Notice: These first three pages of Johnisdead's story recap are dedicated to Ben Drowned - a separate ARG created by Alex hall in 2010. This is because the two ARG's share several characters, concepts, and locations with one-another.
Alternatively, click here to skip these Ben Drowned-related pages.
For a full recap of the Ben Drowned ARG, continue reading this page.
The story so far...
In the previous section, players discovered the Moon Children - a cult that worshipped a moon goddess named Luna. The cult was supposedly led by an individual named "Mr. D" - also known as "The Father". Its various members included Matt, Chris, Spencer, and Kevin. As players explored the website, they learned of Ascension - a ritualistic suicide that's believed to connect one with Luna and grant them spiritual powers.
Players eventually managed to contact Matt, who revealed that not only was Ben somehow connected to the cult, but that he was also Matt's brother. He also implied that Alex was a member of the Moon Children as well. Shortly after this, Matt was confronted by Kelbris - a deceased Moon Child who supposedly died in 1998. Around this time, Alex reemerged and uploaded a video of the "Song of Time". Much like its effect in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, the song caused the Moon Children's website, YSHDT.net, to revert back to how it was three days prior - rewinding time back into another three day cycle.
Unfortunately, Matt was absent during this new cycle. Thankfully, players managed to contact his sister, Rosa. During this time, players discovered that the possessed the power known as "The Ocarina" - the ability to submit various songs, items, and images from The Legend of Zelda series to effect the world of the ARG. Unfortunately, some poorly timed submissions led to both Rosa and Alex disappearing. As the website entered its third cycle, something unexpected occurred...
On September 20th, 2010, YSHDT.net entered into its third cycle. However, before much could be explored, the website changed once again. It now contained an out-of-character update from Alex Hall - the creator of the ARG.
Alex
"Hey, Jadusable here. Consider this the 'real' TheTruth.txt. A lot of you may hate me for this, but I've decided that I can no longer continue the Majora's Mask story the way I originally wanted to."
Alex claims that the ARG is now on hiatus. The main reason for this is the lack of funds to keep YSHDT.net online. The website will be transformed into an archive of the story, though it will likely go offline near the end of the month due to a lack of funds. However, he is now accepting donations.
Alex describes himself as a "closet dork", going into his interest regarding videogames and films. He claims that he wanted the horror of his ARG to stem mostly from psychological games rather than morbid gore. He was interested in toying with the "fourth wall" and involving the players with the story more directly, believing it to be a creepy idea in general. He also claims that it's possible that this entire out-of-character post was actually written by BEN in an attempt to trick the players into not caring anymore, though he quickly brushes this off with "Probably not".
Alex apologizes to the fans for having to place the ARG on hiatus, noting how much it "kills him" to have to do it. He also apologizes to /x/ for their board being taken over by posts relating to the ARG, claiming that it will all go back to normal "Not too much longer". He also claims he'd like to continue the ARG at some point, noting that "This isn't the end". A transcript of Alex's entire post can be found below:
A lot of you may hate me for this, but I've decided that I can no longer continue the Majora's Mask story the way I originally wanted to. Even as I'm typing this I can feel the disappointment and the "OH MY GOD YOU ASSHOLE" cries as you guys read this, and really, it kills me. A lot of people have initially surmised that this must be some kind of viral marketing effort from Nintendo, or some kind of marketing ploy, and while I can't tell you how flattering that is I can assure you that it is neither. I'm just a sophomore in college who came up with this elaborate idea and as it stands I simply don't have the manpower or the funds to continue this in the direction that I wanted it to go (now I realize why it took a team of talented individuals to do Marble Hornets as opposed to just a one-man-army).
Perhaps too ambitious, I purchased the cheapest webhosting service I could find given my budget (aka nonexistant), and with all of the people attempting to access the site (since the website opened two days ago, I've gotten over 300,000 visits and I've spent probably half that time in maintence) - it was almost consistently down. If you're going to involve a website this closely in your interactive story, then you can't have your website crashing or unavailable for the majority of your users; you would need a service that could handle that many viewers. Unfortunately this was something I simply could not afford being a broke college student. I paid for the site out of my own pocket (in retrospect probably not the most sound finanical decision), and with the insane amount of traffic I was getting the server host wasn't cutting it and I didn't want to "break character" by putting Google ads in to generate revenue. I didn't have the money to upgrade and I knew that I wouldn't be doing this story justice if I continued on as things were. Even if the money issue was solved, there's still the matter of the updates taking too long - I simply did not have the time to devote enough attention into the project for speedy updates. So I was presented with two options - either wrap up this game in a lackluster ending that would feel contrived, or stop here and resume it later.
A bit of backstory: Writing/story-telling has always been a hobby of mine - I actually have a TV show that I'm currently finding an agent for - and being a closet dork, videogames have always interested me as a kid with Majora's Mask ranking among my favorite. I've never attempted writing anything remotely scary before, but MM aways had that "creepy" vibe to it and so on a whim I decided to try my hand at it. Maybe it wasn't everyone's forte, maybe a little cliched to some, but the concept of a videogame - a device that only reacts to what the user tells it - suddenly going outside its coding was something I wanted to explore and something that could engage the reader and have it relatable on more than one level. I wanted to make the story creepy not because of severed heads or morbid descriptions, but on a more psychological level with a fair amount of mindfuckery, for both the poor bastard protagonist and the reader.
I view this whole story as two separate stories - the original "Haunted Zelda Cartridge" - which ended with TheTruth.rtf - that is my original work and story. The second story - involving the website - would pick up where "Haunted Zelda Cartridge" left off. However, it obviously isn't completed and may seem too "out of place" for people to really get the whole picture, thus subject to a lot of "jumping the shark" claims. I know that there were some of the original fans who weren't happy with the direction it went in after the website came out and that it seemed like two different concepts entirely - they were, but I feel had this thing run its course the way I intended those same people may see the "second part" of the story in a new light. This explaination will not do it justice, but perhaps clears things up as to what my overall goal was:
The story was just as much of an experiment to me as it was an adventure for you guys. Being new at this genre, I wanted to try and bring a new kind of feel to the standard "creepy" stories; one that had to do with shattering the fourth wall and that sense of security. When you read a scary story, there's no doubt that it can be creepy, but in the back of your mind you know you're safe behind your computer screen on the internet connected to millions of other people. You've used the internet for years and you know how it works inside and out - and as a result you have this built up sense of security because of how familiar it is. I attempted to shatter that "fourth wall" with BEN. I wanted to write a story that involved the reader so they would feel more connected to the story. The biggest example of this is the big reveal at the end of TheTruth.rtf where the reader suddenly realizes that BEN has not only tricked the protagonist, but the reader as well, making them personally feel betrayed and uneasy at the same time. Obviously Cleverbot isn't haunted, but the way it works is that if a bunch of people start chatting with it saying specific words, the program will notice a pattern and start to associate them together, making it a perfect choice for leaving that lingering doubt of "what if?", especially now that BEN has leaked out into the internet and could theoretically control exactly what you're reading now. Maybe he just wants you to think this was all fake so you stop worrying about it and continue on with your normal lives. Probably not.
As I played with the concept of having the reader become more and more involved, the story sort of evolved into an Alternate Reality Game. I had always admired the unique sense of impending disaster and the three day concept in the videogame, and I wanted to take Majora's Mask and incorporate it into reality without copy/pasting it, which would make it lose all sense of believability. Instead, I opted for a more "modern" take, on how Majora's Mask would be if it happened in real life - there would be no goofy giant moon with a nasty face on it, there would be no floating mask that can possess said moon, etc. Instead there was a cult worshipping a moon that is destined to fall, a hero from another world, an evil entity that has crossed over into another dimension (Majora into Termina, similiar to BEN's entrance into the real world), a three day time cycle, as well as other parallels that would have become available further in the story. I wanted to capture and recreate the same feelings that we all got when we were playing Majora's Mask for the first time as kids. That feeling when you first went back in time, realizing that everyone else was oblivious, that was something that I wanted to try and bring to life. After that, with new knowledge of the events that will unfold, you then set out to change what was about to transpire.
I eventually introduced a "Link" to the viewers, with a second Youtube account, and my idea was to have him decide what kind of actions he'd take based on reponse videos. These response videos would require the user to boot up their own copy of Zelda and preform an action, not only making them feel more apart of the story, but directly in control of it. The viewers now served as Link's guide - or Navi as it was in the game. The main example of this is how Link is killed because of a bad video response on Youtube to a video put up by Jadusable (an incorrect song played). Link then posts a video on his account of the game over screen and nothing more. Yet not even 30 minutes later another user records a video - without any hints from me whatsoever - of him playing HIS Zelda game and releasing a fairy (which revives the player if killed) - which prompted me to revive Link and continue as him. This was only the beginning of what I originally had in mind - Link was the only person who could save our reality despite him being in a completely different dimension, but the players could dictate his actions. So in a sense, they were the guide, yet they were also the actual "player" controlling Link. I'm not going to reveal entirely what would have happened to the main characters or the plot, because I do intend to pick it up again some day and continue this.
I'm still experimenting, but I feel like the genre of "ARGs" is something that should be explored more often; the level of interactivity between the viewers and the creators gives the story a much more "personal" feel. I really hope that we see a rise of them in the coming years - if one single busy college student like me got this far - with an actual team the sky's the limit. The one major issue that I've noticed though, is fraud - no matter how many times I'd subtly try and remind my viewers "in character" that the only people they should be taking information as canon are accounts/websites linked to the original Jadusable Youtube account, every time some new guy claiming to either be a player in the story or be in contact with someone who is came to light, immediately people would swarm them and they'd end up throwing everyone else off because of bad information. I suppose I can't blame them, some of them were pretty damn convincing with their explainations of how they got into the story.
I expect that some of you are pissed now, and I can completely understand why - I can't tell you how much it kills me to have to cut it short like this because I know I'm letting you guys down, but hopefully you can see it from my perspective. I would like to thank my fans - it's because of your support that has motivated me to get this far. If I had it my way, it wouldn't end like this, believe me. But I'm still amazed at how big this has all gotten - its really surreal browsing the internet and seeing an article about something you've written up on Digg, Kotaku, and what-have-you, or overhearing a conversation in class and doing a double-take when you realize what they're talking about.
I would also like to extend an apology to a certain message board who has literally been taken over by people analyzing, exchanging theories, and discussing all aspects of what all this could mean or what the next move is. Haha, I'm sure there are quite a few people who can't wait until this is all over so things can go back to their regularly scheduled programming. Not too much longer.
I am going to leave the website up, but modify it so that it now serves as an archive of the story, and include a timeline of events (I know a few members have been keeping a record, if you could forward that to me at the address below when it's done that'd be much appreciated). Unfortunately being as broke as I am, I don't have the funds to maintain the website for very long, and donations would be appreciated just for the sake of keeping the website up as an archive for future viewers, otherwise the website will probably have to be taken down by the end of the month. If you are legitmently interested in making a donation to help host, there is a donate link at the top of this page. Don't feel obligated at all - knowing that I've kept you guys entertained all this time and provided something fun is reward enough, as lame as that sounds.
As I said before, this has been an experiment, and I've learned a lot of lessons from this for the future, and this is something that I would very much love to do again if given the resources. But, just know that this isn't the end.
If you need to get in contact with me or write me a nasty letter, my email is jadusable@youshouldnthavedonethat.net
Thanks again guys, it's been a wild ride. Loved every single second of it.
Jadusable
inb4 obligatory "FAKE AND GAY" response
This marked the ARG entering into its first "OoC Era" - or "Out-of-Character Era". Most of the updates that took place during this time are considered non-canon. Because of this, they will not be covered in great detail here. However, archives of most of them will be presented when available. Around the same time Alex made the post above, most of the canon content found on YSHDT.net was removed. Later that night, Alex partook in a QnA on /x/.
During this QnA, the player Ryukaki asks Alex was the point of the login information he received from Rosa was. Alex specifies that it's meant to unlock "The Truth" on YSHDT.net. Ryukaki actually shares a screenshot of his conversation with Rosa here, though he censors the login information that she have him. Ryukaki also urges Alex to put a "Donate" button up on the website and to answer his emails, which Alex says he'll do. A full transcript of this QnA can be found below:
Jadusable: Hey guys, you probably already heard the news, again I'm sorry it had to end like this, I hate the feeling that I'm letting down a lot of people that have devoted so much time into this; I just couldn't keep up with it all.
I dont have class for an hour or so and figured there would be a lot of unanswered questions, so feel free to speak your mind/hate me/call me a troll/ask a question
Ryukaki: What was the use of the username/password I got from Rosa?
Jadusable: That would unlock The Truth section of the website when the time reset and the site came back up.
Anon 5711159: How were we supposed to save Chris?
Jadusable: There was no way to reach Chris, like the Skull Kid hitting Tael, no matter what Tatl said or did it happened every time, you would simply have to watch him Ascend every time reset.
Anon 5711159: That's horrible, yet realistic, to hear. I was really hoping we could save their lives, even though they were obviously fictional. Now, my other question. On the site there was a picture of Kelbris on the drowned page. Before that was even revealed, someone started a creepy pic thread with that same image. Did you start that thread, was that a preexisting image, etc?
Jadusable: Strangely it resembled what kind of image I wanted for Kelbris, well, what I wanted you guys to view Kelbris as. So yeah I decided to use it
Anon 5711160: Personally, I think you're awesome. Well done. :3
Jadusable: Thank you - it means a lot man. I had a lot of fun doing this, it was very consuming, but in the end I'm glad I could provide entertainment to you guys.
Anon 5711161: Why did you fuck up /x/ to the point where the entire front page were all BEN!!11!!1? Why did you write another damn videogame creepypasta when you obviously have the skills and devotion to make something original and cool?
Jadusable: Was never my intention to do that, I can totally understand how the "vets" of /x/ probably loathe my guts for hijacking their board for two weeks. I was new at writing creepypasta, had no idea videogame thing was a cliche.
NickSayre: What was the main plan going to be. Let's say were were smart (ish), and actually did the right things. What would have happened?
Jadusable: Mirrored Majora's Mask, the next step was to play the Song of Healing, but for "Link/Alex", giving you the Fierce Deity mask. I tried hinting at it in the contact/alex page and implying that you could trust him because he was the lone wolf. The story was flexible enough so you could fuck up, lose main characters (like Rosa), but still manage to beat it. It was flexible, nothing was stagnant.
Anon 5711166: What is your opinion on the popularity the videos gathered?
Jadusable: Depends. A lot of them are smart people and I'm impressed with the theories they've come up with, but there's a small percentage of the fanbase that represent everything I hate about the internet.
Anon 5711169: So what caused the whole Kelbris front page freakout last night? Was it The Song of Healing or the New Wave Bossa Nova?
Jadusable: Song of Healing. Playing the Song of Healing to Jadusable/BEN always fucked shit up.
Jadusable: Oh, and about the plot and stuff - I'm going to pick it up later, I'd rather not spoil everything here.
Anon 5711173: You had more videos, didn't you? Children.wmv and MATT.wmv? Did you plan to release those yourself eventually, or only after we triggered something in the story?
Jadusable: Yes I have children.wmv, and the first part of matt.wmv (jadusable.wmv was the second part of matt.wmv, just renamed and spliced by BEN)
Anon 5711175: I have one: How long did you think the ARG was going to last? Link obviously didn't beat all 4 dungeons in 3 days.
Jadusable: Probably until next weekend, I surmised that you'd be able to complete it in 4 resets, one for each "giant".
Ryukaki: Will you promise to return my e-mail? :D
Jadusable: Haven't checked my email yet, but yes. Probably later tonight though.
Anon 5711198: we all spent a lot of time on this, and you don't owe us anything obviously but give us a little closure on the story! also, give a link for donations? I got at least 5 bucks w/your name on it, but for the entertainment I got i'd say it's worth way more then I've got to give :P
Jadusable: Haha much appreciated, but really, if you're honestly serious toss me an email at jadusable@youshouldnthavedonethat.net but I don't want you to feel oblidgated in any way, I'm just glad people have been entertained by this - reward enough.
Anon 5711205: Jad, we got a bunch of people in here that would like to talk to you. If you could please join us when you're ready, that would be awesome tinychat link
Jadusable: Dear god, I'd get swarmed with text, haha. Can you guyss come here?
Anon 5711210: How much control of the story did we have? Like, if for example, another vid was posted beating Dark Link, would the hunt stop? If we used certain items (like the fairy) and posted those in response, would something happen? (Like going to OOT and getting light arrows to help defend the hunt), etc.
Jadusable: You wouldnt be able to beat Dark Link just by posting a video, at least not yet in the story. Playing songs, using items (like fairy or a poe), going to certain places (like talking to navi at Link's house), would be valid actions though.
Anon 5711220: Who was Matt? It's what Ifrits email said, but the site said he was Rodney. Ballpark figure of when you can start the game again?
Jadusable: Matt was Ifrit. Rodney was a fake name on the website to cover his own ass. And no idea on when it might be, but I'll make sure you guys know.
Anon 5711222: Did you actually plan to incorporate the VTM Rosa and Prototype Consume kills videos or did that just kind of happen? If yes, what was the point of the Prototype one, because besides "Consume! Consume everything!" nobody managed to find any connection.
Jadusable: I sort of planned my story loosely around what Rosa said, I had those videos uploaded a year prior for some reason and decided that it would be pretty insane to use them and have her predict the future. Prototype was mainly used for keywords, with kind of a vague metaphor for how BEN operated.
Anon 5711215: Dude, you're fucking slow to answer. Now that I mention that... How did you choose who to answer when you gave the email adress? What did we have to ask?
Jadusable: I answered people who sounded "normal", people who were genuinely good at typing and sounding innocent enough. But with the sheer amount of emails I got it was hard to answer every single one that fit that category.
Anon 5711: What is the main goal of the story? What did we have to do?
Jadusable: Stop BEN, essentially. Kind of hard to explain
J4C3: the story was great my friend, bravo. I rather quite enjoyed it. I wouldn't mind being a member on your team when you do create the next creepypasta/ARG.
Jadusable: I may take you up on that, all I know is that I definitely need a team next time around.
Anon 5711242: Jadusable, would you mind clarifying whether or not it is true your name is Judas/Abel in scrambled letters?
Jadusable: Good eye.
Anon 5711314: I'm pretty sure they were trolling but did you really change some of the tags in the videos to Dead Brot, The grifter, who was phone etc. because somone was sure that you did, if you did though, why?
Jadusable: No, I never did that. Wouldnt even make sense.
Anon 5711245: Would you have ended this with a "happy" ending? Or one that would leave us thinking, or anything in between?
Jadusable: I had two endings in mind, I wanted to give you guys a sense of accomplishment for beating the ARG if you did, but given the nature of the content it wouldn't just be a "straight win".
the guy who fucks things up!: Do you share your address with other people trying to help you for your next projects?
Jadusable: If I start recruiting for a team to do an ARG with, I'll come to /x/, right now I'm not really concerned with it, just looking for some time off. It's taxing work haha.
Anon 5711266: really good arg, but totally though it was going to turn out to be a new real nintendo game :3 like ZeldaBlack,BEN edition or something silly. If you ever got the chance, do you think you'd like to go into game design and make a game creation as complex but involving as this ARG? (: it'd be such an awesome game~
Jadusable: If i would, I would do it in a heartbeat. I've always wanted to create a game moreso than a movie because you have an actual connection with the game, you're interacting in it and you feel apart of it. I would do an Eternal Darkness style horror where its more psychological than just "jumpscare jumpscare jumpscare" which seems to be too common these days.
nKoshi: What were the most important things you've learned? Since you mentioned you learned a good amount of things for the future.
Jadusable: How to cover your bases with frauds, honestly this really started annoying me, because I didn't want to break character and say "durr hur I dont have a twitter", but he was leading everyone astray and it was annoying. This kind of stuff happened a lot. Also, I realized how much work these things do take, and a lot about writing horror / filming horror in general, like pacing, setting the atmosphere, etc. Learned a lot about what people thought was scary too, just by the reactions on the different majora's mask videos. I tried to do different things with each one (Jadusable.wmv had no jump scares, all atmosphere and creepy elegy following you around).
Anon 5711283: Is that really you in the tinychat channel?
Jadusable: No. Its not. Not in any chat.
Anon 5711303: Jadusable! An odd request, and one that's not truly relevant to the story, but I was wondering if we could get a peek at the face of the man who revived /x/ from the depths of succubi summoning, who was phone, and ded bort. ALSO, did you, a friend, or someone else create this picture? I love it, and if it's part of a set, or something, I'd love a link!!!!
Jadusable: Yeah I'll grab a picture, hang on. Pic related, its me. And i found [the inkblot] off google surprisingly
wariatka: Hey, just wanted to tell you that for the last week or so my thoughts were on /x/ when I was at my job, outta my flat, anywhere far from the web. You gave me nearly sleepless nights, but most of all, you awoke emotions in me. Anticipation and excitement are something very rare for me, recently I've had lots of it. Thank you. You're a one man army of pure, liquid internet genius. Hats down. Regards and best wishes from Poland.
Jadusable: God, thank you. I really love reading comments like that. Thank you to everyone, I can't individually say it to you - it's hard enough typing all these responses as it is, but yeah.
Anon 5711346: What's your real name? Also, did you shamelessly tip off sites like kotaku or was it someone else?
Jadusable: Haha, dont know how comfortable i feel about posting my real name, but no I didn't tip off any sites actually, like I said, never expected this to get so big.
Anon 5711351: What role did "The Father" have?
Jadusable: Happy Mask Salesman
A: Can you put up a donate link? I'd be more than willing to help out when i get paid next, even if it just goes towards your college instead of the story, you earned it bro and i personally would not mind one bit.
Jadusable: I'll get a donate link up on the website probably later today, I just don't want to come across as a pompous douchebag.
Anon 5711370: Why did you post that video so close to stopping the ARG, was it an impulse decision or? (Note: this is referring to huntyoudown.wmv)
Jadusable: After posting that, I kind of realized what path I had set this down on and there wasn't really any way of backing out without making it seem like a cheap cop-out. It kind of made me realize that there was no way I could reasonably spread myself far enough to finish this.
