I’ve been silent here for the past few weeks because I’ve been working on preparing The Uncanny Highway for eventual publication. Many of the tables already posted on this blog have been reworked, reordered and expanded. Plus, there is an entirely new and comprehensive system for generating and keeping track of Highway Sections, facilitating completely spontaneous Road Trips across Groovy Era America. The body of the book will be more-or-less system neutral, but I plan to include “The Ready Rules of the Road” – a stripped-down and reworked version of the system used for Ghastly Affair – as an Appendix.
Doubtless there will be some adjustments on the way to a final text, but here’s the current contents listing (not including the many informational sidebars):
WELCOME TO THE UNCANNY HIGHWAY
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
General Characteristics of the Uncanny Highway
Sections and Stretches
Create the Starting Section
Example of a Filled-Out Road Map – Section NJ 1
Creating the Rest of the Uncanny Highway
Map of the Uncanny Highway
The Sections of U.S. Route 28 State by State
Table 1: Road Features of a Highway Stretch
Table 2: Roadside Attractions of a Highway Stretch
Table 3: Encounter Themes and Style of a Highway Section
North – South Road Map
East – West Road Map
Northeast – Southwest Road Map
Northwest – Southeast Road Map
DRIVING THE HIGHWAY
When the PCs Enter a New Section of Highway
When the PCs Enter a New Stretch
Remind Them to Refuel
Characters Must Eat and Drink
Visiting Attractions
Picking up Hitchhikers
Listening to the Radio In-Game
Reading Newspapers In-Game
Watching TV In-Game
Sleeping on the Uncanny Highway
Hitchhiking PCs
When the PCs Run Out of Money
When the PCs Commit Crimes
Settling Down
Pausing Between Sections
Improvisation
Table 1: Ordinary Vehicles on a Highway Stretch
Table 2: Road Events on a Highway Stretch
“You Can’t Get There from Here” – Leaving the Uncanny Highway
The Vietnam War and the Uncanny Highway
ABANDONED VEHICLES
Table 1: Abandoned Vehicle
Table 2: Condition of an Abandoned Vehicle
Table 3: Inhabitants of an Abandoned Car
Table 4: Items in an Abandoned Vehicle
Abandoned Vehicle Record Sheet
AMUSEMENT and THEME PARKS
Table 1: Amusement Park Name
Table 2: Amusement Park Sign
Table 3: Amusement Park Theme
Table 4: Amusement Park Enclosure
Table 5: Park Condition
Table 6: The Staff
Table 7a: Attractions
Table 7b: Carousel Mounts
Table 7c: Freak Show Features
Table 7d: Haunted House Features
Table 7e: Funhouse / Walkthrough Features
Table 7f: Tunnel of Love / Old Mill Ride Features
Table 7g: Stage Performances and Concerts
Table 7h: Midway Games and Attractions
Table 7i: Arcade Games and Attractions
Table 8: Game and Carousel Brass Ring Prizes
Table 9: Bathrooms
Table 10: Concession Stand Food
Table 11: Gift Shop Merchandise
Table 12: Ride & Attraction Events
Table 13: Shocking Facts and Secrets of an Amusement Park
Amusement Park Record Sheet
BARS and ROADHOUSES
Table 1: The Bar’s Name
Table 2: The Sign Outside
Table 3: Bar Exterior
Table 4: Bar Parking Lot
Table 5: Bar Interior
Table 6: Bar Patrons
Table 7: Smell of the Bar
Table 8: Bar Floor
Table 9: Cigarette Availability at a Bar
Table 10: The Bartender
Table 11: Bar Events
Table 12: Bar Drinks
Table 13: Bar Food
Table 14: Bar Attractions and Amenities
Sub-table 1: Stripper Names
Table 15: Bar Bathroom
