Project Isthmus - G+ Community Archive

Project Isthmus and November Lima  Team Up For Some Special Missions, With Prizes! We are very happy to announce that the Project Isthmus team has created some special missions for some of the cities on NL-1331's current tour!  These missions are based around the Obsidian Artifact images that Project Isthmus released to the public. The rules are simple: 1) The day of the NL event you will find a new mission available in your city 2) Be first (or one of the first) to complete that mission and learn it's pass phrase  3) Return here and make a comment that includes your in-game agent name, and the pass phrase If you are quick enough, you will qualify for a first place prize to be given to you in person by Linda B and Ethan Lepouttre at the NL event! (Yes, you must be present at that event to win. Only one first place prize will be awarded per venue.)  There will also be a small number of other prizes for participants who did not come in first as well. Here is the schedule: St. Lou...

I have a question I'd like to pose to the founders of Project Isthmus:  What do you make of Jahan's efforts to gain the upper hand in the conflict of the Obsidian Shield by using Stein Lightman and his Shaper Glyph knowledge? I await your responses. :)

Surveilance Date: 20 Mar 2016 Agents: BigMatty ENL, Morgyan ENL Morgyan: I've been thinking about this thing with Obsidius and the artifacts. BigMatty: Yes? Morgyan:   I feel like we're doing kinda of what he did. Traveling the world with them, not  really knowing what they do. We just know that we need to keep them safe. BigMatty: I know. The arrowheads and other things, they were old when he found them. Thousands of years old. Morgyan: Did you feel anything when you held them? BigMatty: A sense of purpose. They're the shield.  Morgyan: Against what? BigMatty: What do you mean? Morgyan: Look at who Obsidius traveled with... Syphax, an assassin. Cybella, a seer who could hear voices at the portals. Are we sure that the artifact is going to help the Enlightened? BigMatty: The Acolyte knows what to do with them. In her hands, they'll help us against the N'zeer. I'm sure of it. Morgyan: You're right. I just wish I understood the origins of them.  BigM...

A crazy idea about the arrows and the media. We know the story of obsidious. And we know about the arrows and the shield. We were just handed an abridged version of the story in 13 parts. And there were clues within the abridged that lead me to believe there are 13 arrows. So now I wonder if there is a clue within each media that dictates the position of each arrow. I cannot answer this question because I don't know enough about all the arrows to say yes definitely. I'm just throwing this out there.

We all had our parts to play... Special guest appearances by ollie tronic and Jackie Grove . Special thanks to Andrea Marcolini . Project Isthmus respectfully asks you do not share the tracking number listed in this video to any tracking number sharing sites or apps. Operation Essex Andrew Krug Linda B  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVuyi9zacCg

We've officially launched the Project Isthmus Street Team! Be sure to comment on Jennifer Brozek s post if you want to be placed into the Hangouts chat for this. There should be some pretty good stuff happening there soon!

The Last Release Of Artifact Info (From Us) Prior To Vienna As many of you noticed in the Acolytes instructions to us that came via Luma Viride , it was suggested/allowed that we share a small portion of the information.   Today we release our final artifact image (barring any additional guidance before the presentation in Vienna.)  And, as promised - thanks to Mel Forrest s efforts in solving the previous riddle - today's post includes the position of the artifact. (Position: 00000111) H. Richard Loeb Edgar Allan Wright Hank Johnson Operation Essex Linda B Andrew Krug

UPDATE: Mel Forrest solved the puzzle! :D If anyone can tell me what the extra clue I've provided in the last post is, the next post will contain the same type of clue. I'll make that next post in about 24 hours. The "rules" are simple - if you can make a reply in that post that pretty much says what I am talking about, I'll identify that you are correct, and make good on my offer. I've provided some clues and clarifications already - but probably not tons more coming. Maybe a few. See the comment section on this thread: https://plus.google.com/+MattStevensonBigMatty/posts/M8vLXtbFTKn

One Of The Artifacts With Glyphs From The Box FYI, there are actually a couple ways to read this post's title... Operation Essex Edgar Allan Wright Hank Johnson H. Richard Loeb Linda B Andrew Krug

Completely OOC. There has been a lot of interest in joining the fun at Project Isthmus. If you are interested in helping us ferret out specific lore and other stuff, we will be putting together a Project Isthmus Street Team. This will be to help me with the lore, to send you on quests (maybe), and give a x-fac way for people to cameo on Project Isthmus in name or person. Comment below and I’ll start a Hangout for it.

