In the story-driven adventure game Tell Me Why, players face various riddles that test their observation skills while exploring the Ronan family home. One of the earliest obstacles in Chapter 1 is unlocking Mary-Ann's bedroom door, which is secured by an ornate wooden animal wheel lock. Finding the right sequence allows Tyler and Alyson to uncover crucial childhood secrets hidden inside the room.
Locating the Book of Goblins Clues
Before attempting to spin the animal dials on Mary-Ann's door, players must retrieve the Book of Goblins from the desk in the twins' bedroom. This fairytale book contains essential backstory illustrations and lore created by Mary-Ann that hint at the lock's combination. Examining the specific tale titled "The Princess's Party" unveils the mystery behind the door's symbols.
Inside "The Princess's Party" story, three gifts appear at the bottom left of the page representing a torch, a sword, and a pouch of coins. Each gift corresponds to one of the animal guests who attended the fictional celebration. By reading the descriptions of how each creature contributed to the party, players can match the items to the correct animals.
Deciphering the Animal Symbols
The first item on the list is the torch, which illuminated the darkness for the princess during her gathering. The story notes that the Moose brought winking fairy lights to fill the air, directly linking this animal to the light source. Selecting the Moose as the first symbol unlocks the initial mechanism on the door.
The second symbol is the sword, which represents safety and defense against threats. According to the fairytale text, the Bear promised to protect the princess so that no wolves would harry her path. Therefore, setting the middle dial to the Bear fulfills the second requirement for entering the room.
Step-by-Step Door Puzzle Solution
The final symbol depicts a pouch of gold coins intended to keep the princess fed and cared for. The Pelican served a vast buffet of seafood from her never-emptying beak, matching the idea of endless sustenance and wealth. Turning the third wheel to the Pelican completes the sequence required to open the lock.
Entering the combination of Moose, Bear, and Pelican will immediately unlock Mary-Ann's bedroom door. Solving this puzzle grants players access to deeper story beats and earns an achievement for clever puzzle-solving. Following these subtle literary clues ensures a smooth playthrough without resorting to brute force.
