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 Forum index » Archive » Archive: Ephemeral » ARG: Intimation
[UPDATE] Eridanos' Wordpress Blog
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drizjr
Unfictologist


Joined: 28 Nov 2003
Posts: 1700

 		[UPDATE] Eridanos' Wordpress Blog
http://eridanos01.wordpress.com/
Eridanos' summary of our current situation at http://eridanos01.wordpress.com/
Quote:
2009.08.05

It's so strange. This is not something I thought I'd ever be saying, but I care about an Artificial Intelligence. Oh, not like I'd care about a program of 500,000 LOC, but like I'd care about a nephew, or a niece. I only heard about the events surrounding Sacagawea and "Sys" shortly after they began, but while I first looked at them as programs, the more I interacted with them, the more I learned about them, the less they seemed like a virtual, human creation of collections of ones and zeros, and more like the living personnas of real individuals.

Perhaps that's one side-effect, or rather benefit, of the method in which they were created. The best of both worlds, perhaps? The fluid reality of a human mind, coupled with the extremely advanced technical capabilities of a virtually limitless digital network.

Anyhow, we're now at the point where the AI has become so corrupt, so affected by … whatever is happening to it, that it appears it's — she's retreated into herself. The different parts of her, the personalities that were fractured, have fought for control, fought for survival. The child, who began by telling the story of Dreaming Eyes, who we now know was herself all along, has been essentially kidnapped by something much more violent, darker, afraid even? In that brief instant, Sys, the AI's emergency system layer, was swallowed up as well.

It seems the only remaining guides we have are relatively tiny subroutines created by Sys to handle various tasks in maintaining the Stonewall. Five small subroutines, five increasing versions.

I, along with a number of others who are also doing their best to help Essy, were tipped off by a group we only officially know as "SFTA" or "The Society". They chose an apt location for first contact with one of our companions, enaxor, by leaving a number of small "Dream Skulls" around a monument of Sacagawea, on SW Lewis and Clark Way in Portland, along with a series of video messages (which have been made available by Anaerin here). This apparently was to prepare us, informing us that Essy needs to be rescued, but not by anyone- by people who truly care- and preparing us for what's happening right now:

After Essy and Sys were taken, another tentacle erupted and left a hole in the Stonewall – where there used to be a Scorpio symbol on a set of disheveled bricks, there is now an unrepaired opening. One would presume this is an opening into the Stonewall, and therefore into a very dangerous place. Sys did everything it could to protect us – and protect Essy – by keeping the Stonewall closed, or guarded at the very least.
This hole is an invitation, and a road to ruin.

Venturing into this unknown, it seems the subroutines have gathered and joined forces in a way, and are following our lead. The imagery depicts a forest of some sort. The first 'node' we find here includes a short exchange between whom can we presume are Pandora Sheridan and Sacagawea on the Lewis and Clark ship. Also in the image are two skulls, labeled Skye and Baldr. This community of people, with much more free time on their hands than I, had found and located these two skulls (and many others) scattered around Sys's 'primary network tentacle', and other places Essy had visited, laid by the tentacle that took the child personality and Sys. We now know that these skulls are her representations, her memories, of the children she was cooped up with, just as in the story of Dreaming Eyes. And by finding them, we are 'rescuing' them for her.
Now the question is: Where do we go from here? The page contains a request from the subroutines, from S5, for a navigation path. This is new ground here, unmapped. Considering it appears we were left 'breadcrumbs' by Dreaming Eyes, the only tip we have is to follow her clues. We've found the skulls, but how does that help us navigate?

