Stop, Collaborate and THEORISE

[7530159]

I am here because I am CURIOUS
Will I ever stop? Yeah on this line.
Sorry I couldn't resist. I'll get on with the post.

We're about half way to the release of tape 2, So I feel like now is a good time to throw things at the wall and see what sticks. I have 8 query's for ya'll. Any and all input is appreciated. No theory to wild, or to unsubstantiated. I'm genuinely just curious to see what other players are thinking at this point. Let's Take chances, make mistakes, get messy with those theory's!

SPOILERS BELOW!!!
--------------------------------------

1. What is the abyss?
My Guess: I think the Abyss is a wormhole, Maybe the fairy ring was planted as a warning to stay away?
Based on:
The completed Anomaly Tape voice over + The Gil Davidson article in the pool room about being transported; not only in space but in time as well.

2. Why is magic present before the pact?
My Guess:
kat originally found the abyss alone and fell in; Accidentally becoming the sacrifice to her own wish. I think we're still in the reverberation of her wish and will be until whatever it was is granted.
Based on:
There are definitely traces of magic before the blood pact (cardinals have purple eyes from the start of the game, if you call enough unavailable numbers on the phone Kats voice will replace the prerecorded one, the unexplained swirl on the calendar that correlates with the day they find the abyss + The line Kat says when the girl's are around the abyss "Think I'd fall" That felt like foreshadowing.

3 Are there aliens?
My Guess:
I think the clues are relevant but I don't think it's aliens. My guess for the Grey Gang are people who have disappeared in the whispering woods. Most likely the missing miners, who as far as we know were never found. Jake (From the cabin letters) Also fits the parameters
Based on:
There are several clues hinting at aliens
The Gil Davidson article at the blue spruce in 2022 in the pool room in which he claims to have been transported light years away where 1 day = 10 years, he pledged to put up signs warning of the aliens. I assume those are the swirl signs that give the anomaly glitch when viewed though the camera
I've also found 3 Grey gang graffiti's all related to "Fred" + Fred's book next to the tents where a couple of anomaly's signs can be found. Despite there being so many tidbits of information It all feels like a red herring, Just an easy explanation for something we don't understand yet

4. What happened to the water tower?
The water tower can be seen in 3 states
Unknown year: Half built: There is a picture in the blue spruce 2022, of the water tower half constructed with 3 figures standing inside
1995: Fully Intact:
2022: Broken antler:
My Guess: Abyss shanghaiing? I know that's a weak guess but I haven't found any clues as to what could have happened. But we're for sure going to end up on top of that water tower at some point in tape 2. I'm confident in that.
Based on: Nothing. I have no theories on this one. Would love to hear peoples Guesses / see if anyone found any clues I missed

5. What will the Dynamic duo (Gus&Pam) get up to?
My guess:
WILD THEORY. I think the duo used to be a trio. but lost their third to the abyss. after that Gus joined a motorcycle club (Maybe the bike we hear in the background when the girl's are looking for the keys). I think Pam is still looking into the disappearances and her interest was peaked when autumn was looking into sink holes (Autumns mentions talking to the librarian about it behind the blue spruce in 95) kicking her investigation into high gear and dragging Gus back into the mystery.
I have 2 guess on who the third person could be. Either Cody from the "where's Cody?" Graffiti at the movie palace OR more likely, Gil Davidson himself is the third and we'll see them reunite when he jumps forward in time to 95.
Based on:
1. We know Gus is an avid fisherman based on the picture at the bar and the article next to Swann's booth (Assuming Gus is the "Local" Mentioned.) I think The tackle box in the cabin could be His. Which could indicate that the cabin might have been their hangout before Swann and co. + his club vest, the motorcycle outside the bar in 2022 and the one pictured behind Gus in at the bar.
2. Pam's a librarian who is into cryptids, and has a massive scratch on her car door. (Based on her car in 2022 appearing to be the same one in 1995)

6.What happens at Mikaelsen Ranch?
My guess:
I think the Incident is going to take place during the "August 17th - 20th Deer farm convention - Live auction". I would say Gertie is set go up on the block and the girls save the day but the curse leaves destruction in their wake
Based on:
The flyers about the auction and the fact that Kat very clearly cares about that deer

7.Mysteries figures
I have seen 3 distinct shadows: Corey, Kat and a nondescript figure + a quick glimpse of someone wearing a wolf mask in an early cut-scene and the named only "Grey Gang".
My guess for the shadows:
I think it's people who have used the abyss at some point
Kat: to make friends?
Corey" to raise his status?
Nondescript: Either Cody or Gil for some reason?

