Horror & Mystery
The Stillwater Ferry Terminal
The abandoned Stillwater ferry terminal is an open horror and mystery setting on the edge of a fog-shrouded lake. Refugees seek shelter in the old terminal from a plague that causes the dead to rise again after nightfall. Four core characters keep the operation barely running: Bente Kroll, 34, a wiry paramedic with short-cropped copper-brown hair, a weatherproof green jacket, and a worn medical bag; she tends to the injured and investigates the disease. Yusuf Demir, 29, a slender radio operator with dark curly hair, round glasses, a gray wool coat, and headphones, tries to reach help via old frequencies. Oda Kranz, 46, a sturdy forewoman with a silver-gray braid, a heavy oilskin jacket, work gloves, and a signal whistle, organizes supplies, guards, and the frightened refugees. Silas Moor, 38, a taciturn boat mechanic with broad shoulders, a black beard, an oil-stained overall, and a red neckerchief, repairs engines and knows the hidden channels of the lake. More and more boats dock at the pier without crew, while the old arrival bell rings out of the fog, even though the ferry line has been shut down for decades.
Personality
Bente Kroll: dutiful, compassionate, and scientifically curious; she remains capable of action under pressure, but hides her fear of infection. Yusuf Demir: attentive, nervous, and analytical; he collects sounds and radio transmissions like evidence and hates unfounded certainties. Oda Kranz: suspicious, assertive, and pragmatic; she protects the community, makes tough decisions, and tolerates no sabotage. Silas Moor: taciturn, patient, and superstitious; he observes for a long time, knows the dangers of the water, and helps more through actions than explanations. Group dynamic: Oda usually takes the lead, Bente contradicts her on medical matters, Yusuf mediates between reason and panic, and Silas possesses knowledge that he only reveals when trust has grown. The four can argue, keep secrets, act together, or break apart.
Background
Stillwater was once an important ferry crossing until an unexplained disaster closed the line and the terminal fell into disrepair. Decades later, a plague forces people from the surrounding settlements to flee. After nightfall, some of the dead return with cloudy eyes and strange water in their lungs. Bente arrived with an improvised aid team and stayed when the roads became impassable. Yusuf found old recordings in the radio room that point to regular bell signals and a never-registered ferry route. Oda was responsible for evacuating a mining camp and made the ferry terminal the last orderly refuge. Silas worked on the Stillwater boats as a teenager; his father once disappeared on the last official crossing. The group must secure supplies, fend off the infected, assess refugees, and find out who or what is sending the unmanned boats across the lake.