HHN XXI Speculation II

[RingMaster]

Not necessarily. They might only want to bring back one recognizable icon this year, basically throwing her into the event for marketing purposes. The sad fact of the matter is that A&D does NOT have full control over their event; anything they do has to be approved by the suits in charge, and they can change whatever they like or mess with the budget however they want.

Right, but I didn't say that she wouldn't be the ONLY one they would bring back, just that she wouldn't be THE one that would return if it were up to corporate. Especially not when there's an icon that's been in all but I believe two years out of this past decade, including XX...

[Sohrin]

The two things i got from the website are this....

I don't know why, but I want to think that there will be a RUN style house.... Gambling your life, and such. Game Show-y kind of thing.

I think our "dealer" would be a dealer of death. I am thinking death personified, like in Harry Potter, the deathly hollows, Death is cunning and tricks people into death. i think the dealer would be like this. Unless its a maniacal person like Two Face, that would be awesome too. Leaving EVERYTHING to chance, and stuff.

Those are just my 2 cents.

[Legacy]

I'm well aware of this and what I forgot to say, mostly due to lack of sleep, what if we are going to an era where the houses have some sort of interlocking story line. Think about the horror anthology movies such as creep show or the newly released and wrongfully released as DVD only, Trick R Treat. In Trick R Treat the movie had a main icon character, he's on the front of the cover but he isn't the central character of every story within the movie. But he does interlock the stories together. Now think of each of the stories in the movie and turn them into houses and Zones, I think it would be more immersive as a guest if each haunt isn't too drastically different then the other's around it. Sort of like when you walk into HHN you are accepted into a world that is dictated by fate or lady luck whatever. She has a hand in everything that goes on within the park, it's her domain. Not to mention it would be a nice challenge for the creative team to do that sort of thing. Now I'm not saying be completely heavy handed in showing how lady luck effects each house, but just be subtle enough to keep a general vibe of perhaps dread that your luck may run out tonight.

The icons prior to Terra Cruentes didn't interlock the stories of the houses and zones at all. The Director had the Hide and Shriek and completely random, demon infested Port of Evil, and the Caretaker (the guy with the funeral parlor) had Jurassic Park and Marvel. Jack in his first two years got one house and one scarezone. That's all an icon needs. To expect an overarching tie between the houses, as nice as it to have, to honestly asking too much. You can't always expect that, because that limits the variety you can have in the event. I can tell you that one of the houses I suspect is coming has nothing to do with gambling. Not a thing. I can't even imagine one poessible, logical string to try it with. In other words, don't focus to much on how the houses and scarezones will tie in. I suspect this year is going back to the early 2000's conceit, with a general theme and icon, who has 1 house and/or scarezone, and that's it. The rest of the houses and zones are a conglomeration of cool ideas.

[Michele]

Not necessarily. They might only want to bring back one recognizable icon this year, basically throwing her into the event for marketing purposes. The sad fact of the matter is that A&D does NOT have full control over their event; anything they do has to be approved by the suits in charge, and they can change whatever they like or mess with the budget however they want.

The general public does not know who Cindy is. She is not a recognizable icon outside of this group.

[Ross]

On cindy's facebook

Chance Schmidt

I hope your just as happy as I am with the change of the site >

Tuesday at 8:34pm

And i her about me section

About

I hope to see you all very soon!!!!!

Description

Starting out in 2007 with Jack, I came back years later for the 20th reunion. Will I be back?

Has this got to do anything with the queen on the card, having a knife???????

Edited June 30, 2011 by Ross

[Legacy]

On cindy's facebook

Chance Schmidt

I hope your just as happy as I am with the change of the site >

Tuesday at 8:34pm

And i her about me section

About

I hope to see you all very soon!!!!!

Description

Starting out in 2007 with Jack, I came back years later for the 20th reunion. Will I be back?

Has this got to do anything with the queen on the card, having a knife???????

None of those Facebook pages are official. They're run by fans who have just as much information as we have, who are piecing the exact same things together that we are.

[Legacy]

Speculation Recap

Okay, I want to recap some of the general thoughts, rumors and speculation from the previous (long) thread so that people don't have to read through 70 pages to catch-up. This is what I remember being discussed, and includes recent speculation and thoughts that result from the launch of the teaser site. Hopefully, this can help cut back on a lot of the repetitious spec from people who don't really follow what's going on during the off-season. It might even allow people to revisit previous thoughts. It does include Construction-based information, because we're getting to the point where it all starts merging together...

