Difference between revisions of "Dawn Bloom"

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(Deleted it all, changed the header, wrote a small snippet about Investigations vs Incidents and added a link to the timeline.)
 
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| name        = Dawn Bloom
 
| name        = Dawn Bloom
 
| image      = File:dawn_bloom_logo.png
 
| image      = File:dawn_bloom_logo.png
| imagewidth  = 250
 
 
| description = The Dawn Bloom ARG is part of the Black Watchmen series of ARGs.
 
| description = The Dawn Bloom ARG is part of the Black Watchmen series of ARGs.
| creator    = [https://www.aliceandsmith.com/ Alice & Smith] & [https://www.facebook.com/theloventgroup/ the Lovent Group]
+
| creator    = [https://www.aliceandsmith.com/ Alice & Smith]
| type        = [[List_of_Investigations#Official|Official]]
+
| creator2    = [https://www.facebook.com/theloventgroup/ the Lovent Group]
| status      = Active
+
| type        = Official
 +
| status      = Completed
 
| discovered  = 2016-12-24
 
| discovered  = 2016-12-24
 
}}
 
}}
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Operation DAWNBLOOM is an operation in the [https://www.blackwatchmen.com/ Black Watchmen] (a permanent ARG). It differs from past operations within the Black Watchmen in that it is expected to run for several months.
 
Operation DAWNBLOOM is an operation in the [https://www.blackwatchmen.com/ Black Watchmen] (a permanent ARG). It differs from past operations within the Black Watchmen in that it is expected to run for several months.
 
<br/><br/>
 
<br/><br/>
<div>'''A Note for Non-TBW Players'''</div>
+
<div>'''How Do I Join?'''</div>
The lore behind the Black Watchmen is substantial, with two Seasons and two DLCs worth of content to draw from as well as lore from events that occurred prior to the game in its current state being launched via Steam. As a result, newcomers to this operation may find that references are being made to events and people which they are unfamiliar with and which aren't directly related to the operation (yet). One way to try and catch up with some of the lore is to read through the [https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.blackwatchmen.com/archive/uploads/Almanac-2016-WebEdition.pdf Almanac], while keeping in mind that it does contain a lot of spoilers for the Steam game. Alternatively, new agents can contact any of the 'Senior Agents' listed in the sidebar of the Discord with yellow usernames, and we will do our best to bring you up to speed. Agent codex, who maintains this wiki, would be especially pleased to help any newcomers.
+
If you want to join the operation, it's really quite easy. Read through the [[Dawn_Bloom#Plot_Synopsis | Plot Synopsis]], take a glance at the [[Dawn_Bloom/Timeline | Timeline]], check out the[[Dawn_Bloom#To-Do_List | To-Do List]], and make sure to hop into the [https://discord.gg/nsBXqNw Official Discord]. The Discord is where the Taskforce directly communicates with the Agents working on this operation-- if you want to be involved, you ''need '' to be in there.
  
Additionally, readers of this wiki will find that players are referred to as 'agents' throughout. This is standard practice in The Black Watchmen. Most agents involved in the game will blur the lines between role play and real life on a regular basis, so anything that is said in relation to an agent's real life or persona should be taken with a grain of salt. When in doubt, ask!
+
==Core Information==
  
