The Litchfield Mystery

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<i>Prologue</i> “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” <<timed 2s t8n>>What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; [[there is nothing new under the sun.|constabulary]] Ecclesiastes 1:2,9 <</timed>>

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _constabulary to true>>The year is 1937. //"... And that, my dear comrades, was how the perpetrator was brought to justice,"// you recount during the quarterly division meeting at the constabulary how your team successfully solved the recent mind-boggling murder case that you had been working on for months on end. The victim was found lying on the floor right in the centre of a room in an abandoned shack. A singular question mark was branded onto his right forearm. Enigmatic. If it hadn’t been for the fact that one of his eyes was a different colour than the other, you would never have made the breakthrough your team needed to crack the case. After a round of hearty congratulations offered by your colleagues, the meeting ends. You're just glad to be able to take a breather -- no matter how brief that is -- from the seemingly interminable 18-hour days spent in the pursuit of justice. And as how things usually happen, the breather is short-lived. No sooner have you stepped foot into your office than one of the constables knocks on your door. "Sir, there's been a body reported at [[Litchfield Mansion]]."

<<if $hasSeenBody is false>>Briskly stepping out of the police car just as it slows to a stop, you cannot help but sense a growing tension as you walk towards the main door of the mansion. Even the mansion, in all its imposing architectural grandeur, seems to beckon you to take up the challenge that lies within its walls. You knock on the door. "Detective Pearce, Coventry Constabulary." After a short wait, the door opens and a middle-aged white-haired man in formal attire greets you with a slight bow and a sombre countenance. "Good morning, sir. We've been expecting you." Noticing the man's attire, decorum, and impeccably polished jet black shoes, you ventured your first deduction of the day. "You must be the butler?" "Yes, sir. Don Hargreaves at your service," he replied, without showing any hint of fear, anxiety, or any other form of discomposure despite the reason for your coming. "How can we help?" you ask, briefly glancing at the impressive chandelier that hangs from the high ceiling as you enter the foyer. "Something terrible has happened to Lord Litchfield, sir... I think it's best if I show you straight to the [[study|pre-study]]." You follow him up the staircase leading to the upper floor.<<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<else>>\ <<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _foyer to true>><h2>Foyer</h2>\ You enter the foyer. The impressive chandelier hangs from the high ceiling. Before you is a grand staircase that leads to the [[upper floor]]. To the west is the [[sitting room]]. The [[dining room]] is to the east. You could also head [[out]] of the mansion. <<if $suspects >7 and $hasfirstunlockedsafe is true>><<results>><<else>><</if>>\ <</if>>\

<h2>Upper Floor</h2>/%<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _upperfloor to true>>%/\ <<if $hasCheckedSharedBathroom is false>>You are at the upper landing of the staircase. Aside from a <<linkappend "shared bathroom">> (in which you find nothing suspicious)<<set $hasCheckedSharedBathroom to true>><</linkappend>>, there are five rooms of interest - the [[master room]] (southwest), [[study]] (south), the [[son's room]] (southeast), the [[brother's room]] (northwest), and a [[guest room]] (northeast). <<else>>You are at the upper landing of the staircase. Aside from a shared bathroom (in which you find nothing suspicious), there are five rooms of interest - the [[master room]] (southwest), [[study]] (south), the [[son's room]] (southeast), the [[brother's room]] (northwest), and a [[guest room]] (northeast). <</if>> Head down to the [[foyer|Litchfield Mansion]].

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _sittingroom to true>><h2>Sitting Room</h2>\ <<if $hasVisitedSitting is false and $studyclues <5>>While heading towards the sitting room, you recall that the suspects have been rounded up there. You decide that it might be better to finish inspecting the crime scene before speaking with the suspects. Return to the [[crime scene|study]]. <<else>><<set $hasVisitedSitting to true>>\ <<if $firsttimeseeingallsuspects is false>>You decide that it is time to speak with the guests and residents. Who do you want to speak to first?<<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $firsttimeseeingallsuspects to true>><<else>>Who do you want to interview?<</if>> <<if $hasMetHargreaves2 is false>>[[Don Hargreaves|Don Hargreaves.initial]]<<else>>[[Don Hargreaves|Don]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetEthel is false>>[[Ethel Bentham|Ethel Bentham.initial]]<<else>>[[Ethel Bentham|Ethel]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetFred is false>>[[Fred Hoffman|Fred Hoffman.initial]]<<else>>[[Fred Hoffman|Fred]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetHazel is false>>[[Hazel Wellington|Hazel Wellington.initial]]<<else>>[[Hazel Wellington|Hazel]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetLiesl is false>>[[Lady Litchfield|Lady Litchfield.initial]]<<else>>[[Lady Litchfield|Liesl]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetLeonard is false>>[[Leonard Litchfield|Leonard Litchfield.initial]]<<else>>[[Leonard Litchfield|Leonard]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetMargo is false>>[[Marguerite Hansel|Marguerite Hansel.initial]]<<else>>[[Marguerite Hansel|Margo]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetTeddy is false>>[[Theodore Litchfield|Theodore Litchfield.initial]]<<else>>[[Theodore Litchfield|Teddy]]<</if>> <<if $firstTruth is false>>Head back east into the [[foyer|Litchfield Mansion]].<<else>><</if>><</if>>

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _kitchen to true>><h2>Kitchen</h2>\ The kitchen is spacious and well-equipped, with a cast-iron stove near the windows in the south wall, a baking oven, crockery and a kettle on the west side counter, a large washbasin and a [[fridge]] on the east wall, and several cabinets all around. The cook's workstation is in the centre of the kitchen. A red vintage clock hangs above the baking oven. <<if $hasVisitedCabinets is false>><<linkreplace "Inspect the cabinets.">>A thorough inspection of the cabinets yields no interesting findings other than the usual kitchen items such as pots, pans, utensils, baking supplies, and condiments.<<set $hasVisitedCabinets to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>A thorough inspection of the cabinets yields no interesting findings other than the usual kitchen items such as pots, pans, utensils, baking supplies, and condiments.<</if>> <<if $hasKitchenprints is false>><<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>Prints have been obtained.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasKitchenprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Prints have been obtained.<</if>> <<if $hasKitchenblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood could be found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasKitchenblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood could be found.<</if>> <<if $hasKitchenhair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>Hair samples have been obtained.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasKitchenhair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Hair samples have been obtained.<</if>> To the northwest is the [[governess' room]]. The [[servants' quarters]] is at the northeast. Or you could head back west into the [[dining room]]. <<if $hasVisitedKitchen is false>><<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $hasVisitedKitchen to true>><</if>>

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _govroom to true>><h2>Governess' Room</h2>\ A poster bed with pastel green accents is set against a wall of similar shade on which several paintings are displayed. A bedside cabinet with a table lamp flanks each side of the bed. A [[vanity table|governess vanity]] juxtaposes a full-length [[closet|governess closet]] on the west wall. A [[fireplace|gov.fireplace]] is located opposite the bed. <<if $hasGRprints is false>><<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>Prints have been obtained.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasGRprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Prints have been obtained.<</if>> <<if $hasGRblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood could be found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasGRblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood could be found.<</if>> <<if $hasGRhair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>Hair samples have been obtained.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasGRhair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Hair samples have been obtained.<</if>> Head southeast to the [[kitchen]]. <<if $hasVisitedGovRoom is false>><<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $hasVisitedGovRoom to true>><</if>>

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _quarters to true>><h2>Servants' Quarters</h2>\ <<if $hasCheckedServantsSharedBathroom is false>>Aside from a <<linkappend "shared bathroom">> (in which everything seems to be in good order)<<set $hasCheckedServantsSharedBathroom to true>><</linkappend>>, there are three rooms of interest in this part of the residence: the [[butler's room]], the [[cook's room]], and the [[maid's room]].<<else>>\ Aside from a shared bathroom (in which everything seems to be in good order), there are three rooms of interest in this part of the residence: the [[butler's room]], the [[cook's room]], and the [[maid's room]].<</if>> Head southwest to the [[kitchen]].

<h2>Master Room</h2>/%<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _masterroom to true>>%/\ The master room feels nothing short of opulent. A large bed with dark red accents and intricate gold carvings is set against a wall with a similar ornate design. Two bedside tables with drawers flank each side of the bed. There is a oval-shaped mirror on the right bedside table. In the wall opposite the bed is a [[fireplace|master.fireplace]], above which is a television set. The [[master bathroom]] is on the east, next to a fitted full-length rosewood closet. A gentle breeze drifts through the windows. Open the [[left bedside table drawer|left drawer]]. Open the [[right bedside table drawer|right drawer]]. <<if $hasMRprints is false>><<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>Prints have been obtained.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasMRprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Prints have been obtained.<</if>> <<if $hasMRblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood could be found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasMRblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood could be found.<</if>> <<if $hasMRhair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>Hair samples have been obtained.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasMRhair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Hair samples have been obtained.<</if>> [[Exit the room.|upper floor]] <<if $hasVisitedMasterRoom is false>><<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $hasVisitedMasterRoom to true>><</if>>

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _study to true>><h2>Study</h2>\ Mahogany bookshelves line the west wall and the latter part of the east wall of the study. Both walls are adjoined with full-length [[windows]]. The window curtains are fully drawn back, allowing the sunlight to flood the room. Adorning the east wall near the study entrance is an Impressionist [[painting]], below which lies a [[fireplace]]. <<if $hasVisitedArmchair is false and $hasAutopsyResults is false>>In the centre of the study is a [[walnut desk]] and <<linkreplace "an armchair ">>a plush armchair<<set $hasVisitedArmchair to true>><</linkreplace>> in which the body was found.<<elseif $hasVisitedArmchair is true and $hasAutopsyResults is false>>In the centre of the study is a [[walnut desk]] and a plush armchair in which the body was found.<<else>>In the centre of the study is a [[walnut desk]] and a [[plush armchair]] in which the body was found.<</if>> //If only the walls could speak...// <<if $hasSeenBody is false>><<else>>\ \ <<if $hasStudyprints is false>><<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>Prints have been obtained.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasStudyprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Prints have been obtained.<</if>> <<if $hasStudyblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood could be found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasStudyblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood could be found.<</if>> <<if $hasStudyhair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>Hair samples have been obtained.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasStudyhair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Hair samples have been obtained.<</if>> [[Exit the study.|upper floor]] <</if>><<if $suspects >7 and $hasfirstunlockedsafe is true>><<results>><<else>><</if>>

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _sonroom to true>><h2>Son's Room</h2>\ <<if $hasMentionedRiddle is false>>The walls of this room are adorned with embossed wallpaper patterned with a fleur-de-lis motif in muted red and gold tones. A petite wooden [[cupboard]] is situated at the corner nearest to the windows. Beneath the windows is a toy globe. To the right of the windows is a reading chair. A child-sized mahogany [[bed]], with a teddy bear resting on it, sits against one wall. Beside the bed stands a small [[oak desk]] and matching chair. At the foot of the bed, a toy train set and its accompanying figurines lie abandoned on the floor. A wooden sailboat model is displayed on a narrow ledge by the wall. <<else>>\ The walls of this room are adorned with embossed wallpaper patterned with a fleur-de-lis motif in muted red and gold tones. A petite wooden [[cupboard]] is situated at the corner nearest to the windows. Beneath the windows is a [[toy globe]]. To the right of the windows is a reading chair. A child-sized mahogany [[bed]], with a [[teddy bear]] resting on it, sits against one wall. Beside the bed stands a small [[oak desk]] and matching chair. <<if $hasSafeCode is false>>At the foot of the bed, a [[toy train set]] and its accompanying figurines lie abandoned on the floor. A wooden [[sailboat]] model is displayed on a narrow ledge by the wall.<<else>>At the foot of the bed, a [[toy train set]] and its accompanying figurines lie abandoned on the floor, along with what remains of the broken sailboat.<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $hasSRprints is false>><<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>Prints have been obtained.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasSRprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Prints have been obtained.<</if>> <<if $hasSRblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood could be found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasSRblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood could be found.<</if>> <<if $hasSRhair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>Hair samples have been obtained.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasSRhair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Hair samples have been obtained.<</if>> [[Exit the room.|upper floor]] <<if $hasVisitedSR is false>><<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $hasVisitedSR to true>><</if>>

The body was slouched over the desk, facedown, with the head slightly tilted at an angle. This was a man in his early forties. His left arm is tucked underneath his forehead, and his right arm is sprawled out on the desk with a pen beneath his right palm. If not for the [[silver object]] sticking out of his back, you would have thought the man was asleep. There is a small amount of blood from the back wound that has seeped into the victim's shirt.<<set $hasSeenBody to true>> <<if $hasSILVERprints is false or $hasSILVERblood is false or $hasLetterOpener is false>><<else>><<if $hasBodysamples is false>>\ <<linkreplace "Obtain hair, blood, and print samples.">>Blood, hair, and print samples have been obtained from the body and sent for analyses. Check the [[Case File]] when the results are ready.<<set $hasBodysamples to true>><<set $clues +=1>><<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $HairPoints += 1>><</linkreplace>> <<else>>Blood, hair, and print samples have been obtained from the body and sent for analyses. <<if $hasCasefile is false>>Check the [[Case File]] when the results are ready.<<else>><</if>><</if>> <<if $visitedLeadsIntro is false>>[[Return|study-leads intro]]<<else>>[[Return|study]] <</if>><</if>> <<results>>

<<if $hasSeenNews is false>>Aside from the fact that there was a dead body previously sprawled on the desk, the desk is otherwise kept neat and tidy. A reflection of the user's personality, the efficiency of the domestic staff, or both? There are some <<linkappend "newspapers">> (yesterday's, specifically)<<set $hasSeenNews to true>><</linkappend>>, a telephone, a couple of pens, and a cup of [[tea]] on the desk. There are two drawers attached to the bottom left side of the desk.<<else>>\ Aside from the fact that there was a dead body previously sprawled on the desk, the desk is otherwise kept neat and tidy. A reflection of the user's personality, the efficiency of the domestic staff, or both? There are some newspapers (yesterday's, specifically), a telephone, a couple of pens, and a cup of [[tea]] on the desk. There are two drawers attached to the bottom left side of the desk.<</if>> Open the [[top drawer]]. Open the [[bottom drawer]]. [[Return|study]]<<set $hasVisitedDesk to true>> <<results>>

The fireplace is not currently heated. You see some [[charred remains]] in the firebox. Displayed on the fireplace mantle is a [[shotgun]]. [[Return|study]] <<results>>

<<if $SafeLocationRevealed is false>>The verdant canvas depicts a water body full of water lilies set against a backdrop of willow trees and a bridge.<<elseif $SafeLocationRevealed is true and $unlockedsafe is false and $hasRemovedPainting is false>>The verdant canvas depicts a water body full of water lilies set against a backdrop of willow trees and a bridge. <<linkreplace "Remove the painting.">>Removing the painting reveals a [[safe]].<<set $hasRemovedPainting to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>In place of the painting (which has since been removed) is a [[safe]].<</if>> [[Return|study]] <<results>>

On closer inspection, the part of the silver object sticking out of the man's back seems to be a handle (of a knife presumably?), with the words "Chamberlain Bank" engraved on it. <<if $hasSILVERprints is false>>\ <<linkreplace "Check handle for prints.">>The surface has been wiped clean. No fingerprints were observed.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasSILVERprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>The surface has been wiped clean. No fingerprints were observed.<</if>> <<if $hasSILVERblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>Blood samples have been sent for analysis.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasSILVERblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Blood samples have been sent for analysis.<</if>> <<if $hasLetterOpener is false>>\ <<linkreplace "Send silver object for analysis.">>The silver object has been sent for analysis.<<set $clues += 1>><<set $hasLetterOpener to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>The silver object has been sent for analysis.<</if>> [[Return|body]] <<results>>

The windows are locked. Looking out from the windows, you notice a row of flowers directly below the study at the ground floor. With gloved hands, you unlock and open the windows, creatively experimenting with various manoeuvres -- some of which you've borrowed from criminals in past cases -- to test a certain hypothesis of your own. After some ten minutes, you figure that it would be highly improbable, if at all possible, for someone in the study to escape through the windows and //still// be able to lock them from the inside. [[Return|study]] <<results>>

<h2>Outside the mansion</h2>/%<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _out to true>>%/\ You head over to the row of flowers below the study. The peonies are in full bloom, teeming with life -- almost as if mocking the Litchfields of the tragedy that has befallen them. <<if $hasOUTprints is false>>\ <<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>No footprints were observed.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasOUTprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No footprints were observed.<</if>> <<if $hasOUTblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood was found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasOUTblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood was found.<</if>> <<if $hasOUThair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>No evidence of hair was found.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasOUThair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of hair was found.<</if>> Go back to the [[foyer|Litchfield Mansion]]. <<if $hasVisitedOut is false>><<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $hasVisitedOut to true>><</if>>

<<set $hasCasefile to false>> <<set $showPIC to false>> <<set $deduce to 0>> <<set $deduce2 to 0>> <<set $clues to 0>> <<set $studyclues to 0>> <<set $PlacesVisited to 0>> <<set $suspects to 0>> <<set $BloodPoints to 0>> <<set $HairPoints to 0>> <<set $PrintPoints to 0>> <<set $hasVisitedQ6 to false>> <<set $hasSolvedMystery2 to false>> <<set $firstTruth to false>> <<set $initialTheEnd to false>> <<set $congrats to 0>> <<set $maidaction = [ "dusting the piano", "attending to the lamps in the room", "tidying the table", "cleaning the windows" ]>> <<set $hasSeenMambas to false>> <<set $hasSeenOrientalRatSnake to false>> <<set $firsttimeseeingallsuspects to false>> <<set $hasCordonedInterviewArea to false>> <<set $hasMetHargreaves to false>> <<set $hasMetHargreaves2 to false>> <<set $hasMetLeonard to false>> <<set $hasMetFred to false>> <<set $hasMetEthel to false>> <<set $hasMetHazel to false>> <<set $hasMetMargo to false>> <<set $hasMetLiesl to false>> <<set $hasMetTeddy to false>> <<set $DonFred to false>> <<set $DonPhoto to false>> <<set $DonSafe to false>> <<set $LieslLeonard to false>> <<set $LieslEyedrops to false>> <<set $LieslMeds to false>> <<set $LieslWill to false>> <<set $LieslSafe to false>> <<set $HazelPufferfish to false>> <<set $HazelSnake to false>> <<set $MargoPhoto to false>> <<set $MargoSticker to false>> <<set $EthelLitchfields to false>> <<set $hasSeenNews to false>> <<set $crimesceneinvestigationComplete to false>> <<set $hasVisitedSitting to false>> <<set $hasCheckedSharedBathroom to false>> <<set $hasCheckedServantsSharedBathroom to false>> <<set $hasVisitedSR to false>> <<set $hasVisitedDesk to false>> <<set $hasVisitedArmchair to false>> <<set $hasVictimHair to false>> <<set $hasVictimBlood to false>> <<set $hasVictimPrints to false>> <<set $hasBodysamples to false>> <<set $hasSILVERprints to false>> <<set $hasSILVERblood to false>> <<set $hasLetterOpener to false>> <<set $hasSeenBody to false>> <<set $visitedLeadsIntro to false>> <<set $hasSeenLetter to false>> <<set $hasVisitedTea to false>> <<set $hasShotgun to false>> <<set $hasHandgun to false>> <<set $unlockedsafe to false>> <<set $hasDrugs to false>> <<set $hasVisitedWifePerfume to false>> <<set $hasSeenWifeJewellery to false>> <<set $hasSeenWifeCosmetics to false>> <<set $hasSeenWifeSkincare to false>> <<set $hasEyedrops to false>> <<set $hasVisitedVictimDocs to false>> <<set $hasMentionedRiddle to false>> <<set $hasSafeCode to false>> <<set $hasfirstunlockedsafe to false>> <<set $hasSeenBed to false>> <<set $hasSeenBook to false>> <<set $hasSeenHerpBook to false>> <<set $hasVisitedSnakesPage to false>> <<set $hasSeenVenomPage to false>> <<set $hasSeenGovBooks to false>> <<set $hasSeenGramBook to false>> <<set $hasSeenGovPhoto to false>> <<set $hasSeenGovPerfume to false>> <<set $hasSeenGovJewellery to false>> <<set $hasSeenGovCosmetics to false>> <<set $hasSeenGovSkincare to false>> <<set $hasVisitedCookRoom to false>> <<set $hasVisitedMasterFireplace to false>> <<set $hasSeenCookNotebook to false>> <<set $hasVisitedPufferfish to false>> <<set $hasSeenExotic to false>> <<set $hasVisitedMaidRoom to false>> <<set $hasVisitedMaidClock to false>> <<set $hasVisitedMasterRoom to false>> <<set $hasVisitedMT to false>> <<set $hasVisitedGovRoom to false>> <<set $hasVisitedKitchen to false>> <<set $hasVisitedCabinets to false>> <<set $hasVisitedDining to false>> <<set $hasSeenDRfireplace to false>> <<set $hasVisitedBR to false>> <<set $hasVisitedGR to false>> <<set $hasVisitedButlerRoom to false>> <<set $hasVisitedButlerToilet to false>> <<set $hasSeenButlerPhoto to false>> <<set $hasVisitedOut to false>> <<set $hasSeenPassport to false>> <<set $hasAutopsyResults to false>> <<set $hasVisitedNeedle to false>> <<set $hasSeenSticker to false>> <<set $SafeLocationRevealed to false>> <<set $hasMentionedWill to false>> <<set $AdoptedSonRevealed to false>> <<set $hasSeenSafeFirstTime to false>> <<set $hasRemovedPainting to false>> <<set $hasSeenTrain to false>> <<set $hasSeenGlobe to false>> <<set $hasSeenBear to false>> <<set $hasTeaPrints to false>> <<set $hasShotgunPrints to false>> <<set $hasRevolverPrints to false>> <<set $hasMRhair to false>> <<set $hasMRblood to false>> <<set $hasMRprints to false>> <<set $hasMThair to false>> <<set $hasMTblood to false>> <<set $hasMTprints to false>> <<set $hasStudyhair to false>> <<set $hasStudyblood to false>> <<set $hasStudyprints to false>> <<set $hasSRhair to false>> <<set $hasSRblood to false>> <<set $hasSRprints to false>> <<set $hasGRhair to false>> <<set $hasGRblood to false>> <<set $hasGRprints to false>> <<set $hasBRhair to false>> <<set $hasBRblood to false>> <<set $hasBRprints to false>> <<set $hasBThair to false>> <<set $hasBTblood to false>> <<set $hasBTprints to false>> <<set $hasMaidRhair to false>> <<set $hasMaidRblood to false>> <<set $hasMaidRprints to false>> <<set $hasCRhair to false>> <<set $hasCRblood to false>> <<set $hasCRprints to false>> <<set $hasDRhair to false>> <<set $hasDRblood to false>> <<set $hasDRprints to false>> <<set $hasKitchenhair to false>> <<set $hasKitchenblood to false>> <<set $hasKitchenprints to false>> <<set $hasOUTprints to false>> <<set $hasOUTblood to false>> <<set $hasOUThair to false>> <<set $hasGRprints to false>> <<set $hasGRblood to false>> <<set $hasGRhair to false>> <<set $hasBRprints to false>> <<set $hasBRblood to false>> <<set $hasBRhair to false>> <<set $notified0 to false>> <<set $notified1 to false>> <<set $notified2 to false>> <<set $notified3 to false>> <<set $notified4 to false>> <<set _constabulary to false>> <<set _masterroom to false>> <<set _study to false>> <<set _sonroom to false>> <<set _mastertoilet to false>> <<set _govroom to false>> <<set _broroom to false>> <<set _guestroom to false>> <<set _foyer to false>> <<set _diningroom to false>> <<set _kitchen to false>> <<set _upperfloor to false>> <<set _butlerroom to false>> <<set _butlertoilet to false>> <<set _maidroom to false>> <<set _cookroom to false>> <<set _sittingroom to false>> <<set _quarters to false>> <<set _out to false>> <<set _anaconda to false>> <<set _cobra to false>> <<set _krait to false>> <<set _mamba to false>> <<set _python to false>> <<set _ratsnake to false>> <<set _viper to false>> <<set _pufferfish to false>>