Table 16: Items Lost on the Bar Floor
Table 17: Shocking Facts and Secrets of a Bar
Bar or Roadhouse Record Sheet
BILLBOARDS
Table 1: Apparent Purpose of a Billboard
Table 2: The Main Image on a Billboard
Table 3: Billboard Text
Table 4: Notable Characteristic of a Billboard
Billboard Record Sheet
CB BROADCASTS
Table 1: Identity of a CBer
Table 2: CB Radio Handles
Table 3. Topic of a CB Conversation
Table 4: Personality of a CBer
Table 5: Accent of a CBer
CB and Trucker Slang
Cb Broadcast Record Sheet
CHURCHES
Table 1: Apparent Denomination of a Church
Table 2: Size of a Church
Table 3: Architectural Style of a Church
Table 4a: Name of a Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, or Episcopal Church
Table 4b: Name of a Church (other than Episcopal, Catholic, or Orthodox)
Table 5: Writing on a Church Message Board
Table 6: Condition of a Church Exterior
Table 7: The Church Grounds
Table 8: The Actual Use of a Church
Church Record Sheet
DINERS, RESTAURANTS, and EATERIES
Table 1: The Sign Outside a Diner, Restaurant, or Eatery
Table 2: Exterior of a Diner, Restaurant, or Eatery
Table 3: Parking Lot of Diner, Restaurant, or Eatery
Table 4: Interior of a Diner, Restaurant, or Eatery
Table 5a: Cigarette Availability
Table 5b: Non-Smoking Section of a Diner, Restaurant, or Eatery
Table 6: The Food at a Diner, Restaurant, or Eatery
Table 7: Staff of a Diner, Restaurant, or Eatery
Table 8: Bathroom at a Diner, Restaurant, or Eatery
Table 9: Other Patrons at a Diner, Restaurant, or Eatery
Table 10: Shocking Facts and Secrets of a Diner, Restaurant, or Eatery
Diner, Restaurant, or Eatery Record Sheet
DRIVE-IN THEATERS
Table 1: Drive-In Theater Name
Table 2: Drive-in Capacity
Table 3: Daytime Use of a Drive-In
Table 4: Featured Movie(s)
Table 5: Drive-in (and Grindhouse) Movie Titles
Table 6: Drive-In Movie Characteristics
Table 7: Drive-In Concessions
Table 8: Drive-In Events
Drive-In Theater Record Sheet
FARMS and RANCHES
Table 1a: Type of Farm or Ranch
Table 1b: Farm or Ranch Market
Table 2a: Crops in the Northeast
Table 2b: Crops in the South
Table 2c: Crops in the Midwest
Table 2d: Crops in the Western Prairie and Rocky Mountains
Table 2e: Crops in the Southwest
Table 2f: Crops in Southern and Central California
Table 2g: Crops in the Pacific Northwest / Northern California
Table 3a: Livestock in the Northeast
Table 3b: Livestock in the South
Table 3c: Livestock in the Midwest
Table 3d: Livestock in the Western Prairie and Rocky Mountains
Table 3e: Livestock in the Southwest
Table 3f: Livestock in Southern and Central California
Table 3g: Livestock in the Pacific Northwest / Northern California
Table 4: Exotic Animals on a Farm or Ranch
Table 5: The Farmhouse or Ranch House
Table 6: The Family and Inhabitants
Table 7: The Barn
Table 8a: Other Structures on a Farm
Table 8b: Contents of a Greenhouse
Table 9: Farm Vehicles and Machines
Table 10: Notable Things on the Property
Table 11: Actual Use of a Farm or Ranch
Farm or Ranch Record Sheet
GAS STATIONS
Table 1: Gas Station Architecture
Table 2: Number of Pumps at a Gas Station
Table 3: Quality of Gasoline and Diesel at a Gas Station
Table 4: Gas Station Vending Machines
Table 5a: The Gas Station Garage
Table 5b: Services Offered by a Garage
Table 5c: Gas Station Garage Mechanic
Table 6: Gas Station Bathroom
Table 7: Also For Sale at a Gas Station
Table 8: Gas Station Cashier
