HHN XXI Speculation

[JDW]

Oh noes... Disney bought Uni! Oogie boogie is the ICON!

Ahem...

Could also stand for... fate or... Chance... (and I DO NOT MEAN the clown)

edit: Oh! Black Jack was originally called 21... which is first mention by Miguel de Cervantes... so there is a tie to the Don Quixote quote

Edited May 4, 2011 by JWFearman

[Lizz]

edit: Oh! Black Jack was originally called 21... which is first mention by Miguel de Cervantes... so there is a tie to the Don Quixote quote

Oooh... nice catch! Very interesting indeed. *runs off to do more research*

[Legacy]

And it wouldn't take much of an imagination stretch to picture a "Casino" to be the signature house of the event. And it would be something we have never seen before.

We also have the last name of Black being routinely used pop-culture to symbolize human images of death. So

HHN 21

Roll of the Dice = Gambling (in some way shape or form, either games, for your life, or Chance)

21 = Black Jack = Cervantes

Stretches

Black Jack = Alluded to by the "Black" death in Catacombs

"Black Jack" -> Black = Death

Suddenly, I see an icon that is a Card Dealer who could be the personification of Death.

And cheesy marketing puns are a dime a dozen when it comes to card games and death. HHN 21: "Gamble for Your Life," "House Wins," "Everything on Black" (Roulette), "Hit Me..."

EDIT - Geesh, this almost seems too good to NOT be it. It's perfect. A logical connection to the number 21 in the card game Black Jack, an icon name in the name Black Jack, a world and theme stemming from the card game (gambling and a casino), an occupation from the world (a Dealer)... It's too perfect.

It also reminds me of the "Death Dealers" from when I was in basic training. I even did drawings of them as Grim Reapers that used playing cards to determine fate.

The symbol for a spade can even (easily and logically) look like the hood of the Grim Reaper...

Halloween Horror Nights 21: Place Your Bets

I suddenly can't imagine anything else more perfect.

EDIT Again - Geesh, one more thought. Remember that "7x7" rumor from a while back. In the game Craps, "Lucky 7's." So, "7x7" could actually mean, a plural of sevens.

Edited May 4, 2011 by Legacy

[JDW]

of course that roulette wheel (with the head attatched to it spinning) from Frightanic sticks in my head

Always bet on black....

But you're right gambling Icon... possibly another form of the Chaos God (A.K.A. Jack) ... Death incarnate (ties into Emeric's earlier quotes on death)

Perhaps we get the same Gods that made up fear... in different forms?

Edited May 4, 2011 by JWFearman

[cwoolboy]

Am I the only one that thinks a gambling theme for this year would be a tad bit far-fetched. Thats not to say it couldn't play SOME part in the event (although as what, I'm not really sure...maybe souvineer playing cards...beats me.) I think what EB meant by his post was simply that: The game's about to begin!!!! It hasn't begun YET (Ie: no real hints quite yet) but it's about to. I'm thinking later tonight/sometime tomorrow hints and clues should start pouring in...then we can all start speculating. CAN'T WAIT!!!!

Edited May 4, 2011 by cwoolboy

[Mae]

All I can think of is

BLACK JACQUES SCHELLAC

Mae

Edited May 4, 2011 by Mae

[Lizz]

And it wouldn't take much of an imagination stretch to picture a "Casino" to be the signature house of the event. And it would be something we have never seen before.

We also have the last name of Black being routinely used pop-culture to symbolize human images of death. So

HHN 21

Roll of the Dice = Gambling (in some way shape or form, either games, for your life, or Chance)

21 = Black Jack = Cervantes

Stretches

Black Jack = Alluded to by the "Black" death in Catacombs

"Black Jack" -> Black = Death

Suddenly, I see an icon that is a Card Dealer who could be the personification of Death.

And cheesy marketing puns are a dime a dozen when it comes to card games and death. HHN 21: "Gamble for Your Life," "House Wins," "Everything on Black" (Roulette), "Hit Me..."

EDIT - Geesh, this almost seems too good to NOT be it. It's perfect. A logical connection to the number 21 in the card game Black Jack, an icon name in the name Black Jack, a world and theme stemming from the card game (gambling and a casino), an occupation from the world (a Dealer)... It's too perfect.

It also reminds me of the "Death Dealers" from when I was in basic training. I even did drawings of them as Grim Reapers that used playing cards to determine fate.

The symbol for a spade can even (easily and logically) look like the hood of the Grim Reaper...

Halloween Horror Nights 21: Place Your Bets

I suddenly can't imagine anything else more perfect.

EDIT Again - Geesh, one more thought. Remember that "7x7" rumor from a while back. In the game Craps, "Lucky 7's." So, "7x7" could actually mean, a plural of sevens.

Your excitement is making me excited! haha. There are a ton of ideas that could come from a gambling theme. Icons/t-shirts/marketing would be easy. A casino would be an awesome set for the Soundstages! It's probably not nearly this simple, but I really like the concept of gambling and wouldn't mind HHN 21 being based on that concept!