''thesleuthacademy''

<<if $unlockedsafe is false>>Not surprisingly, the safe is locked. Enter numeric code: <<textbox "$code" "" autofocus>><<button "Unlock">> <<set $code to $code.trim()>> <<if $code isnot "9452">> <<replace "#textbox-error">>Incorrect code.<</replace>> <<else>> <<goto "safe.unlocked">> <</if>><</button>> <span id="textbox-error"></span>\ "Hmm... I wonder if any of the suspects know the code to unlock this," you thought aloud. <<else>> The safe contains two manila envelopes. The first contains the last will and testament of Lionel Litchfield. You sift through the legalese and concluded that his estate is to be divided equally between his wife and son. The second contains documents highlighting severe inconsistencies in the financial records of the Litchfield's business over the recent year.\ <</if>> [[Return|study]] <<results>><<set $hasSeenSafeFirstTime to true>>

Porcelain china. A small amount of liquid residue remains at the bottom of the cup. //Had the tea been drunk, and had it been spiked with something lethal?// <<if $hasVisitedTea is false and $hasTeaPrints is false>><<linkreplace "Obtain print samples and send tea sample for analysis.">>Print samples have been obtained and a sample of the tea sent for analysis.<<set $hasVisitedTea to true>><<set $clues += 1>><<set $studyclues +=1>><<set $hasTeaPrints to true>><<set $PrintPoints += 1>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Print samples have been obtained and a sample of the tea sent for analysis.<</if>> [[Return|walnut desk]] <<results>>

You find a pile of documents, most of which are related to the victim's business. You notice a name that frequently appears as the undersigned beside the victim's name in these papers, the most recent being 20 March 1937: Fred Hoffman. <<if $hasVisitedVictimDocs is false>><<set $clues += 1>><<set $studyclues +=1>><<set $hasVisitedVictimDocs to true>><</if>>\ [[Return|walnut desk]] <<results>>

There is nothing in this drawer, except a revolver. <<if $hasRevolverPrints is false and $hasHandgun is false>><<linkreplace "Obtain print samples and send revolver for analysis.">>Print samples have been obtained and the revolver sent for analysis.<<set $hasRevolverPrints to true>><<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasHandgun to true>><<set $clues += 1>><<set $studyclues +=1>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Print samples have been obtained and the revolver sent for analysis.<</if>> [[Return|walnut desk]] <<results>>

A closer look at the shotgun reveals that it is a common make typically used for game shooting. <<if $hasShotgunPrints is false and $hasShotgun is false>><<linkreplace "Obtain print samples and send the shotgun for analysis.">>Print samples have been obtained and the shotgun sent for analyses.<<set $hasShotgunPrints to true>><<set $hasShotgun to true>><<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $clues += 1>><<set $studyclues +=1>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Print samples have been obtained and the shotgun sent for analyses.<</if>> [[Return|fireplace]] <<results>>

<<if $hasSeenLetter is false>>You pick up what looks like fragments of a letter, and try your best to figure out the words that survived the flames:<<set $hasSeenLetter to true>><<set $clues += 1>><<set $studyclues +=1>><<else>>You try your best to figure out the words in the letter fragments found in the fireplace:<</if>> <div class="fragment"><div style="text-indent: 2em;"><i>"My darling L-"</i></div> <div style="text-indent: 10em;"><i>"-ust the two of us"</i></div> <div style="text-indent: 4em;"><i>"-ith you I'm complete"</i></div></div> ... Well, that's about it. But those few words are suggestive enough, aren't they? [[Return|fireplace]]<<results>>

<<widget "results">> <<if $hasBodysamples is true and $PlacesVisited >3 and $clues >5 and $suspects >1 and $notified1 is false>> <<notify 7s>>Some analysis results are out. Refer to ''Evidence > Analysis Results'' in the Case File. //(Now, wouldn't it be nice to get results this fast in a real-life investigation?)// <<set $notified1 to true>><</notify>> <<elseif $PlacesVisited >5 and $clues >15 and $suspects >5 and $notified2 is false>> <<notify 7s>>More analysis results are out. Refer to ''Evidence > Analysis Results'' in the Case File. <<set $notified2 to true>><</notify>> <<elseif $suspects >7 and $hasfirstunlockedsafe is true and $notified3 is false>> <<notify 13s>>The autopsy report is out. Refer to ''Autopsy Results'' in the Case File. <<set $notified3 to true>><<set $autopsyisout to true>><</notify>> <<elseif $suspects >7 and $clues >26 and $PlacesVisited > 15 and $notified4 is false>> <<notify 10s>>You have all the evidence on hand now. Time to review the Case File, deduce and accuse!<<set $notified4 to true>><</notify>> <</if>> <</widget>>

<<button[[About]]>><</button>> <<if $hasCasefile is true or $hasBodysamples is true>><<button[[Case File]]>><</button>><</if>>\ <<if $hasVisitedSitting is true>><<button[[Interview Suspects|sitting room]]>><</button>><<if $hasVisitedSitting is true and $notified0 is false>><<script>> Dialog.setup('Leads'); Dialog.wiki(Story.get('New Leads').processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><<set $notified0 to true>><</if>><</if>>\ <<if $suspects >7 and $clues >20>><<if $hasfirstunlockedsafe is false>><<button [[Accuse|Insufficient.Accuse]]>><</button>><<elseif $hasfirstunlockedsafe is true and $firstTruth is false>><<button [[Accuse|Deduction.Sequence]]>><</button>><<elseif $hasfirstunlockedsafe is true and $firstTruth is true>><<button [[Accuse|The Truth]]>><</button>><</if>><</if>> \ /%There should be 27 clues tagged, and 16 places to visit. Places visited: <<print $PlacesVisited>> Clues: <<print $clues>> StudyClues: <<print $studyclues>> Suspects: <<print $suspects>> Deduce.turns: <<print $deduce>> Deduce2.turns: <<print $deduce2>> BloodPoints: <<print $BloodPoints>> HairPoints: <<print $HairPoints>> PrintPoints: <<print $PrintPoints>>\ Use the code above as a check PRN%/

<h2>About</h2>\ \A whodunnit with a subtle twist in gameplay mechanics born out of an experiment to simulate investigative processes in interactive fiction. <<if $firstTruth is true>>''[[Credits]]'' ''[[Disclaimer]]'' ''[[Hints]]'' ''[[Image attribution]]'' ''[[References]]''<<else>> ''[[Credits]]'' ''[[Hints]]''<</if>> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<div class=“footer”>[[Return|$return]]</div> <div class="file"><h2>Case File</h2> Police notified of a body found at Litchfield Mansion at 8:20 am, 20 April 1937. <<if $hasMetHargreaves is true>>Victim identified to be Lionel Litchfield. <</if>>\ ''Physical description of body'' * The victim is a male in his early forties. * The body is found seated in an armchair, slumped forward on the desk as if asleep. * There is a stab wound on the victim's back. * Minimal blood is observed from the back wound. * Whole body rigidity is observed. <<if $hasBodysamples is true or $hasSILVERprints is true or $hasSILVERblood is true>> ''Evidence'' [[Analysis Results]]<</if>> <<if $hasSeenLetter is true>>[[Fragments|charred remains.inv]]<<else>><</if>> <<if $hasEyedrops is true>>[[Eye drops|eye drops.inv]]<<else>><</if>> <<if $hasSeenExotic is true>>[[Exotic Foods From Around the World|Exotic.inv]]<<else>><</if>> <<if $hasSeenCookNotebook is true>>[[Hazel Wellington's notebook]]<<else>><</if>> <<if $hasSeenHerpBook is true>>[[A Brief Guide to Selected Herps|Herp.inv]]<<else>><</if>> <<if $hasSeenSticker is true>>[[Animal Behaviour|AnimalBehaviour.inv]]<<else>><</if>> <<if $hasSeenGramBook is true>>[[The Complete Governess: A Course of Mental Instruction for Ladies|Gram's handwriting]]<<else>><</if>> <<if $hasSafeCode is true>>[[Paper from sailboat]]<</if>> <<if $hasfirstunlockedsafe is true>>[[Contents of safe]]<</if>> <<if $suspects >7 and $hasfirstunlockedsafe is true>>[[Autopsy Results]]<<elseif $autopsyisout is false and $hasMetHargreaves is true>>''Autopsy:'' Results pending<<else>><</if>> <<if $hasMetHargreaves is true>>''Statements'' [[Don Hargreaves|Hargreaves.file]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetEthel is true>>[[Ethel Bentham|Ethel.file]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetFred is true>>[[Fred Hoffman|Fred.file]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetHazel is true>>[[Hazel Wellington|Hazel.file]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetLeonard is true>>[[Leonard Litchfield|Leonard.file]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetLiesl is true>>[[Liesl Litchfield|Liesl.file]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetMargo is true>>[[Marguerite Hansel|Margo.file]]<</if>> <<if $hasMetTeddy is true>>[[Theodore Litchfield|Teddy.file]]<</if>> <<if $hasCasefile is false>><<script>> Dialog.setup('Case File'); Dialog.wiki(Story.get('CaseFileIntro').processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><<set $hasCasefile to true>>\ <<else>><</if>></div>\ <<results>>

You do not have enough clues to make a case. Keep sleuthing! [[Return|$return]]

Kudos to having made it here! See if you are able to answer the following questions:\ * Who killed Lionel Litchfield? * What did he die of? * What was the motive? * What was the murder weapon? * Where was the murder weapon found? \ If you're ready, [[proceed|Q1]] to solve the mystery. You are allowed a maximum of four wrong turns. (It might be a good idea to save at this point.) Otherwise, [[return|Litchfield Mansion]] and continue investigating. You might also find it useful to review the case file.

<<if $firstTruth is false>><<linkappend "This was a premeditated crime..." t8n>><<set $firstTruth to true>> Lionel Litchfield, a workaholic, barely had a social life. He ended up having an affair with the young Marguerite Hansel. Despite the affair, Litchfield ultimately remained committed to his wife and son, and had been giving Hansel the cold shoulder over the past half a year. (The letter fragments were from a letter written by Hansel to the victim, who had burned it in the fireplace.) Unfortunately, Hansel fell in too deep -- her first romance with Litchfield turned into an obsession that went horribly awry when it did not work out. Lionel and Liesel Litchfield's conversation about going away was overheard by Hansel at the start of the year, causing her to snap. <<linkreplace "''Continue''" t8n>>Having trained as a zoologist specialising in herpetology in South Africa, Hansel had experience with snake venoms. Several weeks prior to the murder, she returned to her alma mater to visit her thesis supervisor. While in her professor's laboratory, she stole a needle and a desiccated sample of black mamba venom, and brought it back to the Litchfield's residence. After speaking with the Litchfields about Theodore's progress at the start of dinner, she headed upstairs, reconstituted the venom sample into liquid form, laced the needle with the venom, and embedded the needle in the victim's armchair in the study. She covered her tracks by carefully handling the needle with her gloves and wiping the doorknob of the study. After being confronted with the facts, Hansel confessed to the crime and revealed what she had done with the vial in which the venom sample was kept -- it was buried under the soil of the potted African violets. <<if $hasSolvedMystery2 is true>><<linkreplace "''What about Fred Hoffman?''">>''What about Fred Hoffman?'' Fred Hoffman stabbed Litchfield to cover up his crime. Hoffman had been using his position in the Litchfield's business to siphon close to an equivalent of two million pounds from the company to a personal account over the past year. The victim had found out about his partner's fradulent actions and threatened to report it to the authorities. Hoffman had in mind to confront the victim that fateful night. By the time he entered the study, Lionel Litchfield was already dead, but Hoffman thought he was asleep. Seeing that it presented the "perfect" opportunity, Hoffman, using a cloth, took the Chamberlain Bank letter opener on the desk and stabbed Litchfield. <<linkreplace "''The Litchfields' secret...''">>''The Litchfields' secret...'' Despite Hazel Wellington's comment about Ethel Bentham's gossipy nature and trustworthiness, Theodore Litchfield was adopted by the Litchfields. Lionel and Liesl Litchfield, given their social status, were determined to keep this secret between themselves, as barrenness was highly stigmatised in their day. <hr class="rounded"><p style="text-align:center;">Congratulations, you have solved the case! ''The End''</p> ''Your score:'' Places visited: <<print $PlacesVisited>> out of 16 Clues found: <<print $clues>> out of 27 Murder weapon found: <<if $hasVisitedNeedle is true>>Yes<<else>>No<</if>> Mysteries solved: <<if $hasSolvedMystery2 is true>>2<<else>>1<</if>> out of 2 [[About the game|About]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<else>>\ <<linkreplace "''The Litchfields' secret...''">>''The Litchfields' secret...'' Despite Hazel Wellington's comment about Ethel Bentham's gossipy nature and trustworthiness, Theodore Litchfield was adopted by the Litchfields. Lionel and Liesl Litchfield, given their social status, were determined to keep this secret between themselves, as barrenness was highly stigmatised in their day. <hr class="rounded"><p style="text-align:center;">Congratulations, you have solved the case! ''The End''</p> ''Your score:'' Places visited: <<print $PlacesVisited>> out of 16 Clues found: <<print $clues>> out of 27 Murder weapon found: <<if $hasVisitedNeedle is true>>Yes<<else>>No<</if>> Mysteries solved: <<if $hasSolvedMystery2 is true>>2<<else>>1<</if>> out of 2 <</linkreplace>><</if>><</linkreplace>><</linkappend>>\ <<else>>\ This was a premeditated crime... Lionel Litchfield, a workaholic, barely had a social life. He ended up having an affair with the young Marguerite Hansel. Despite the affair, Litchfield ultimately remained committed to his wife and son, and had been giving Hansel the cold shoulder over the past half a year. (The letter fragments were from a letter written by Hansel to the victim, who had burned it in the fireplace.) Unfortunately, Hansel fell in too deep -- her first romance with Litchfield turned into an obsession that went horribly awry when it did not work out. Lionel and Liesel Litchfield's conversation about going away was overheard by Hansel at the start of the year, causing her to snap. Having trained as a zoologist specialising in herpetology in South Africa, Hansel had experience with snake venoms. Several weeks prior to the murder, she returned to her alma mater to visit her thesis supervisor. While in her professor's laboratory, she stole a needle and a desiccated sample of black mamba venom, and brought it back to the Litchfield's residence. After speaking with the Litchfields about Theodore's progress at the start of dinner, she headed upstairs, reconstituted the venom sample into liquid form, laced the needle with the venom, and embedded the needle in the victim's armchair in the study. She covered her tracks by carefully handling the needle with her gloves and wiping the doorknob of the study. After being confronted with the facts, Hansel confessed to the crime and revealed what she had done with the vial in which the venom sample was kept -- it was buried under the soil of the potted African violets. <<if $hasSolvedMystery2 is true>>\ ''What about Fred Hoffman?'' Fred Hoffman stabbed Litchfield to cover up his crime. Hoffman had been using his position in the Litchfield's business to siphon close to an equivalent of two million pounds from the company to a personal account over the past year. The victim had found out about his partner's fradulent actions and threatened to report it to the authorities. Hoffman had in mind to confront the victim that fateful night. By the time he entered the study, Lionel Litchfield was already dead, but Hoffman thought he was asleep. Seeing that it presented the "perfect" opportunity, Hoffman, using a cloth, took the Chamberlain Bank letter opener on the desk and stabbed Litchfield. ''The Litchfields' secret...'' Despite Hazel Wellington's comment about Ethel Bentham's gossipy nature and trustworthiness, Theodore Litchfield was adopted by the Litchfields. Lionel and Liesl Litchfield, given their social status, were determined to keep this secret between themselves, as barrenness was highly stigmatised in their day. <hr class="rounded"><p style="text-align:center;">Congratulations, you have solved the case! ''The End''</p> ''Your score:'' Places visited: <<print $PlacesVisited>> out of 16 Clues found: <<print $clues>> out of 27 Murder weapon found: <<if $hasVisitedNeedle is true>>Yes<<else>>No<</if>> Mysteries solved: <<if $hasSolvedMystery2 is true>>2<<else>>1<</if>> out of 2 [[About the game|About]]<<else>>\ ''The Litchfields' secret...'' Despite Hazel Wellington's comment about Ethel Bentham's gossipy nature and trustworthiness, Theodore Litchfield was adopted by the Litchfields. Lionel and Liesl Litchfield, given their social status, were determined to keep this secret between themselves, as barrenness was highly stigmatised in their day. <hr class="rounded"><p style="text-align:center;">Congratulations, you have solved the case! ''The End''</p> ''Your score:'' Places visited: <<print $PlacesVisited>> out of 16 Clues found: <<print $clues>> out of 27 Murder weapon found: <<if $hasVisitedNeedle is true>>Yes<<else>>No<</if>> Mysteries solved: <<if $hasSolvedMystery2 is true>>2<<else>>1<</if>> out of 2 [[About the game|About]] <</if>><</if>>

The Case File is pretty sparse, as you'll see. This is all you have to go on for now! 1. More information will be added as you investigate the case. The Case File can be accessed from the ''side bar''. 2. You will need to ''investigate the crime scene'' before interviewing the suspects. 3. As you discover new information, you may need to ''revisit'' some places and items, or interview suspects more than once. 4. An ''"Accuse"'' button will appear on the side bar after you have conducted the initial interview with each suspect. Note that you can only make an accusation after gathering enough clues. 5. If you are stuck, fret not - check out the ''Hints'' by clicking on the ''"About"'' button on the side bar.

You turn to Don Hargreaves. <<linkreplace "''You: Could you tell me more about what happened?''" t8n>><qn>You: Could you tell me more about what happened?</qn> Don Hargreaves: Certainly, sir. I was preparing the table for breakfast at the dining room, when Mr Leonard -- Lord Litchfield's brother -- entered, exclaiming that something had happened to Lord Litchfield. The two of us then proceeded to the study, where we found him in this terrible state. <<linkreplace "''You: When was the last time you saw Lord Litchfield alive?''" t8n>><qn>You: When was the last time you saw Lord Litchfield alive?</qn> Don Hargreaves: I believe it was yesterday night, sir. I was making my usual rounds to ensure the fires were out and that the windows and doors were bolted before heading to bed, although I attended to these earlier than usual because I was under the weather. When I entered the study at about 9 o'clock, I saw Lord Litchfield at his desk and he told me that I did not need to tend to the fireplace as he was still working. I headed out shortly after. <<linkreplace "''You: Who else was present between last night and this morning?''" t8n>><qn>You: Who else was present between last night and this morning?</qn> Don Hargreaves: Lady Litchfield, Master Theodore, Mr Leonard, Mr Hoffman, Margo, Hazel and Ethel were in the mansion, sir, and they still are. Mr Leonard had rounded everyone up and instructed all of us to remain in the sitting room while he contacted the police. You: I see. That was very helpful of him. Thanks, Mr Hargreaves. My team and I will take it from here. In the meantime, I'll need you to join the rest in the sitting room. Constable Jones, could you go with Mr Hargreaves? Make sure no one leaves the mansion. Dr Williams, you may send the body for autopsy. You decide to [[investigate the crime scene|study]] before interviewing the residents.<<set $hasMetHargreaves to true>><<set $visitedLeadsIntro to true>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

<div class="footer">[[Return|Case File]]</div>\ <div class="file"><h3>''Don Hargreaves''</h3>\ Age: 60 Sex: Male Hair: Short, white, wispy Relationship to victim: Butler ''Description of events'' * Last saw the victim alive at 9 pm on 19 April when he entered the study while doing his routine check before heading to bed * Instructed by the victim in the study not to tend to fireplace as the victim was still working * Was informed of the body by Leonard Litchfield while preparing the table for breakfast at the dining room on 20 April ''Other claims'' * Lady Litchfield, Theodore Litchfield, Leonard Litchfield, Fred Hoffman, Marguerite Hansel, Hazel Wellington and Ethel Bentham were present the night of 19 April <<if $hasMetHargreaves2 is true>>* Was sick during the Litchfield's dinner but stayed at the dining room till the dinner concluded<</if>>\ <<if $DonFred is true>>* Fred Hoffman arrived at 11:30 pm on 19 April * It was usual for Fred Hoffman to arrive late for work meetings with the victim and that Hoffman would stay in the guest room for the night after meetings<</if>>\ <<if $DonPhoto is true>>* Has a history of drug addiction but has since been "clean" for two decades<</if>>\ <<if $DonSafe is true>>* The safe in the study is located "behind the painting with the water lilies"<</if>>\ </div>