'''Resources'''
+
{| class="wikitable"
*[https://discord.gg/nsBXqNw Official Discord]
+
!colspan="2"|[[:Category:Dawn Bloom | Dawnbloom Subpages]]
*[https://forums.aliceandsmith.com/threads/operation-dawnbloom.1855/ A&S Forum Thread]
+
!style="border-left:solid 2px gray" | Off-site Resources
*[https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pttbmtv4e1gyqx4/AAAQGc3W2TZrZTl2qA-ezCJIa?dl=0 Discord Voice Archives]
+
|-
*[mailto:[email protected] Q98A66 Email]
+
|[[Dawn_Bloom/Timeline | Timeline]]
*[https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.blackwatchmen.com/archive/uploads/Almanac-2016-WebEdition.pdf the Almanac] (Warning: TBW Spoilers!)
+
|Condensed timeline of events.
*[https://forums.aliceandsmith.com/threads/operation-dawn-bloom-faq.1905/ Operation DAWNBLOOM FAQ]
+
|style="border-left:solid 2px gray" |[https://discord.gg/nsBXqNw Official Discord]
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
+
|-
==Background==
+
|[[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations | Investigations]]
===Initial Call to Action===
+
|Topics that are currently being researched, solved or otherwise have agent activity.
 +
|style="border-left:solid 2px gray" |[https://forums.aliceandsmith.com/threads/operation-dawnbloom.1855/ A&S Forum Thread]
 +
|-
 +
|[[Dawn_Bloom/Incidents | Incidents]]
 +
|Major events that have occurred in the Operation either with input from agents or without.
 +
|style="border-left:solid 2px gray" |[mailto:[email protected] Q98A66 Email]
 +
|-
 +
|[[Dawn_Bloom/Personnel_%26_Organisations | Personnel & Organizations]]
 +
|Individuals and groups introduced or frequently referenced within the operation.
 +
|style="border-left:solid 2px gray" |[https://forums.aliceandsmith.com/threads/operation-dawn-bloom-faq.1905/ Operation DAWNBLOOM FAQ]
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
The mission itself has three major parameters (it began with two, but a third was added when Lphabeta's involvement was realized. They've since been revised further after confirmation of SIGIL involvement). They are updated from time to time, but the most up to date mission parameters follow:
 +
<pre>Parameter One: Prevent anyone but the Agency from gaining critical information about the origin of the Signals.
 +
 
 +
Parameter Two: Destroy or Capture SIGIL critical assets.
 +
 
 +
Parameter Three: Identify, communicate, and secure the advanced technology being used by "The Expedition", whom are sending the signals.</pre>
 +
 
 +
==Initial Call to Action==
 
In the Christmas Eve newsletter, Alice & Smith announced Operation DAWNBLOOM.
 
In the Christmas Eve newsletter, Alice & Smith announced Operation DAWNBLOOM.
 
<blockquote>Agents, Special Task force Q98A66 needs your help - a abnormal radio signal was picked up across the Atlantic in the last two weeks, it’s meaning and origin remain unknown. We understand little about this bizarre phenomenon, besides the fact that it must have come from a satellite, it originates from a single location, and it is growing stronger...<br />
 
<blockquote>Agents, Special Task force Q98A66 needs your help - a abnormal radio signal was picked up across the Atlantic in the last two weeks, it’s meaning and origin remain unknown. We understand little about this bizarre phenomenon, besides the fact that it must have come from a satellite, it originates from a single location, and it is growing stronger...<br />
Line 40: Line 59:
 
For your first mission briefing, head to the Situation Room (In-Game) and look for static. </blockquote>
 
For your first mission briefing, head to the Situation Room (In-Game) and look for static. </blockquote>
 
By accessing the Situation Room (a page within the Black Watchmen's game client where Operations are often announced), players were directed to [http://archive.blackwatchmen.com/search/S2J3L9 Archive Case File S2J3L9]. In short, a mysterious signal was picked up around the 14th of December and a taskforce set up to analyse it. The intensity of local interference is strongest at Camp Hero in Montauk, New York. We were given a [https://clyp.it/oegfe5kx copy of the recording] and a contact link to the taskforce: [mailto:[email protected] [email protected]]
 
By accessing the Situation Room (a page within the Black Watchmen's game client where Operations are often announced), players were directed to [http://archive.blackwatchmen.com/search/S2J3L9 Archive Case File S2J3L9]. In short, a mysterious signal was picked up around the 14th of December and a taskforce set up to analyse it. The intensity of local interference is strongest at Camp Hero in Montauk, New York. We were given a [https://clyp.it/oegfe5kx copy of the recording] and a contact link to the taskforce: [mailto:[email protected] [email protected]]
===Members of Q98A66===
 
This operation involves interaction with Special Task force Q98A66, which we have been told stands for Query 98, Admin 66. Q98A66 has five members, only four of which we have met, and only three of which regularly make appearances in the Discord channel. Those three members (Diagnostic, Control, and Liaison) are apparently able to do their jobs interchangeably, while Brain and Tactical are too highly specialized to 'swap out' with other members of the team.
 
* <span id="Liaison">'''Liaison'''</span> handles communication between Q98A66, Division 66, and Division 79(the Division of the agents in the Discord). As a part of his job, he is sometimes tasked with disseminating information that may or may not be wholly true, at the request of Dispatch. His defining personality traits seem to be skepticism and adherence to rules and regulations. He is usually the one to come to us with new information, requests for more intel, or general commentary on the mission. Brain's name for him is 'Virgin Sacrifice'.
 
