GURPS (4th ed.)-Horror-Death Night.pdf

Death Night

An adventure for use with GURPS Horror

Nathan Robertson Me Fecit Anno Domini MMVIIII

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Introduction

This GURPS Horror adventure is written for the Modern Day.

Conversion to other times requires modification, especially in

transportation, media and forensics techniques.

crime, moderate prices provide decent living and real money

buys the frills. Costs and conditions should approximate those

given. In poor areas, some advantages may become

disadvantages as attractiveness and obvious wealth attract

unwanted attention.

Designed for three to six 100-pt characters, the adventure

stresses detective and combat skills. Other useful skills include

fast-talk, forensics, research and tracking. Low-level magic and

psi powers (Divination, Precognition and Psychometry) may

enhance the mood, particularly if the GM assigns these abilities

secretly.

Pete's Trailer Lodge

This trailer park has adjoining laundromat, a small grocery for

the bare essentials and space for over sixty trailers. Rent is $125/

month with utilities for space, $250/month for a trailer. Prices at

the store are 5% above average.

Intended for play over two or three sessions, Death Night offers

a chance to convert 'Just Plain Folks' to 'Fearless Monster

Stompers'. Written as a One Shot, it presents several

opportunities to launch an extended campaign. Occult contacts,

psycho killers . . . even a Fourth Reich. Choose those best suited

to your campaign. The seeds are planted; development is up to

you. Enjoy.

Peter McCallister owns and manages the park. He doesn't allow

fast driving or loud parties, but is otherwise tolerant. Crime is a

rarity; McCallister carries a big stick to keep it that way. The

park is clean and well-kept, with large lots and ample space. The

tenants are mostly working class folk who keep to themselves.

Simpson Apartments

A three story building owned by Edward Simpson, this

apartment complex features lower class housing at a nominal

price. Rooms include two bedrooms, bath, kitchen and living

room with two closets. Rent is $250/month without board.

Evansmith

Evansmith is a modest community of four thousand in northern

Michigan west of Escanaba, nestled in a valley bordered by

mountains near the Menominee Range. In addition, over two

thousand students attend the University of Michigan at

Evansmith, and a healthy tourist population abounds the year

round.

The complex is dirty and graffiti ridden, but the rooms are

functional. Mr. Simpson is never in town; complaints are taken

by Ms Petrish, a hateful old crone who ignores them. Service is

non-existent, and tenants must tend to their own problems. A roll

against Research or Streetwise at -4 reveals that Simpson bribes

the building inspectors. A critical success produces proof.

Evansmith's economy thrives on tourism and local industries

such as forest products and iron mining. Due to this strong

economic base, Evansmith is growing rapidly and offers

excellent services relative to its size. Lifestyles range from rural

to suburban, with a predominantly working-middle class

population. Crime has risen in recent years, with a sharp

increase in drug trafficking and vandalism. Skiing and hunting

are the major recreational activities.

Recently, a local gang has lain claim to the building, terrorizing

tenants and vandalizing apartments. Several rapes and muggings

have been reported, and illegal narcotics abound. People are so

afraid that a good reaction is needed to get help in an

emergency.

Montgomery Cabins

Each year, Evansmith hosts a number of vacationers looking for

a peaceful country retreat with the perks of a nearby population

center. And each year, a part of that experience is Montgomery

Cabins.

Curiously, the weather and terrain, Evansmith's greatest assets,

are also its worst liabilities. The heavy snowfall and rugged

surroundings so favorable to skiers seal off the valley for

months at a time during bad winters. This year will have one of

the worst.

A map of central Evansmith is provided, showing Highway 117

(main street) and major area locations. This highway runs from

the southern tip of the valley through town, three miles out to

the college. The population diminishes moving outward from

mainstreet, graduating from near urban squalor to 'the sticks'.

Cedar and pine border the region, with tall mountains on the

northern border. Wildlife is abundant, and so are RVs and

vacationers.