<div class="footer">[[Return|Case File]]</div>\ <div class="file"><h3>Analysis Results</h3>\ ''Blood analyses'' <<if $hasLetterOpener is true and $hasBodysamples is true and $PlacesVisited >3 and $clues >5>>\ * Blood on the <b>silver object</b> (letter opener) belongs to Lionel Litchfield.\ <<elseif $hasLetterOpener is true>>\ * <b>Silver object:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ <<if $suspects >7 and $BloodPoints >12>>* <b>Blood samples from rooms:</b> With the exception of the study, there is no evidence of blood in the other rooms and outside the mansion. Only Lionel Litchfield's blood was found in the study.<<else>>* <b>Blood samples from rooms:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ ''Print analyses'' <<if $hasLetterOpener is true and $hasBodysamples is true and $PlacesVisited >3 and $clues >5>>\ * No fingerprints were found on the <b>silver object</b> (letter opener).<</if>>\ <<if $hasHandgun is true and $hasBodysamples is true and $PlacesVisited >3 and $clues >5>>\ * The <b>revolver</b> contained Lionel Litchfield's fingerprints.\ <<elseif $hasHandgun is true>>\ * <b>Revolver:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ <<if $hasShotgun is true and $hasBodysamples is true and $PlacesVisited >3 and $clues >5>>\ * The <b>shotgun</b> contained Lionel Litchfield's fingerprints.\ <<elseif $hasShotgun is true>>\ * <b>Shotgun:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ <<if $hasVisitedTea is true and $hasBodysamples is true and $PlacesVisited >3 and $clues >5 and $hasMetEthel is true>>\ * Fingerprints belonging to Lionel Litchfield and Ethel Bentham were found on the <b>cup</b> of tea.<<else>>* <b>Cup of tea:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ <<if $suspects >7 and $PrintPoints >15>>* Fingerprints belonging to Fred Hoffman and Leonard Litchfield were found on the <b>doorknob of the study</b>. * Print samples from <b>common rooms</b> other than the study matched those of various suspects, but this was to be expected. * Print samples from <b>bedrooms</b> matched those of their occupants. No foreign prints were present that were noteworthy.<<else>>* <b>Print samples from rooms:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ ''Hair analyses'' <<if $suspects >7 and $HairPoints >11>>* Other than Lionel Litchfield's hair, three hairs were found in the study. These hair samples were mostly of suboptimal quality unsuitable for microscopic comparisons with the suspects' to serve as conclusive evidence: ><b>Hair 1:</b> Long, blonde, wavy ><b>Hair 2:</b> Short, brown ><b>Hair 3:</b> Short, white, wispy * Hair samples from rooms other than the study matched those of their occupants. No foreign hairs were present that were noteworthy.<<else>>* <b>Hair samples from rooms:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ ''Analyses of other physical evidence'' <<if $hasLetterOpener is true and $hasBodysamples is true and $PlacesVisited >3 and $clues >5>>\ * The <b>silver object</b> is a letter opener with the words 'Chamberlain Bank' engraved on its handle.\ <<elseif $hasLetterOpener is true>>\ * <b>Silver object:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ <<if $hasVisitedTea is true and $hasBodysamples is true and $PlacesVisited >3 and $clues >5>>\ * The <b>tea sample</b> contained constituents from black tea of Ceylon origin.\ <<elseif $hasVisitedTea is true>>\ * <b>Tea sample:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ <<if $hasHandgun is true and $hasBodysamples is true and $PlacesVisited >3 and $clues >5>>\ * The <b>revolver</b> is a Webley & Scott 0.38. It has not been fired for years.\ <<elseif $hasHandgun is true>>\ * <b>Revolver:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ <<if $hasShotgun is true and $hasBodysamples is true and $PlacesVisited >3 and $clues >5>>\ * The <b>shotgun</b> is a Holland & Holland 'Royal'. It was last fired about 5 to 6 weeks ago.\ <<elseif $hasShotgun is true>>\ * <b>Shotgun:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ <<if $hasEyedrops is true and $PlacesVisited >5 and $clues >15 and $suspects >5>>\ * The bottle of <b>eye drops</b> contained mainly atropine.\ <<elseif $hasEyedrops is true>>\ * <b>Eye drops:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ <<if $hasDrugs is true and $PlacesVisited >5 and $clues >15 and $suspects >5>> \ * The two <b>medicine bottles</b> contained only colchicine and allopurinol respectively.\ <<elseif $hasDrugs is true>>\ * <b>Medicine bottles:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ <<if $hasVisitedPufferfish is true and $PlacesVisited >5 and $clues >15 and $suspects >5 >>\ * <b>Meat samples:</b> Pufferfish meat was identified as belonging to the <i>Takifugu</i> species, with tetrodotoxin still intact. Snake meat was identified as belonging to the oriental rat snake (<i>Ptyas mucosa</i>).\ <<elseif $hasVisitedPufferfish is true>>\ * <b>Meat samples:</b> Results pending<</if>>\ <<if $hasVisitedNeedle is true>>* The <b>needle</b> contains high concentrations of alpha-neurotoxins and dendrotoxins, amongst other trace components.<</if>>\ </div>

<div class="footer">[[Return|Case File]]</div>\ <div class="file"><h3>Key autopsy findings</h3>\ \ * Cause of death: cardiac arrest secondary to respiratory failure * Time of death: between 10 pm to 11 pm on 19 April (based on liver temperature) * Stab wound: A single penetrating wound to the back, created post-mortem by a sharp object, identified as a letter opener still embedded in the body * Petechial haemorrhage in both eyes, indicative of asphyxiation * Single puncture mark located on the bottom right thigh, with no visible swelling around the puncture wound * Stomach contents: Presence of liquefied food content (containing cod fish, potato and asparagus) and black tea extract * Toxicological findings: >- Presence of allopurinol and colchicine in the blood is consistent with inflammatory markers and physical signs suggestive of gout. >- Other findings include the detection of alpha-neurotoxins and dendrotoxins in the blood, amongst other compounds. Alpha-neurotoxins and dendrotoxins are compounds found in certain snake venoms. <<set $hasAutopsyResults to true>> </div>

Inside the left bedside drawer are two medicine bottles with the following labels: <div class="druglabel"><u>''Colchicine 600 mcg tablet''</u> Take 1 tablet once a day. Name: Lionel Litchfield Date: 11 February 1937</div>\ <div class="druglabel"><u>''Allopurinol 100 mg tablet''</u> Take 3 tablets once a day after food. Name: Lionel Litchfield Date: 11 February 1937</div>\ <<if $hasDrugs is false>>\ <<linkreplace "Send medicine bottles for analysis.">>The medicine bottles have been sent for analysis.<<set $clues += 1>><<set $hasDrugs to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>The medicine bottles have been sent for analysis.<</if>> [[Return|master room]] <<results>>

<h2>References</h2>\ \ ''Animal information'' * Britannica. https://www.britannica.com. Accessed 30 May 2025. * Blumenthal R, Scholtz PEP, Shuttleworth JL. Black Mamba Death: Venom Versus Antivenom? Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2019 Dec;40(4):356-360. * Ecology Asia. https://www.ecologyasia.com. Accessed 30 May 2025. * iNaturalist. https://www.inaturalist.org. Accessed 30 May 2025. * Midtgaard, R. RepFocus - A Survey of the Reptiles of the World. https://repfocus.dk. Accessed 30 May 2025. * Tokyo Food Safety Information Center. Maximum danger – Pufferfish prepared by a non-professional. https://www.hokeniryo1.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/shokuhin/eng/hugu/index.html. Accessed 11 June 2025. * Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org. Accessed 30 May 2025. ''Drug Information'' * Lexicomp Online. Waltham, MA: UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 3 May 2025. ''Others'' * Green K. 2009. "Victorian Governesses: A Look at Education and Professionalization." https://etd.ohiolink.edu/acprod/odb_etd/ws/send_file/send?accession=toledo1240932232&disposition=inline. Accessed 10 May 2025. * Mitchell SW & Reichert ET. 1886. "Researches upon the venoms of poisonous serpents." Vol. 26, No. 647. Smithsonian Institution. [[Back|About]]

Inside the right bedside drawer, you find several pieces of <<if $hasSeenWifeJewellery is true>>jewellery (an opal necklace, various rings and earrings, and a small box of hairpins)<<else>><<linkappend "jewellery">> (an opal necklace, various rings and earrings, and a small box of hairpins)<<set $hasSeenWifeJewellery to true>><</linkappend>><</if>>, <<if $hasSeenWifeCosmetics is true>>cosmetic products (lipsticks of various shades, blush, foundation, two eye liners, and an eye shadow palette)<<else>><<linkappend "cosmetic products">> (lipsticks of various shades, blush, foundation, two eye liners, and an eye shadow palette)<<set $hasSeenWifeCosmetics to true>><</linkappend>><</if>>, <<if $hasSeenWifeSkincare is true>>products (a bottle of lotion, and a tube of hand cream)<<else>><<linkappend "skincare products">> (a bottle of lotion, and a tube of hand cream)<<set $hasSeenWifeSkincare to true>><</linkappend>><</if>>, and a bottle of <<if $hasVisitedWifePerfume is true>>perfume (a blend of rose, bergamot, lavender and mint)<<else>><<linkappend "perfume">> (a blend of rose, bergamot, lavender and mint)<<set $hasVisitedWifePerfume to true>><</linkappend>><</if>>. [[Return|master room]] <<results>>

On the vanity table are a table lamp, a simple rectangular mirror, <<if $hasSeenGovJewellery is true>>jewellery (a silver necklace and a pair of pearl earrings)<<else>><<linkappend "jewellery">> (a silver necklace and a pair of pearl earrings)<<set $hasSeenGovJewellery to true>><</linkappend>><</if>>, <<if $hasSeenGovCosmetics is true>>cosmetic products (a jar of face powder and a single lipstick)<<else>><<linkappend "cosmetic products">> (a jar of face powder and a single lipstick)<<set $hasSeenGovCosmetics to true>><</linkappend>><</if>>, <<if $hasSeenGovSkincare is true>>skincare products (two bottles of moisturising cream and lotion)<<else>><<linkappend "skincare products">> (two bottles of moisturising cream and lotion)<<set $hasSeenGovSkincare to true>><</linkappend>><</if>>, and a bottle of <<if $hasSeenGovPerfume is true>>perfume (a blend of lemon, lily of the valley, violet, rosemary)<<else>><<linkappend "perfume">> (a blend of lemon, lily of the valley, violet, rosemary)<<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasSeenGovPerfume to true>><</linkappend>><</if>>. [[Return|governess' room]] <<results>>

Stuck to the bottle is a small label... <div class="belle">Belle</div> ... which you find somewhat lacking for a typical eye drop sold commercially. On second thoughts, you are quite sure that this product is not sold here. <<if $hasEyedrops is false>><<linkreplace "Send bottle of eye drops for analysis.">>Bottle has been sent for analysis.<<set $clues += 1>><<set $hasEyedrops to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Bottle has been sent for analysis.<</if>> [[Return|master bathroom]] <<results>>

The built-in closet contains a rack filled with dresses and other clothing. At the bottom part of the closet is a wooden [[drawer]]. [[Return|governess' room]] <<results>>

<<if $hasSeenGovBooks is false>>The drawer contains a [[passport]] and a few <<linkreplace "books.">>books: - [[The Complete Governess: A Course of Mental Instruction for Ladies]] - [[A Brief Guide to Selected Herps]] - [[Animal Behaviour]]<<set $hasSeenGovBooks to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>\ The drawer contains a [[passport]] and a few books: - [[The Complete Governess: A Course of Mental Instruction for Ladies]] - [[A Brief Guide to Selected Herps]] - [[Animal Behaviour]]<</if>> [[Return|governess' room]] <<results>>

The passport belongs to Marguerite Hansel. The immigration stamps and dates in it provide a clear record of her travel history: 30 Dec 1929: Departed for Johannesburg, South Africa. 10 Dec 1930: Returned from Johannesburg, South Africa. 1 Jan 1931: Departed for Johannesburg, South Africa. 29 Dec 1931: Returned from Johannesburg, South Africa. 18 June 1935: Departed for Dublin, Ireland. 25 June 1935: Returned from Dublin, Ireland. 8 February 1937: Departed for Johannesburg, South Africa. 13 February 1937: Returned from Johannesburg, South Africa. <<if $hasSeenPassport is false>><<set $clues += 1>><<set $hasSeenPassport to true>><</if>> [[Return|drawer]] <<results>>

The safe contains two manila envelopes. The first contains the last will and testament of Lionel Litchfield. You sift through the legalese and concluded that his estate is to be divided equally between his wife and son. The second contains documents highlighting severe inconsistencies in the financial records of the Litchfield's business over the recent year.\ <<if $hasfirstunlockedsafe is false>><<set $clues += 1>><<set $hasfirstunlockedsafe to true>><</if>> [[Return|study]] <<set $unlockedsafe to true>>

On the oak desk, you see a table lamp and a children's book left open to a page where a drooling cartoon chameleon eyes a fly. The book is titled "Where The Wild Animals Are". [[Return|son's room]] <<results>> <<if $hasSeenBook is false>><<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasSeenBook to true>><</if>>

The top two-thirds of the wooden cupboard is filled with a young boy's clothes, while the bottom third is a separate shelf lined with children's books, a box of crayons, and several toys. [[Return|son's room]] <<results>>

You remove the duvet and pillows from the bed, but find nothing of interest. <<if $hasSeenBed is false>><<linkreplace "Look under the bed.">> Under the bed, you find two stray crayons and a layer of dust.<<set $hasSeenBed to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Under the bed, you find two stray crayons and a layer of dust.<</if>> [[Return|son's room]] <<results>>

<<if $hasSeenBear is false>>Holding the teddy bear with gloved hands, you <<linkappend "shake it.">> <<timed 1.5s t8n>>Nothing happens.<</timed>> <<timed 3.5s t8n>>You then scrutinise every part of it.<</timed>> <<timed 5.5s t8n>>The teddy bear does not feel like it holds any secrets within. You place the teddy bear back in its rightful position on the bed. [[Return|son's room]] <</timed>><<set $hasSeenBear to true>><</linkappend>><<else>>The teddy bear does not feel like it holds any secrets within. You place the teddy bear back in its rightful position on the bed. [[Return|son's room]] <</if>><<results>>

<<if $hasSeenGlobe is false>>With gloved hands, you take the toy globe and <<linkappend "shake it.">> <<timed 1.5s t8n>>Nothing happens.<</timed>> <<timed 3.5s t8n>>You then scrutinise every part of it.<</timed>> <<timed 5.5s t8n>>The globe appears perfectly ordinary, showing no signs of tampering. You decide not to destroy a child's toy without cause, and carefully place it back where it belongs. [[Return|son's room]] <</timed>><<set $hasSeenGlobe to true>><</linkappend>><<else>>The globe appears perfectly ordinary, showing no signs of tampering. You decide not to destroy a child's toy without cause, and carefully place it back where it belongs. [[Return|son's room]] <</if>><<results>>

<<if $hasSeenTrain is false>>With gloved hands, you scrutinise every part of the toy train set, including the figurines. <<timed 2.5s t8n>>Your gut feeling tells you this is not what you should be looking at. [[Return|son's room]]<</timed>><<set $hasSeenTrain to true>><<else>> Your gut feeling tells you this is not what you should be looking at. [[Return|son's room]]<</if>>\ <<results>>

With gloved hands, you take the sailboat and <<linkappend "shake it.">> <<timed 1.5s t8n>>Nothing happens.<</timed>> <<timed 3.5s t8n>>You then scrutinise every part of it.<</timed>> <<timed 5.5s t8n>>This is a meticulously crafted model, exquisitely designed. The hull seems to have been taken apart and glued back again. You try to separate the glued portions gently, but you soon realise that you have no choice but to forcefully <<linkreplace "break it apart." t8n>>break it apart. From the broken pieces of the hollow hull, you find a piece of paper with the number "9452" on it. [[Return|son's room]] <<if $hasSafeCode is false>><<set $clues += 1>><<set $hasSafeCode to true>><</if>><</linkreplace>><</timed>>\ <</linkappend>> <<results>>

The fireplace is not heated. A closer inspection of the fireplace revealed nothing out of the ordinary. On its white marble mantle, you see a table clock, a pot of [[African violets]], and a [[framed photograph|gov.photograph]]. [[Return|governess' room]] <<results>>

In the photograph, a young teenage girl sits beside an elderly woman at the front porch of a house, both laughing heartily as they look at each other. From the way they are dressed, it seems like they come from a lower-middle class background. [[Back|gov.fireplace]] <<results>> <<if $hasSeenGovPhoto is false>><<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasSeenGovPhoto to true>><</if>>

<<if $hasVisitedMasterFireplace is false and $hasMetLiesl is false>>The fireplace is not heated. Above its elegant green marble mantle hang two framed <<linkappend "photographs">> -- one (coloured) of Lionel Litchfield with a blonde woman blissfully holding a baby in her bosom, another (black and white) of a family of four. In the second photograph, two pre-teen boys stand awkwardly in front of their smiling parents in a backdrop of greenery. The father is holding a shotgun, just like the one on the fireplace mantle in the study<<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasVisitedMasterFireplace to true>><</linkappend>>.<<elseif $hasVisitedMasterFireplace is true and $hasMetLiesl is false>>\ The fireplace is not heated. Above its elegant green marble mantle hang two framed photographs -- one (coloured) of Lionel Litchfield with a blonde woman blissfully holding a baby in her bosom, another (black and white) of a family of four. In the second photograph, two pre-teen boys stand awkwardly in front of their smiling parents in a backdrop of greenery. The father is holding a shotgun, just like the one on the fireplace mantle in the study.<<elseif $hasVisitedMasterFireplace is false and $hasMetLiesl is true>>The fireplace is not heated. Above its elegant green marble mantle hang two framed <<linkappend "photographs">> -- one (coloured) of Lionel Litchfield with Liesl Litchfield blissfully holding a baby in her bosom, another (black and white) of a family of four. In the second photograph, two pre-teen boys stand awkwardly in front of their smiling parents in a backdrop of greenery. The father is holding a shotgun, just like the one on the fireplace mantle in the study<<set $hasVisitedMasterFireplace to true>><</linkappend>>.<<else>>The fireplace is not heated. Above its elegant green marble mantle hang two framed photographs -- one (coloured) of Lionel Litchfield with Liesl Litchfield blissfully holding a baby in her bosom, another (black and white) of a family of four. In the second photograph, two pre-teen boys stand awkwardly in front of their smiling parents in a backdrop of greenery. The father is holding a shotgun, just like the one on the fireplace mantle in the study.<</if>> [[Return|master room]] <<results>>

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _butlerroom to true>><h2>Butler's Room</h2>\ The room is modest in size and design. A simple yet sturdy black metal bed is set against a plain white wall. Beside it is a [[hardwood wardrobe]]. A private [[bathroom|butler.bathroom]] is on the east. <<if $hasBRprints is false>><<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>Prints have been obtained.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasBRprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Prints have been obtained.<</if>> <<if $hasBRblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood could be found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasBRblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood could be found.<</if>> <<if $hasBRhair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>Hair samples have been obtained.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasBRhair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Hair samples have been obtained.<</if>> [[Exit the room.|servants' quarters]] <<if $hasVisitedButlerRoom is false>><<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $hasVisitedButlerRoom to true>><</if>>

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _maidroom to true>><h2>Maid's Room</h2>\ <<if $hasVisitedMaidRoom is false>>Similar to the rooms of the other domestic staff, this bedroom has minimal furnishing, with only a black metal bed, a <<linkappend "small table">> (on which is an owl-shaped clock)<<set $hasVisitedMaidClock to true>><</linkappend>> with a chair, and a pine [[closet|maid's closet]].<<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $hasVisitedMaidRoom to true>><<elseif $hasVisitedMaidRoom is true and $hasVisitedMaidClock is false>>\ Similar to the rooms of the other domestic staff, this bedroom has minimal furnishing, with only a black metal bed, a <<linkappend "small table">> (on which is an owl-shaped clock)<<set $hasVisitedMaidClock to true>><</linkappend>> with a chair, and a pine [[closet|maid's closet]].<<else>>Similar to the rooms of the other domestic staff, this bedroom has minimal furnishing, with only a black metal bed, a small table (on which is an owl-shaped clock) with a chair, and a pine [[closet|maid's closet]].<</if>> <<if $hasMaidRprints is false>><<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>Prints have been obtained.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasMaidRprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Prints have been obtained.<</if>> <<if $hasMaidRblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood could be found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasMaidRblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood could be found.<</if>> <<if $hasMaidRhair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>Hair samples have been obtained.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasMaidRhair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Hair samples have been obtained.<</if>> [[Return|servants' quarters]]

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _cookroom to true>><h2>Cook's Room</h2>\ <<if $hasVisitedCookRoom is false>>This room shares a "no-frills" design as what one would expect in a domestic staff's bedroom. A plain black metal bed is set against the wall. A chest of drawers is situated beneath the windows. Opposite the bed are a medium-sized wooden table and a chair. On the table are a small blue clock, a mug, and a couple of <<linkreplace "books.">>books: - [[Exotic Foods From Around the World]] - [[The Art of French Cooking]]<<set $clues +=1>><<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $hasVisitedCookRoom to true>><</linkreplace>> Open the [[top drawer|cooktopdrawer]]. Open the [[middle drawer|cookmiddrawer]]. Open the [[bottom drawer|cookbottomdrawer]].\ <<else>>This room shares a similar "no-frills" design as with those of the other domestic staff. A plain black metal bed is set against the wall. A chest of drawers is situated beneath the windows. Opposite the bed are a medium-sized wooden table and a chair. On the table are a small blue clock, a mug, and a couple of books: - [[Exotic Foods From Around the World]] - [[The Art of French Cooking]] Open the [[top drawer|cooktopdrawer]]. Open the [[middle drawer|cookmiddrawer]]. Open the [[bottom drawer|cookbottomdrawer]].<</if>> <<if $hasCRprints is false>><<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>Prints have been obtained.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasCRprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Prints have been obtained.<</if>> <<if $hasCRblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood could be found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasCRblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood could be found.<</if>> <<if $hasCRhair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>Hair samples have been obtained.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasCRhair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Hair samples have been obtained.<</if>> [[Return|servants' quarters]]

The wardrobe contains a rack of perfectly pressed white shirts, black trousers, and black suits, arranged in that specific order. Each piece of clothing is spaced almost equally apart from the other. At the bottom of the wardrobe is a [[drawer|wardrobe drawer]]. [[Return|butler's room]] <<results>>

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _butlertoilet to true>><h2>Butler's Bathroom</h2>\ Much smaller than the bathrooms on the upper floor, it is equipped with the bare essentials such as a sink, mirror, water closet, a towel rack, and a shower head. Aside from being one of the cleanest bathrooms you have come across, there is nothing noteworthy here. <<if $hasBTprints is false>><<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>Prints have been obtained.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasBTprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Prints have been obtained.<</if>> <<if $hasBTblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood could be found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasBTblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood could be found.<</if>> <<if $hasBThair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>Hair samples have been obtained.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasBThair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Hair samples have been obtained.<</if>> [[Return|butler's room]] <<if $hasVisitedButlerToilet is false>><<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $hasVisitedButlerToilet to true>><</if>>

Inside the wardrobe drawer, among other accessories that form part of a butler's daily attire, you find a faded photograph (or more accurately, a portion of it). It shows Hargreaves in his younger days, standing next to at least one other person who has been torn out from it. His gaunt, shoddy appearance and the sullen, depressed look on his face makes him hardly recognisable from the man who greeted you this morning. You notice visible bruising on both of his inner arms in the photograph. <<if $hasSeenButlerPhoto is false>><<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasSeenButlerPhoto to true>><</if>> [[Return|butler's room]] <<results>>

<h2>Master Bathroom</h2>/%<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _mastertoilet to true>>%/\ The master bathroom has two separate sink counters. A standalone bathtub is placed near the window. Situated at a corner are a water closet and a bidet. Above the toilet hangs a framed impasto landscape painting of a magnificent oak tree. While sleuthing around the bathroom, you notice a bottle of [[eye drops]] in one of the sink cabinet drawers. <<if $hasMTprints is false>><<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>Prints have been obtained.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasMTprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Prints have been obtained.<</if>> <<if $hasMTblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood could be found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasMTblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood could be found.<</if>> <<if $hasMThair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>Hair samples have been obtained.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasMThair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Hair samples have been obtained.<</if>> [[Return|master room]] <<if $hasVisitedMT is false>><<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $hasVisitedMT to true>><<else>><</if>>