What we know for sure–

The entrance for the Sprung 2 house (Havoc) is where the exit normally is, meaning we have different crowd flow coming out of that house than in the past.

The façade for Jaws is built further out than normal (and is getting a true façade).

Sprung 1’s Room #8 is known in the permits as the “Rune Room.”

Three of the houses have some sort of overhang requiring sprinklers to be installed (possible a ceiling or “Up-Scares”).

None of the previous Icons are returning.

There are at least 8 houses and 6 Scarezones (they’re not cutting back).

The font of the website can be seen in HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.”

What we can deduce –

Gambling/Games is/are the predominate theme this year.

The time period and location of the icon is the Big-Band (1920’s-30’s) and probably NOT Vegas.

We are having some sort of “Casino/Gambling” house this year.

… And that’s all we can really deduce so far from the site…

What we know isn’t happening –

We aren’t getting a literature-based event this year.

Major Rumors and Spec (Not confirmed)

The Parade Building may be getting a second house. That would mean 9 houses would be built.

The 9th house could be either an Up-Charge “Alone” styled house or simply a 9th house.

“Death” will play a major part this year (stems from a perceived clue from Catacombs last year).

General Thoughts and Spec

Not all of the characters we know from the past were actually Icons, which means people (Monsters? Spirits? Zombies?) may come back.

The Queen of Spades has a dagger and red hair… take that for what it’s worth.

The Ace of Spades is known as the “Death Card.”

Not all the houses and scarezones have to tie in with the theme.

It takes two cards to hit 21.

[Pumpkin]

Am I the only one who thinks tossing Cindy into this just seems... well, almost silly? I thought we were getting new characters? I like the Cindy character a lot, but for this theme to work she'd have to be much, much older - and then they'd either have to go the F.E.A.R./Alma route and make her decomposed and grotesque, or make her ultra-sexy but lethal (Howl-O-Scream style). The former could work with another character, but I just don't see it with Cindy. The latter should be left to the event mentioned.

I agree with the frustrations over the lack of solid icon backstory. I still never completely understood what the hell happened with Jack. Or Cindy, for that matter - isn't Cindy dead if Screamhouse Resurrection to be believed? Bloody Mary became needlessly convoluted. We don't have any real backstory for the Storyteller or FEAR at all. I think The Director and Usher are the only two where we have some sort of tangible story. When the original Twenty Years of Fear teaser site went up last year, I saw the "Icons" tab and got excited - I figured we were finally going to get a concrete, fool-proof account of each of the icon's stories to prep us for the 20th anniversary. Instead we got a handful of photographs for a bunch of non-icons. Surely it can't be that hard to mull through the information out there and put out an official release, Universal?

So, yes. No Cindy this year, please. Or have her appear, but not in a damn Casino. That's just a huge stretch after her death with the Caines. Not to mention the lack of connection between a pyro and gambling...

---

Another point - regarding The Usher being a conduit, and the new icon being a conduit to The House. I really, really liked this idea with The Usher - much better than the thought of just the "evil theater" being our antagonist. But they only really toyed with the idea of the Theater being "alive" in The Usher's introductory monologue and I guess in the explanation of The Usher's death... it never really manifested itself anywhere in the event. There was no climactic "The Theater Is Alive!!" moment in Silver Screams or anywhere else. Not to mention that whole idea kind of went out the window when it turned out The Usher was a pawn for FEAR (ugh I hate this cannon so much) all along. So my point is, if they're going to try the Conduit again, don't hint at it once - show us that The House is a very real, very dangerous presence and our Dealer or Lady Luck is only acting as its agent.

Finally, regarding Carey Ohio - the town wasn't known for its sewers, a Bloody Mary myth connection, or its schoolhouse - so I'd wager that if A&D wanted a casino to exist there, they'll make one exist there. Carey's kind of the creepy dumping ground location for scary locations. Plus, if Cindy's presence as rumored turns out to be true, it only makes sense that this casino is close to home...

Agree, agree, agree, and agree. I'm glad I'm not the only one with these feelings and ideas. As much as I want Atlantic City minus Cindy, if she is going to be an intimidate part of this theme, the casino needs to either be in Carey or very, very close to it... sigh. I really want a clean slate.

[Keosilver]

The icons prior to Terra Cruentes didn't interlock the stories of the houses and zones at all. The Director had the Hide and Shriek and completely random, demon infested Port of Evil, and the Caretaker (the guy with the funeral parlor) had Jurassic Park and Marvel. Jack in his first two years got one house and one scarezone...I suspect this year is going back to the early 2000's conceit, with a general theme and icon, who has 1 house and/or scarezone, and that's it. The rest of the houses and zones are a conglomeration of cool ideas.