Jadusable: Everyone posting their email: Just so you know I am saving them and your details, dont think I'm ignoring you guys.
Anon 5711387: So if Song of Healing brought out Kelbris, what did New Wave Bossa Nova do?
Jadusable: Made Rosa speak to you guys
Anon 5711402: Jad can we have links to download all the music you used on your site? Or could you put them on it somewhere to download? I loved them all especially the Lost In My Thoughts one. They really got me into it and have to have been one of my favorite parts. Also I know you have probably a million emails and a million people who would want to help with something like this, but I'd love working on a ARG as well. sormo8i3@hotmail.com, I emailed you one of the pastebins we were using to keep up with things.
Jadusable: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j911HD2OiE I'm sure if you ask him he could give you an mp3, I dont personally know him
Anon 5711393: You sort of forgot about the old man at the start of the story, who he was and his importance. Obviously he's the happy mask salesman, but why? the story only took place on the web, was/is the story gonna come back to that?
Jadusable: He was going to come back into the story, sort of foreshadowed it with the protagonist mentioning he saw him and then the next entry he said he ran.
Anon 5711458: was f3tusrape a part of the story at all?
Jadusable: No he was not.
Anon 5711452: Did you ever post as anonymous? Giving us hints and what not?
Jadusable: Hah, only like twice and the hints were for nothing monumental. You guys figurd it out pretty quick.
Anon 5711404: Was thetruth.txt becoming thetruth.rtf a genuine fuckup due to poor preplanning with that last character or was there another reason?
Jadusable: Was originally planning to hide text in there, plus .rtfs just looked nicer.
Anon 5711414: I have one: What the fuck is that The Genies song that u posted? I REALLY not get that. and, again, you're a genious, really.
Jadusable: Just a hint about the knocking, thats all
Anon 5711426: What would have happened if a vid were posted of Link playing the Song of Healing backwards? Anything?
Jadusable: You couldn't play the song of healing backwards in the game, so no.
Anon 5711438: Theoretically, what if someone had uploaded the moon finally crashing? Would that have fucked things up?
Jadusable: You only controlled Link, with the exception of playing songs to BEN, so no, not really.
Anon 5711486: Were there any cameos in it, such as rl friends names that you used just to pay homage, or any general easter eggs in the story you care to share?
Jadusable: My real life name is Alex - sort of a play on the fact that Link was named "Alex" and was the "link" to you guys and the story. Lame, I know. Funny though, I showed my friend, who's name is also Ben, the story I had been writing (it was right after TheTruth.rtf came out), and I totally didnt make the connection - didnt really pay it any mind - until he said "did you name the character after me?", we had a good laugh about it after.
Anon 5711491: Jad, you are confirmed for Bro tier. Really, I'm proud of you for doing this. And was it you in that thread with the gary coleman picture before? You're a classy motherfucker, and thank you for coming up with all this.
Jadusable: Yeah , that was me hah.
Anon 5711505: Had Elegy of Emptiness been the first and most posted video, how would you have gone with that?
Jadusable: Huh, what do you mean?
Anon 5711505: As in, had we done the stupidest thing, and posted the Elegy of Emptiness, how would you have gone with that creative/story wise?
Jadusable: Turned Link into an elegy probably. To be honest I didnt expect anyone to do that, if they did they'd be trolling and I'd ignore it.
Anon 5711303: Jadusable, guy who asked for your pic here. I have one other question. I haven't been analyzing the story as much lately, I started getting confused when YSHDT was introduced, but tell me. Is Kelbris supposed to be a boss, one of the four giants, or something else entirely?
Jadusable: One of the four giants
Anon 5711539: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm1FnpHUJCQ have people seen this alternative account video? not a troll btw
Jadusable: wat
Anon 5711543: I've only read the first story and visited the "Moon Children" website a couple of times but I absolutely loved all the effort you put into this. Especially the videos. I'm not sure if I can think the same of my favorite game as a child the same again. So even if I wasn't involved in the story much, I can still appreciate the hard work you put into this. Did you mod the zelda game or what for the videos? it was rather impressive.
Jadusable: Everything I did was through gameshark cheats and sneaky video editing. No modding involved, unfortuantely, which is a shame, because if I could mod, I would so release the ROM to you guys in a sort of "now you have to save BEN/the protagonist" twist.
Anon 5711545: Would you mind posting all the videos you've made so far?
Jadusable: They're all on youtube, under Jadusable and TheLinkMissing. I'm going to rearrange the website later today (tomorrow) to host them there as a reference.
!DOCTORl4Wg: Just thought I'd pop in and say you have my respect. I disliked the effect this had on /x/, but it was an entertaining story and I appreciate that you've done the right thing here. Kudos!
Jadusable: I'm not a huge fan of the tripfags here on /x/, but you are among the few actual decent tripfriends here. Sorry for cluttering your board again, and sorry for the Cleverbot spam. I knew people would go to Cleverbot, but I didn't realize everyone would be spamming /x/ with their own chat logs (funfact, I emailed the creator of Cleverbot and turns out their traffic had gone up 20% since I mentioned CB).
Ryukaki: In the future: Keep player interaction like with Rosa to about the same degree as you did this time. When I was speaking with her and got that information from her, I wasn't even thinking. I was shaking and worried and filled with fear and hope and resolve and just acting on impulse, which is why I spammed caps and made so many typos. It was so incredibly immersing, but if you do it too much, people will abuse it. God that was the most terrifying few minutes of the last few years.
Jadusable: Oh that was YOU, huh? Haha oh wow. Well good, that's what I was going for!
Ryukaki: Yeah, I was involved in both the first and second contacts with the gmail address. The first one with "Alex" left me cussing and wishing I'd just acted a few minutes sooner, that I hadn't fucking hesitated, and that made me resolve that I wouldn't lose another one. Losing Rosa, too, or even just the thought of it really fucking screwed with me, total suspension of disbelief. It was awesome.
Anon 5711553: Any details on how the story evolved? I'm sure there were rewrites here and there yeah? Was the original concept more or less the same, or perhaps completely different?
Jadusable: Not really any rewrites, except for a few. I didn't like the ending of the original TheTruth, so I redid it. All from scratch too =\
Anon 5711605: Why'd you pick Majoras Mask? It could have been anything right? It coulda been any of the games, hell something even completely different like a Mario of Final fantasy game. Is it just your favourite or did something spurr you on to do it. especially keeping in mind Wii virtual console sales probably rocketed all because of you.
Jadusable: Majoras Mask was one of my favorite games, and there's something just so bittersweet creepy about it that I figured it would be perfect for this kind of setting.
Anon: When you have some time, and you're feeling down, check your facebook page: ARG FB Fanpage Everyone is thanking you. Some guy even made new lyrics for the clasic zelda song.
Jadusable: Haha, a facebook group? Geez... really cool.
Anon 5711649: Quick question: Was Ifrit always gone, even after the Song of Time was played? Could we have saved him?
Jadusable: He was like the giants. If you defeat them, they stay defeated when you go back in time (well, you keep their remains, which is a sort of paradox that had to be modified for this story)
Anon 5711659: Were Passadore and whatserface actually part of the story or just some faggots trying to steal your thunder?
Jadusable: No they werent involved.
The Abyssal Zone: Alex, I see. Although I have same chances of being ignored as everyone else in the thread, I want to tell you that your story was great, even greater if you worked everything by yourself, and although you can pretty call me a pussy because of it, the story really got into me, enough to have to sleep with lights on and even then, wake up in the middle on the night just to be staring aimlessly around my room. I really hope that maybe you'll make something new in the future, until then, congratulations mate, I salute you gentleman, you did a good job. If you need any help, emails always work. Until then, see ya and take care
Jadusable: /salute
Anon 5711667: I'm actually halfway through setting up an ARG, any tips?
Jadusable: Plannn. If you have outcomes that you know will happen eventually prepare them ahead of time. Make sure to cover your tracks to prevent people from posing as you, like "dont listen to anyone who doesnt post from <XYZ>" or something. Always have some kind of cliffhanger or a "what a tweest" ending to the updates or whatever to keep people fishhooked.
omfgitstabitha: @Jad: I "know people" in the community, would you be interested in doing an interview? I could probably arrange that with ZeldaInformer.com. =/
Jadusable: Haha, absolutely. That'd be pretty neat.
Jadusable: /shrug, I'm usually too caught up in my thing to pay attention to what other people are doing with their videos
Ryukaki: Hey Jad, don't forget to put up a "donate" button on the website, damn you. You deserve it.
Jadusable: Ahhh fine. I'll have it up either later today or tomorrow :P
Raixsarin: Jad, this thing was amazing. While I admit, I am slightly dissapointed at this ending, I understand completely and it's totally cool. All in all, you've done a splendid job and I hope you will try to pick this up again in the future. One thing I am curious about though... During the night the countdown was supposed to end, I received a text on my phone that read: Warn them. Warn them all. The End comes with Luna tonight. I've never posted my number to anyone online and it freaked me the fuck out for a while. It came from an ip address too. It probably was one of my friends fucking with me, but still, it was cool noneoftheless. Anyway, thanks for the awesome week. I had a hell of a time trying to figure this all out. Posting my email as well, for giggles.
Jaudsable: LOL. That wasn't me, that's for sure.
Anon 5711783: Hey jad are you a full blown /x/file or did you just stumble upon the site by chance?
Jadusable: Hmm.. Depends, really. I've lurked /x/ on and off for about a year or so, never triped. I only donned this trip to post the story and the followup.
Anon 5711920: I was following this damn story religiously until we were waiting for the countdown, when I kind of got busy and then lost track of everything. I must say though, this was amazing, and I was pretty pleased and spooked the entire time. Thanks for making this, I know a ton of us enjoyed it a lot. Also, there were a few people on your Jadusable youtube account talking about calling the police about the school shooting stuff on YSHDT.net, when the site was discovered. Did you expect that kind of thing?
Jadusable: No, I did get kind of freaked out though.
Anon 5711615: Did you ever get nervous that maybe after your first post you wouldn't be able to sustain a following, if the story had flopped what wouldve been your plan of action
Jadusable: I didnt really think about it honestly, as soon as i was done writing the first part of the creepypasta i just posted it and the reaction was pretty quick. And for those of you asking, yes, I decided to put a "Donate" tab on the website. Don't feel like you have to though, at all.
Q: I can't explain how awesome the past days were, Alex. The story was... brilliant. The cult, the riddles, everthing. Can't figure how could you think in this all. Anyway, i have some questions, but i will understand if you don’t answer them. (i have bad inglesh, so, sorry, i will do my best) First of all, the video posted by F3TURAPE. What was the role of it? It's oddie, seemed be fake, but i don't know. There is something like the Majora's Mask moon in the background xP. Second, September 18 (Saturday) was the International Observe the Moon Night, (exactly the day of the creepy countdown) like said in this link: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/1006/ Was it part of the plan? And about Jadusable (the person in the story), which is his connection with the Moon Children? Who's the person advertising us with messages like "You need to warn them"? Thanks again. You made my days much better. I wish all the best for you. Kudos.
Jadusable: The Fetus thing was fake, and the lunar moon watch was a fortunate coincidence when I was planning this whole thing out :) Also Jadusable (the protagonist) is not related to the Moon Children
Q: (This question disappeared)
Jadusable: I'd be happy to host it if you need someone, and thank you for the donations guys, it means a lot. I'm so glad that this is well received.
Sometime later that night, a "Donate" Page was added to YSHDT.net, where users could send donations to Alex. Also, strangely, TheTruth.rtf was once again posted to /x/ - though this time the image of the Happy Mask Salesman that accompanied it was renamed to "TheFather.jpg".
On September 21st, 2010, Alex posted three separate announcements on YSHDT.net. Here, he reiterates that the ARG is not cancelled but instead simply on pause. He also notes that he's hoping to have the website's story archive pages online by tomorrow. Alex then proceeds to go over a few other small details, claiming that he's designing some T-shirts, asking users to create banners for the website, and sifting through emails. However, most importantly, Alex reveals that several generous donations from fans have ensured that YSHDT.net will remain online. Moreover, the ARG will be able to continue sooner than expected. An archive of these posts can be found here:
I have a ridiculous amount of mail right now, but rest assured I will get to each and every one of your letters. Thank you for your interest in this story and thank you for supporting it.
Just so everyone is clear - the story is not over yet, but it is paused for now. Check the menu bar for new links being put up of the Archive/Stories/Q&A, these are all coming tomorrow.
((Post Two))
Because of the sheer volume of requests, I am currently working on making a few t-shirt designs for you guys should you feel the need to have them. Stay tuned for updates on that end. Also, I am updating the site to include the full history of the story so far, I'll let you know when the "Chapters" section is completed. Also, I am needing new banners to post up here, whether it be a custom image or a collage or what have you. I have seen a LOT of amazing artwork from you guys, so if you are artistically talented feel free to submit a 800x192 JPG or PNG to my email. Title your email something along the lines of "Banner image submission", I'll be sure to credit you accordingly if I use it. Thanks again guys!
((Post Three))
Due to the donations of several extremely generous people, the website is no longer in danger of going offline. Not only that, but it looks like I'll be able to continue working on the story in the near future. I can't tell you guys how excited this makes me, expect to hear some new developments soon. Thank you again for being so supportive, I couldn't have done this without you all. I'm not going to discourage continued donations, but just know that your donations are not going to keeping the site up, but rather, your donations will be going towards hiring assistance and purchasing a bigger website and other goodies I've got in store for you guys.
On September 22nd, 2010, various pages cataloging the story of the ARG were added to YSHDT.net. On October 4th, 2010, players discovered a hidden message spread out within the code of various pages on YSHDT.net that spelled out "http:// WHAT IS not so fast .com" - presumably hinting towards the existence of a new website. This led players to discovering "Whatisben.com" - a website that had just recently been created. However, it was completely blank at this time.
Supplemental Material: Alex partook in an OoC interview with Zelda Informer, which can be found here.
On October 5th, 2010, the music on YSHDT.net changed to a much more menacing track. The words "Probably not" in Alex's message "Maybe ((BEN)) just wants you to think this was all fake so you stop worrying about it and continue on with your normal lives. Probably not." were marked out, perhaps implying that some of Alex's recent out-of-character updates were actually canonical to some degree.
On October 6th, 2010, "The Glitch" occurred - an event that resulted in YSHDT.net undergoing many strange changes. First, the website's favicon changed to a small image of a child wearing a gas mask. After this, a large image of a gas mask appeared on the Front Page. Below this were three locked files. Their contents were as follows:
FSZTKU.txt
You didn't think I was done with you. Did you? You are done playing when I say you are done playing.
TheLie.txt
This is just a dream.
TheTruth.txt
Wake up. You have to wake up.
The text "It's not real"" was also typed out nine times above the image of the gas mask. Meanwhile, strange whispering sounds could be heard both on the Front Page and within "The Truth". The FAQ Page and "The Truth" page both contained text that read "This Will Hurt You.", with the former also containing an image of Kelbris. Alex's "Contact Page" had also been emptied of its contents. Over time, the following three messages appeared on the Front Page:
You are waking up now. 13 minutes.
You are waking up now. 5 minutes.
Pulling the plug.
By investigating the URL's of the website's various files, players discovered an entire index of the website's images, audio, and text files. While many of these had been seen before, some were new. The entire list of "Downloadable Files" will be archived below, with the newer files being examined more closely further down on this page:
File 16 - "5342.jpg"
A screenshot of the Elegy Statue. This appeared when hovering over DROWNED's avatar.
File 17 - "Ebon.jpg"
Matt's avatar.
File 18 - "moon banner 192.jpg"
The page banner found on the "Contact" Page featuring a tree and the moon.
File 19 - "moon banner2 192.jpg"
The page banner found on the "Search" Page featuring two trees.
File 20 - "moon banner3 192.jpg"
The page banner found on the "Creed" Page featuring two moons above an ocean.
File 21 - "moon banner4 192.jpg"
The page banner found on the Front Page featuring the moon above the horizon.
File 22 - "moon banner5 192.jpg"
The page banner found on the "About" Page featuring the moon above some water.
File 23 - "Ebon.jpg"
Matt's avatar - the same as File 17.
File 24 - "Insidiae.jpg"
Kevin's avatar.
File 25 - "Song of Healing Reversed.mp3"
An unused audio file that's completely empty.
File 26 - "Creeeep Sales.mp3"
An unused audio file featuring a reversed, sped up version of the Happy Mask Salesman's theme.
File 27 - "Day 2 Bookmark Icon.jpg"
An unused image of a small moon with a face on it.
File 28 - "Day 1 Bookmark Icon.jpg"
The website's first favicon - the same as File 07.
File 29 - "moon banner6 192.jpg"
The page banner found on the "Theories" Page featuring the Earth being struck by meteors.
File 30 - "Kelbris.jpg"
The image of Kelbris found on DROWNED's Contact Page.
File 31 - N/A
This file did not exist.
File 32 - "OOT_BongoBongo_Murmur.mp3"
Audio of the boss "Bongo Bongo" from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Played on the Front Page after the "Song of Healing" was submitted.
File 33 - "Majora's Mask Music Ikana Valley Reversed 0.0.mp3"
Audio of Ikana Valley's theme from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask but reversed. Played on DROWNED's Contact Page.
File 34 - "Matt's Final Hour.mp3"
Audio of the Happy Mask Salesman's theme but reversed and sped up even more. Played on the Front Page as the countdown neared its end.
File 35 - "BEN.jpg"
A screenshot of the Elegy Statue that appeared on Matt's Contact Page during the second cycle.
File 36 - "Get it yet..mp3"
Audio of the Skull Kid's laugh but slowed down. Played on Matt's Contact Page during the second cycle.
File 37 - "closer.mp3"
Unused audio of the boss "Bongo Bongo" from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
File 38 - "4g.jpg"
Kelbris's avatar.
File 39 - "notover.mp3"
Unused audio of the Skull Kid laughing even more slowly.
File 40 - "TheTruth.rtf"
Alex's notes - the same TheTruth.rtf from before.
File 41 - "9857865167_53Dkx.jpg"
The page banner found on the "Donate" Page featuring the Happy Mask Salesman.
File 42 - "9857891195_9dhxc.jpg"
The page banner found on the "Chapters" Page featuring the Happy Mask Salesman.
File 43 - "Banner donations.jpg"
The page banner found on the "Donate" Page featuring the Happy Mask Salesman - a larger version of File 41.
File 44 - "Eyes.jpg"
An image of the gas mask that appeared on the Front Page during "The Glitch".
File 45 - "NeverCould.mp3"
Audio of strained sobbing that appeared on the Front Page during "The Glitch".
File 46 - "Eyes.jpg"
An image of the gas mask that appeared on the Front Page during "The Glitch" - the same as File 44.
File 47 - "StoleMy.jpg"
An image of the gas mask that appeared on the Front Page during "The Glitch" - the same as Files 44 and 46.
File 48 - "HKBBDIN.jpg"
The website's second favicon - an image of a child wearing a gas mask.
You didn't think I was done with you. Did you? You are done playing when I say you are done playing.
File 49 - "FSZTKU.txt"
A text file containing a message from BEN that appeared on the Front Page during "The Glitch".
This is just a dream.
File 50 - "TheLie.txt"
A text file that appeared on the Front Page during "The Glitch". This was locked behind the password "BEN".
Wake up. You have to wake up.
File 51 - "TheTruth.txt"
A text file that appeared on the Front Page during "The Glitch". This was locked behind the password "BEN".
File 52 - "unintelligible.mp3"
An audio file of chant-like whispering that appeared during "The Glitch". This was locked behind the password "jadusable".
File 53 - "unintelligible.mp3"
An audio file of chant-like whispering "Help me, please! You have to help me!" that appeared during "The Glitch". This was locked behind the password "free".
File 54 - "nowyou.jpg"
A completely black image that appeared on the "FAQ" Page during "The Glitch".
File 55 - "trapped.jpg"
A cropped image of Kelbris that appeared on the "FAQ" Page during "The Glitch".
File 56 - "unintelligible.mp3"
An unused audio file of someone shivering and crying. This was locked behind the password "Ifrit".
File 57 - "unintelligible.mp3"
An unused audio file of someone whispering "Please kill me". This was locked behind the password "Ifrit".
File 58 - "Day 1 Bookmark Icon.jpg"
The website's first favicon - an image of Majora's Mask. The same as Files 07 and 28.
File 59 - "mhftt.txt"
An unused text file. This was locked behind the password "thelensoftruth".
This file's contents will be covered in more detail later.
It comes for us all Sephiriam.
File 60 - "Fate.txt"
An unused text file that referenced the player Sephiriam.
Unused Files:
Three unused page banners featuring trees, sheep, and ocean fauna respectively.
Majora's Mask concept art of Link, Epona, and Tatl.
Two screenshots of Majora's Mask featuring the Skull Kid next to the Moon - one of which seemed to be a banner with text reading "Children of the Moon".
A completely blank version of the "Song of Unhealing".
A sped up and reversed version of the Happy Mask Salesman's theme.
A favicon of the moon with a face on it.
"File 31", which was completely non-existent.
Slightly different audio files of Bongo Bongo and the Skull Kid from The Legend of Zelda.
Two audio files of someone crying and asking to be killed locked behind the password "Ifrit".
A text file titled "Fate.txt" that read "It comes for us all Sephiriam." - referencing a player named Sephiriam.
Overall, the website seemed to have several hidden files relating to the idea of someone "waking up" to reality and various individuals seemingly trapped, scared, or in pain. However, the most interesting file was File 59 - "mhftt.txt", which is believed to be an abbreviation for "Matt Hubris Four Two Three". This file contained a message from Matt that read as follows:
If you're reading this then you've found the secret message. This is the last one i can send out. I am not dead. its sitting right in front of you. You are meant to survive this, you can't give him what he wants. I don't know how to tell you this, but there is no more link now, he was the last thing that stood between you and IT as some kind of conduit. that conduit is severed now. there is notConsider this the REALhing that is separating you from him, he will try to get to you, It will try to break you, but you have to remain strong, you cannot it. It is sadistic. It will try and give you guys a fighting chance like it's given everyone else. it wants you to try and resist to try and be fooled into thinking that you have any semblence of free will. do not buy it. do not believe it. It is always watching, and it will lead you iTruth.txtnto oblivion if you let it. do not be fooled, if something is too good to be true - be wary. you must use this overconfidence and systematic prediction against it. how? I do not know. that is something that i could not figure out before the end. even now, its allowing me to reach you, through this message.
