Blood For Trade

Blood For Trade
Active since 2019-12-12
https://www.bloodfortrade.com/
Type	Official
Creators	Alice & Smith & Paradox Interactive
Discovered	2019-12-12

Main Page > List of Investigations > Blood For Trade

You Are Cordially Invited

On 11 December, 2019, an admin on the Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 discord server posted a community update with a P.S. line reading:"p.s We hear there's something going down at https://www.bloodfortrade.com/ hmm... Suspicious."

Going to the above website and clicking the continue button goes to a video of a body bag in the background, with an audio play button for an audio file. Below the play button is an RSVP link linking to an RSVP form with questions leading to a promotion for a twitch stream: "Meet me during https://www.twitch.tv/outstar stream session (17:00 - 22:00 CET / 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM PST)"

The following is a transcript of the audio file:

You don't know me, but I know you. Your... kind.
I'm not a... kindred soul, but I am in the know. I know about the societies crawling in the cracks.
I know what you need.

Maybe you're not ready, maybe you're too squeamish for commerce of this... audacity.
But the nights favor the bold
I dare you to RSVP. Tell the other sharks.
This is going to happen with or without you.
The goods are wrapped and ready.
I have something you want, you have something I want.
This can be mutually beneficial.
Think of me as your remora.

In the website's robots.txt file

The contents of robots.txt is usually meant for search engine bots but the file's contents do not match this.

SZ40
Wheel-KH.ITA2.5/8/9
1-43:7.1-47:2.1-51:6
1-53:9.1-59:7.1-37:6
1-61:7.1-41:6.1-31:7
1-29:9.1-26:4.1-23:6

The SZ40 refers to the Lorenz-machine[1], a machine used to encrypt messages during World War II. The following line describes the how the machine should be configured.
Wheel type is "KH" and the input format is ITA2, configured as 5/8/9. The next lines are the positions of the wheels within the Lorenz machine. These lines contain several wheels per line, seperated with a period symbol.

wheel	range	value
1	1-43	7
2	1-47	2
3	1-51	6
4	1-53	9
5	1-59	7
6	1-37	6
7	1-61	7
8	1-41	6
9	1-31	7
10	1-29	9
11	1-26	4
12	1-23	6

This configuration can be used on an online Lorenz machine [2].

Strange Filenames

Coming back to the odd filenames. The MP3 file is being hosted on Cloudfront are not garbled by Cloudfront themselves. The filename of the audio file KBKCKRKCUB9Y.mp3 must have been chosen on purpose.
With the Lorenz machine set to Receive, the text "KBKCKRKCUB9Y" is translated to "SHORTVERSION".
This being the short version implies there is also a longer version.
Set the Lorenz machine to Send and input "LONGVERSION", this is translated to "OY5VEY9E9UT"

Transcript of OY5VEY9E9UT:

(???)
This is exciting and terrifying, like riding a shark by the tail, what will they do.
OK, OK.
* deep breaths *
I am my own law * 3
I know you, it's time we make a deal, I've waited long enough.
I am due, I need, need, NO, fuck no, c'mon no weakness, no fear, do not show the predators fear.
OK, OK, OK
* deep breaths *
- i am my own law * 3
You don't know me, but I know you. Your... kind.
I'm not a... kindred soul, but (I'm in) the know, I know about the societies crawling in the cracks.
I know what you need.

I know things about you that would make a statue of the virgin Mary cry tears of blood.
No, too much, too much.
* deep breaths *
I am my own law * 3
Just know that I know things you don't want out there.

Now that's not a threat, not really, I'm not stupid, not a threat but a promise that getting rid of me is not worth the hassle and agony, especially when working with me can garner such rewards.
He, *giggle* he is dead. He's dead, he's DEAD!
Maybe he overreached, flew too close to the sun, but his clumsy masterpiece lives on, and I control his databases.
Some of you know what that means, the rest of you soon will.
I have something you want.
I'm extending an invitation.
Maybe you're curious, I suggest you RSVP.
Maybe you want to kill me, In which case you should still RSVP.
Spread the word, tell the rest of the sharks.
I have something you want.
You have something I want.
This can be mutually beneficial.
Think of me as your, remora.
And do be careful, suns coming up.