My Guess for the Wolf-mask:
I Think it's Corey. My guess is he wears the mask while harassing the girl's, I don't think it's anything supernatural. the second long shot we get of him isn't really a lot to go on. But it seemed interesting enough to put in the speculations

My Guess on the Grey Gang:
I believe They're people who went through the Abyss. My guess on their purpose would be a protected roll. Not really basing this on anything but vibes

8. WHAT'S IN THE BOX!?! and who is the sender?
My guess:
following my wormhole theory, I Think Kat is the sender, And the box contains the Tapes from 95 (maybe showing a different summer to the one they remember due to time shenanigans)
Based on: Logic Leaps

That's all I have so far. I'm looking forward to seeing where other people Have landed on these. If I missed a mystery that you have a theory on, I would love to hear it. Please don't feel like you have to answer the prompts I provided. I just figured it would give people a good jumping off point. I want all the theory's!
Thanks in advance to anyone who precipitates in the theorising!

[4umOZavR]

For a long time I tried to refrain from publishing theories about this.
Well, you asked for it...

Warning! Major spoilers possible! There will be very detailed descriptions! Don't read this if you haven't finished tape 1 or don't want to ruin your experience with tape 2.

Let's get started.



I suspect Kat will die, but not before she loses her hair as a result of chemotherapy.

I hope that's not the case. And it really hurts to think about it, since she's my favorite character in this game.

I'm not a doctor, but I think in 1995, leukemia was an incurable disease with a very short life expectancy.

(However, probably, little has changed today...)

Proof? Get it!

The game's website has a "Content warnings" section, which, among other things, mentions the following:

"Illness:

Terminal illness (cancer)
Fainting
Mention of losing hair
Medication is seen on screen
Hospital stays
Panic attacks
Death of a parent (implied)
Death (mention)"

Also, if you enter the bar's hallway in scene 24, you'll see graffiti under the window "...see you another life, sister..."
Then as we walk through the courtyard we can see another graffiti on the right "why her?"

I suspect Kat wrote the first one.
And second, is Dylan's answer.

These graffiti are clearly related to each other, hinting that Kat will die.

No, seriously, all my conspiracy theories are coming together now...

Have you heard anything about "Chekhov's gun"?

So...

"...typically each device serves a vital role in the story. The principle dictates that only the devices utilized later in the story may be presented."

There is also an achievement of the same name, which kind of hints at...

There are various books in Swann's room, after reading them and comparing them with the story, you can guess what to expect in the future...

In reality, we are only interested in one...

The Willowtree Coven.

Just think about it! The text of the book is presented below:

...

"Now one young woman is consumed by an insatiable thirst to understand the origin of her family's curse before the same dark destiny befalls her. Heloise Alarie is driven to uncover the truth behind the enigma that has shrouded her bloodline for centuries. Amidst the sweltering bayous and whispering willows of Nightingale Isle, Heloise discovers a clue that could unravel an entire dynasty. There are words, written in ash, will lead her down a path from which she may never return."

I think Kat and the abyss are related.

"...will lead her down a path from which she may never return."

And it's about Kat's fall into the abyss.

Apparently she is locked in the "abyss" and it will be very difficult (or impossible) for her to get out of there.

By "the abyss" I mean Kat's illness - leukemia, which is rapidly killing her.

The fact that the abyss was formed (as a physical phenomenon) is certainly the result of the curse. Kat was careless with her wishes and, without knowing it, awakened her "sleeping illness". The glow of the abyss that we can see in the game is Kat's life. As long as it glows, Kat is still alive.

[Seriously, it hurts to write about this]

I believe that Dylan sent the package, since Kat is most likely dead by that time. Dylan, in this way, forgives the whole group and sends lost records (1995) so that friends can get together and remember Kat.

Maybe you know of cases where people lived with leukemia for more than 5 years? And here 27 years have passed!