Table 9: Gas Station Attendant
Table 10: Shocking Facts and Secrets of a Gas Station
Table 11: Gas Station Events
Gas Station Record Sheet
GHOSTS and HAUNTINGS
Table 1: Vanishing Hitchhikers
Table 2: Ghostly Vehicles and Riders
Table 3: Ghosts of Haunted Houses and Businesses
Table 4: Ghosts of the Countryside, Lover’s Lanes, and Parks
Ghost or Haunting Record Sheet
HITCHHIKERS and HITCHHIKING
Table 1: First Impression of Hitchhiker(s)
Table 2: Hithchiker Ethnicity
Table 3: Notable Characteristics of a Hitchhiker
Table 4: Stated Destination of a Hitchhiker
Table 5: The Hitchhiker’s Offer
Table 6: Real Intentions of Hitchhikers
Table 7a: Hitchhiking Result – Lone Female Hitcher
Table 7b: Hitchhiking Result – Lone Male Hitcher
Table 7c: Hitchhiking Result – All-Female Group
Table 7d: Hitchhiking Result – Couple, or Mixed Group
Table 7e: Hitchhiking Result – All-Male Group
Table 8: Potentially Alarming Situations when Hitchhiking
Table 9: Ride Offer
Table 10: Identity of the Driver
Hitchhiker Record Sheet
HOUSES
Table 1: House Style
Table 2: House Color
Table 3: Overall Condition of the House
Table 4: The Attached Property
Table 5: Notable Features of the House and Property
Table 6: House Inhabitants
Table 7: Cars on the Property
House Record Sheet
MONUMENTS, MEMORIALS, and SHRINES
Table 1: Monument, Memorial, or Shrine Subject
Table 2a: Monuments
Table 2b. Roadside Memorials
Table 2c. Religious Shrines
Table 3: Effect of an Offering at a Memorial, Monument, or Shrine
Table 4: Offering Informant
Monument, Memorial, or Shrine Record Sheet
MOTELS
Table 1: Motel Name
Table 2: Motel Architecture
Table 3: Motel Layout
Table 4: Motel Size
Table 5: Motel Vacancy
Table 6: Motel Front Desk Clerk
Table 7: Motel Room Cost
Table 8: Motel Amenities
Table 9: Motel Room Decor
Table 10: Notable Feature of a Motel Room
Table 11: Motel Room Bible
Table 12: Motel Vending Machines
Table 13: Motel Guests
Table 14: Motel Events
Table 15: Shocking Facts and Secrets of a Motel
Motel Record Sheet
MYSTERY SPOTS, or GRAVITY HILLS
Table 1: The Mystery Spot Sign
Table 2: The Anti-Gravity Effect
Table 3: Mystery Spot Amenities
Table 4: Mystery Spot Pay Toilets
Table 5: Mystery Spot Concession Stand
Table 6: Mystery Spot Souvenirs
Table 7: Mystery Spot Attendant
Mystery Spot or Gravity Hill Record Sheet
NEWSPAPERS
Table 1: Newspaper Name
Table 2: Newspaper Lead Story
Table 3: Strange News Stories
Table 4: Today’s Horoscope
Table 5: Most Notable Advertisement in a Newspaper
Table 6: Letters to the Editor
Table 7: Movie Reviews
Table 8: Help Wanted
Newspaper Record Sheet
NPCs
Table 1a: Female First Names
Table 1b: Male First Names
Table 1c: Female Hippie Names
Table 1d: Male Hippie Names
Table 2a: General American Surnames
Table 2b: Hispanic Surnames
Table 2c: Jewish-American Surnames
Table 2d: Chinese-American Surnames
Table 2e: Native American Surnames
Table 3: Zodiacal Signs
Table 4a: Most Memorable Characteristic of an Aries
Table 4b: Most Memorable Characteristic of a Taurus
Table 4c: Most Memorable Characteristic of a Gemini
Table 4d: Most Memorable Characteristic of a Cancer
Table 4e: Most Memorable Characteristic of a Leo
Table 4f: Most Memorable Characteristic of a Virgo
Table 4g: Most Memorable Characteristic of a Libra
Table 4h: Most Memorable Characteristic of a Scorpio
Table 4i: Most Memorable Characteristic of a Sagittarius