For $1,000/month, customers enjoy a private log cabin with two

bedrooms, kitchen, bath and spacious den with fireplace set in a

beautiful hardwood forest five miles east of Evansmith. Also

provided is a supply of firewood and the use of the private lake.

Electricity is by way of gas-powered generators. Only cabin

residents may hunt and fish on the thousand acre spread.

College Dormitories

The U.M.E. campus has four huge dormitories, two coed and

two exclusive to men and women, respectively. Each dorm is

two stories and of sturdy brick construction. A single dormitory

houses up to 500 students, running at about two-thirds capacity.

Private and shared rooms are available. Both floors have

bathroom and showering facilities. A laundry room is on the first

floor of each dorm, as are vending, coke, cigarette and (most

recently) condom machines.

Where the Heart is

Evansmith hosts a variety of living areas tailored to the

individual. Obvious choices include dormitories, family-owned

homes and work-provided housing. Otherwise, lodgings go as

budgets allow. There are several alternatives to those listed

below. Price reflects quality of housing and location (near mall

or ski lift). Lower cost lodgings are seedier and subject to higher

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Each dorm is overseen by a dorm monitor and two student

assistants. Officially, all students are in their rooms by 10 pm

curfew. Actually, monitors ignore all but the most flagrant

violations. Loud, rowdy parties break out weekends and guns,

drugs, and other contraband abound. The coed dorms are sleazy

and so are most of the coeds. PCs with lecherousness or

addiction will have no problem meeting the need here. Serious

students study in the library. Dorm personalities to flesh out

college life are the GM's prerogative.

orders by phone and delivering the illegals in pizzas. Delivery

boys collect the money and the Palace does a whopping

business. A roll against Area Knowledge -6 or Streetwise -4

informs a character of the trafficking.

The Parlor

For ice cream, yogurt and tofu, people go to the Parlor, a small

desert bar in the southern part of town. The parlor is owned and

operated by the three Rossley sisters. Service is friendly but

slow (they push the tofu). The parlor has struggled along for the

past five years, and a sharp drop in tourism could drive it under.

Dining

Evansmith's economy relies largely on tourism, especially by

way of restaurants and rentals. Curiously, none of the big name

chains have prospered, owing to snow-ins and pressure from the

Chamber of Commerce to discourage non-local businesses.

Several 'gas station groceries' serve the town, as well as those

below.

Shopping

The Evansmith Mall

In 1987, the Chamber of Commerce contracted area

businessmen to construct a shopping mall. The mall was

successful, strengthening the local economy and increasing

tourism. Small but growing, the mall is a center for youth,

shopping and community events. Business hours run from 9:00

a.m. thru 10:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Barney's Burgers

This restaurant is owned by Barney Daniels, a portly fellow who

cooks and directs four waitresses. Barney's serves assorted

drinks, some Mexican and all greasy fast foods. Customers are

served at the drive-in window or interior cafe. Barney's is a local

youth hangout due to the small arcade in back. A jukebox plays

the latest rock music.

Shop Mart: Similar to Walmart or Sears, Shop Mart is a

department store featuring a variety of clothes, luggage, records

and tapes, toys, sporting goods, items for home & garden and

school supplies. Lay-a-way costs an added 15%; regular prices

are 5% above average. Eight check-outs serve the public. The

only store of its kind in Evansmith, Shop Mart does great

business. Everyone in town shops here.

The Smoke House

Roger Milton owns the Smoke House, a large log cabin-style

restaurant located at the north end of mainstreet. The Smoke

House offers steak, ribs, roast and other grilled, barbecued and

burnt fare; it's a meat and potatoes place. Beer and whiskey are

served (soft drinks on request). Weekend shows provide

entertainment via country western bands. Tuesday is ladies'

night (dates drink free). Prices run about $8.00/meal.

Troy's: Troy's is a clothing store and the only serious competitor

to Shop Mart. Most merchandise is family attire geared to the

cold climate. Troy's has average prices with a good selection.