I think that depending on the choice made, magic can happen here and these memories will somehow bring Kat back to life and cure her illness.

(Unlikely, but one can dream, right? You like good endings?)

Because choices matter.

Here's an obvious example:

Depending on the relationship with Kat in scene 20, when she plays with a knife, Kat will either cut her finger or not.

Before this, Swann's dialogue lines will differ from each other.

I've completed several playthroughs and seen both options. The option without blood is rarer and to get it you have to answer Kat as loyally as possible and not miss the slightest such opportunity...

In general, I think that the whole story revolves around Kat, and everyone else is a secondary character. Yeah... we play as a secondary character...

[7530159]

YES! 4umOZavR this is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you for posting.
I'm going to respond to some of your theories, But I'm not going to bother with the spoiler tags. We've both warned of spoilers in our post, and this is a thread dedicated to theories. So I feel fairs is fair, If people are reading beyond this point they don't mind being spoiled. ONWARDS!

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

I suspect Kat will die, but not before she loses her hair as a result of chemotherapy.

I always forget about the meta! (That and I'm no good at it)
That would make a lot of sense. I'm still hoping that magic saves the day. I know it's a bit childish, But I agree with Swann's mom. I like it when stories have happy endings, where everyone gets to live. (I don't know why I keep coming back to Don't Nod lol) All the girls are great but Kat's for sure the most compelling (So far) and I'd hate to see her have to go gentle into that good night

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

Also, if you enter the bar's hallway in scene 24, you'll see graffiti under the window "...see you another life, sister..."
Then as we walk through the courtyard we can see another graffiti on the right "why her?"

I suspect Kat wrote the first one.
And second, is Dylan's answer

Nice! I didn't make that connection, Even with Gus' graffiti hinting that everything is connected.
I definitely see it now. great catch!

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

Have you heard anything about "Chekhov's gun"?

Honestly the Chekhov's gun achievement is the only reason I'm clinging to my Grey Gang theory. Otherwise I would have just assumed that, along with the "where's Cody?" Graffiti were just background art. I'm fine with the "where's Cody?" Graffiti being a throw away, but if they're going to invoke Chekhov's gun, They can't then give us a line of clues that lead nowhere. Right?

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

There are various books in Swann's room, after reading them and comparing them with the story, you can guess what to expect in the future...

Noice! ( I don't know the proper way to give kudos to a sick deduction. Variations of Nice is what I've landed on apparently)
other lines from the bio I thought we're interesting. "Amidst the sweltering bayous" (Jake mentions in his letter home that he keeps the fire going at night despite it being hot as can be) "and whispering Willows of Nightingale Isle" (the woods are colloquial known as the whispering woods), "Heloise discovers a clue That could unravel an entire dynasty. Three words. Written in ash" (3 words: Swann, Nora, Autumn?) "will lead her down a path from which she may never return" (The Abyss)
That "May" from the last line gives me a little hope Kat may make it through this...

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

The fact that the abyss was formed (as a physical phenomenon) is certainly the result of the curse. Kat was careless with her wishes and, without knowing it, awakened her "sleeping illness". The glow of the abyss that we can see in the game is Kat's life. As long as it glows, Kat is still alive.

Oooo! Such a good allegory for chronic illness! Coupled with the "Dead Poets Society" achievement it would fit the Don't Nod LiS mould of, sacrifice for the greater good. I honestly wouldn't be surprised or disappointed, if it ended up being something like this.

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

I believe that Dylan sent the package, since Kat is most likely dead by that time. Dylan, in this way, forgives the whole group and sends lost records (1995) so that friends can get together and remember Kat.

My only argument against this one is the messy writing on the package
"I was there remember"
"I remember I remember!!! Remember!
It's a little too... deranged. If Dylan sent the Package; I don't think it was out of forgiveness.

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

I think that depending on the choice made, magic can happen here and these memories will somehow bring Kat back to life and cure her illness.

I hope so! Because Kat is giving some Schrodinger Vibes.

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

Depending on the relationship with Kat in scene 20, when she plays with a knife, Kat will either cut her finger or not.