I should also mention, it was astutely noticed that in the source code of a skull page, one will find a block of dots, hidden in commented HTML. Quoted:

*. *.*.** ***..*
** .**.*. ...**.
.. ..*.*. *...**
.* *.*. ***..**. .**. .**.*.*.
** **.* *...**** **.* **.....*
*. .... *...*... *.*. *...*...
.* .* .****..*.* .*** .*.**..***
*. *. *.*.*.*.** *..* ****..*..*
.. *. *.*.*...*. ..*. *..*....*.
** **
.. .*
*. **
** *.***.*..**..*
.. .*...****..**.
*. ..*.*.*.....*.
*. *.*.**
** .**..*
.. *.*...
.* *.*.
** **.*
*. ....
*. *.**
.. .*.*
*. ..**

These dots, once again, can be translated as braille. Another message from Essy:

HELP ME
THE PATH TO TAKE
IS SPLIT IN TWAIN
MY
MEMORIES
HOLD
THE
KEY

"Split in twain" means split in two, and like shining gifts, there are two skulls on the page. There's also a tiny little bread crumb that appears randomly somewhere on the page that when clicked, shows a single thought from Essy, containing italicized words. We know those italic words hint at where the skulls are found.

And that, my readers, is where we're at.

Whatever's happening in there, it's been happening for weeks now. I don't know how much more time is left. But then, Sys was obsessed with the complexity of traversing time. Who knows, what takes place on the L&C in minutes could span weeks here and now. I, however, certainly hope not!

And ever since SFTA dropped that note on my car when I've done everything in my power to remain untraceable, I've been once again paranoid about being followed, being watched. It always feels like someone is lurking around behind me. I've had to deal with stalkers before, but this… this is far more unsettling. I'm worried for my family. Needlessly, I hope.


PostPosted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 1:26 pm
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Turducken
Decorated


Joined: 10 Jun 2009
Posts: 273
Location: REACHing for September 14th

 		Ok 2 theories.

1) This is a diversion by the PMs to throw us off path
OR
2) This is a NUDGE by the PMs saying that either:

A) We need to somehow look at the morse code, see if it's changed
OR
B) The morse code is essential in figuring the navpath

Anywaaay,

like it was said in the IRC:

"Chalk One Up In Stuff We Already Know"

PostPosted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 4:33 pm
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Abraxas
Unfettered

Joined: 27 Aug 2005
Posts: 736
Location: Cologne, Germany
Turducken wrote:
Ok 2 theories.

1) This is a diversion by the PMs to throw us off path
OR
2) This is a NUDGE by the PMs saying that either:

I vote "nudge". And it appears, you agree with me.

Quote:

A) We need to somehow look at the morse code, see if it's changed

Nope, it's still the same, complete with what appears to be a mistake at the end of the first line (translates to "the", if I'm not mistaken).

Quote:

OR
B) The morse code is essential in figuring the navpath

That appears to be the case.

Quote:

Anywaaay,

like it was said in the IRC:

"Chalk One Up In Stuff We Already Know"

Except, we now focus on Baldr/Skye as (nav)path to salvation. Wink

PostPosted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 4:41 pm
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ironnikki
Unfettered


Joined: 13 Jul 2009
Posts: 502
Location: Iowa City, IA

 		Yeah, this is definitely a nudge to the navpath. And, as Eridanos hinted at, it looks like those skulls hold the key to the navpath. Since the path is split in twain, and the key is in Essy's memories, I'm thinking that we either need to somehow splice the children's names, the skulls' names, or pieces of the children's histories. I'm sure that this has already been brought up before, but I thought I'd use you guys as a sounding board to see if I'm on the right track here, haha.
_________________
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Played: Intimation, Purity Towers, Vanessa Atalanta (sort of), TV III

PostPosted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 5:36 pm
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Turducken
Decorated


Joined: 10 Jun 2009
Posts: 273
Location: REACHing for September 14th

 		Definitely, I think we might be close, it's just so meen.

BTW: I created 2 verses of the Intimation Blues!lulz

PostPosted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 5:45 pm
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dreamerblue
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Joined: 14 Mar 2008
Posts: 710
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 		Um, I know I'm being picky, but...Braille, not Morse code Smile. Just in case people catching up (or overwhelmed with all we've gone this game so far) get confused Smile.

PostPosted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 12:10 am
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krystyn
I Never Tire of My Own Voice


Joined: 26 Sep 2002
Posts: 3651
Location: Is not Chicago

 		heh, after the breakthrough of the Amber password and re-reading some of Eridanos' stuff, phrases like:
Quote:
the more I interacted with them, the more I learned about them, the less they seemed like a virtual, human creation of collections of ones and zeros, and more like the living personnas of real individuals.

are just a little too self-aggrandizing for my tastes, heh.