A portion of the intel sent by the Acolyte, revealed earlier tonight on Behind The Scanner   https://plus.google.com/events/ckh21ralqjq1ou7e8esjda7mtcs

Project Isthmus on Behind The Scanner Tonight Agent BigMatty talks about Project Isthmus and recent goings on tonight on BTS.  Anomaly Info Will Be Revealed Behind The Scanner  https://plus.google.com/events/ckh21ralqjq1ou7e8esjda7mtcs

(More of) What's In The Box? Here is a second artifact, and a clearer view of the amount of artifacts received. Just to be clear - The Enlightened "marble marble" is from me. Additionally - the challenge coin was not included, its there to help you gauge the size (and of course show off some another piece of my personal treasured swag from John D !) H. Richard Loeb Edgar Allan Wright Hank Johnson Operation Essex Susanna Moyer Andrew Krug Linda B 

Join us on Behind The Scanner Thursday eve Join us on Behind The Scanner ( http://www.behindthescanner.com/ ) tomorrow eve where we will make sure you have SOME of the information given to Matt Stevenson and the ENL team about the upcoming anomalies, if you do not have it already! http://www.behindthescanner.com

"Can/did you ask the Acolyte..." Since posting about the successful communication with the Acolyte via Luma Viride - I've received lots of questions basically related to getting further information from the Acolyte. Many of you know my belief that "it never hurts to ask"... so why don't we collect these questions here on this thread, and hope that some formal answers are received? Please post questions for the Acolyte below. Note: This is just an attempt, there is no formal agreement or arrangement she will answer. Edgar Allan Wright Hank Johnson H. Richard Loeb Andrew Krug Linda B

What's In The Box? Wow! I have maybe been asked this question once or twice lately! :-) As many of you know, we were encouraged to keep information related to the box obtained from Susanna Moyer private by both Edgar Allan Wright and Hank Johnson . We did so, and when presented with a question by both the Acolyte and Jahan as to who (if any) would receive the contents of the box, we of course chose the Acolyte! Upon her request delivered via Luma Viride we would like to share with everyone the following pictures. H. Richard Loeb Operation Essex Andrew Krug Linda B 

Contact from the Acolyte and Hank Johnson ​ Although I still hope to have a direct dialogue with the Acolyte, it was great to make her associate Luma Viride s acquaintance late last night / early this AM...  Edgar Allan Wright​​ H. Richard Loeb​​ Andrew Krug​​

What is Project Isthmus? We are a group of Enlightened investigators telling the story of our journey into the world of Ingress, the portals, and XM. Along the way we catch the attention of both Resistance and Enlightened leadership with serious consequences. Why Isthmus? An isthmus is a narrow strip of land with water on either side that links two larger pieces of land. It can be a dangerous place to be. An isthmus that is prominent at low tide can be non-existent at high tide. As Ingress agents, we stand between the questions and the answers, hoping to put them together.

Sarah Rosen​ Anthony Castanza​ here is the picture of the box on stage during the presentation. Not directly attended, but also on a stage. You'll note the box was under some intense yellowish lighting in this photo, quite different than later when I got to a safe spot for the other pictures you've seen thus far.