Holy-Moly! I didn't know that She could cut herself! I thought that was a predetermined cutscene.
I've seen a handful of the dialogue changes (Swann's mom If You're short with her on the phone in 2022, Kat at the garage when talking about the windigo, Autumn during the second run in with Corey at the movie palace, and Dylan at the concert. All just dialogue changes though. )

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

In general, I think that the whole story revolves around Kat, and everyone else is a secondary character. Yeah... we play as a secondary character...

I couldn't agree with you more. Swann is the Watson, To Kat's Sherlock. There to document and assist. Nothing more, nothing less

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and theorise.

[ballerina cappuccina]

this is an interesting thread, one with many answers to questions I had. I'll be revisiting if some of these come true when tape 2 is out

[7530159]

Originally posted by :3:

this is an interesting thread, one with many answers to questions I had. I'll be revisiting if some of these come true when tape 2 is out :bunnyinablanket:

Nice!
any theories you want to throw in, Or query's you want to add to the theorising? Like I said in the opening, No theory is to wild, or to unsubstantiated. and an unanswered question could be a great jumping off point for someone else's thesis . No pressure obviously! Lurking is totally cool too!

[ballerina cappuccina]

Originally posted by 7530159:

Originally posted by :3:

this is an interesting thread, one with many answers to questions I had. I'll be revisiting if some of these come true when tape 2 is out

Nice!
any theories you want to throw in, Or query's you want to add to the theorising? Like I said in the opening, No theory is to wild, or to unsubstantiated. and an unanswered question could be a great jumping off point for someone else's thesis . No pressure obviously! Lurking is totally cool too!

You're so welcoming! I personally don't have any theory, I just enjoy playing this game & look at what people come up with. I think I'll sit on this thread for a while haha

[7530159]

Originally posted by :3:
You're so welcoming! I personally don't have any theory, I just enjoy playing this game & look at what people come up with. I think I'll sit on this thread for a while haha
---

Aww Shuks , Thanks! I wish I could say it's the Canadian in me, but I'm mostly just trying to create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, So I can get those sweet, sweet theories lol.
Besides we could use some good vibe threads. It's kind of a bummer to look at the forums and see wall of "DEI the game" and "Overweight" threads every time I check back in.
Thanks for continuing the good vibe train! *Choo-Choo*

[4umOZavR]

So, I know you're thirsty for more. It'll be, as usual, in detail...

This time, the hidden text will be in the most difficult to read moment.

As we can know, all the reminiscences give us hints about what will happen in the future story.

Let's get started!

In scene 2, when interacting with the leaflet in the hallway of the bar, we hear:

"Kat: It's so peaceful... Maybe I'll just sleep here tonight."

I can't guess where it will happen (maybe on the water tower or near it), but I think before the incident at the ranch. Perhaps it will be something very close or even romantic... (If you built a relationship with Kat)

When Corey threw away the keys and we went to look for them, did you have a dialogue with Kat about scratching his bike?

It looks like we'll do it. No, I'm sure of it, because there are 2 hints:

1. In scene 6, shine a light on the tree when Kat asks to open the following dialogue:

"Kat: Ugh, **** no. How can I make Corey's life miserable when I get home...?
Swann: You could key his bike.
Kat: Hmm, I like how you think."

2. In scene 2, when interacting with the motorcycle, we hear:

"Kat: Key his bike!
Autumn: Uh - What!? Uh...
Kat: If you won't, I will!"

Let's continue.

I think Corey and/or Kat's father shot Gertie, which brought Kat suffering.

In scene 23, Kat, during an interview, said the following:

"Seriously... I'd burn it to the ground if I could". (meaning weapons)

I think that there was a fire at the Mikaelsen ranch, which Nora started as revenge for Kat's suffering due to the loss of Gertie.

Subsequently, Corey was kicked out of the ranch.

That's why Corey in the wolf mask chased the girls and they jumped into the abyss.

Why do I think so?

1. In scene 2, when interacting with the billboard, we hear:

"Nora: I'd burn this place down. I'd do that.

Autumn: Dude, stop... Let's just go..."

2. In scene 2, when interacting with the moths, we hear:

"Nora: Where are we...?

Swann: I've never seen anything like this..."

3. You saw the chase after the girls and the wolf mask.

It gets more interesting...

