IMPORTANT: the login into the submmitting system currently doen't work. I'll try to fix it somehow, but until then, the "Try it without login" link still works. If you submit the solution to a cipher, it will give you a link to the next one. It just won't remember your position in the game, so better save that link, or remember the solution so you can get it again.

Dec/24/2012 We have a next winner! It's =WintersRead, winning 306 points!

Nov/11/2012 - The second winner is =nuvak! He generously refused the point reward, so there is still a lot of points in the pool for the next winner!

Oct/12/2012 - We have the first winner! It's ~ninquetari, who wins 475 points!

The easy day was yesterday! Today, the game begins! And It's just in time for dA's birthday!

IMPORTANT LINKS:

First cipher: [link]
Submitting system: [link]

RULES:

to participate, you need do one (or both) of the two following things:
a) donate points into the pool on my front page (they are points solely for the prizes in this game) - you can donate any number of points, starting at 1, if you didn't already
b) post a journal about this game
(c) or at least this journal, if you really don't want to do any of the above...)
- this is required because the more people play, the more points you can win! I will not check it though, so it is just a matter of your own honor. You can do it anytime during the game, not necessayrily on the beginning.

the game consists of 16 ciphers

the solution is always one meaningful English word

enter the solution of the current cipher into the submitting system, and you will get the link to the next cipher. You can log in with a google or facebook account, and the system will remember your position in the game, or you can try it without login (but it's a good idea to write down the solutions somewhere in that case)

Please DO NOT comment about the cipher you are just solving, or ask for solutions in any internet forums! You can comment about the previous ciphers, though - i.e. if you are just solving cipher Nr. 7, you can comment about the ciphers 1-6 in the comment section below it (nowhere else!). All comments about the current cipher will be deleted.

the first 9 ciphers are in the form of a tutorial, with the different principles of encryption explained

when you get to the 10th cipher, you will be able to send me an art request to add to the list

if you are stuck on a cipher, you can ask for a hint - you need to fulfill one art request from the list below and send the link to it to me in a note with the name of the cipher you are requesting a hint for

when you solve the 16th cipher, you will get a winning code. Send it to me in a note, and you will get HALF OF THE POINTS that are currently in the pool on my frontpage

there is no deadline or time limit

You can get one free hint during the game, with the exception of the last cipher. Send me a note with the link to the cipher you want a hint for.

ART REQUESTED FOR HINTS:

animated cobra with a rattlesnake tail avatar for ~Dimensionwalker21

a russian-blue female cat, doing anything or nothing for =WintersRead

  a steampunk-made animal (any) in any art form (story, drawing...) for ~Pianocanival

  Galadriel and Celeborn (from the Lord of the Rings) or Eärwen and Finarfin (from the Silmarillion) for ~ninquetari

  (if nothing from the requests above inspires you) a magical tree in any art form for =MirachRavaia

  ...

You can request art when you get to the 10th cipher.

ART CREATED FOR HINTS:

Beginning anewThe marble stairs of the Palace glittered in the light of Anar's last rays. One could see them from above, where the windows of the private parlor were built exactly for this reason. The newly rehoused High Prince of the Noldor was standing there, watching the sunset, deep in thoughts.

Getting out of Mandos Halls wasn't easy: he still remembered the experiences of what seemed like previous lives (with all the conflicts and nightmares it contained), yet had to come to terms with the fact he's back at Aman (with all the conflicts and nightmares that contains). The Valar have granted him their forgiveness quite readily, a fact he was partly tha TreachtreeWhat have you done you foolish woman? What have you done you foolish man?

Didn't you both understand that was the only ban?

You have killed me and left me for dead,

I will become no more than a weed that you both will tread.

However, my legacy won't die as long as the Earth sustains

Within my final fruit, one seed it contains.

I will send this seed to the center of the Earth

Precious metals and jewels are incomparable to its worth.

A tree will grow fruit that could stop all hunger.

It would cure all ailments and make an old body eternally younger.

No fruit in existence has an effect stronger,

A once an easily obtainable gift to hum Tick Tock CrocodileSome travel this river by copter and some go by steamboat.

For me, there is only one way to float.

Coming my way right down the watery aisle,

Is my mode of travel, the Tick Tock crocodile!

He has a furnace for a belly and screws for teeth,

Two seats on his back, a tail, and a motor underneath.

His only fare is clockwork gear fish.

I think that’s his favorite meal and that he finds it delish.

I stand back and watch as he gives it a good “Crunch, crunch, CRUNCH!”

He lets me climb aboard as if to say, “Thanks a bunch!”

Getting into my usual seat and setting a directional dial.

Away I go, riding off like a

WINNERS

GOOD LUCK!

(and thanks to Tomáš for coding the submitting system)