Stream Promotion

In order to promote her stream, Outstar posted a photo of her setup on twitter. In the photo, there can be seen a snippet of a conversation from Tender on her phone. The conversation is with someone usernamed Remora71. The messages go as follows:

The first message from Outstar is illegible.
Remora71: Hehehe! That's just a gimmick for my stream.
Outstar: I know you like Malcolm knew you.
Remora71: No one wants to end up like Malcolm. KNOW your place.
Outstar: Ah (?), My business model is different. I'm right, (illegible) is a new competition to you(r)..."

Trust No More

During the day of the Outstar twitch stream, trustnomore.com came out with a new article titled "Ominous Shadows". In the article there is a link to a recorded conversation between Outstar and Remora in a nightclub.

The transcript is as follows:

Outstar: You're ridiculous. None of us want to go down Malcolm's path. Shouldn't even be talking to you.
Remora: As I wrote in our texts, I'm offering something different than Malcolm, something more tenable.
Outstar: (laughs) They are going to eat you alive.
Remora: Ah, you're right. In that case, you'll get to be the one flushing me out of hiding. But, if you're wrong, well, then you'll get to be the one to lead your kind to a whole new level of trade and prosperity. Either way, you win.
Outstar: I'm listening.
Remora: I need to get the word out to your Kindred. I need your help.
Outstar: (chuckles) Those withdrawals must be getting preeetty bad by now, aren't they?
Remora: (panting) It's - It's fine, just make it happen.
Outstar: What's the magic word then?
Remora: Pllllease?
Outstar: (laughs) Well, alright.

Outstar Twitch Stream

Leading up to the Twitch Stream, a quest appeared on Tender prompting detectives with a fill in the blank titled "Tell Us A Secret":

I 'believe|think|has been told' that 'I|Him|Angela|Malcolm|Outstar' 'did nothing wrong|made a huge mistake'

Additionally, an email from Tender reminded detectives about the stream about to begin. Paradox account users also received an email.

During the Outstar Twitch Stream on Saturday, 14 December, during the first break, Outstar received a call and went off stream. At the same time, the stream turned to the familiar Tender stream page hinting users to go to the Tender App. The Tender App was updated with a new Quest, with a video and a text prompt. The transcript of the video is below:

As we embark on this journey together, we here at Tender ask that you are honest with yourself throughout this experience: do you often find yourself feeling wistful? Has your appetite changed as well as your sleep patterns? Are you looking to channel your feelings into something more? Art is physical form given to the world of the mind. In every piece we see depicted  our greatest emotions such as love, sadness, fear and anger, to broaden your own ability and freshen your mind. It is good to consider how different artists depict similar ideas. The theme is "Embrace". You are to find each on your own with a little guidance. To begin, this greek myth was from the spanish painter Goya, but he used Roman names.

On researching the hint in the final line, Detectives found the painting "Saturn Devouring His Son". Entering this into the text box completed the quest and a new quest opened titled "Why are you here?". This contained a fill in the blanks response page which read:

I 'overcame|destroyed|lusted for' 'a baloon|a bike|a song' with the help of 'my sorrow|a lewd poem|my pain'

During the second break, a new video and prompt appeared. The transcript is below:

Thank you for taking this step with us. Indulging in personal honesty can be quite taxing. But it opens your sleepy mind’s eye. Open it. Gain way to the vast vocabulary of symbols. Gain way to the library of communal consciousness. Kinship is the need to share experiences, positive and negative. You will find that once you master the shared symbolic language, opening the mind of others becomes easier and easier.

It may seem hard to believe, but just think of all the meanings that might lurk and hide beneath a gift. This was very true for Gustav, who was known to create many images of love and intimacy. One of his works is said to be of his love, Emily, and him locked in symbolic embrace. But none can confirm that this painting is a self portrait. Can you at least confirm it’s title?

Upon research, the answer was found to be The Kiss.

During the third break, another quest appeared. Transcript:

Allow your mind the freedom to join us in an exercise. Close your eyes and gather yourself as we cast you away from the comfort of easy answer, and into the mystery and secrets of our origin.

The brothers from Genesis who became the inventor and victim of this violent embrace. Innovators of love and treachery. It was a day of many firsts. This imagery is captured most famously by the Milanese oil painter Crespi.