In the 2nd scene, when interacting with the boat, we hear:

"Autumn: I don't wanna be here anymore...
Swann: I'm... I'm sorry... I-I don't know what to do either..."

I think it's about Kat dying, so her friends promised never to see each other again...

From the above, I can build the following conspiracy theory:

Kat dies in a fire. Or not?

Here's a really harsh version, but first a little history about how it came about:

Actually, I wanted to publish the theory of Kat's death in my previous post, but at the last moment I refused, because it looks pretty cruel and unlikely to be presented in this game. Now I'll publish it and supplement the information even more...

Remember, I wrote about the graffiti that are connected? There is another one that hints at certain actions...

I have hidden this text because it may not be suitable for everyone. If you are very sensitive, please do not read the hidden text.

On one of the trash cans there is graffiti "Kurt 4evr" and a dead/crying smiley. This is a reference to Kurt Cobain, who famously committed suicide in 1994. Which hints that Kat may commit suicide due to hopelessness, a nervous breakdown, or something else related to her illness. (We remember about Chekhov's gun, right?)

Since Nirvana plays grunge and punk rock, Kat most likely listened to their music.

Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that Gertie was most likely killed and Kat had an uncontrollable rage. We remember how at the end of tape 1 Kat screamed until she lost consciousness.

(Personally, this scene in combination with the song Myph by Beach House brought tears to my eyes).

Also, having studied Kat's character, I can conclude that she is quite impulsive, always goes all the way and has no brakes.

In the game "truth or dare", Kat always chooses "dare" because she is confident in herself.

When Swann tells her to "break the mirror", Kat did not doubt her actions at all.

The knife game is the height of self-confidence. When she was offered to take a pen, she refused and took a knife!

Kat signed the blood pact without any hesitation and no one dared to stop her.

When Kat showed the tickets to Bikini Kill, Corey came for her... In the end, Kat pounced on him. She was ready to destroy Corey on the spot!

Apparently, Kat suffers from overprotection, which infuriates her. Her parents constantly try to limit her, thinking that it will be better this way, but it turns out the opposite.

Kat is a firecracker in a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment! She is impossible to control. The only way to control her is to win her heart.

If we don't do this, she will die.

Why win a heart?

Have you seen the staged motorcycle scene? Make Kat and Nora kiss for real. Kat will be awkward, because then, obviously, it will be her first, and possibly only kiss (if we don't develop the relationship).

Because love is magic and it heals!

Yes, this may contradict my previous message a bit, but we are here to put forward different theories...

That is why I think there can be 3 endings:

1. Happy End.
2. Death as a result of an incurable disease.
3. Suicide or death as a result of an accident on the ranch.

[7530159]

Geez-o 4umOZavR I wasn't expecting you back so soon!
Not that I'm complaining, Your right I'm Thirsty for Theories lol
Let's get into it

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

In scene 2, when interacting with the leaflet in the hallway of the bar, we hear:

"Kat: It's so peaceful... Maybe I'll just sleep here tonight."

I can't guess where it will happen (maybe on the water tower or near it), but I think before the incident at the ranch. Perhaps it will be something very close or even romantic... (If you built a relationship with Kat)

The Meteor shower!
You can see the flyers for it at the Movie Palace and at the Blue Spruce on the bulletin board. It happens on the 12th. The week before the auction, It would make sense for them to climb the water tower to get the best view.
Maybe Corey shows up to collect Kat, or he's looking to get back at the girls after they have already messed up his bike, which leads to the curse flaring-up, breaking the antler off the water tower.

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

I think Corey and/or Kat's father shot Gertie, which brought Kat suffering.

I didn't even consider that! I thought Gertie would just get auctioned off to a random hunter.
Maybe Kat's dad lets Corey pick out a deer to hunt, and, he of course chooses Kat's favourite, It could even be in retaliation for whatever happens during the Meteor shower

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

On one of the trash cans there is graffiti "Kurt 4evr" and a dead/crying smiley. This is a reference to Kurt Cobain, who famously committed suicide in 1994. Which hints that Kat may commit suicide due to hopelessness, a nervous breakdown, or something else related to her illness. (We remember about Chekhov's gun, right?)

