Редактирование: Архив:Nightcat

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a solo adventure for [[GURPS Horror]]<br /> Copyright (c) 1988 by John Nowak.

'''«Nightcat»''' is a solitaire adventure for '''''GURPS Horror''''', although the worldbook is not needed to play. Your character is in a world where some nightmares are real, while others are not.

This adventure was designed for characters without magic or psionic skills. The Intuition advantage is only really useful in a gamemastered adventure; this adventure makes no provisions for it. Since any Dependent NPCs and Enemies will not show up in this adventure, it’s not fair to take them. Aside from that, feel free to design any 100-point character you’d like. If the following skills aren’t purchased, please calculate your character’s defaults in them. You may consider this a hint for character design, though of course some may be red herrings. They are presented in alphabetical order.

Your character owns a .45 pistol, and anybody can get a good knife. You live alone in a fairly respectable three-room apartment (kitchen/dining room, living room, bedroom, and bath). Your job allows you to work more or less freelance: you won’t have to devote any time to it in the course of this adventure. You do not have immediate access to high-tech weaponry (flamethrowers, LAWs . . .) or to mystic defenses (silver crucifix, holy water . . .). You do, however, have a silver carving knife which is not balanced for throwing (-3 to skill), and a supply of garlic powder. At times, some options simply are not available to you unless you can make a knowledge skill roll: please keep in mind that you are playing a character, not yourself.

Police are nice people, but they just don’t understand the specialized needs of paranormal investigators. If at any point you decide to go to the police with your story, you’ll be sent to the giggle-works. At best, you are prone towards paranoid delusions and a warped view of reality; at worst, you are a maniac responsible for a killing spree. Either way, you’re out of the game.

You live in New York City in the late 1980s. You are not in Dodge City in 1880. People do not carry weapons openly on the street, and carrying a concealed weapon gets the police very annoyed. If, at any time, you fire your gun in public, you will be nabbed by the cops unless you make a Streetwise roll. This roll is at −5 during daylight hours.

It is possible to sleep any time you are at your apartment, unless you woke from sleep less than six hours ago. To sleep six hours, just write the time you will be asleep before going to the next paragraph. If you sleep less than six hours in a 24-hour period starting at midnight, you must roll against your HT for each hour of sleep you have missed. Each roll which you miss gives you a Sleep Point. Sleep Points are used as negative modifiers for all HT, DX, and IQ rolls. Two hours of sleep remove one Sleep Point. The six hours of required sleep do not remove Sleep Points. Example: it’s midnight and you haven’t taken out any time to sleep in the past 24 hours. You missed 6 hours of sleep, so you must roll against your health 6 times. You fail the first roll: log one Sleep Point. Your next HT roll is at −1. If you make the five remaining rolls, you will have to sleep eight hours tomorrow to get rid of the Sleep Point, or make all your rolls at −1 for the entire day.

It’s 12:30 in the morning and you’re out for a walk. It’s a cool moonlit night and Manhattan is about as beautiful as it gets. Which can be very beautiful indeed. The muted light of the streetlamps is reflected in the rippling water pouring from an open hydrant. You pause, realizing that somebody should really call the Fire Department, when you find your eyes drifting to a dark shape in an alley’s puddle of darkness. Was it moving? Make a Vision roll: if you pass, go to [[#47|47]]; if you fail, go to [[#96|96]].

"You don’t know what you’re doing, " you start to say. Your mind races, desperately, seeking the one item, the one possibility which will save your life: but you feel despair and fear clenching your throat. "Yes, I do, " she says, and laughs. «I am the werecat. And you might be dangerous to me.» There is a manic joy in her eye. She enjoys this: at least, you think, the nightcat was only a hunter. You can fight ([[#103|103]]), or you can continue to play along ([[#161|161]]), hoping against hope that she will prolong the game.

You spin the pentagram; it starts twirling like a top, suspended in midair, like some exotic Christmas decoration. You barely have time to perceive it: the nightcat doesn’t even slow down. With shock, you realize she’s not a demon. She tenses her muscles, flashes teeth and claws, and strikes at you. Go to [[#100|100]].

As far as you can tell, your research leads you to suspect there are two possibilities. The nightcat might be a rather powerful werecat (since the full moon isn’t until Thursday) or it might be an assassin demon. You may try to equip yourself ([[#187|187]]) or go back home ([[#2|2]]).

