Crimson Diamond: Chapter 2 - Excursions Guide

The second chapter of The Crimson Diamond starts with the bridge to Crimson being destroyed. Nancy Maple, unaware of this, discovers it when she gets downstairs.

This chapter focuses on Nancy's passion for mineralology and geology, teaching you more about rocks and their examination. Here's a walkthrough.

The chapter begins in your guest room, and you must meet Kimi at the lodge's front door.

Go to the front of the lodge to meet Kimi and continue the story.

Before going downstairs, you can eavesdrop on conversations in Guest Bedroom 3 and the Servant's Quarters. Stand close to the doors to trigger Nancy's interaction and use [listen with glass] to eavesdrop.

After the train station scene, you'll be back at the lodge and Nancy will decide to work. First, collect some tools for her expertise and then find some samples to examine.

Before starting these tasks, there's a missable conversation to overhear in the Study. Use [listen with glass] to hear it. Then, enter the Study and [pick up tape] to get the telegraph tape from the fireplace and learn more about the bridge bombing.

This chapter's most puzzling clue is hidden in the Kitchen, while talking to Jack. It mentions a missing ice pick and an ice box with a puddle under it.

Use the following commands in the Kitchen:

The handle belongs to an ice pick, which can be used as a geologist's pick.

While in the Kitchen, you can also find a streak plate (a plate used for comparing hardness to rock samples).

The streak plate is located in the cupboard above the sink. Make sure Nancy is close to it before using [open cupboard] and [take plate].

Asking Jack about a hammer will direct you to the Boathouse.

To reach the Boathouse, leave the lodge and go southeast. It's one screen to the right of Kimi and the cormorants, or one to the left of the bridge.

Enter the boathouse through the left door and then [open the tacklebox] inside. [Pick up hammer] to complete this task.

The shovel is located outside the lodge. You'll need to [enter the Garden Shed], which is to the right of the lodge. It's one screen north from the axe in the stump.

Enter the Garden Shed and then [pick up trowel] inside to obtain a shovel. You can pick up and examine other items here, but they won't be relevant until future chapters.

After obtaining all the necessary tools, there are three rock samples to find in this chapter. Leave the lodge and head south to the Bridge. Then, go east to the Jetty, which is a short pier. On this screen, [dig for a sample] to get the first of three.

While on this screen, [examine log] to discover a whistle. [Take whistle] to grab it – you'll need it soon! It's revealed to be a duck call.

From the Jetty, head west to a dead end with Kimi and the cormorants. On this screen, trying to take a sample will 'disturb the cormorants,' so you need to deal with Kimi.

To obtain the second sample, [blow duck call]. Then, [take sample] after Kimi has left the screen.

The final sample is located one screen to the north, near the boulder where Albert is working. To get the sample, you need to get rid of Albert.

Albert is impatient, so [ask about boulder] to make him leave. Once he's gone, [take sample] to collect the third and final sample.

After collecting all three samples, you need to examine them. Nancy mentions borrowing Albert's kit, so you'll need to do that.

First, open your inventory and use the eye icon and the loupe icon with all three samples. Also, do this with the plate you picked up to determine its usefulness.

After examining the samples, use the following commands:

Go to the Kitchen and [ask Albert about kit] to politely ask him for his tools. He'll refuse, but this is necessary to progress the story.

Go to the Dining Room when asked.

The end of this chapter is straightforward - simply go to the Boudoir and [give broth to Margot]. However, there are optional activities that you might miss!

After leaving the Kitchen, you can [listen] at the conservatory door to overhear a conversation between Nathan and Kimi.

Then, move behind the dressing screen on the right side of the room - Nancy will automatically hide and witness an interesting exchange. If you miss this opportunity, you can also [listen with glass] as usual after Nessa enters the room.

After the confrontation between Margot and Nessa, return to [take the bowl] and then bring it back to Jack in the Kitchen. This will conclude the chapter.