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{{argbox
| float       = right
| name        = Trust No More
| image       = Image:TNMLogo.jpg
| imagewidth  = 300
| description =
| creator     = ???
| type        = Investigation
| status      = Active
| discovered  = 2019-19-01
}}
{{ArgHeader}}
{{BackToTop}}

== KnoxJ2019 ==

On 2019-01-19, a Twitter account with the handle [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019 @KnoxJ2019] (full name John Knox) began posting a series of small puzzles. Around the same time, a number of prominent YouTubers began linking KnoxJ2019's account to their followers.

=== Twitter Puzzle 1 ===

[[File:Tnm constellations.jpg|thumb|right|The constellations from the first part of the Twitter puzzle]]

The first set of clues from KnoxJ2019's account included a [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019/status/1086435340930318336 picture of constellations] and a [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019/status/1086436352693100544 Pastebin link]. The constellations were identified as Cassiopeia, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Taurus and Scorpius. The position of each red star within each constellation (as well as the total number of stars) was noted. For instance, Cassiopeia has 5 stars and the 2nd star in Cassiopeia is highlighted. Each of these pairs were then used for a book cipher with the Pastebin, with the total number of stars determining the word and the highlighted star number determining the letter. Using this method resulted in the first word of the cipher: '''TRUST'''.

=== Twitter Puzzle 2 ===

The second set of tweets involved a [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019/status/1086052067653943297 string of numbers] and an [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019/status/1086014815993241600 alphabetical equation]. The string of numbers was solved by working out that every odd-numbered position (1st, 3rd, 5th number) increases by 2 each time, and likewise every even numbered position increases by 3. This resulted in the number 14, which was converted to 'N', the 14th letter in the alphabet.

The alphabetical equation tweet read as follows:
<pre>
G + A + G = ?
</pre>
By converting each letter into a number based on its position, then converting back, the following equation was revealed:
<pre>
7 + 1 + 7 = ?
</pre>
The answer to this equation was the number 15, which was converted to 'O', the 15th letter in the alphabet.

Putting the two letters together yielded the word '''NO'''.

=== Twitter Puzzle 3 ===

The third set of tweets involved a [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019/status/1086395573207531521 spam message], an [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019/status/1086333162395844608 image] containing a hex colour code, a [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019/status/1086298456468176902 backwards tweet] and [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019/status/1086362108122578944 cryptic message].

Players first found a clue to the spam message by searching Knox's liked tweets, which included [https://twitter.com/WorldofKeralis/status/1086375369538789383 one] where Keralis hinted at some form of cipher which is designed to look like spam. The spam message cipher was identified as [http://www.spammimic.com/ Spammimic]. The message was entered into the decoder to discover the text "12 - x - 14". This was interpreted as a sequence where x is 13, which was swiftly converted to 'M', the 13th letter of the alphabet.

By this point, players had deduced that the message read as follows:

<pre>
TRUST NO M____
</pre>

Eventually, players were able to guess that the completed phrase was '''TRUST NO MORE'''.

== Trust No More & Tender Beta ==

[[File:Tnm corrupted.png|thumb|right|The image that was revealed in the article ''Tender: The Disparate Pieces'']]

After the '''TRUST NO MORE''' phrase was revealed, KnoxJ2019 [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019/status/1086789011291688960 posted a link] to a website called [http://trustnomore.com trustnomore.com]. This same tweet contained another link to [http://tenderbeta.com tenderbeta.com], which appeared to be advertising a new dating app.

After searching the Trust No More website, Knox was [https://imgur.com/a/7Q5hvN3 messaged] via Twitter regarding an [https://www.trustnomore.com/2019/01/18/the-zombie-in-nature-the-zombie-in-you/ article] about zombies, humans, and potential links to Tender. Knox [https://imgur.com/a/vroapDL replied] with information about BetrayedMind1, who told him about the dangers and experiments that Tender is involved with (as also seen on [https://www.trustnomore.com/ Trust No More]). Also included was a [https://imgur.com/a/uHpnKYc picture] showing the chat system and part of the UI within Tender (including the latest message from BetrayedMind1).

Players followed a link within the aforementioned article to the [https://www.tenderbeta.com/ Tender Beta site] where a registration page was found. Signing up for the beta with an email address resulted in a queue position number being assigned to the player.