«She has killed your people. There is nothing you can do for her but kill her. I beg you to let me take her.» Do you reconsider ([[#87|87]]) or do you resort to violence ([[#131|131]])?

It is Wednesday morning, and you are out of coffee. For an instant, disappointment over this triviality drives the thought of the nightcat far from you. If you have the victim’s wallet, turn to [[#130|130]]. If not, you can try to get your place fixed up ([[#123|123]]) by calling the superintendant, or you can try to get some information on the street ([[#150|150]]).

Add two hours. You are at the Public Library. The harried librarian is clearly losing patience with you. Make a Research roll at −3. If you fail, go to [[#146|146]]. If you succeed, go to [[#193|193]].

That night, she creeps through your window to visit you again. This time, she has brought her cub: a tiny, warm bundle of fur and teeth and eyes which have not yet opened. You feed her, and she allows you to stroke her and her baby (she eyes you suspiciously but doesn’t get angry). She curls up on your couch, nurses, and falls asleep; apparently quite comfortable with you. You may try to kill her while she sleeps ([[#190|190]]) or let her go in the morning ([[#181|181]]).

Soon, it moves out on four awkward limbs; the nightcat’s cub. Its fur is a silver-haloed black; the promise of power and speed obvious in every shape of its form. It looks at you frankly with unafraid eyes and mews expectantly. You can leave ([[#156|156]]), kill the cub ([[#94|94]]), attempt to take the cub with you and search the nest for clues ([[#186|186]]), or search the pile for clues and leave the cub alone ([[#25|25]]).

You find a note, fastidiously written with black ink on white paper: it says «Come to the Heaviside Club, 172 West 32nd Street.» You sigh. An obvious trap: or an obvious attempt to link with an ally. You can go there ([[#48|48]]), or go home ([[#119|119]]).

A helpful librarian tells you about an occult library and suggests you try doing research there, since this library doesn’t really have what you need. She does not seem to be trying to get rid of you: and you realize that there are many specialized texts which even superb libraries will not carry. You may go to the occult library ([[#142|142]]), or you can go back to your apartment and try to run down another clue ([[#44|44]]).

You rub your eyes: the ill-printed books have given you a headache. You may spend another three hours doing research, or you can give up. Roll your Research skill at −2. If you succeed, go to [[#136|136]]. If you fail, go to [[#36|36]]. If you quit, go to [[#44|44]] and take another course of action.

In a parish home for the homeless, you hear a rumor that street people are avoiding Central Park at night, even more so than usual. Apparently, the police have found four to six partially-eaten corpses stuffed into trees in the park; it’s being kept quiet to avoid copycat crimes. Rumors like this are common, but this seems it could be horribly real. Go to [[#55|55]].

«Werecat? How big a werecat?» His eyes are slightly curious, but oddly relaxed. Is he stringing you along? You can give him the correct information ([[#71|71]]) or pretend it was a joke and go home ([[#119|119]]).

The bowl arcs beautifully, spilling water as it flies. It crashes into her gun hand, and the water splashes against her. She starts screaming; from either fear, pain, or released tension, you can’t tell and you don’t fully understand. You can either scramble for the gun ([[#198|198]]) or engage her hand-to-hand ([[#154|154]]).

You open the door, and see Paula Schreck, the widow of the nightcat’s victim. She rushes into the room, carrying a gun. Go to [[#124|124]].

«Werecat? Is that anything like a werewolf?» you ask innocently. She looks at you strangely and you bite your tongue. "I don’t have the time or the inclination to play games. We can either discuss this matter like adults, or I’ll call the police, " she says, irritated. Do you agree to talk ([[#77|77]]), do you leave ([[#57|57]])?

You’re not certain what this means. Decide which hours you will sleep and go to [[#139|139]].

You hear an animal’s scream of fear and agony. You have done 2d+1 damage to her; she has DR 2 and HT 15. If you have killed her or knocked her unconscious, go to [[#68|68]]. Otherwise, She flashes past you; make a DX roll. If you succeed, go to [[#78|78]]. If you fail, go to [[#31|31]].