*<span id="Control">'''Control'''</span> is in charge of Q98A66, as indicated by her handle. Her personality is hard to gauge, as she isn't often in the Discord chat. Liaison has described her as duplicitous, and says she never looks the same two days in a row. She seems to be skilled in subterfuge and operating discreetly, unlike Tactical who is more interested in making a show of firepower. Brain's name for her is 'Hannah Montana'.
 
* <span id="Diagnostic">'''Diagnostic'''</span>has the job of handling technical and performance related testing. He seems more relaxed than Liaison, and openly states that he believes the signals we are receiving are a result of time travel. Liaison describes him as a hyperactive conspiracy theorist and a lukewarm scientist. His previous employer has been heavily alluded to be one of the organizations in [https://www.thesecretworld.com/ The Secret World]. Brain's name for him is 'Bitch Corivias'.
 
* <span id="Brain">'''Brain'''</span> was formerly called 'Specialist', but also goes by 'Uncle AIXXXXXXXXXXXXX'. He appears to be unstable psychologically and poses a threat to himself and those who surround him. What he contributes to the team isn't entirely clear, but he is ostensibly Q98A66's specialist in esoteric or unique information. Brain used to collabarate with [http://www.oakvalleysleepcenter.com/ the Oakvalley Sleep Center] on a lucid dreaming method, called the "Glasswick Technique". He was also formerly a librarian, then a literature professor, and finally a dean at Yale in the 70s before whatever caused him to become the way he is now occurred. His identity has since been more or less erased. He has the ability to use subliminal messaging and hypnotism to essentially leave parts of his mind with people or in places so that he can monitor them. Liaison claims this is dangerous, because it leaves those who have these 'parts' with them open to other things taking advantage of the situation. Liaison has stated that Brain has used the internet to disseminate dangerous information in the past, and has expressed concern that in his contact with agents he will do this again. Because he isn't allowed online, Agents requested a mailing address to communicate with him. He can be contacted by mail at:<br />
 
<blockquote>212 Showroom<br />68-10 58th Avenue <br />Apt Nine<br />Flushing New York 11378</blockquote>
 
* <span id="Tactical">'''Tactical'''</span> is focused on 'in person' threats. If agents are contacted by Tactical, it means Q98A66 is under attack or otherwise compromised. Liaison has said that the rest of the team doesn't see Tactical that often. He apparently moves from place to place using a helicopter, and was the person to originally gather all the team members together. In the one interaction that agents had with Tactical, his demeanor was serious but he was still comfortable cracking jokes. Brain's name for him is 'Manlet'.
 
* <span id="Archivist">'''Archivist'''</span> is Diagnostic's biological brother. He was recruited to the Taskforce when the Agency was attempting to contact Diagnostic's next of kin. His job is to record information about the operation and convert that information into Archive documents suitable for distribution across the Agency. Diagnostic cut contact with him about 8 years ago when he joined up with his previous employer, so their relationship is somewhat strained. He will be in contact with Archivist Wheeler at some point in the future to obtain additional information for the operation from the Agency archives.
 
* <span id="Medical">'''Medical'''</span> is also known as Dr. Talcom. He specializes in bioweaponry (both development and counteraction). Most of Q98A66 seems to dislike him, probably because he wanted to use Rupture Bone on Diagnostic during his episode on 1-26-2017. He appears to have a lot of pull in the agency, as Liaison mentioned him being present whenever unknown biologics were encountered. Before joining the Taskforce in person, he traveled to Scotland, and then to Toronto.
 
===Fieldwork===
 
====Agent Kokuei====
 
Agent Kokuei has been approved by Dispatch for a field mission to attempt to deceive a member of Lphabeta into disclosing information about the company. He will need to be provided a fake identity (of a real person that Lphabeta would be interested in), and will meet with a contact set up by Control once we have enough information for his cover to hold.
 
