Adler Letters

Adler Letters are a type of collectible in both Oxenfree and Oxenfree II: Lost Signals. These letters were written by Maggie Adler and buried around Edwards Island and Camena Coast by Jacob Summers.

There are hints associated with each letter relayed by Maggie via the old Cardinal Station, 140.1. These can be tuned into at any point during the game in each map location. However, the frequency will mysteriously disappear after putting the radio away after having listened to the hint. Each clue spells a word using the NATO phonetic alphabet.

Oxenfree

See: Edwards Island's map for each letter's location.

There are twelve buried letters explaining the truth about the USS Kanaloa and the island itself.

Adler Letter 1

There’s a similar statue of a soldier in Maine, where I grew up. My memory of it is I think part of the reason why I said yes when the army recruited me out of college, despite my family’s protestations. Anna, my closest friend from childhood, was of course thrilled at the possibility of my escape. I anonymously started the petition in 1975 to have this one made, after the daughter of Kanaloa crewman Francis Salter asked. I don’t know why… a marker, maybe, for the hope I once had to help people.

Clue: "For the ships coming home, turn on the--Lima, India, Golf, Hotel, Tango."

It can be found at the foot of the lighthouse in Epiphany Fields.

Adler Letter 2

Recruits learned communications technology here, and several others learned code breaking, it’s true… but due to my aptitude in math and mechanical engineering, I was assigned code *making*, specifically cyphers with which to conceal projects from even other government agencies. It was a job I grew increasingly uncomfortable with, but my keen interest in radio science had me pulling double duty as a comms officer. I remember one of the Kanaloa's engineers, Francis, calling me a ”radio-woman.” As far as he knew, it was my only job.

Clue: "Under the ladder, below the--Tango, Oscar, Whiskey, Echo, Romeo."

Its location is at the foot of the tower in Milner Outpost.

Adler Letter 3

I was on watch duty in the tower when it happened, having just gotten back from an early leave for the reading of my father’s will. For years, I childishly blamed him for *this*, too… his one last act against me… but it was nobody’s fault, or decision, but my own. I’m sure it was Francis Salter who sent the Kanaloa's distress signal. It had been cut off - I still don’t know why - and I hastily interpreted the garbled transmission as an attempt to jam radar. And so I sent back the guidebook recommendation: to scout, and bomb, if necessary.

Clue: "Memories would fade without this--Papa, Lima, Alpha, Quebec, Uniform, Echo."

This letter is near Harden Tower's Guided Tour plaque.

Adler Letter 4

The USS Walter Roy, a destroyer escort, sunk the USS Kanaloa with friendly fire on October 25th, 1943. It had held a developmental nuclear reactor in its belly, and had been sent out weeks earlier as a test of its capabilities. Relatively few even knew of its existence, which tripled the bases’s confusion when the submarine’s communications had been cut. No one outside of a handful of us would ever know the truth. I would discover later that a weapons technician of the Walter Roy had been at Francis Salter’s wedding; Salter was an engineer on the Kanaloa. I don’t know why, but it’s strange to me.

Clue: "Everything becomes a--Alpha, November, Tango, India, Quebec, Uniform, Echo--eventually."

This one is in the alley between the Antiques & Gifts shop and the Parks Office on Main Street.

Adler Letter 5

The first transmissions from the lost soldiers were recorded here by a signal officer training new recruits. I heard about it soon after. Yes, word of the childlike, almost playful messages spread quickly, but the broadcasts were usually dismissed as an ongoing prank, faulty equipment, or AM stations bouncing off the midland. However, after I successfully decoded one as a mayday from Calvin Gilbert, an electrician who perished on the USS Kanaloa, I knew it had to be something more.

Clue: "Time for--Sierra, Lima, Echo, Echo, Papa--in the middle of things."

It is among the bed frames (sleep) on the lower level of Fort Milner's Facilities.

Adler Letter 6

Marianne Bozek, forever engraved on the Command Annex's memorial plaque, was a kind, humble woman who helped me decode the ghost’s unusual messages. I don’t think she ever really believed my hypothesis that they were relays from the sunken submarine, even though she corresponded with - as she put it - a man named Calvin, an electrician who died on the Kanaloa. I pieced together the truth, the cover up, and my own tragic mistake that killed him and his mates over months of careful deciphering.

Clue: "At the top of the hill, in the--Charlie, Oscar, Lima, Oscar, Romeo, Echo, Delta--field."

It can be found around the colored bushes near the Data Command Annex's entrance in Discovery Cliffs.