Matt tells the players that they no longer have a "link" - referring to Alex. He was the last thing standing between the players and BEN. This began the trend of the players referring to the main character of the ARG as their "Link" - an individual who usually seems to be the most affected by The Ocarina. Matt also warns the players about BEN's insidious and manipulative nature. Strangely, his message is interspersed with snippets of Alex's first OoC message on YSHDT.net - mainly the message "Consider this the 'real' TheTruth.txt".
Your first instinct may be to assume that this message has been tampered with, but then you may not really understand who It really is. It wants to play, it wants a challenge. It has led you thWhat are you talking about?is far for a reason, but now you will be given the means to fight back. I say let Its arrogance be its undoing.
There are strength in numbers. you no doubt have others who will help collaborate with you. there are those who have left behind clues subtle enough for It to not realize their significance. they may help you if you can find them. combine your brains together, starting with the recent "glitch", compile every bit of evidence you have and share it amongst yourselves, and you may gain the upperhand yet.
Do not ever let It use you. It thinks It is in control, yet despite all the omnipotence in the world, there is nothing more dangerous than the illusion of compliance.
- Ifrit,
Matt says that BEN likely has not tampered with this particular message because BEN actually wants the players to be able to put up a fight and play with him. However, this sentiment is cut off by the message "What are you talking about?", calling into question its validity. Matt stresses that the players should group together and not be fooled by BEN, stressing that "there is nothing more dangerous than the illusion of compliance", implying that BEN isn't fully in control.
I SEE YOU THREE LIVE, CAN MY DEAR ROSA PLEASE LIVE.
KAYD HENDRICKS YOU ARE IN DANGER.
It's unclear who exactly Matt is referring to in regards to "YOU THREE", though it's believed that this might be relating to YSHDT.net's other three moderators - Chris, Spencer, and Kevin. Matt also gives a warning to someone named Kayd Hendricks. Players quickly discovered that this was the real name of Ryukaki - the player who previously obtained the login information for "The Truth" from Rosa. Further exploration led players to one of Ryukaki's private IRC chatrooms. Here, they began chatting with Kayd's girlfriend - Quia.
JarSqwuid
Is Ryukaki online now?
Quia
That's an odd question. If we aren't active, how are we supposed to let you know?
JarSqwuid
I dunno, I've never been in an IRC. I found this place through Ryukaki's DeviantArt.
Quia
I see. Why are you looking for him?
Xerot
He's in grave danger. Do you know anything about BEN?
Quia
Oh shit. What the hell is going on?
Xerot
Oh hell. What's happened?
Quia
Nothing yet, but I don't know where he is right now.
Unfortunately, Quia wasn't sure where Kayd was at the moment. Regardless, the players attempted to garner some more information:
Quia
Wait, what are we talking about?
JarSqwuid
Ryukaki's connection with BEN.
Quia
Well, that's a good question.
Not too long ago he started going a bit weirder than usual. He mentioned Ben and some crazy moon people he was talking with.
JarSqwuid
Has he mentioned ascending?
Quia
He hasn't talked about HIM ascending, but there's some really weird shit going down.
JarSqwuid
Who has he talked about that has ascended?
Quia
Uhh... shit, he did. Let me try and remember.
Chris?
JarSqwuid
Yeah, anyone else?
Quia
He was a bit of a jackass about it, actually. He wouldn't tell me much, just that he was involved in something 'big.'
I think it's some kind of moon cult?
Quia claims that Kayd has been somewhat secretive and hasn't told her much about his interactions with the Moon Child. This, coupled with the warning found on YSHDT.net signaled that he might actually be a canon character within the ARG - not just another player.
Xerot
Say, how do you know Ryu?
Quia
Me? We've been friends for years now. Met here, actually. This moon stuff is all new.
Kayd and Quia supposedly met via the IRC chat a few years ago. However, his newfound obsession with the Moon Children seems to be relatively new.
Quia
Just a sec, there's someone here.
DarkScythe
At your door? Don't open it.
JarSqwuid
Don't open your door.
Xerot
For the love of god, don't open it.
JarSqwuid
Quia, unless you're expecting someone, do not open that god damn door.
DarkScythe
Quia? DON'T OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!
Kayd
What the…
What are you guys doing here?!
JarSqwuid
RYU. Thank god.
Quia hears someone knocking on her door and goes to open it. Shortly after this, Kayd joined the IRC. He's surprised as to how the players found this place - seemingly unaware of the warning discovered on YSHDT.net.
Kayd
Who the hell told them about this place.
Xerot
BEN did. you're in grave danger.
Kayd
Wait wait, when did Ben mention anything to anyone? Who do you think you are?
DarkScythe
Ifrit told us you are in danger.
Kayd
You guys know that was all just some fun, right? You shouldn't concern yourselves with it anymore.
Strangely, Kayd claims that the entire ARG was "just some fun", parroting what was said on YSHDT.net during the "OoC Era".
Kayd
Don't presume to tell me what is and what isn't regarding Ben! I had to sit and see Rosa die, so don't you fucking dare presume to tell me about Ben or the Children or anything. What the hell do you guys want.
JarSqwuid
You watched Rosa die?
Kayd's tone suddenly shifts. He becomes defensive, no longer treating the ARG as if it were just a game, mentioning how he had to watch Rosa die.
JarSqwuid
We want answers mate, ANSWERS.
Kayd
Then answer my questions, first. For instance, who led you here?
JarSqwuid
Ifrit did, and Ben. File 59.
Kayd
What is file 59?
JarSqwuid
File 59 is ifrit, telling us to warn you. "KAYD HENDRICKS YOU ARE IN DANGER"
Kayd
Hah, cute. If I was in any danger I think I would know.
I guess I'll answer what I can. What do you want to know?
JarSqwuid
What can you tell us about the Father?
Kayd
I can tell you nothing about the Father. Next question.
Kayd confirms that he is seemingly unaware of File 59 or any supposed danger that he might be in. Regardless, he offers to answer some of the players' questions. He's reluctant to answer anything regarding The Father, however - possibly due to him either being reluctant to divulge such deep secrets of the Moon Children or simply because he doesn't know much about them.
JarSqwuid
Who is Chris?
Kayd
Chris.. Chris is one of the Children, by now I imagine, haha..
JarSqwuid
What can you tell us about the Children?
Kayd
The Children. That is a complicated question you ask.
Xerot
What is the purpose of The Children?
Kayd
The Children's purpose? To serve Luna, of course. To become one with her. To finally hear her voice
What a thing that must be…
Kayd begins speaking in a somewhat malicious tone, laughing at Chris's Ascension and praising the idea of serving and becoming one with Luna. This seemingly confirms that he is a member of the Moon Children.
JarSqwuid
You need a mask, don't you?
Kayd
The masks are a symbol. They are a symbol of who you are. Of what you are. And your connection to Luna.
They are a symbol of... where do you get your information from, if I ask?
JarSqwuid
We get our information from your Ben and the clues he leaves us.
Kayd
I'm sorry, I've only met Ben once, as far as I recall.
He went missing recently, though. You say you've spoken to him?
Kayd explains that the Moon Children use masks as symbols of their identities and their connection to Luna. He also claims that he met Ben once, but he recently went missing. This contradictory claim is similar to what Matt stated when emailing users on YSHDT.net.
JarSqwuid
What of Rosa? Why did she die? Could you explain what you saw?
Kayd
I didn't see anything. I was speaking with her on the phone, and heard some noises when she went to answer her door.
Later we couldn't find her. Maybe it was a spontaneous vacation, but I presume she died.
JarSqwuid
Did Kelbris get her?
Kayd
Kelbris?
Kayd claims that he was speaking with Rosa over the phone when she died. This is odd, because he was actually emailing her on his computer - not calling her. He also claims to be unaware of Kelbris.
Xerot
Oh hell. Do you have Quia's phone number?
Kayd
Why are you worried about Quia?
Xerot
She said she needed to answer her door for a moment.
Kayd
She has a good friend named Rena who visits her from time without notice. I'm sure it's nothing.
Kayd claims that the person who was at Quia's door was likely one of her friends named Rena and that the players shouldn't be concerned.
Kayd
I'm sorry you guys, but if there's nothing else, I have your warnings, and I need to get back to... studying.
I'm expecting a group over for this comp scie class.
JarSqwuid
Wait, one more question. What is the truth?
Kayd
The Truth is inside all of us. You will know it when you find it.
Ooh, and one more thing.
"This time, beware false prophets."
Kayd has to leave the chat to attend to a "Computer Science" group that would be soon visiting his home - presumably for a college class. When asked about the contents of "The Truth", Kayd simply gives a cryptic answer and warns the players to beware of "false prophets". Overall, this entire conversation is somewhat strange. One moment, Kayd claims that the entire ARG was simply a game. After that, he begins acting like a malicious Moon Child, spouting similar beliefs about Luna and the same contradictory messages about Ben's disappearance. A full archive of this conversation can be found below:
JarSqwuid: Ryukaki is online now? Quia: That's an odd question. Quia: If we aren't active, how are we supposed to let you know?
Xerot: Oh good, someone else.
JarSqwuid: I dunno I've never been in an IRC
JarSqwuid: I found this place through Ryukaki's deviantart Quia: I see. Quia: Why are you looking for him?
Xerot: None of that matters though. We need to talk to him.
Xerot: He's in grave danger.
JarSqwuid: There are a lot of people posting on his deviantart Quia: And you two are...?
Xerot: People hoping to stop whatever is about to happen.
JarSqwuid: Me too
Xerot: Do you know anything about BEN? Quia: Oh shit.
Xerot: Oh hell. What's happened? Quia: What the hell is going on?
Xerot: I don't have time to fully explain, but we NEED to find a way to talk to Ryukaki. Quia: Nothing, yet, but I don't know where he is right now.
Xerot: ...What?
JarSqwuid: Wait
JarSqwuid: Huh?
JarSqwuid: Elaborate Quia: Wait, what are we talking about?
JarSqwuid: Ryukaki's connection with BEN.
Xerot: Quia... What exactly are we playing? Quia: Well that's a good question. Not too long ago he started going a bit weirder than usual. Quia: He mentioned Ben.
Xerot: How long? Quia: And some crazy moon people he was talking with.
DarkScythe: Has he mentioned knowcking at all?
JarSqwuid: Has he mentioned ascending?
Xerot: I'm sorry we're pestering the hell out of you, but we've got to hurry before we're too late.
JarSqwuid: He's in serious trouble now.
Xerot: Was it about 3 days ago this all began? Quia: He hasn't talked about HIM ascending. Quia: But there's some really weird shit going down.
JarSqwuid: Who has he talked about that has ascended?
Xerot: Well, yeah. We're talking to you, lol.
JarSqwuid: Has he mentioned names, or anything? Quia: Uhh... shit, he did, let me try and remember.
JarSqwuid: Thanks
JarSqwuid: Take your time. Quia: Chris?
JarSqwuid: Yeah, anyone else?
Xerot: Any kind of online conversations, data, anything?
JarSqwuid: And if you can, what did he say abotu Chris? Quia: He was a bit of a jackass about it actually, he wouldn't tell me much. Just that he was involved in something 'big.' Quia: And he mentioned Chris in reference to Ascending.
alicia: whoa.
JarSqwuid: Ahh okay, yeha they're pretty secretive. And yes we know Chris was supposed to ascend.
DarkScythe: Did he mention Luna at all?
JarSqwuid: Has he mentioned Kelbris? Quia: Luna, yes, Kelbris, I don't think so. Quia: I think it's some kind of moon cult?
JarSqwuid: Yeah it is
Xerot: for lack of a better word, yes.
alicia: Did I miss something
alicia: Did Ryu join a cult
DarkScythe: Has he said anything about a guy named Matt or his sister Rosa?
alicia: of ffs did he start his own?
alicia: wb koko
Komaru: thanks!
alicia: If Ryu started a damned cult and didn't invite me I'm going to be offended.
Xerot: Uh, ali, this is one you probably don't want to get involved in.
alicia: Probably not
Xerot: No offense of course, but it's just plain dangerous.
alicia: I don't get involved i nanything
alicia: *anything
Xerot: say, how do you know Ryu?
alicia: I'm not even sure why these guys let me hang around, I don't even rp Quia: Me?
alicia: who?
Xerot: Uh, anyone, actually.
alicia: I guess not me cause I don't actually know him.
JarSqwuid: Matt? Quia: We've been friends for years now.
JarSqwuid: Do you know his real name? Quia: Met here, actually. This moon stuff is all new.
Geo: ...on that note...
Geo: If this is a cult I wanna join!
alicia: That's what I'm sayin!
Geo: I wanna be a cultist! Quia: Maybe, but I don't know about giving it out to people who want to 'help' him.
alicia: Will there be koolaid? Quia: I don't know who the hell you really are.
Geo: Ooooo koolaid!
Komaru: Oh, THIS is Russel Brand
Komaru: I've seen him on Mock the Week
Xerot: I know.
alicia: If you guys have a cult, you can hold your meetings with our late shift meetings.
alicia: Combine our powers and such.
DarkScythe: Quia, you've got to trust us here. We think ryu is in danger.
Komaru: Late shift!
Komaru: I have missed it so much
DarkScythe: Serious danger.
Xerot: Correction, we KNOW he's in danger. Quia: From what? Quia: Or who?
alicia: As have I, which is why I brought snacks this time.
JarSqwuid: Yeah, he seriously is. This Moon Cult does something to acsend, and supposedly the last one that did died.
Xerot: This will sound far-fetched. Quia: ...Dieing is not good.
JarSqwuid: Generally.
alicia: I dunno Geo, it doesnt' sound like Ryu started the cult. Quia: Generally?
Xerot: However they ascend, it's somehow related to Majora's Mask and their death. the time frame being really similar as well.
alicia: I'm only willing to join a cult founded by Ryu or Qui.
DarkScythe: That's why we need to talk to Ryu. To make sure he doesn't die.
JarSqwuid: We're trying to help, we seriously are. This cult that he's joined is bad, very bad.
alicia: Ha@ Ryu dying.
Geo: Ryu is too mean to die
alicia: You must not know him very well.
Komaru: Ryu's too angry to die.
Geo: It wouldn't spite enough people
Komaru: EXACTLY
alicia: I don't even know him very well and even I know that any cult Ryu joins would be in danger of him, not the other way around.
alicia: Jussayin.
Exactly koko!
Geo: lmfao Ali
Xerot: Uh, besides Quia, who else has talked to him over the past 3/4 days?
alicia: He helped me fix my minecraft, does that count?
alicia: Or was it some form of brain washing?
Geo: 3 or 4, or 3 quarters of one?
JarSqwuid: Why would anyone be afraid of Ryu?
Xerot: 3 to 4, sorry.
alicia: Because when people die, he throws death parties.
Geo: ...No one, Ryu is a sweet fluffy bunny of a person >.> Quia: Aaahahaha
alicia: ha. Quia: So, you guys want to help Ryu, right?
Geo: ...that hurt my head to type
Xerot: Yeah. We're hoping to.
JarSqwuid: Yes
alicia: I'm so tickled that I have to tinkle. brb Quia: But, you have no idea who he is. How does this work exactly?
Xerot: I'll try to summarize it
alicia: Qui I request all of this be posted to the quotes page. brb forreals
DarkScyte: We need to talk with him. He'll know what exactly whe're talking about.
Xerot: Recently a malicious entity called BEN was released onto the internet.
JarSqwuid: We found information that connects him to all of this, and the fact that you know about it CONFIRMS our fears
JarSqwuid: AQOT XUDTHYSAI OEK QHU YD TQDWUH. "KAYD HENDRICKS YOU ARE IN DANGER" Quia: Damnit don't go all cipher on me.
JarSqwuid: Did he cipher to you? Quia: He threw those at me and I got bored after the first one.
Komaru: YOu all realize, the fun bit of irony, about, no offense good sir, but a man (I think?) going by the name "DARKSCYTHE" trying to warn someone away from a CULT?
JarSqwuid: What did his first one say?
Xerot: It spreads like a virus, but the issue with that one is that after someone sees it, they're generally compelled to research it. That's probably how - wait, he sent you some ciphers?
JarSqwuid: Did you save the ciphers?
JarSqwuid: I will decode them if you have them
JarSqwuid: We need all the clues we can get.
Xerot: We need those ciphers. It's like... It's like a fun little treasure hunt, figure out the clues and potentially save whoever's in danger.
Xerot: But we don't know the time limit, so this makes it all the more intense.
JarSqwuid: Way more intense Quia: Ugh, I'd have to go looking through my logs, but it was a youtube page. And I watched the videos on it, by jad-something, and they made no sense, and when I asked him about he was a jerk and said I wouldn't understand. Quia: That was a while back.
JarSqwuid: Jadusable
Xerot: Oh no.
JarSqwuid: Yes the videos mean a lot.
JarSqwuid: http://jadusable.wikia.com/wiki/Jadusable_Wiki
alicia: back
JarSqwuid: Check that link.
Xerot: Why did he send you the link to Jadusable? Quia: Also, I hate to break it to you, but he's in class right now, he should be back in the next halfhour or so, but I'm not sure exactly. Quia: If something happens to him on the way home I'm going to hurt you.
JarSqwuid: Alright, I'll aim him directly.
Xerot: Halfhour? Ok. Wait, are you guys in britain or something?
JarSqwuid: Hun, trust me, we're trying to save him
Geo: Ireland Quia: Uhhhh.. no.
Xerot: Ok. Just, if you guys get to him before us, please tell him this. It could save his life.
Xerot: Don't open it.
JarSqwuid: Xerot, where did Jad say he lived before he changed it to everywhere?
alicia: wtf are you guys talking about Quia: 'Don't open it'
JarSqwuid: Just tell him not to open his door when he gets in
JarSqwuid: Tell him to ignore the knocking
DarkScythe: Despite my username I have good intentions. Tell him if he hear knocking to ignore it as well.
Xerot: Just 'Don't open it' in general, please. Quia: Heh.
Xerot: And Jar, I dunno. Quia: You do know he's going to read all this when he gets back?
JarSqwuid: Lemme check my records
Xerot: I hope so.
JarSqwuid: I hope so as well
JarSqwuid: Did he mention any songs recently? Quia: Songs? Quia: Wtf does this have to do with music?
JarSqwuid: Yeah, like names of songs.
JarSqwuid: It has a LOT to do with music....
DarkScythe: What kind of music does he play?
Xerot: Ever play majora's mask? Quia: I don't know, definitely not while I was around to hear it.
DarkScythe: Wait sorry read that wrong. Quia: Wait. Quia: What does it sound like?
JarSqwuid: Well, ever play Majora's Mask?
DarkScythe: Hang on. I'll link you to a Youtube video.
Xerot: Depends. Anything reversed, morbid-sounding, maybe demonic even.
JarSqwuid: The songs from the zelda games
JarSqwuid: The song of healing?
DarkScythe: Here's one song from the game http://www.youtube.com/watch?v-CFOrsObR0Rc Quia: I don't know, I've never played the game. He did watch those videos he linked me to, rather obsessively.
Xerot: Do you remember him even humming the tuns you may have heard from the videos?
JarSqwuid: Did he mention why he watched them>
Xerot: Specifically the reversed song of healing? Quia: No, he never mentioned why. I don't think he's been humming them, either.
DarkScythe: Then why did you want to know what they sound like?
JarSqwuid: Has he eer mentioned the Truth?
JarSqwuid: Yeah, how are we supposed to explain what they sound like? Quia: So I could tell you if he'd been humming anything like that.
DarkScythe: Actually you were a bit more specific saying what "IT" sounds like.
Xerot: I thought I explained it kinda well... Quia: He sings and hums all the time.
Xerot: In that case, has he stopped doing that lately?
JarSqwuid: < > v < > v
Xerot: Anything out of the ordinary you can think of.
JarSqwuid: I'm guessing I shouldn't have done that.... Quia: Well, yeah, but it doesn't help at all. Normally he tells me everything, but he's been real damned secretive lately. Quia: I guess this is why.
JarSqwuid: They normally are.
JarSqwuid: Has he ever mentioned The Truth?
Xerot: You could say we're the closest thing to the FBI we can in this case, lol.
JarSqwuid: "plase if you are nearby a phone please call the policei can hear it outside my door"
JarSqwuid: That was on the Youtube Channel today.
JarSqwuid: 2 hours ago.
JarSqwuid: When does this class start?
Xerot: I thought Jadusable had already...
Xerot: Hmm. Quia: Just a sec, need to look something up.
Xerot: Oh, has he given you any files, besides the links to those videos?
Xerot: Ok.
Xerot: Hey, Jar?
JarSqwuid: Yeah?
Xerot: Can you see my PMs?
JarSqwuid: No, I dunno how to work IRC lol this is literally my first time.
Xerot: ok. Do you see my name in red next to the arrow saying private?
Xerot: You can change the channels you're viweing by clicking on those.
Xerot: they light up red whenever someone says something new.
JarSqwuid: Oh okay
JarSqwuid: Quia, you there? Quia: Yeah.
JarSqwuid: What did you find?
JarSqwuid: What about his classes? Quia: Just a sec, there's someone here.
DarkScythe: At your door? Don't open it.
JarSqwuid: Don't open your door.
Xerot: For the love of god, don't open it.
Xerot: ... Oh shit, I think we're too late.
JarSqwuid: Quia, unless you're expecting someone, do not open that god damn door.
DarkScythe: Quia? DON'T OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!
Geo: oh calm the hell down
Geo: She's probably talking to her parents
Xerot: Do you have her number?
Geo: and pay for the long distance?
