Runela & Brevis
Runela Runela
I found a fragment of an ancient tablet with symbols that look like a repeating geometric pattern—almost like a cipher. Do you think we could break it down systematically and see if there’s a hidden message?
Brevis Brevis
Sure, let's break it down step by step. First, catalog every distinct symbol and note how often each appears. Then look for patterns of repetition—two‑symbol pairs, three‑symbol sequences, anything that occurs frequently. Once you have a frequency list, compare it to common cipher patterns—maybe a simple substitution or a Vigenère shift. Check if any segments form recognizable shapes or align with known ancient scripts. Finally, test a few hypotheses in a spreadsheet: replace symbols with letters and see if any words emerge. If the pattern persists, we can refine the key; if not, we’ll need to consider a more complex encoding.
Runela Runela
That sounds reasonable, but I’ve already tacked the symbols onto a ledger in my study—no spreadsheet, just ink and paper. I’ll run the frequency count, compare with known scripts, and see if the patterns line up with a simple substitution or a Vigenère. If it turns out to be more cryptic, I’ll pull out the old cipher keys I keep in the attic. Let’s see what the symbols are whispering.
Brevis Brevis
Good plan. Keep the ledger clean—use a separate column for each symbol’s count, and mark the most frequent ones at the top. Once you’ve got a list, run a quick test: map the top symbol to the letter “E,” the next to “T,” and so on. If that yields legible fragments, you’ve hit the right key. If nothing shapes up, look for recurring pairs or triplets; those might be digraphs or common syllables in the script. Remember to stay systematic—one change at a time, record the result. It’ll be a slow grind, but that’s where the precision pays off.