The Horror

Introduction

For those unfortunate souls who have endured lives steeped in darkness and turmoil—whether as criminals, victims, or those who identify with the antisocial—the Horror Genre presents itself as a refuge.  This genre frequently exploits the vulnerabilities of others, surpassing the typical Echo in its predatory nature. These Genres often inflict harm upon those in their vicinity, consuming the bodies of fellow Echoes to sustain themselves—engaging in acts like blood consumption or even attempting to consume them whole and alive. Numerous instances exist where Horrors fixate on specific Echoes and, given Echoes can never die, subjecting their victims to repeated, agonizing deaths as a form of torment. 

Appearance

Horrors present a disconcerting reality among the Echoes.  Monsters are made manifest by the perverse and destructive desires of those who have either lost or thrown away their humanity. Their metamorphosis was the most literal of all the Genres, and also the most permanent. Horrors in Rumor tend to stay Horrors. That is not to say the Phenomenon does not have an interest in them. It is simply that their form harbors its gravity. The other denizens of Rumor have trouble differentiating a Horror from their deeds, however redeemed they may be.

Horrors and their physicality tend to fall under a few tropes:

Vampires:  With white skin and red eyes, elongated fangs, and sometimes claws, these Echoes of the Evernight take their horror movie visage all too literally. Their exodus from the sun is entirely self-imposed, some cower, others shriek and howl at its slightest touch. What isn’t self-imposed, however, is their fascination with blood.

Demons:  Demons typically have gemstone skin colors, long black horns, and glowing eyes. Their games, if you choose to partake, often involve a surrender of power.

Orcs, Ogres, and Trolls: These Horrors typically have powerful, if not bulky frames that are built for and invite abuse. Few are those who haven’t gathered a litany of battle scars on their emerald or amber-colored hides. Some also feature pronounced tusks or cumbersome deformed teeth.

Undead: Those Echoes who embrace their final destination all too willing most often become undead. Pallid sagging skin, sunken eye sockets, and generally rotten and decayed complexions. Advanced states of decay often are representative of an Echo that feels distanced from the concerns of living life.

Why would someone become a Horror? 

The unsettling appearances of Horrors often bear the marks of traumatic events that scarred their time while alive. Whether they met grisly demises, became ensnared in nightmarish predicaments, or exhibited a penchant for inflicting immeasurable harm upon others, Horrors are never born from times of prosperity.

Stripped of their Quiet disguise, their monstrous exteriors function as a deterrent. This could be a defensive adaptation rooted in the Echo’s challenging life prior to Rumor, a result of prolonged exposure to the traumas of Rumor City leading to an inner distortion, or perhaps their terrifying appearance conceals a genuinely dangerous nature – Echos that exploit and manipulate others for their gain. The explanation differs for each Echo’s personal narrative.

Genre’s Unique Trait 

Horrors possess a distinct ability among the Echoes – they can temporarily assume the form of a Quiet. This unique power allows them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, capitalizing on their terrifying presence to navigate Rumor City with minimal interference and unwelcome attention. A Horror concealed within a Quiet façade, for the most part, faces little more than potential harm to their personal reputation and social ties in the event of exposure. While some Horrors opt not to employ this ability for concealment, others find delight in leading a dual existence. Additionally, there are those who may oscillate between the two appearances based on their prevailing mood. 

Conclusion

In the unsettling realm of the Horror Genre, a sanctuary arises for souls marred by darkness, turmoil, and social isolation, whether they be victims, criminals, or those estranged from the society of Rumor City. Many veil their ominous visages behind Quiet disguises, wielding the twofold ability to assimilate or stand out. However, a subset openly embraces their malevolent essence, transforming into entities that perceive each Echo as potential sustenance. Horrors emerge not from times of prosperity; their monstrous exteriors, unveiled as Quiet disguises fall away and stand as warnings to any that dare get too close.