The middle drawer is filled with knitted jumpers, scarves, blouses, dresses and skirts. [[Return|cook's room]] <<results>>

<<if $hasSeenCookNotebook is false>>The bottom drawer contains a sizeable amount of yarn and other knitting supplies, and a well-worn <<linkreplace "notebook." t8n>>notebook containing scribbles of food preparation techniques and additional recipes, including one for snake soup. You note the scribbled handwriting: <div class="cookscribble"> keep heat at medium-low for broth</div>\ <<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasSeenCookNotebook to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>\ The bottom drawer contains a sizeable amount of yarn and other knitting supplies, and a well-worn notebook containing scribbles of food preparation techniques and additional recipes, including one for snake soup. You note the scribbled handwriting: <div class="cookscribble">keep heat at medium-low for broth</div>\<</if>> [[Return|cook's room]] <<results>>

The top drawer contains clothings and a few face and bath towels. [[Return|cook's room]] <<results>>

/%<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _diningroom to true>>%/<h2>Dining Room</h2>\ A grand mahogany ten-seater table is tastefully displayed as the centrepiece of the dining room, which has seen countless parties being hosted. A fireplace is located at the west end. <<if $hasSeenDRfireplace is false>><<linkreplace "Inspect the fireplace.">>Close inspection of the grate revealed remnants of cold ashes and a few charred, half-burnt logs.<<set $hasSeenDRfireplace to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Close inspection of the grate revealed remnants of cold ashes and a few charred, half-burnt logs.<</if>> <<if $hasDRprints is false>><<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>Prints have been obtained.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasDRprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Prints have been obtained.<</if>> <<if $hasDRblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood could be found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasDRblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood could be found.<</if>> <<if $hasDRhair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>Hair samples have been obtained.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasDRhair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Hair samples have been obtained.<</if>> Head west to the [[foyer|Litchfield Mansion]]. Or you could head east to the [[kitchen]]. <<if $hasVisitedDining is false>><<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $hasVisitedDining to true>><</if>>

The fridge is well-stocked with ingredients of the highest quality. Yet what catches your eye are two of the contents in the freezer: a frozen pufferfish, and frozen snake meat. <<if $hasVisitedPufferfish is false>><<linkreplace "Send meat samples for analysis.">>Meat samples have been sent for analysis.<<set $hasVisitedPufferfish to true>><<set $clues += 1>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Meat samples have been sent for analysis.<</if>> [[Return|kitchen]] <<set $clues +=1>> <<results>>

The closet contains towels, white pinafores and simple dresses of various colours. [[Return|maid's room]] <<results>>

Inspecting the armchair more closely, you cut open the seat cushion and find that a small needle was lodged in it. <<if $hasVisitedNeedle is false>><<linkreplace "Send needle for analysis.">>The needle has been sent for analysis. Check the Case File for the analysis results.<<set $hasVisitedNeedle to true>><<set $clues += 1>><</linkreplace>><<else>>The needle has been sent for analysis. Check the Case File for the analysis results.<</if>> [[Return|study]] <<results>>

<<if $hasMetLiesl is false>>Liesl Litchfield sits by herself some distance away from the others. You can tell she is adept in maintaining a dignified composure even though her eyes are clearly red from crying. <<if $hasCordonedInterviewArea is false>> You invite her to a more private area in the far corner of the room where you and your colleagues conduct the interview.<<set $hasCordonedInterviewArea to true>><<else>>You invite her to the interview area to speak further.<</if>> <<linkreplace "''You: Lady Litchfield, I'm sorry for your loss. I understand this is a very difficult time for you, but we will need to ask you some questions. Is this a good time to talk?''" t8n>><qn>You: Lady Litchfield, I'm sorry for your loss. I understand this is a very difficult time for you, but we will need to ask you some questions. Is this a good time to talk?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: Thank you. Please do what you need to do, Detective. <<linkreplace "''You: When was the last time you saw your husband?''" t8n>><qn>You: When was the last time you saw your husband?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: It was dinnertime at about 8 pm, with Leonard and Teddy. After dinner, Lionel headed up to the study to work as he usually did. <<linkreplace "''You: What did each of you eat during dinner yesterday?''" t8n>><qn>You: What did each of you eat during dinner yesterday?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: All of us ate the same food -- cod fish, potatoes, and asparagus. <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?''" t8n>><qn>You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: Why... are you suggesting that I killed him?! //(She broke down and sobbed uncontrollably.)// <<linkreplace "''You: I'm sorry Lady Litchfield, but we need as much information as we can in order for us to find out who did your husband in.''" t8n>><qn>You: I'm sorry Lady Litchfield, but we need as much information as we can in order for us to find out who did your husband in.</qn> //(A minute or two passes before she regains her composure. She dabs her eyes with a handkerchief, but all you can see are her nails. Blood red. Like the blood of every victim in your cases, crying out: "Justice!")// Liesl Litchfield: ... We had a rather cheery dinner, after which I went up to my bedroom to unwind with a drink. Margo brought Teddy to his room to play for a while before putting him to bed at 9 pm. I checked in on Teddy at about 9:15 before retiring. I didn't see Lionel in the bedroom when I turned in for the night, but I assumed he was burning the midnight oil again. This was quite the norm for him. I was awake at about 7 am but I didn't leave the bedroom until Hargreaves informed me of the dreadful matter... I went to the study upon receiving the news, and there he was... stabbed! My Lionel! //(She tries her best to stifle the sobs as another wave of emotions comes over her.)// ... But I must have blacked out after that, because the next thing I knew, Margo was right beside me calling my name, and she was holding those pungent smelling salts under my nose... She brought me to the sitting room, where everyone else seemed to have gathered. I think Hazel and Ethel came in not long after with some food - or was it before I appeared? I can't remember now -- but I just couldn't bring myself to eat anything. <<linkreplace "''You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?" t8n>><qn>You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: I can't say that I do, I'm afraid. I wouldn't be surprised if he had to deal with difficult people in his line of work, but he never went into much detail. It's quite out of my depth... <<linkreplace "''You: What can you tell me about the domestic staff?" t8n>><qn>You: What can you tell me about the domestic staff?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: Don and Hazel are our "old faithfuls". Don has been with us since we first moved in years ago. We couldn't ask for a more perfect butler. I hope he is feeling physically better -- he was sneezing non-stop yesterday while laying the table for dinner. Lionel and I had to persuade him to get an early rest. Hazel was hired a few months after Don; she was recommended by one of Lionel's late aunts. Trust me when I say Hazel's one of the best cooks in town. Ethel and Margo joined us more recently, about a few years back. I made sure their references were in check prior to hiring them. So far I can't say I have anything to complain about. <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your relationship with your husband?''" t8n>><qn>You: Could you describe your relationship with your husband?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: We were as deeply in love as the day we first met. Even though Lionel was a busy man, he'd never missed our family mealtimes, and would take time out on Sundays for Teddy and me. It hadn't been easy for him ever since he inherited his father's business two years ago. We've been making plans to go away as a family to Corsica for a while since he first proposed the idea in January... I think he'd finally realised that he needed a proper break. <<linkreplace "''You: We found these letter fragments in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?''" t8n>><qn>You: We found these letter fragments in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: It's not written by me or Lionel... The handwriting is just... off. Lionel always called me Elisabeth, my actual name. He said he preferred the sound of Elisabeth than Liesl, but then again, that's what I loved about him. He never followed the majority. <<if $hasDrugs is true or $hasEyedrops is true or $suspects >7 or $hasSeenSafeFirstTime is true>>''[[Ask more questions|Liesl]]''<<else>><qn>You: Thank you Lady Litchfield. We’re still putting the pieces together. We may need to talk again.</qn> ''[[Return|sitting room]]''<</if>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<set $suspects +=1>><<set $hasMetLiesl to true>><<else>>\ <<linkreplace "''You: Lady Litchfield, I'm sorry for your loss. I understand this is a very difficult time for you, but we will need to ask you some questions. Is this a good time to talk?''">><qn>You: Lady Litchfield, I'm sorry for your loss. I understand this is a very difficult time for you, but we will need to ask you some questions. Is this a good time to talk?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: Thank you. Please do what you need to do, Detective.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: When was the last time you saw your husband?''">><qn>You: When was the last time you saw your husband?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: It was dinner time at about 8 pm, with Leonard and Teddy. After dinner, Lionel headed up to the study to work as he usually did.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: What did each of you eat during dinner yesterday?''">><qn>You: What did each of you eat during dinner yesterday?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: All of us ate the same food -- cod fish, potatoes, and asparagus.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?''">><qn>You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: Why... are you suggesting that I killed him?! //(She broke down and sobbed uncontrollably.)//<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: I'm sorry Lady Litchfield, but we need as much information as we can in order for us to find out who did your husband in.''">><qn>You: I'm sorry Lady Litchfield, but we need as much information as we can in order for us to find out who did your husband in.</qn> //(A minute or two passes before she regains her composure. She dabs her eyes with a handkerchief, but all you can see are her nails. Blood red. Like the blood of every victim in your cases, crying out: "Justice!")// Liesl Litchfield: ... We had a rather cheery dinner, after which I went up to my bedroom to unwind with a drink. Margo brought Teddy to his room to play for a while before putting him to bed at 9 pm. I checked in on Teddy at about 9:15 before retiring. I didn't see Lionel in the bedroom when I turned in for the night, but I assumed he was burning the midnight oil again. This was quite the norm for him. I was awake at about 7 am but I didn't leave the bedroom until Hargreaves informed me of the dreadful matter... I went to the study upon receiving the news, and there he was... stabbed! My Lionel! //(She tries her best to stifle the sobs as another wave of emotions comes over her.)// ... But I must have blacked out after that, because the next thing I knew, Margo was right beside me calling my name, and she was holding those pungent smelling salts under my nose... She brought me to the sitting room, where everyone else seemed to have gathered. I think Hazel and Ethel came in not long after with some food -- or was it before I appeared? I can't remember now -- but I just couldn't bring myself to eat anything.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?''">><qn>You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: I can't say that I do, I'm afraid. I wouldn't be surprised if he had to deal with difficult people in his line of work, but he never went into much detail. It's quite out of my depth...<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: What can you tell me about the domestic staff?''">><qn>You: What can you tell me about the domestic staff?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: Don and Hazel are our "old faithfuls". Don has been with us since we first moved in years ago. We couldn't ask for a more perfect butler. I hope he is feeling physically better -- he was sneezing non-stop yesterday while laying the table for dinner. Lionel and I had to persuade him to get an early rest. Hazel was hired a few months after Don; she was recommended by one of Lionel's late aunts. Trust me when I say Hazel's one of the best cooks in town. Ethel and Margo joined us more recently, about a few years back. I made sure their references were in check prior to hiring them. So far I can't say I have anything to complain about.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your relationship with your husband?''">><qn>You: Could you describe your relationship with your husband?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: We were as deeply in love as the day we first met. Even though Lionel was a busy man, he'd never missed our family mealtimes, and would take time out on Sundays for Teddy and me. It hadn't been easy for him ever since he inherited his father's business two years ago. We've been making plans to go away as a family to Corsica for a while since he first proposed the idea in January... I think he'd finally realised that he needed a proper break.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: We found these letter fragments in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?''">><qn>You: We found these letter fragments in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: It's not written by me or Lionel... The handwriting is just... off. Lionel always called me Elisabeth, my actual name. He said he preferred the sound of Elisabeth than Liesl, but then again, that's what I loved about him. He never followed the majority.<</linkreplace>> <<if $hasDrugs is true or $hasEyedrops is true or $suspects >7 or $hasSeenSafeFirstTime is true>>''[[Ask more questions|Liesl]]''<<else>>''[[Return|sitting room]]''<</if>><</if>><<results>>

<<if $hasMetTeddy is false>>Theodore Litchfield is playing with toy building blocks on the floor near Marguerite Hansel. <<if $hasCordonedInterviewArea is false>> You ask Lady Litchfield if you could speak with him in a more private area in the far corner of the room where you and your colleagues conduct the interview. She consents.<<set $hasCordonedInterviewArea to true>><<else>>You ask Lady Litchfield if you could speak with him in the interview area alone. She consents.<</if>> <<linkreplace "''You: Hi Teddy, I am the Detective. How are you feeling?''" t8n>><qn>You: Hi Teddy, I am the Detective. How are you feeling?</qn> Theodore Litchfield has a glum look on his face. He continues fiddling with a couple of the toy blocks he has brought with him as he replies. Theodore Litchfield: Something bad happened to Daddy... //(You notice a slight quiver in his voice.)// <<linkreplace "''You: I'm sorry about your father.''" t8n>><qn>You: I'm sorry about your father.</qn> //(You could see tears welling up as he finally meets your gaze.)// Theodore Litchfield: Mummy said a policeman wants to ask Teddy questions. <<linkreplace "''You: Yes, Teddy... We hope you can help us find out what happened to your father. What did you do after eating dinner yesterday?''" t8n>><qn>You: Yes, Teddy... We hope you can help us find out what happened to your father. What did you do after eating dinner yesterday?</qn> Theodore Litchfield: Ms Hansel brought me to my room, and then I played with my trains. <<linkreplace "''You: Was Ms Hansel with you when you played with your trains?''" t8n>><qn>You: Was Ms Hansel with you when you played with your trains?</qn> Theodore Litchfield: Yes. <<linkreplace "''You: What happened after that?''" t8n>><qn>You: What happened after that?</qn> Theodore Litchfield: Teddy slept. <<linkreplace "''You: Did you see anything else after that?''" t8n>><qn>You: Did you see anything else after that?</qn> Theodore Litchfield: No. Teddy is sleeping already. <<linkreplace "''You: What did you do when you woke up?''" t8n>><qn>You: What did you do when you woke up?</qn> Theodore Litchfield: Teddy ate breakfast with Mommy. <<linkreplace "''You: That’s all for now, buddy. You did a great job. If we think of anything else, we’ll come find you, alright?''" t8n>><qn>You: That’s all for now, buddy. You did a great job. If we think of anything else, we’ll come find you, alright?</qn> Theodore Litchfield nods, and resumes fiddling with his toy blocks. You bring him back to his mother in the sitting room. ''[[Return|sitting room]]''<<set $hasMetTeddy to true>><<set $suspects +=1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<else>> <<linkreplace "''You: Hi Teddy, I am the Detective. How are you feeling?''">><qn>You: Hi Teddy, I am the Detective. How are you feeling?</qn> Theodore Litchfield has a glum look on his face. He continues fiddling with a couple of the toy blocks he has brought with him as he replies. Theodore Litchfield: Something bad happened to Daddy... //(You notice a slight quiver in his voice.)//<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: I'm sorry about your father.''">><qn>You: I'm sorry about your father.</qn> //(You could see tears welling up as he finally meets your gaze.)// Theodore Litchfield: Mummy said a policeman wants to ask Teddy questions.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Yes, Teddy... We hope you can help us find out what happened to your father. What did you do after eating dinner yesterday?''">><qn>You: Yes, Teddy... We hope you can help us find out what happened to your father. What did you do after eating dinner yesterday?</qn> Theodore Litchfield: Ms Hansel brought me to my room, and then I played with my trains.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Was Ms Hansel with you when you played with your trains?''">><qn>You: Was Ms Hansel with you when you played with your trains?</qn> Theodore Litchfield: Yes.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: What happened after that?''">><qn>You: What happened after that?</qn> Theodore Litchfield: Teddy slept.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Did you see anything else after that?''">><qn>You: Did you see anything else after that?</qn> Theodore Litchfield: No. Teddy is sleeping already.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: What did you do when you woke up?''">><qn>You: What did you do when you woke up?</qn> Theodore Litchfield: Teddy ate breakfast with Mommy.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: That’s all for now, buddy. You did a great job. If we think of anything else, we’ll come find you, alright?''">><qn>You: That’s all for now, buddy. You did a great job. If we think of anything else, we’ll come find you, alright?</qn> Theodore Litchfield nods, and resumes fiddling with his toy blocks. You bring him back to his mother in the sitting room.<</linkreplace>> ''[[Return|sitting room]]''<</if>><<results>>

<<if $hasMetLeonard is false>>Leonard Litchfield paces back and forth in the sitting room, hands in his trouser pockets. There is a subtle arrogance about him, although his gait and demeanour suggest he might be trying a little too hard. <<if $hasCordonedInterviewArea is false>> You shake hands with him and invite him to a more private area in the far corner of the room where you and your colleagues conduct the interview.<<set $hasCordonedInterviewArea to true>><<else>>You shake hands with him and invite him to the sectioned-off area.<</if>> <<linkreplace "''You: You must be Leonard Litchfield.''" t8n>><qn>You: You must be Leonard Litchfield.</qn> Leonard Litchfield: Yes, it is I. Lionel's my elder brother. <<linkreplace "''You: I appreciate your help in gathering everyone in the sitting room until we arrived.''" t8n>><qn>You: I appreciate your help in gathering everyone in the sitting room until we arrived.</qn> Leonard Litchfield: It's nothing really. With my own brother murdered, it's the least I can do for him to make sure that the killer does not go scot-free. //(He grits his teeth.)// Anyway, let me know how I can assist. <<linkreplace "''You: If you could help us answer some questions, that would be most helpful. When was the last time you saw your brother?''" t8n>><qn>You: If you could help us answer some questions, that would be most helpful. When was the last time you saw your brother?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: I suppose you mean when I last saw him alive... We had dinner last evening at about 8. <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?''" t8n>><qn>You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: As I said, I had dinner with my family. We were done at around 8:50 pm or so. Lionel went to his study to resume his work, Liesl and I returned to our own rooms, and Margo brought Teddy to his room to play. I was watching the TV... I suppose I fell asleep soon after. The next morning I was up at about 7:30, but I only headed out at 7:45. I was looking for my brother to ask him if he wanted to hunt for game today, but I didn't see him at the dining room nor his bedroom. I figured he must have spent the night in the study, and when I went there, I found him. Stabbed on the back. It was huge shock to me... I ran down to find Hargreaves and told him to make sure everyone went and stayed in the sitting room. I called the police right after. <<linkreplace "''You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?''" t8n>><qn>You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: For a man in his position -- and I have no intention of being crude, he's my dear brother after all -- I would say that Lionel is a man with many enemies. So if you think I'm eyeing the family business, truth be told, I really am very glad I am not involved in it. Call me a free spirit, if you will. <<linkreplace "''You: What was the reason for your recent visit to the Litchfield's?''" t8n>><qn>You: What was the reason for your recent visit to the Litchfield's?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: That they are family? I drop by whenever I am in town. Most of the time I am travelling for work. In fact, I've just returned from a work trip in Indonesia. <<linkreplace "''You: What do you work as?''" t8n>><qn>You: What do you work as?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: I am a financier. <<linkreplace "''You: Where at, if I might ask?''" t8n>><qn>You: Where at, if I might ask?</qn> //(There's a pause -- one longer than you expect.)// Leonard Litchfield: //(He releases a deep sigh.)// I work at Chamberlain. Okay, Detective, I know how bad this looks now... <<linkreplace "''You: Your brother was stabbed with a letter opener with the words 'Chamberlain Bank' engraved on it.''" t8n>><qn>You: Your brother was stabbed with a letter opener with the words 'Chamberlain Bank' engraved on it.</qn> Leonard Litchfield: Let me tell you, I did not stab him. Why would I? Besides, which murderer would be silly enough to use a murder weapon that points the police back to him? <<linkreplace "''You: Then pray explain how that letter opener found its way to the study.''" t8n>><qn>You: Then pray explain how that letter opener found its way to the study.</qn> Leonard Litchfield: I gave it to my brother as a gift sometime last year. //(He tenses up under your steel-cold, unflinching gaze.)// That's all there is to it! <<linkreplace "''You: It'd better be. These letter fragments were found in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?''" t8n>><qn>You: It'd better be. These letter fragments were found in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: //(He frowns.)// Who's L? Anyway, it's got nothing to do with me. Life is best lived without a care in the world, and that includes not being tied down by a woman. But I must say I can't imagine Liesl or Lionel writing this... Sheesh. <<linkreplace "''You: When did your brother last use the shotgun?''" t8n>><qn>You: When did your brother last use the shotgun?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: Probably 5 weeks ago, when we went game-hunting. If you don't already know, my brother was quite the workaholic, so I try to spend time with him hunting game, a pastime we have shared since young. Our dad started us on it. He was a keen enthusiast of the sport. <qn>You: Thank you Mr Litchfield. We will reach out to you if we have further questions.</qn> ''[[Return|sitting room]]''<<set $hasMetLeonard to true>><<set $suspects +=1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<else>> <<linkreplace "''You: You must be Leonard Litchfield.''">><qn>You: You must be Leonard Litchfield.</qn> Leonard Litchfield: Yes, it is I. Lionel's my elder brother.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: I appreciate your help in gathering everyone in the sitting room until we arrived.''">><qn>You: I appreciate your help in gathering everyone in the sitting room until we arrived.</qn> Leonard Litchfield: It's nothing really. With my own brother murdered, it's the least I can do for him to make sure that the killer does not go scot-free. (He grits his teeth.) Anyway, let me know how I can assist.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: If you could help us answer some questions, that would be most helpful. When was the last time you saw your brother?''">><qn>You: If you could help us answer some questions, that would be most helpful. When was the last time you saw your brother?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: I suppose you mean when I last saw him alive... We had dinner last evening at about 8.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?''">><qn>You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: As I said, I had dinner with my family. We were done at around 8:50 pm or so. Lionel went to his study to resume his work, Liesl and I returned to our own rooms, and Margo brought Teddy to his room to play. I was watching the TV... I suppose I fell asleep soon after. The next morning I was up at about 7:30, but I only headed out at 7:45. I was looking for my brother to ask him if he wanted to hunt for game today, but I didn't see him at the dining room nor his bedroom. I figured he must have spent the night in the study, and when I went there, I found him. Stabbed on the back. It was huge shock to me... I ran down to find Hargreaves and told him to make sure everyone went and stayed in the sitting room. I called the police right after.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?''">><qn>You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: For a man in his position -- and I have no intention of being crude, he's my dear brother after all -- I would say that Lionel is a man with many enemies. So if you think I'm eyeing the family business, truth be told, I really am very glad I am not involved in it. Call me a free spirit, if you will.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: What was the reason for your recent visit to the Litchfield's?''">><qn>You: What was the reason for your recent visit to the Litchfield's?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: That they are family? I drop by whenever I am in town. Most of the time I am travelling for work. In fact, I've just returned from a work trip in Indonesia.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: What do you work as?''">><qn>You: What do you work as?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: I am a financier.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Where at, if I might ask?''" t8n>><qn>You: Where at, if I might ask?</qn> //(There's a pause -- one longer than you expect.)// Leonard Litchfield: //(He releases a deep sigh.)// I work at Chamberlain. Okay, Detective, I know how bad this looks now...<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Your brother was stabbed with a letter opener with the words 'Chamberlain Bank' engraved on it.''" t8n>><qn>You: Your brother was stabbed with a letter opener with the words 'Chamberlain Bank' engraved on it.</qn> Leonard Litchfield: Let me tell you, I did not stab him. Why would I? Besides, which murderer would be silly enough to use a murder weapon that points the police back to him?<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Then pray explain how that letter opener found its way to the study.''" t8n>><qn>You: Then pray explain how that letter opener found its way to the study.</qn> Leonard Litchfield: I gave it to my brother as a gift sometime last year. //(He tenses up under your steel-cold, unflinching gaze.)// That's all there is to it! <</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: These letter fragments were found in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?''">><qn>You: These letter fragments were found in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: //(He frowns.)// Who's L? Anyway, it's got nothing to do with me. Life is best lived without a care in the world, and that includes not being tied down by a woman. But I must say I can't imagine Liesl or Lionel writing this... Sheesh.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: When did your brother last use the shotgun?''">><qn>You: When did your brother last use the shotgun?</qn> Leonard Litchfield: Probably 5 weeks ago, when we went game-hunting. If you don't already know, my brother was quite the workaholic, so I try to spend time with him hunting game, a pastime we have shared since young. Our dad started us on it. He was a keen enthusiast of the sport.<</linkreplace>> ''[[Return|sitting room]]''<</if>><<results>>