The answer this time was Cain Killing Abel.

The fourth break led to another quest. Transcript:

It can be hard for your body and mind to function properly when you're stressed. Lack of proper diet, exercise, and sleep will only exacerbate this tension, spiraling into an unhealthy cycle. Tender understands the pressure you are under. Stop. Breathe. Imagine being alone, yet you are not. You are sleeping, but you are not. You cannot move, but nothing is wrong. You are safe in bed, and something is near you. The event horizon weight crushing your lungs does not exist. Remember: this is not real. This is nothing but dreaming. Breathe. Open. Now stop. 

The year is 1781, and the nightmare is over.

The answer was The Nightmare, another painting.

The fifth and final break concluded the last quest on Tender. Transcript:

Stop. Breathe. See the exit sign approaching. We are coming to a close, for now. Together, we’ve crossed the threshold of many singular emotions. Such as fear, desire, anger, and submission. Now, relax. Let our hands turn your mind’s eye upwards to the ceiling of the stratosphere. Gaze and see. Though it is much smaller than you first thought. See our first breath, depicted in an almost touch. The celestial and the earthly, touch. Gross matter awakens to self awareness as human life. All senses balanced as you breathe for the first time. The light fades. Now you breathe. Breathe. Forever after, you grope blindly in the dark without balance. For that almost touch. Good luck, and consider telling us which embrace you desire for your forever.

The answer was The Creation of Adam.

After, there was another follow-up titled "What Should We Do":

I [think | believe] that I should [make a trade with | report] you [when I make up my mind | this week]

At the conclusion of Outstar's stream, a phone call could be heard. It appeared to be one side of a conversation between herself and Remora. Her side of the conversation is as follows:

Do you really want to do this? Once you have their attention there is no going back. Alright (sigh). Way to weave your own noose.

A Tender Christmas Story

Following the wrap up of Outstar's stream and the phone call she received, a message was put up stating that the Blood for Trade website had been updated. The website now showed a title saying "Enjoy a Tender Christmas Story" with a button above it to enter the site.

Upon entering the site, the sounds of rain and thunder play in the background and a message at the top of the screen reads "We're dreaming of a red Christmas." Five numbered "Essences" were shown on the page, four with dates implied to be on which they would unlock. The first of the five was already unlocked, displaying an image of a Tender user's profile photo. Text at the top of the essence reads "Difficulty: Medium."

Along the bottom of the page were a number of statistics, though it is not immediately clear what affects them. "Points Gathered For The Vote (total)" started around 8000. "Negotiation Attempts (total)" started at 0 but has been going up steadily since. The last statistic, "Last Update," shows when the two former were last updated.

Essences

Essence #01

Essence #01 unlocked with the Christmas story's opening. The Essence's thumbnail showed an image of a Tender user's profile photo, pink and smoky in theme. A title dictated that this Essence was of medium difficulty. Clicking on the essence brings you to a page with three clues.

C01 led to a page on the WikiArt Visual Art Encyclopedia for a painting called Sewing Fisherman's Wife by Anna Ancher.

C02 led to a simply an image of meat from Wikipedia.

C03 led to the Wikipedia page for the 1987 World Series.

After some trial and error, the answer was discovered by Google searching "Sewn meat 1987," which led to the artwork Vanitas: Flesh Dress for an Albino Anorectic by Jana Sterbak. Entering "Vanitas" into the answer field solved the Essence.

Upon solving the Essence an audio file played to congratulate those who answered correctly. The audio file's name was TYKFHNQ.mp3, which detectives noticed could be plugged into the Lorenz cipher from earlier and decoded to say "GOODJOB".

