Part 8: Day 2 Part 5: Definitely Possible

Today's update is going to be very informational, as Nigel is visiting both the museum and Nanny Noah. I quite like the museum- I'm not sure if that's an extension of my liking museums in general, or just because this museum is kind of weird and there's lots of things to look at. Are you excited for education???




Nigel's really soaking up Saxton today. He's visited the local weird antiques shop, braved the dangerous train tracks to wander in the wierd forest, talked to a weird couple and made some weird soup, and chatted up a weird old vicar. Time to visit a weird museum and have tea with the town's weird old woman!

Here we are, the museum.





This is Oogle, Professor Oogle. (That's the second professor we've met!)

Meeting Professor Oogle (3 minutes)

Good afternoon! May I explore the museum?
Of course! That's why it's here.
Thanks. I'm Nigel, by the way. Nigel Danvers.
How interesting. I am Oogle, Professor Oogle, the curator of this museum.



Is there an entrance fee?
Normally yes, but the museum is free during public holidays.


Would it be possible to return here tonight, to ghost hunt?
Certainly not! Some of our exhibits are priceless. We can't have students running around looking for ghouls and goblins!


Is the museum haunted?
Saxton has many old buildings, young man, which have played host to many characters. I believe some may be reluctant to leave the homes they once knew.


Should I be looking out for anything in particular?
Many of our exhibits are unusual or rare. What were you looking for in particular?



What can you tell me about the lost Anglo-Saxon crown?
Is it lost? something that has not yet been found is not necessarily lost.
I'm not sure I understand.
If something has remained hidden through centuries of upheaval and mischief, do you really think you have the right to disturb its slumber? (Oh snap)


Does the name Ager mean anything to you?
The Agers lived for many centuries out by Northfield. The family home still stands on Raven Lane.
Where can I learn more about them?
Here, of course. There are some exhibits with Ager connections. The murder and the mystery man may well be of interest.


Could I borrow an exhibit for a seance or similar experiment?
The answer is NO! Be warned, our security cameras are everywhere. We see all.
Thank you for your time.
Yes, It is my job to help. Information is free, but feel free to donate to our fund.
Mind if I take a leaflet?
Yes, that's definitely possible.


Since it's definitely possible, I take one.

I can't think of any museums that would let you come back at night, let alone borrow exhibits. Maybe Nigel was just hoping they'd have different rules because they're small? But he's not pulling the wool over a Professor's eyes, no sir.

Ah well, I'm sure Nigel will think of something. Let's see what we can learn from this treasure trove of local knowledge while we're here.

We can take a quick look at the brochure, which has a map:




I don't know why the second floor is so oddly shaped. Perhaps they just didn't want to have a bunch of empty space.



We can look more closely at many of the objects in the museum, but I'll only be showing the ones which have something of interest.



Hadden Industries again. What's their interest in this little museum?
Note the url! saxtonmuseum.co.uk. Earlier in the game we saw another URL, haddenindustries.co.uk. They're fun to click around on.



I don't actually know how much of the history surrounding these Saxton kings and history is true or how much is borrowed from literature, etc. I suspect it's probably a little of both.

We can also peep through the ventilation grate to see an office:



Next room. As we wander around the museum, occasionally we hear a quiet chime followed by an announcement from Oogle. I guess he needs something to do in his booth.

Many archaeologists believe there is treasure out there, hidden in the fens.






There's a full-on skeleton here, and some related?? paraphernalia: a miller's hat, a hand scythe, and a book. This is the Northfield Skeleton! (Oogle also calls it the Saxton Skeleton.) A local unsolved mystery. (Sounds like a job for Nigel!)



We can't take a photo of it. Oogle is right on top of us with a chime-and-announcement as soon as we try anything involving the camera or camcorder.

No photography, filming or tampering in the museum.


However the audio recorder is fine, and the tape plays back howls, screeches, and loud birdlike chirps.

More info about the mystery:






This is such a weird exhibit. An entire skeleton of a murder victim? I could see how the scythe might be related, but a book and a hat, and so far away? The signage basically admits they have no idea what relation the hat has to the murder, and the guide book was found three years before the body was??? OK. Anyway Nigel took note of the CrimeLine number because by god he's gonna solve this one.

The museum is based in Saxton's old town hall, built around 1819.




There's a map of the local area from here. Although Nigel has already ben to most of these places, the road which has the war memorial and "to Ulcombe" is one he hasn't been down yet. Also look at those cute little drawings. Shame there's a hole right in the middle of the map though. Nigel says the museum surveillance can't see him here, so we can take a photo for future reference. Rules don't apply to Nigel.

Don't forget to explore the mystery surrounding the Saxton Skeleton.



The misuse of apostrophes in this game drives me a little crazy.



aaaaaaaaghhh

Some history about our very own home sweet home!




Extraneous commas are, also, somewhat of a, problem. I've been taking great liberties with the dialogue transcription for this game.