<<if $hasMetFred is false>>Fred Hoffman stands by the window with arms crossed. You notice the Cartier Tank on his left wrist. Quintessentially understated, and something you will never be able to afford on a detective's paycheck. Hoffman stares into the distance, pensive and grim. <<if $hasCordonedInterviewArea is false>> You invite him to a more private area in the far corner of the room where you and your colleagues conduct the interview.<<set $hasCordonedInterviewArea to true>><<else>>You invite him to the interview zone to hear his side of the story.<</if>> <<linkreplace "''You: Hi Mr Hoffman. We'd like to ask you some questions to understand what happened to Lionel Litchfield. When was the last time you saw him alive?''" t8n>><qn>You: Hi Mr Hoffman. We'd like to ask you some questions to understand what happened to Lionel Litchfield. When was the last time you saw him alive?</qn> Fred Hoffman: Glad to help. I last saw Lionel yesterday night, at about 11:40 or so. We had some work to discuss. <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your movements between your arrival last night and this morning?''" t8n>><qn>You: Could you describe your movements between your arrival last night and this morning?</qn> Fred Hoffman: Hargreaves let me in when I arrived at about 11:30 last night. I must have disrupted his sleep - he looked unusually knackered. Anyhow, I headed up to the study for my meeting with Lionel. It must have been nearly 1 o'clock by the time I turned in for the night. Lionel let me put up in one of his spare rooms ever since I became a regular here some years back... heh. When I opened my eyes again, it was about half past seven in the morning. I had another meeting to rush to and I was running late. But I heard several voices in the hallway and that was when Leonard told me what had happened to Lionel and to go to the sitting room as soon as possible... <<linkreplace "''You: I take it that Lionel Litchfield and you are business partners?''" t8n>><qn>You: I take it that Lionel Litchfield and you are business partners?</qn> Fred Hoffman: You've deduced rightly, Detective. Lionel and I met through a mutual friend years ago, and we hit it off ever since. I consider it my utmost privilege to be co-running the Litchfields' business with him. But now, with Lionel gone, I feel like I've lost my right hand -- how the Litchfield's business will continue to function normally moving forward I do not know. <<linkreplace "''You: Who will take over the business now?''" t8n>><qn>You: Who will take over the business now?</qn> Fred Hoffman: Look, I've just lost a close business partner. //(He clenches his fists, his face turning red.)// If you're trying to pin a motive on me, you don't have one. By law, the Litchfield's enterprise will never be handed over to an outsider. That was how the founding Litchfield intended it to be. <<linkreplace "''You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?''" t8n>><qn>You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?</qn> Fred Hoffman: Given the legalities binding the family business, I wouldn't be surprised if a Litchfield did it. <qn>You: Thank you Mr Hoffman. We'll be in touch if anything else comes up.</qn> ''[[Return|sitting room]]''<<set $hasMetFred to true>><<set $suspects +=1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<else>><<linkreplace "''You: Hi Mr Hoffman. We'd like to ask you some questions to understand what happened to Lionel Litchfield. When was the last time you saw him alive?''">><qn>You: Hi Mr Hoffman. We'd like to ask you some questions to understand what happened to Lionel Litchfield. When was the last time you saw him alive?</qn> Fred Hoffman: Glad to help. I last saw Lionel yesterday night, at about 11:40 or so. We had some work to discuss.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your movements between your arrival last night and this morning?''">><qn>You: Could you describe your movements between your arrival last night and this morning?</qn> Fred Hoffman: Hargreaves let me in when I arrived at about 11:30 last night. I must have disrupted his sleep - he looked unusually knackered. Anyhow, I headed up to the study for my meeting with Lionel. It must have been nearly 1 o'clock by the time I turned in for the night. Lionel let me put up in one of his spare rooms ever since I became a regular here some years back... heh. When I opened my eyes again, it was about half past seven in the morning. I had another meeting to rush to and I was running late. But I heard several voices in the hallway and that was when Leonard told me what had happened to Lionel and to go to the sitting room as soon as possible...<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: I take it that Lionel Litchfield and you are business partners?''">><qn>You: I take it that Lionel Litchfield and you are business partners?</qn> Fred Hoffman: You've deduced rightly, Detective. Lionel and I met through a mutual friend years ago, and we hit it off ever since. I consider it my utmost privilege to be co-running the Litchfields' business with him. But now, with Lionel gone, I feel like I've lost my right hand -- how the Litchfield's business will continue to function normally moving forward I do not know.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Who will take over the business now?''">><qn>You: Who will take over the business now?</qn> Fred Hoffman: Look, I've just lost a close business partner. //(He clenches his fists, his face turning red.)// If you're trying to pin a motive on me, you don't have one. By law, the Litchfield's enterprise will never be handed over to an outsider. That was how the founding Litchfield intended it to be.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?''">><qn>You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?</qn> Fred Hoffman: Given the legalities binding the family business, I wouldn't be surprised if a Litchfield did it.<</linkreplace>> ''[[Return|sitting room]]''<</if>><<results>>

<<if $hasMetHargreaves2 is false>>Don Hargreaves stands by the door, ever ready to wait on the residents and guests of Litchfield Mansion. Despite what has happened, he retains an unwavering air of dignity and dutiful service. <<if $hasCordonedInterviewArea is false>>You gesture toward the area in the far corner of the room where you and your colleagues conduct the interview to continue the inquiry.<<set $hasCordonedInterviewArea to true>><<else>>You gesture toward the interview area to continue the inquiry.<</if>> <<linkreplace "''You: Hi Mr Hargreaves, could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?''" t8n>><qn>You: Hi Mr Hargreaves, could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?</qn> Don Hargreaves: Yes, sir. I made sure dinner went smoothly for Lord Litchfield and his family, although they kindly insisted that I rest early -- I was feeling rather unwell by then. I thought it best to remain at my post until Lord Litchfield and his family had concluded their meal. Ethel was there with me. She saw that I was in a poor state and offered to help put the dining room in order afterward. I attended to the fireplaces and doors after that, but I believe I have informed you about it. I then retired for the night. Concerning this morning's events, I have recounted all that I know to you. <<linkreplace "''You: What can you tell me about the other domestic staff?''" t8n>><qn>You: What can you tell me about the other domestic staff?</qn> Don Hargreaves: Apologies, sir. A good butler does not pass judgement on those in his care. <<linkreplace "''You: How about the Litchfield family? It would help us greatly in the investigation.''" t8n>><qn>You: How about the Litchfield family? It would help us greatly in the investigation.</qn> Don Hargreaves: Lord Litchfield and his family have been very kind to me all these years. I should consider it rather unbecoming to make any remark that might reflect poorly on them. <<if $hasMetFred is true or $hasSeenButlerPhoto is true or $hasMentionedWill is true or $hasSeenSafeFirstTime is true>>''[[Ask more questions|Don]]''<<else>><qn>You: Thank you, Mr Hargreaves. Let’s hope we can clear this up soon.</qn> ''[[Return|sitting room]]''<</if>><<set $suspects +=1>><<set $hasMetHargreaves2 to true>> <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<else>>\ <<linkreplace "''You: Hi Mr Hargreaves, could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?''">><qn>You: Hi Mr Hargreaves, could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?</qn> Don Hargreaves: Yes, sir. I made sure dinner went smoothly for Lord Litchfield and his family, although they kindly insisted that I rest early -- I was feeling rather unwell by then. I thought it best to remain at my post until Lord Litchfield and his family had concluded their meal. Ethel was there with me. She saw that I was in a poor state and offered to help put the dining room in order afterward. I attended to the fireplaces and doors after that, but I believe I have informed you about it. I then retired for the night. Concerning this morning's events, I have recounted all that I know to you.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: What can you tell me about the other domestic staff?''">><qn>You: What can you tell me about the other domestic staff?</qn> Don Hargreaves: Apologies, sir. A good butler does not pass judgement on those in his care.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: How about the Litchfield family? It would help us greatly in the investigation.''">><qn>You: How about the Litchfield family? It would help us greatly in the investigation.</qn> Don Hargreaves: Lord Litchfield and his family have been very kind to me all these years. I should consider it rather unbecoming to make any remark that might reflect poorly on them.<</linkreplace>> <<if $hasMetFred is true or $hasSeenButlerPhoto is true or $hasMentionedWill is true or $hasSeenSafeFirstTime is true>>''[[Ask more questions|Don]]''<<else>>''[[Return|sitting room]]''<</if>><</if>><<results>>

<<if $hasMetMargo is false>>Marguerite Hansel is engaging Theodore Litchfield in constructive play with toy blocks. <<if $hasCordonedInterviewArea is false>> You invite her to a more private area in the far corner of the room where you and your colleagues conduct the interview.<<set $hasCordonedInterviewArea to true>><<else>>You guide her to the interview area for questioning.<</if>> <<linkreplace "''You: Hi Ms Hansel. We hope you can help us in the investigation by answering some questions.''" t8n>><qn>You: Hi Ms Hansel. We hope you can help us in the investigation by answering some questions.</qn> Marguerite Hansel: Certainly, sir. It has been a horrible morning. I am really sorry for Teddy and Lady Litchfield. <<linkreplace "''You: When was the last time you saw Lionel Litchfield?''" t8n>><qn>You: When was the last time you saw Lionel Litchfield?</qn> Marguerite Hansel: It was just before 8 pm when I saw Lord Litchfield, sir. I'd brought Teddy down for dinner when his afternoon reading ended. <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?''" t8n>><qn>You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?</qn> Marguerite Hansel: After bringing Teddy to dinner, I gave Lord and Lady Litchfield a brief update about Teddy's progress -- he was able to name all the animals in his favourite book today. I tidied up my own room afterwards, before bringing Teddy to his room for his evening play indoors when dinner was over. I then prepared Teddy for bed slightly before 9 o'clock. I went to bed myself after that. I woke up around 7:10 am, and went into Teddy's room to get him ready and bring him downstairs for breakfast at about 7:55. Not long after, Mr Leonard came in to get Mr Hargreaves and they went upstairs in a flustered state. Mr Hargreaves came back down and requested for my assistance. I brought Teddy to the sitting room before heading up to the study, where I saw the dreadful sight. Oh that dagger in Lord Litchfield's back... I shall never forget... I must have stood frozen for quite a while. Mr Hargreaves ordered me, quite firmly, to attend to Lady Litchfield who had fainted. I brought the smelling salts from my room and used it to wake Lady Litchfield up. I was never more relieved that she came round quite quickly. I then escorted her to the sitting room as instructed by Mr Hargreaves. <<linkreplace "''You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?''" t8n>><qn>You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?</qn> Marguerite Hansel: I'm not the best person to ask about this, sir -- most of my time is spent with Teddy to make sure he's learning and developing well. <<linkreplace "''You: Can you tell me anything about these letter fragments?''" t8n>><qn>You: Can you tell me anything about these letter fragments?</qn> Marguerite Hansel: I'm sorry, sir, I don't think I can help you here. <<if $hasSeenGovPhoto is true or $hasSeenSticker is true>>''[[Ask more questions|Margo]]''<<else>><qn>You: Thank you Ms Hansel. We may call you back in for additional details later.</qn> ''[[Return|sitting room]]''<</if>><<set $hasMetMargo to true>><<set $suspects +=1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<else>>\ <<linkreplace "''You: Hi Ms Hansel. We hope you can help us in the investigation by answering some questions.''">><qn>You: Hi Ms Hansel. We hope you can help us in the investigation by answering some questions.</qn> Marguerite Hansel: Certainly, sir. It has been a horrible morning. I am really sorry for Teddy and Lady Litchfield.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: When was the last time you saw Lionel Litchfield?''">><qn>You: When was the last time you saw Lionel Litchfield?</qn> Marguerite Hansel: It was just before 8 pm when I saw Lord Litchfield, sir. I'd brought Teddy down for dinner when his afternoon reading ended.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?''">><qn>You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?</qn> Marguerite Hansel: After bringing Teddy to dinner, I gave Lord and Lady Litchfield a brief update about Teddy's progress -- he was able to name all the animals in his favourite book today. I tidied up my own room afterwards, before bringing Teddy to his room for his evening play indoors when dinner was over. I then prepared Teddy for bed slightly before 9 o'clock. I went to bed myself after that. I woke up around 7:10 am, and went into Teddy's room to get him ready and bring him downstairs for breakfast at about 7:55. Not long after, Mr Leonard came in to get Mr Hargreaves and they went upstairs in a flustered state. Mr Hargreaves came back down and requested for my assistance. I brought Teddy to the sitting room before heading up to the study, where I saw the dreadful sight. Oh that dagger in Lord Litchfield's back... I shall never forget... I must have stood frozen for quite a while. Mr Hargreaves ordered me, quite firmly, to attend to Lady Litchfield who had fainted. I brought the smelling salts from my room and used it to wake Lady Litchfield up. I was never more relieved that she came round quite quickly. I then escorted her to the sitting room as instructed by Mr Hargreaves.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?''">><qn>You: Do you know of anyone who might want to harm him?</qn> Marguerite Hansel: I'm not the best person to ask about this, sir -- most of my time is spent with Teddy to make sure he's learning and developing well.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: We found these letter fragments in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?''">><qn>You: We found these letter fragments in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?</qn> Marguerite Hansel: I'm sorry, sir, I don't think I can help you here.<</linkreplace>> <<if $hasSeenGovPhoto is true or $hasSeenSticker is true>>''[[Ask more questions|Margo]]''<<else>>''[[Return|sitting room]]''<</if>><</if>><<results>>

<<if $hasMetHazel is false>>Hazel Wellington sits at the sofa observing the other members of the household, her eyebrows furrowed, as if she is worried about something. <<if $hasCordonedInterviewArea is false>> You invite her to a more private area in the far corner of the room where you and your colleagues conduct the interview.<<set $hasCordonedInterviewArea to true>><<else>>You motion to the cleared section of the room designated for questioning.<</if>> <<linkreplace "''You: Hi Mrs Wellington. May we ask you some questions?''" t8n>><qn>You: Hi Mrs Wellington. May we ask you some questions?</qn> Hazel Wellington: I'm more than happy to help, but if you could make this quick, sir. The family needs to eat, and it is almost time for lunch. It's no use for a cook to be stuck in here all morning. <<linkreplace "''You: We will try to wrap this up efficiently but we'll need everyone to cooperate. When was the last time you saw Lord Litchfield?''" t8n>><qn>You: We will try to wrap this up efficiently but we'll need everyone to cooperate. When was the last time you saw Lord Litchfield?</qn> Hazel Wellington: I reckon the last time I saw Lord Litchfield was during dinner last evening. Outside of mealtimes, I barely saw my employer. Lady Litchfield's the one who runs the house -- she tells me what meals should be prepared for the day. <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?''" t8n>><qn>You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?</qn> Hazel Wellington: I was busy preparing dinner for Lord Litchfield's family since 7:45. After dinner, I did the dishes -- Ethel came in to help. I prepared and had a small supper after that at about 9, and then tidied the kitchen up before retiring for the night at about 10. My day restarted at 6:30 in the morning. I prepared and had my own breakfast at about 7, and got the kitchen ready for the day's meals. Then Mr Hargreaves came to the kitchen and told me to prepare some food to be brought into the sitting room and that everyone should be gathered there immediately. Ethel brought me to up to speed while she was helping to bring the food over. Poor Lady Litchfield... <<linkreplace "''You: What can you tell me about the other domestic staff?''" t8n>><qn>You: What can you tell me about the other domestic staff?</qn> Hazel Wellington: Mr Hargreaves has been serving the family with me for a long time. He is one of the most respectable persons I know. Ethel and Margo are the newer staff. Margo's a governess, so she spends most of the time with Teddy. I don't see her as often as Ethel, but Margo seems to me the genteel sort who carries herself as how a young woman should. As for that girl, Ethel... //(She shakes her head disapprovingly.)// Sometimes I find myself telling her off. She can be quite long-tongued, you know, but if I were you, I wouldn't believe everything she says. <<linkreplace "''You: Do you know anything about these letter fragments?''" t8n>><qn>You: Do you know anything about these letter fragments?</qn> //(She looks at the fragments, and for a brief moment, seems deep in thought.)// Hazel Wellington: No, sir... I haven't the slightest idea. <<linkreplace "''You: What can you tell me about Lionel Litchfield and his family?''" t8n>><qn>You: What can you tell me about Lionel Litchfield and his family?</qn> Hazel Wellington: They were a happy family, sir, even though Lord Litchfield was a very busy man. I remember though, in my first few years in this household, there were several occasions where Lady Litchfield had sudden crying bouts during mealtimes. Lord Litchfield was always there to comfort her. They have since seen more joyful days. <<if $hasVisitedPufferfish is true or $hasSeenCookNotebook is true>>''[[Ask more questions|Hazel]]''<<else>><qn>You: Thank you Mrs Wellington. You’ve been a great help. If you remember anything else, don’t hesitate to inform us.</qn> ''[[Return|sitting room]]''<</if>><<set $hasMetHazel to true>><<set $suspects +=1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<else>>\ <<linkreplace"''You: Hi Mrs Wellington. May we ask you some questions?''">><qn>You: Hi Mrs Wellington. May we ask you some questions?</qn> Hazel Wellington: I'm more than happy to help, but if you could make this quick, sir. The family needs to eat, and it is almost time for lunch. It's no use for a cook to be stuck in here all morning.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: We will try to wrap this up efficiently but we'll need everyone to cooperate. When was the last time you saw Lord Litchfield?''">><qn>You: We will try to wrap this up efficiently but we'll need everyone to cooperate. When was the last time you saw Lord Litchfield?</qn> Hazel Wellington: I reckon the last time I saw Lord Litchfield was during dinner last evening. Outside of mealtimes, I barely saw my employer. Lady Litchfield's the one who runs the house -- she tells me what meals should be prepared for the day.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?''">><qn>You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?</qn> Hazel Wellington: I was busy preparing dinner for Lord Litchfield's family since 7:45. After dinner, I did the dishes -- Ethel came in to help. I prepared and had a small supper after that at about 9, and then tidied the kitchen up before retiring for the night at about 10. My day restarted at 6:30 in the morning. I prepared and had my own breakfast at about 7, and got the kitchen ready for the day's meals. Then Mr Hargreaves came to the kitchen and told me to prepare some food to be brought into the sitting room and that everyone should be gathered there immediately. Ethel brought me to up to speed while she was helping to bring the food over. Poor Lady Litchfield...<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: What can you tell me about the other domestic staff?''">><qn>You: What can you tell me about the other domestic staff?</qn> Hazel Wellington: Mr Hargreaves has been serving the family with me for a long time. He is one of the most respectable persons I know. Ethel and Margo are the newer staff. Margo's a governess, so she spends most of the time with Teddy. I don't see her as often as Ethel, but Margo seems to me the genteel sort who carries herself as how a young woman should. As for that girl, Ethel... //(She shakes her head disapprovingly.)// Sometimes I find myself telling her off. She can be quite long-tongued, you know, but if I were you, I wouldn't believe everything she says.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Do you know anything about these? //(You show her the letter fragments.)//''">><qn>You: Do you know anything about these? //(You show her the letter fragments.)//</qn> //(She looks at the fragments, and for a brief moment, seems deep in thought.)// Hazel Wellington: No, sir... I haven't the slightest idea.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: What can you tell me about Lionel Litchfield and his family?''">><qn>You: What can you tell me about Lionel Litchfield and his family?</qn> Hazel Wellington: They were a happy family, sir, even though Lord Litchfield was a very busy man. I remember though, in my first few years in this household, there were several occasions where Lady Litchfield had sudden crying bouts during mealtimes. Lord Litchfield was always there to comfort her. They have since seen more joyful days.<</linkreplace>> <<if $hasVisitedPufferfish is true or $hasSeenCookNotebook is true>>''[[Ask more questions|Hazel]]''<<else>>''[[Return|sitting room]]''<</if>><</if>><<results>>