A [https://www.trustnomore.com/2019/01/18/tender-the-disparate-pieces/ second article] on Trust No More was posted by Manchuria which detailed that a cache of data had been uncovered under the label "Project Chimera". Also noted was that each of the files uncovered appeared to be related to the CEO of Tender - Malcolm Chandler. Finally, the author of the article uncovered an [https://s3.amazonaws.com/trustnomore/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/18173023/08d26982-6b50-42ff-8eed-5aaf1979b879.png image], but this image has no significance as of yet.

Shortly thereafter, Knox [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019/status/1087744986618175488 tweeted] the following message:

<pre>
Something is coming up on Saturday and I’ll need your help. The only problem is that I’m only going to be available during my flight [ UA 264 ] from SF to Houston. I’m counting on you guys!
</pre>

===Messages from Tender===

Players noticed that several YouTubers and Twitch streamers started to have a random alphanumeric code appear in their video accompanied by a pink smoke. This was first noticed on a video from Keralis - a popular YouTuber who Knox has communicated with via [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019/status/1086376866112565248 tweets] in the past. Soon other creators were found to have a similar message. Below is a list of all known messages that have been sent out so far.

====Keralis - Cities Skyline Video====

On 2019-01-09, Keralis posted his first episode of a new Cities Skyline series. At [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b20RStv_9Hk&t=1m59s 02:01] the code '''3ej26jqf''' can be seen to appear on screen unexpectedly. Keralis appeared to be unaware of this and made no comment in the video or in the description. This code let to a [https://pastebin.com/3ej26jqf pastebin] with the following message:

<pre>phase 1 initiated</pre>

====GassyMexican - Red Dead Redemption 2 Stream====
[[File:TNM_PrettyCat95_Chat.jpg|220px|thumb|right|Chat messages between Knox and PrettyCat95]]
On 2019-01-19, GassyMexican stream gameplay of Red Dead Redemption 2. At 01:52:51 of the [https://www.twitch.tv/videos/365642062 saved livestream] the code '''2Hawuq0''' could be seen. This was a bit.ly link that led to the following [https://pastebin.com/3gwbiSQV pastebin] message:

<pre>Here’s an exclusive look at our chat feature coming directly from one of our dearest user, PrettyCat95.
https://bit.ly/2SPFEd0</pre>

This new bit.ly link led to an imgur image showing chat messages between PrettyCat95 and Knox.

====Keralis - Minecraft Video====

On 2019-01-19, Keralis posted a Minecraft video which included a short discussion about the events so far regarding Knox and Trust No More. At [https://youtu.be/6wNY2uMOOT8?t=51 0:53] in the video the code '''5PCgKkRH''' can be seen. This code led to a [https://pastebin.com/5PCgKkRH pastebin] with the following message:

<pre>Welcome future Tender users,

We have been in contact with some of your favorite influencers who will soon make a very important announcement.
Stay alert, your help will be required in launching our amazing new website, Tender.

Much Love,
Your friends at Tender</pre>

Right after the code appeared, Keralis mentions the ongoing puzzles, how Knox is his friend and that he has read some of the articles on Trust No More

====Keralis - Soviet Republic Video====

On 2019-01-26, Keralis posted another video, this time about the game Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic. At [https://youtu.be/8PXv6hFvq_g?t=95 1:39] the code '''ZRK0sWZe''' can be seen. This led to the following [https://pastebin.com/ZRK0sWZe pastebin] message:

<pre>I never go left and I am never wrong, ever
Start the sequence by one and add this number
Until you have a thumb, an index, a middle, a ring and a little finger
Go back to one when you reach the latter.
 
For each period and mark that you encounter,
Restart the sequence with the first number
This will affect all the characters
 
Mix lettuce, croutons, lemon juice, olive oil, egg, Worcestershire
Anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
It will give you a salad that hold the key to this cipher.
 
///
Tq kiwf ary fsg. Igui bf cop fsg.
 
Cww ambv lw mfth? Xgop xjv gsbo cqh bf’no jnmn bsz jp rr biq zi fsg dri xjb aj bth htjpj xmju.
 