  
We, the agents, need to find a person who looks enough like Agent Kokuei that he can pretend to be them, and then dig into their life and get enough details on them so that he can passably pretend to be them.
+
==Plot Synopsis==
 +
''Updated 2017-03-23''
 +
 
 +
Operation DAWNBLOOM is primarily focused around a [[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations/False_Point_Signals | series of AM radio signals]] that have been and are continuing to be received in Montauk, NY (also referred to as False Point). The signals themselves are faint, requiring that they be recorded underwater to minimize background noise. They are also received as individual ‘packets’ that are out of order, but a second SSTV signal is broadcast alongside the AM signal, and by using that signal they can be reconstructed and analyzed.
 +
 
 +
The contents of the AM radio signals and the SSTV signals are related to an [[Dawn_Bloom/Personnel_%26_Organisations/Faunus_2_Expedition | expedition of explorers]] who appear to be in a shadow version of our world. Their expedition is called ‘Faunus 2’, and they are currently stuck in their location without a means to return to their home. They seem to be from a different reality than us, and one member of the expedition (Bud Vaughn) appears to be from a separate reality than the rest of the expedition. Most of the SSTV images we have received are notes from the expedition’s biologist, who [[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations/xXMoonMan420Xx_Comms | Bud claims]] is a very important person and represents hope for everyone. Other members of the expedition include their navigator Noah Vance, Captain Zhang, and their service engineer Randall Churchill (who is currently separated from the rest of the expedition and injured). A [[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations/Farside_Signals | second set of signals]] stolen from Lphabeta Inc. (a third-party group unaffiliated with the Agency), were distress signals from Service Engineer Randall, indicating that he might not have a way to contact the rest of the expedition.
 +
 
 +
The Expedition (as they’ve become known) has a ship called the Thronn, which utilizes a particular type of technology called a Kick Drive. This technology was initially developed at Montauk in the 70’s and 80’s, possibly with Agency involvement. Because the Kick Drive itself is such a valuable (and powerful) piece of technology, securing it (and the other technology utilized by the Expedition) has become a parameter of the operation.
 +
 
 +
In the process of receiving the AM signals, the Special Taskforce that has been assigned to this operation ([[Dawn_Bloom/Personnel_%26_Organisations/Special_Taskforce_Q98A66 | Q98A66]]) has come under attack from an outside party that is presumed to be Lphabeta Inc. The attacks have primarily taken the form of [[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations/Drones_In_False_Point | unmanned aquatic drones engaging their boat]] as they attempt to receive signals, but cyberattacks have also taken place against the team and the Agency as a whole that have been attributed to Lphabeta. We have begun moving against Lphabeta in retaliation, even [[Dawn_Bloom/Incidents/Drone_Launch_Site_Raid | conducting a strike]] on one of their drone storage facilities and pushing further into what appeared to be a research facility. [[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations/Lphabeta_Infiltration | Infiltration of their organization]] is well underway, with one member of Q98A66 (Control) having successfully constructed a cover identity within their ranks. The main focus of Lphabeta from a publicly facing business standpoint appears to be wearable bioinformatic devices. There is a strong suspicion that they have ties to SIGIL (a major enemy of the Agency) but as of yet direct ties are not confirmed.
 +
 
 +
Throughout the course of the operation, a member of Q98A66 designated with the handle ‘Diagnostic’ has [[Dawn_Bloom/Incidents/First_Transformation | been]] at the [[Dawn_Bloom/Incidents/Second_Transformation | center]] of a [[Dawn_Bloom/Incidents/Third_Transformation | series]] of [[Dawn_Bloom/Incidents/Turkey_Mountain | incidents]] coinciding with [[Dawn_Bloom/Incidents/Hostage_Situation | lunar phases]]. The working theory at the moment is that the initial SSTV signal recovered from False Point triggered some kind of change in him that caused him to become a sort of ‘spirit bottle’. Various demons or rift entities (the two terms are somewhat interchangeable within our understanding) have been getting, for lack of a better word, stuck to Diagnostic and causing major incidents that disrupt the entire operation and imperil many Agents and civilians. An effort is being made by the Agency to better understand and eventually harness this unique property. As a side effect of his condition, Diagnostic’s health, strength, and size increases and declines in sync with the amount of the moon that is illuminated.
 +
 