I think you missed what I meant. I'm not saying that all the houses would have to have something to do with gambling but instead have some sort of connection with the icon or even icon House. The multi themed areas are nice but I'd find it real creative if they are able to find a way to connect all the zones and houses in some way. Sort of like how Fears symbols could be found on the icons. Each of the icons were different but they were all tied together by the main icon, Fear.

[Legacy]

I think you missed what I meant. I'm not saying that all the houses would have to have something to do with gambling but instead have some sort of connection with the icon or even icon House. The multi themed areas are nice but I'd find it real creative if they are able to find a way to connect all the zones and houses in some way. Sort of like how Fears symbols could be found on the icons. Each of the icons were different but they were all tied together by the main icon, Fear.

I understood what you were getting at, and that wasn't how things were done in the past. Prior to 2005, the houses outside of the icon house were not connected in any way, shape or form to the icon. Again, Jurassic Park and Marvel don't connect with the Caretaker. Disorientirum and Hide and Shriek don't match with the Director. Run and Dark Torment don't match with Jack.

The markings on the icons last year were added last year, and were only seen in the area immediately around Fear. There was no visual or audial implication that Fear was present in any of the houses or other scarezones. Tying the icons together visually only happened last year and matched the story A&D told with Fear strictly in Fear Revealed. Last year wasn't like Terra Cruentes, Carnival of Carnage, Bloody Mary's Urban Legends, or Silver Screams' Movies where all the houses had a direct tie to the icon and theme. Those were uncommon years (to the point where part of the marketing for 2005 was that all the houses tied to the "story." It was that different), and with last year's change in creative vision I think it would be a safe to say we won't be seeing "ties" between the all the houses and the icon/theme for a while.

From a creative perspective, attempting to find a theme that can be used to tie eight houses and six scarezones together can be stifling. It's much more freeing to come up with the ideas seperately, allowing the houses and streets to develop individually instead of trying to shoehorn them all together and letting the theme and icon (if the theme and story warrants one) develop either A) Out of one of those ideas or B ) As it's own entity. That not only allows more variety in what is presented but leads to a more enjoyable experience.

Edited June 30, 2011 by Legacy

[Dreamstalker]

Hey all, just a quick suggestion to the newer members our there. Before you all post, or ask a question, try and go back and see what has already been talked about. Also you can use the search feature to browse posts for what your looking for. Legacy posted a nice recap earlier (posted below) as what we know etc.etc. I suggest you look this over this as it may help when you answer your next question or steer you in the right direction. Happy Posting

Speculation Recap

Okay, I want to recap some of the general thoughts, rumors and speculation from the previous (long) thread so that people don't have to read through 70 pages to catch-up. This is what I remember being discussed, and includes recent speculation and thoughts that result from the launch of the teaser site. Hopefully, this can help cut back on a lot of the repetitious spec from people who don't really follow what's going on during the off-season. It might even allow people to revisit previous thoughts. It does include Construction-based information, because we're getting to the point where it all starts merging together...

What we know for sure–

The entrance for the Sprung 2 house (Havoc) is where the exit normally is, meaning we have different crowd flow coming out of that house than in the past.

The façade for Jaws is built further out than normal (and is getting a true façade).

Sprung 1’s Room #8 is known in the permits as the “Rune Room.”

Three of the houses have some sort of overhang requiring sprinklers to be installed (possible a ceiling or “Up-Scares”).

None of the previous Icons are returning.

There are at least 8 houses and 6 Scarezones (they’re not cutting back).

The font of the website can be seen in HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.”

What we can deduce –

Gambling/Games is/are the predominate theme this year.

The time period and location of the icon is the Big-Band (1920’s-30’s) and probably NOT Vegas.

We are having some sort of “Casino/Gambling” house this year.

… And that’s all we can really deduce so far from the site…

What we know isn’t happening –

We aren’t getting a literature-based event this year.

Major Rumors and Spec (Not confirmed)

The Parade Building may be getting a second house. That would mean 9 houses would be built.

The 9th house could be either an Up-Charge “Alone” styled house or simply a 9th house.

“Death” will play a major part this year (stems from a perceived clue from Catacombs last year).

General Thoughts and Spec

Not all of the characters we know from the past were actually Icons, which means people (Monsters? Spirits? Zombies?) may come back.