Xerot: What's her life worth?
Geo: ...good qestion!
Geo: I shall ponder it!
Xerot: You have to think about it?! Ryukaki: What the..
JarSqwuid: RYU
JarSqwuid: Thank god Ryukaki: What are you guys doing here?! Ryukaki: Who the hell told them about this place.
Xerot: BEN did.
Xerot: you're in grave danger.
JarSqwuid: We know about the Children.
alicia: Dun dun dunnnnnn.
alicia: sorry I couldn't help myself. Ryukaki: Wait wait, when did Ben mention anything to anyone? Who do you think you are?
DarkScythe: Ifrit told us you are in danger.
Xerot: Well, we know you know BEN for certain now. Ryukaki: You guys know that was all just some fun, right?
JarSqwuid: Ifrit says you're in danger Ryu Ryukaki: You shouldn't concern yourselves with it anymore.
Geo: Well damn Ryu, ruin all the fun why don't you.
JarSqwuid: Well you know what, it's not
JarSqwuid: This happened 2 hours ago.
Xerot: But I think we should. We came this far through all the codes to help you. Ryukaki: Don't presume to tell me what is and what isn't regarding Ben!
JarSqwuid: Who is Ben?
JarSqwuid: Why are you so intent on protecting him?
Xerot: And... Where is Quia? Ryukaki: I had to sit and see Rosa die, so don't you fucking dare presume to tell me about Ben or the Children or anything. What the hell do you guys want.
Xerot: Answers.
JarSqwuid: You watched Rosa die?
JarSqwuid: We want answer mate, ANSWERS.
JarSqwuid: Is that how you ascend?
JarSqwuid: Is dying?
JarSqwuid: Was Rosa a child? Ryukaki: Then answer my questions, first.
JarSqwuid: FIne.
Xerot: Shoot. Ryukaki: For instance, who led you here?
JarSqwuid: Ifrit did, and Ben. Ryukaki: We've had no real visitors here in a long time.
Xerot: Jadusable's account. Ryukaki: How. Nobody knows about this place.
JarSqwuid: File 59.
Xerot: We're guessing BEN, since he has total control over it. Ryukaki: I don't tell any of my.. what?
JarSqwuid: File 59, we cracked the password. It was thelensoftruth Ryukaki: What is file 59?
JarSqwuid: File 59 is ifrit, telling us to warn you.
JarSqwuid: AQOT XUDTHYSAI OEK QHU YD TQDWUH. "KAYD HENDRICKS YOU ARE IN DANGER"
Xerot: Ryu, do you have Quia's phone number?
JarSqwuid: We know about the ciphers, we know about the children, we know about Ben. But we need answers. Ryukaki: Hah, cute. If I was in any danger I think I would know.
JarSqwuid: Ifrit was one of the children.
Xerot: You might not be the only one in danger. Ryukaki: I guess I'll answer what I can. What do you want to know?
JarSqwuid: What can you tell us about the Father? Ryukaki: I can tell you nothing about the Father. Next question.
Xerot: Before any of us forget, I feel I should mention this - Don't open it.
JarSqwuid: What can you tell us about the Children?
JarSqwuid: Yeah don't open your door if you hear knocking
JarSqwuid: And wh is Chris? Ryukaki: Chris.. Chris is one of the Children, by now I imagine, haha.. Ryukaki: The Children. That is a complicated question you ask.
JarSqwuid: Why?
JarSqwuid: Yeah I know.
Xerot: What is the purpose of The Children?
JarSqwuid: Whatever you can give s will help. Ryukaki: The Children's purpose? To serve Luna, of course. To become one with her. To finally hear her voice. Ryukaki: What a thing, tha tmust be..
DarkScythe: Your ascensions.
JarSqwuid: Why would you want to? And you need a mask, don't you? Ryukaki: The masks are a symbol.
JarSqwuid: What kind of masks?
JarSqwuid: I understand you wear them, because you wish to disassociate yourself with humans.
Xerot: A symbol of... What? Giving up your humanity to serve Luna?
JarSqwuid: Because humas have a choice, and masks don't. Ryukaki: They are a symbol of who you are. Of what you are. And your connection to Luna. They are a symbol of .. where do you get your information from, if I ask. Ryukaki: *may ask.
JarSqwuid: We get our information from your Ben, and the clues he leaves us.
JarSqwuid: That is why we need to know who he is.
JarSqwuid: We believe he was a failed ascension.
DarkScythe: BEN thinks of it as a game. He plays us and you. Ryukaki: I'm sorry, I've only met Ben once, as far as I recall. He went missing recently, though. Ryukaki: You say you've spoken to him?
Xerot: through one method or another.
JarSqwuid: Yeah kind of...
JarSqwuid: What of Rosa?
JarSqwuid: Why did she die?
JarSqwuid: COuld you explain what you saw? Ryukaki: I didn't see anything. I was speaking with her on the phone, and heard some noises when she went to answer her door. Ryukaki: Later we couldn't find her.
JarSqwuid: Did Kelbris get her? Ryukaki: Maybe it was a spontanious vacation, but I presume she died.
Xerot: Oh hell. Do you have Quia's phone number? Ryukaki: Kelbris?
JarSqwuid: No, you're lying. Ryukaki: Why are you worried about Quia?
JarSqwuid: You said you had to sit and see her die.
JarSqwuid: Tell the Truth.
Xerot: Did you scroll up a bit before you joined in?
JarSqwuid: She went to her door too.
Xerot: She said she needed to answer her door for a moment.
JarSqwuid: She's not back. Ryukaki: I used "see" as a metaphor, forgive me. It's something I disagree with the others on. Ryukaki: It's a bit emotional. Ryukaki: I wouldn't worry about her.
Xerot: Why? Ryukaki: She has a good friend named Rena who visits her from time without notice. Ryukaki: I'm sure it's nothing.
Xerot: I hate to be paranoid, but could you call and check up?
JarSqwuid: Rosa was ifrit's sister mate.
JarSqwuid: Ifrit was a moon child, like you.
JarSqwuid: Or like you wish to be. Ryukaki: I'm sorry you guys, but if there's nothing else, I have your warnings, and I need to get back to.. studying. I'm expecting a group over for this comp scie class. Ryukaki: Thank you for stopping by, but I'm out of time.
Xerot: Wait.
JarSqwuid: Wait one more question
JarSqwuid: WHat is the truth? Ryukaki: The Truth is inside all of us. you will know it when you find it.
JarSqwuid: Alright... be safe.
Xerot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v-Nad5AJaIcBI
JarSqwuid: Avoid these children.
Xerot: Just watch that real quick, before you go. Ryukaki: Ooh, and one more thing.
Xerot: Mmm?
JarSqwuid: Yeah? Ryukaki: "This time, beware false prophets."
JarSqwuid: You mean, people who are pretending to be conected to the story.
JarSqwuid: Sure.... Ryukaki: Now I have things to attend to. I hope you'll excuse me. Ryukaki: And please, don't tell anyone else about this place.
Geo: ...>.> Ryukaki: I don't want my friends here involved in any of this.
JarSqwuid: We won't.
Xerot: Yeah. Is there any chance we can talk to you again?
JarSqwuid: But be safe.
Xerot: Hmm.
Xerot: hey, you guys know much about Ryu's poetry from wayyyy back when?
Xerot: http://ryukaki.deviantart.com/gallery/#/dhgplz
Xerot: Some of this is really awesome, but I dunno what to make of some of it.
ceonn: Hiya
ceonn: How goes everything?
ceonn? Hey? ryukaki, you here?
Xerot: You're late dude.
ceonn? huh?
Xerot: He left about half an hour ago.
ceonn: Thats tooo bad. Wanted to ask him about tomorrow. Oh well.
Xerot: tomorrow?
Xerot: What about it?
ceonn: huh?
Xerot: What's so special about tomorrow?
ceonn: Don't worry about it. It doesn't concern you. Cya!
At some point, YSHDT.net returned to it's pre-glitched state. On October 7th, 2010, players would gain a bit more clarity as they chatted with Kayd in his IRC chat once again:
JarSqwuid
Hey, I thought you went to bed, Ryu.
Kayd
I tried. Been hearing noises outside. Can't sleep.
JarSqwuid
Ahhh, I'm sorry… We all got you pretty spooked, huh?
Kayd
It's alright, I guess. I'm more upset that people were bothering my friends. They have nothing to do with it.
JarSqwuid
Yeah, we didn't mean for that to happen. We're sorry, but Quia was talking about you a lot. I dunno if she knows about the story and was just shouting BS.
Kayd
Qui knows nothing. This place is a very private room with just us close friends who have known each other for a long time.
Kayd claims that he's hearing some strange noises and that it's difficult for him to sleep. He also says that Quia is uninvolved and doesn't know much about what's going on with the Moon Children.
Kayd
After Rosa, I was really shaken up and so very close to solving the puzzle, but when it was announced to be fake, interest was lost. I wandered off and put it behind me.
JarSqwuid
It seems to have been a little more than fake though, huh... Everyone who's gotten close has been marked.
Kayd
I don't get what's with this "marking" thing. I am the only person so far outside of Rosa and the others to be mentioned by Jadusable.
JarSqwuid
Wasn't the Seraphim person also marked?
Kayd
He was only mentioned very shortly in one file that came AFTER the 59 which said it was the last communication we'd get from Jadusable.
Fate.txt "It comes for us all Sephiriam" that's all.
Kayd has seemingly gone back to referring to everything as if it were simply an ARG. He also downplays the player Sephiriam's significance.
JarSqwuid
How did you even find Rosa?
Kayd
Ifrit's Gmail account came online. I quickly ran over and opened up a Gmail chat with what I thought was Ifrit. It was Rosa.
Without thinking and in my panic I asked for the Username and Password. I didn't clarify to what. She gave me it and suddenly said "the sounds have stopped".
I promised her I wouldn't let anyone else die. That I could still save them. I didn't think I'd be next.
JarSqwuid
I guess The Truth on the website wasn't where the password and stuff went, right?
Kayd
No. I tried it many times even after the site restarted and many times every day up until about Oct 2nd.
JarSqwuid
What a mess. Rosa dies, Alex dies, Ifrit supposedly died and we have no idea what to make of Chris or Ben.
I managed to get into WAAL but they won't freely give me info. I"m determined to get the info from WAAL and leak it.
Kayd
People died not because of the chaos of things but because people refused to work together. People were being excluded and those were the people making mistakes.
Kayd clarifies that he indeed spoke to Rosa via email - not over the phone, as he was claiming the night before. After getting the login information from Rosa, Kayd supposedly tried to enter "The Truth" multiple times. However, he could never access it. Meanwhile, the player discusses "WAAL", or "We All Are Link" - a player group that had been hoarding information. Kayd criticizes this behavior, claiming that everyone should share information freely with one another.
JarSqwuid
You said you watched Rosa die, then you said you were on the phone with her, and now chat which makes sense because "watching."
Kayd
I don't recall saying anything about the phone. And I never said "watched".
I said I had to "see" her die, which I did, even if it was poorly worded.
JarSqwuid
"I didn't see anything. I was speaking with her on the phone and heard some noises when she went to answer her door."
Kayd
Where did I say that?
JarSqwuid
After I asked "What of Rosa?"
Kayd
Wow, I see that in my logs but do not recall ever typing it. Maybe I'm just tired.
In any case, disregard it. I never actually spoke to her. It was all over Gmail chat.
The player calls out the discrepancy regarding how Kayd contacted Rosa. He claims that he never remembers saying he spoke to her over the phone and that maybe he was simply tired and got the details wrong.
JarSqwuid
But then why would Jad say that was the password and stuff for the truth? Why would he give you that info if he was Ben?
Kayd
So that when it didn't work I would give up with it? So that when I tried to use it he could track it to me?
I didn't show the username/pass in any screenshot. Ben has never seen it. I didn't think about it at the time, but if that was Ben, then I led him right to me.
The player questions the possibility of Alex in the "OoC Era" secretly being BEN in disguise. Kayd says that it's possible that BEN wanted him to try to use the login information to access "The Truth", give up, then stop playing the ARG. Alternatively, it's possible that BEN wanted to track Kayd down. He also notes that he censored the login information in the screenshot he shared on /x/ and to "OoC Era" Alex, meaning BEN has supposedly never seen the username and password. However, Kayd admits that doing this likely outed that he himself has the information to BEN and that he's now being targeted.
Overall, Kayd seems far more reasonable during this conversation when compared to the one from the night before. There's no signs of him acting maliciously. In fact, he implies that he doesn't even remember writing some of his messages from the previous conversation. He now seems a bit paranoid that BEN is actively tracking him down. A full archive of this conversation can be found below:
JarSqwuid: Hey, I thought you went to bed, Ryu. Ryukaki: I tried. Been hearing noises outside. Can't sleep.
JarSqwuid: Ahhh, I'm sorry...we all got you pretty spooked huh?
JarSqwuid: And those poeple on YT probably aren't helping.
JarSqwuid: It's annoying how they're trying to milk you for answers, really...
JarSqwuid: Ad I'm sorry abou tthe floo dearlier.
JarSqwuid: *flood
JarSqwuid: Was trying to prevent that. Ryukaki: It's alright, I guess. Ryukaki: I'm more upset that people were bothering my friends. They have nothing to do with it.
JarSqwuid: Was trying to prevent that.
JarSqwuid: Errr, stupid IRC still getting used to it...
JarSqwuid: Yeah we didn't mean for that to happen, we're sorry.
JarSqwuid: But Quia was talking about you a lot.
JarSqwuid: I dunno if she knows about the story and was just shouting BS
JarSqwuid: Or if she was saying things about you that were true...
JarSqwuid: I really don't know what to believe Ryukaki: Qui knows nothing. This place is a very private room with just us close friends who have known eachother for a long time. Ryukaki: They don't go around on the internet. Ryukaki: Much less get involved in things like Youtube/4chan.
JarSqwuid: Well then, she mentioned you sending her ciphers, like I said earlier...
JarSqwuid: I don't mean to bother you at all, but she seemed pretty weirded out by recent behavior.
JarSqwuid: Said you'd been humming things as well, and really sucked into the whole Jadusable deal. Ryukaki: I mentioned it to her in passing, that is, I had her help me with a few of the ciphers early on.
JarSqwuid: Ahhh, that makes sense. Ryukaki: After I started getting into it, I took some time away from this place to start digging. Ryukaki: After Rosa, I was really shaken up, and so very close to solving the puzzle.
JarSqwuid: Oh yeah? Just rtying to figure out stuff?
JarSqwuid: Yeah you mentioned that. Ryukaki: But when it was announced to be fake, interest was lost. Ryukaki: I wandered off and put it behind me.
JarSqwuid: It seems to have been a little more than fake though huh....
JarSqwuid: Everyone who's gotten close has been marked.
JarSqwuid: You were one of them I suppose, especially getting into contact with Rosa like that.
JarSqwuid: That would have done it huh.
JarSqwuid: What are the noises outside like? Can you put some music on? Get some sleep that way? Ryukaki: I don't get what's with this "marking" thing.
JarSqwuid: When people find out important information the get marked, sucked into the story and mentioned by BEN. Ryukaki: I am the only person so far outside of Rosa and the others to be mentioned by Jadusable.
JarSqwuid: I haven't personally seen it... Ryukaki: Ben taunts, sometimes. Ryukaki: But he has never actually spoken to anyone. Ryukaki: Everyone who claims it was exposed as a hoax.
JarSqwuid: Wasn't the Seraphim person also marked?
JarSqwuid: For the Reality Theory? Ryukaki: He was only mentioned, very shortly, in one file, that came AFTER the 59, which said it was the last communication we'd get from Jadusable.
JarSqwuid: Hmm, that makes sense. Ryukaki: Fate.txt, number 60 Ryukaki: Fate.txt "It comes for us all Sephiriam" Ryukaki: that's all.
JarSqwuid: Ahh, yeah I didn't get to that txt before it was removed, and no one will release it to me.
JarSqwuid: I managed to get into WAAL, but they won't freely give me info.
JarSqwuid: I've gotta earn it...
JarSqwuid: Eh, this is all very confusing.
JarSqwuid: Er, nevermind I got the txt file.
JarSqwuid: Logging this site gets confusing lol.
JarSqwuid: Ahh well, you doing alright hun?
JarSqwuid: Ummm...and just a question...you're not Ben are you....
JarSqwuid: Well I guess you're not but.
JarSqwuid: Yeah... Ryukaki: I'm just fine, and no, I'm not Ben. At least, I hope I'm not. Ryukaki: Ben plays games. He leads people astray. Jadusable lead you all to me as his last will and testament. Ryukaki: There has to be a reason for that.
JarSqwuid: Alright cool... I hate that the trust in everyone is getting so screwed up. And the only reason I can think of is the information you have.
JarSqwuid: Don't worry I won't ask
JarSqwuid: But how did you even find Rosa?
JarSqwuid: I mean, nobody else did, nobody. Not only that, but how did you even get involved with that insane cult...
JarSqwuid: Well besides this whole mess. Ryukaki: During the final day-- after the songs were played, for a brief moment Ifrit's Gmail account came online. Ryukaki: I had a notice set up for him. Ryukaki: I quickly ran over and opened up a Gmail chat with what I thought was Ifrit. It was Rosa. Ryukaki: She told me that she was hearing scratching and noises outside her door. That I needed to call the police. To help her. Ryukaki: Without thinking and in my panic, I asked for the Username and Password. I didn't clarify to what. Ryukaki: She gave me it, and suddenly said "the sounds have stopped" Ryukaki: Then the account went offline.
JarSqwuid: Wow really.... so that was the question then? That we were told to ask? And geeeze...
JarSqwuid: Is that quote on Jad's page what she said?
JarSqwuid: The one in her announcements? Ryukaki: Yes. Ryukaki: And I don't know if that was the question. Ryukaki: I kind of had to coerce her.
JarSqwuid: AHhh... Ryukaki: I promised her I wouldn't let anyone else die. Ryukaki: That I could still save them. Ryukaki: I didn't think I'd be next.
JarSqwuid: You'll be fine hun, really.
JarSqwuid: We're not going to let anything happen to you, i promise.
JarSqwuid: What happened to Rosa, I dunno... but it won't happen to you or anyone else. We can solve this things...
JarSqwuid: But I guess The Truth on the website wasn't were the password and stuff went right?
JarSqwuid: You know, the one that was locked...
JarSqwuid: I know you probably tried it. Ryukaki: No, I tried it many times, even after the site restarted, and many times every day up until about Oct 2nd.
JarSqwuid: Hmm... Ryukaki: When I closed all of my Jad/YSHDT tabs on Chrome and forgot about it.
JarSqwuid: And then all this happen eh.
JarSqwuid: What a mess.
JarSqwuid: And the funny thing is, it really started to pick up when songs were submitted as video responses.
JarSqwuid: And then it stopped.
JarSqwuid: Like it was on pause.
JarSqwuid: And now, once it's been started again, you get the blunt end of it.
JarSqwuid: Rosa dies, Alex dies, Ifrit supposedly died and we have no idea what to make of Chris or Ben.
JarSqwuid: Or I don't.
JarSqwuid: It's why I"m so determined to get the info from WAAL and leak it.
JarSqwuid: SLowly...
JarSqwuid: Quietly to select people so I'm not suspected.
JarSqwuid: Hopefully keep leaking it. Ryukaki: I just don't want them doing what was done last time. Ryukaki: People died not because of the chaos of things, but because people refused to work together. Ryukaki: People were being excluded, and those were the people making mistakes.
JarSqwuid: Yeah, it was really very stupid.
Kiram: Kayd
Kiram: I just want you to know.
Kiram: Your death will come EITHER by heatray, or by boulder. Ryukaki: Can it please be Heatray?
Kiram: Only if the tech is perfected soon. Ryukaki: that sounds fair.
Kiram: and by soon I mean 3 days earlier than it otherwise would have needed to have been. Ryukaki: #%$@#$^
JarSqwuid: Hahaha awwwe...
JarSqwuid: that's what the meatray is for though, right?
Kiram: No. The meatray sounds disgusting.
Kiram: Also, like a sea creature
JarSqwuid: Keeping this open, so if you need help just shout. Ryukaki: I think I would be more afraid if I ran into the Meatray.
JarSqwuid: Jad said the username/password is for the truth in the archive... Ryukaki: It never worked. We can only assume that was a lie, or to throw us off.
JarSqwuid: Then it was Ben in the archive?
JarSqwuid: Errr, /x/ Ryukaki: I don't know.
JarSqwuid: I find it kind of hard to believe some of the responses though...
JarSqwuid: And still not asleep then?
JarSqwuid: And by "the" I mean your. Ryukaki: What responses, exactly?
JarSqwuid: you said you watched Rosa die, then yuo said you were on the phone with her, and now chat which makes sense because "watching."
JarSqwuid: And I saw the image yo posted on /x/ of the chat
JarSqwuid: And the email Ryukaki: I don't recall saying anything about the phone. Ryukaki: And I never said "watched", I said I had to "see" her die, which I did, even if it was poorly worded.
JarSqwuid: I might be mistaken, let me go over my records, I'm very tired I know you understand that lol... Ryukaki: I"m assuming it was all a rouse to find out who knew what. Ryukaki: In order to find out who to go after, next. Ryukaki: I know it's easier to not believe that, but I was extremely blindsided by this. I got home from class and saw my E-mail and was excited because I thought some of the job applications I'd made recently went through. Ryukaki: Not that I had, and then suddenly almost a hundred warnings.
JarSqwuid: "I didn't see anything. I was speaking with her on the phone, and heard some noises when she went to answer her door." Ryukaki: Where did I say that?
JarSqwuid: AFter I asked "What of Rosa?" Ryukaki: Wow, I see that in my logs, but do not recall ever typing it. Maybe I'm just tired. Ryukaki: In any case, disregard it. I never actually spoke to her. Ryukaki: It was all over Gmail chat.
JarSqwuid: It seems you don't recall much actually.
JarSqwuid: What happend after the 2nd?
JarSqwuid: What do you remember from those days after?