[Lizz]

Am I the only one that thinks a gambling theme for this year would be a tad bit far-fetched. Thats not to say it couldn't play SOME part in the event (although as what, I'm not really sure...maybe souvineer playing cards...beats me.) I think what EB meant by his post was simply that: The game's about to begin!!!! It hasn't begun YET (Ie: no real hints quite yet) but it's about to. I'm thinking later tonight/sometime tomorrow hints and clues should start pouring in...then we can all start speculating. CAN'T WAIT!!!!

I think the fact that he's referenced games, and now rolling the dice, with the combination of discovering the link between Cervantes and Black Jack is just too coincidental. It might not be a big clue, but I do think there will be something bigger than playing cards relating to this theme he's got going.

[JDW]

Am I the only one that thinks a gambling theme for this year would be a tad bit far-fetched.

Not at all. I think its easy to theme an entire event on fate, chance, and Chaos. They are vague ideas and cards and death are broad enough themes.

That's not to say that it is a clue... but It could easily be one. Being he typically ties things in and it fits so nicely with 21.

Edited May 4, 2011 by JWFearman

[Mae]

Oh, my second thought was Shel Silverstein's EPIC "The Devil and Billy Markam"

The Devil walked into Linebaugh's on a rainy Nashville night

While the lost souls sat and sipped their soup in the sickly yellow neon light.

And the Devil, he looked around the room, then got down on his knees.

He says, "Is there one among you scum who'll roll the dice with me?"

Red, he just strums his guitar, pretending not to hear.

And Eddie, he just looks away and takes another sip of beer.

Vince, he says, "Not me, I'll pass, I've had my share of Hell,"

And kept scribbling on a napkin, some song he was sure would sell.

Ronnie just kept whisperin' low to the snuff queen who clutched at his sleeve,

And somebody coughed -- and the Devil scoffed -- and turned on his heel to leave.

"Hold on," says a voice from the back of the room. "'fore you walk out that door.

If you're lookin' for some action, friend, well, I've rolled some dice before.

Mae

ps It's an awesome tale that I highly recommend, even if it isn't relevant.

[cwoolboy]

Ok, I'll admit you all do bring up some fascinating points. If I had to choose one idea that I find the most exciting it would have to be Legacy's icon idea. A dealer of death. I looked up death Dealer in Google and you wouldn't believe the images I found. Here's one example

needless to say this dude doesn't seem like the card playing type.

I guess what I;m saying is that...could EB be litterally referring to a card game or gambling theme??? SURE!!!!

Could he be using the game of cards and gambling as a methaphor or symbol for something deeper ??? YEAH!!!

Both are strong possibilities at the moment.

Edited May 4, 2011 by cwoolboy

[JDW]

that is a classic and Iconic Frank Frazetta painting.

[jadaada]

Based on the change of pace with the broader spectrum icon last year i would guess that this clue has more to do with Chance being a theme rather than a specific person. I'm sure they would personify it like they did Fear last year. But I can't help but think there may be more Choose your fate options in houses this year if this is indeed the theme.

[cwoolboy]

Roll The Dice...could be referring to chance, a risk, possibly even fate!!

As I'm sure you all know, there is such a thing as a game of chance, and yes...it could be played with dice. Probably someone rolls two dice and the players bet on what number will show up.

in a way we are all caught in a game of chance right now. Emeric has just rolled the dice and we are already putting money down on what the dice will show. as i said...it's the first day...nothing is set in stone yet. While it's quite possible that gambling, etc. could be the theme it is equally possible that the theme may not involve gambling at all. I'd put money down that chance plays a role in this years event in some shape or form, but likely in a form we would not expect. We all know that A&E is/are capable of great things and likes to play with our expectations...so expect the unexpected.

[Lizz]

Could he be using the game of cards and gambling as a methaphor or symbol for something deeper ??? YEAH!!!

Both are strong possibilities at the moment.

Fairly certain there was an unused idea for an icon matching that Death Dealer guy. I never made it to any VIP events, but I remember hearing stories about such a character. Dr. Jimmy, can you confirm or correct me here?

As for the second part, that's what I was trying to say. It might not literally be a card game, but the concept of gambling, chance, etc can produce quite a few ideas. Doesn't have to be a literal Casino/Dealer... but that would be fun! haha. I don't think he would be that obvious though, so the themes are what we need to consider.

[LV-426]

Oh noes... Disney bought Uni! Oogie boogie is the ICON!

Ahem...

this wouldn't be that bad!

I think a nightmare before Xmas scarezone would rock,

and, before someone says that's a child movie or something, If they could get away with making thestinker that was the Vampire's assistant into a scarezone, I could see a NBC zone or something being really awesome, that would certainly change things up a bit, that would be really awesome,

this will never happen and i Know you were joking, but, when I read this, my mind just wondered off and, imagining a zone, that would be sweet,

....nevermind....