Be sure to check the art gallery to view some of our artistic masterpieces.






By "they appear to change with each visit" really means "the navigation is confusing and you have to use the nightvision camcorder so most players tend to get lost at first."



We've already met Emily, but here's a little more about her, too. This area of the museum is nicknamed "Morbid Corner."





You can marvel at our fine collection of butterflies.

All right, let's continue:




The door there goes into the office, which we peeked into earlier. Obviously we can't open the door.

The new video panels can be found in the butterfly room and the upper gallery.




Foiled again at photograpy. Actually one of my favorite things about the museum is continually messing with Oogle. I love the idea of him sitting in his booth, watching Nigel on the CCTV, choosing the right moments when to announce the museum's opening times or features, and slowly getting upset at how often Nigel tries to take photos. I made him repeat the "no photography" thing about 12 times.



Not really a monster?! Well it's a good thing this museum visit was free. >:[



AAAGHH

Do browse the library for books about Saxton and beyond.




We can touch these video screens to make them turn on and play a video. They're purely aesthetic, just video footage set to hymn-like music, likely filmed by Boakes as he was location-scouting. Um, but that helm- although it's a replica, we've seen it before in the game as well. I personally see it every time the game loads, because it's a loading screen... but if you watch the very first introduction video, Mr. Hadden has this helm in his office. Is it a replica also, or...?

Take the weight off your feet, and watch the film about our town.



We can watch a museum video in here but eeeeeeh



This is another large room with many things to look at, all relating to local history.


(recording) Beakers and pots, discovered in the woods and fields around Northfield. They are thought to be four thousand years old. The Saxton Claw, originally thought to be Grindle's Claw by the dragon-fearing folk of ages past. This fossil is thought to date from the Jurassic era.


(recording) Nautical History. These items were donated by Walter Spivey, famed seaman of the Saxton Seas.


(recording) The Last Trumpet. A surviving musical instrument from Saxton's long lost brass band.


(recording) Old Time Music. Old gramophone recordings, donated by Wesley Russett after their discovery in Ulcombe Church.


(recording) Railway Memorabilia. The old station clock and a trackman's lantern.


(recording) The Sax. A replica Saxon sword, based upon a priceless item found in the murky swamps of Sedgemarsh.


(recording)The Secret Saxton Recipe. Discovered in the basement of the Lighthouse Cafe, this ancient recipe is thought to be Anglo-Saxon in origin. Saxton Punch. A flask of Saxton Punch. A strong medieval beverage discovered in the wine cellar of The Bear.


I can't look more closely at it, so I suppose it's destined to remain a secret forever.

And OH YEAH this doozy:


(recording) The Suicide's Noose. A grisly reminder of Edward Molina's fate. The local businessman and celebrity killed himself in the late 1950s.


That's pretty morbid, Oogle. But we can make a recording! It's basically gasps, groans, and wooden creaks. So, it sounds like somebody hanging.

The museum is open from 11am to 6pm, except on public holidays.



There's an elevator in the back corner, which we take to the second floor. This is where more of the artwork is kept, along with another video panel.






I think that symbol means "a bad replica we have for some reason"

The May Day Fayre will be held on the Saxton Shore this Monday.



And this piece, at the end of the hallway....



We can make an audio recording of this too! However it's just crows cawing.

We try to visit the basement:



Oddly enough, Oogle doesn't announce anything at us.

OK, time to go back to the ground floor and look at some books. MORE BOOKS! (Just one book.)

There has been a settlement in this harbour from Neolithic times.




The Russetts! (The game can't decide on its spelling, so I'm sticking with two t's.) I told you we'd seen Russett's name before. It was mentioned in one of those 'local ghost stories' books from Celtic Corner. The Russetts have been in the area a long time, and the one mentioned in that book (from early 1900s) was a gravedigger also. Unless...?




Yep, we pretty much had figured out these guys were the Agers. But there's four of them in the portrait, and we only knew about three before... the book has a little more information.

So,
Thomas - a long-lived? rector of Northfield Church, and probable murderer of Nicholas Gurney.
Frederick - seems to have been an okay guy, built the Old Net Store. Also, he donated the Northfield Stag head to The Bear, which is what hangs over Nigel's bed.
Nathaniel - The tryhard Ager, built an organ or something.
William - Died alone and unloved in the 40s, some time after killing Emily.

Collectively they guarded "a great secret," knowledge of a treasure. As much as the Saxtonians seem to dislike treasure-hunters, they sure don't go to much trouble to downlplay the fact that there's supposedly a great treasure around nearby.




And here's some more info about the Gurneys. The one we've been hearing about is Nicholas Gurney ("Old Nick" to Mr. Russett). He owned the apple train, surrounding lands, lots of artwork, etc. and seems to have been a decent guy. He was probably murdered by Thomas Ager for getting too close to the lost crown, according to the Ager journal we found at Northfield Church.