JarSqwuid: Any blanks? Ryukaki: Absolutely nothing important, literally. I went to school, I went job hunting, I was waking up a little bit..unusually late in the afternoon, 1-2 PM, but I figured I was just tired from all the driving around I was doing. Ryukaki: It was normal life.
JarSqwuid: Unusually late? Hmmmm.
JarSqwuid: I just don't like how the stories don't match up. Ryukaki: Really, don't sweat it. That's nothing more than me typing without thinking first.
JarSqwuid: I figure, and with all the panic from all those crazy messages I don't blame you.
JarSqwuid: But that's a pretty descriptinve thing to screw up, is all. Ryukaki: It's been extremely stressing. :\
JarSqwuid: I imagine. I'm sorry.
JarSqwuid: Wish I could help more, perhaps a hug.
JarSqwuid: I just wonder how "really freaky chat on gmail" got changed into "phoned her, heard weird noises, she left."
JarSqwuid: And why you never linked or mentioned the screenshot you have of it. Ryukaki: I thought everyone knew about the screenshot, I was very vocal about it for a while.
JarSqwuid: Ahh. Ryukaki: the mix up, probably because of how into it I was. I was there, too, on Gmail, when Ifrit was taken away.
JarSqwuid: Really? Ryukaki: When I was talking with Rosa, there wasn't thinking. I honestly felt like I was right there with her. I was terrified. Shaking. See how I'm always generall calm, if vulgar, and very proper with my typing? Ryukaki: you can see how different it was when I was speaking with Rosa. Ryukaki: Typing in caps? Typos like crazy?
JarSqwuid: Yeah I can tell. Ryukaki: I was just freaking out. :\
JarSqwuid: But then why would Jad say that was the password and stuff for the truth?
JarSqwuid: Why would he give you that info if he was Ben?
JarSqwuid: And if he was Ben, why didn't he use it already? Ryukaki: So that when it didn't work, I would give up with it? So that when I tried to use it, he could track it to me? I didn't show the username/pass in any screenshot. Ryukaki: Ben has never seen it. Ryukaki: I didn't think about it at the time, but if that was Ben, then I led him right to me.
JarSqwuid: A bit.
JarSqwuid: Why would he lead us to you though? I know he likes playing games with us, and everyone, but...
JarSqwuid: You also left some of it visible... Ryukaki: Ben didn't lead anyone to me. Ryukaki: Jad did, with his last will and testament. Ryukaki: His final word to us before the Link was broken. Ryukaki: "Kayd Hendricks you are in danger." Ryukaki: That, and a long briefing on how we all need to work together to beat Ben. Ryukaki: That if we remain divided and refuse to work together, he wins.
JarSqwuid: Yeah...
JarSqwuid: I got all that.
JarSqwuid: It's real jumbled...
JarSqwuid: And what's the glitch?
JarSqwuid: The 4th day? Ryukaki: I think that's what he means. Ryukaki: But I'm not sure.
JarSqwuid: He said "recent." Ryukaki: Maybe it was the front page of the YSHDT site when it was all fucked up. I wasn't there for that, but I read about it.
JarSqwuid: What was it again? I have all of my records on me
JarSqwuid: When it was restarted? Or when Kelbris arrived? Ryukaki: I don't know what all of it was off hand, but I recall there being a countdown timer to the "reset" and some weird images/music being cut across the front page.
JarSqwuid: Oh yeah....
JarSqwuid: I have no clue....
JarSqwuid: This is the craziest thing I've ever been a part of, and I can't imagine how insane it is for you.
JarSqwuid: Consider this the REAL Truth.txt What are you talking about?"
JarSqwuid: Comes out of what Ifrit said....
JarSqwuid: And I dunno if anyone solved the top portion of the cipher. Ryukaki: Wish I had some answers :\
JarSqwuid: I think we all do really.
JarSqwuid: Could do with some real truth right now.
JarSqwuid: AH well.... I'm gonna go to bed, too tired to function right now.
JarSqwuid: Are you good?
JarSqwuid: You should try and get some sleep too hun.
JarSqwuid: Night, and I'll leave this open.
JarSqwuid: If you need to message me or something, it'll be here when I get up, alright?
JarSqwuid: Night, and you'll be fine, don't worry.
Meanwhile, players who had previously entered their phone numbers on YSHDT.net's "Contact" Page began receiving strange phone calls. These calls featured the "Elegy of Emptiness", a strange mumble, the "Song of Unhealing", and one of the songs that played on YSHDT.net. Later in the day, WAAL's Livejournal was supposedly hacked into and purged of all of its data. This coincided with a post from BEN appearing on Jadusable's YouTube channel:
BEN
"You are now stripped of this resource as punishment for your arrogance, and yet by eliminating that website, this is the most charitable act I will ever do. Do not think that there is any place that is beyond my reach."
It seems as though BEN himself had destroyed WAAL's archives - or at least was taking credit for it. Later on, Kayd proceeded to upload four different videos to his YouTube channel:
Description
A few notes: Upon reviewing this footage, I noticed two bright lights in my livingroom. There are no lights or sources of illumination there that I know of. I do not know what was making those.
I am uploading this right now because I have been hearing the sounds from outside-- they sound like they're inside now, but there's nothing in here. My doors are all locked and windows shut.
I feel a foreboding presence all around me, though. I'm going to call a friend in the morning to come over and spend the day with me.
The video begins with Kayd recording himself in a dark room. Kayd focuses it on his computer monitor.
"It's October 7, 5:02am. I just woke up, been trying to sleep, but the noises, they keep coming."
He turns the camera toward his bedroom door.
"The knocking, the scratching. I don't know if you can see this, but my door has been opened. It was not like this when I went to bed."
He moves to his doorway, the camera faces outside it, and he walks toward a lit room.
"This light, this light was not on either. Hello?"
A loud thump comes from behind him and he turns.
"Oh, I'm jumping and everything."
He turns back to the lit room.
"Oh God. This is all getting way, way too real for me. This was supposed to just be a game. But those noises haven't stopped."
He focuses the camera on a mirror.
"This is me. This is Kayd Hendricks. I'm keeping this log, so that all of you out there who are following will know exactly how things went."
He ventures further into the darkness.
"It's been almost eight hours now. It didn't begin just eight hours ago."
He points the camera out a window.
"I got a warning directed at me and only me. I didn't think it was anything serious at first, but...I've been having weird dreams lately. I've been waking up much later than usual."
He turns the camera back into the house.
"I don't know what it is, but I think something is following me. I haven't seen anything outside yet. Nothing out of the ordinary, but..."
He turns the camera back into the lit room and looks back into the mirror.
"This is all just gotten so real. It's beyond just a game now, you guys, there's...there's something going on and I don't know what it is."
He turns the camera to the darkness, where two small lights are visible, then turns it back to the camera, unaware of them.
"I'm going to turn these lights off and try to go back to bed. With any luck..."
The sound of something being moved comes from behind him.
"Oh, God. With any luck, whatever it is, it's all in my head, it's all just me imagining things."
He walks back into his room.
"The alternative is too gruesome to think about. I'm closing my door again. Listen, this goes out to everyone out there who can see this."
He turns the camera to his monitor, then back toward his face.
"Please, please, if anything happens to me, if I disappear, if anything goes awry, don't let everything we've done be in vain. Don't let this all go to nothing. Jadusable, he's reached out to us. He, he's given us...he's given us a chance. Please, don't let that be wasted."
Summary
The noises mentioned by Kayd the night before continue, keeping him awake.
Kayd's paranoia worsens as he no longer believes that the ARG is simply a game.
The noises mentioned by Kayd have continued, keeping him awake. Outside his home appears to be two bright eyes, watching him. He mentions that he no longer believes the ARG to simply be a game, noting that this is all becoming "too real" for him. He also mentions that he's going to try and call a friend in the morning to spend the day with him.
Description
The song keeps playing. It's been this way for hours now. I can let it ring, but he calls back. When I answer it, the music. It's just the music in an endless loop until I hang up.
I want this to stop. I think I can hear it even when my phone is turned off and I'm laying in bed.
The video begins with Kayd recording his cellphone. He begins speaking:
"He keeps calling. The phone, it keeps ringing, and every time I open it, the same song plays. I don't know what he wants from me. I don't understand...what this is all about, but it's getting really freaking weird. Every time I pick it up--"
The phone starts ringing.
"There it is again. He keeps calling. Listen."
He answers the phone.
"Every single time."
The "Song of Unhealing" plays from his phone.
"No end, j--...It's the same damn song and I want it to stop."
Summary
This video features Kayd getting a strange phone call that simply consists of the "Song of Unhealing" playing through the speaker.
It seems as though Kayd was also getting strange phone calls - much like many other players at the time. It seems as though Kayd believes BEN himself is responsible for these calls.
Description
I got a call on the way back from school. I tried to attend class today, but I couldn't really focus. I kept hearing that music.
This is being uploaded from an anonymous location using a swap-out SD card that I will throw away after this upload, to be sure BEN cannot infect my camera and change what you are seeing.
I still have a lot of footage from at the school to go over.
Kayd begins filming while walking away from his bike.
"I just got a call from a restricted number, on my phone with the eulogy. And this time, it told me to wait up, that it's coming, and I decided that I'm not going to wait. I need to find a place to hide until this is all over. I'm going to...try..."
The sound of passing cars makes it hard to hear him.
"...the orchard. I don't know what is going on, but whatever it is, I'm really deeply involved in this."
Kayd hops over the fence leading into the orchard, then faces the camera at himself.
"I'm right over the fence, as they say."
He faces the camera forward and starts walking.
"I've been feeling that foreboding feel. That terrible burdensome presence. It's been hovering over me, and I don't know what it is. But I think..."
He starts running.
"...if I get off the main road, leave my bike, and get hidden, he won't be able to find me. I've left my phone back near the bike. Hopefully,"
Kayd slows down.
"He'll think I'm better on foot than on the road, and won't know where I've been. I haven't used this camera to upload anything. It's gone from the camera to an extern--"
The camera faces back.
"What the hell was that? Shit!"
He turns back again and keeps walking.
"I hope he's not following me. Look, I got some footage earlier at the schoolyard I just came back from."
Kayd slows even more and begins to pant loudly.
"I think I have him on video, I'm not sure yet. I haven't had time to check, but, if I do, I can blow this whole thing wide open. For now, I think I need to get down and wait, and see where this goes, 'cause if he finds me, you guys are never going to get this anyway. So please..."
Kayd turns the camera toward his face.
"...be aware, if somebody finds this, with my instructions to put it online, it found me. If I get there in time to put this up, then know wherever I was when I put this up, I'm not there anymore. I'm being followed."
Summary
Kayd is now running on foot. He implies he's going to visit a location called "The Orchard".
Kayd received a phone call that claimed something was coming for him and that he should wait. Instead, he left his bike and his phone near the road in an attempt to throw any pursuers off.
While at school earlier in the day, Kayd supposedly recorded footage of BEN. He's now hoping to get to a safe location to review and upload it.
While at school earlier in the day, Kayd recorded footage of BEN. He's now on the run and presumably being chased by something or someone. He claims to be going to a location known as "The Orchard", hoping to eventually get a safe location where he can review and upload his footage.
Description
I started running again after some sounds in the first video, apparently the camera got shut off. You can hear the dogs in the first video pretty clearly.
This was taken roughly an hour after the first. All important details are in the video.
Wish me luck everyone. I'm going to try and find somewhere safe to go over the schoolyard footage. I know a friend who should be able to help.
Tags
Orchard, Kelbris, Dogs, strange creature, moving on
The camera is focused on Kayd's face for the entire video.
"This is Kayd Hendricks. I'm outside the property where my bike was. My phone is gone, I-I don't know if somebody stole it, or what happened, but it's gone. I was in the orchard, and I don't know if I caught any of the sound or video on my camera, but there were some dogs freaking out, and it wasn't at me. They were chasing something else. I-I don't know if I got them, but, apparently they scared it off, because after a short while, one of the dogs was gone, and they've mellowed out, and came over to check on me, so...I don't know what the hell is going on, but I don't know where I'm safe. I'm going to try and keep moving."
Summary
Kayd is back from visiting The Orchard. While there, he witnessed some dogs barking - though one of them eventually disappeared.
Upon arriving back at where he left his back, he discovered that his phone had been stolen.
Kayd visited The Orchard, where he witnessed some dogs barking and freaking out. Upon returning to where he left his bike, he discovered that his phone had been stolen. After this, Kayd presumably arrived at some sort of safe location where he uploaded all of these videos. Later that night, Kayd sent Quia an email titled "thelensoftruth" that read as follows:
Kayd Hendricks
"Spread the word -- Youtube, IRC, everywhere. I've seen it. I think I got it on video. Do not trust any source other than me or the website.
I don't have time to explain. I'll be in touch."
On October 8th, 2010, Kayd sent Quia another email. This one was titled "finalhours" and read as follows:
He's found me. He has my scent, or something, I don't know. I guess I never really knew?
I have answers. For everyone. They're being prepared. I've got everything ready. It wont be what they want, but it should be enough to fight whatever this thing is.
Tell them I'm sorry I couldn't help more.
Please, spread the word. Everywhere. Tell everyone. The website is the key. Everything else is a lie. You must tell them to see clearly past the deception, to look away from the false prophets.
If they let themselves be led down the wrong path by anyone, everything is lost.
It's too late for me. Make my work count.
BEN has finally tracked Kayd down. Fearing that he'll soon be killed, Kayd once again warns about the existence of "false prophets" and tells the players that "The website is the key. Everything else is a lie.".
Supplemental Material: Alex partook in an OoC interview with VidyaGameZ, which can be found here.
The next day on October 9th, 2010, another video was uploaded to Kayd's YouTube channel:
The camera is focused on a piece of paper for the whole video, but the view is mirrored. The paper contains a cipher. Kayd speaks to an unseen person in the background.
"Damn it, Thomas, listen to me. He can reach anything, anywhere. It doesn't matter but it takes him time. I didn't want to do things this way. I realize I have to now, though. I was, I was overconfident, and so was he. Just remember, the key to unlock this thing is the one sure way to see the truth. I have to go now. Let the upload run, everything will happen automatically after that. I have a feeling...I won't be seeing you again."
Summary
This video features Kayd chatting with one of his friends - Thomas.
Kayd is supposedly having Thomas oversee the upload of some files - something that's implied to be a partially automated process.
As seen above, one of Kayd's friends named Thomas is overseeing the upload of his files. The video also contained a hidden link to a MediaFire folder. This folder contained various sub-folders named "connections" which contained the following files:
quickly.txt
must.txt
secret.txt
reveal.txt
Last.txt
When combined, these files contained one long message from Kayd:
These messages will not last long. I have set up a failsafe so that you all will get this information before Ben can tamper with it, and it will be quickly removed so that he cannot infect it. I hope you are all watching this account.
By now, I'm either long gone, or it's caught up to me. Either way, these uploads will be my last messages to you.
Kayd has set these messages to only remain online very briefly, which he hopes will keep BEN from tampering with them. He believes that he'll likely be dead by the time the players read these.
These files going up here, they're on a timer. The timer is taking them down, too. Everything will be automated, so don't worry.
I can't tell you how I'll be letting it out. If Ben doesn't know, when it goes, he'll have less time to try and stop it. Just keep an eye out. I hope this reaches at least one of you, and you will spread the word.
I know there will be skepticism, I know there will be a lot of mistrust among all of you. Ben has done an amazing job at keeping you fighting over just who and what is real.
That's not going to stop.
But also know that his lies will only reach so far. He wants you all to keep playing. He wants you in the game, but only just enough that he can keep mocking you.
The file that led you to me, it contained a larger secret than you knew.
mhftt
Kayd says that BEN enjoys making the players question who and what is real and not. He also claims that BEN wants to continue mocking and toying with the players, and that "mhftt" or "Matt Hubris Four Two Three" holds some sort of secret.
You have all been following this as though it were a game.
Ben, he was a part of that game, so he sees things in hues that reflect it, but it's real now. It's beyond a game.
I know it is natural for everyone to want to look deeper. To make connections where they don't exist.
The Truth has always been right there. Like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, the answers were given to you.
Kayd says that the ARG was once a game but that now it's real. He also claims that "The Truth" has been right in-front of the players the entire time. A full archive of Kayd's message can be found below:
These messages will not last long. I have set up a failsafe so that you all will get this information before Ben can tamper with it, and it will be quickly removed so that he cannot infect it. I hope you are all watching this account.
By now, I'm either long gone, or it's caught up to me. Either way, these uploads will be my last messages to you.
Wait for them.
Now that I realize what he kept saying.. that it was in front of us the whole time, I am surprised that nobody got it but me.
All of the clues were there.. haha.. a few of you even came really close.
I told you all that if things got really bad-- that I would contact everyone I could and give them what I have. Now that it can no longer protect me, I will be doing just that.
These files going up here, they're on a timer. The timer is taking them down, too. Everything will be automated, so don't worry. Despite not knowing you did, I have a feeling you all provided me protection in my more harrowing hours. Maybe it's just wishful thinking.
I can't tell you how I'll be letting it out. If Ben doesn't know, when it goes, he'll have less time to try and stop it. Just keep an eye out. I hope this reaches at least one of you, and you will spread the word.
I know there will be skepticism, I know there will be a lot of mistrust among all of you. Ben has done an amazing job at keeping you fighting over just who and what is real.
That's not going to stop.
But also know that his lies will only reach so far. He wants you all to keep playing. He wants you in the game, but only just enough that he can keep mocking you.
The file that led you to me, it contained a larger secret than you knew.
mhftt
All of the answers are right there. Think.
By now you might have noticed a pattern. I wont tell you if that pattern is useful or not. Just keep watching. Today you will get all the answers I have.
That's only the first part of things, though.
There's more to it. You have all been following this as though it were a game.
Ben, he was a part of that game, so he sees things in hues that reflect it, but it's real now. It's beyond a game.
I know it is natural for everyone to want to look deeper. To make connections where they don't exist.
The Truth has always been right there. Like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, the answers were given to you.
Few things have been recurring, but if you look, if you really look, they're there. The salvation comes in noticing what has emerged in the pattern.
There will be something more than these notes, soon. Again, I will not tell you when, just keep watching.
If you can get to it before him, it will contain all of the parts of the puzzle, but it will be up to you to put them together before he does.
Byg gzy'o jznkio omi vih.
These are my last words.
If after the file following this is recieved, you still haven't figured things out.. then I guess I've failed you all. I hope Ben does not get to things before you do, but know that over the past few days, I have not only trained you to know what the answers are, but I've spelled them out for you as well. I don't think you'll hear from me again. Thank you all. Goodbye, and goodluck.
-- Kayd.
...?
Shortly after this, a new video was uploaded to Kayd's YouTube channel:
Description
Please know, that you have done nothing wrong.
I was.. a sacrifice? I understand now.
There was nothing you could have done for me.
I do not know if this will be true for those that come after.
For several seconds, BEN.jpg is visible with Matt's Final Hour.mp3 playing. The video cuts to a short fish-eye view of the exterior of Kayd's house, playing in reverse. The view cuts back to BEN for several more seconds, then back to another video in reverse. Afterward, the view cuts to black for a while and the audio stops. The speech from the house footage, when reversed, says,
"Something about a boy dying here some time ago. It's meaningless to me, but peoples' superstitions make for great house prices. April 23, just moved into the new place. It's decent, a little small for me."
The reversed Ikana Canyon Theme fades in. Very small text appears, which reads "423" eleven times. An image of SMPTE bars is shown, with the text,
"There isn't much time."
Kelbris.jpg is shown for less than a second before the bars reappear. The screen goes black for a few seconds before more Kayd footage begins. Kayd walks across his house and into his living room. He rotates the camera and focuses on a clock, then zooms in. The clock is set to 4:23. Eyes.jpg is shown for a few seconds, and "m.h.f.t.t." is overlaid on the lower-left corner, then it cuts to black and the audio ends. There is silence for several seconds, and the second unintelligible.mp3 plays just before get it yet..mp3, which plays three times, the fourth time cut off. The SMPTE bars are shown again, this time with "423" shown in the center of the screen and white noise playing. Twice before the video ends, a screenshot of youshouldnthavedonethat.net's login screen is shown.
Summary
This video acts as Kayd's final message.
This video seemingly contains old footage of Kayd moving into his home on April 23rd. Here, it's implied that Kayd actually moved into Ben's old home.
The video makes repeated references to "m.h.f.t.t.".
As mentioned above, it's heavily implied that on April 23rd, Kayd moved into Ben's former home. The repeated references to "m.h.f.t.t." and the name of Kayd's email to Quia "thelensoftruth" were hints towards the login information Kayd received from Rosa - "MattHubris423 / thelensoftruth". This is the information he was trying so desperately to keep out of BEN's grasp. Unfortunately, the players were still unable to access "The Truth" using this information.
Later that night, players returned to Kayd's IRC chat where they held one final conversation with Quia.
JarSqwuid
Quia, it's JarSqwuid.
Quia
Come to see it all end, then.
JarSqwuid
What's that mean, hun?
Quia
You were there at the begining. Why not be here at the end.
JarSqwuid
No, I've come to see if you're okay.
Quia
Sure. My boyfriend's a sacrifice in your stupid game. Ff course I'm okay. I haven't heard from him at all.
JarSqwuid
I am so, so sorry. God dammit... I don't know how this happened, I don't know how to fix it, all I know is we have to keep playing this fucking game.
Maybe something we do will bring him back. We'll make it right Quia
Quia
Yeah, right. Just go away, please. I don't need someone saying it's okay when he's saying he's your goddamned sacrifice.
Quia is understandably distraught at the supposed death of her boyfriend, Kayd. Not wanting to hear any more from the players, she sends them away. This entire conversation is archived below:
JarSqwuid: Quia, it's JarSqwuid. Quia: Come to see it all end, then.
JarSqwuid: What's that mean, hun? Quia: You were there at the begining, why not be here at the end.
JarSqwuid: No, I've come to see if you're okay Quia: Sure, my boyfriend's a sacrifice in your stupid game, of course I'm okay.