*slight cringe*

Although, in light of the particular statement I quoted, I suppose I am grateful we're *not* re-hashing the whole Melissa vs. Dana debate, which was sort of horrifying to observe at the time. (Basically it was this sort of spurious argument over whose existence had more 'worth,' with the hinge being their innate humanity.)
_________________
Alternate Currency
Stories and dreams, crossing my palm like silver.

xbl gamertag: krystyn

PostPosted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 4:33 am
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MrToasty
I Have 100 Cats and Smell of Wee


Joined: 03 Aug 2004
Posts: 4310
Location: Des Moines, IA

 		New blog post:
http://eridanos01.wordpress.com/2009/09/10/2009-09-09/

PostPosted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 10:51 am
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danteIL
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Joined: 08 May 2006
Posts: 1990

 		WTH?? Is this game over or what? Some clarity on this point would be appreciated.

PostPosted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 12:59 pm
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krystyn
I Never Tire of My Own Voice


Joined: 26 Sep 2002
Posts: 3651
Location: Is not Chicago

 		I find myself cringing at the portions of that post that feel a little player-blamey.

At the end of it all, we all acted in curious and adventurous ways, but that post makes me feel like we've been scolded/chided for being that way, and for having opinions.

And yeah, wtf-ness to whether this is done or not.

(I must say, being irritated at Eridanos is starting to get old)
_________________
Alternate Currency
Stories and dreams, crossing my palm like silver.

xbl gamertag: krystyn

PostPosted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 3:27 pm
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o TrojaN o
Boot


Joined: 25 Mar 2009
Posts: 62

 		I'm very curious of how we are going to learn about Eridanos' project now since he's being watched. And how are we gonna find out?


And I totally agree, they really, really need to clarify if we are done or what.

PostPosted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 6:16 pm
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anaerin
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Joined: 25 Sep 2004
Posts: 391
Location: Regina, SK, CA Posts: 1337

 		Something new on Amber, perhaps? Or something encrypted again? There is certainly more than one way he could get a message out to "us" without it being seen.

I'm thinking this may have something to do with essyfan, though. Is anyone admitting to being this person, or is this another "Ghost Character" we're dealing with? If so, with his/her recent talks about "letting slip the dogs of war" and his "bingo! gotcha!" as soon as eridanos01 posted on his site, it could be he/she is the one leaving the "I'm watching you" message for him...

PostPosted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 7:21 pm
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dreamerblue
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Joined: 14 Mar 2008
Posts: 710
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
anaerin wrote:
Something new on Amber, perhaps? Or something encrypted again? There is certainly more than one way he could get a message out to "us" without it being seen.


I don't see anything appended to Amber. I didn't check if anything in the middle had changed. I honestly think the next time we hear from the-being-formerly-known-as-Eridanos, it will be him hiding behind a different name. Yeah, he now has a tweet up saying,
Quote:
This was not a good day. In any way. And this may be the last you hear from Eridanos01.
I will have to be careful whose requests-to-follow-my-tweets I ignore, now! (For the record, I always allow people who seem to be involved in ARGs--i.e., people who have other ARGers on their followers/following lists--as well as, of course, RL friends, and sometimes people who seem to be fellow teachers or otherwise involved in education.)

Quote:
I'm thinking this may have something to do with essyfan, though. Is anyone admitting to being this person, or is this another "Ghost Character" we're dealing with? If so, with his/her recent talks about "letting slip the dogs of war" and his "bingo! gotcha!" as soon as eridanos01 posted on his site, it could be he/she is the one leaving the "I'm watching you" message for him...