<<if $hasMetEthel is false>>Ethel Bentham is <<print $maidaction.random()>> when you approach her. <<if $hasCordonedInterviewArea is false>> You invite her to a more private area in the far corner of the room where you and your colleagues conduct the interview.<<set $hasCordonedInterviewArea to true>><<else>>You invite her to the makeshift interview area to begin the inquiry.<</if>> <<linkreplace "''You: Hi Ms Bentham. We hope you can help us by answering some questions.''" t8n>><qn>You: Hi Ms Bentham. We hope you can help us by answering some questions.</qn> Ethel Bentham: Certainly, sir. It's been a gloomy morning for all of us. What do you want to know? <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?''" t8n>><qn>You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?</qn> Ethel Bentham: Well, sir, I was waiting at the dining table while Lord Litchfield and his family were having dinner. After that, I helped Mrs Wellington with some of the dishwashing, and then I prepared the evening tea for Lord Litchfield and brought it to the study. I took over the cleaning and tidying of the dining room for Mr Hargreaves as he looked rather ill, and made sure the other main rooms on the ground floor were in order before retiring for the night at about 10 pm. I was up by 6 am. I cleaned the floors and prepared the main rooms for the day after having my breakfast. I was wiping the windows at the foyer when Mr Leonard came down in a hurry and got Mr Hargreaves to go up to the study with him. That was when we learned that something had happened to Lord Litchfield. It all happened so quickly; I was so scared I couldn't move nor think... I mean, the only times I come across dead bodies are in story books, not in real life! Then Mr Hargreaves came down the stairs and ordered Mrs Wellington and me to prepare some food and bring it to the sitting room. <<linkreplace "''You: When was the last time you saw Lionel Litchfield alive?''" t8n>><qn>You: When was the last time you saw Lionel Litchfield alive?</qn> Ethel Bentham: That must have been when I brought the evening tea to Lord Litchfield at the study at around 9:30 pm. He was still at work, but that was how most evenings were for him. <<linkreplace "''You: We found these letter fragments in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?''" t8n>><qn>You: We found these letter fragments in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?</qn> //(Ethel Bentham studies the fragments with curiosity, her eyes growing wider by the minute. She rubs her hands together with glee.)// Ethel Bentham: This is certainly most interesting, sir. I wouldn't be surprised if there were scandals in the household. Most wealthy households do... <<linkreplace "''You: Please answer the question, Ms Bentham.''" t8n>><qn>You: Please answer the question, Ms Bentham.</qn> Ethel Bentham: Oh, sorry, sir. I don't know who wrote these and to whom these words were intended for. //(There was a split-second smirk on Ethel Bentham's face. You can almost sense an idea forming in Ethel Bentham's head despite her negative reply. This woman has the makings of a blackmailer.//) <<if $hasVisitedMasterFireplace is true>>''[[Ask more questions|Ethel]]''<<else>><qn>You: Thanks Ms Bentham. We might follow up later with additional questions.</qn> ''[[Return|sitting room]]''<</if>><<set $hasMetEthel to true>><<set $suspects +=1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<else>><<linkreplace "''You: Hi Ms Bentham. We hope you can help us by answering some questions.''">><qn>You: Hi Ms Bentham. We hope you can help us by answering some questions.</qn> Ethel Bentham: Certainly, sir. It's been a gloomy morning for all of us. What do you want to know?<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?''">><qn>You: Could you describe your movements between 8 pm last night and this morning?</qn> Ethel Bentham: Well, sir, I was waiting at the dining table while Lord Litchfield and his family were having dinner. After that, I helped Mrs Wellington with some of the dishwashing, and then I prepared the evening tea for Lord Litchfield and brought it to the study. I took over the cleaning and tidying of the dining room for Mr Hargreaves as he looked rather ill, and made sure the other main rooms on the ground floor were in order before retiring for the night at about 10 pm. I was up by 6 am. I cleaned the floors and prepared the main rooms for the day after having my breakfast. I was wiping the windows at the foyer when Mr Leonard came down in a hurry and got Mr Hargreaves to go up to the study with him. That was when we learned that something had happened to Lord Litchfield. It all happened so quickly; I was so scared I couldn't move nor think... I mean, the only times I come across dead bodies are in story books, not in real life! Then Mr Hargreaves came down the stairs and ordered Mrs Wellington and I to prepare some food and bring it to the sitting room.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: When was the last time you saw Lionel Litchfield alive?''">><qn>You: When was the last time you saw Lionel Litchfield alive?</qn> Ethel Bentham: That must have been when I brought the evening tea to Lord Litchfield at the study at around 9:30 pm. He was still at work, but that was how most evenings were for him.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: We found these letter fragments in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?''">><qn>You: We found these letter fragments in the fireplace at the study. Can you tell me anything about these?</qn> //(Ethel Bentham studies the fragments with curiosity, her eyes growing wider by the minute. She rubs her hands together with glee.)// Ethel Bentham: This is certainly most interesting, sir. I wouldn't be surprised if there were scandals in the household. Most wealthy households do...<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''You: Please answer the question, Ms Bentham.''">><qn>You: Please answer the question, Ms Bentham.</qn> Ethel Bentham: Oh, sorry, sir. I don't know who wrote these and to whom these words were intended for. //(There was a split-second smirk on Ethel Bentham's face. You can almost sense an idea forming in Ethel Bentham's head despite her negative reply. This woman has the makings of a blackmailer.//)<</linkreplace>> <<if $hasVisitedMasterFireplace is true>>''[[Ask more questions|Ethel]]''<<else>>''[[Return|sitting room]]''<</if>><</if>><<results>>

The ''"Interview Suspects"'' button can now be accessed from the side bar. Alternatively, you can find the suspects in the Sitting Room. After interviewing them, key points from their statements can be found in the Case File. Additional questions for the suspects may appear as you progress in the game.

Who killed Lionel Litchfield? [[Don Hargreaves (or, as they say, the butler did it)|Wrong][$deduce += 1]] [[Ethel Bentham (the maid)|Wrong][$deduce += 1]] [[Fred Hoffman (the business partner)|Wrong][$deduce += 1]] [[Hazel Wellington (the cook)|Wrong][$deduce += 1]] [[Leonard Litchfield (the brother)|Wrong][$deduce += 1]] [[Liesl Litchfield (the wife)|Wrong][$deduce += 1]] [[Marguerite Hansel (the governess)|Q2]] [[Theodore Litchfield (the son)|Wrong][$deduce += 1]] [[Nobody|Wrong][$deduce += 1]] [[Person(s) unknown|Wrong][$deduce += 1]]

Incorrect. <<return>>

<<if $hasVisitedQ6 is false>>Well done for having come so far! Another mystery remains... Who stabbed Lionel Litchfield?<<set $hasVisitedQ6 to true>><<else>>\ Who stabbed Lionel Litchfield?<</if>> [[Don Hargreaves (or, as they say again, the butler did it)|Wrong2][$deduce2 += 1]] [[Ethel Bentham (the maid)|Wrong2][$deduce2 += 1]] [[Fred Hoffman (the business partner)|Q7]] [[Hazel Wellington (the cook)|Wrong2][$deduce2 += 1]] [[Leonard Litchfield (the brother)|Wrong2][$deduce2 += 1]] [[Liesl Litchfield (the wife)|Wrong2][$deduce2 += 1]] [[Marguerite Hansel (the governess)|Wrong2][$deduce2 += 1]] [[Theodore Litchfield (the son)|Wrong2][$deduce2 += 1]] [[Nobody|Wrong2][$deduce2 += 1]] [[Person(s) unknown|Wrong2][$deduce2 += 1]]

Incorrect. As you have already solved the main mystery, would you like to: Skip solving this second mystery and go straight to [[The Truth|The Truth]], or... <<return>> and try again (you have unlimited turns for this)?

Unfortunately, that is not correct and you have maxed out your attempts. You did not manage to solve the case. ''The End'' Your score: Places visited: <<print $PlacesVisited>> out of 16 Clues found: <<print $clues>> out of 27 Murder weapon found: <<if $hasVisitedNeedle is true>>Yes<<else>>No<</if>> Mysteries solved: <<if $hasVisitedQ6 is true>>1<<else>>0<</if>> out of 2 <<set $firstFail to true>>

<h2>Guest Room</h2>/%<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _guestroom to true>>%/\ The cream-coloured walls help enhance the sense of space in this room, which is smaller than the other bedrooms on the same floor. A television set sits atop a wooden cabinet, both of which face a bed. Next to the window at the corner of the room is an armchair. The closet beside the televison set has no more than a towel and a few pieces of shirts and trousers hanging on its rack. <<if $hasGRprints is false>><<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>Prints have been obtained.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasGRprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Prints have been obtained.<</if>> <<if $hasGRblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood could be found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasGRblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood could be found.<</if>> <<if $hasGRhair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>No evidence of hair could be found.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasGRhair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of hair could be found.<</if>> [[Exit the room.|upper floor]] <<if $hasVisitedGR is false>><<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $hasVisitedGR to true>><<else>><</if>>

A curious gastronome's encyclopaedia featuring the rich diversity of unusual international cuisines. While not a recipe book, it is filled with vivid photographs of dishes, mostly of the bizzare kind. <<if $hasVisitedPufferfish is false and $hasSeenExotic is false>>Intrigued, you flip through the pages for a quick look. //Chicken feet, fried silk worms, balut// (geez... a fertilised egg?!), //fried tarantulas, pufferfish, civet coffee, sea urchin...// Not quite the food adventurer you thought you were, you put the book down right before the nausea sets in.<<elseif $hasVisitedPufferfish is true and $hasSeenExotic is false>>Intrigued, you flip through the pages for a quick look. //Chicken feet, fried silk worms, balut// (geez... a fertilised egg?!), //fried tarantulas, pufferfish, civet coffee, sea urchin...// A wave of nausea hits you. Not quite the food adventurer you thought you were, you decide that it would be wiser to refer to the table of contents to look for what you need. You quickly turn to the page on [[pufferfish]].<<elseif $hasVisitedPufferfish is false and $hasSeenExotic is true and $_pufferfish is false>>Trying to prevent another episode of nausea, you decide that it would be wiser to refer to the table of contents to look for what you need, if the need should arise.\ <<elseif $hasVisitedPufferfish is true and $hasSeenExotic is true and $_pufferfish is false>>From the table of contents, you quickly flip to the page on [[pufferfish]].<<else>>You know where the page on [[pufferfish]] is now, if you need to refer to it again.<</if>> [[Back|cook's room]]<<set $hasSeenExotic to true>>

The blurb reads: //"''Because it is not all about the wine and cheese.'' In this bestselling guide, discover the secrets of authentic French cuisine, from preparation to presentation, that will take your culinary craft to the next level. A specially curated collection of classic French recipes is included at the end..."// Having gotten the gist of it, you place the guidebook back where it belongs. [[Back|cook's room]]

According to the blurb, this book is a compilation of research findings on key focal areas in the study of animal behaviour such as neurophysiology, behavioural ecology, pheromones, animal migration, courtship, parenting, and social behaviour. You conclude that it would be futile to further pursue the contents of this tome, until you chance upon a [[sticker]] pasted behind its back cover. [[Back|drawer]]<<results>>

The classic "all-you-will-ever-need-to-know" about being a governess. On the first page of the book, you notice the following words penned in blue ink: <div class="gram">My darling Margo, May the road rise to meet you, and the wind always be on your back. Love, Gram</div> [[Back|drawer]]<<set $hasSeenGramBook to true>><<results>>

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _broroom to true>><h2>Brother's Room</h2>\ Set against a dark blue wall is a large, dark brown wood poster bed, which has been situated such that the sunlight does not reach it even with the curtains fully drawn back. To the left of the windows is a television console. Directly opposite the bed are a desk and a brown leather chair. <<if $hasMetLeonard is true>>You struggle to reconcile the demeanour and dapper appearance of the room's occupant with the messy state of his bed.<<else>>The bed is clearly unmade. You find yourself subconsciously questioning the occupant's habits.<</if>> <<if $hasBRprints is false>><<linkreplace "Check for prints.">>Prints have been obtained.<<set $PrintPoints += 1>><<set $hasBRprints to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Prints have been obtained.<</if>> <<if $hasBRblood is false>><<linkreplace "Check for blood.">>No evidence of blood could be found.<<set $BloodPoints += 1>><<set $hasBRblood to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>No evidence of blood could be found.<</if>> <<if $hasBRhair is false>><<linkreplace "Check for hair.">>Hair samples have been obtained.<<set $HairPoints += 1>><<set $hasBRhair to true>><</linkreplace>><<else>>Hair samples have been obtained.<</if>> [[Exit the room.|upper floor]]<<if $hasVisitedBR is false>><<set $PlacesVisited +=1>><<set $hasVisitedBR to true>><<else>><</if>>

<h2>Disclaimer</h2>\ \This game contains content related to health, medical conditions, and emergency response. It is intended for entertainment purposes only and not as a source of medical guidance. All medical information included has been //heavily simplified// to fit the narrative format and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions or concerns about medical conditions, treatments, or emergencies. The creator of this game does not endorse or encourage self-diagnosis, self-treatment, or the use of the content in this game for real-life medical decision-making. They shall not be liable for any damages or losses arising directly or indirectly from any actions taken based on information presented within the game. [[Back|About]]

<h2>Rat Snakes</h2><<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _ratsnake to true>>\ ''Genera:'' Various ''Examples:'' Black rat snake (//Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta//), four-lined snake (//Elaphe quatuorlineata//), corn snake (//Elaphe guttata//), oriental rat snake (//Ptyas mucosa//) Rat snakes are active both in the day and at night. They can be found on the ground or in the trees, making them semi-arboreal. They kill their prey through constriction. Their self-defense mechanism involves vibration of their tail, releasing a maladorous liquid from the anal gland and striking when rearing its head. ''Distribution:'' North America (black rat snake, corn snake), Europe (four-lined snake), and Asia (oriental rat snake) ''Diet:'' Rodents and eggs ''Classification:'' Non-venomous. Rat snake bites are not known to be dangerous to humans. ''Did you know?'' The corn snake gets its name from being commonly found near grain stores. By feeding on rodents that consume harvested corn, it helps control rodent pest populations, safeguard crops, and reduce the risk of disease transmission. [[Back|Snakes]]<<if $hasSeenOrientalRatSnake is false>><<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasSeenOrientalRatSnake to true>><</if>>

<h2>Cobras</h2><<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _cobra to true>>\ ''Genus:'' //Naja// spp. ''Examples:'' Cape cobra, Chinese cobra, Egyptian cobra, Indian cobra, equatorial spitting cobra, monocled cobra, snouted cobra Most cobra species are able to expand their neck ribs to form a distinctive hood. They are able to raise the front part of their body off the ground, and possess front short fangs with an enclosed groove that enable venom delivery. Some cobras, known as spitting cobras, are capable of shooting venom directly from their fangs by contracting the muscles around their venom ducts and forcing air out of the lung, for self-defense. Spitting cobras are able to adjust the amount of venom and spit up to three metres away. ''Distribution:'' Africa, Middle East, Central and South Asia, Malay Archipelago ''Diet:'' Other snakes, occasionally small animals ''Classification:'' Venomous ''Venom type:'' Primarily neurotoxic. Venom contains alpha-neurotoxins such as alpha-bungarotoxin and alpha-cobrotoxin, so it can lead to impaired breathing and paralysis in victims. The venom of some species contains fasciculins which can cause loss of muscle control. The severity of bites varies with the amount of venom injected and can be lethal, with respiratory failure occurring in ''First aid:'' First aid involves pressure immobilisation of the affected part and timely medical management. If the venom of a spitting cobra gets into the victim's eyes, blindness may become permanent unless the eyes are rinsed with water promptly and thoroughly. ''Treatment:'' Antivenom is available and should be administered promptly in the event of envenomation. ''Did you know?'' The King Cobra (//Ophiophagus hannah//) is not a true cobra - it does not belong to the //Naja// genus. [[Back|Snakes]]

<h2>Vipers</h2><<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _viper to true>>\ ''Genera:'' Various ''Examples:'' Pit viper (//Craspedocephalus// etc), rattlesnake (//Crotalus//), fer-de-lance (//Bothrops//) Vipers refer to more than 200 species of venomous snakes. They have long, hinged fangs for prey envenomation... //(Given the diversity of snakes in this group, you focused on pit vipers and a couple of example species below.)// Pit vipers are named because of the presence of heat-sensing pit organ between their eyes and nostril which enables them to sense and strike prey in the darkness, and to aid in finding cool resting areas. Most species are arboeral or terrestrial, with one reported to be aquatic (cottonmouth). The fer-de-lance can be found close to human settlements, which is likely why it is regarded as more dangerous to humans compared to other pit vipers. Rattlesnakes are nocturnal snakes. Typically characterised by a segmented rattle at the end of its tail that produces a rattling sound upon vibration. Most species have blotched markings that are diamond or hexagon-shaped. ''Distribution:'' Central Asia, Central, North and South America. The fer-de-lance and rattlesnakes are found in North and South America. ''Diet:'' Small mammals. ''Classification:'' Venomous. ''Venom type:'' Hemotoxic (acts on the blood, causing blood coagulation problems such as bleeding, stroke, necrosis). Renal failure commonly ensues before death. That the venom is also proteolytic explains why a viper's bite is often very painful. The venom of some viper and rattlesnake species may be neurotoxic (acts on the nervous system). Venom potency varies with species. ''First aid:'' Immobilise the affected limb and seek emergency medical treatment immediately. ''Treatment:'' Antivenin is available for cases of envenomation by certain species of vipers. [[Back|Snakes]]

<h2>Pythons</h2><<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _python to true>>\ ''Genera:'' Various ''Examples:'' Reticulated python (//Malayopython reticulatus//), ball python (//Python regius//), green tree python (//Morelia viridis//) Pythons are constrictors and ambush predators, i.e. they lie in wait until prey comes within striking range, before coiling around the prey to suffocate and induce cardiac arrest before consuming it. They range from terrestrial, semiarboreal and strongly arboreal types (green tree python). Being non-venomous, they possess sharp, backward-curving teeth instead of fangs. Pythons are poached for their skin, which can be used to make clothing, luxury bags and shoes. Python blood and meat are used in traditional medicine. In addition, many //Python// species are popular pets in some parts of the world. Mutated morphs, such as those seen in ball pythons, are particularly sought after by snake enthusiasts. The reticulated python is the world's longest snake (estimated length range 1.5 m to 6.5 m), and the third heaviest snake (weight range 1 kg to 75 kg). ''Distribution:'' sub-Saharan Africa, North and South America, Asia, Australia ''Diet:'' Mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. ''Classification:'' Non-venomous ''Did you know?'' While very rare, there have been report of reticulated pythons killing and swallowing children and adult humans. [[Back|Snakes]]

<h2>Mambas</h2><<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _mamba to true>>\ ''Genus:'' //Dendroaspis// ''Examples:'' Green mamba, black mamba Mambas are slender, fast-moving snakes that are active during the day. Black mambas (//D. polylepis//) is the longest venomous snake in Africa, and ranks among the fastest snakes in the world. They are primarily commonly inhabiting savannas or ground-level environments. In contrast, green mambas (//D. angusticeps//, //D. jamesoni//, //D. viridis//) are smaller and generally arboreal, spending much of their time in trees. ''Distribution:'' Africa ''Diet:'' Birds, lizards, and small mammals ''Classification:'' Venomous ''Venom type:'' Primarily neurotoxic. Venoms contain dendrotoxins and alpha-neurotoxins, both of which affect the nervous system; cardiotoxins which affects heart muscle contraction and rhythm), and fasciculins (which can cause loss of muscle control). The black mamba's bite is highly toxic and has the worst outlook among its genus, with paralysis occurring in victims in about 20 minutes post-bite. If left untreated, black mamba bites have reportedly high lethality rates of nearly 100%. Death often results from respiratory or cardiac failure and occurs between 20 minutes to three hours after being bitten. ''First aid:'' First aid involves pressure immobilisation of the affected part and timely medical management. ''Treatment:'' Antivenom is available and should be administered promptly in the event of envenomation. ''Did you know?'' The black mamba, despite its name, does not have a black exterior. They are generally brown or grey in colour. Its name refers to the black-blue colour inside its mouth, which differs from the white interior of the mouths of green mambas. You notice some faint writing at the bottom corner of the page: <div class="fragmentfaint"><div style="text-indent: 15em;"><i>Am I not good enough????</i></div></div> [[Back|Snakes]]<<if $hasSeenMambas is false>><<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasSeenMambas to true>><</if>>

<h2>Kraits</h2><<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _krait to true>>\ ''Genus:'' //Bungarus// ''Examples:'' Common krait, banded krait, blue krait Triangular in cross-section, their body length typically ranges between 1.0 to 1.5 m. Most species have bold, striped patterns of alternating black and light-coloured bands. Kraits are noctural and terrestrial snakes. ''Distribution:'' Asia ''Diet:'' Other snakes, occasionally small animals ''Classification:'' Venomous ''Venom type:'' Neurotoxic, mainly due to the presence of bungarotoxins in the venom. Without treatment, death usually occurs about 6 to 12 hours post-bite. The usual cause of death is respiratory failure, where the victim suffocates due to complete paralysis of the diaphragm. ''First aid:'' Bites are initially painless and may go unnoticed, but the victim should seek medical treatment immediately. ''Treatment:'' Medical support should be given until the venom has been cleared from the victim's body and the victim is able to breathe unaided. Effectiveness of antivenin varies with species. [[Back|Snakes]]

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _anaconda to true>><h2>Anacondas</h2>\ ''Genus:'' //Eunectes// ''Common names:'' Water boa, common anaconda, green anaconda Anacondas are night creatures with aquatic habitats. While slow-moving on land, they are swift and agile swimmers. They kill their prey by constricting and suffocating it to death. Wild anacondas have an average lifespan of ten years. The green anaconda (//E. murinus//) has a couple of accolades to its name. It is the world's heaviest snake, and it ranks second to the reticulated python by length. Anacondas that are 12 m or longer have been reported, although such claims remain unverified. ''Distribution:'' South America ''Diet:'' Anacondas are apex predators. As they are mostly aquatic, common prey include aquatic animals such as fish and caiman. ''Classification:'' Non-venomous ''Did you know?'' While often portrayed as man-eaters in films and other media, there is no confirmed case of a green anaconda consuming humans to date. [[Back|Snakes]]

A handbook on herpetology - the study of amphibians and reptiles. //If only you knew what you were looking for...// (Input a maximum of two words below) <<textbox "_input" "" autofocus>><<button "Search">> <<set _input to _input.trim()>> <<if ["cobra", "cobras", "naja", "naja sp", "naja spp", "king cobra", "spitting cobra", "king cobras", "spitting cobras", "spitting", "equatorial spitting", "monocled", "monocled cobra", "monocled cobras", "chinese cobra", "chinese cobras", "indian cobra", "indian cobras", "egyptian", "egyptian cobras", "egyptian cobra", "snouted", "snouted cobra", "snouted cobras", "cape", "cape cobra", "cape cobras", "alpha-cobratoxin", "alpha-cobratoxins", "cobratoxins", "alpha-cobrotoxin", "alpha-cobrotoxins", "cobrotoxins"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Cobras">> <<elseif ["anaconda", "anacondas", "green anaconda", "green anacondas", "common anaconda", "common anacondas", "Eunectes murinus", "eunectes", "eunectes sp", "eunectes spp"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Anacondas">> <<elseif ["krait", "kraits", "bungarus","common krait", "banded krait", "blue krait", "bungarus spp", "bungarus sp"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Kraits">> <<elseif ["mamba", "mambas", "black mamba", "black mambas", "green mamba", "green mambas", "Dendroaspis polylepis", "d. polylepsis", "dendroaspis", "dendroaspis sp", "dendroaspis spp", "d. angusticeps", "d. jamesoni", "d. viridis", "alpha-neurotoxins", "dendrotoxins", "dendrotoxin"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Mambas">> <<elseif ["python", "pythons", "p regius", "morelia", "morelia viridis", "m. viridis", "malayopython reticulatus", "m. reticulatus", "python regius", "reticulated python", "green tree python", "green tree", "ball python", "ball"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Pythons">> <<elseif ["oriental", "rat", "rat snake", "rat snakes", "oriental rat", "oriental rat snake", "oriental rat snakes", "indian rat snake", "indian rat snakes", "elaphe", "ptyas", "elaphe sp", "elaphe spp", "ptyas sp", "ptyas spp", "black rat snake", "black rat snakes", "corn snake", "corn snakes", "ptyas mucosa", "elaphe guttata", "p. mucosa", "e. guttata", "e. obsoleta", "e. obsoleta obsoleta", "e. quatuorlineata", "elaphe quatuorlineata", "elaphe obsoleta", "elaphe obsoleta obsoleta"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Rat Snakes">> <<elseif ["viper", "vipers", "pit viper", "pit vipers", "rattlesnake", "rattlesnakes"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Vipers">> <<elseif ["venom", "venoms", "snake venom", "snake venoms", "envenomation", "poisoning", "poison", "poisons", "snake poisoning", "snake poison", "snake poisons"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Snake Venoms">> <<elseif ["frog", "frogs", "toad", "toads", "caiman", "caimans", "gharial", "gharials", "salamander", "salamanders", "newt", "newts", "crocodile", "croc", "crocs", "crocodiles", "alligator", "alligators", "lizard", "lizards", "gecko", "geckos", "chameleon", "chameleons", "caecilian", "caecilians", "turtle", "turtles", "tortoise", "tortoises", "tuatara", "tuataras"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<replace "#output">>The information, while interesting, has no bearing on the case.<</replace>> <<elseif ["asp", "asps", "snake", "snakes"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Snakes">> <<elseif ["neurotoxin", "neurotoxins", "alpha-neurotoxin", "alpha-neurotoxins","neurotoxic", "fasciculin", "fasciculins", "bungarotoxin", "bungarotoxins", "alpha-bungarotoxin", "alpha-bungarotoxins"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<replace "#output">>This term is too broad. If might help if you were more specific.<</replace>> <<else>> <<replace "#output">>Not found.<</replace>> <</if>> <</button>> <span id="output"></span> <<linkreplace "Content warning">>''Images of animals ahead. Viewer discretion is advised for the easily startled.''<</linkreplace>> [[Back|drawer]]<<if $hasSeenHerpBook is false>><<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasSeenHerpBook to true>><</if>><<results>>