You are at the zoo. Add four hours. Make a Research roll at −2: if you succeed, go to [[#63|63]]; if you fail, go to [[#20|20]].

You see someone lying in the gutter. For a moment, you think he’s drunk when, like a nightmare, part of the shadow moves. You hear a deep, angry, feline growl; see a flash of reflecting green eyes over bared, white teeth. For a horrible instant, the only sound is blood dripping from the nightcat’s chin into the savaged chest of its victim. Make an Fright Check at −2, or −5 if you came here by way of paragraph 96. If you fail by 5 or more points, go to [[#199|199]]. If you fail, go to [[#179|179]]. If you succeed, go to [[#92|92]].

It’s odd, very odd. What’s more, it makes very little sense. If the werecat is an animal, how could it leave a message like that; if it isn’t why would she? It’s probably just a piece of insignificant scratch paper, but it’s worth a look. The club is quiet and small; an immaculate jewel in Art Deco. Business isn’t that good; a waiter comes to you immediately. You can order food and go home ([[#119|119]]) or you can ask the waiter about werecats ([[#32|32]]).

The speaker is Paula Schreck, Max’s widow: a short, quiet woman who does not look quite as sad as a widow perhaps should. Do you ignore her ([[#54|54]]) or strike up a conversation ([[#45|45]])?

You dial 911, fingers clumsy with fear. An eternity passes while the phone connects. You hear an operator’s voice just as the door explodes inwards. Go to [[#175|175]].

Well, at least she didn’t try to kill you. Go to [[#19|19]].

Make a Guns roll at −5. If you succeed, go to [[#76|76]]. If you fail, go to [[#31|31]].

She smiles contemptuously and screams «POLICE!!» at the top her lungs. You run away; nobody seems to be following you. Go to [[#54|54]].

Her body slumps to the ground, and rapidly turns into the nightcat. You haven’t been fighting a werecat — you’ve been fighting a werehuman. End Game. Earn 4 EP.

You scramble away. A few blocks later, you realize you have either outrun the nightcat or, more likely, it has decided to return to its meal. You may go back to your apartment ([[#149|149]]), or, if you can pass a simple Fright Check, you may wait for a while and go back to check on the remnants of the victim for clues ([[#117|117]]). If you fail the Check, you must return immediately home: creatures of the night are best contemplated with the door locked, the lights on, and the blankets firmly tucked under one’s feet.

Which approach will you take: «What’s a werecat?» ([[#38|38]]) or will you acknowledge what’s been happening to you ([[#77|77]])?

You stumble on your way out, and you feel death’s raven strike you with its feathers. But despite your terror, it doesn’t catch you. Go to [[#156|156]].

As well as you can, you describe the werecat. The waiter nods gravely, and speaks. «Please don’t look surprised or I will have you shot. Just get up and follow me into the kitchen.» You can obey ([[#95|95]]) or try to resist ([[#162|162]]).

You bolt, trying to flee the thing, but you stumble. An instant after you hit the ground, it’s on you and it’s all over. End Game.

Despite the coolness, you feel sweat break out. It’s following you. Roll against your DX. If you succeed, go to [[#62|62]]. If you fail, go to [[#72|72]].

This whole thing has been getting you down. It’s not just the fear of death: you have doubted your own sanity. to hear someone else ask about werecats is a tremendous relief. "We shouldn’t talk here, " she says after you admit your project. «There’s a chapel at the entrance to the cemetary. I’ll meet you there after Max is buried.» You can meet her ([[#191|191]]) or go home without speaking to her further ([[#54|54]]).

With incredible speed, she is bolting for the window. You may fire one more shot at her. Go to [[#56|56]] if you fire; go to [[#31|31]] if you don’t.

Newspapers are printed to be cheap and disposable: they are not printed to be read all day. Your head aches from deciphering newsprint, but you think you may have found something. An ad in the Personals section attracts your eye: LOST: One female cat, black. Bad temper. Named «Werecat.» Call 555—1212. Reward offered. At first you think it must be a coincidence. But then again, if someone were actually looking for the werecat, wouldn’t this be a logical thing to do to try to attract someone else’s attention? You can make the call ([[#188|188]]) or decide to ignore it ([[#119|119]]).