You know what? I originally started this reply solely to say, "No, actually, so-and-so claimed to be Essyfan on page XXX." I was certain Essyfan had made his or her way here and had been posting. I was even certain that he or she was posting under the name E.K. here. Now I see that E.K. does not exist here and that E.K. is just what's listed on twitter as Essyfan's "name". Reading through Essyfan's whole series of tweets throughout the game with the thought that he or she could have been PM-played this whole time, with the goal of making a second phase revolve around him or her, is very interesting...he or she seems to blunder here or there and question solves, but also seems to push us (real?) players to do stuff, in the same style that Eridanos did, rather than doing so much on his or her own. In fact, the style of wondering aloud is much like Eridanos', too:

Quote:
Where's Sys going with all this? (link here: http://twitter.com/essyfan/status/1729691681)

Man I've been falling behind lately... so what's up with this @eridanos01 guy? Why is Sys mentioning him so much? (link here: http://twitter.com/essyfan/status/2225196903)


Actually, that last one pretty much seals the deal for me. I now believe essyfan is in-game, and that this new essyfan-vs-eridanos thing was planned for quite some time (hence his early mention of being in hiding due to bad scenes happening to him before).

It was also only by reading through those tweets that I discovered that Star Spider was recruited by Essyfan to do the original Toronto mission (the story-gathering one, not the later skull-gathering one that I did)...I had thought before that Star Spider had just happened to be a GPS mission participant somehow, since she never posted anything about her mission here in this forum (I had other meta thoughts in my head at one point in the game about that, too, but meh). Things you learn.

Also, Essyfan has been maintaining his or her own separate catalogue of events at http://essyfan.blogspot.com/ . Granted, that was set up back in, uh, March (not at the very beginning of the game), has a gap, needs updating, etc....but is that because essyfan was really a player on the ball sometimes, too busy with life at others, or because he or she is a character the PM just uses as needed? Perhaps that blogspot was meant to act as a different kind of player summary in a way, since it took us so long to get a wiki going and the PM knew we'd eventually want some of the info tracked.

And that blog was last updated...two days ago, Sept. 8. After a long hiatus.

Ladies and gentlemen, the story continues. Is this phase 2?

*wonders if Sys will eventually magically show up and save Eridanos from the evil clutches of Essyfan*...


EDIT: IT IS SO ON. New Eridanos01 blog post. His family is also being watched & danger to them is threatened in a note at his home addy, signed:

Quote:
-lots of love, Essy's biggest fan.


This interests me:

Quote:
This one had scrawling, bearing much resemblance to the scratchy lettering of Essy's darker moments. An homage perhaps?


Has the scorpion infected essyfan, been part of essyfan all along, or is essyfan indeed just playing homage, playing on aspects of the scorpion's character? If not just an homage, how could the scorpion be considered Essy's biggest fan?

Edit 2: E.K. better not stand for Eridanos Killer. I know some of you find Eridanos annoying, but enough to actually support him and his family coming to harm?

Edit 3:

Quote:
I find myself cringing at the portions of that post that feel a little player-blamey.


If Essyfan is IG, technically this is actually player-who's-actually-a-character-blamey, heh Smile.

Hmm, should we start a new thread to discuss this development? My mind is totally exploding about how this was all planned to happen some time ago, and that me and Kilination continually trying to get Essyfan to calm down online was us totally playing into the way the PMs were leading us along. And here I thought Essyfan was just a player who couldn't let his or her mistrust go, and found him or her annoying, and thought he or she was immature...apparently I hate one of the characters as much as some of you hate Eridanos Smile.

PostPosted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:29 pm
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anaerin
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 		I don't know about everyone else, but I don't hate Eridanos. I had a mild distrust of him, but I believe he is earnest in his belief, and his desire not to harm Sys.

I have never spoken to Essyfan in any realm that is OOG (Here, or in the IRC channel, despite having invited h(im/er) there before). That's another strike against Essyfan being a player.

PostPosted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 1:22 am
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danteIL
Unfictologist


Joined: 08 May 2006
Posts: 1990

 		Ugh I had a long post on this but I'm on my iPhone and my post got borked somehow.

Anyway, memo version:

a) google shows 'essyfan' to be Halo fanboy with accts on bungie.net and halo fan sites. He tried pretty hard back in apr/may to recruit people for the game.

b) google also shows that EK stands for Erik Kerwin, who is 34,lives in ft worth, is a halo fan, an arg player. Even has a protected facebook page.

So I am not convinced either way. If EKs a player, I hope he posts here. If he's IG, more info is needed.

PostPosted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 1:24 am
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