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Silverback Cipher
Silverback hunters should be familiar with the “pigpen” or masonic cipher,
which is a simple substitution cipher exchanging letters for symbols
based on a grid.
This cipher can be used to decrypt directions and secret codewords at FBZ geocaches!
Submit An Article related to this FBZ an earn 20 points (if registered)!
SGTF has decided to place a Forbidden Zone (FBZ) in
what can be assumed is a hallowed simian burial mound along the banks
of an "ancient" river bed in Sandrock Canyon. Read the mission brief below...
SUBJECT: FBZ A.P.E. 54 Brief [Mission #4]
TO: Silverback Operatives
Sandrock Canyon (SRC) is a known hotbed for paranormal activity. There have been peculiar sightings of abandoned encampments along the now dry river bed and an unexplained mystery surrounding the discovery of small, dimpled spheres (resembling golf balls) in a specific zone near the FBZ. The closest golfing course to A.P.E. 54 exists 4.63 kilometers (2.88 miles) to the southwest, and a driving range is located 2.02 kilometers (1.26 miles) to the northeast, but neither location can be considered close enough to be the source of the small spheres which inexplicably continue to gather on the floor of the canyon. It is a mystery which has baffled SGTF’s scientific community. Originally, there was speculation a nearby homeowner might be driving golfing balls off the back of his deck into the canyon, but the theory was soon discounted after SGTF decided no person in their right mind would be stupid enough to participate in such an idiotic, destructive and shameful activity. Humans are much smarter than this.
SGTF is convinced an intelligent primate species occupied this canyon centuries ago, and hypothesize the mound where this TSG is located was likely a tumulus or cairn where ancient primates cremated and/or buried their ancestors. In fact, a local archaeologist unearthed an anthropological relic nearby which bolsters this theory. SGTF has managed to obtain this specimen through our underground network and included it as part of the FBZ A.P.E. 54 Top Secret Geocache (TSG).
At this FBZ, you have been provided a rock painted with secret symbols that will direct you to a nearby location where you can pay homage to this fascinating anthropological remain. You will also be provided the 4th in a series of codewords needed to unlock the final mission location for Operation Silverback. Use SGTF’s cipher available at fbz.geocaches.org to decode secret writings discovered during this and other FBZ adventures.
In all, there are seven (7) FBZ locations (i.e. missions) to Operation Silverback. Six FBZs contain “intelligence” report(s) and a corresponding secret codeword. Use the six (6) codewords collectively at fbz.geocaches.org to discover the seventh and final TOP SECRET FBZ location. Keep in mind codewords can be gathered in any order so you DO NOT need to visit FBZs sequentially! The seventh and final mission location is where the truth shall be revealed!
Operatives who have successfully submitted the TOP SECRET codeword for this mission...
(Sat 21 Sep 2024 @ 5:20:27 BST; 1726892427 seconds since Unix Epoch (POSIX) 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 UTC)
FBZ A.P.E. 54 contains an ammo can with Special Reconnaissance (SR) related to SGTF's Operation Silverback in the form of Planet of the Apes Memorabilia (POTAM) and scouted intelligence reports. As a clandestine special tactics unit, SGTF has been known to leave POTAM tracking bugs in their FBZs with special mission instructions related to active Project A.P.E. caches (e.g. Project A.P.E. Mission 9: Tunnel of Light).
FBZs are reserved for POTAM related to SGTF's Silverback operations. Visitors are encouraged to register their visit and leave ONLY items containing relevance to The Planet of the Apes or items that are traditional hitchhikers (e.g. geocoins, travel bugs, etc.). Only place and/or remove TRACKABLE items from this cache (read NO unrelated SWAG); Any POTAM found in this cache designated as NOT TRACKABLE is pertinent to operations for this FBZ and should REMAIN ASSIGNED TO THE CACHE. POTAM labeled PROVISIONAL FTF is considered remittance as reward for the FTF (First to Find) and can be removed freely without restriction or stipulation.
PLEASE NOTE: As with any cache hidden in a wooden area, please be mindful when visiting this location and be sure to keep a watchful eye out for snakes, spiders, and ants. It would be wise to wear gloves and long sleeves when searching for this ammo container to protect yourself from the elements including poison oak and small forest critters!
*Disclaimer: Stories here and at FBZ caches are a combination of historical conjecture, anecdote and pure fiction. Any similarity to any event, group, or person living or dead is merely coincidental. Additionally, SGTF has utilized a variety of signs/stickers as props in the FBZ geocaching series. Labels or warnings (e.g. biohazard, radioactive, etc.) which are fictitious will display some form of the SGTF/Silverback moniker; all other warning signage encountered during this or any other FBZ adventure should be respected and observed as posted.
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SILVERBACK Prize Rings
Those who create an account on fbz.geocaches.org and enter mission codewords and POTAM tracking bug numbers receive points towards an Operative ranking. Operatives who achieve the rank of General (700 points) are eligible to receive an official silver Operation Silverback GC.com trackable ring from Oakcoins. Gold rings are available for those who reach the rank of Green Beret (or higher).