Sometimes one’s brain slips into a kind of overdrive: ignoring personal danger, it becomes a cold machine for analyzing data. With cool detachment you realize you have stumbled across a dangerous animal at its meal. Your stomach heaves. Go to [[#129|129]]

Forget it. It’s gone. For all you know, you may have run right by it. It’s been too many years since your ancestors were hunters. You may inspect the victim ([[#117|117]]) or go home ([[#149|149]]).

On your way out, you meet the dead cub’s father. End game.

"Thank you. Perhaps some day you will be good enough to visit the Heaviside Club, " he says with a slight smile on his features. Was it a friendly smile? She follows him quietly enough. You sit down, exhausted. You will have to visit that club some day. End game. Earn 6 character points.

You hurl the vial of holy water at the nightcat just as her form stretches for a leap at you. Make a Throwing skill roll at −3. If you succeed, go to [[#51|51]]. If you miss, go to [[#4|4]].

You’ve been searching Central Park all day. It’s getting late and you’re disgruntled. There is a creature in the city and you can’t find it . . . if only this was a small village in Eastern Europe. A death’s head smile tugs at your features and a passing cop eyes you suspiciously. You’re walking past a rock formation, eating a hot dog, when you notice a small cave. You mind clicks. Cats are usually lair-dwellers. And there shouldn’t be any caves in rock like this. . . do you get a flashlight and go in ([[#152|152]]) or do you pass it by ([[#67|67]])? Note: If you have Claustrophobia, you will have to roll to enter. See the Basic Set, p. 27.

Your heart thuds angrily in your throat, but you’re in control. A section of your mind photographs the creature before you. The nightcat does not have an animal’s body; despite the thick black fur which covers it like a shadow, her body is like a human’s and she probably stands erect. Add a +2 to your Research and +1 to Occultism for seeing this for the rest of this adventure. Make an Animal Handling roll. If you succeed, go to [[#82|82]]; if you fail, go to [[#129|129]].

The cub isn’t difficult to catch; it seems to enjoy being picked up by you. It mews trustingly as your fingers knot against its throat. Its struggles don’t last long, and soon you put its limp form back down. You may search the nest for clues ([[#114|114]]) or leave ([[#84|84]]).

They keep you prisoner for a few days, and release you unharmed. You never see the werecat again, and the Heaviside Club is burnt down. You may never know what sort of evil your life has brushed against, but at least you’re alive. End Game. Earn 3 EP.

The primal fear of all New Yorkers: hardwired into the human brain before humanity evolved, adapted to the urban environment. The fear that is often felt, usually wrong, but never ignored. There’s something behind you. Go to [[#47|47]].

"I think this is the year of the Subway Series, " you say glibly. She looks at you strangely and you bite your tongue. "We can either discuss this matter like adults, or I’ll call the police, " she says, irritated. Do you agree to talk ([[#77|77]]), do you leave ([[#54|54]]), or do you think she’s bluffing ([[#57|57]])?

You fire through the door, and the gun bucks in your hand like a living thing and its sharp thunder fills the room. With luck, you can wing the nightcat through its thin wood. Roll against your Guns skill at −3. If you succeed, go to [[#116|116]]. If you fail, go to [[#189|189]].

You’re not certain what’s going on, but you know when you’ve been threatened. If you simply rush her, she’ll blow your head off — so you need to throw her off balance. The bowl won’t hurt her, but it might distract her. You sweep your hand towards it. Roll against your DX. If you succeed, go to [[#33|33]]. If you fail, go to [[#180|180]].

As the creature leaps, you fire your gun. Make a Guns/Pistols roll at −3 to your skill. If you succeed, go to [[#42|42]]. If you fail, go to [[#125|125]].

You heard a soft click of claw against linoleum — you spin and find yourself facing the nightcat. Its elegant form coils itself as though to leap. Choose the weapon you use to find the paragraph you go to. Gun, [[#104|104]]. Silver Bullets, [[#140|140]]. Knife, [[#197|197]]. Silver Knife, [[#41|41]]. Pentagram, [[#7|7]]. Water, [[#90|90]]. Lamp, [[#176|176]]. Talisman, [[#17|17]]. Black Falcon, [[#167|167]].

