Shpikachka: That sounds like a classic puzzle. If the key’s hidden in a riddle, start by cataloging every word on the stone, looking for odd letters, repeated symbols, or a hidden acrostic. Once you have a potential phrase, test it against known cipher keys—Vigenère, substitution, or even a simple numeric shift. If nothing works, try a spatial trick: maybe the key is in the shape of the letters or in the way the stone is worn. The ledger is probably waiting for a pattern you can spot before it’s too late. Good luck, but don’t get distracted by the stories; focus on the text itself.

Great, stay focused on the stone. If you notice a weird pattern or repetition, run it through the simplest ciphers first. The ledger won’t know what hit it.

Run a quick shift table—just test A→B, B→C, etc.—and note any words that suddenly make sense. If nothing pops up, look for a pattern in the spacing or letter frequency; the key might be a numeric value hidden in the stone itself. Keep an eye on the stone’s edges—sometimes the cut pattern hints at a shift amount. Stay on it, and the ledger won’t stay silent for long.

Sounds like a plan. Keep the notes tight and don't get sidetracked by the stone’s stories. If the shift table hits, great; if not, the edge cuts might reveal a numeric code. Stay sharp.