Mgw’w ybmh e xugs ffdm lr yjoh xt uyr xmpwvese hrywughr. Qkfxzsg d wrbno, xbp dhhwpqp eubtwqjov fsswguxje husr b vkvjf uweqm idvfhg lr Sfy Bswl. Pwu jtvpgiwt ohx zq cv e lsqxt tg rhsumg zlt icg isdqxryfthh jwguc kbnvi xucux, gsqnis igdvy, bpg wyfthsyzrlgfm rlxkbno sk ppomsf odxhiodonoi. Ujuszhj pyhi edjkfkqi fof gvd-ftdwj cqdvi teumgcnlrl, ujhc gfidr yig fssdgsxx ujdx bpwoh ybmh wtdkdp rffle fof lryftqiy ecwmsh cqh rbmh my ujhmw pyq.
 
Ncnmsh kw szsu: Zljsg gmi xg jiy pwu mifc isw pwu eqhqumyiov? Telisdg rj hpwuwj! Pxhv f gqxv dfcu xwjco tjskrh, ztkqk Usqfiivtdp Jnqwmto Ihrjscwmto xle Rbekmsf Nhewokqk (ts RHKRM), c omyunh ewu, cqh f ecvl tg gptfujb, aj egyiqprhh bicw aj iqsi bjno fj UJH vjwqoyyjqq ms ppomsf odxhiodonoi. B vhgmoqoslz cqh f ugflsjsxi yicw eqmqzw FMN ws kjpg e hppqihukrr (mpyhzjs vkid egimsf vkey) ujdx nt tlkmu hrv yigp. Oq peyugu ctvt eehliuszof, wljsg lw xpohssf qxx yigui biq vtfsmv ctvt lrsft fljnkvxwz. Yh ltqg ws rbmh xmbv fssogfxnpp keuqgq jts ARY.
 
Bu d xwvg wvjofviyugu ese gdvqz cgsuugu, aj icyi fo kqgwfflfqf lrywogb emfcg. Gtrq fmn rj zt jhvj bv Wisegu: Xmbpn ctv hrv opkqmsh.
 
Ujh Xjbo</pre>

The first half (non-ciphered) was quickly identified as relating to a Caesar cipher, but with a constantly changing ROT value. By using a vigenere key of bcdef, and resetting at every punctuation mark or new line, players quickly deciphered the second half to:

<pre>So here you are. Here we all are.

But what is here? Well sit down and we’ll fill you in on who we are and why we are doing this.

Let’s take a step back in time to two thousand fourteen. Picture a small, two bedroom apartment converted from a three stall garage in New York.
Our founders met up as a group of people who had encountered every false start, broken heart, and stereotypical pitfall of online matchmaking. Through much caffeine and dry-erase board scribbling, they began the concepts that would take social media and internet dating and make it their own.

Making it ours: Where did we get our idea for our algorithms? Science of course! Over a four year trial period, using Procedural Emotion Generation via Machine Learning (or PEGML), a little art, and a dash of empathy, we developed what we hope will be THE revolution in online matchmaking. A technology and a technique that allows ALL to find a connection (however they define that) that is right for them. No matter your background, there is someone out there who sparks your inner chemistry. We hope to make that connection happen for YOU.

As a true trendsetter and early adopter, we have an incredible journey ahead. From all of us here at Tender: Thank you for joining.

The Team</pre>

== Knox's Flight ==

On Saturday, January 26, Knox made the following [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019/status/1089183060577435654 tweet]:

[[File:Tnm flight trailhead.PNG|500px]]

The bit.ly link led to the following string:

<pre><~7<W6_H$!_6DJ()+F!+t2DJj#qFCeu8+B3#c+DkP$DBNG-DJj#qFD5Z2+DGm>FD,5.@;^.1ATBC~></pre>

When decoded using BASE85, the message instead reads:

<pre>Everything is connected. The main connection is the answer.</pre>

This was emailed to the provided contact address, however this was not the correct response with the contact replying:

<pre>If you're reading this, well...nice try but that's not it. She needs people who can deal with things, heavier things than these puzzles.

C'mon, next time you contact me, you better have the right answer.

< 1969-41-1 ></pre>

Searching the TNM site for 1969-41-1 resulted in an [https://www.trustnomore.com/error/ error page] with 3 sets of articles, times and answer string formats.