You turn to the section on snakes. <<if $hasVisitedSnakesPage is false>>A few of the subheadings catch your attention:<<set $hasVisitedSnakesPage to true>><</if>> ''[[Anacondas]] [[Cobras]] [[Kraits]] [[Mambas]] [[Pythons]] [[Rat Snakes]] [[Snake Venoms]] [[Vipers]]'' ''Content warning: Images of snakes ahead.'' [[Back|A Brief Guide to Selected Herps]]

<div class="sticker">Zoology Department University of Praetoria, South Africa</div> [[Back|Animal Behaviour]]<<if $hasSeenSticker is false>><<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasSeenSticker to true>><</if>>

<h2>Hints</h2>\ \<<linkreplace "''What am I supposed to do?''">><qn>What am I supposed to do?</qn> There's been a dead body reported. As the detective assigned to the case, your job is to investigate the crime scene, interview suspects, uncover clues and gather evidence to solve the case.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''The Accuse button is not appearing.''">><qn>The Accuse button is not appearing.</qn> In any criminal investigation, you should speak to all the suspects before making an accusation.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''Will I be able to question Teddy, Leonard Litchfield, and Fred Hoffman further?''">><qn>Will I be able to question Teddy, Leonard Litchfield, and Fred Hoffman further?</qn> No, you won't.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''I think I have covered all grounds, but I still have no idea how the deed was done and why.''">><qn>I think I have covered all grounds, but I still have no idea how the deed was done and why.</qn> <<linkreplace "Hint 1">>Remember, you might discover new things from some of the places, people, and links you have visited.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 2">>Try doing this systematically. Remember: motive, means, opportunity.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 3">> Try narrowing down the suspects based on the evidence. <</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 4">> Have you thoroughly gone through one of the suspects' books?<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''I think I've gathered sufficient clues but the game still does not let me make an accusation.''">><qn>I think I've gathered sufficient clues but the game still does not let me make an accusation.</qn> <<linkreplace "Hint 1">>You will need hard evidence to make an accusation.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 2">>Remember that additional questions for the suspects will become available as you progress in the game. Make sure you investigate the mansion thoroughly, and interview the suspects again.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 3">>One of the suspects' responses should suggest that there are items hidden in the mansion that you should find.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 4">>If you've spoken to the butler again after investigating the mansion carefully, a question about the safe will appear.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 5">>The butler should tell you where the safe is hidden. Go look for it!<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 6">>If you have found the safe but are still stuck: Lady Litchfield's cryptic reply will tell you what you should be looking for.<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''I don't know what Liesl Litchfield's cryptic response is referring to.''">><qn>I don't know what Liesl Litchfield's cryptic response is referring to.</qn> <<linkreplace "Hint 1">>It is a riddle.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 2">>It is an item in the mansion.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 3">>Go check out Teddy's room again.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 4">>Did you notice that new links have appeared in the room?<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 5">>Investigate the toys.<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''I still don't know how Lionel Litchfield died.''">><qn>I still don't know how Lionel Litchfield died.</qn> <<linkreplace "Hint 1">>The autopsy results - which will be available eventually as you progress in the game - should provide the information you need to make a deduction.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 2">>Based on the autopsy results, you might find it helpful to do a text search in one of the books in the game.<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "''I can't find the murder weapon.''">><qn>I can't find the murder weapon.</qn> <<linkreplace "Hint 1">>You will need to revisit some of the places and old links for this.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 2">>Have you looked at the autopsy results? (If you don't see the link to the autopsy results under the Evidence section of the case file, it means you are still missing some vital clues. Keep sleuthing!)<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 3">>Once you have the autopsy results, you should be able to deduce the location of the murder weapon. It might mean clicking on links you have already visited.<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Hint 4">>You do not actually need to find the murder weapon in order to make an accusation. But if you do find it, well done!<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> [[Back|About]]

<h3>Liesl Litchfield</h3>\ What do you want to ask her about? //(New topics may appear as you progress in the investigation.)// [[Liesl Litchfield's initial statement|Lady Litchfield.initial]]\ <<if $hasDrugs is true>> [[Medicine bottles|Liesl-Meds]] [[Will|Liesl-Will]]<</if>>\ <<if $hasEyedrops is true>> [[Eyedrops]]<</if>>\ <<if $hasSeenSafeFirstTime is true>> [[Safe|Liesl-Safe]]<</if>> [[Back|sitting room]]

<<linkreplace "''You: What can you tell me about this bottle of eye drops?'' //(You show her a photograph of it.)//" t8n>><qn>You: What can you tell me about this bottle of eye drops? //(You show her a photograph of it.)//</qn> Liesl Litchfield: That's mine. I bought it from a friend. Said it could make my eyes look larger, and it does. Well, don't look at me like that, Detective. After all, a lady's got to look pretty for her man, hasn't she?<</linkreplace>> [[Back|Liesl]]<<set $LieslEyedrops to true>>

<<linkreplace "''You: Was Lionel expecting Leonard Litchfield to visit these two days?''" t8n>><qn>You: Was Lionel expecting Leonard Litchfield to visit these two days?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: Now that you mentioned it, I recall Lionel saying last week during lunch that Leonard was coming over this week.<</linkreplace>> [[Back|Liesl]]<<set $LieslLeonard to true>>

<<linkreplace "''You: Could you tell me more about these medicine bottles?'' //(You show her a photograph of the medicine bottles found in the master room.)//" t8n>><qn>You: Could you tell me more about these medicine bottles? //(You show her a photograph of the medicine bottles found in the master room.)//</qn> Liesl Litchfield: These were Lionel's. He had been suffering from gout for the past three years. He would wake up in the middle of night when he had those painful flares, but he finally gave up drinking completely after much persuasion from me -- his condition had been under control in recent months.<</linkreplace>> [[Back|Liesl]]<<set $LieslMeds to true>>

<<linkreplace "''You: Do you know if Lionel Litchfield made a will?''" t8n>><qn>You: Do you know if Lionel Litchfield made a will?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: I'm afraid it's not something he liked talking about. He was only in his early forties -- barely entering his prime, good heavens! It was only when he came into his father's inheritance that I suggested that making a will would be most prudent. Whether he got down to making one eventually, I don't know. As his wife, it just didn't feel right to keep pestering him about it.<<set $hasMentionedWill to true>><</linkreplace>> [[Back|Liesl]]<<set $LieslWill to true>>

<<linkreplace "''You: Do you know how to open the safe in the study?''" t8n>><qn>You: Do you know how to open the safe in the study?</qn> Liesl Litchfield: Regretfully, I don't. Lionel never allowed anyone in the study -- not even me, would you believe it -- unless it was for a scheduled meeting. But he would give the same response every time I asked him about the combination to the safe: "I brave the storms, some call me home, but never have I moved on my own." I never knew what it meant, but perhaps a sharp mind such as yours might figure it out.<<set $hasMentionedRiddle to true>><</linkreplace>> [[Back|Liesl]]<<set $LieslSafe to true>>

<h3>Hazel Wellington</h3>\ What do you want to ask her about? //(New topics may appear as you progress in the investigation.)// [[Hazel Wellington's initial statement|Hazel Wellington.initial]] <<if $hasVisitedPufferfish is true>>\ [[Pufferfish|Hazel-Pufferfish]]<</if>> <<if $hasSeenCookNotebook is true>>\ [[Snake|Hazel-Snake]]<</if>> [[Back|sitting room]]

<h3>Marguerite Hansel</h3>\ What do you want to ask her about? //(New topics may appear as you progress in the investigation.)// [[Marguerite Hansel's initial statement|Marguerite Hansel.initial]] <<if $hasSeenGovPhoto is true>>\ [[Framed photograph|Margo-Photo]]<</if>> <<if $hasSeenSticker is true>>\ [[Sticker|Margo-Sticker]]<</if>> [[Back|sitting room]]

<h3>Ethel Bentham</h3>\ What do you want to ask her about? //(New topics may appear as you progress in the investigation.)// [[Ethel Bentham's initial statement|Ethel Bentham.initial]] <<if $hasVisitedMasterFireplace is true>>\ [[The Litchfields|Ethel-Litchfields]]<</if>> [[Back|sitting room]]

<h3>Don Hargreaves</h3>\ What do you want to ask him about? //(New topics may appear as you progress in the investigation.)// [[Don Hargreaves' initial statement|Don Hargreaves.initial]]\ <<if $hasSeenButlerPhoto is true>> [[Faded photograph|Don-Photo]] [[Safe|Don-Safe]]<</if>>\ <<if $hasMetFred is true>> [[Fred Hoffman|Don-Fred]]<</if>>\ <<if $hasSeenSafeFirstTime is true>> [[Opening the safe|Don-SafeOpening]]<</if>>\ [[Back|sitting room]]

<<linkreplace "''You: What time did Fred Hoffman arrive yesterday?''" t8n>><qn>You: What time did Fred Hoffman arrive yesterday?</qn> Don Hargreaves: Mr Hoffman arrived at about 11:30 pm, sir. <<linkreplace "''You: Would you regard that as a strange timing for Hoffman to be visiting the victim?''" t8n>><qn>You: Would you regard that as a strange timing for Hoffman to be visiting the victim?</qn> Don Hargreaves: On the contrary, sir. Mr Hoffman usually calls around that time when he has meetings with Lord Litchfield. They are both known to work rather long hours. <<linkreplace "''You: Is it usual for Mr Hoffman to stay the night as well?''" t8n>><qn>You: Is it usual for Mr Hoffman to stay the night as well?</qn> Don Hargreaves: Yes, sir, he would be accommodated in the guest room. <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> [[Back|Don]]<<set $DonFred to true>>

<<linkreplace "''You: We found this photograph in your room. What can you tell us about it?''" t8n>><qn>You: We found this photograph in your room. What can you tell us about it?</qn> //(Don Hargreaves glances at the photograph. You catch a flicker of discomfort on his face.)// Don Hargreaves: Let us say, sir, that my past is not without regrets. But I've been clean for the past twenty years, even before I entered Lord Litchfield's service. <</linkreplace>> [[Back|Don]]<<set $DonPhoto to true>>

<<linkreplace "''You: Does Lionel Litchfield have a safe somewhere in the mansion?''" t8n>><qn>You: Does Lionel Litchfield have a safe somewhere in the mansion?</qn> Don Hargreaves: Yes, sir, there is a safe in his study. It is behind the painting with the water lilies. <<set $SafeLocationRevealed to true>><</linkreplace>> [[Back|Don]]<<set $DonSafe to true>>

<<linkreplace "''You: I notice that you have pufferfish and snake meats in the freezer.''" t8n>><qn>You: I notice that you have pufferfish and snake meats in the freezer.</qn> Hazel Wellington: Why, yes! My prior training in Japan and China during my younger days has been a great inspiration for me to explore exotic cuisines. Often, Lady Litchfield would request for oriental dishes when hosting important guests, and I'd whip up one of these. You don't seem very convinced, sir -- mind, these have always been very well-received.<</linkreplace>> [[Back|Hazel]]<<set $HazelPufferfish to true>>

<<linkreplace "''You: What kind of snake do you use in your cooking?''" t8n>><qn>You: What kind of snake do you use in your cooking?</qn> Hazel Wellington: Oh! I wished more people asked me about that. Like they say, do as the Romans do. You have to use the oriental rat snake; anything else just won't do. I have to import its meat as this species is not found here.<</linkreplace>> [[Back|Hazel]] <<set $HazelSnake to true>>

<<linkreplace "''You: What can you tell me about this photograph?''" t8n>><qn>You: What can you tell me about this photograph?</qn> Marguerite Hansel: That's my Gram and me in front of her house in Ireland, sir. Gram's my maternal grandmother. My parents died in a car accident when I was very young. Gram has been taking care of me all these years. But she's since passed on two years ago.<</linkreplace>> [[Back|Margo]] <<set $MargoPhoto to true>>

<<linkreplace "''You: What can you tell me about Lionel Litchfield and his family?''" t8n>><qn>You: What can you tell me about Lionel Litchfield and his family?</qn> Ethel Bentham: Like I said, Detective, they are a typical wealthy family. Old money more like. Lord Litchfield is a businessman -- he took over his late father's business. He had a certain charm about him, you know. Lady Litchfield... Well, she runs the house, if you know what I mean. She may be stern with us, but she is a very capable woman. One should jolly well make sure one gets things done in the house, and properly at that. Master Teddy... //(She suddenly drops her voice to a whisper.)// Ethel Bentham: Don't tell anyone that I said this, but there's something you should know, Detective. Rumour has it that Master Teddy is not the Litchfield's biological son. //(She quickly covers her mouth with her right hand.)// Now I've really said more than I ought to...<<set $AdoptedSonRevealed to true>><</linkreplace>> [[Back|Ethel]] <<set $EthelLitchfields to true>>

<<linkreplace "''You: You were a student of zoology?''" t8n>><qn>You: You were a student of zoology?</qn> Marguerite Hansel: Yes, sir. I studied zoology and graduated in 1931. <<linkreplace "''You: Why did you not pursue it as a career?''" t8n>><qn>You: Why did you not pursue it as a career?</qn> Marguerite Hansel: I had it in my heart to do so, but there weren't many zoologist job vacancies out there -- most of these were for men. I held various odd jobs for a few years. Eventually, Gram suggested I follow in her footsteps -- she used to be a governess -- and see what I make of it. She passed me the Litchfield's advertisement for a governess position from the paper. I applied for it, and got the job on the spot during the interview with the Litchfields about three years ago. I guess being a university graduate came in handy. I never looked back though -- it's been a joy looking after Teddy.<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> [[Back|Margo]]<<set $MargoSticker to true>>

<h3>Theodore Litchfield</h3>\ What do you want to ask him about? //(New topics may appear as you progress in the investigation.)// [[Theodore Litchfield's initial statement|Theodore Litchfield.initial]] [[Back|sitting room]]

<h3>Leonard Litchfield</h3>\ What do you want to ask him about? //(New topics may appear as you progress in the investigation.)// [[Leonard Litchfield's initial statement|Leonard Litchfield.initial]] [[Back|sitting room]]

<h3>Fred Hoffman</h3>\ What do you want to ask him about? //(New topics may appear as you progress in the investigation.)// [[Fred Hoffman's initial statement|Fred Hoffman.initial]] [[Back|sitting room]]

<div class="footer">[[Return|Case File]]</div>\ <div class="file"><h3>''Liesl Litchfield''</h3>\ Age: 33 Sex: Female Hair: Long, blonde, wavy Relationship to victim: Wife ''Description of events'' * Last saw the victim alive during dinner (8 pm) with Theodore Litchfield and Leonard Litchfield on 19 April * Don Hargreaves was sneezing non-stop while laying the table for dinner * The victim ate the same food as the others during dinner (cod fish, potatoes, asparagus) * The victim went to the study to work after dinner * Went to her bedroom after dinner * Marguerite Hansel brought Theodore Litchfield to his room after dinner * Checked in on Theodore Litchfield at his room at about 9:15 pm before going to bed * Did not see the victim in the bedroom the entire night * Did not leave the bedroom until Don Hargreaves informed her about the incident the next morning * Headed up to the study after receiving the news; fainted upon seeing the victim's body * Was revived by Marguerite Hansel, who brought her to the sitting room ''Other claims'' * The letter was not written by her nor the victim * The victim always addressed her as "Elisabeth" * The victim inherited his father's business two years ago * The victim suggested a family getaway in January <<if $LieslLeonard is true>>* The victim was expecting a visit from Lionel Litchfield this week<</if>>\ <<if $LieslEyedrops is true>>* The eyedrops are for beauty enhancement, to make her eyes look larger<</if>>\ <<if $LieslMeds is true>>* The victim was suffering from gout, but the condition came under control recently after giving up alcohol completely<</if>>\ <<if $LieslWill is true>>* Does not know whether the victim made a will<</if>>\ <<if $LieslSafe is true>>* The victim never allowed anyone in the study unless it was for a scheduled meeting * Whenever she asked the victim about the safe, he would respond with the following reply: //"I brave the storms, some call me home, but never have I moved on my own"//<</if>>\ </div>

<div class="footer">[[Return|Case File]]</div>\ <div class="file"><h3>''Theodore Litchfield''</h3>\ Age: 4 Sex: Male Hair: Short, blonde Relationship to victim: Son ''Description of events'' * Marguerite Hansel brought him to his room after dinner, and she stayed in the room with him while he was playing with his trains * Slept after evening play and did not leave the room until the next morning </div>

<div class="footer">[[Return|Case File]]</div>\ <div class="file"><h3>''Leonard Litchfield''</h3>\ Age: 39 Sex: Male Hair: Short, brown Relationship to victim: Brother ''Description of events'' * Last saw the victim during dinner with the family at 8 pm on 19 April * Dinner concluded at 8:50 pm * After dinner, he and Liesl Litchfield returned to their own rooms; the victim went to the study to resume work, and Marguerite Hansel brought Theodore Litchfield to Theodore's room to play * Was watching the TV in his room and fell asleep until the next morning * Headed out of his room at 7:45 am the next day to look for the victim * Found the victim dead in the study; ran down to find Don Hargreaves and gave him instructions to gather everyone in the sitting room before calling the police ''Other claims'' * Claimed that he is not interested in the Litchfield's business * Visited the Litchfields after returning from a work trip in Indonesia * Works as an investment banker in Chamberlain Bank * Claimed that he did not stab the victim, and that the letter opener was a gift from him to the victim last year * Does not know about the letter fragments' origin * The victim is a "man with many enemies" * The victim last used the shotgun five weeks ago when they went game-hunting </div>

<div class="footer">[[Return|Case File]]</div>\ <div class="file"><h3>''Fred Hoffman''</h3>\ Age: 41 Sex: Male Hair: None (bald) Relationship to victim: Business partner ''Description of events'' * Last saw the victim alive at 11:40 pm on 19 April in the study * Arrived at 11:30 pm on 19 April for a meeting with the victim * Noticed Don Hargreaves looking "unusually knackered" on arrival * Slept at 1 am, and woke up at 7:30 late for another meeting but was informed by Leonard Litchfield about the incident and that he was to go to the sitting room immediately ''Other claims'' * Met the victim through a mutual friend * According to him, the Litchfield business will "never be handed over to an outsider" by law, which makes him think that the killer is likely someone in the Litchfield family </div>

<div class="footer">[[Return|Case File]]</div>\ <div class="file"><h3>''Hazel Wellington''</h3>\ Age: 50 Sex: Female Hair: Short, grey, curly Relationship to victim: Cook ''Description of events'' * Last saw the victim during dinner on 19 April * Was busy preparing dinner for the Litchfields since 7:45 pm * Washed the dishes after dinner; Ethel Bentham came in to help * Had supper at 9, tidied the kitchen before heading to bed at 10 * Was up at 6:30 the next day, had breakfast at 7, then prepared the kitchen for the day's meals * Don Hargreaves then entered the kitchen and instructed her to prepare food to be brought to the sitting room and to head there after she was done ''Other claims'' * According to her, Marguerite Hansel is the "genteel sort", while Ethel Bentham is "quite long-tongued" * When she first joined the Litchfield house, Liesl Litchfield had frequent crying bouts and the victim was always there to provide comfort <<if $HazelPufferfish is true>>* Has experience handling exotic meats such as pufferfish and snake<</if>>\ <<if $HazelSnake is true>>* Uses imported oriental rat snake meat for cooking<</if>> </div>

<div class="footer">[[Return|Case File]]</div>\ <div class="file"><h3>''Marguerite Hansel''</h3>\ Age: 28 Sex: Female Hair: Long, blonde, wavy Relationship to victim: Governess ''Description of events'' * Last saw the victim during dinner on 19 April * Tidied her room after updating the Litchfields about their son's progress * Brought Theodore Litchfield to his room for evening play after dinner, before preparing him for bed slightly before 9 pm and heading to bed thereafter * Woke up at 7:10 am and went to Theodore Litchfield's room to prepare him for breakfast at 7:55 am * Saw Leonard Litchfield entering the dining room to get Don Hargreaves, following which both men went upstairs hurriedly * Brought Theodore Litchfield to the sitting room when Don Hargreaves requested for her assistance to attend to Liesl Litchfield who had collapsed in the study * Went to retrieve smelling salts in the room to revive Liesl Litchfield, and then escorted Liesl Litchfield to the sitting room <<if $MargoPhoto is true or $MargoSticker is true>>\ ''Other claims'' <<if $MargoPhoto is true>>* Late maternal grandmother took care of her after parents died in a car accident years ago<</if>>\ <<if $MargoSticker is true>>* Was a zoology student * Took up the position of governess due to a lack of zoologist opportunities for women * Maternal grandmother used to be a governess<</if>><</if>>\ </div>

<div class="footer">[[Return|Case File]]</div>\ <div class="file"><h3>''Ethel Bentham''</h3>\ Age: 27 Sex: Female Hair: Long, blonde, wavy Relationship to victim: Maid ''Description of events'' * Last saw the victim alive in the study at 9:30 pm, 19 April, when she brought the evening tea to him * Was at the dining room while the Litchfields were having dinner on 19 April * Helped Hazel Wellington with dishwashing after dinner, before bringing evening tea to the study * Helped Don Hargreaves with tidying up the dining room as he was sick, and tidied the other main rooms before going to bed at 10 pm * Woke up by 6 am; cleaned the floors and prepared the main rooms after breakfast * Was wiping the foyer windows when Leonard Litchfield came down and brought Don Hargreaves with him to the study * Was given orders by Don Hargreaves for her and Hazel Wellington to prepare food to be brought to the sitting room <<if $EthelLitchfields is true>>''Other claims'' * The victim took over his late father's business * Theodore Litchfield is not the Litchfield's biological son<</if>> </div>