[cwoolboy]

I AGREE!!!!!

[JDW]

Oh I agree a NMBC SZ would be awesome... Just wish disney would actually do something with the one decent "scary" property they have.

[killswitch22]

this wouldn't be that bad!

I think a nightmare before Xmas scarezone would rock,

and, before someone says that's a child movie or something, If they could get away with making thestinker that was the Vampire's assistant into a scarezone, I could see a NBC zone or something being really awesome, that would certainly change things up a bit, that would be really awesome,

this will never happen and i Know you were joking, but, when I read this, my mind just wondered off and, imagining a zone, that would be sweet,

....nevermind....

When I saw this I immediatly though of this

http://www.hulu.com/watch/105436/the-office-haunted-warehouse

Edited May 4, 2011 by killswitch22

[Dr. Jimmy]

Fairly certain there was an unused idea for an icon matching that Death Dealer guy. I never made it to any VIP events, but I remember hearing stories about such a character. Dr. Jimmy, can you confirm or correct me here?

As for the second part, that's what I was trying to say. It might not literally be a card game, but the concept of gambling, chance, etc can produce quite a few ideas. Doesn't have to be a literal Casino/Dealer... but that would be fun! haha. I don't think he would be that obvious though, so the themes are what we need to consider.

You are correct, the original Icon concept for HHN 13 was The Master who was closely modeled on that image. One of the reasons he was not used was due the the many logistical problems having an Icon on horseback presented.

Once again, as interesting as a Casino theme may be, all we know about so far is a game and dice. Nobody said anything about gambling or betting and dice come in many forms.

Edited May 4, 2011 by Dr. Jimmy

[Legacy]

You are correct, the original Icon concept for HHN 13 was The Master who was closely modeled on that image. One of the reasons he was not used was due the the many logistical problems having an Icon on horseback presented.

Once again, as interesting as a Casino theme may be, all we know about so far is a game and dice. Nobody said anything about gambling or betting and dice come in many forms.

All we have as far as "theme" hints go is "Game" and "Dice," yes. But we also have the number "21." Universal using the number of the event as part of it's theme and marketing has been done before: We had Sweet 16 which was directly related. The number 21 is a recognizable enough number to warrant a theme directly related to it, and "Game," "Dice," and "21" can all be directly connected to Casino Games.

[LV-426]

Oh I agree a NMBC SZ would be awesome... Just wish disney would actually do something with the one decent "scary" property they have.

okay

for some weird freaking dumb reason, (maybe is the money I don't know) they do nightmare Before Xmas for the Haunted Mansion over at Cali, but Not Here....

that makes me so mad, why not do it here, I guess so that people fly over there? I don't know, whole thing makes no sense

[traveller]

This is what he posted april 5th " The answers shall come in time, children. The game has not yet begun"

May 4th " Are you ready to play? Let's roll the dice and see what comes up"

Well it seems that the game is begun, I think the game is his posting of dark sayings and riddles

that may or may not have anything to do with HHN21(I'm guessing they do) . Reason? to feed the obsessed

minds of HHN fans trying to get any info on the theme.

or not. pretty cool anyways.

[zombieman]

Although the Death Dealer and games of chance (and Chance herself) all sound great as part of an HHN theme, do you really think they would have presented clues that were so obvious? It took a whole 3 posts to arrive at the gambling theme, in all its speculated glory.

No way is this going to be the theme.

(Now watch as Emeric Belasco sends us a new message with the words "wager", "bet", "chance", "wheel", "spin", "flip", "cards" or "bones" in it...)

Edited May 5, 2011 by zombieman

[Legacy]

Although the Death Dealer and games of chance (and Chance herself) all sound great as part of an HHN theme, do you really think they would have presented clues that were so obvious? It took a whole 3 posts to arrive at the gambling theme, in all its speculated glory.

No way is this going to be the theme.

(Now watch as Emeric Belasco sends us a new message with the words "wager", "bet", "chance", "wheel", "spin", "flip", "cards" or "bones" in it...)

Emeric's Shakespeare clue from last year was obvious. He pointed us directly to the line, "Cry Havoc, and let slip the dogs of war." We didn't know how it tied in, but we knew exactly how to translate the clue.

"Roll the dice," is really the only important part of Emeric's tweet that can be deduced as anything, and though a Casino/Gambling theme is the most obvious choice, it's a choice that does tie neatly with the number 21. The theme for the entire event might not be gambling, but it could still hint at a Casino-themed house.

I cannot imagine how a dice and paper RPG would work as a house, unless it's "Dungeon's and Dragon's: Jumanji Edition."

"Chance" and "Games of Fate" are more esoteric, so Emeric could be attempting to be intentionally vague. But hindsight has always shown his clues to be logical and fairly obvious, so there is no harm and immediately speculating when there is a perfectly viable solution that can easily be grasped.

A Casino would rock as a house.