It is not too difficult for you to fit in: there are a lot of people there, and one more slightly uncommunicative mourner is hardly noticed. You drift on the edges of conversation, and just as you have the irritated feeling that you’re wasting your day, you hear someone ask, as though casually, «Do you believe in werecats?» If you choose to ignore it, go to [[#54|54]]; otherwise, go to [[#50|50]].

You think you may be going crazy — but you think she just said, «Hungry.» How intelligent is the creature? You can see what you have in your fridge ([[#113|113]]), you can remain wary ([[#118|118]]), or you can move slowly towards her ([[#28|28]]).

It is Monday, you are at your apartment, it is late, and there’s really nothing that will get you out into the dusk. You must rest tonight. Decide what time you will sleep (if at all), and go to [[#101|101]].

You have the victim’s wallet. His name was Max Schreck. This wallet may come in useful in the future. Go to ([[#149|149]]).

Call the police-? And tell them what? Grimly, you wait. The door won’t stand up to more of that battering. You can choose to wait longer ([[#175|175]]), or if you have your gun, you may shoot through the door and hope to wing it. If you choose to fire, go to [[#99|99]] if you have normal bullets, or [[#121|121]] if you have silver bullets.

He’s dead, horribly so. His throat was torn open; his blood a crimson highlight against his pale terrorized face. You see that the soft parts of his body have been eaten. You may take his wallet ([[#6|6]]) and go home; or you may just go home ([[#149|149]]).

Add two hours. You are at the Public Library. Make a Research roll at −3. If you fail, go to [[#106|106]]. If you succeed, go to [[#26|26]].

The gun bucks in your hand as you fire through the door, hoping that hot lead will stop it and that you can hit it without seeing it. Roll against your Guns skill at −3. If you succeed, go to [[#116|116]]. If you fail, go to [[#189|189]].

«You seem a little uncomfortable. As though you’ve seen a werecat. Where did you say you met my husband?» Her voice is mild, almost casual, but there is no mistaking the meaning. She knows and she suspects you know. You can leave the area ([[#54|54]]) or try to salvage the situation ([[#50|50]]).

The funeral for Max Schreck, the man was killed by the nightcat on Monday morning, will be held later on today. According to the obituary, he was in the Army at the same time you were. It might be possible to pass yourself off as an old acquaintance from his days in the service. The problem is that there’s no way you could hide your gun or equipment in your black suit. If you go, you will go unarmed. If you decide to try anyway, go to [[#58|58]]. If you don’t think you will, go to [[#148|148]].

He quietly constricts the arteries leading to your brain. When you wake up, you’re alone. The game is over. Earn five character points.

Your gun fires. Make a Guns roll at −2. If you miss, go to [[#147|147]]. If you hit with normal bullets, go to [[#98|98]]. If you hit with silver bullets, go to [[#24|24]].

Grimly, you aim your pistol and hope the silver bullets will fire normally. You fire as she leaps at you. Roll against your Guns skill at −3. If you succeed, go to [[#42|42]]. If you fail, go to [[#125|125]].

You shake your head dolefully. It’s too risky. All it would take is one slip of the tongue and the police would be on you. Go to [[#14|14]], but don’t go to [[#130|130]] the second time.

You are home and it is Monday. You may sleep if you wish. You’re safe, for the moment. Maybe. You will certainly keep your .45 close by you when you’re in your apartment. And your silver carving knife. Every time a cat howls in the distance, your skin turns clammy and your jaw trembles. At 9:00 a.m. in the morning, you can start investigating. Go to [[#44|44]].

You know that you’re probably going to regret this, but you work your way into the tunnel. If you are Fat, go to [[#157|157]]. If not, go to [[#182|182]].

The nightcat changes her trajectory in midflight, the powerful shock adsorbers of her legs make her land behind you with a sound softer than your footstep. Quickly, you spin to face her; she looks curiously back at you. Her ears twitch forward, and she makes a soft-toned mewling sound cats don’t normally make. Make an IQ roll. If you pass, go to [[#108|108]], if you fail, go to [[#60|60]].

You know where the nightcat — or a nightcat — lives, but you know she’ll probably move her lair once she realizes you’ve been there. Go to [[#119|119]].

You hit her a good one, but she doesn’t seem to notice. Her hands are distorting, turning to claws. Make a Fright Check. If you pass, go to [[#81|81]]. If you fail, go to [[#12|12]].