The Ski Shop: THE place to buy skis and all the accessories,

plus ski clothes and fashionable winter wear. Stan Sanders owns

the Ski Shop, and also gives ski lessons.

Five waitresses tend the large cafe and salad bar. The cook (and

unofficial bouncer) works in back over a huge fire pit; his name

is Drake Edwards, and he is one mean man. Those with Area

Knowledge know better than to cross Drake.

The Shoe Shack: Reebok, Nike, Adidas and other popular

brands are priced at +5%, including boots, sandals and formal

footwear. Lay-a-way costs an extra 10%.

Sam's Sea Food Emporium

At the heart of Evansmith, this quaint eatery serves all manner

of seafood and fresh-water cuisine. Sam's is classy and

sophisticated with a party atmosphere. Sam mingles with

customers and arranges entertainment. Most patrons prefer the

buffet, $7.50/person, $8.75 with crab legs.

Styles 'n Smiles: Four hair stylists at a time work in this beauty

salon, which also sells hair care products. The clientele is largely

female; more men choose the Barber Shoppe. By coincidence,

the boutique is also a gossip mill (Streetwise rolls at +1).

The Barber Shoppe: The Barber Shoppe services men and

boys ages one to one hundred. Four barbers cut here, dealing in

G.I.s, crew-cuts and other styles from the Hack'n Slash school of

hair care. Older men gather here to socialize, and have decided

more than one election. As a result, Mayor Bill Todd is a

frequent customer.

The Pizza Palace

The Palace caters mainly to teenagers and families with

children. Prices are average, about $8.50 for a medium pizza

and pitcher of Coke. Patrons have access to pinball and video

games. The Palace offers free delivery anywhere in Evansmith,

and special prices for large orders.

The Refreshment Rack: Serving fast food and cafeteria fare,

this eatery has several specialty shops carrying most every

known food. A large, open court provides tables and chairs. In

the center is a stage for local shows.

What owner Anthony Stravaski and the community don't know

is that the Palace serves as cover for an area drug ring. The chef,

Brad Ashley and three delivery boys supply local buyers, taking

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Pat's Sporting Goods and Pawn Shop

The only sporting goods dealer aside from Shop Mart and the

Ski Shop, Pat's sales camping, hunting and fishing supplies, and

handles sports equipment orders for the high school and college.

rounds of ammo. Only Turner and the deputy in charge have the

keys to it. Each officer receives a .38 with 12 rounds, nightstick

and handcuffs. The department owns four panda cruisers, and

Turner drives his own Blazer. The prisoner facilities include

eight two-person cells and a group shower. Meals are by special

arrangement with the Smoke House.

Pat Strong will fix, trade, buy or sell any type of firearm. He

also carries assorted ammunition. With an Area Knowledge -4 or

Streetwise roll, a PC learns that Pat deals in illegal arms. On a

Fast-Talk roll -4 or the recommendation of a regular customer,

PCs may buy explosive and armor piercing shells, uzis, assault

rifles and grenades. Pat doesn't sell to known criminals, catering

more to home security, survivalists and collectors. If anything

happens to Pat, his friends will come after somebody.

Dillan's Tow Truck and Auto Service

Auto rip-off is more like it. Amidst a half-dozen backyard

garages, Dillan's is the only large scale operation in Evansmith.

Prices on parts and service are +10%; single women and the

mechanically illiterate get rooked for a whopping +25%. When

business is dragging, Bob and his 4 mechanics 'arrange' future

problems for cars in the shop. A Streetwise or Area Knowledge

roll -3 reveals Dillan's dishonesty. If challenged, Dillan and

crew deny everything, growing violent if pushed.

Stuart's Hardware

Leroy Stuart owns the business, but his son James runs it while

he vacations in Florida. Landscaping materials, items for

gardening and all basic hardware are +5% standard cost.

Customers must know their own needs; James can barely ring

up prices.

