1. Introduction
It’s Day Two at Waverly Academy, and Nancy Drew finds herself drawn into one of the most eerie, atmospheric segments of Nancy Drew: Warnings at Waverly Academy. In Part 11, Climbing Trees, Day Two, players experience a nocturnal adventure that blends suspense, puzzle-solving, and a dash of zoological curiosity. By following Casper the albino squirrel into the moonlit branches, Nancy uncovers a hidden sunburst token and witnesses a clandestine ritual by hooded figures.
In this comprehensive game walkthrough, we’ll deliver an in-depth guide to every twist and turn: from the first tapping sound at midnight to the final discovery of the Black Cat’s note and barrette clue. Alongside clear instructions, you’ll find narrative insights, hidden secrets, and pro tips that will ensure you breeze through the tree climbing puzzle and seize every clue. Whether you’re writing a blog post, crafting a YouTube script, or simply craving a deeper understanding of Warnings at Waverly Academy, this post has everything you need for a standout, SEO-rich experience focused on keywords like tree climbing puzzle, sunburst token, secret society, and Climbing Trees, Day Two.
2. Previously in Waverly Academy (Quick Recap)
Before diving into the nocturnal escapade, let’s briefly recap the key events from Part 10:
- Library Investigation: Nancy deciphered the cipher in the Academy archives, revealing ominous messages threatening select students.
- Dormitory Clues: A disguised note tucked under Nancy’s pillow hinted at secret meetings in the oak grove.
- Friendship Strains: Suspicions between students escalated, with new suspects emerging in the Black Cat threat.
These events set the stage for Day Two, where Nancy’s pursuit of answers leads her beyond dorm walls and into the moonlit branches of Waverly’s oldest oa
3. The Nighttime Mystery Begins
Shortly after midnight, Nancy is jolted awake by a rhythmic tapping noise against her windowpane. At first, she suspects wind or rain, but peering through the curtains reveals the ghostly silhouette of Casper, the rare albino squirrel she’s encountered earlier in the game. His pink eyes reflect the moonlight as he scampers across the courtyard, pausing at the base of the oak tree.
This atmospheric sequence is more than a simple cut-scene; it establishes tension through:
- Ambient Audio Cues: Low rustling leaves and distant owl hoots heighten suspense.
- Visual Contrast: The stark white of Casper’s fur against the dark branches makes him impossible to lose.
- Narrative Foreshadowing: Casper’s silent beckoning suggests he’s guiding Nancy to something pivotal, an intuitive nudge that players shouldn’t ignore.
Remember: if Nancy strays from the window prompt too long, a brief hint dialogue appears, urging you to follow the squirrel promptly.
4. 🐿️ Casper the Albino Squirrel: Unlikely Clue-Bearer
Albino squirrels are extremely rare in real life, only about 1 in 100,000 squirrels exhibit albinism, so Casper’s presence feels almost symbolic. Within the Nancy Drew Warnings at Waverly Academy narrative, Casper serves multiple roles:
- Guide: His unique coloring makes the path visible during nighttime, leading Nancy (and the player) toward hidden game elements.
- Foil: In previous parts, squirrels were mere background; Casper’s distinctness elevates him from ambiance to active puzzle component.
- Mystery: Why is an albino squirrel at Waverly? Could he be trained by the secret society, or simply a creature drawn to arcane energy?
Fun Fact: In folklore, albino animals often symbolize spiritual messengers. Casper’s behavior may hint at deeper ties between nature and the Academy’s secret rites.
5. 🌳 Tree Climbing Puzzle: Step-by-Step Guide
One of the most memorable moments in Part 11 is the tree climbing puzzle. Players must mimic Casper’s route across branches to reach a hidden alcove. Falling too far triggers a minor restart, though no health penalty applies, just a little time lost.
Puzzle Overview
| Step | Action | Tip |
| 1 | Click on the lowest branch to your left | Watch Casper’s first three hops |
| 2 | Jump diagonally up-right | Click quickly, before timer resets |
| 3 | Move to the central fork and pause | Pause to observe Casper’s pattern |
| 4 | Leap to the high right branch | Avoid loose twigs that break |
| 5 | Grab branch above and shimmy to the alcove | Use the “hold” key for stability |
Detailed Walkthrough
- Starting Branch (Left Base)
- Select the protruding branch just above the moonlit roots.
- Watch Casper hop three times here before darting right, mirroring this ensures you’re in sync.
- Select the protruding branch just above the moonlit roots.
- Diagonal Ascent
- Rapidly click the branch one level up and to the right.
- A timer bar appears briefly; if it empties, Nancy slips. Click responsively!
- Rapidly click the branch one level up and to the right.
- Central Fork Observation
- Upon reaching the fork, hold your position. Casper circles twice, use this moment to plan your final jumps.
- Upon reaching the fork, hold your position. Casper circles twice, use this moment to plan your final jumps.
- High Right Leap
- Aim for the slanted branch that arches leftward.
- Tip: Zoom in if needed; some players find using the mouse scroll for precision helps.
- Aim for the slanted branch that arches leftward.
- Alcove Entry
- Once on the topmost branch, Nancy crawls into a hollow space in the trunk.
- Inside lies the coveted sunburst token, a key collectible in the token puzzle arc.
- Once on the topmost branch, Nancy crawls into a hollow space in the trunk.
Falling three times in a row triggers a mini-hint pop-up. Use that if you get stuck, but following Casper’s exact path usually suffices.