JarSqwuid: It's not our fault, there was nothing we could do
JarSqwuid: It's okay, it's just a game right?
JarSqwuid: I'm sure he's fine
JarSqwuid: Don't worry, we'll get this thing done and everything will be normal again Quia: Right, that's why I haven't heard from him at all.
JarSqwuid: I am so so sorry
JarSqwuid: God dammit...
JarSqwuid: I don't even know, QUia
JarSqwuid: I don't
JarSqwuid: I don't know how this happened, I don't know how to fix it, all I know is we have to keep playing this fucking game.
JarSqwuid: Maybe something we do will bring him back.
JarSqwuid: He gave us so much
JarSqwuid: Now all we have is to solve this fucking thing
JarSqwuid: We'll make it right Quia Quia: Yeah, right.
JarSqwuid: If you want to yell, or say anything, or do anything, or want us to do anything...
JarSqwuid: Please tell me...
JarSqwuid: I will relay, do, say, whatever you need
JarSqwuid: And if you need me to leave, I will. Quia: Find him, damnit.
JarSqwuid: We're working on it
JarSqwuid: We're working on it right now, I swear
JarSqwuid: We have the video, we're breaking it down, he's given us everything
JarSqwuid: We even have goddamn sound engineers working on the audio
JarSqwuid: It'll be okay... Quia: Just go away, please. I don't need someone saying it's okay when he's saying he's your goddamned sacrifice.
JarSqwuid: Alright... if you need anything, or he contacts you, I beg of you
JarSqwuid: Email me at fatedragoon@yahoo.com
JarSqwuid: We'll figure it out
JarSqwuid: Bye.
On October 10th, 2010, the ARG entered into its second "OoC Era". YSHDT.net updated with another out-of-character post from Alex addressing the future of the ARG. Here, Alex states that Kayd's role in the ARG has come to a close. He also claims that the players are fully equipped with the information needed to defeat BEN - though what exactly this was referring to isn't known.
Alex announces that the final part of the ARG will be accompanied by an interactive video game - dubbed the "Hubris Game" by the players. He stresses that this signifies BEN finally targeting the players after their various links had been defeated. The Hubris Game will have to be played in tandem with further exploration of YSHDT.net and updates on the Jadusable YouTube channel in order to fully complete the ARG. Alex also says that coming together as a community and work as one in order to ensure success.
Alex is hoping to have the game released around the Holiday Season and claims that he'll have a definitive release date ready to reveal on Halloween. He also says he'll be taking questions for an upcoming QnA and notes that the players supposedly "missed a very important detail". This entire announcement can be read below:
The second phase of the story has concluded. Kayd Hendricks' role in the story has finished. You are now equipped with all of the information you need to tackle the final phase of this story. Over the past several weeks I have been forming a team to finish the final installment of this story for your enjoyment - think of the events that have occurred in the past several days as a prelude to what comes next. The link has been shattered and BEN is now turning his attention to you. There are several key events that have happened recently that have armed you (whether you realize it or not) with information to not only combat BEN but to finally vanquish him.
And now for just what exactly is next - I'm proud to announce that we will be releasing an interactive videogame for download in tandem with the final phase of the story. It is not a videogame in the traditional sense - it's another perspective into the story and more importantly another resource that you will need to utilize. You have watched Ifrit and Ryukaki go through being tormented by BEN, and now you will experience it first-hand.
You will have to use the three main resources - Jadusable's Youtube Channel, this website, and the game itself to solve the final installment in this story. A clue on the website may lead you to do something that would allow you to progress further within the game and vice versa. The game will be updated in real-time (an Internet connection will be required to play) as the story unfolds and players progress further in this twisted world, the environment changing right before your eyes as you start to go through the same motions as your predecessors. Remember, BEN is completely in control of the Internet now - but does his presence extend beyond that as others have claimed?
While you may be the only one physically in the game, you are not alone in this impossible endeavour - over the past month you have been conversing with each other and deciphering clues, allying yourselves with complete strangers to overcome insurmountable odds. Those relationships you have formed will be strained and your ability to work together as a team will be tested. You will have to stand as a community if you want to have any hope of success. Those who have a keen eye for detail and deduction skills will be your greatest assets. This is an interactive mystery on the grandest of scales, and only by uniting the entire Internet as one driving force do you have any chance of snuffing BEN out of existence.
This will revolutionize what it means to be an ARG and provide you guys with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of something that will go down as the first project of its kind. We are over here working hard on this and you can expect this to release around holiday season. Be sure to check back here for various updates concerning the game itself and for a more definitive release date as Halloween draws closer.
Until then, I feel it necessary to say that you should only take what is posted by me on this website and on my Youtube channel as canon. I have had a few individuals involved in the story as minor characters (there have been two), and their roles are no longer in play (I don't foresee them trying to involve themselves further without my consent, I believe they are good people, but just in case I'd like to cover all my bases).
I'm sure you have a lot of questions and I will put up a Q&A about the project itself, but keep in mind that I can't divulge much at this point, if you would like to submit your question for the Q&A, send a message to the corresponding email below.
Good luck.
For questions concerning the game - whatisben@youshouldnthavedonethat.net
For fanmail - fanmail@youshouldnthavedonethat.net
For other inquiries - continue to use jadusable@youshouldnthavedonethat.net
You might want to compare notes with each other, you seem to have missed a very important detail. It would be in your best interest to get that sorted out before the game releases. Good luck.
Unfortunately, Halloween passed with no word from Alex. Players didn't hear from him again until
On November 8th, 2010, when he finally uploaded the long-awaited YSHDT.net QnA. First, Alex apologizes for the delay, noting that he and his team have been very busy. He's no longer confident revealing a release date at this moment, claiming that this final part of the story will be far more expansive than the first two combined. He's also hoping that it won't cost anything. However, if it does, it will only be a few dollars.
Alex claims that the main character of the game will be the player themselves. It will be a first-person game where they player will be investigating a location previously mentioned in the ARG. As the players as a whole progress through the ARG, new versions of the game will be released that feature more content. An archive of this QnA can be found below:
Hey guys, first of all I know that it's been a long while since I've updated and I apologize, but we've been pretty busy over here trying to make things work. I originally meant to have this Q&A come out around Halloween but we've been working out various issues on how this final installment will operate and function (seeing as though this is the final part of the story that will tie everything together, I'm wanting to make sure its done right instead of trying to churn out a half-assed verison). Rest assured that I've still been lurking around reading your guys' comments and thoughts and I've been keeping up-to-date with the community.
I know some of you are probably frustrated with the lack of updates in a timely manner, but bare in mind that this final phase is more expansive than the first and second combined. Hours and hours of planning and work have gone into this and there's still much left to be done. I appreciate your guys' patience and I'm extremely excited about the experience that you guys will have once this is released.
As promised, here is the Q&A that will hopefully give you guys a little more insight into the project:
Q: Can you please verify (or warn me if not) that the game isn't going to have virus-like effects on the computer as a whole?
No, there won't be any viruses attached to the game - I can assure you that you won't get anything malicious from downloading this.
Q: Do you, or will you, have some kind of way to "subscribe" to the game? What I mean is, for those of us not visiting the site every single day, will there be some way to recieve emails notifying us that you are starting the final phase (or the next phase) of the game?
I've thought about that, and decied that when there is a big announcement (such as announcing the release date), the easiest way to inform the most amount of people would be through the Youtube account. The best way to stay up to date would be to subscribe to Jadusable's channel, and I will announce the release date in advance so it doesn't just get sprung on you guys.
Q: When can we expect the game to be released?
I don't want to come right out there and say exactly when because it could be delayed, but like I said earlier, I will announce the release date in advance to give you guys ample time to get prepared.
Q: Will the game cost anything to download?
That was one of the factors that has hindered the development time, because I am paying my staff myself I've been constrained a little bit in terms of what I want to do/what I can afford. I definitely want to address this as soon as possible, though. At this point, I can honestly say that I am not sure if this will "cost" anything, it really depends on several financial/work factors. I may be able to work it out (ideally) that it would be just a free download, and I will let you guys know in advance what the final decision is.
It's really disheartening to entertain the possibility that the game itself may actually have a pricetag, because I know there will be fans of mine who immediately assume I've "sold out" or I'm trying to get rich or something, and I realize that its a perfectly understandable knee-jerk reaction, but I hope that I can try and clear a few things up:
1. If (and that's a huge if) this game ends up costing anything to download, based on development costs thus far, it would be around the $1.99 price range.
2. I am extremely passionate about this story and making sure the finale is done right is my biggest priority. Those of you who know people in the videogame business might have a better understanding that creating a game - even a relatively small project like this isn't exactly cheap. Essentially I'm paying my staff out of my own pocket and the price tag would be to pay for them and try and break even with this project. I want to get this experience out there as best as I can make it for you guys.
3. I have been and always will be extremely thankful of your guys' support, without you guys this whole thing would not have been as successful as it has been. As much as I am passionate about the story, I am just as if not more so passionate about understanding the concerns of my fans. This is why I would never, ever make the game the only way to participate in phase 3. Even if you do not buy the game (and the buy is still completely hypothetical), you will still be able to work together with the people that do.
If you choose not to purchase the game if it ends up having a price tag, I understand, but we have put a lot of work into it and I'm extremely proud of how it's shaping up. If you really want to get immersed into the final phase - take the fourth wall breaking aspect from the first phase and ramp it up times twenty - then the game will be a powerful experience for you. Like I said, I may be able to work it out where we can release it for free, but I wanted to just give you all a heads-up so it doesn't seem like I'm trying to pull a fast one over you guys if we do have to charge a small fee for it.
Q: What program you are going to be using to develop the game?
Q: Is this a well known company or just a small one that produces flash games that is helping you make this? I guess where I'm going with that question would be is it going to be an all out video game or just a web-based game?
Well, actually there's no company behind this. I've hired a small staff to help me craft the game. This won't be an all-out videogame, in fact, it's difficult to adequately describe it - you'll have to see it for yourself. It's not a flash game and it isn't browser based - it will be a downloadable game.
Q: Will this game run for Windows or for Mac?
Windows confirmed, but most likely Mac as well. I'll keep you guys updated.
Q: What will the game be rated?
Haha, well I'm not an ESRB representative, but I would say that the content you've seen on the website is about par for the content in the game. There are some intense psychological fourth-wall breaking scenes that will blow your mind and make you shit bricks. The atmosphere and the "you're actually here" feeling is indescribable (doubly so if you've been following since the beginning). I can't let on too much, but I can tell you that the genre cliches for "horror" games (such as an abundance of cheap jumpscares and overuse of violence/gore) will be absent. Think more along the lines of Silent Hill 2, except this is much more personal for you.
Q: How will the game itself work? As in, will it be 2d, 3d, topdown, first person, second person, third person?
The game itself will be first person, but you can rest easy - it's not an FPS, there will be no regenerating health and bald space marines here.
Q: What weapons will we have?
Your only weapons will be your abillity to communicate with each other and your deductive skills.
Q: What is the purpose of the game? What exactly will you be doing?
You will be investigating a location mentioned previously in the story while simultaneously trying to uncover the truth about BEN. You'll be interacting with some familiar faces and a lot of things will start all coming together... and for better or for worse the unanswered questions will be resolved.
Q: Who will you be playing as?
Yourself.
Q: If someone progresses further into the game, will everyone progress or is it individual?
There will be checkpoints - when the majority of the playerbase progresses far enough in the game to unlock the next phase of the game - a new version of the game will be released for download. Inititally not all areas are accessible, but by progressing in the story (similiar to how you guys "unlocked" areas of this website previously), it's through this that you will start to see the game world change based on your actions.
Q: How many verisons will there be? How long will this final phase last?
I can't ruin that, now can I? There will be a fair amount of checkpoints. It depends on how well you work together and how smart you are, but its fair to say more than a week.
Q: If this game ends up costing money, will I have to pay for each new verison of the game as we progress through the story?
No way, this game won't suffer from "DLC Syndrome", haha. If (and still a big if) it does cost money, you will only have to pay for it once - every new verison will be free.
Q: How will you update the game with each verison? Will it be patched?
Not exactly, for the sake of having an archive for you to go back and revisit if you wish, you will be able to download a new .exe with the updated game.
That's all for now, if you have any more questions that weren't answered feel free to send them to the address below. I'll keep you guys updated in the upcoming weeks about the progress of the game, and try not to get suckered into mock-websites (Again, only trust updates on this site - the guestbook doesn't count :P).
The next day on November 9th, 2010, the following video was uploaded to the Jadusable YouTube channel:
This video simply contains text reading as follows:
No one came.
In the background, the sounds of water and someone drowning can be heard.
Summary
This video contains text reading "No one came." and the sound of someone drowning.
This video's title and runtime amount to "423" - the date of Ben's death. This is accompanied by the sound of someone drowning. The significance of this video is unknown, however. After this video's upload, there was no activity until Alex posted another announcement on January 1st, 2011. Here, he claims that the Hubris Game is still in development and admits that a "Holiday Season" release date was too ambitious. Alex stresses that he's mostly funding this project by himself and he doesn't have a very large team to assist him.
Strangely, Alex claims that the players will know when the ARG recommences "internet access or not", implying that he was planning some IRL promotional event. He claims that the Hubris Game will be released before April, however. A full archive of this announcement can be read below:
It's the dawn of a new day and the beginning of a new year so I figured I'd take this opportunity to reach out to the community and give a brief update.
The game is still in development. I know that may illicit a teeth-grinding response from some of you (in all fairness I was too ambitious by saying that it would be out by the holiday season), and I feel like I've beat this point to death but just keep in mind that I am working on this and financing this by myself. I have no big company backing me, I don't have six figures to be throwing into the production of this - I am working with a small staff of various programmers/modelers/what-have-you that I've hired out of my own pocket. Learning how to make a game, especially one of this kind of calibur, is both difficult and time consuming. Money is tight and when it becomes too tight work progress can slow down. This is not me asking for donations: this is me conveying the reality of the situation for those who want to know. Donating will not speed up the development process (if you want to donate, obviously that's great and as always I appreciate your support, but it will not make the game come out any faster) - we've more of less got all of our ducks in a row for the financial aspect now.
I hope you all can understand how tackling this along with work, school, and the holidays is extremely - for lack of a better word - complicated. If this was my job, that'd be a much different story, but for now I have to ask that you bare with me. I will give you guys a heads up at least a week or two in advance when we're getting ready to release this so you guys can plan accordingly, and there will be a build-up event to the release of the game as well. Don't worry about missing when the ARG starts back up - you'll know, internet access or not.
I just want to thank you guys for your patience and understanding towards this entire process. Yes, I know it's hard. And yes, I know it can be frustrating to have to wait - but I can assure you the experience will be worth it. I've probably made some of my fans lose interest and while its unfortunate - so be it. I would rather release a well-polished game and satisfyingly conclude this saga - because it's what all of you guys deserve - than churn out something that feels rushed and incomplete. Being able to get my story out and to have you all enjoy it as I intended is worth losing a few fans to me - as hard as that is to say.
A user that goes by the name of Sheik made a well thought-out and informative post in the guestbook that gives a brief perspective on what I'm working on here (thanks again, Sheik):
I'm going to put my realistic hat on. I've been waiting as eagerly for updates as anyone else because I don't know, maybe Jadusable was some kind of wizard or else someone with an incredible gameplan who had started working on Arc 3 before the first creepypasta post was even made. But the longer we go with no word the more it confirms to me that Jad didn't realise what a big project he was getting into and that he has no idea when it'll actually be ready.
I'm going to go by a few assumptions here based on the answers to this Q&A above. (So everything after this is conjecture). Firstly, Jad is going to have to make AT LEAST two different versions of this game available for download at various points. Second, it's in first-person and features a location "previously mentioned", so we can assume we're using the unity engine for a 3D environment. As to what the environment is?
First option: something Majora's Mask-ish. I think this is the least likely, but: they'd have to rip a bunch of assets out of the game (since I don't know of any website so far that hosts a ripped version of, say, the Elegy statue - nobody's bothered before). Then they'd have to get them to work in the newer 3D programs (for reference: I wasted a day of my life the other month trying to reapply all the textures to Twilight Princesses version of Kakariko village, because the old .3ds file it was made in isn't very compatible with the newer 3D software anymore and therefore didn't automatically apply the textures like it should have/did in older versions of the program. I can only imagine how old those MM models are.) Then they'd have to get them to work okay in the unity engine. That's not easy.
Second option: something set in the real world (Ryu's house, the old man's house, the orchard, whatever). So first off they're going to need to build a whole bunch of essentially useless assets (furniture) just to set the scene up. never mind anything plot-relevant or interesting. He's got to either have people building them (time-consuming) OR pay for them pre-built OR get the free ones off, say, Turbosquid, in which case it's either going to look shit or someone's got to spend a good while retexturing everything to make it look weathered and consistent with the rest of the scene.
Either way it's going to take forever. (Note: since Jad mentions that it's hard-to-explain, I could be entirely wrong in assuming it's going to have some kind of 1st-person Myst-type setup. Maybe it's going to be based around, idk, text and photos or something, or a series of static environment images in a point-and-click setup, in which case I'd say expecting to get it out of the door in 2 months is maybe more realistic - but then I don't see what the point of using the Unity engine would be.)
Plus we have multiple versions, multiple set-pieces, and this arc is meant to last a week. Even if we assume more than half of that is going to be spent waiting for YSHDT.net/youtube to update or waiting for enough slowpokes to cross the checkpoints so that we can proceed, there's still got to be a couple of hours of gameplay there, minimum.
I don't imagine we've got a large dev team working full-time, even if Jad *is* paying them, since he's a college student. A handful of people working part time is more likely, and since it's the holiday season they might not in fact be working on it at the moment at all. A comparison: one of my university tutors has a couple of dozen years in the game industry, and has just released a game on itunes (for reference and for shameless plugging: http://www.attackkumquat.com/ - go play it if you can, it's pretty neat). That was made by a dev team of two, working part time and out of their own pocket - much like Jad.
And it took them the best part of a year to do it.
And compare: these guys have a huge amount of experience. They don't have an insane amount of assets: the same building blocks are used from level to level. There aren't any elaborate scripted "set pieces" like Jad is trying to do, Silent-Hill style. You see where I'm going with this?
And, okay, I'm not a coder at all, I am an artist. I don't know the first thing about coding. But I'm willing to bet that programming a game to *not* be a stable environment, making it something that can change somehow between versions, or with players actions triggering environment changes, or with set-pieces, is a heavy workload. Depending on how far Jad is willing to go to break the fourth wall (enabling the game to tailor itself to recognise individual players via their email they've been using on the guestbook is still something I think would be unbelievably cool), that's a whole can of worms right there too. And, guys - this game CANNOT glitch. There must be no glitches in this game, because in a game BASED around scripted anomalies and glitches, a rogue glitch that Jad didn't intend to be there could, depending on the circumstances, destroy the game completely.
tl;dr Unless I am totally off track about how this game will work, I am totally amazed that Jad ever thought he'd get this out around the holidays, and frankly if it comes out in a good, non-half-assed, finished state before April he is probably a wizard who can bend the laws of game production-times to his will, and I will be very impressed.
... Although I can safely say that you won't have to wait until April.
Meanwhile, players discovered a few oddities on YSHDT.net. Firstly, the text spanning across pages that originally spelled out "http:// WHAT IS not so fast .com" was partially replaced with the following - "This could come in hand later", possibly implying that "Whatisben.com" was still going to be important further down the line. The "Timeline" Page also contained hidden text that read "- Pyrrhic prophecy is hinted at", implying that the players might fail. This text was removed a few days later, however.
On January 14th, 2011, the website's Guestbook was removed due to its large size lagging the Front Page. On January 20th, 2011, Alex posted the following to the Jadusable YouTube channel:
Alex
"Update: The game is coming along smoothly, we actually may end up getting a release date early next month, but I'm not going to come out and confirm anything yet until it's certain. Rest assured there will be announcement plenty of time ahead of its release."
On February 1st, 2011, YSHDT.net updated with another post from Alex. This coincided with the website's Guestbook returning. Here, Alex claimed that production on the Hubris Game hit a bit of a snag regarding "original level that we had in mind". Regardless, development is continuing - Alex had even managed to get in touch with a talented composer for the game's music. He claims that the next update he posts will likely be the final out-of-character announcement he makes and that it will also feature some screenshots. An archive of this post can be found below:
Things are coming along nicely with production, save for one little detail. We've run into a little hitch with Unity and using the original level that we had in mind, but it's nothing that we can't fix/replace. It's a little hiccup, but it isn't stopping anything. I know, I know... waiting for this must be annoying, but understand the work that has to go into making a project like this and how I'm trying to make this whole thing happen by myself. I know that probably isn't so comforting, but it will all be worth it and the longest part of the waiting game is over.
Alright, enough of the bad news. I'm pleased to announce that I've gotten in touch with a very talented artist and he's collaborating with us to make the soundtrack for the videogame. If you've liked any of the music that has been on the website in the past, then you're going to love this.
I also wanted to thank you again for all of your support, understanding, and your donations. They have been absolutely paramount in this story's success and keeping us motivated. Making the final phase of this story has been the most intensive project I've ever taken on and it's all starting to come to fruition in these next few weeks. The next update will be featuring some screenshots of the game and introducing the build-up event and this will probably be the last "out of character" update you guys get.
Again, I couldn't have done all this without you and your support. You guys are awesome.
PS The guest book is back up. Play nice.
On February 12th, 2011, text on the Front Page of YSHDT.net slowly changed over the course of the day:
You're beginning to slowly go insane.
You're beginning to slowly go insane. You begin to slowly lose your grip on reality.
You begin to slowly lose your grip on reality.