Adler Letter 7

When people in the Comms Dept. begin transferring off, I was able to convince my higher ups - including, coincidentally, one eventual Army passenger onboard the Kanaloa, Henry Griffin - to bring Anna onboard as a replacement. Anna had been working in broadcasting, so it made enough sense to the upper ranks. Incidentally, when I dream, it is usually during this time period, amidst the change… and I am trying to prevent Anna from ever coming.

Clue: "If you want directions, this--Golf, Uniform, India, Delta, Echo--can help."

This letter is under the Guided Tour signpost in the US Army RCS.

Adler Letter 8

My belief - bolstered by Anna’s and my research conducted largely at the Catbird Station where interruptions were rare - is that the men and women of the USS Kanaloa were separated from our dimensional existence by the implosion of the submarine’s nuclear reactor. I identified one passenger, Henry, by his call-sign, and his confused diction and reliance on game logic says to me that their emotional states (if not mental states) had been reduced to that of children… a thought I cling to when I envision Anna’s demise.

Clue: "People lose their names and give them to--Golf, Romeo, Alpha, Victor, Echo, Sierra."

It is located in Bridge Stand, near the graves to the far left under the ferry bridge. It is also next to anomaly 99.9.

Adler Letter 9

Anna and I frequently conducted tests at what was once the East Barracks here during the brutal winter of ’51. Waves, of any kind - radio, nuclear, electromagnetic - seemed able to pass through all existences under certain circumstances, which explained our ability to get communiques sent from them. This might also justify the frequency of hearing one of the Kanaloa’s electrician’s call signs, Calvin Gilbert, come echoing through the relays. On April 4th, 1952, we would attempt to reverse the manifest breakdown… and bring the soldiers back.

Clue: "A fine stop for a view at the cliff's--Lima, Echo, Foxtrot, Tango--edge."

It can be found near the Campgrounds' stone ruins at the top left edge. Note that this clue is read in a slightly distorted, deep voice, as opposed to the clear, feminine voice other clues are read in.

Adler Letter 10

After stealing equipment from this Relay Station, Anna and I entered the cave just before dawn to try and communicate directly with the crew of the USS Kanaloa. We successfully tuned in to the source of the temporal ”tear,” and spoke, albeit briefly, to Henry Griffin, an SOC Sergeant who died on the sub, but the power overwhelmed my dear Anna, and she was absorbed into its ridge; all that remains there now is the flickering hue of a partially open gate, a window to a perpendicular space that seems to have ”augmented” the subarine’s call. But, of all my regrets, perhaps the deepest is knowing Anna’s last vision was of me fleeing from her in terror.

Clue: "A penny for a--Whiskey, India, Sierra, Hotel."

This letter is on the ground beside Relay Point's wishing well.

Adler Letter 11

After the fort closed, I used the considerable resources from my father’s endowment to buy up most of the land, or influence government officials to declare that which I could not buy protected. I have not been entirely successful, and have watched in horror as a small tourist industry has precariously sprung upon this cursed island. Even the family of one of the sailors who died, Calvin Gilbert, set up a restaurant to cater to inquisitive out-of-towners. I can promise this, though: the museum will never happen, and the beach and caves will be boarded up.

Clue: "A fallen--Tango, Romeo, Echo, Echo--now called something else."

It can be found on the lower east side of Towhee Woods, by the log (fallen tree).

Adler Letter 12

To whoever is finding these notes, understand my hope is that by enshrouding this intelligence in such an obtuse manner, its detection will discourage most innocent seekers… thereby allowing it to befall the correct person, and not the easily distracted military mind nor the typically bewildered excursionist. Do not blame the submarine’s crew; I don’t believe its passengers like Henry Griffin can even understand what has truly happened to them. And you do not have to forgive me for my myriad failures… but, please, remember the name, Anna Shea. Know that she did not deserve her fate.

Clue: "From top to bottom, under--Sierra, Tango, Alpha, India, Romeo, Sierra."

It is near Beacon Beach's cave entrance, beside the bottom of the stairs.

Adler Letter 13

To whom it should concern… This island, and [its history,] is a lie. I have been compelled by both forces outside my control and my own willful concern for the safety of others to conceal the many truths about Edwards Island. But now, I feel any further inaction may carry a far greater risk. Inside, you’ll find two WAL equipped radios. I have commandeered the old Cardinal Station, 140.1, and used it to relay clues to nearby beacons buried throughout the area. Find these beacons, and the notes within, and discover the true chronicle of the island. To whosoever finds the material, know that I am discomforted for keeping it hidden… and ashamed for the lies I helped preserve. But also know that I acted in what I felt were the best interests for all at the time. And truly… for the interest of time itself.

- Margaret Adler

This letter is retrieved via story progression, in Main Street's Parks and Facilities Office, where Allison, Ren's older sister, used to work.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals

See: Camena Coast's map for each letter's location.

In Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, Maggie's letters are divided into four groups of three letters, each with a different recipient: J.B., Ingrid White, Mel Chapman, Kenneth Young, and a single letter to Jacob Summers.

J.B.

Adler Letter 1

J,

I saw it. You doubted me but I saw it. A flash of green right at sunrise. Blink and you’d miss it. Well I didn’t blink.

Next time I’m waking you up. To watch it with me. You’ve been warned. Don’t worry, I’ll have coffee made.

- M

It can be found below the bridge in Tootega Falls after saving Charlie from being possessed.

Adler Letter 2

J,

It was an accident. A careless mental mistake. Two syllables.

But you’re not wrong. Anna is never far from my thoughts. Her name never far from my lips, clearly...

Do not think this is by choice. So much of my life is not by choice. So much of all of life...or so I tell myself.

I wish I could tell you it will never happen again.

I wish I could tell you...many things.

- M

It is next to the animal burrow in the northest of Camber Cape.

Adler Letter 3

J,

I saw the green flash again. This time at sunset. It wasn’t as bright.

I would apologize, but you told me not to. So instead, I will try...try...to show gratitude.

Thank you for not hating me. Thank you for having the courage to point out what was clearly right in front of me. Thank you for tolerating the absolutely dreadful coffee I make every morning.

Anna would want me to let go. Anna would be furious at me for this pitiful little cage I’ve built for myself. I can see her now, flustered and cursing and thrusting me into your arms.

Best of luck with your life, your art, and...your heart. Though you’d insist it’s not needed, I hope someday you can forgive mine.

-M

PS. I’ll keep an eye out for the piece you created for me and Anna. I can’t say I’m much of an art critic, but know that I am grateful. For that, and so much more.

Clue: "Take a seat on the… Sugar, Tare, Uncle, Mike, Peter."

It is located on the southwest of Point Tilia, near a stump.

Ingrid White

Adler Letter 4

Ingrid,

While I appreciate your attempts to rouse this old sleep walker, I don’t think Parentage is the group I need. I’m sure they’re good people. You’re good people. But I really don’t need a social club, and particularly one with such obscure beliefs. I know you said I could ignore the “bells and whistles” -- as you put it -- the star maps and all that, but I can’t help but feel uneasy with the things they choose to call important. Changing the context of your perspective is manipulation, Ingrid, even if it’s for an ostensibly good purpose. Regardless, at the end of the evening, I’m perfectly content with my books, my thoughts and my easy chair. The chattering of wind chimes is enough for me.

Thank you for the invite.

M.

Clue: "Take a walk atop the… Sugar, King, Easy, Love, Easy, Tare, Oboe, Nan, Sugar."

This letter is among the graves (skeletons) over Garland's Church of the Grand Architect.

Adler Letter 5

Ingrid,

Stray thoughts. Consider this an addendum to our last conversation.

I have no religion. I cannot say it is the pursuit of knowledge, as I gave up the chase quite a while ago.

My father was devout, my mother less so. I patterned after her.

Faith in a system where I cannot see its purpose is hard for me. What is the purpose of chemical existence? I've never read a satisfactory answer.

Mayhem is the order in which the universe was founded, I think. The stories we take from that mayhem are us trying to line up events in a way that makes sense for our sanity.

I am happy for anyone who finds peace in this ocean. So I am happy Parentage gives you some peace. I am not exactly jealous, but perhaps I should be.

M.

Clue: "Don’t forget to take out the… Tare, Roger, Able, Sugar, How."

It is located at Funnie's, in front of the dumpster (trash).

Adler Letter 6

Ingrid,

I’ve never been nor will I ever be pregnant, so I can’t say I understand Marigold’s struggle. But I do sympathize. We plan our lives… and then things happen.

You say Parentage helped her and her husband accept the birth of Olivia, that they provided a structure for the chaos of early parenthood. But Olivia is a person, not a problem to be solved. How will this structure affect her own life?

I enjoy our talks, but I think we should not discuss Parentage, anymore. I admittedly struggle when the topic is broached, as I don’t wish to offend. But I find no sense or harmony in the stars. They are celestial giants, beyond my understanding, who do not know or care that I am here. It only saddens me how you see them, Ingrid. It saddens me to think how Olivia will see them. Not as they are, but as reflections of herself.

M.

It can be found in Point Tilia, following the trail by the bulletin board, just below the Ranger's Station.

Mel Chapman

Adler Letter 7

Mel,

My mother was an undertaker. I grew up in a graveyard. They say a cemetery is no place for a child, but for me it’s a place of happy memories. Somewhere I go on grey days. Sometimes, wandering beside the headstones, I swear I can still smell my mother’s perfume...