Evansmith Bank of Commerce

One of the cornerstones of Evansmith's prosperity, the bank

offers 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. service six days a week with a 24-hour

auto-teller out front. Interest on savings generally run about 7%,

loans about 15%. To encourage town growth, loans are easily

obtained. Due to semi-annual snow-ins, the bank holds a large

cash reservoir during the winter, protected by an armed guard

and security systems (Electronics (Security Systems) -10 to

bypass).

The Crack House

Evansmith's only drug store, the Crack House is owned and

operated by Gerald Bradley, pharmacist. The stock includes all

common drugs, pharmaceutical supplies and practical joke

novelties. Bradley is decidedly neurotic; clean and unbribable,

yet coveting his reputation as a drug lord. He is known to try his

practical jokes on customers, and is a friend of Dr. Sanders.

Restwood Mortuary

The deceased in Evansmith are seen to by its only funeral home,

which offers a full line of caskets, monuments and floral

offerings. The undertaker is Mortimer Hodges, who runs the

Mortuary and handles burial arrangements. The bereaved may

choose from four local cemeteries or have a body shipped. Mr.

Hodges provides simple services to the poor free of charge.

Services

Evansmith Regional Hospital

Built in 1972 with a grant from a late citizen, Evansmith

Regional provides quality medical care to the community. It's a

small, three story facility with adjoining parking lot and a small

staff working to treat everything from pneumonia to skiing

injuries. When the valley is snowed in, Evansmith Regional is

the only med-center available, so crucial supplies are stocked in

advance.

Rollin's Park

Named in honor of town founder Nathaniel Rollins, this 20-acre

park has dense hardwood growth, grassy meadows and a

children's play ground. The park is maintained by the Chamber

of Commerce and local volunteers. Lots of teenagers come here

at night to make out.

In light of fiscal realities and the small population, the hospital

offers several non-traditional services such as dental and

psychiatric. A large morgue is located in the basement, with

adjoining autopsy lab. Pathologist and Medical Examiner Dr.

Alex Sanders handles the autopsies and accompanies the police

at homicide scenes. No body may be moved without his consent.

The Ski Lift

Northeast of Evansmith and four miles north of the college, the

Ski Lift is run by David Greer and wife, Pat. A ride up lookout

mountain (5,200 feet up) is $20, less for partial trips. Greer is a

part-time ambulance driver for Evansmith Regional, and knows

enough first aid to help accident victims. The Ski Lift is his

retirement.

Evansmith Sheriff's Department

Law and order in Evansmith are maintained by the Sheriff's

Department, composed of Sheriff Neal Turner and 12 deputies.

Turner is at his office 10 am-6 pm, Monday through Saturday,

and six deputies operate at all times; two at HQ and four on

patrol.

Education

Westchester Consolidated School

Westchester has been in operation since an ugly scandal closed

the Woodhill School for Boys in 1952. The student body runs

just over a thousand, grades K-12. The educational program is

The single-story brick building is divided into four main areas;

Turner's office, staff workroom, rec room and holding cells. The

rec room has weights and exercisers for fitness training. The

weapons locker holds 6 rifles, 4 shotguns, 8 pistols and 500

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excellent, with computer-assisted instruction and generous

contributions from area businesses. The drop-out rate is low, and

most students pursue higher education.

most serious cases. His deep, resonant voice and imposing

presence impact heavily on public opinion. He is gentle but

stern, a conservative with a strong sense of right and wrong.

Lately, Father Stanley has taken an interest in seeing that Mayor

Todd doesn't get re-elected.

A dark cloud on the horizon has come. Drugs. Since the turn of

the decade, absenteeism and campus violence are up while

grades have fallen. Despite recently added metal detectors and a

liberal search policy, many students carry weapons, and youth

gangs are growing.

The 'Nam

Growing frustration with the lack of a V.A. center in town led

local vets Peter McCallister and Pat Strong to construct a private

rec center for Evansmith's veterans. Infamously named, the

'Nam includes a bar, pool, hot tub, gym and bowling alley. The

alley is open to the public; $5/game plus $2/person for shoes,

half-price for veterans.