Kicking myself for not catching the Nirvana reference. Especially since in in 2022 the graffiti has been painted over and now says "Nevermind"
If your theory is correct the "Nevermind" could be a double entendre referring to both the Album and Kat's Changed fate (Nevermind, it never happened type thing) it would lend credence to the idea we might be able save Kat
Hoping over to the time travel theory for a second. It could be Kat has passed in several ways. (The abyss, The fire, leukemia, This theory) à la Chloe from LiS, But more self-inflicted than destined by fate. This would also line up with your theory in the last post"

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

The fact that the abyss was formed (as a physical phenomenon) is certainly the result of the curse. Kat was careless with her wishes and, without knowing it, awakened her "sleeping illness". The glow of the abyss that we can see in the game is Kat's life. As long as it glows, Kat is still alive.

It's fitting for Kat's personality. Not willing to stop until she gets it right, no matter the cost to herself

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

Kat is a firecracker in a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment! She is impossible to control. The only way to control her is to win her heart.

If we don't do this, she will die.

Why win a heart?

Have you seen the staged motorcycle scene? Make Kat and Nora kiss for real. Kat will be awkward, because then, obviously, it will be her first, and possibly only kiss (if we don't develop the relationship).

Because love is magic and it heals!

I love the true loves kiss theory for saving the day!
But I'd be surprised If they locked off the best ending behind a single romance choice
I'd scale it back one step and say BFF's would probably be enough to cinch it as well.

Originally posted by 4umOZavR:

That is why I think there can be 3 endings:

1. Happy End.
2. Death as a result of an incurable disease.
3. Suicide or death as a result of an accident on the ranch.

3 endings sounds right, But Instead of 2 death ending I would say the 3rd is a Schrodinger. ending where Kat is technically both Alive and dead
1. Kat is Alive
2. Kat is Dead
3. Kat is in the abyss (A state in-between life and death)


Once again Excellent Theorising! There's A bunch there that I didn't even consider. Thanks again for sharing!
---------------------

You've completely Lapped me on the theorising! I've Only Just started forming new theory's So I don't have any new ones to throw out yet.
But I can add on a little to what I already have. Specifically on the Grey Gang and the future affecting the past

Did you find Swanns pencil case under her bed? It has a book and a short story on a leaflet. Cliff notes on the short story: "Agent S" Gets separated from her partner as they're investigating the woods. She hears the woods calling and it leads her to a body of water where "She saw a reflection, a likeness of herself, but it was different. This image had eyes that held the vastness of the universe, and skin that sparkled as if kissed by starlight."

I think the reflection Swann is Swann from 2022 whose come back in time using the Abyss.
Basing that on the "Enter the Abyss" achievement.

Later in the short story, Abyss Swann passes past Swann a tiny dark copper gem.
My guess is she got it from the miners either to complete some task. or for protection. That or she's handing her the copper nugget from the cabin and now calling it a gemstone for some reason.

at the bottom of the story, there's an illustration of 2 Swanns looking at each other.
I think that 1 of the Swann's depicted is The Abyss Swann from 2022
Which finally answers the question. Does future Swann have a face? yes!


I Also think This ethereal appearance provided by the Abyss is why Fred and Gil Think the miners are aliens.

That's all I have for now, But I'll be back!

[Dr. T Love]

Tape 2 was Cancelled. First one didn't sell well enough =(

[LiS2_4ever]

Originally posted by Woke Disney Exec:

Tape 2 was Cancelled. First one didn't sell well enough =(

Have just reported you, honeybuns for spreading misinformation about the game.

[2Mar0th]

Is it possible that the "bloom and rage" box contains a video tape taken by Swann in 1995?

[Stoibs]

has anyone talked about how when you first go into the cabin alone and are solving the lock puzzle, there's a sheet of paper pinned to the wall with your exact camcorder model telling you exactly what to do?

I mean.. that could have easily been a tutorial popup or something Swann says to herself as a game clue after a few moments; but it exists as a tangible thing within the world.
There's gotta be some supernatural/timey whimey shenanigans that someone (Kat?) sent back and set up or somesuch right..?

Maybe circling back to what's in the box and Kat wanting you to shoot the abyss evidence etc. etc.

[7530159]

Thank you LiS2_4ever for helping keep the thread clear!

Originally posted by 2Mar0th:

Is it possible that the "bloom and rage" box contains a video tape taken by Swann in 1995?

