A Real Life Mystery in West Canyon
If you have
been reading my blog, then you might remember that I based my Boot Hill campaign on the area where I was living out in Utah. The ruins of a house stand empty in Spanish
Fork Canyon. Located a short walk from
the ranch where I was living, I used to drive
past this abandoned structure every day going to and coming from work. After living in the area for several months,
I finally heard one of the theories about what had happened.
The story (or at least the abbreviated version of it) goes a little something like this...
But before it opened the house burned down under mysterious circumstances. The fire station is only four miles away but by the time the firefighters arrived, the building was engulfed in flames. If you ask the locals living in the area, their usual creepy cheerfulness evaporates, replaced by something more nervous. One might even go so far as to say “evasive”. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the fire, the house has stood empty, abandoned, and condemned since the incident.
Now we can take these events and easily spin them into a night’s worth of gaming goodness. Just change the dates or re-skin the story for a fantasy setting and add some NPCs and you have a ready-made location rife with possibilities for a mystery-themed adventure.
What REALLY happened on the night that the house burned down? Was there something sinister afoot or was it a simple accident? What are the neighbors trying to hide? An investigation into the events of that night could lead a group of adventurers down a dark and twisted path of conspiracy, deceit, and murder.
The story (or at least the abbreviated version of it) goes a little something like this...
A man
purchased this house with the intention of using it as a Halfway Home from
Troubled Youths from Salt Lake City – get them out of their toxic environment
to experience nature and a simpler way of living, a place where they could heal
and work through their recovery from addiction or criminal behaviors, a place
of safety and acceptance.
But before it opened the house burned down under mysterious circumstances. The fire station is only four miles away but by the time the firefighters arrived, the building was engulfed in flames. If you ask the locals living in the area, their usual creepy cheerfulness evaporates, replaced by something more nervous. One might even go so far as to say “evasive”. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the fire, the house has stood empty, abandoned, and condemned since the incident.
Now we can take these events and easily spin them into a night’s worth of gaming goodness. Just change the dates or re-skin the story for a fantasy setting and add some NPCs and you have a ready-made location rife with possibilities for a mystery-themed adventure.
What REALLY happened on the night that the house burned down? Was there something sinister afoot or was it a simple accident? What are the neighbors trying to hide? An investigation into the events of that night could lead a group of adventurers down a dark and twisted path of conspiracy, deceit, and murder.
I knew a dear man who had a son who was addicted. He was a sub-contractor, did re-modelling work, etc.
ReplyDeleteHe worked hard to remodel a home so guys coming out would have a place to stay.
The neighbors jumped up in arms, and, upon his completion of home, they somehow got an injunction to stop his use as such. They made sure another door was shut.
That given - that the locals who want peaceful lives and security Do Not Want that threatened - is sufficient cause for "protective action". In this case, arson.
I think someone knows the truth. There might even be some collusion with higher ups.
You got a fine mystery on your hands.
Its a cold case - and its a hot one. ;)
peace
justice