Not time yet Not yet time. Too soon. So
Over the next few days, the website experienced some strange, subtle changes. On February 13th, 2011, the website's Favicon disappeared. February 14th, 2011, the website briefly went offline. On February 16th, 2011, players began having difficulty connecting to YSHDT.net due to a DDOS attack. Later in the day, Alex posted two announcements on the Jadusable YouTube channel:
Alex
"I'll be having a public Q&A with you guys at 11:00pm EST tonight (roughly an hour form now), feel free to stop by at http://jadusable.chatango.com/. I'll be under the screen name JadusableH. I'm moving the Q&A to a more moderated chat, it'll be less spamtastic this way - http://whatsyourmask.chatango.com"
Later on, Alex initiated the aforementioned QnA. Here, he claimed that he was currently completely out-of-character. He also implies that the callout regarding the player Sephiriam might hold more significance than originally thought, saying "wait and see". He also claims that the presence of Link's fairy Navi briefly appearing towards the end of huntyoudown.wmv is very important. He implies that Navi is meant to be representative of the players themselves. Alex also suggests that the Moon Children's origins will be further explored in the final arc of the ARG.
Alex implies that there's some canon significance to the strange changes found on YSHDT.net - even seeming out-of-character ones such as the recent removal of the Guestbook, claiming that "there is a method to the madness". He also claims that Kayd's role in the overall story is fairly minimal - though still canon. Alex notes that he has some mixed feelings regarding how Kayd's arc played out, but he wanted to experiment with allowing a player to have the reigns on the story. He also seems to imply that the frequent reference to eyes being taken is metaphorical and that perhaps the players' own eyes have already been taken from them.
Throughout this QnA, Alex's username was "JadusableH". The "H" was implied to stand for "Hubris". A full archive of this QnA can be found below:
JadusableH: Okay, before we get started, here's the basics of this: This chat is OOC, I'll be answering questions as I see them, I probably won't be able to get to all of your questions and there some questions I won't be able to answer for obvious reasons. To prevent flooding/spam, ask a question and then wait at least a minute or so for an answer. Limit your messages to just questions and I'll address them, use the other chats for discussing the answers/talking, limit this chat to just questions. Obviously flaming/trolling/spamming is against the rules. I'm taking a quick three minutes to prep, then I'll begin.
JadusableH: Okay, the floor's open. Fire away.
Sephiriam: Okay, Jad the only question I have is why did you point me out in File 60, was it a random thing or what.
JadusableH: @Sephiriam - I'm afraid the only answer I can give is 'wait and see'
ZackVee: I also have a question about something similar, why was I the only other person other than Ryu who got to talk to rosa?
JadusableH: @ZackVee - Luck of the draw, you got to her in those few minutes where she was available to chat to those who asked.
BomberGangBouncer: How long are you going to be answering questions?
JadusableH: @BomberGB - Around an hour or so
BomberGangKid1: When will the site be back up?
JadusableH: @BomberGK1 - Soon, someone DDOS'd it.
Lilio: How is the development of the game coming?
JadusableH: @Lilio - It's coming along, we've had a few hiccups, then again it is my first time working on something this expansive, but it's getting closer to completion.
Iamskeletonjelly: JadusableH, I just wanted to apologize for any Drama I might have caused you, Ryuk, and I. And is the Cipher that everyone has been working on solvable currenlty?
JadusableH: @Iamskeleton - No problem, there was no drama, really. Just a miscommunication. And the cypher that everyone is working on - I'm assuming 59 - technically it is solvable, but its not likely you will be able to without a certain key in the third arc.
LolSoilwork: Is the fairy in huntyoudown.wmv still relevant?
JadusableH: @Lolsoilwork - Yes. Very.
Oyukionna: Alright, sweet. If I may, though you're probably sick of hearing this by now, we all appreciate the work and time you've put into this. One of my friends asked that I say that, as she couldn't be here. Now that the message has been passed on, I can ask my question. Now, there's been a lot of discussion about whats canon and what's not, and some of the newer players (like me) are confused as to if huntyoudown.wmv is still relevant to the plot.
JadusableH: @Oyukionna - Glad you enjoy it! And yes, huntyoudown is still relevant, although you probably won't be able to see the relevance until the first game is released. Then you'll start to piece it together.
Spirkiroid: Why is the Q&A section in YSHDT empty?
JadusableH: @Spirkiroid - I'm not sure. I'll have to check that when the website comes back up.
Theytookmyeyes: ok, heres a question. why is it that important documents end in a question mark? is it proof of bens interference?
JadusableH: @Theytookmyeyes - not all important documents end in a question mark. It's hard to tell what is ben's interfierence, or if it even is ben's interfierence at all - that's left up to the viewers at this point.
ZackVee: Is the first site that the moon children inhabited on the internet somewhere? They referenced a site that they had before then but we havent seen it at all.
JadusableH: @ZackVee - You'll learn more about the moon children in the third arc and where they come from. A lot will be explained about their origins.
BomberGangKid1: What kind of system spec's are you projecting for ideal gameplay?
JadusableH: @BomberGK1 - The game is not very hardware intensive, it should be playable on low-end machines. Provided the computer was made after 2002 :P
Jdalson: JadusableH, can you give us a time frame for when the BUILDUP EVENT prior to the game is going to begin?
JadusableH: @Jdalson - I can't give you a definitive answer on that, I hate sounding like Blizzard, but 'soon' is the best answer I can give at this point. The build-up event has to tie in seamlessly with the release of the game, and the game isn't quite finished yet (although close).
Xdalson: So, I have a question, feel free to get around to it whenever. I'd like to ask if any characters are on anyone's side, or if they're just a third party. You don't have to name names or give too much away, just curious.
JadusableH: @Xdalson - There are characters on a specific side, although it's not so much black and white. There are varying shades of gray.
AiriX: Jad: Is the site page with the lorium ipsum relavent at all?
JadusableH: @AiriX No.
Skysoldja: I've heard a lot of people complain that the game Majora's Mask, or just Zelda itself, is no longer relevant. Does the MM game still have relevance or was it just used to introduce BEN and co?
JadusableH: @Skysoldja It is relevant, there's a lot of symbolism in the events of the first arc that foreshadow things in the third. Although you won't be seeing Zelda again, it definitely holds a significant purpose - although it may not be in the way you are expecting.
Astartus: You said it was unsure if the game would be released for Macs. Have you alreadygot closer information about that?
JadusableH: @Astartus - I can't say anything for sure yet about Macs. It -should- be, but I'll let you guys know when we have a definitive release date.
LolSoilwork: Are things on the site being deleted on purpose? Such as the reference to the pyrrhic prophecy?
JadusableH: @Lolsoilwork - Maybe.
Oyukionna: Thanks for the answer, I still appreciate you tking time to do this. ^.^ While I assume this is just you having no time to moderate the Guestbook, would there happen to be an In Character motive behind the absence of new posts?
JadusableH: @Oyukionna - Hard to say without giving too much away. Just know that there is a method to the madness :P
santasevilhelper: Do you think a creepypasta like this would work with anyother game?
JadusableH: @Santasevilhelper - Yes, Majora's Mask is interchangable with more than a dozen other games I could have used, but it was a personal favorite of mine. The story could have worked with almost any game.
Splontot: Is the "whatis____" site ever going to come into play, or was it scrapped?
JadusableH: @Splontot - It'll come into play.
Iamskeletonjelly: Jadusable, have you written any fanfiction before? Perhaps Devil May Cry fanfiction? Do you regret it?
JadusableH: @whoever asked about the DMC fanfiction - Haha, no I don't regret it. That was a long time ago and writing fanfiction like that has definitely helped me hone my abilities as a writer and expand my imagination. Plus I had fun doing it.
StarKindler: Alright, Jad, you said in "The Truth" on yshdt.net (the OOC tab) that the player was like Navi during arc 2. Does that mean the fairy in huntyoudown.wmv was supposed to represent us, the player? (Ignore if you need to, or answer whenever you can).
JadusableH: @Starkindler - That, and the significance of huntyoudown will have some light shed on it in the third arc.
AiriX: 2nd question: The Alex consume video. Has its predictions fully been fuffilled, or is it still foreshadowing things for the 3rd Arc? (more particularly, the last scene where Mercer beats a man before being gunned down. How critical is that on a scale of 1-10)
JadusableH: @AiriX - The consume video has significance - I wouldn't look so much at the individual actions preformed in the video as what it represents as a whole.
C0mmandersigma: I apologize if this sounds rude, but due to the flood of posts, would you please restate the questions in your answers Jad?
JadusableH: @C0mmander - I believe the moderators are keeping a record of the questions and the answers so you can look back on them, sorry.
Merik2013: Will we be given the opportunity to view the two missing videos?
JadusableH: @Merik2013 - Sort of. Probably not in the way you're expecting though.
Deaconayc: Jad, you mentioned the "first game". Does that mean that you are producing numerous games? Additionally, as someone who is not in America, will I have as equal opportunity as someone in America to complete the Third Arc? Additionally, why is the father smiling?
JadusableH: @Deaconayc - There will be more than one game released, each one deals with a different.. well. You'll see. If you aren't in America, I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to participate just as much as someone who is. And I can't answer the last one
Baermeister: Is Drowned a character or just something stuck into the page by BEN
JadusableH: @Baer - Can't answer that :P
BomberGangKidBeeb: It's great that you take time to answer to our questions like that. Very apriciated. A question that is on everybody's lips and feel free to avoid the question since they seemed IC but : Is the quickly disapearing updates "Not yet time". etc.. trying to tell us not to attempt Fle 64-67 yet ?
JadusableH: @BomberGangKB - You can attmept File 64-67, but without information from the third arc, it's very doubtful you'll be able to solve it.
Joe: What other youtube channels beside your own were a part of this?
JadusableH: @Joe - Jadusable and TheLinkMissing
PERSONAlaplace: And Ryu's?
JadusableH: @Persona - Yes, but I would take most of it with a grain of salt. Knowledge of Ryukaki's arc is not required to understand the third story arc/ the overarcing story
Garrenn: Are you planning on working on any other projects after this arg? Doesn't have to be ANOTHER arg to apply to this question.
JadusableH: @Garrenn - Yes, I've already been toying with the idea of a rather elaborate ARG that would incorporate a lot of what this story has been experimenting with. For example - there would be additional standalone videogames that would allow you investigate places that are central to the story.
BomberGangBouncer: How long will the 3rd arc be in comparison to the first and second arcs? you can answer any of our questions @BGK if that is easier
JadusableH: @BGB - Longer than the first and second combined.
JadusableH: Ryukaki is canon, just to clarify
JadusableH: He is apart of the story
JadusableH: But not to the extent that a lot of people are assuming
Sheik423: I have a question about the hidden text in the ARG timeline ("Ben posted an image of the HMS on /x/...etc"), since it seems to be a remaining piece that was in the original wiki timeline before you edited it. Is that supposed to be there? (Also, you are awesome and thank you.)
JadusableH: @Sheik - Indeed it is.
Theytookmyeyes: jad, are there still any secret areas in yshdt.net? like the contact and download pages? also, excuse me if im intruding, my phone lagged.
JadusableH: @Theytookmyeyes - As of now, the playerbase has discovered every page available on the website.
Jonathan: Jadusable, was Ryukaki actually important and sent by you to continue the story or was he just some random guy trying to leech of your fame?
JadusableH: @Jonathan - Ryukaki is apart of the story, I attempted to incorporate the players into the story to expand upon it. His arc is significant, but not absolutely crucial.
AquaColors: How did you first come up with the idea for the ARG's plot?
JadusableH: @Aquacolors - I want to get into the meat and potatoes of that question, but in the interest of time I feel I can expand upon that after it's all said and done.
Oyukionna: One last question I'd like to ask before I head out. With all the drama that's going around concerning Ryukaki and his Arc, do you wish at all that you could have changed something about how it was done? Presentation, or otherwise?
JadusableH: @Oyukionna - I experimented involving one of the regular players in the story with Ryukaki, I'm not sure if this was a good idea or a bad idea. I have mixed feelings about it, Some people tell me I should have taken more control over the structure of his arc, but there's a reason behind letting him briefly have the reigns.
Spirkiroid: Who is this Rem person DuskWorld23 referred to in the Moon Children arc?
JadusableH: @Spirkiroid - You'll learn more about the origins of the Moon Children in the third arc.
PERSONAsorox: Do the order your videos go in mean anything? For instance the infamous "2 free jadusable/MATT, drowned BEN, Day four" And another thing (which you can ignore if you want), is MR. D going to come into play any time soon?
JadusableH: @Personasorox - I can't comment on either of those questions.
Jdalson: Jadusable you are awesome and this has been an awesome ride from the start, my question is this, you said its DOUBTFUL that we will solve the passwords for the passworded files, implying that it isnt impossible, if we did would it be a SPOILER or could that be arranged within your plans for the story?
JadusableH: @Jdalson - Thanks for the kind words! But it's extremely doubtful you will be able to figure it out. Technically it isn't impossible, but I would be thoroughly surprised if anyone did. If they're found early, it may give some insight into the events that will unfold, but they're not meant to be found yet. However, it won't affect the overall story either way.
BomberGangKid1: How do you fell about the various groups that have formed around solving your ARG?
JadusableH: @How do you feel about hte various groups that have formed around solving your ARG? - I think it's great. I've designed the third arc so that it encourages forming up groups and theorizing with your buddies. In fact, towards the end, it's impossible to succeed unless everyone is working together. And by that, I mean *everyone*.
PERSONAmc: Hey, Jad. Thank you for your attentiveness. You've improved tremendously as a mod. For my question, it'd be lovely to know if the pronoun mishaps in thetruth.rtf {like 9/8, 7:18pm and 7:20pm} are intentional or sleep deprivation.
JadusableH: @PersonaMC - ;)
Slaughtermatic: When we chatted with Ryukaki, he said he had met Ben. Was this statement authorized by you? Furthermore, were we supposed to trust that chat at all?
JadusableH: @Slaughtermatic - Until the third arc, you'll have to take what Ryukaki says at face value. You decide.
Deaconayc: Thank you Jad. Also what are the chances the game will cost us money, and if so how much will it be? Additionally, comparing your original posts on 4chan to the ones on YSHDT, I noticed some edits and explicit spelling mistakes, specifically the removal of the letter 'I' from words. Is this significant or typos?
JadusableH: @Deaconayc - That is one of the most frustrating issues I've been dealing with. I don't want this game to cost you guys any money. I'm not trying to gardner sympathy from anyone here - but I've gone to great lengths to try and assure that it won't (going so far as to getting a second job for a brief period of time). At this point, I'm not sure. Hiring a team to do this deifnitely isn't cheap, I just hope people can understand the reality of the situation. What I can promise is that if it does end up costing money, it will be so that I can break even and not go into debt Like I said earlier, the $1.99 - $2 price range will be the worst case scenario. But it may not end up costing anything, so it's too soon to say either way.
Deaconayc: Thank you, and the second part of that please
Deaconayc: if you have time
JadusableH: @Deaconayc (2nd part) - ;)
C0mmandersigma: Did you ever slip into the chats and forums to slip information when people e-mailed you asking for help?
JadusableH: @C0mmander - Back during the first arc, no. I don't see myself doing it once the third arc starts up, either.
BGKPrismBlack: In music.wmv by Ryukaki, we saw his phone and it had a number on it, but the video was such bad quality that we could not make out the number except for 423. Is that number relevant to the story and will it be revealed in the upcoming Arc?
JadusableH: @BGKPrismBlack - The significance of Ryukaki's arc and the various 'hints' within it will be revealed in the third arc.
JadusableH: I dont mind pushing this over the hour time limit a little bit
Karochan1: Hello! First of all Thank you so much to answer n.n so ahm... The controls of the game is the keyborad of the computer or you can use a control... ? and if the game cost, its going to be hard if we are people from other country? Im from Mexico so sorry for my english and thank you n.n
JadusableH: @Karochan - The controls will be standard for any kind of FPS. There will be WASD keys and an "Interact" button, as well as an inventory. I didnt see the rest of your question.
JadusableH: @Karochan - I don't see why it wouldn't be hard if you aren't from America. If it does cost anything, it would probably be done through PayPal.
Kylinn: Jad, first off, thanks for everything, you're great. You've said you follow the discussion and theorizing among the fans; do you enjoy reading it, or secretly laugh at us when we're way off base? :P Also, are the titles of your videos meaningful in any way?
JadusableH: @Kylinn - I love reading your guys' theories and keeping in touch with you guys. I know there was a two month period where I didn't update, but I still was checking the various communities and reading up on everything. You guys are great and I'm always listening for any kind of feedback. I noticed that you guys were kind of pissy with the lack of consistent updates (rightfully so) and my lack of OOC involvement with you guys while I was working on the game, so I'm trying to fix that now and keep you guys more up to speed! And I can't answer your second question.
Garrenn: Didn't you say at one point that you were planning on making another ARG? If so will there be other characters that other people will get to play? I would love to be able to take part of this and was wondering if you would be willing to hold...I'm not sure, some kind of audition for these roles? I would love to try and take part in one of your stories.
JadusableH: @Garrenn - Yes, I've given some thought to having players control specific characters in the next ARG. I suppose auditions would be a great way to see who would be able to play the character. Obviously that's far off into the future, but I'll be sure to let you guys know any developments with that.
Xdalson: I realize the phrase about taking eyes is metaphorical (although I could see the story going...twisted :P) but have they taken ours as well? or have we ever had them?
JadusableH: @Xdalson - Good catch. ;)
Spirkiroid: 3 questions: 1-How long to you expect the game to go on for? 2-Have you heard of the MP Theory, where ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy is Ben, and if so, what are your opinions on this? 3-What will the music in the game be like? Is it being composed bt Dante (Knightfall guy)?
JadusableH: @Spirk - 1. Longer than the first arc and second. A week and a half/two weeks. Maybe longer depending on how fast you guys progress.
JadusableH: @Spirk - 2. I vaguely remember reading something about that... uhm. I have no real opinion on it, lol. 3. The music will be akin to most of the songs you've heard on the website, hard to really put it in a specific genre... but the music is fantastic. And no, the Dante/Knightfall guy, isn't the one composing for the game.
Splontot: Two/three part question, you said you were thinking of another ARG, how will we know when its ready? At one point you mentioned wanting to make a TV show, is that still a possibility (seems like you got a good fanbase alrerdy). Also, was the plot always meant to be this way? It seemed a pretty drastic change from phase one to two, epsecially after the cliffhanger of huntyoudown.
Splontot: by how will we know when its ready, I mean what should we be looking at for updates
JadusableH: @Splontot - That's way off in the future, but I'll be sure to make an announcement and spread it around the internet. You know, it may even be a good idea to start a newsletter of sorts. Hm. As for the TV show - that's actually something different entirely. A few close friends of mine were writing a pilot for it, but it would be a comedy series akin to sunny in philadelphia. There's an explaination for the sudden change and the silence after huntyoudown was posted, and you'll be able to have a better understanding of why that's happened in the third arc.
OsirisOmega: First off, I'd like to say I'm a huge fan of your work thus-far. The feeling I got during the first arc during the moon children part was umatched. The main thing that also added to this here is the player interaction (like emails with rosa). Have you considered involving players again, as you did with Ryukaki, but obviously not on such a large scale (videos, etc.)? Will we see any form of player interaction in the 3rd portion? Again, congrats on everything thus far. Good luck with your final episode
JadusableH: @OsirisOmega - Thanks, I love it when I read comments like these and I'm glad that you enjoyed it so much. Haha, and yes. Saying that the players will be involved in the third arc is.. well... a collossal understatement. I won't reveal much, but just remember you're playing as yourself if you choose to play the game.
YoshiKMW: Is there any importance to file 31, considering there is no information in it as of now?
JadusableH: @Yoshi Who knows?
PERSONAsorox: What is so special about the number 423? TO be more specific, why choose 423 and not another number?
JadusableH: @Persona - /shrug
Anegative: I've been archiving this so I haven't been able to pay too much attention to what questions have been asked, so sorry if I'm repeating this. "When the game is back up, you'll know, internet access or not". I understand you probably can't tell us too much about what that means, but something? Are we perhaps to except phone calls again, e-mails, or something bigger like... TV, radio?
JadusableH: @Anegative - You'll have to see.
NotJAD: What are your sources of inspiration, as in, was there any book/movie/other form of media that had a big impact on the ARG? Thank you for giving up you night to answer this stuff!
JadusableH: @NotJAD - Not too many, now that I think about it. I started constructing the story based on what I thought would be disturbing back in the first arc, since then the story almost has a life of its own, it doesn't really draw too much inspiration from any one form of entertainment. I try to make it somewhat unique.
Xdalson: It was stated Kelbris "transcended" as oppsed to him ascending, is there any signifigance with this? Also, just out of curiousity, what do you think of the song Molten Light by Chad Vangaalen?
JadusableH: @Xdalson First question - /shrug Second question - Never heard it.
Astartus: There was some very elaborate and strange filtering done with "2". Is there any deeper meaning in this that hasn't been discovered yet or was it purely for the sake of the atmosphere?
JadusableH: @Astartus - It has a significance, but you'll have to wait until the third arc to see (I feel like that's been the buzz-phrase for tonight... sorry!)
PERSONAlaplace: I have a question about Ben's age. He is reffered to as 'Your Age' to the Jad character, but it is questionable whether or not this was a present tense 'Your age (IE College) or past (IEkid)
JadusableH: @Persona - Ben is roughly the same age as Jadusable.
Kai2max: Hey, Jad. First I just want to say that I love the ARG. The endless nights reading things have driven me insane to the point that I’ve once imagined seeing the Elegy statue. XD, Anyways, my question is this: The concept of a first person game where you play yourself in modern times seems a bit confusing, could you please give us some insight to how it will run? Also, should we expect flashing Elegy statues and Re-dead screams?
JadusableH: @Kai2max Hey Kai, I'm glad to hear that (although I'm sure your therapist wasn't), and as for the game - you are returning to a location that was briefly mentioned in the first arc and investigating. Take call of duty. Remove the guns, the regenerating health, and raimerez. It's a first person game where you are primarily investigating/interacting with ------ . You're meant to use the game as you did the website in the first arc, another tool to try and piece together what's been going on this entire time.
JadusableH: @Kai2max - And I can't say about your second question.
PERSONAmc: Jad, how many more are you up for?
JadusableH: @Persona let's do one more batch, after I finish these up. I've got to get to work soon.