It is Thursday morning and you are in a hotel. Tonight is the night of the full moon. It is time to think logically. The nightcat is an animal. An urban environment may be confusing to it. Your eyes drift to a tourist’s map of Manhattan, and you suddenly note a huge rectangle of green in among the gray of concrete and steel: Central Park. You may spend the day searching Central Park ([[#91|91]]), or reading the newspapers ([[#183|183]]).

"Listen to me, " you say. «You’re under a curse. I might be able to help you break it -» «What makes you think I want to break it?» she asks, incredulous. «As a human, I’m half dead. The werecat has power, strength, speed — I can see in the dark, I can make people my prey. Humans are all half dead; you haven’t seen or smelled or touched unless you use the senses of an animal. The time for talking is over. I want to see you squirm.» To squirm, go to [[#66|66]]. If you think your only real chance is to fight, go to [[#103|103]].

Shots ring out, but you don’t hear the last ones. End Game.

It is later than you thought; later than you’d like. It is too late to go anywhere else. Go to [[#109|109]].

You are at the zoo. Spend four hours talking with a specialist on feline predators, and make a Research roll at −2: if you succeed, go to [[#136|136]]; if you fail, go to [[#27|27]]

What’s a Black Falcon? Cheater. Find your own way back.

You mention that you have heard that Basten are malevolent. He sighs sadly. «Those same medieval writers blamed jews for Christ’s death. Not all opinions are factual. I hope you can rise above xenophobia.» If you agree to let him take her, go to [[#87|87]]. If you want to fight, go to [[#12|12]].

The next day, some people from the police greet you: they’d like to know why they were able to find your fingerprints around a mutiliated corpse last night. After a brief search, they find the wallet. They are now very curious indeed. End Game. Get 2 EP.

The door splits open, and the nightcat slinks in. She has a body more human than animal, covered with thick black fur. You’d guess that she’s about five feet tall. She is growling darkly, ominously, quivering with hungry anticipation. Her ears are flat against her head and you think her razor-toothed mouth could hold your clenched fist. Go to [[#158|158]].

"Gently, " he says. «I am not your enemy.» He removes his cowl, revealing the head of a hunting cat. «She is one of my people, stolen from us in childhood by an enemy who made her permanently into a were-human. That is why she can only be harmed with silver or changed with water while in human form. Her true body asserts itself when the moon is up, except for full moons. Since she can’t remember what she did as a were, she becomes . . . violent. Please let me take her home.» If you have heard of Basten, go to [[#168|168]]. Otherwise, do you agree ([[#87|87]]) or try to stop him ([[#12|12]])?

You’re rattled, and when you come out of it, you see the nightcat fleeing down an alley, running on two legs. Its lithe, black form breaks into a pool of light and it scrambles over a fifteen-foot wall as easily as you can open a door. You may check the victim ([[#117|117]]), or go home ([[#149|149]]). You may not chase the nightcat: you’re too shaken.

Screaming, you flee the chapel and don’t stop until you collapse. People eye you curiously: the mad babblers of the streets are rarely as well-dressed as you. Make an Occultism roll. If you succeed, go to [[#37|37]]. If you fail, go to [[#138|138]].

You make the call. Nothing ventured . . . a woman answers. You identify yourself and say that you think you may have found their lost cat. "That’s wonderful, " she says. «The children are heartbroken. Could you tell me roughly how big the cat you found is?» If you tell the truth, go to [[#196|196]]. If you’re convinced you’ve made a mistake and want to hang up, go to [[#119|119]].

The inside of the chapel is small, only a few yards on a side. There is a bowl on the altar filled with holy water. There is nobody else inside the chapel. You back is to the door when she enters; you turn and find yourself covered by a pistol — in the hands of Paula Schreck. You can fight ([[#103|103]]) or try to play for time ([[#5|5]]).

The super tells the police. If you took the victim’s wallet, they find it while searching your room for clues: End Game. Earn 2 EP. If you did not take the victim’s wallet, lose ten hours because of assorted red tape and go to [[#14|14]].

A helpful librarian tells you about an occult library and suggests you try doing research there, since this library doesn’t really have what you need. You may go to the occult library ([[#137|137]]), or you can go back to your apartment and try to run down another clue ([[#65|65]]).