The Enlightened Choice Dear BigMatty, I can only imagine the pressure you have been under for the past few days. I do not envy you. PA Chapeau called it 'a deal with the devil.' I believe it is a choice of philosophy. I know that you telling me the full situation--a person who has been spared the many pulling voices--gave you the calm clarity you needed to see things as they really are. I heard the new understanding in your voice as you laid out the choices as you knew them. Knowledgeable, experienced Enlightened agents, like AgentKelly, SK8ZION, zmaya, and MyGz, have shared their lore and wisdom with us. While both Jahan and the Acolyte are seen as radicals amongst their factions, the short-term advantage Jahan offers does not outweigh the possible long-term damage she could do. (I can only imagine how livid the Resistance must be at her offer. Will Jahan give them the information when she is denied?) The Acolyte, while not offering a tactical advantage, will still listen to H...

A very interesting take on the Harlan box lock This is an idea that Grey Wagtail​​ came up with. It's very interesting. Earlier Ryan Ratliff​​ asked about the markings, he will certainly like this.

Great find (s) oneneednotbeachamber​ - thank you for pointing these! Originally shared by oneneednotbeachamber Also another question was "what is the closest location to the abbaddon anomaly?"

Yes the second key opens the lock! As pretty much expected, yes the second key opens the lock. It does not appear to do anything different than the first, but does work smoother likely due to the less worn teeth. Below are pictures of the keys together, as well as more of the lock its self. Note that in the pictures - there is one showing that the hole cover comes off (and to me looks like a different material.) Also - the original key shows some orange rust now, after having been transported by me during the GORUCK​​ Stealth and Urban events, during which we got wet several times. 

Second key in hand So, I actually didn't bring the lock with me. (Doh! Sorry, it's Friday.) I debated making this post until I get to test it, but decided to just post now anyways. I'll post again tonight.  I just got the key Nola Circuit  found and sent!  I can say just by looking at it, I'd be real surprised if this didn't work. The lock is older (duh!) so it really just needs the little inside stuff to move, and its an easy to remember "teeth" pattern. Also, I never released this detail but there is a hole in the cylinder so the key can fit the guide rod, and this key has that. This key has certainly been used TONS LESS than the other one, judging from the teeth wear.

Friday: Anxiously awaiting communication with both Edgar Allan Wright  and Hank Johnson I've sent an initial communication to each of the gentlemen who have offered to talk more. My mind is racing and my heart is pounding with the possibilities of what they may tell me... Perhaps this is the XM concentration is affecting me also...?

Another clue from flint dille  found on the MeanGreen streets of Seattle Thank you Janice Wynn !

SO.......the clock has already begun to tick on the Harlan Box. Curious to ask...how do you guys feel about all this? What are your opinions on how to proceed?

Originally shared by Matt Stevenson (BigMatty) Well, no pressure there - right?!...  http://investigate.ingress.com/2016/03/03/deal-with-the-devil/

What is klues real identity? She might be in this book!

who is Derra running from really?

With the comic book question signings, the videos with clues and such. Have folks read the books and novella's for clues/background?

It is great to see many of the local Seattle Agents get involved in this investigation into the history of XM and unearthing the secrets of the past. I just want to remind everyone, if you haven't already, please signup to INVESTIGATE.INGRESS.COM with your e-mail address, you'll be gaining more knowledge by seeing what PAC ( P.A. Chapeau ) is able to unearth elsewhere in the world.  You'll also see his take on what we are unearthing here in Seattle.

"Which members of Niantic began as Enlightened?" I was asked to share by Big Matty. (Edit:) Flint stated there were 5 people I was looking for.

Today, yet another intel leak-this one found in Seattle by GORUCK Sealth OPS participants. What do you all make of it?  We've seen both Jahan and the Acolyte be somewhat warned by Hank Johnson about pursuing the Obsidian Shield, which ties into the theme that possibly using it could bring unwanted consequences... "First the shield, then the sword..."

Seattle Enlightened GORUCK  Team Posts Information Requested By Edgar Allan Wright  That flint dille  Discussed On behalf of the Seattle Enlightened GORUCK team we are happy to present the pieces of the document that Dr. Wright requests.These are the pieces recovered by the Enlightened team during the X-Fac GORUCK in Seattle 2016 H. Richard Loeb 

Hello was requested to post picture of my signed copy of origins. Hope its helpful!

