Tuesday, December 04, 2007

First Virtual


I have not done that many virtuals, but I think that they have real potential for mystery and puzzle boxes. Instead of using an encryption technique that has to lead to the name of a park or the entire clue, you can create a puzzle where someone just needs to discover the password. And the password can be any combination of letters and numbers. The traditional box clue then just appears as part of the congratulatory message.

I created my first virtual to go along with my Season's Greetings traditional box. This stamp image took me longer than I think any image ever has to carve, many hours over several days. The virtual is not that difficult, at least I don't think so. I hope people find it fun. The image for the virtual box is different, but on the same theme.

It also strikes me that by creating virtuals I can do better tutorials on puzzling techniques. That way, those readers who are not near enough to find my traditional boxes would still have a reward for their efforts. Would that be something you would like me to create? I'd be interested in hearing readers' thoughts.

The theme of my first virtual is peace. And not coincidentally, that's my wish for you and for this world this holiday season.

~dewberry

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just solved the Peace puzzle! :) Wonderful. Great puzzle, great carved stamp, great theme. Couldn't ask for more. Thank you Dewberry. Now to plan a trip to your part of the country to get the real box.

Anonymous said...

This was a really fun puzzle. I love the stamp. Now I have another reason to head back to Houston before long.
Puddle Splasher

Anonymous said...

And so she finds yet another medium to show how evil she truly is....MO5