 +
As the result of one such incident, at least two members of Q98A66 appear to have been [[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations/Familiar_Faces | replaced by parallel timeline variants of themselves]]. Liaison and Diagnostic have different memories of past events than the Agents who are working on this operation remotely through the official Discord server, and Brain (another member of Q98A66) has confirmed they are different individuals. However, they are physically identical to the Liaison and Diagnostic that previously were involved in the operation, to the genetic level. It is also possible that the original Agent on the taskforce who was designated Tactical and was [[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations/Turkey_Mountain_Aftermath | presumed killed in action]] was replaced by a timeline variant, and it’s extremely likely that a barn cat the Taskforce had adopted and named [[Dawn_Bloom/Personnel_%26_Organisations/Adjective_Alpha | Adjective Alpha]] was also swapped. The current working theory on these swaps is that the incident reproduced the conditions which a Kick Drive uses to operate.
 +
 
 +
==To-Do List==
 +
 
 +
===Decode OMT Cipher===
 +
During the [[Dawn Bloom/Incidents/Lphabeta Double Date|Lphabeta Double Date]] operation, the agent that was sent to assist in the operation passed out after what seemed to be them getting Glasswicked. During this period they appeared to get in contact with Virgin Sacrifice and Bud somehow where they received a strip of paper with some strange cipher on it
 +
that agents are working to translate. Additional pieces of paper with the same cipher were located at Turkey Mountain and Mystic Shipyard. Efforts for the translation is available [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FOBt4EWYiQo03UAn7MX4IE0SGPtIkAOej3iAzHv8h_w/edit?usp=sharing here].
 +
 
 +
===Decode Signal 3 Cipher===
 +
In the [[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations/False_Point_Signals#2017-02-10 | third signal broadcast]], we were sent a cipher that seems similar to the [[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations/False_Point_Signals#2016-12-27 | cycle cipher]] in the first broadcast, although no one has gotten too far while attempting to decode it. The cipher includes similar wording and style as in the first broadcast, but has some new additions as well. Liaison hinted that the narrative portion of the broadcast contained literary references in it. This may or may not serve as a clue, but we should definitely look into it. In agent Codex’s [[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations/xXMoonMan420Xx_Comms#2017-03-19 | second AIM discussion with Bud]], he briefly brought up a language that he references to as Glyph, and said a few things that seemed to surround the broadcast. (lines ~73-103)
  
====Montauk====
+
===Decrypt and Transcribe Signal 5 SSTV===
We are currently in the beginning stages of planning a field operation at Camp Hero in Montauk. Agents local to Southern NY are asked to report in at the [https://forums.aliceandsmith.com/threads/operation-dawnbloom.1855/page-5#post-21222 forum thread] so we can coordinate dates and times. Field operatives will be tasked with deploying a remote radio listening device, which is still in the process of being designed and instructed.
+
The [[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations/False_Point_Signals#Part_B | fifth broadcast]] included another SSTV signal, but we haven’t been able to transcribe it yet due to the amount of static in the signal. Our two best choices in order to decrypt the SSTV now are to try and recreate it, or to try and modify the original broadcast in order to decrypt it. Control claims to have a “better way” to decrypt the signal, although that hasn’t been specified yet.
====Boston [COMPLETE]====
 
Several agents are participating in the MIT Mystery Hunt in Boston over Martin Luther King Day weekend. Agent codex is using this opportunity to go into the city early and get some field reconnaissance done on the Beehive, as our online intel has a few gaps. Other agents should NOT attempt to do field work in Boston without the explicit approval of Q98A66, because they are nearly certain that our enemy is already operating in the area.
 
  
==Events of the Operation==
+
===Search for online documents related to the Expedition and its crew===
The major events of this Operation have been divided into two categories: Investigations and Incidents. The most up to date information on Investigations can be found at [[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations]]. The page for Incidents will be up and running soon.
+
So far, a few documents have sprung up online that are related to the Faunus 2 expedition. These have been found on multiple social media sites. (YouTube, reddit, tumblr, etc.) More information detailing the posts and how we’ve found them so far can be found at [[Dawn_Bloom/Investigations/Online_Document_Leaks | Online Document Leaks]].
  
A condensed timeline of the operation can be found at [[Dawn_Bloom/Timeline]]
+
===Solve Lphabeta Twitter Puzzles===
 +
On 2017-03-12, a post was made on the Lphabeta twitter account, that seemed to have some Morse code playing in the background, which was masked by music playing. More posts were made later that we have looked into and only the video morse has yet to be completely solved. More specific details on what we have looked into can be found [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y8lUAo4O3aKvq_DvvO48kPvFHURmYssu0EpIuotY8fQ/edit here].