A SECOND key to the box was found! Well, this AM I received a Hangouts message from Nola Circuit that I was not expecting... I'd go so far as to say a message that probably no one was expecting? I believe that Jennifer Brozek was able to discuss this already with flint dille . Can't wait to get the key and verify it too can open the lock that was on the box... Operation Essex H. Richard Loeb Edgar Allan Wright Andrew Krug Linda B 

More information / images from the lockbox Hello, its been quite the last... 72? hours... When I opened the box with Susanna Moyer I could see that the contents was further protected within the box. When I brought it to a safe place to inspect, it occurred to me that perhaps the method and matter the contents was wrapped in may be a clue in and of itself.  Here are photos of how it was when received. (Also, please know that it is our goal to release further images with minimal delay.) Edgar Allan Wright H. Richard Loeb Operation Essex Andrew Krug Linda B 

In today's Weekly Wrap Up by H. Richard Loeb at investigate.ingress.com , he left this unique thought:  In the days that follow, I’ll be trying to figure out what lies ahead for Jahan, the Acolyte and their Factions. If Jahan is on the back foot after the Enlightened’s success this weekend, what will she do? Are they actually prepared to deal with the consequences of pursuing the Obsidian Shield technology? And what can we find out about the contents of the lockbox?   The final question about the lockbox...well, I'll let Matt Stevenson handle that. But what do you guys think about the rest of it?  Is activating the Obsidian Shield going to bring about dangerous consequences?

I would like to congratulate Matt Stevenson​​ and Jennifer Brozek​ ​for being present at the anomaly, Matt in particular for obtaining the box that Susanna Moyer​​ possessed. Like so many others, I implore you Matt to publicly release the contents of the box as soon as you are able to do so-I believe what lies inside will no doubt be of great importance to the Investigative community. In the meantime, I am aware that the ENL claimed the majority of the #Obsidian Anomalies, leaving them in a position to possibly win the series. I'm hoping tomorrow to possibly have a question to pose to this community. For now, like the rest of us, I'll wait and see what implications rise from the events that unfolded yesterday.

I did get to meet up with flint dille  last night. It was a very interesting talk. He had quite the experience in Seattle at the anomaly.

Uncovered video of Flint talking to GORUCK  prior to abduction I was sent this video taken by Szymek Zaleski who was in the GORUCK class that luckily helped flint dille when he was abducted Friday night.  Its a bit rough quality due to the intense environment the GORUCK team was operating in, but you can see Flint has a lot he is thinking about. He mentions some clues scattered in the area... I think Simon Miller and Matt Stevenson may have these... but I've been unable to reach either.  I see that Matt just posted, but can't reach him now - and didn't want to delay the release of this information. I suspect he's left to do the Seattle Mission Day with Jennifer Brozek and Jeff Meaders , and possibly Jaime Quinonez who was confirmed to be at the Seattle event over the weekend. Edgar Allan Wright Operation Essex H. Richard Loeb Andrew Krug Linda B  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtH9_JLuCDU

The box Susanna Moyer  brought to Seattle As many of you know, I was chosen by the Enlightened community to be the guardian of the key that Sebastian P Sulino and the team in Italy secured. I kept it with me, secured in a hidden wallet in my breast pocket (with a few extra security measures in place) through the 16 hours of GORUCK Stealth and Urban that we did.  I'm not entirely sure, but I suspect its not a complete coincidence that at that same time, in that same AO, flint dille encountered some... trouble... Since then, I've been flooded with questions. Well, I guess not questionS, but rather one single question - "What was in the box?!" It's not that simple - I can't fully explain why. Let me start with what I can at this time. I have for you Project Isthmus and Operation Essex fans some further pictures of the box and event last night. Further information will follow... I hope... Edgar Allan Wright Andrew Krug Linda B