221/Sherlock: CASE CLOSED! Grant link and case history in OP

[Consulting Time Lord]

Today is 2/21 aka Sherlock day and it looks like there's a subforum in Hot Topics for everything Holmes and Watson... perhaps we'll get another lovely Sherlock item courtesy of Reaper?

Spoons:

gaia_spoons Excited for 2/21 Sherlock Day?
gaia_spoons Do you think we'll get a new item? If so, what could it possibly be?

EDIT:
Grant link for the item "Note From A Dear Friend" here

Check the Special tab of your inventory to open it.

Contains:

The Detectiving Consultant


What follows is the case history of what I'm calling "The Adventure of The Letter's Letters"...

EDIT:

http://www.gaiaonline.com/marketplace/itemdetail/10023621

A lovely user seems to have found this mysterious "letter from a dear friend" on the MP after searching for Sherlock in the item search... more details to come! THE GAME IS AFOOT!

EDIT 2:

It seems like the profile pages for Bill Wiggins, The Mayfly Man, Cucumberpatch, Elisabeth Reid, and 221BBaker seem to be connected.

The plot thickens!

EDIT 3:

Each of those profiles contain links to images of Sherlock-related items. The final page, 221BBaker, has a link to an empty item grant...


EDIT 4, courtesy of .~[Misty.Muffin]~.

Quote:

Bill Wiggins Profile has the pipe and his high lighted line is -- There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.
The Mayfly Mans picture is the gun highlighted word is "only"
Cucumberpatch's picture is a scroll down and a violin, her quote -- "A possession of all knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits in a very precise fashion."
Elisabeth Reid has the picture of the paper... and nothing odd but a bunny on her profile.
221bbaker has the hat, grant code, and red 2 and T

No idea what any of it means.

EDIT 5:

The lovely Siskataya PM'd me to tell me she will link to this thread in an upcoming announcement! redface

EDIT 6:

Sisky's "official" announcement of the search for the item grant mentions this humble thread!

EDIT 7:

ANY ITEM DESCRIPTIONS ON THE MP WITH PURPLE LETTERS/NUMBERS AND BOLDED STUFF ARE FROM LAST YEAR'S EVENT. THEY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS YEAR'S EVENT.

EDIT 8:

.~[Misty.Muffin]~.

Okay, so. All of this starts with A Letter from a Dear Friend

Bill Wiggin's


Jeremy Brett in the Granada Series
1984 - 1994 (imbd, he did a lot of Sherlock)
Extra: Quote on profile: "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact" which seems to be from The Boscombe Valley Mystery.

The Mayfly Man


Robert Downey Jr, two (three) movies, 2009, 2011, in post.
Extra: Interest Tags
Hobbies/Interests
Major James Sholto
And quote: One night only.

cucumberpatch



Basil Rathbone - 1939 - 1946
Extra: Has quote + Video on profile
"A possession of all knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits in a very precise fashion."
From The Five Orange Pips??

Elisabeth Reid


Robert Stephens - 1970
Extra: ... has bunny on profile???

221bbaker


Benedict Cumberbatch - 2010-2014
Has red 2 and T and also the Grant Link which is empty.
Also, wishlist has an item?

EDIT 9:
Stuff about birthdays and achievements and bunnies?
The bunny is clearly in reference to Bluebell the glowing rabbit from BBC Sherlock series 2 episode 2 "The Hounds of Baskerville." But what about the birthdays and achievements?

EDIT 10:
So... awkwardly enough, guys, I'm sick right now and have to go drink some tea and rest. Be back soon. Keep me posted on your progress/if the grant is found, and link me to it! The game is always on!

EDIT 11:

Czhe

Here is a Thing

Bill Wiggins:
Bill Wiggins is this character in BBC Sherlock.
-7 posts in his history (can't see them/hidden)
-His Achievements include:
Risky Lifestyle, Window Shopper, Hygienic, Partygoer, Treasure Hunter, Happy Birthday!, Bunny Spotter, Dressed Up, Member, and Gaian.
Happy Birthday login was achieved 1115 days ago (that would be Feb. 2nd, 2011.)
Bunny spotter is also interesting, because there's a bunny on Elizabeth's Profile.
-You cannot view his equipped list.
-Quote:
There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.
-Profile background is a Crime Scene

The Mayfly Man:
-Interesting link:
Here
This could be who this man is, in BBC Sherlock he tried to kill Major James Sholto. He was the Wedding Photographer in "Sign of Three".
-No posts.
-No signifigant Achievements.
-Equipped:
Has general clothing on..but has a Digital Camera and his coat description says "It was a cold night, I was tracking the lead...".
-Quote:
One night only.
This could refer to the fact "The Mayfly Man" only spent one night with a woman, then disappeared.
-Interests: Major James Sholto
-Profile background is a Car

cucumberpatch:
Has link to store. Baseball hitting her in the head. Cannot view equipped list.
-No posts.
-No signifigant Achievements.
-Quote from "The Five Orange Pips":
"A possession of all knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits in a very precise fashion."
-Birthday: 10/08.
-Profile background is a Crime Scene
-There's a video on profile: Will look into this.