<h2>Image Attribution</h2>\ <div class="box">\ 1. References for images used: * Anaconda photograph by LA Dawson, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1107537 * Banded Krait photograph by Davidvraju - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50900738 * Black Mamba photograph by TimVickers - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11360973 * Burmese Python photograph by Mariluna, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2575222 * Indian Rat Snake (Grey and Yellow) photograph by Augustus Binu, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74776097 * King Cobra photograph by Michael Allen Smith from Seattle, USA - 12 - The Mystical King Cobra and Coffee Forests, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25482569 * Pufferfish photograph by George Parrilla, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pufferfish_%28Butete%29.jpg * Russell's viper in Pune Zoo photograph by Gupt.sumeet - CC BY-SA 3.0, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell%27s_viper#/media/File:Russells_viper_in_pune_zoo.jpg 2. Reference for image that was edited manually: * House outline (in the cover art) designed by Freepik, https://www.freepik.com </div> [[Back|About]]

<h2>Credits</h2>\ \The author would like to thank the following people for beta-testing this work: Ema Colombo Joanna Cheng Joanna Koo Rujia Xu Yee-Keow Chiong Yih-Ching Ong Yvonne Yeo [[Back|About]]

<<if _constabulary is true>> <img src="img/constabulary.png" alt="A red building with the sky as a backdrop" width="300vw"> <<elseif _masterroom is true>> <img src="img/masterroom.png" alt="A poster bed set against a red wall" width="300vw"> <<elseif _study is true>> <img src="img/study.png" alt="A study with a desk at the centre, a fireplace and bookshelves flanking the walls on each side" width="370vw"> <<elseif _sonroom is true>> <img src="img/sonroom.png" alt="A child's bedroom with an open book on a desk and toys at the foot of the bed" width="350vw"> <<elseif _mastertoilet is true>> <img src="img/mastertoilet.png" alt="A bathroom with olive walls, two basins and a bathtub" width="320vw"> <<elseif _govroom is true>> <img src="img/govroom.png" alt= "A room with a poster bed, with window curtains drawn back" width="370px"> <<elseif _broroom is true>> <img src="img/broroom.png" alt="A room with a messy poster bed, tv console and roller chair" width="370vw"> <<elseif _guestroom is true>> <img src="img/guestroom.png" alt="A room with a bed, television set, armchair and a table lamp by the bed" width="370vw"> <<elseif _upperfloor is true>> <img src="img/upperfloor.png" alt="A wall with a small painting hung above a table with flowers and some candles" width="280vw"> <<elseif _foyer is true>> <img src="img/foyer.png" alt="A red carpeted staircase with a chandelier on the ceiling" width="360vw"> <<elseif _diningroom is true>> <img src="img/diningroom.png" alt="Part of a dining table with chairs, with a cabinet at the far end" width="320vw"> <<elseif _kitchen is true>> <img src="img/kitchen.png" alt="A kitchen with cabinets, a stove area, and flowers on a table, with natural daylight shining in" width="350vw"> <<elseif _butlerroom is true>> <img src="img/butlerroom.png" alt="A room with a bed, closet and desk with a telephone" width="360vw"> <<elseif _maidroom is true>> <img src="img/maidroom.png" width="370vw" alt="A room with a bed, closet and table with an owl-shaped clock"> <<elseif _cookroom is true>> <img src="img/cookroom.png" alt="A room with a bed, chest of drawers, and table with a clock, a mug and books" width="370vw"> <<elseif _butlertoilet is true>> <img src="img/butlertoilet.png" alt="A bathroom with a showerhead, toilet, sink, mirror and a towel rack" width="280vw"> <<elseif _sittingroom is true>> <img src="img/sittingroom.png" alt="An opulent sofa with cushions and a marble round table, with a mirrored wall in the background" width="350vw"> <<elseif _quarters is true>> <img src="img/quarters.png" alt="The end of a hallway with three doors" width="350vw"> <<elseif _out is true>> <img src="img/out.png" alt="Red peonies in full bloom" width="360vw"> <<elseif _anaconda is true>> <img src="img/anaconda.jpg" alt="A green anaconda" width="360vw"> <<elseif _cobra is true>> <img src="img/cobra.jpg" alt="A cobra" width="360vw"> <<elseif _krait is true>> <img src="img/krait.jpg" alt="A krait" width="360vw"> <<elseif _mamba is true>> <img src="img/mamba.jpg" alt="A mamba" width="360vw"> <<elseif _python is true>> <img src="img/python.jpg" alt="A python" width="360vw"> <<elseif _ratsnake is true>> <img src="img/ratsnake.jpg" alt="Two rat snakes in uprear position" width="300vw"> <<elseif _viper is true>> <img src="img/viper.jpg" alt="A viper" width="360vw"> <<elseif _pufferfish is true>> <img src="img/pufferfish.jpg" alt="A pufferfish" width="360vw"> <</if>> / <div class="file"><img src="img/liesl.png" alt="Liesl Litchfield"> <div class="file"><img src="img/teddy.png" alt="Theodore Litchfield"> <div class="file"><img src="img/leonard.png" alt="Leonard Litchfield"> <div class="file"><img src="img/don.png" alt="Don Hargreaves"> <div class="file"><img src="img/fred.png" alt="Fred Hoffman" style="max-width:90%;width:160px"> <div class="file"><img src="img/hazel.png" alt="Hazel Wellington"> <div class="file"><img src="img/margo.png" alt="Marguerite Hansel"> <div class="file"><img src="img/ethel.png" alt="Ethel Bentham"> /

<<linkreplace "''You: Do you know how to open the safe in the study?''" t8n>><qn>You: Do you know how to open the safe in the study?</qn> Don Hargreaves: I'm but a servant of the house, sir. Perhaps Lady Litchfield might know more about this.<</linkreplace>> [[Back|Don]]

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _pufferfish to true>><h2>Pufferfish</h2>\ ''Genera:'' //Takifugu, Lagocephalus, Sphoeroides// While there are about 200 species of pufferfish, only a few of them are traded as "fugu" and consumed by humans for food, particularly in Japan, Korea, and China, where it is considered a delicacy. Ironically, the pufferfish is a poisonous fish due to the presence of tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin. This toxin is found in the liver and ovaries of pufferfish, and in the skin and muscle tissue in some species. Death occurs between four to six hours after consumption, primarily due to respiratory and cardiac failure from complete paralysis. There is no known antidote for tetrodotoxin. Supportive management involves emptying the stomach, administering activated charcoal to bind the toxin, and providing life support until the poison is cleared from the affected person's body. Tetrodotoxin is not easily destroyed by normal cooking methods. Chefs preparing pufferfish are required to undergo specialised, professional training by law in many countries. Never consume pufferfish prepared by non-professionals. [[Back|cook's room]]

A handbook on herpetology - the study of amphibians and reptiles. //If only you knew what you were looking for...// (Input a maximum of two words below) <<textbox "_input" "" autofocus>><<button "Search">> <<set _input to _input.trim()>> <<if ["cobra", "cobras", "naja", "naja sp", "naja spp", "king cobra", "spitting cobra", "king cobras", "spitting cobras", "spitting", "equatorial spitting", "monocled", "monocled cobra", "monocled cobras", "chinese cobra", "chinese cobras", "indian cobra", "indian cobras", "egyptian", "egyptian cobras", "egyptian cobra", "snouted", "snouted cobra", "snouted cobras", "cape", "cape cobra", "cape cobras", "alpha-cobratoxin", "alpha-cobratoxins", "cobratoxins", "alpha-cobrotoxin", "alpha-cobrotoxins", "cobrotoxins"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Cobras.inv">> <<elseif ["anaconda", "anacondas", "green anaconda", "green anacondas", "common anaconda", "common anacondas", "Eunectes murinus", "eunectes", "eunectes sp", "eunectes spp"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Anacondas.inv">> <<elseif ["krait", "kraits", "bungarus","common krait", "banded krait", "blue krait", "bungarus spp", "bungarus sp"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Kraits.inv">> <<elseif ["mamba", "mambas", "black mamba", "black mambas", "green mamba", "green mambas", "Dendroaspis polylepis", "d. polylepsis", "dendroaspis", "dendroaspis sp", "dendroaspis spp", "d. angusticeps", "d. jamesoni", "d. viridis", "alpha-neurotoxins", "dendrotoxins", "dendrotoxin"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Mambas.inv">> <<elseif ["python", "pythons", "p regius", "morelia", "morelia viridis", "m. viridis", "malayopython reticulatus", "m. reticulatus", "python regius", "reticulated python", "green tree python", "green tree", "ball python", "ball"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Pythons.inv">> <<elseif ["oriental", "rat", "rat snake", "rat snakes", "oriental rat", "oriental rat snake", "oriental rat snakes", "indian rat snake", "indian rat snakes", "elaphe", "ptyas", "elaphe sp", "elaphe spp", "ptyas sp", "ptyas spp", "black rat snake", "black rat snakes", "corn snake", "corn snakes", "ptyas mucosa", "elaphe guttata", "p. mucosa", "e. guttata", "e. obsoleta", "e. obsoleta obsoleta", "e. quatuorlineata", "elaphe quatuorlineata", "elaphe obsoleta", "elaphe obsoleta obsoleta"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Rat Snakes.inv">> <<elseif ["viper", "vipers", "pit viper", "pit vipers", "rattlesnake", "rattlesnakes"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Vipers.inv">> <<elseif ["venom", "venoms", "snake venom", "snake venoms", "envenomation", "poisoning", "poison", "poisons", "snake poisoning", "snake poison", "snake poisons"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Snake Venoms.inv">> <<elseif ["frog", "frogs", "toad", "toads", "caiman", "caimans", "gharial", "gharials", "salamander", "salamanders", "newt", "newts", "crocodile", "croc", "crocs", "crocodiles", "alligator", "alligators", "lizard", "lizards", "gecko", "geckos", "chameleon", "chameleons", "caecilian", "caecilians", "turtle", "turtles", "tortoise", "tortoises", "tuatara", "tuataras"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<replace "#output">>The information, while interesting, has no bearing on the case.<</replace>> <<elseif ["asp", "asps", "snake", "snakes"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<goto "Snakes.inv">> <<elseif ["neurotoxin", "neurotoxins", "alpha-neurotoxin", "alpha-neurotoxins","neurotoxic", "fasciculin", "fasciculins", "bungarotoxin", "bungarotoxins", "alpha-bungarotoxin", "alpha-bungarotoxins"].includes(_input.toLowerCase())>> <<replace "#output">>This term is too broad. If might help if you were more specific.<</replace>> <<else>> <<replace "#output">>Not found.<</replace>> <</if>> <</button>> <span id="output"></span> <<linkreplace "Content warning">>''Images of animals ahead. Viewer discretion is advised for the easily startled.''<</linkreplace>> [[Back|Case File]]

According to the blurb, this book is a compilation of research findings on key focal areas in the study of animal behaviour such as neurophysiology, behavioural ecology, pheromones, animal migration, courtship, parenting, and social behaviour. You conclude that it would be futile to further pursue the contents of this tome, until you chance upon a [[sticker|Sticker.inv]] pasted behind its back cover. [[Back|Case File]]

You refer to Hazel Wellington's notebook containing scribbles of food preparation techniques and additional recipes, including one for snake soup. You note the scribbled handwriting: <div class="cookscribble"> keep heat at medium-low for broth</div>\ [[Back|Case File]]

You turn to the section on snakes. <<if $hasVisitedSnakesPage is false>>A few of the subheadings catch your attention:<<set $hasVisitedSnakesPage to true>><</if>> ''[[Anacondas|Anacondas.inv]] [[Cobras|Cobras.inv]] [[Kraits|Kraits.inv]] [[Mambas|Mambas.inv]] [[Pythons|Pythons.inv]] [[Rat Snakes|Rat Snakes.inv]] [[Snake Venoms|Snake Venoms.inv]] [[Vipers|Vipers.inv]]'' ''Content warning: Images of snakes ahead.'' [[Back|Herp.inv]]

<div class="sticker">Zoology Department University of Praetoria, South Africa</div> [[Back|AnimalBehaviour.inv]]

A curious gastronome's encyclopaedia featuring the rich diversity of unusual international cuisines. While not a recipe book, it is filled with vivid photographs of dishes, mostly of the bizzare kind. <<if $hasVisitedPufferfish is false and $hasSeenExotic is false>>Intrigued, you flip through the pages for a quick look. //Chicken feet, fried silk worms, balut// (geez... a fertilised egg?!), //fried tarantulas, pufferfish, civet coffee, sea urchin...// Not quite the food adventurer you thought you were, you put the book down right before the nausea sets in.<<elseif $hasVisitedPufferfish is true and $hasSeenExotic is false>>Intrigued, you flip through the pages for a quick look. //Chicken feet, fried silk worms, balut// (geez... a fertilised egg?!), //fried tarantulas, pufferfish, civet coffee, sea urchin...// Not quite the food adventurer you thought you were, you decide that it would be wiser if you refer to the table of contents to look for what you need. You quickly turn to the page on [[pufferfish|pufferfish.inv]].<<elseif $hasVisitedPufferfish is false and $hasSeenExotic is true and $_pufferfish is false>>Trying to prevent another episode of nausea, you decide that it would be wiser if you refer to the table of contents to look for what you need, if the need should arise.\ <<elseif $hasVisitedPufferfish is true and $hasSeenExotic is true and $_pufferfish is false>>From the table of contents, you quickly flip to the page on [[pufferfish|pufferfish.inv]].<<else>>You know where the page on [[pufferfish|pufferfish.inv]] is now, if you need to refer to it again.<</if>><<set $hasSeenExotic to true>> [[Back|Case File]]

<<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _pufferfish to true>><h2>Pufferfish</h2>\ ''Genera:'' //Takifugu, Lagocephalus, Sphoeroides// While there are about 200 species of pufferfish, only a few of them are traded as "fugu" and consumed by humans for food, particularly in Japan, Korea, and China, where it is considered a delicacy. Ironically, the pufferfish is a poisonous fish due to the presence of tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin. This toxin is found in the liver and ovaries of pufferfish, and in the skin and muscle tissue in some species. Death occurs between four to six hours after consumption, primarily due to respiratory and cardiac failure from complete paralysis. There is no known antidote for tetrodotoxin. Supportive management involves emptying the stomach, administering activated charcoal to bind the toxin, and providing life support until the poison is cleared from the affected person's body. Tetradotoxin is not easily destroyed by normal cooking methods. Chefs preparing pufferfish are required to undergo specialised, professional training by law in many countries. Never consume pufferfish prepared by non-professionals. [[Back|Exotic.inv]]

A piece of paper with the number ''"9452"'' was found in the toy sailboat. [[Back|Case File]]

* The victim's will states that his estate is to be divided equally between his wife and son. * There were severe inconsistencies in the financial records of the Litchfield's business over the recent year. [[Back|Case File]]

<h2>Snake Venoms</h2> //(For information on the venoms of specific snakes, refer to the monographs of specific species, or try entering "snakes".)// There is a throng of technical jargon on this page. As you scan through it perfunctorily, random bite-sized information imprints itself in your mind's eye just as how words form on a page that is being typewritten: * Snake venom is produced by snakes - mostly through biting, or by spitting in some species - to immobilise or digest prey, or as a defense mechanism. * Snake venom, in its dried form, is primarily made up of proteins. These proteins have a range of biological effects. * Most of these proteins are toxic in nature, while others have medicinal potential. * Snake venoms are also used to create antidotes (anti-venoms). * To obtain venom for research, the venom is typically extracted from live snakes and freeze-dried prior to storage. * Plants have been used to treat snake envenomation, but as with most traditional medicines, evidence regarding their effectiveness and safety is inconclusive. <<if $hasSeenVenomPage is false>>[[Back|A Brief Guide to Selected Herps]]<<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasSeenVenomPage to true>><<else>>[[Back|Snakes]]<</if>><<results>>

<h2>Mambas</h2><<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _mamba to true>>\ ''Genus:'' //Dendroaspis// ''Examples:'' Green mamba, black mamba Mambas are slender, fast-moving snakes that are active during the day. Black mambas (//D. polylepis//) is the longest venomous snake in Africa, and ranks among the fastest snakes in the world. They are primarily commonly inhabiting savannas or ground-level environments. In contrast, green mambas (//D. angusticeps//, //D. jamesoni//, //D. viridis//) are smaller and generally arboreal, spending much of their time in trees. ''Distribution:'' Africa ''Diet:'' Birds, lizards, and small mammals ''Classification:'' Venomous ''Venom type:'' Primarily neurotoxic. Venoms contain dendrotoxins and alpha-neurotoxins, both of which affect the nervous system; cardiotoxins which affects heart muscle contraction and rhythm), and fasciculins (which can cause loss of muscle control). The black mamba's bite is highly toxic and has the worst outlook among its genus, with paralysis occurring in victims in about 20 minutes post-bite. If left untreated, black mamba bites have reportedly high lethality rates of nearly 100%. Death often results from respiratory or cardiac failure and occurs between 20 minutes to three hours after being bitten. ''First aid:'' First aid involves pressure immobilisation of the affected part and timely medical management. ''Treatment:'' Antivenom is available and should be administered promptly in the event of envenomation. ''Did you know?'' The black mamba, despite its name, does not have a black exterior. They are generally brown or grey in colour. Its name refers to the black-blue colour inside its mouth, which differs from the white interior of the mouths of green mambas. You notice some faint writing at the bottom corner of the page: <div class="fragmentfaint"><div style="text-indent: 15em;"><i>Am I not good enough????</i></div></div> [[Back|Snakes.inv]]<<if $hasSeenMambas is false>><<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasSeenMambas to true>><</if>>

<h2>Rat Snakes</h2><<set $showPIC to true>><div id='pic'></div><<set _ratsnake to true>>\ ''Genera:'' Various ''Examples:'' Black rat snake (//Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta//), four-lined snake (//Elaphe quatuorlineata//), corn snake (//Elaphe guttata//), oriental rat snake (//Ptyas mucosa//) Rat snakes are active both in the day and at night. They can be found on the ground or in the trees, making them semi-arboreal. They kill their prey through constriction. Their self-defense mechanism involves vibration of their tail, releasing a maladorous liquid from the anal gland and striking when rearing its head. ''Distribution:'' North America (black rat snake, corn snake), Europe (four-lined snake), and Asia (oriental rat snake) ''Diet:'' Rodents and eggs ''Classification:'' Non-venomous. Rat snake bites are not known to be dangerous to humans. ''Did you know?'' The corn snake gets its name from being commonly found near grain stores. By feeding on rodents that consume harvested corn, it helps control rodent pest populations, safeguard crops, and reduce the risk of disease transmission. [[Back|Snakes.inv]]<<if $hasSeenOrientalRatSnake is false>><<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasSeenOrientalRatSnake to true>><</if>>

<h2>Snake Venoms</h2> //(For information on the venoms of specific snakes, refer to the monographs of specific species, or try entering "snakes".)// There is a throng of technical jargon on this page. As you scan through it perfunctorily, random bite-sized information imprints itself in your mind's eye just as how words form on a page that is being typewritten: * Snake venom is produced by snakes - mostly through biting, or by spitting in some species - to immobilise or digest prey, or as a defense mechanism. * Snake venom, in its dried form, is primarily made up of proteins. These proteins have a range of biological effects. * Most of these proteins are toxic in nature, while others have medicinal potential. * Snake venoms are also used to create antidotes (anti-venoms). * To obtain venom for research, the venom is typically extracted from live snakes and freeze-dried prior to storage. * Plants have been used to treat snake envenomation, but as with most traditional medicines, evidence regarding their effectiveness and safety is inconclusive. <<if $hasSeenVenomPage is false>>[[Back|Herp.inv]]<<set $clues +=1>><<set $hasSeenVenomPage to true>><<else>>[[Back|Snakes.inv]]<</if>><<results>>

You try your best to figure out the words in the letter fragments found in the fireplace: <div class="fragment"><div style="text-indent: 2em;"><i>"My darling L-"</i></div> <div style="text-indent: 10em;"><i>"-ust the two of us"</i></div> <div style="text-indent: 4em;"><i>"-ith you I'm complete"</i></div></div> [[Back|Case File]]

Only slightly smaller than your palm, its vibrant cornflower blue petals mesmerise you for a brief moment. It is comfortably planted in an appropriately sized brick-coloured pot, one which you'll need to hold with both hands if you were to transfer the pot to another location. There are some soil particles on the fireplace mantle next to the pot. [[Back|gov.fireplace]]

<<if _anaconda is true>> <img src="img/anaconda.jpg" alt="A green anaconda" width="360vw"> <<elseif _cobra is true>> <img src="img/cobra.jpg" alt="A cobra" width="360vw"> <<elseif _krait is true>> <img src="img/krait.jpg" alt="A krait" width="360vw"> <<elseif _mamba is true>> <img src="img/mamba.jpg" alt="A mamba" width="360vw"> <<elseif _python is true>> <img src="img/python.jpg" alt="A python" width="360vw"> <<elseif _ratsnake is true>> <img src="img/ratsnake.jpg" alt="Two rat snakes in uprear position" width="300vw"> <<elseif _viper is true>> <img src="img/viper.JPG" alt="A viper" width="360vw"> <<elseif _pufferfish is true>> <img src="img/pufferfish.jpg" alt="A pufferfish" width="360vw"> <</if>>

With the exception of the cover art and some images^^1, 2^^, all other images used in this work were AI-generated, with additional editing applied. 1. References for images that were used as is: * Anaconda photograph by LA Dawson, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1107537 * Banded Krait photograph by Davidvraju - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50900738 * Black Mamba photograph by TimVickers - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11360973 * Burmese Python photograph by Mariluna, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2575222 * Indian Rat Snake (Grey and Yellow) photograph by Augustus Binu, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74776097 * King Cobra photograph by Michael Allen Smith from Seattle, USA - 12 - The Mystical King Cobra and Coffee Forests, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25482569 * Pufferfish photograph by George Parrilla, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pufferfish_%28Butete%29.jpg * Russell's Viper photograph by Poorna.ahs - Public Domain, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RUSSELL_VIPER.JPG 2. Reference for images that were edited manually: * Constabulary photograph by Freepik * House outline (in the cover art) by Freepik * The dining room photograph by Freepik 3. Some images from Freepik were uploaded to GenAI platforms for use as a point of reference. These were the images of: * Leonard Litchfield * Fred Hoffman * Don Hargreaves * The kitchen * The upper floor * The sitting room * The peonies outside the mansion 4. The GenAI platforms used for generation of images in (3) are: * Canva * ChatGPT * Copilot [[Back|About]]