Table 4j: Most Memorable Characteristic of a Capricorn
Table 4k: Most Memorable Characteristic of an Aquarius
Table 4l: Most Memorable Characteristic of a Pisces
Table 5: NPC Stats
NPC Record Sheet
RADIO STATIONS and BROADCASTS
Table 1: Legal AM Radio Station Name
Table 2: Legal AM Radio Station Broadcasts
Table 3a: Talk Between Songs
Table 3b: Radio Contests and Prizes
Table 4: Shortwave Radio Broadcasts
Table 5: Ham Radio Broadcasts
Table 6: Bizarre Sermons On The Radio
Table 7: Bizarre Conspiracy Theories On The Radio
Radio Station and Broadcast Record Sheet
ROADSIDE MUSEUMS
Table 1: Roadside Museum Collection
Table 2: Architecture of a Roadside Museum
Table 3a: Outdoor Collection of a Roadside Museum
Table 3b: Shocking Facts and Secrets of the Outdoor Collection
Table 4a: Indoor Collection of a Roadside Museum
Table 4b: Shocking Facts and Secrets of the Indoor Collection
Table 5: State of a Roadside Museum’s Exhibits
Table 6: Other Patrons at a Roadside Museum
Table 7: Roadside Museum Concessions
Table 8: Items in a Roadside Museum’s Souvenir Shop
Roadside Museum Record Sheet
SMALL TOWNS
Table 1: Name of a Small Town
Table 2: Population of a Small Town
Table 3: Slogan of a Small Town
Table 4: The Local Landmark of a Small Town
Table 5: Main Industry of a Small Town
Table 6a: Basic Layout of a Small Town
Table 6b: Districts of a Small Town
Table 7: First Impression of a Small Town
Table 8: Predominant Architecture of Buildings in Town
Table 9: Shocking Facts and Secrets of a Small Town
Table 10: Ethnic Makeup of a Small Town
Table 11: General Disposition of Adults and Teens in a Small Town
Table 12: Pride of a Small Town
Table 13: Most Beloved Event or Celebration in an American Small Town
Table 14a: Essential Businesses & Establishments of a Small Town
Table 14b: Additional Businesses & Establishments of a Small Town
Table 15: The Local Cemetery
Table 16: The Public Park or Play Ground of a Small Town
Table 17: The Local Library of a Small Town
Table 18: The Local Lover’s Lane
Table 19: The Unsafe Teenage Hangout
Table 20: Town Politics
Table 21a: Dominant Organization of a Small Town
Dominant Organization Sub-table 1 – Odd Secret Societies
Table 21b: Covert Power Center of a Small Town
Table 22a: The High School Varsity Team
Table 22b: The Dominant Varsity Sport in a Small Town
Table 23: The Wealthiest Person in Town
Table 24: The Most Beloved Person in Town
Table 25: The Town Conscience
Table 26: The Town Bully
Table 27: The Town Scapegoat
Table 28: The Town Jezebel
Table 29: the Town Lothario
Table 30: The Town Drunk
Table 31: The Town Weirdo
Table 32: The Town Mastermind
Table 33: True Danger of a Small Town
Table 34: Current Events and First Encounters in a Small Town
Table 35: Notices Posted Around a Small Town
Table 36 Encounters on the Streets of a Small Town
Encounters Sub-table 1: Daytime, Warm Weather
Encounters Sub-table 2: Nighttime, Warm Weather
Encounters Sub-table 3: Daytime, Cold Weather
Encounters Sub-table 4: Nighttime, Cold Weather
Table 37: Up in the Sky Above a Small Town
Table 38: Recent Local Events in a Small Town
Small Town Record Sheets
SOUVENIR SHOPS
Table 1: Architecture and Decor of a Souvenir Shop
Table 2: Items for Sale in a Souvenir Shop
Table 3: Quality of Items in a Souvenir Shop
Table 4: Patrons in a Souvenir Shop
Table 5: Cashier in a Souvenir Shop
Table 6: Other Things to See in a Souvenir Shop