Elisabeth Reid:
Has no name above her Avatar place. Has a bunny/rabbit on her profile. This image is found on her profile.
-No posts.
-No signifigant Achievements.
-Birthday: 06/11
-Profile background is Generic
-Someone mentioned might be related to violins?

221bbaker:
Important image: Here
-No posts.
-His Achievements Include: Happy Birthday!, Gaian, Abomination, Treasure Hunter, Dressed Up, and Member.
Birthday login is again, 1115 days ago. Profile says birthday is on 02/21. Abomination: Awarded to Gaians who craft The Worst Mistake.
-Profile background is cat/dog prints.
-You can see his equipped list only from his profile. Items might hold signifigance contrary to peopel populat belief. Red letters are OBVIOUSLY important. Who said they aren't being reused?
221bbaker and Tea
-Wishlist: Cup of Milk

Other information pulled:
All Gaians have deerstalkers on but 221bbaker (who has a deerstalker as their clue picture).

Brithdates into letters:
01/01 = AA
10/08 = JH
06/11 = FK
02/21 = BU

2 T is signifigant somehow.

Grant Key:
http://www.gaiaonline.com/grant/?key=_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Remove spaces. 10 possible letters/numbers?

EDIT 12:
The B and W in Bill Wiggins' name on his profile are colored now, and Tobacco has been added to his page, along with the red T in tobacco...

2,T,T,W,B....


EDIT 13:
I am still sick and will not be updating this *unless* something major is found. Keep looking! I know we will find it.

EDIT 14:

Layogenic

CLARIFICATION NOTICE FOR ALL:

THE COMMENTS ON 221BBAKER'S PROFILE ARE A BANDWAGON FAD SWEEPING AROUND. THEY ARE UNRELATED AND INVENTED BY A GAIAN USER. THANK YOU.

EDIT 15:
The comment section on 221BBaker's profile has been hidden.

EDIT 16:
I AM NOT RUNNING THE EVENT, I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT THE GRANT IS. I AM JUST RUNNING THIS THREAD.

EDIT 17:
I'm wondering if we only have until when the bidding time runs out on the MP listing for Note From A Dear Friend to solve this!

EDIT 18:
The grant links on Reapersun's profile are old items, not related to this year's 221 celebration.

EDIT 19:
SERIOUSLY, GAIS, STOP DEBATING OVER WHETHER IT IS THE LETTER S OR THE NUMBER 5

EDIT 20:
This is getting really Sherlawkward... Keep looking, fellow sleuths, and keep me posted. It is late and I am off to bed. emotion_zzz

EDIT 21:
It appears Hi-Potion has been talking with Reapersun.

Hi-Potion

Reaper and I were talking over PMs and she said:
Haha thanks~ I guess it's entertaining, but I'm mostly hoping they're able to solve it before the auction ends haha...

Me: Is that how long the event runs for? ;3; Im hoping we do too sweatdrop But you've got us stumped something fierce xD

Reaper: I won't end the event without making sure the item grant goes out, one way or another. So don't worry too much about that. It just might affect whether that user gets the item before everyone else haha~

EDIT 22:
On The Mayfly Man's profile, there's now this text!

there are five clues and 10 letters with no definition and everything else is hints and noise

EDIT 23:
One of the actors is named Basil RATHBONE, not Rathborne. Just a tip.

EDIT 24:
A lovely FAQ has been compiled here for convenience!

EDIT 25:

retrouvailles

DJ Twissta

My short but interseting conversation with reapersun xD
So she did clue in that it was "one set of five clues" so I'm thinking it might be the pictures we have to focus on.

reapersun

DJ Twissta

So if you use the initials of the actors names then

Bill Wiggins = TB (the letters on the profile as well)
Mayfly = JH (actor who tried to kill major sholto)
Elisabeth (The bride is a lie, so mary) - AA
Cucumberpatch (sherlock)- BC
221B (dressed as watson ) - MF

TBJHAABCMF

from these you can also get
FACT

which leave
BJHABM

Pay attention to the hint on The Mayfly Man's profile. If there is only one set of five clues you should be looking at, do you think it would be the avatars, or......?