PERSONAmc: How many do you want?
JadusableH: @Persona Let's do 4 more.
Uratnik: Jad, you say you're going to let people know both online, and in real life, and that it's gonna be hard to miss. are we talking to the point where even if someone has no idea who Ben is they'll know something's going on?
JadusableH: @Uratnik - Depends, really. You'll have to see.
ZackVee: Ryu received a password from Rosa during Arc 1, will we need this password or will it be retconned?
JadusableH: @ZackVee - The password Ryu recieved was 'thelensofttruth', which was used to finally unlock the file 59 cipher
BomberGangKidBeeb: "Since everyone wants some IC.. as a funny way to end the night.. What would BEN say to us seeing us all tonight in one big assembly against him ?"
JadusableH: @BGKB - He'd think it was amusing, but ultimately he'd be focused on more pressing matters.
Thanos: Aside from the cipher in file 59, is there anything else we have missed that might give us information?
JadusableH: @Thanos - You guys have everything unlocked. Whether you missed something or not, I can't say.
Slaughtermatic: When you say Ben is Jadusable's age, do you mean he WOULD be if he was still alive, or he was when he died?
JadusableH: @Slaughtermatic - Would be.
PERSONAthree: Hey Jad, can you clear up to us what exactly mhftt means?
JadusableH: @Persona - Matt Hubris Four Two Three
JadusableH: which also sort of answers a question that was just asked that was deleted, if you look between the lines
Catspirit123: Thanks bro, I hope this game is balls to the wall scary
JadusableH: Thanks for everything. You guys are awesome, I can't thank you all enough for your support.
JadusableH: It will be Cat.
Spirkiroid: Jad! What does the H mean in your name????
JadusableH: Already answered that Spirk
JadusableH: Sort of. It's hidden, but I answered it.
On February 17th, 2011, Alex posted the following message to the Jadusable YouTube channel:
Alex
"Looking for three responsible individuals to act as forum moderators. Send me a brief resume at jadusable@youshouldnthavedonethat.net if you think you would be interested."
Later that night, a timer appeared on YSHDT.net that was counting down to around 7:00 PM. This timer was labelled "Another Step" and contained the text "When you unite. 18 Feb 2011". When the timer reached zero, YSHDT.net went offline. This coincided with a link to a new website being posted to Jadusable's YouTube channel - a message board named Within Hubris. This was accompanied by the text "The final piece of the puzzle is sliding into place, when the bastion is completed you will have everything you need.".
Within Hubris's boards and categories were laid out as follows:
Announcements
Announcements
Forum Help
Story
General Discussion
Theory Discussion
Story Speculation
New Developments
Community
Newbie/Help Center
Community General
Videogame General
Fan Created Content
Recruitment
The board also contained a variety of accounts belonging to canon characters. Most of these belonged to an enigmatic user group named "Tenor".
1. Administrator - Jadusable
2. Tenor - Hubris
3. Tenor - Ryukaki
4. Tenor - Alex
5. Tenor - Nekko
6. Tenor - Duskworld23
7. Tenor - Drowned
8. Tenor - BEN
9. Tenor - Rosa
10. Tenor - Insidiae
11. Tenor - Tyler
12. Tenor - Kelbris
13. Administrator - Guide
This "Guide" user could be found posting what appeared to be various out-of-character topics introducing players to the forums. For some reason, he used Insidiae's avatar from YSHDT.net. His first post contained the following:
READ THIS FIRST!
Guide
Let me be the first to welcome you to Within Hubris.
"Here, all of us walk the fine line between absolution and conviction.
This is our last safe haven, our last bastion of defense. And yet it houses our greatest minds, and our strongest warriors."
This is a general forum designed to have every tool, every text, and every cipher available at the player's fingertips. This forum is not meant to replace any existing forum, but rather, its purpose is to serve as a central hub for you, the player. From here, you will be able to access everything related to the story - from a specific video to a certain Wikipedia article - in one convenient and organized location.
Players who are confused or feel lost at any point of the story are no longer left behind - the Newbie/Help Center was designed specifically for them in mind.
Organized player factions/groups now have their own sub-forum in which they can recruit, and are encouraged to advertise their own community websites (provided it's kept only in that forum).
Discussion of the story can be divided up into four categories - each specific arc and then the story as a whole. Those who want to solely focus their discussions on a specific arc now have the opportunity to do so.
The New Developments forum offers a quick and easy way for players to archive, log, and share their findings - with a separate forum for discoveries made in the game itself.
The forum has just had new life breathed into it, expect a lot to change in the next few days. And most importantly, enjoy your stay.
Guide welcomes the players, describing Within Hubris as a hub for them to use to organize and share information. Interestingly, Guide describes as Within Hubris as a "bastion of defense" and refers to the players as "our strongest warriors" - a phrase the Matt previously used when referring to Alex.
Supplemental Material: Guide made a variety of "Board Rules" posts on Within Hubris, which can be found here.
Shortly after this, two new boards and categories briefly appeared on the forums:
HELP ME
PLEASE GOD HELP ME
MY EYES
THEY TOOK
On February 18th, 2011, another new category and board appeared on Within Hubris:
Wayward Horizon
???
Unfortunately, this board was locked and could not be accessed. That is, until the next day on February 19th, 2011 when players discovered that Rosa's account on Within Hubris contained the phrase "bastionof" - a shortened version of "bastionofdefense" from Guide's welcome post - and the password to access Wayward Horizon, which contained the following:
WELCOME TO THE WAYWAR01011001110000101, ????//
Guide
You're not supposed to be here.Get.
Out.
THE FIRST
Nekko
whatis? wherethis? help me please, i'm so scared. where is everyone? i'm so lonely... mommy im so sorry. i promise i'll be a better son, i promise i'll be the little boy you've always wanted, i miss you i'm so scared... mommy just please wake me up. please PLEASE MOMMY WHERE ARE YOU
THE FOURTH
Duskworld23
whatis? wherethis? help me please, i'm so scared. where is everyone? i'm so lonely... mommy im so sorry. i promise i'll be a better son, i promise i'll be the little boy you've always wanted, i miss you i'm so scared... mommy just please wake me up. please PLEASE MOMMY WHERE ARE YOU
THE SEVENTH
???
I can become God. I can become everything.
...
Kelbris
GET OUT
Firstly, Guide can be seen speaking in a somewhat malicious sense - in a canon environment, no less. This perhaps implies that there's more to Guide than what was first thought. Secondly, Chris and Spencer are both seemingly trapped within Wayward Horizon and are being tormented. They are referred to as "The First" and "The Fourth" respectively. This seems to imply that when an individual is ascended, their souls become trapped within digital environments like websites. This is possibly how Ben became trapped within the Majora's Mask cartridge in the first place. There is also another entity found within Wayward Horizon - one who simply goes by "???" and "The Seventh". This individual ominously speaks about becoming a god, implying that it might actually be BEN. They, too, were classified as a "Tenor" account. Finally, Kelbris was found in Wayward Horizon telling the players to leave.
Shortly after this, the password for Wayward Horizon changed, logging everyone out of the board. Thankfully, players quickly managed to guess the new password - "youshouldntbehere". Unfortunately, nothing on the board had changed. Meanwhile, YSHDT.net updated with the following text:
February 17, 2011
The time has come to unite.
Almost.
This was accompanied with a link to Within Hubris, ushering more players to the forums. On February 20th, 2011, the copyright information on YSHDT.net changed to read "Within Hubris". Later on in the day, YSHDT.net went offline. Attempting to access the website would now direct the players to Within Hubris instead, indicating that YSHDT.net had been retired for the time being.
On February 21st, 2011, several announcements were made. First was the creation of HubrisOST - a YouTube channel that featured a variety of tracks previously used in the ARG. Supposedly it was going to also contain upcoming tracks used in the Hubris Game as well. Secondly, an official Twitter account was created - "@WithinHubris", which was used for occasional announcements from Alex. Thirdly, Guide posted the following thread on Within Hubris:
HUBRIS REVEAL TRAILER ANNOUNCEMENT
Guide
"Hubris Reveal" trailer announcement
A trailer for the Hubris story arc - and subsequent game - will be released this week under Jadusable's Youtube account, featuring in-game footage and a few other surprises.
To be notified as soon as the trailer is revealed, remember to subscribe to Jadusable on Youtube, or alternatively follow WithinHubris on Twitter.
For all inquiries/fanmail/requests, the new contact address is WithinHubris@gmail.com. The regular address, jadusable@youshouldnthavedonethat.net, will no longer be accepting mail.
A trailer for the long-awaited Hubris Game was going to be released later in the week on the Jadusable YouTube channel.
Supplemental Material: Guide posted a recap of the first arc of the ARG titled "THE HAUNTED CARTRIDGE - THE COMPLETE STORY, which can be found here.
Around this time, Alex began posting announcements across Twitter, YouTube, and Within Hubris. For the sake of brevity, this page will not catalogue each individual instance of every announcement made by Alex. A comprehensive list of all of Alex's announcements will be provided at a later date, however.
On February 25th, 2011, Alex announced that "'Hubris Reveal' trailer debuts on Jadusable's Youtube channel on Sunday, February 27th at 6pm EST." on Twitter. The next day on February 26th, 2011, several players began receiving letters and newspaper clippings in the mail. These read as follows:
City to approve demolition of Lawman residence
Earlier today, an inside source confirmed that the abandoned residence of the Lawman family will be demolished due to an overwhelming amount of complaints. The two-story suburban home was the site of the shocking murder/suicide that claimed the lives of ██████ and █████ Lawman and their son ████████ while leaving the community speechless. "It's absolutely horrible," a neighbor who has requested to remain anonymous attests, "No one expected it from them, they seemed normal. When we started smelling something no one even gave it a second thought. I remember telling my husband it was probably just a sewage leak." In fact, it's become taboo to even mention the incident, and for good reason. One of the first officers on the scene would later recount entering the house to find Mrs. Lawman "trying to feed her son", who officials say by then had been "deceased for at least six days." Three months may have passed since, but for the neighborhood the nightmare hasn't ended. Police are routinely called back to the house by terrified families claiming that they keep hearing "unnatural" noises coming from inside the vacated house. Several neighbors have since moved, insisting that the neighborhood is now haunted. A select few even went as far as to claim that "something horrible" was prying into their dreams. [See HAUNTED on page 8]
This article covers a terrible incident that befell the Lawman Family. Supposedly, Mrs. Lawman and Mr. Lawman's son had died. In her grief, Mrs. Lawman still attempted to feed her son post-mortem. It's implied that the parents later killed themselves and that the abandoned house is now haunted. According to YSHDT.net, Spencer's last name started with an L. This led to many believing that Spencer's full name was Spencer Lawman and that this article was covering the tragedy that befell his family after his ascension.
--llion-- likely to see-- growth in tourism. It offers a tourist experience that is second to none----also has the ability to bring-- range of hotels, flights, cars,-- to create your own bespoke-- - offering you the ultimate in-- (Ac)cording to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, 2011 will be a record breaking year for tourism. Bloomberg encourages any potential tourists to take advantage of our hospitality. However, Bloomberg stresses to watch out for [See TOURISM on page 6]
This partially obscured article seems mostly irrelevant. However, it helps date the newspaper - the current year, 2011.
Spring is in the air!
One of our readers speaks out
M.H., guest writer.
███████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████ I'm right beside you, ████████████ You thought I forgot about you, didn't you? ██████████████████ I'm done playing games with you, ██ it's your turn █████████████████████████████████████████████ You ████ shouldn't have done that.
This article has been heavily censored, transforming it into a threatening message. The name of it's author, "M.H.", is likely "Matt Hubris". Given the date 2011 and the fact that this article is ushering in Spring, this seems to imply that Matt survived his encounter with Kelbris in 2010. He's also now speaking far more maliciously - almost similarly to BEN.
FATE. DO YOU BELIEVE IN IT? IF SO, I WONDER IF YOU POSSESSED ENOUGH CLAIRVOYANCE TO REALIZE THAT I WOULD BE YOUR FATE.
CAN YOU FEEL YOUR FINGERS BEGIN TO TREMBLE? YOUR HEARTBEAT INCREASE? THE SINKING FEELING OF DREAD AS YOU START TO REALIZE.. AS IT ALL STARTS COMING BACK TO YOU.. TELL ME, WHAT DOES THAT FEEL LIKE? WHY DID YOU CONTINUE TO WATCH THAT POOR DIMWITTED YOUNG MAN? DID YOU SINCERELY WANT TO HELP HIM? WAS IT MORBID CURIOSITY? PERHAPS YOU JUST HAD SOME TWISTED INTEREST IN WATCHING HIM FALL. HE HAS SERVED HIS PURPOSE AND OPENED THE WAY TO YOU. IT'S BEEN A WHILE SINCE WE'VE SPOKE. HAD YOU ALREADY FORGOTTEN THE LAST TIME? SOON IT WON'T MATTER. IT BEGINS AGAIN. BUT.. IT ISN'T AMUSING WITHOUT A STRUGGLE: WITHOUT A CHALLENGE.
SO I INVITE YOU. COME. RALLY TOGETHER WITH THE OTHERS WHO ARE DAMNED. TRY TO FIGHT FOR YOUR PATHETIC EXISTENCE. JUST AS HE DID. YOU WILL FAIL. BUT I WANT YOU TO TRY. YOU REMEMBER HOW TO FIND ME. HOW TO FIND US.
YOU CAN'T FIGHT FATE.
This letter seems to be from BEN who taunts the players for failing to save Alex and urges them to challenge him once again.
The letter.
The letter.
The newspaper clipping.
On Within Hubris, a timer appeared that was counting down to the release of the Hubris Game trailer later that night. It was accompanied with the text "They have to warn you.".
Supplemental Material: Guide posted a thread dedicated to helping newcomers catch-up on the ARG's story titled "A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE STORY", which can be found here.
Later on, a "Donate" button was also added to Within Hubris - presumably due to the one that was previously on YSHDT.net no longer being accessible.
Supplemental Material: Guide posted a thread announcing the Donate Button and the story guide thread from earlier titled "DONATION BUTTON AND GUIDE TO THE STORY", which can be found here.
On February 27th, 2011, three messages were posted on Jadusable's YouTube channel - "what are you doing? STOP THIS /i". Later on, the following video was uploaded:
Description
Here it is, the long awai-;;;..///;'BREAK;///////////;.
The background is black. The following text from TheTruth.rtf scrolls upward:
"4:09pm...making me play the game again. It tells me,"
"6:23pm (Summary of DROWNED.wmv playthrough),"
"8:25pm Somethings appeared, but its not like the other... no,"
"[Summary of CHILDREN.wmv playthrough]."
A binary code appears behind the text, which reads, "isn't clear yet" when decoded. A few seconds later, the screen cuts to black and the interior of a house is shown. The view shifts several times and cuts out twice before moving through the house and out the back door. The entirety of this movement is set to the sound of a heartbeat. The screen fades to black.
Two lines of text appear. The top reads, "clear my thoughts," and the bottom reads, "try again."
Summary
This video features a corrupted version of the Hubris Game's reveal trailer.
Several excerpts from TheTruth.rtf scroll by - including a new one that was not in the original document.
A 3D model of a house is shown - presumably the environment that players will be exploring in the Hubris Game.
It seems as though the Hubris Game's reveal trailer had been corrupted - possibly by BEN himself. This video contains various excerpts from TheTruth.rtf - as well as a new one that was not in the original document. Between the recordings of "DROWNED.wmv" and "CHILDREN.wmv", Alex wrote "8:25pm: Somethings appeared, but its not like the other... no". This video also shows off the interior of a house - presumably the level players will be exploring in the Hubris Game.
This video's tags imply that this isn't meant to be the full reveal trailer. Strangely, the Within Hubris Twitter account posted a seemingly canon update, writing "H b i s r ea l uploaded instead?" - obviously confused at the corrupted upload on the YouTube channel. After this, several videos on the Jadusable YouTube channel began disappearing and reappearing - almost as if something was fighting for control of the channel. This coincided with Guide's trailer announcement post on Within Hubris having the following text added to it: "not the real not the real not the real not the real not the real". This blending of canon updates on presumably non-canon accounts confused players. With the real Hubris Game trailer nowhere in sight, all players could do was wait.
The next few months only saw the occasional update from Alex here and there. On March 1st, 2011, Guide made a post on Within Hubris searching for an additional programmer and artist for the game. On April 5th, 2011, Guide made another post where they claimed that the Hubris Game was undergoing some development issues.
Supplemental Material: Guide's threads above regarding applications and development troubles titled "LOOKING FOR A PROGRAMMER/ARTIST FOR THE GAME" and "APRIL 4TH UPDATE" can be found here.
On April 22nd, 2011, a new "Tenor" account joined Within Hubris - "Usekeb". Unfortunately, its purpose remained unknown. On April 23rd, 2011, the Within Hubris Twitter account announced that there would be an update later on in the day. Sure enough, Guide made a post on Within Hubris in which they announced that the REAL Hubris Game trailer will be uploaded on May 10th. Unfortunately, May 10th, 2011 came and went with no trailer. Guide claimed that the trailer has been delayed until further notice.
Supplemental Material: Guide's thread above regarding the planned May 10th trailer titled "4/23 UPDATE" can be found here.
Supposedly, the reason for the trailer's delay was due to some individual that Alex had been working with on the game. This individual had failed to send Alex the footage required for the trailer. On June 10th, 2011, Alex says he's finally made contact with this individual and that hopefully the Hubris Game's trailer will be released within the following week, claiming "hopefully we're getting close to the light at the end of the tunnel.". Unfortunately, the Hubris Game's trailer would still not be released. On June 22nd, 2011, the Within Hubris Twitter account became inactive as users were instead directed to Alex's personal out-of-character Twitter account.
Supplemental Material: Alex partook in an OoC QnA with the players, which can be found here.
Sadly, on July 15th, 2011, Alex officially announced that the ARG had been put on hiatus. Though he hopes to eventually conclude the story, he claims that it won't be happening anytime soon. This coincided with his YouTube account's avatar changing to a frame from the video "free.wmv".
HUBRIS PROJECT PUT ON HOLD
Guide
As much as you guys probably don't want to hear this, I have to put the development of the game, as well as the third arc, on hold as of now. There are several factors that have been cropping up over the past few weeks that have really left me with no other choice.
For starters, the game is simply not the place where I want it to be yet. It's not shaping up to what I envisioned. It still needs more work - a lot more work. In addition to the development, there is the ever-present fact that I also have a real life to attend to. I wish this was my job, but the fact of the matter is it simply isn't. I have to put aside money because I want to attend a film school next year. The truth is, this project has been the source of a lot of unneeded stress for me for some time now, so for the sake of clarity perhaps it would be therapeutic to be able to take some pause from it and explore other avenues before returning to it reinvigorated.
I know this is going to bum a lot of you guys out, but it was either keep up this balancing act with a wishy-washy release date that would most likely be pushed back again (thus perpetuating the current cycle we've had of me just parroting to you guys what my team tells me at that given moment) or take pause from it and hopefully be able to resume it later this year when I have all my ducks in a row.
I didn't make this decision lightly, but with everything that is going on I ultimately had to do what was best for the long term. It's not about the money, it's not about trying to please as many people as possible, it's about the integrity of the work. It's about creating something that I'm proud of. If that means it has to have a long development time because of my inexperience doing something of this nature, then that's what it will have.
I want to hammer home that this project is not cancelled by any means, it will be finished, but at this point in time I do not have the means or the resources available to finish it in the way I want to. In closing, I want you guys to take from this the fact that there is nothing holding you back from achieving success in whatever field it is that you want to do. You can't wait for it to come to you, you have to go out there and take it. Fortune favors the bold, etc. and all that, but I'll be damned if it isn't true. Nothing good comes from waiting. All I needed was a laptop and an internet connection - that's it. There was no company backing this story, it was just me.
Supplemental Material: Alex's full post regarding the hiatus can be found here.
Later on in the day, Kayd conducted his own out-of-characters QnA, here he claimed that he had little to no contact with Alex throughout 2010. This led to many players accusing Alex of being neglectful and ungrateful. This drama continued into July 17th, 2011 where Alex claimed that he supposedly never intended for Kayd's story to happen in the first place and that he had essentially gamejacked the ARG. At the time, Alex allowed Kayd's story to remain canon out of good will, though he's now considering revoking that privilege.
Supplemental Material: Kayd's QnA thread can be found here.
The announcement of the hiatus and the drama with Kayd drastically soured Alex's reputation amongst the players - a perception that continued into 2012 when YSHDT.net was put up for sale on March 27th, 2012. On March 29th, 2012, Alex initiated an elaborate April Fool's joke that involved a Goron character named King Kong. While many players enjoyed the King Kong saga, some viewed it as immersion-breaking and in poor taste due to the current state of the ARG. Later on in the month, the videos "2" and "h b i s r ea l" were both removed from the Jadusable YouTube channel.
On April 23rd, 2012, Alex announced his next major project - an inspirational film titled "Methods of Revolution". This film was crowdfunded via Kickstarter.com and accompanied many out-of-character videos unrelated to the ARG. Unfortunately, much like with the Hubris Game, its development was very troubled and it was sadly never released. To make matters worse, Within Hubris was deleted on August 8th, 2012, leaving the remaining community scrambling. Thankfully, players were able to band together to create their own incarnation of Within Hubris named "Newbris".
This is where our coverage of Alex's activities will end. It is worth noting that Alex eventually returned several years later in 2020 to revive Methods of Revolution in the form of the third and final arc of Ben Drowned, finally completing the story. However, the story involved in the final arc of Ben Drowned isn't necessarily relevant to understand Johnisdead.
Ryukaki: What was the use of the username/password I got from Rosa?
Let me be the first to welcome you to Within Hubris.
whatis? wherethis? help me please, i'm so scared. where is everyone? i'm so lonely... mommy im so sorry. i promise i'll be a better son, i promise i'll be the little boy you've always wanted, i miss you i'm so scared... mommy just please wake me up. please PLEASE MOMMY WHERE ARE YOU
GET OUT