Latest revision as of 15:58, 7 July 2018

Dawn Bloom
Completed
Dawn bloom logo.png
The Dawn Bloom ARG is part of the Black Watchmen series of ARGs.
Type Official
Creators Alice & Smith & the Lovent Group
Discovered 2016-12-24

Main Page > List of Investigations > Dawn Bloom

For a condensed timeline of events, see the timeline.


Operation DAWNBLOOM is an operation in the Black Watchmen (a permanent ARG). It differs from past operations within the Black Watchmen in that it is expected to run for several months.

How Do I Join?

If you want to join the operation, it's really quite easy. Read through the Plot Synopsis, take a glance at the Timeline, check out the To-Do List, and make sure to hop into the Official Discord. The Discord is where the Taskforce directly communicates with the Agents working on this operation-- if you want to be involved, you need to be in there.

Core Information

Dawnbloom Subpages Off-site Resources
Timeline Condensed timeline of events. Official Discord
Investigations Topics that are currently being researched, solved or otherwise have agent activity. A&S Forum Thread
Incidents Major events that have occurred in the Operation either with input from agents or without. Q98A66 Email
Personnel & Organizations Individuals and groups introduced or frequently referenced within the operation. Operation DAWNBLOOM FAQ

The mission itself has three major parameters (it began with two, but a third was added when Lphabeta's involvement was realized. They've since been revised further after confirmation of SIGIL involvement). They are updated from time to time, but the most up to date mission parameters follow:

Parameter One: Prevent anyone but the Agency from gaining critical information about the origin of the Signals.

Parameter Two: Destroy or Capture SIGIL critical assets.

Parameter Three: Identify, communicate, and secure the advanced technology being used by "The Expedition", whom are sending the signals.

Initial Call to Action

In the Christmas Eve newsletter, Alice & Smith announced Operation DAWNBLOOM.

Agents, Special Task force Q98A66 needs your help - a abnormal radio signal was picked up across the Atlantic in the last two weeks, it’s meaning and origin remain unknown. We understand little about this bizarre phenomenon, besides the fact that it must have come from a satellite, it originates from a single location, and it is growing stronger...

Welcome to Operation DAWNBLOOM, an experimental project created by the Lovent Group [head writers of Ahnayro: The Dream World] in collaboration with Alice & Smith. This project is all about dynamic, reactive storytelling putting control of the narrative fully in the hands of our community.
[...]

For your first mission briefing, head to the Situation Room (In-Game) and look for static.

By accessing the Situation Room (a page within the Black Watchmen's game client where Operations are often announced), players were directed to Archive Case File S2J3L9. In short, a mysterious signal was picked up around the 14th of December and a taskforce set up to analyse it. The intensity of local interference is strongest at Camp Hero in Montauk, New York. We were given a copy of the recording and a contact link to the taskforce: [email protected]

Plot Synopsis

Updated 2017-03-23

Operation DAWNBLOOM is primarily focused around a series of AM radio signals that have been and are continuing to be received in Montauk, NY (also referred to as False Point). The signals themselves are faint, requiring that they be recorded underwater to minimize background noise. They are also received as individual ‘packets’ that are out of order, but a second SSTV signal is broadcast alongside the AM signal, and by using that signal they can be reconstructed and analyzed.

The contents of the AM radio signals and the SSTV signals are related to an expedition of explorers who appear to be in a shadow version of our world. Their expedition is called ‘Faunus 2’, and they are currently stuck in their location without a means to return to their home. They seem to be from a different reality than us, and one member of the expedition (Bud Vaughn) appears to be from a separate reality than the rest of the expedition. Most of the SSTV images we have received are notes from the expedition’s biologist, who Bud claims is a very important person and represents hope for everyone. Other members of the expedition include their navigator Noah Vance, Captain Zhang, and their service engineer Randall Churchill (who is currently separated from the rest of the expedition and injured). A second set of signals stolen from Lphabeta Inc. (a third-party group unaffiliated with the Agency), were distress signals from Service Engineer Randall, indicating that he might not have a way to contact the rest of the expedition.

The Expedition (as they’ve become known) has a ship called the Thronn, which utilizes a particular type of technology called a Kick Drive. This technology was initially developed at Montauk in the 70’s and 80’s, possibly with Agency involvement. Because the Kick Drive itself is such a valuable (and powerful) piece of technology, securing it (and the other technology utilized by the Expedition) has become a parameter of the operation.