Funny that we should run into each other there. You don’t meet many fellow amateur radio enthusiasts in the wild, let alone one conducting experiments! I must say, the amplifier you were working with has thoroughly piqued my curiosity! And homemade no less. Bravo.

I’ve always theorized that increased amplification of--well--any signal really, could uncover all sorts of wonders and terrors and all those beautiful and awful things we dream about at night. For better or worse. I’m hoping perhaps we could work together to see if these theories are true?

Also. I would love to hear who Tom was...if you’re so inclined.

-Maggie

This letter can be found not too far from the start of Pemmican Trailhead, just before reaching the rocks that cover the path.

Adler Letter 8

Mel,

I still cannot believe the progress we’ve been making, and yet it feels as if we’ve barely begun climbing! Between your theories about the potential of the electro-magnetic field and the technology we’re developing. I feel illuminated. The bright light of possibility.

I’m hoping for our next experiment, we could try a new location? Though I must say the silent audience of headstones is soothing to me, for however strange that must sound.

I must confess, I took a look at Tom’s headstone out of unconquerable curiosity. My deepest condolences. So young. Too young.

-Maggie

This one is at the small lookout point in Uptown Harbor, just above the General Store.

Adler Letter 9

Mel,

Since you didn’t want to hear it, you’ll just have to read it.

Our work will not yield the results you’re looking for. It just won’t. Tom...I am so very sorry to say...is beyond our reach. Beyond anyone’s reach…

Though hypocritical of me to say, I encourage you to look forward. If that’s as impossible for you as it is for me, then perhaps try to change how exactly you look back.

Take Hank to visit Tom. I know he’s an infant, for now it’s not for him. And when Hank is old enough to understand, tell him about his older brother. About Tom. That small patch of earth, those letters carved in stone, they can be so much more than a place for pain. The world has enough of those. Make it something else. Something better.

Thank you for your help. My work would never have grown as it has without you.

Now go find Hank and take a walk. And if you see me there wandering...do wave.

-Maggie

It is at the center of Copper Creek Trail, above a rock face around the fork that leads to Jacob's house.

Kenneth Young

Adler Letter 10

Dear Kenneth Young,

It’s nice to hear from you. I always assumed you moved to North Carolina, so it was especially nice to hear that this wasn’t the case. Managing your dad’s textile plant just didn’t seem to suit you.

I think you’ll find Camena still has its limited charms. They’ve improved the roads, and the shellfish is still excellent. I wouldn’t visit Milner, though. It’s unrecognizable from when we were stationed. It’s a tourist factory now, and their wares are overpriced.

The bad dreams are a common refrain from other past recruits. After the Kanaloa, people seemed to have a much harder time sleeping. I wouldn’t think much of it.

Turn off your TV after 10 PM. It will help.

M

On the rightmost section of Waterhead Bluffs, this letter can be taken by doing some parkour.

Adler Letter 11

Kenneth,

Don’t follow the whispers you hear on the radio. Those things you hear at night are orphaned dreams, looking for someone to startle, and haunt.

See your family more often. They care about you. Your visions don’t.

M

It is on the way to Charity Point's peak.

Adler Letter 12

Kenneth,

I think you should believe your daughter. Let her help you, as you helped her learn how to walk, how to dress, how to eat, how to think. Let it be her turn.

As for me? No. I never had kids, and it was the right choice. Though I guess I would have to believe that, now that it’s an impossibility. I do know I would have ruined them.

I am sorry we never met up for that soup and conversation. It’s getting harder and harder for me to leave my house, though not due to any physical limitations, really. My habits have formed such cavernous grooves. I cannot seem to climb my way out.

Take care, Kenneth. Make friends in your new home and new city. Tell your grandchildren who you were, and listen to their stories. They’re better than ours.

M

This letter can be found by Horseshoe Beach's shore, where the chimney was.

Jacob Summers

Adler Letter 13

Jacob,

I have one last mystery for you.

I don’t know if you read these letters. I doubt you do, you always follow instructions so well. But just in case…

Of the many mysteries I have shared with you, there is one I have never solved, and I know I never will. So I leave it to you to put together the pieces.

Please solve the mystery of how to walk away and not look back.

The Kanaloa, the radio signals, the lights in the sky. Let them die of neglect. You deserve better than the dusty regrets of an old woman too afraid to let go.

One last mystery. Solve it.

With affection and apologies,

Maggie

This secret letter can only be unlocked after collecting all 12 letters above. It is located by Jacob's house in Berenson Creek, taking a path that leads south down to a small metal barn.