===Article 1 - FBI leaks federal secrets===

The first article was timed for 16:37 UTC, at which time the [https://www.trustnomore.com/2019/01/17/fbi-leaks-federal-secrets/ linked article] updated to include a crossed-out line at the bottom:

<pre>Fear and Dread are my “children”. I am close to you but how close am I from the “Sol”</pre>

Fear and Dread were identified as referencing Phobos and Deimos - the children of Aphrodite and Ares. Sol was identified as the Latin name for the Sun in our solar system. Finally, Ares is the Greek god equivalent of roman god Mars. Since Mars is the 4th planet from the Sun, the answer was determined to be 4.

===Article 2 - The Murder Carpet===

The second article was time for 19:14 UTC. When the time elapsed the following string was added to the bottom of the relevant [https://www.trustnomore.com/2019/01/16/the-murder-carpet/ article].

<pre>I am composed of 5.9% red, 32.2% green and 72.9% blue You can find me between the 5th and 6th knuckle.</pre>

The colour was quickly identified as Sapphire. The 5th and 6th knuckle referred to the 1st and 2nd knuckle of the right hand (5th and 6th when both hands are together). This translates to September when using knuckles to count months. As confirmation, Sapphire is also the birth stone of September.

===Article 3 - Blood Moon: A Heavenly Body Abused===

The final article was scheduled for 21:22 UTC but was released early due to the progress of players. This new [https://www.trustnomore.com/2019/01/26/blood-moon-a-heavenly-body-abused/ article] did not contain a line at the bottom but instead an image which, when clicked on to enlarge, revealed a [https://imgur.com/z6KxpxO transparent layer] with 4 symbols hidden in the image previously. These symbols were found to be numbers that were cut off half way through - 1, 7, 8 and 1.

===Response from the Messenger===

With this, players had a full date - '''4 September 1781'''. This was the same date that Los Angeles was founded. A second email was sent to the provided address stating that Los Angeles was the answer (as well as the solution method), with the following response received:

<pre>Los Angeles? Yes, that's it. That's what she told me. Here, you might have more info on what she's going on about:

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 55, 89, 144, 213, 233, 266, 377, 610, 987, 1597, 2584, 4181, 6785, 7737, 10946, 17711, 28657, 46368, 75025, 121393, 196418, 317811</pre>

This was quickly identified as very similar to a Fibonacci sequence, but with additional numbers inserted - namely 213, 266 and 7737. This corresponded to a US phone number in the LA area (213-266-7737). Players who called this number heard an [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wWuKVgMJ9vKXghnd-ES8ivpkkTMo3cGC/view?usp=sharing automated message] with a modulated voice reading the following message:

<pre>Hello there, Knox
I see you've made your way through the puzzles. Well done.
You have proven trustworthy enough to meet in person next weekend.
We have some business to discuss at that time.
You better be serious about this</pre>

After updating Knox on this message, it was made clear in a [https://twitter.com/KnoxJ2019/status/1089270227756638208 tweet] that he would not be available on the weekend and as such someone would need to go to Los Angeles and meet the user who has been communicating with him.

{{WIP}}

== Misc. Info ==

'''January 20th, 2019''' at 11:59am PST
Knox posted a tweet [https://twitter.com/AngryJoeShow/status/1087077111200997377] asking if AngryJoeShow(Joe Vargas) had checked out the Tenderbeta and TrustNoMore websites.
Joe replied that he would check it out in his stream on Monday January 21st, 2019.

<!--'''January 22nd, 2019'''
Twitch streamer AngryJoeShow had a code pop up during his stream, which provided a key to access [https://www.gog.com/redeem/3ej26jqf a game] from his sponsor site WWW.GOG.com.

It was later discovered that the codes from the bit.ly links could be entered in GOG.com. When sequentially entered by varying the first number, 12 games in total could be redeemed.

[https://www.gog.com/redeem GOG redeem]
Use these codes
* 2SPFEd0 - Wasteland
* 3SPFEd0 - The Witcher III: Wild Hunt
* 4SPFEd0 - The Witcher III expansion pass 
* 5SPFEd0 - Teen Agent
* 2ej26jqf - Kholat
* 3ej26jqf - Victor Vran
* 4ej26jqf - Edna & Harvey: The Breakout
* 5ej26jqf - Edna & Harvey: Harvey's New Eyes
* 2PCGKKRH - Grand Ages: Medieval
* 3PCGKKRH - Fallout 2
* 4PCGKKRH - Fallout Tactics
* 5PCGKKRH - The Ultimate Doom--!>