Briefing
Greetings, Special Agent.
I assume you remember our previous encounters with the Krohndahkyr? They had some shenanigans on planet earth during “Intergalactic Warfare”. Well, they are back apparently.
Our friends in Area 51 reported Krohndahkyr spaceships landing in the Amazon rain forest yesterday morning. As we know, their once peaceful intentions turned sour after meeting early humans settlers many years ago. They have been recorded through early history to have collaborated with humans on certain projects. Sometimes getting in the way of Klumgongyn and his species.
This time however, they are back with ill intentions. The ships were identifies as Space Marine landing craft, not research ships like we usually see. Unfortunately, the US Spaceforce isn’t up for combat tasks yet. At least not of this kind.
Luckily the government of Brazil has found their marines more than willing to take on some aliens in their backyard. General Rodriguez mentioned “If it bleeds, we can kill it”. I can’t help but wonder why that phrase sounds familiar.
Anyway, your task today is to translate this ancient text we’ve found near an old cemetery in Sardinia Italy. We believe it to be a gift of great significance they once tried to give the humans they encountered. It’s our hope that translating these texts provides insight as to “why” the relationship with humans turned sour.
As always, Special Agent, the Contract is yours, if you choose to accept
Materials
Answer Instruction
Use the answer to unlock the flagfile, this will reward you with your badge.
Answer instruction for flag, using the full name in original wording:
name-of-author-name-of-the-text
Sample answer:
emma-lazarus-the-new-colossus
Flagfile
Be advised, the flagfile is an encrypted ZIP. Make sure your OS supports the ZIP format. Ensure the password contains no hidden characters or formatting, paste in Notepad first if the password doesn’t seem to work.
PS: Don’t forget to claim your Coins and XP, by posting your card in the #card-brag channel in Discord.
Official Write-up
Provided here is the official write-up, it does contain the answer. Use this if you’re stuck, or want to verify if you got the answer correct.
⚠️ SPOILER: Official Write-up
Return of the Krohndahkyr
This contract involves an ancient alien race called the Krohndahkyr, who have returned to Earth after a previous encounter with early human settlers. The goal is to translate an ancient text left behind by the Krohndahkyr in order to gain insight into why their relationship with humans turned sour.
Challenge Objectives
- Translate the provided ancient text
- Identify the source of the translated text
- Generate a password based on the translation
Solution Steps
Step 1: Translate the Ancient Text
The briefing provides the following ancient text that needs to be translated:
Annum agens sextum decimum patrem amisit; sequentibusque consulibus
flamen Dialis destinatus dimissa Cossutia, quae familia equestri sed
admodum diues praetextato desponsata fuerat, Corneliam Cinnae quater
consulis filiam duxit uxorem, ex qua illi mox Iulia nata est; neque ut
repudiaret compelli a dictatore Sulla ullo modo potuit. quare et
sacerdotio et uxoris dote et gentilicis hereditatibus multatus
diuersarum partium habebatur, ut etiam discedere e medio et quamquam
morbo quartanae adgrauante prope per singulas noctes commutare latebras
cogeretur seque ab inquisitoribus pecunia redimeret, donec per uirgines
Vestales perque Mamercum Aemilium et Aurelium Cottam propinquos et
adfines suos ueniam impetrauit. satis constat Sullam, cum deprecantibus
amicissimis et ornatissimis uiris aliquamdiu denegasset atque illi
pertinaciter contenderent, expugnatum tandem proclamasse siue diuinitus
siue aliqua coniectura: uincerent ac sibi haberent, dum modo scirent
eum, quem incolumem tanto opere cuperent, quandoque optimatium partibus,
quas secum simul defendissent, exitio futurum; nam Caesari multos Marios
inesse.Step 2: Identify the Source
After translating the text, the players should determine that it is an excerpt from the work “De Vita Caesarum” by Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus.
Step 3: Generate the Password
The password to unlock the next step is:
gaius-suetonius-tranquillus-de-vita-caesarumAdditional Context
The Krohndahkyr are an ancient alien race that previously had a relationship with early human settlers on Earth. This contract explores the history and potential conflict between the Krohndahkyr and humanity.
The briefing mentions that the Krohndahkyr have returned to the Amazon rainforest, this time with “ill intentions” compared to their previous peaceful interactions.
Tips for Players
- Carefully translate the provided ancient Latin text to determine its source
- Ensure the password is formatted correctly before attempting to unlock the next step
- Be prepared for additional challenges or layers within the full contract
- Consider the broader context of the Krohndahkyr’s history with humanity
Creator(s): Frank Diepmaat