Consulting Time Lord

Front page material?

EDIT 26:

Cyriistar

From The Mayfly Man's profile:

Quote:

This gun in my hand?
Don't be obvious.
It's a revolver.

EDIT 27:

Vorpal Slash

Updated version of the picture with all the avatars, photos and names.

EDIT 28:
Apparently the only letters we have are B, T, and R.

EDIT 29:
The supposed extra "A" in the word "encyclopaedia" (found on Cucumberpatch's profile) is not an extra letter at all. That is simply how people in the UK spell the word.

EDIT 30:
A message from Sisky!

siskataya

Why hello my little sleuthing Gaians - Did you miss me? Did you miss me? Did you miss me? XD (I am just being silly here - this is not a clue, I swear!)

Anyway, look at all your efforts - color me impressed! While I cannot give more hints, I will say that there are at least two people I've seen who are very, very, very close to being on track. Well done all - I have all faith you'll press on and solve the puzzle! 3nodding

EDIT 31:
Apparently "Cucumberpatch" is irrelevant....? Do the avatars mean nothing?

EDIT 32:

Moiya_Hatake

Vorpal Slash

faerenach

Right, so here we go:


1. All the clues are from the photos. The pairs of letters come from the FIRST LETTER of the LAST NAME of the actor portrayed holding something, and from the object they're holding.

Soooo...
Jeremy Brett is holding Tobacco.
Robert Downey Jr. is holding a Revolver.
Basil Rathbone is holding a Bow.
Nigel Bruce is holding the Strand magazine.
Benedict Cumberbatch is holding an Earhat.

So we have BT, DR, RB, BS, and CE.

Now we put them in order of appearance, from oldest Sherlock to newest:

RB BS BT DR CE.

Tada! There's your key!

Awesome job!

Well done!

[Blood Red Skies]

>u<
I will be a happy gaian if there is one!
Aaaand: I finally have brought myself to obtaining all the Episodes bc I havent been able to watch them yet- guess who is gonna have a marathon this weekend biggrin !!!

[erikakaiser]

I'm in the grumpy minority that really doesn't like that show, but I'm always game for a free item surprised

[Consulting Time Lord]

reapersun

REAPER, THANK YOU FOR TIPPING ME! whee

[Aekou]

Ha, that would be awesome!
I'm loving the items that they have so far. (And your avi btw). heart
Totally didn't realise that it had a day. wink

[Beast Henshin]

Free Nice Suits for Work for everyone ninja

[Bigby_Wolfson]

Beast Henshin

Free Nice Suits for Work for everyone ninja

Questing:

I SECOND THIS!

[Cheapskate Bruce]

Fingers crossed for a free item! I hope it's a chair xd

Oh-- it's probably a stupid question, but what's the significance of 221?

[Consulting Time Lord]

Cheapskate Bruce

Fingers crossed for a free item! I hope it's a chair xd

Oh-- it's probably a stupid question, but what's the significance of 221?

221b Baker Street is the address of Sherlock Holmes.

[Consulting Time Lord]

Bigby_Wolfe

Beast Henshin

Free Nice Suits for Work for everyone ninja

Questing:

I SECOND THIS!

if this was the case I'd probably explode

[Consulting Time Lord]

Cheapskate Bruce

Fingers crossed for a free item! I hope it's a chair xd

Oh-- it's probably a stupid question, but what's the significance of 221?

also if you're looking for a chair item may I suggest Red Leather Scotch?

[.~[Misty.Muffin]~.]

Hnnnfff! Yes! Please, reaper! ; w; <3

[Cheapskate Bruce]

Consulting Time Lord

Cheapskate Bruce

Fingers crossed for a free item! I hope it's a chair xd

Oh-- it's probably a stupid question, but what's the significance of 221?

also if you're looking for a chair item may I suggest Red Leather Scotch?

Yeah, it's too expensive! xd which is why I'd like a Sherlock/Victorian era style chair wink

[Blood Red Skies]

I am pretty sure I am just late to the party...but...I have never before noticed the purple numbers on the Nice Suit for Work item :/

[Rude]

I'd be surprised if she didn't do an item xD

To be honest, I don't watch Sherlock, so I'm indifferent. But everyone I know IRL who likes it, knows who reapersun is.

It kinda blows my mind how much of a big deal she is whee