through the back door of the museum and making our way through the alleyways of Varrock till we reached a half-built house.

“We should be safe here for a moment, you need to figure out the next puzzle quickly!” the girl told me in gasped breaths.

I pulled the tiles out from my pouch and examined them;

Each tile featured a separate logic puzzle.

Twitter hint
For Tile 1 try drawing a diagram of the knights, for Tile 2 start with who *must* be lying and work back

Forum Clue
...After solving the clues on the tiles I knew I would need to do some research in the city of Falador and Megan told me that she had hidden another clue in Falador castle.

I had discovered that Megan was the granddaughter of one of the secret society members and the task of protecting “the great secret” had fallen to her. She seemed trustworthy and I needed the help.

She led me to the majestic Falador castle and to the top of one of the towers. There a statue of a knight looked out over the city.

“Here, help me with this” Megan asked, a cheeky smile spread across her face.

She began pulling at a stone engraving on the base of the statue, as I helped we pulled it away to reveal a thin sheet of bronze hidden beneath the engraving.

However, as I started to investigate the relief, the trapdoor leading to the tower flung open and emerging from it was a rather mild-mannered man in a hideously coloured shirt.

“The secret will be ours” he hissed, pulling out the wicked looking dagger from a hidden sheath. He was the same man who had tried to kill us in Varrock, somehow he had found us.

We were trapped again, with nowhere to run. As the killer advanced on us, I glanced over the edge of the tower and thought of a daring escape plan.

“Do you trust me?” I bellowed at Megan, her faint nod was enough to encourage my actions.

Grabbing her arm I jumped off the side of the tower, the rush of air from falling was shocking, but nowhere near as shocking as the cold water of the moat surrounding the castle. I pulled Megan with me, desperately swimming to reach the side and clambered out.

When we finally reached safety, I examined the bronze sheet we had discovered;

Twitter Hint
Try reading the riddle carefully, everything you need to know is there!

Forum Clue
...The sun warmed my exposed skin as we made our way into Al-Kharid.

We had been traveling for a few days, pondering over the numerous clues and puzzles that had led us to this point. Megan and I were close to unlocking what this whole affair was about and we had escaped the man who had chased us through Falador and Varrock.

Megan told me we had to meet a contact here, somebody her grandfather had known. She pushed aside the curtain door of a nearby building and entered. Inside, a woman sat holding an ornate box.

“You have arrived at last” she said warmly.

“For too long, a group of us have protected an ancient treasure... a treasure so huge it would change the power structure throughout all of Gielinor. Its location has been kept a secret but now that secret is threatened by the people chasing you” as she spoke she handed the ornate box to me.

“You were chosen for your skills in unraveling these cryptic messages and puzzles. We need you to figure out the location of this ancient treasure, destroy the clues you have found and write new ones. We cannot allow this group to get a hold of any the clues leading to the treasure. You have proven yourself as a trustworthy and reliable person in your adventures and only you can be trusted with this.” When she finished she nodded towards the box, hinting for me to open it.

I opened it and inside I found an ancient looking tablet...

In magic’s square all paths connected, numbers 1 to 49 must be respected.

Crossed lines are the key, their total you must see.

What is hidden must be detected.



In this final hour I shall speak to you plainly.

When Magician’s Square and Scientist’s Mysteries are brought together, an answer you shall find in treasured grid below.When all keys are found seek me out and your journey shall be at an end.



Key 1 = M – (N+P)

Where M is the number of Gems on display in the Falador Gem store Where N is the number of *living* Trees in the grounds of Varrock Palace (not including ones planted by players or from Quests) Where P is the number of blue plants in the Monastery

Bring two of these

Key 2 = Q - S

Where Q is the number of statues and suits of armour within the Varrock Palace grounds (Not including any from Quests) Where S is the number of broken statues at the front of Falador Castle.

(Those who have Completed Whilst Guthix Sleeps may need to remember what was there before... Or ask a friend who hasn't done the quest)

Bring six of these

Key 3 = X – (Z + Y)

Where X is the number of candles in Count Draynor’s Tomb Where Z is the number of cabbages in the Falador cabbage field Where Y is the number of weapons on display in Varrock’s Sword Shop.

Bring four of these

Twitter hint
Try using an Orb of Oculus to count the objects!

In Game Clue

 * When you have completed the fifth clue, Ranael tells you to visit the author and bring:
 * two of the first item from the first clue
 * six of the second item from the fourth clue
 * one of the second item from the fifth clue

Trivia

 * At the end of this miniquest, Duke Horacio makes references to several well-known books including
 * 'The Manchurian Candidate' as The Menaphosian Candidate,
 * 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' as The talented Mr. Mordaut,
 * 'Gone with the Wind' as Gone with the Wind Strikes and
 * 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' as 'The Lyre, the Witch and the Mahogany wardrobe'.
 * Even if you opted not to hear the Duke's book ideas, he would still reference "The Bourne Identity"
 * Some of these references, maybe all of them were player ideas submitted in the sticky "Pun-tastic Book titles needed!"(Unfortunately this thread no longer exists and proof is missing) The thread title is still to be found but the thread has been moved to the inaccessible CM Test Forum forum.
 * The quote "This belongs in a Museum" is a direct reference to Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade, appearing there twice, once in the beginning, once at the end of the movie.
 * On most days, the forum post (chapter) has a title referencing various crime fiction novels. The name of the first chapter was "Lumbridge Confidential", referencing the novel "L.A. Confidential" by James Ellroy, the second chapter, "Broken Arrow" references the film of the same name which was also published in book form. The third chapter, "The Girl who played with fire runes" is an adaptation on the name of the novel by Stieg Larsson, "The Girl Who Played with Fire". The fourth chapter, "Between a Rock Crab and a hard place" is a reference to the phrase and possibly movie "Between a rock and a hard place". Several non-crime novels exist with that name. Chapter 5, "The Promethium Deception" is a play on "The Prometheus Deception" by Robert Ludlum. The final chapter refers to Dan Brown's "Angels and demons."
 * The fourth clue sounds like the rhyme that had to be deciphered in the film National Treasure with Nicholas Cage which went: "The legend writ, the stain affected, the key in Silence undetected, fifty-five in iron pen, Mr. Matlack can't offend."
 * The hairdresser being the villain may be a reference to the musical and movie "Sweeney Todd" where he attempts to murder the people who put him in jail.


 * You will float in the air when you rest with the Investigator's Outfit on.
 * On the second day, the Y and the Z in the formula were originally posted as YX and ZX, which confused many players.
 * On the second day, free players were unable to complete the second clue without help in some way, since the numbers in the Varrock Museum display cases were not visible in free to play. This was later fixed by a table posted on the Forums showing a table and the display case's number.
 * When players spoke to the NPCs, apostrophes in all contractions appeared to be missing. This had not been fixed.
 * There appeared to be a glitch (or maybe it's intentional) with the third day clue, that if your mysterious book was in your POH toy box, you could not get the pages added, unlike the second day clue, it didn't matter.
 * It appears that the person investigating Megan is Mod MMH in the Investigators Costume without the hat.
 * On the day clue 5 was released, Jagex made a mistake with the grid provided, it was fixed about 3–4 hours after the clue was released.
 * The speeches of Megan, Ranael and Duke Horacio have several grammatical mistakes, and appear to be missing several apostrophes.
 * If you put your top in the toy box it disappears.
 * The second Fest lasted 4 days lesser than the first one and no official announcement has been made by Jagex about the closing of the event, which upset some players.