Welcome, to all of you sharks schooling in the dark, it's me, your remora. If you're listening to this, you are a valued patron. One of the elite. You have vision and taste. You've passed the first ring to my inner circle, and if I can only convince you not to kill me for one more day, then we might just become the very best of friends. If you are listening to this, you've come for the new and improved Tender. You might remember the last disasterous incarnation of our amazing app. The frightful panic of our GDC event, the shut down of our after-party. Those wild conspiracy stories posted at Trust No More. That was the night that Malcolm Chandler and his moment of perfect triumph was outed by an unlikely enemy. Then, the rest of you Kindreds swooped in and Malcolm was torn apart, tooth and claw. I felt that. It felt a little like heartbreak, and a lot like satisfaction. And here we are. Those of us left in Malcolm's bloody chum wake have to tread water as best we can, and so I keep moving. If I stop, I drown. And so, Tender is now mine and I earned it, the things I did, the things you made me do. Tender 2.0. I have distilled Malcolm's lumbering dream down to it's more elegant essence. No more grand plots of mind control. No more allusions to MK-Ultra. Nothing so ridiculously maniacal. No, nothing but meta-data, taken from others and brewed into sustenance and success for your kind. Information theft is a crime that humankind has already casually accepted. Even now, your data is being leeched by the very device you are engaging me with. So, let's begin. You've shown yourself worthy, and so we can trade. I trust you'll enjoy the vintage of your first sample. In return, I require some of your vintage, sealed in an airtight container and shipped to me fresh, or without ever seeing sun. That is how transactions will occur. All of you have a choice to make. Will you allow my proposed market to exist? But, don't decide yet. This is just the beginning. I have more to show you. To proceed, you'll have to humor a few more of my diversions. Indulge me, the first I made easy, but do try and keep up with the rest. And, do try and take caution, and care. Sun's coming up.

Shortly after Essence #02 unlocked on December 15th, Clue 02 of Essence #01 was updated to instead link to 4 Stones Vegetarian, a Taiwanese restaurant in British Columbia. This was later confirmed to be a mistake. This clue was intended to be an additional clue for Essence #02, rather than a change to Essence #01, and shortly before the solving of Essence #02, clue 02 was reverted back to the image of meat.

Essence #02

On December 15th at 5:30pm PDT, the Blood for Trade website was briefly inaccessible. When it returned to normal, Essence #02 was unlocked for solving, with three clues.

C01 led to an article from Masonry Magazine titled "All About the Art and Science of Stone Carving".

C02 led to a Google Maps search for the address 2601 Clements Ferry Rd. The establishment previously located at this address was Four IV Stones Restrobar.

C03 led to the IMDB page for a collection of short films from 2016 called "Follow IV". The end of the URL also contains the code to a Youtube video, which turned out to be an upload of the song Welcome to Japan by The Strokes.

After about 15 hours of Essence #02 being unlocked, a search for "stone iv 2016" led to an art piece called Laughing Stone IV by Japanese artist Hirotoshi Ito. Entering "Laughing Stone IV" solved the Essence.

Upon solving the Essence an audio file played to encourage those who answered correctly to keep going. The audio file's name was HPNGY9Z5QFU4OHCF8POPE.mp3. When plugged into the Lorenz cipher, it was discovered to be a lead to a Youtube video for Never Let Me Down Again by Depeche Mode.

I’ve always enjoyed strange art. That place where beauty and the grotesque bisect. I’m rather fond of this ‘Laughing Stone’ piece. It reminds me of... The second time Malcolm fed me his blood,  I resisted. Malcolm did not appreciate art, except as a sort of trophy of affluence. At night, he met with one of his peers from the Old Night Society. She waxed on and on about art… He cut her off, and she was insulted. Malcolm, you see, did not recognize the danger of being disliked by all of one’s peers. Not until it literally jumped up and bit him. So, he was already in a foul mood when he commanded me forward for the feeding. I pulled away. Malcolm grabbed me by the back of my head, and pressed my mouth to his flesh so forcefully, he broke my jaw. Ground the bones. His skin was like marble. My jaw never healed quite properly, no matter how many times I break, and re-break, and reset it, it never heals properly. Heh. Such a lovely piece. Like grinding a mouth into stone. My apologies for being so maudlin tonight. I’m proud to see you all keep your focus, and dive through my little exercises. Not everyone will make it through. Kindred from 2,073 different cities contacted me so far. I’m always astounded by Tender’s global reach. Out of 4,297 RSVPs, 963 kindred confirmed they will bring blood. I was not disappointed. And 56% prefer lust as their favorite scent. I will see what I can find for you. Now, keep going. I’ll make it worth your while. And do be careful. Sun’s coming up.