Professor Oogle wants us to leave now. He knows we've seen all there is to see in the museum... for now. He repeats that every screen I traverse, making the trip back to the exit take much longer than it should. That is what I get for trying to take so many photographs.


Nanny Noah likes Nigel though, and it's tea-time, so let's go visit our favorite old nan and her puppy.




We take a peep at her photo:



Ah, here you are! Sit down boy, I'll put the kettle on.


There's a cinematic here, but it's just slow close-ups of some of the objects in her living room. It takes an annoying two minutes.



I've had quite a day.
I can see. You must tell me all about it. But first, you must have some questions, or something to show me?



You were right about the antique shop.
Oh Nigel, I told you not to visit! Curiosity killed the cat, you know.
Speaking of cats, there seem to be a few missing!
Yes, vanished without trace. Dratted creatures.
Not a feline fan, eh?
Not at all. George loathes the things.


The museum presented many mysteries.
It hides more mysteries than it exhibits. Dig deep, my boy. The answers are there to find.
As well as more questions, I expect.


Can I ask about Northfield Church?
Of course, I'll help if I can.



I believe Northfield Church is haunted.
Oh, without doubt. Who do you think it is?
I'm not sure, but all clues are pointing towards the Agers.
The Agers! Oh Nigel, you are going to have to take care.
Why? Is there something I should know?
Brothers, four of them. All connected with the local churches.
Yes, Thomas Ager was a rector at Northfield.
Ha! Dark-hearted heathen that he was. Nasty man.


I'm revisiting the church later tonight.
How? It's a jolly long way, and there's no night bus.
The train tracks lead to Carrion Wood from Sedgemarsh Station.
In that case, you must take this charm.


I know, I know Nigel. Be careful tonight.


I met Mr. Russett, the gravedigger.
Wesley Russett is as old as these fens.
He talked about "the old ways."
Did he now. We'll have to talk about that, you and I.
Have I dont something wrong?
No, not at all. You're just not ready for such things.


Nanny Noah is so helpful! It's nice to have a kindred spirit. Still, she's not as helpful as she could be- she's a little mysterious. It seems she cares about Nigel's well-being enough to give him some kind of lucky charm though.

We can now show Nanny Noah more inventory objects and get her comments. Most of them aren't significant and have generic responses, but a few are unique:

cookie from the Lighthouse Cafe - You didn't steal that, did you?
relating to museum - It hides more mysteries than it exhibits.
relating to ghost hunting - You are getting amazing results.
pink flower - Digitalis, the floxglove. Deadly poisonous.
yellow flower - Hmm, the humble dandelion.
white flower - A moon daisy, pretty things.

And... oh yeah, we have something to deliver to Nanny Noah, don't we? The flyer from the church.



I have this, from Northfield Church.
Oh, goodness. A funeral service, and so soon!
The vicar told me to bring it to you.
Vicar? At Northfield? That was quick! Thank you, Nigel, yes, thank you. I shall get trimming and strimming later tonight. Poor Evelyn.


That was interesting! What do you think was going on with that?

Oh, now now, that's enough chatter for now... give me your hand.
Why? What do you want to do?
Read your palm, of course. Come, come.


Lucy did mention that Nanny Noah was into this kind of thing! Oooh palm readings.... let's see what Nigel's best friend has to say about him.



Firstly Nigel, we shall look at your life line. It's this crease here, which runs from the side to the base of your hand. You have the best kind of lifeline, which is strong and clearly marked. This indicates good health and vitality.

Secondly, above the life line is the second-most important marking in palmistry. The head line, here, is separate from your life line, indicating a logical and direct way of thinking. The depth of this line also indicates that you have a good memory, which is always a good thing.


Nxt, your heart line, which is here from the centre finger to the left of your palm. Yours begins at your middle finger, which indicates that you have a materialistic look upon life and love. These small broken lines indicate you have been unlucky in love.


Lastly, your hand is square in shape. Very square, in fact. This suggests you are a hard-working, dedicated, and earthy individual. This is a good sign. It means you have good values and provide much for those you know and work with.


Is this your first palm reading?
Yes, actually. I didn't realize the palm could be so revealing.
Was it accurate?
Ah, that would be telling. For now, I can tell you that it was spookily accurate. They used to burn people for these kinds of skills, you know?
I know, superstitious fools. Even isolated villages like Saxton were ransacked by witchhunters, angry torchbearing thungs, and the paranoid religious zealots of the abbey. I believe the innocent people, burnt alive, still haunt this town. They are seeking justice for their deaths. A terrible business.


That was a nice visit. Nigel's had a big day and he has more to do tonight, once it's dark and the ghosts are out. So, while a frighteningly huge moon rises over Saxton:



... Nigel heads back to Harbour Cottage to drop off his new photos and audiotapes and take a nap.




yo what




Nigel wakes up late at night. There are some small knocking and rattling noises coming from inside the house, but first he makes a new to-do list....