In the process of receiving the AM signals, the Special Taskforce that has been assigned to this operation ( Q98A66) has come under attack from an outside party that is presumed to be Lphabeta Inc. The attacks have primarily taken the form of unmanned aquatic drones engaging their boat as they attempt to receive signals, but cyberattacks have also taken place against the team and the Agency as a whole that have been attributed to Lphabeta. We have begun moving against Lphabeta in retaliation, even conducting a strike on one of their drone storage facilities and pushing further into what appeared to be a research facility. Infiltration of their organization is well underway, with one member of Q98A66 (Control) having successfully constructed a cover identity within their ranks. The main focus of Lphabeta from a publicly facing business standpoint appears to be wearable bioinformatic devices. There is a strong suspicion that they have ties to SIGIL (a major enemy of the Agency) but as of yet direct ties are not confirmed.

Throughout the course of the operation, a member of Q98A66 designated with the handle ‘Diagnostic’ has been at the center of a series of incidents coinciding with lunar phases. The working theory at the moment is that the initial SSTV signal recovered from False Point triggered some kind of change in him that caused him to become a sort of ‘spirit bottle’. Various demons or rift entities (the two terms are somewhat interchangeable within our understanding) have been getting, for lack of a better word, stuck to Diagnostic and causing major incidents that disrupt the entire operation and imperil many Agents and civilians. An effort is being made by the Agency to better understand and eventually harness this unique property. As a side effect of his condition, Diagnostic’s health, strength, and size increases and declines in sync with the amount of the moon that is illuminated.

As the result of one such incident, at least two members of Q98A66 appear to have been replaced by parallel timeline variants of themselves. Liaison and Diagnostic have different memories of past events than the Agents who are working on this operation remotely through the official Discord server, and Brain (another member of Q98A66) has confirmed they are different individuals. However, they are physically identical to the Liaison and Diagnostic that previously were involved in the operation, to the genetic level. It is also possible that the original Agent on the taskforce who was designated Tactical and was presumed killed in action was replaced by a timeline variant, and it’s extremely likely that a barn cat the Taskforce had adopted and named Adjective Alpha was also swapped. The current working theory on these swaps is that the incident reproduced the conditions which a Kick Drive uses to operate.

To-Do List

Decode OMT Cipher

During the Lphabeta Double Date operation, the agent that was sent to assist in the operation passed out after what seemed to be them getting Glasswicked. During this period they appeared to get in contact with Virgin Sacrifice and Bud somehow where they received a strip of paper with some strange cipher on it that agents are working to translate. Additional pieces of paper with the same cipher were located at Turkey Mountain and Mystic Shipyard. Efforts for the translation is available here.

Decode Signal 3 Cipher

In the third signal broadcast, we were sent a cipher that seems similar to the cycle cipher in the first broadcast, although no one has gotten too far while attempting to decode it. The cipher includes similar wording and style as in the first broadcast, but has some new additions as well. Liaison hinted that the narrative portion of the broadcast contained literary references in it. This may or may not serve as a clue, but we should definitely look into it. In agent Codex’s second AIM discussion with Bud, he briefly brought up a language that he references to as Glyph, and said a few things that seemed to surround the broadcast. (lines ~73-103)

Decrypt and Transcribe Signal 5 SSTV

The fifth broadcast included another SSTV signal, but we haven’t been able to transcribe it yet due to the amount of static in the signal. Our two best choices in order to decrypt the SSTV now are to try and recreate it, or to try and modify the original broadcast in order to decrypt it. Control claims to have a “better way” to decrypt the signal, although that hasn’t been specified yet.

Search for online documents related to the Expedition and its crew

So far, a few documents have sprung up online that are related to the Faunus 2 expedition. These have been found on multiple social media sites. (YouTube, reddit, tumblr, etc.) More information detailing the posts and how we’ve found them so far can be found at Online Document Leaks.

Solve Lphabeta Twitter Puzzles

On 2017-03-12, a post was made on the Lphabeta twitter account, that seemed to have some Morse code playing in the background, which was masked by music playing. More posts were made later that we have looked into and only the video morse has yet to be completely solved. More specific details on what we have looked into can be found here.