Longtime readers know I’ve been running an alternate reality game for a while. It begins with this post from 2016. Since then, I’ve shared more clues, both here and on Instagram, and in other undiscovered corners. I even collected some into a handy repository, which I update whenever new ephemera appear.

The game continues. A new narrative from the Bell Forging Cycle is playing out in yet undiscovered corners. If you’re a fan and you’ve wanted more, I’d say it’s worth your time. It leads to some unusual places and opens up yet more of the world.

If you’re looking for quick answers, this post won’t have them. But I’ve gotten enough questions and emails lately that I felt it necessary to take a moment, address a few things, and offer some tips:

• The cipher I chose is somewhat tricky. I figured readers would band together to figure stuff out, but (so far) that hasn’t happened. So if it feels extra difficult, that’d be why.
• The number sequence will lead to clues that will help you figure out the cipher. But it’s not a key to the cipher itself. It’s also much easier to figure out.
• Search Engines are your friends.
• Along with search engines, don’t forget that this blog has a search bar. It’ll be handy, eventually.
• Sometimes it’s helpful to think beyond the internet.
• In the end, ARG organization is up to the players. Consider engaging with each other, launch a subreddit or a discord channel, start a wiki, or even consider email threads. I’m happy to write books and make content. But I don’t have time to moderate another community.

As before, I don’t want to offer too much. It takes away from the thrill of discovery. Part of the fun is unlocking this as you go—want to help others out? Why not share what you know in the comments?

Good luck, roaders! Stay wary and as always, Look West.

“Enough prattle. Look west, Guardian.”

—Chapter 30, Red Litten World

I’ve been running a little alternative reality game of sorts. It all started with this post from October 2016, and since then I’ve shared more clues, both here and on Instagram and in other undiscovered corners. I’ll continue to do so for the foreseeable future. If you’re a fan of my Bell Forging Cycle and you’ve been wanting more, I’d say it’s worth your time. It’ll lead you to some unusual places. If you’re looking for answers, this post won’t have them. But, I did want to share a few tips:

• Get others involved, ARGs are meant to be group activities. Often, solutions don’t come to one particular person. When you have more people involved, you can talk through a problem and discover patterns.

• Details matter, and you’ll eventually benefit from searching Google. Especially after initial have been discovered. Likewise, pay attention to things beyond imagery and coded ciphers. You’ll never know what you’ll find.

• Along with Google, don’t forget that this blog has a search bar.

• In the end, ARG organization is up to the players. I’ll continue to provide the content, but you’ll need to keep track of it. Consider engaging with each other in the comment section, launch a subreddit or wiki, or even consider email threads.

Going forward, I don’t intend to address the game openly. The thrill of the reveal is too easy to dampen and I want those taking the time to play to have fun. Good luck, roaders! I can feel that you’re on the verge of discovery. Pathways will open, trails shall be revealed, and dark corners will illuminate.

“Enough prattle. Look west, Guardian.”

—Chapter 30, Red Litten World