6. 🔆 The Hidden Sunburst Token: What It Unlocks
At the heart of the alcove, Nancy retrieves a sunburst token, one of five scattered across Waverly grounds. Each token bears a unique emblem, and together they unlock the Academy’s ultimate safe:
- Design: A radiant sun enclosed in a circlet, with numerals etched around the edges.
- Lore: In the Academy’s founding year (1793), sun motifs symbolized enlightenment and knowledge.
- Game Mechanics: Collect all five tokens to solve the final cipher in the headmistress’s office.
| Token Location | Found In | Emblem Shape |
| Sunburst (this part) | Oak Tree Alcove | Circular Sun |
| Moonflower | Greenhouse Roof | Crescent Moon |
| Starwing | Observatory Balcony | Five-Pointed |
| Leaf Knot | Library Garden Maze | Leaf Cluster |
| Crystal Tear | Chapel Basement | Teardrop |
Without the sunburst token, players cannot proceed past the locked chest in Part 14. Make sure you add it to your inventory before leaving the tree.
Read previous part of this game: Nancy Drew: Warnings at Waverly Academy (Part 10)
7. 🕯️ Secret Society Sighting: Who Are the Hooded Figures?
Peering through the hollow, Nancy catches sight of three hooded figures chanting in a circle around a flickering lantern. Their robes match the symbol of the Black Cat society, an underground group linked to the campus threats. Key observations:
- Chant Translation: Subtitles reveal repeated Latin phrases: “Lux mentis, veritas” (“Light of mind, truth”).
- Ritual Object: A small obsidian mirror laid before them, possibly for scrying.
- Behavior: One figure brandishes a shimmering dagger; another takes notes in a leather-bound journal.
This secret meeting deepens the mystery of the Black Cat. Are these student initiates, faculty members, or something more sinister? The presence of ritual items suggests a ceremony intended to bind members through arcane vows.
8. 📝 Morning After: The Black Cat Note & Barrette Clue
By dawn, Nancy returns to her dorm room to find two items at the base of the oak:
- Black Cat Note
- Handwritten on aged parchment.
- Reads: “Your witness has been noted. Proceed with caution, Nancy Drew.”
- Signature: A stylized black cat silhouette stamped in wax.
- Handwritten on aged parchment.
- Silver Barrette
- Engraved with initials “M.G.” and a rose motif.
- Unfamiliar design: players speculate it belongs to a key suspect, maybe Morgan or Gwen.
- Engraved with initials “M.G.” and a rose motif.
Clue Analysis:
| Item | Detail | Possible Lead |
| Black Cat Note | Wax seal with cat insignia | Confirms secret society |
| Silver Barrette | Initials “M.G.”, rose engraving | Could link to Margaret Gray or Megan Gilmore |
Consider revisiting character rooms to check who wears a barrette. It’s also wise to inspect the leather journal from the tree alcove, entries may describe the barretteholder.
9. 🎯 Investigation Takeaways
After these discoveries, Nancy gains:
- New Suspects: “M.G.” from the barrette clue narrows down the suspect list.
- Society’s Ritual: Understanding of the Black Cat’s initiation process, Latin chants, scrying, and oath-taking.
- Token Progress: Addition of the sunburst token brings you one step closer to unlocking the final safe.
Next objectives should include:
- Interrogate Margaret Gray and Megan Gilmore about barrette designs and recent jewelry purchases.
- Examine the obsidian mirror found in the ritual site for fingerprints or etchings.
- Continue token hunt by seeking the moonflower token in the greenhouse.
10. 🧠 Pro Tips, Missable Clues & Easter Eggs
Even seasoned players may overlook these subtleties:
- Branch Knot Symbol: One branch has a carved cat paw print. Clicking it yields a minor journal entry.
- Alternate Dialogue: If you speak to Dana Rose after climbing, she mentions seeing a white squirrel near the chapel.
- Hidden Painting: Behind the oak tree is a weathered portrait of Waverly’s founder, zoom in for name details.
| Easter Egg | Location | Reward |
| Cat Paw Carving | Mid-tree branch | Journal entry |
| Dana Rose Dialogue | Dorm common room (morning) | Hint about the moonflower token |
| Founder’s Portrait | Western oak roots | Historical lore in the journal |
Use these to enrich your playthrough and add unique insights to your blog or video.
11. 👀 What Happens Next
In Part 12: Echoes in the Chapel, Nancy will:
- Race to the greenhouse for the moonflower token.
- Confront the hooded figures inside the chapel basement.
- Piece together the founder’s secret ledger.
Stay tuned for the next guide where we delve into late-night botanical puzzles and subterranean discoveries!
12. 📢 FAQs
Q: What happens if I fall too many times during the tree puzzle?
A: You’ll respawn at the base of the tree with no health penalty. After three falls, a hint pop-up offers the correct path.
Q: Is there any way to interact with the hooded figures?
A: No direct interaction, Nancy must remain hidden. Observing them provides lore but no dialogue choices.
Q: How many tokens are there in total?
A: Five sun-moon-star-leaf-crystal tokens scattered across the Academy grounds. Collect all to unlock the final safe.
Q: Can I revisit the oak tree later?
A: Yes. You may climb again to re-examine ritual items or retrieve missed clues.
Final Thoughts
Climbing Trees, Day Two stands out as a masterful blend of atmosphere, puzzle design, and narrative payoff. From following Casper’s silent guidance to uncovering the Black Cat’s clandestine rites, this part elevates the Warnings at Waverly Academy experience. By mastering the tree climbing puzzle, collecting the sunburst token, and piecing together the barrette clue, you propel Nancy’s investigation forward with fresh leads and richer context.
