Part 13

Dive into Part 13 of our Alone in the Dark walkthrough. Explore the Library's secret room, uncover forbidden texts like the Necronomicon, and learn about the Derceto plantation's dark history.

Alright, we're heading into Part 13 of our Alone in the Dark journey. This section is all about delving into the mysteries hidden within the Library. We'll be looking at some seriously creepy forbidden texts and uncovering the dark history of a Louisiana plantation. Let's get started!

Walkthrough:

First up, we're investigating the LIBRARY’S SECRET ROOM. This is where we'll find some truly disturbing texts that hint at the game's deeper lore. One of the key finds here is related to Reflexions on the power of the verb. The text warns about the dangers of forbidden books, stating that their malevolent energy remains potent regardless of translation. It emphasizes that speaking spells aloud from these texts can awaken powerful, malignant forces. The author even refuses to quote directly from a specific text for fear of the consequences, mentioning that even reading certain passages can lead to hysteria or possession-like symptoms. They reference studies on exorcisms and the infamous Necronomicon by Al Azif, noting that copies exist despite efforts to destroy them, specifically mentioning archives at Miskatonic University. Other dangerous books mentioned are Von Junzt’s Von unaussprechlichen Kulten and Ludwig Prinn’s De Vermis Mysteriis.

Speaking of De Vermis Mysteriis, we get a direct quote from it. It's a chilling warning: “In nomine invocatoris, si non sanctificatus es, cave. De vermis mysteriis non absolvo follem legendum fatum et eum versus: « tibi, magnum innominandum signa stellarum nigrarum et… »”. The crucial part here is the note: (NB: You die after reading this book). So, definitely steer clear of reading that one in-game if you get the chance!

Next, we're shifting focus to the LIBRARY: Story of a Louis(i)ana plantation. This section tells the story of the Marquis of Champfrey and his family's experiences in Louisiana. After Florida was sold, his father stayed in the area. In 1818, a man named Pickford bought nearby land and began a massive undertaking: digging into a mountain to fill in a swamp and connect existing caves with a larger one. Pickford was a ruthless and secretive individual, constantly hiring and firing workers, and trying to hide his plans. The Marquis’s father suspected Pickford would get lost in his own creation. Pickford, a former sailor with a shady past, invited them to the opening of his mansion, which he named “Derceto,” linking it to Astarte and Shub-Niggurath. The Marquis’s father found the name steeped in evil and they left immediately.

The story continues: In 1862, Derceto burned down under mysterious circumstances. Servants tried to save their master, but he was bullet-riddled. The mansion fell into ruin. In 1875, the property was bought by Howard Hartwood, a learned man interested in piracy. Hartwood discovered Pickford had been a pirate and believed he had hidden treasure. Hartwood meticulously searched the ruins and rebuilt the house, renaming it Derceto. He refurbished the library, which had miraculously survived the fire, and studied its contents. Hartwood was devoted to his son, Jeremy. Despite his efforts, Hartwood found no treasure. He died before the Marquis heard the news while in Paris.

Finally, we have an entry for LIBRARY: Terra Incognita. This is noted as an unfinished chapter by Jacob Van Ostadte. That's all the information we have on this particular fragment.