Hi 2Mar0th, That's my current theory as well!
I Haven't found any clues that would suggest this. But I also think it makes the most sense. Especially considering The Girls keep saying they can't remember the past clearly.

Originally posted by Stoibs:

has anyone talked about how when you first go into the cabin alone and are solving the lock puzzle, there's a sheet of paper pinned to the wall with your exact camcorder model telling you exactly what to do?

I mean.. that could have easily been a tutorial popup or something Swann says to herself as a game clue after a few moments; but it exists as a tangible thing within the world.
There's gotta be some supernatural/timey whimey shenanigans that someone (Kat?) sent back and set up or somesuch right..?

Maybe circling back to what's in the box and Kat wanting you to shoot the abyss evidence etc. etc.

Hi Stoibs, Nice catch! I haven't seen that mentioned anywhere.
I assumed the note was left by the previous resident/squatter. But now that you mention it, that's a pretty compact camcorder for the 90s.
I agree That Kat's doing some wibbly wobbly time stuff. Maybe Kat set this up to train Swann to look for the purple noise on the camcorder, so she can be easily led to do whatever Kat needs her to do.
(Because It's only the symbols shown on the Cipher that cause the purple noise)
Something else to note about the paper: the knife that Kat uses for the knife game and keeps in her corner at the cabin. Is the same Knife that held the paper up. Not a smoking gun on its own. But could lean into it maybe always having been Kat's knife through time shenanigans.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and theories!

[Stoibs]

Originally posted by 7530159:

Something else to note about the paper: the knife that Kat uses for the knife game and keeps in her corner at the cabin. Is the same Knife that held the paper up. Not a smoking gun on its own. But could lean into it maybe always having been Kat's knife through time shenanigans.

Oh neat!

[4umOZavR]

I watched the video of the girls being chased again. It's not a masked man - it looks more like a lynx and it has blood on its teeth.

There is a suspicion that it attacked Kat.

Because in scene 21 there is the following dialogue option:

"Swann: I remember that night... I still think that the forest is haunted by... something."

Perhaps it killed Kat, so the friends decided to never see each other again.

Originally posted by 7530159:

The Meteor shower!
You can see the flyers for it at the Movie Palace and at the Blue Spruce on the bulletin board. It happens on the 12th. The week before the auction, It would make sense for them to climb the water tower to get the best view.
Maybe Corey shows up to collect Kat, or he's looking to get back at the girls after they have already messed up his bike, which leads to the curse flaring-up, breaking the antler off the water tower.

Yes! It makes sense to climb the water tower, since it is the highest point! Thanks!

If we do read Kat’s diary in scene 20, then the following is written there:

"Tonight was the night of the lunar eclipse - it was so cool! Half of the moon covered by the earth shadow, and then before I knew it the moon looked a giant copper penny in the sky.
Mom, Dylan and I went to take some pictures of the eclipse, but while I was in the car I couldn't stop staring at all the stars.
They were so clear and beautiful...
If I could go anywhere it would be to sail through all the universes galaxies, planets.
I would visit them all.
For now only in my dreams."

I think this is a reference to The Meteor Shower and abyss at the same time.

"Tonight was the night of the lunar eclipse - it was so cool! Half of the moon covered by the earth's shadow, and then before I knew it the moon looked like a giant copper penny in the sky.
Mom, Dylan and I went to take some pictures of the eclipse, but while I was in the car I couldn't stop staring at all the stars.
They were so clear and beautiful..."

This is what we might be able to see during The Meteor Shower, which is known to peak on August 12th.

After digging around the internet I found some information about this event. I chose the location closest to the game location.

Perseid meteor shower 1995
Location: Marquette (46.54°N; 87.40°W)
"The shower is expected to reach peak activity at around 00:00 EDT on August 13, 1995."

This means that this event in the game will take place on the night of August 12-13.

"If I could go anywhere it would be to sail through all the universes galaxies, planets.
I would visit them all."

Here we are talking about the abyss and Kat's wish.

I think that after The Meteor Shower Kat will jump into the abyss.

"it would be to sail through all the universes galaxies, planets"

Actually, these are very profound words that perfectly describe why Kat will jump there!