Table 7: Singular Objects for Sale in a Souvenir Shop
Souvenir Shop Record Sheet
STORIES FROM THE ROAD
Table 1: Men’s Stories
Table 2: Women’s Stories
Table 3: Local Legends
STRANGE ANIMALS and CREATURES
Table 1a: Encounters in the Northeast
Table 1b: Encounters in the South
Table 1c: Encounters in the Midwest
Table 1d: Encounters in the Western Prairie and Rocky Mountains
Table 1e: Encounters in the Southwest
Table 1f: Encounters in Southern and Central California
Table 1g: Encounters in the Pacific Northwest / Northern California
Table 2a: Appearance of an Extraterrestrial
Table 2b: Appearance of an Extraterrestrial Vehicle
Table 3: Unique Chimeric Humanoids
Table 4: Unique Chimeric Animals
Table 5: Creature Traits in Relative Terms
Strange Animal or Creature Record Sheet
TRAILER PARKS
Table 1: Reason to Stop at a Trailer Park
Table 2: Trailer Park Name
Table 3: Size of the Park
Table 4: Trailer Park Enclosure
Table 5: Trailer Park Amenities
Table 6: The Trailer Park Manager
Table 7: Notable Trailer Park Residents
Table 8: Some Average Residents of a Trailer Park
Table 9: Home of a Trailer Park Resident
Table 10: Items Outside a Trailer Park Home
Table 11: Community Activities in a Trailer Park
Table 12: Criminal Activity in a Trailer Park
Table 13: Shocking Facts and Secrets of a Trailer Park
Table 14: Overnight Events in a Trailer Park
Trailer Park Record Sheet
TRUCK STOPS
Table 1: Truck Stop Name
Table 2: Truck Stop Theme
Table 3: Truck Stop Parking Lot
Table 4: Truck Cargoes
Table 5: Gas & Diesel Pumps at a Truck Stop
Table 6: Truck Stop Mechanic
Table 7: Carwashing
Table 8: Truck Stop Restaurant
Table 9: Truck Stop Lounge
Table 10: Truck Stop Lounge, Restaurant, and Shop Encounters
Table 11: Truck Stop Bathrooms
Table 12: Truck Stop Bathroom Patrons
Table 13: Truck Stop Showers
Table 14: Truck Stop Bunks
Table 15: Truck Stop Laundry Facilities
Table 16: Truck Stop Vending Machines
Table 17: Items in a Truck Stop Shop
Table 18: Drugs Available at a Truck Stop
Table 19a: “Lot Lizards” at a Truck Stop
Table 19b: Face of a Female (or Cross-Dressed) Prostitute
Table 19c: Clothing of a Female (or Cross-Dressed) Prostitute
Table 19d: “Lot Lizard” Hopes and Dreams
Table 20: Truck Stop Pimp
Table 21: Truck Stop Rumors and Gossip
Table 22: Truck Stop Events
Truck Stop Record Sheet
TV STATIONS and BROADCASTS
Table 1: Legal Television Station Name
Table 2: Current Programming of a Legal TV Station
Table 3: Local TV News Stories
Table 4: Breaking News Bulletins
Table 5: Television Oddities and Signal Intrusions
Table 6: Programming of a Pirate TV Station
TV Station and Broadcast Record Sheet
UNMARKED ROAD EXITS
Unmarked Road Exit Record Sheet
WEATHER
Table 1: Weather Conditions on a Highway Section
Table 2: Precipitation Type
Table 3: Notable Weather Phenomena (Other Than Tornadoes)
Table 4a: Tornado Occurrence and Severity
Table 4b: Tornado Location and Duration
Weather Record Sheet
APPENDIX 1: THE READY RULES OF THE ROAD
The Players and The Game Master
Character Creation
Combat
Saving Throws (or Saves)
Character Advancement
Player Character Concepts
Paranormal Effects
Equipment, Possessions, and Expenses
For The Game Master: Resolving Common Situations
For The Game Master: Some Typical NPCs
For The Game Master: Creatures Of The Uncanny Highway
APPENDIX 2: THE UNCANNY HIGHWAY PLAYLIST
Legal Information – The Open Game License