University of Michigan at Evansmith

Located three miles north of Evansmith on a 1,500 acre tract,

U.M.E. is a modest college serving over 2,000 students in

common fields of study. Established in 1915, U.M.E. is an

accredited institution offering the bachelor of science in 16

major programs, the bachelor of arts in 9 and an associate's

degree in 4 areas. Classes and most facilities are open to the

public. Several instructional classes in surveying, computers and

data processing provide continuing education to the public.

Tuition is $200/class (max. tuition $800/semester), plus

$40/class for materials. Full-time students take 4-6

courses/semester. PCs may pursue study in most mental and

some physical skills.

A combination of quality facilities and camaraderie draws scores

of vets and business is good. Pete makes profits to cover costs

only, so prices are -5% average for drinks and vending machines

(average for non-veterans).

Denny's Disco & Arcade

THE happening place in Evansmith, Denny's caters to the

eighteen and older crowd. Open from seven p.m. all night, this

pleasure palace stays packed till closing time. 'Denny' is Denny

Alexander, a hold-over from Woodstock who never really came

down off his last acid trip (in 1968, no less). The expansive

dance floor features strobe lights and a classic disco ball, band

stage, D.J.'s pit and bar. Adjoining the dance floor is a huge

arcade. The floor stays hot as Denny D.J.s Wednesday-Saturday,

four days per week.

A few faculty members contract privately with area businesses

for product testing and research. The head of the Science

Department, Dr. Morgan, consults with the Sheriff's Dept. on

evidence analysis. Faculty have academic specialty skills of

about 16.

Media

PCs with Addiction or Lecherousness are at home here. Every

dealer, tramp and gigolo for miles around gravitates to Denny's

like a moth to flame. Anyone can find just about anything,

though reaction rolls affect the quality of the merchandise.

KZYN Evansmith Radio

KZYN is a radio station owned by the university and operated

by students majoring in broadcasting and related fields. The

station alternates between Rock, Country and Jazz depending on

student preference. Irregular news casts spotlight local and

national happenings. Radio reception for other stations is

sporadic and poor; most townspeople keep a lot of tapes.

The Coming

Disappearance (Sept. 24 th )

We begin with the disappearance of Reggie Stans, son of Curtis

and Amelia Stans. Local news broadcasts over half the state

show photographs and a brief summary. Reggie was a student-

athlete at U.M.E. active in numerous organizations with no

known enemies. Reggie's Pontiac was found abandoned two

days ago between the campus and town, lights on and battery

dead. Reggie was not found. Photographs show a bright,

handsome young man with curly black hair and green eyes. The

only clue so far is his shoe, found mired in a ditch. Police

suspect the boy may have fallen victim to foul play.

The Evansmith Testifier

The Testifier is Evansmith's only newspaper, and most feel it's

enough. Published weekly, the Testifier averages 15-20 pages

and graphic, lurid photos. Four staff reporters write regular

columns and cover local events. Owner and Publisher Arnie

Palmer churns out candid editorials about politicians and area

scandals. Undaunted by three failed libel suits, Arnie continues

to decide elections and promote civic improvement.

The distraught Stans plead for public support. Curtis Stans is a

C.P.A. with extensive holdings in area business; he offers

$10,000 reward for information on his son's whereabouts.

Further, he hires any P.I. or investigator he finds. If the PCs have

a Reputation, he calls them. Stans provides $500 apiece up

front. He believes his son was killed by some pervert and buried

in the woods. Curtis cannot join the search because of Amelia.

His wife is mad with grief.

Gathering Points

First Catholic Church of St. Paul

The three churches in town are all well attended, with loose

denominational boundaries. The Catholic Church is strongest,

enjoying over three hundred parishioners. A small staff of five

lesser Priests provide upkeep, hear confessions and answer

questions about Church doctrine. Father Harold Stanley delivers

sermons and heads the church. Father Stanley also counsels the

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