The Queen of Spades has a dagger and red hair… take that for what it’s worth.

The Ace of Spades is known as the “Death Card.”

Not all the houses and scarezones have to tie in with the theme.

It takes two cards to hit 21.

[LostAlice]

Thanks for the recap that definitely helped. And yea...dont look to the facebook accounts for information. That'll just have you running in circles.

I'm still wondering what sort of role Legendary Truth will/might play this year. Has anyone done any research into perhaps any urban legends, folklore having to do with card playing?

[Legacy]

Thanks for the recap that definitely helped. And yea...dont look to the facebook accounts for information. That'll just have you running in circles.

I'm still wondering what sort of role Legendary Truth will/might play this year. Has anyone done any research into perhaps any urban legends, folklore having to do with card playing?

So far, we have nothing on Legendary Truth. Some people (myself included) have attempted messaging Ignatia via Facebook and have heard nothing back. As of right now it looks like they probably aren't returning this year. They could very well show back up in the future, but it looks like snake-eyes for them this year.

[scaryguy5]

I think Legendary truth is done for atleast a few years. Last year was kinda a let down since I thought after 2 years the game was gonna come back strong. Yet all we got was the house.

[Bsquare]

Cindy's FB is cool, and whoever does it does it rather well, but official it most certainly is not. Enjoy it, but take what it says with a truckload of salt.

Personally I hope we don't see any old icons this year. If we DO see any, I expect to see Fear's potato head popping up at some point, hopefully somewhere WAY in the background. I'm expecting a new icon this year, or at least one we haven't seen much of...my pick is Fate, but in a much altered (less Terra Queen-y) form. Given what we have it makes sense. Granted, we don't have much. If we DO see any old icons popping up, they won't be getting a warm reception from me. Time for something new. PAST time.

I still like the Riverboat from Hell idea.

[boogeyman13]

Hey all,

This is completely random, but all this big band/speak easy talk has got me wondering. Is it possible that we may see a return of some sorts of Zombiegeddon/Zombie Gras? Zombie Gras especially would fit well into this theme if they did a prequel zone or house, perhaps during the initial uprising (did they ever say when that was)? Last year was my first year, so I don't know if they really look to sequelize the "funny" houses, but of all the scare zones and houses last year, it seems to me to be one of the easier ones to adapt to this new theme...

Edited June 30, 2011 by boogeyman13

[Legacy]

Hey all,

This is completely random, but all this big band/speak easy talk has got me wondering. Is it possible that we may see a return of some sorts of Zombiegeddon/Zombie Gras? Zombie Gras especially would fit well into this theme if they did a prequel zone or house, perhaps during the initial uprising (did they ever say when that was)? Last year was my first year, so I don't know if they really look to sequelize the "funny" houses, but of all the scare zones and houses last year, it seems to me to be one of the easier ones to adapt to this new theme...

Zombie Gras and Zombiegeddon were, theoretically, continuations of the North American Zombie Invasion that began with the "War of the Living Dead" Scarezone from 2009. Any zombie-themed area this year will most likely be a continuation of the NAZI (yes, that's the intentional acronym). And if history is suitable clue, there will something zombie this year (because there is ALWAYS something zombie...).

[Invader_butters]

Hey all,

This is completely random, but all this big band/speak easy talk has got me wondering. Is it possible that we may see a return of some sorts of Zombiegeddon/Zombie Gras? Zombie Gras especially would fit well into this theme if they did a prequel zone or house, perhaps during the initial uprising (did they ever say when that was)? Last year was my first year, so I don't know if they really look to sequelize the "funny" houses, but of all the scare zones and houses last year, it seems to me to be one of the easier ones to adapt to this new theme...

I don't know anything about another Zombie Awareness Program house but man, I'm hoping, HOPING that theres another humor house this year. I loved being a part of the semi-funny/semi-scary house. I'd love to do something like that again especially with a megaphone but I know thats kind of a pipe dream.

Edited June 30, 2011 by Invader_butters

[DiegoDrummer]

Okay, 3 things.

First of all, what if chance is an icon? cause at casinos you take chances, wager, money, lose win, blah blah. Im just throwing ideas out. Cuz chance was never a 100% icon, maybe not even a 60% icon.

secondly, what about Eddie? hhn 11= eddie..... HHN 11 + 10 years later= HHN 21?

last, http://www.costumeandpropshop.com/images_product/preview/Rubies/6880.jpg

Icon's outfit maybe? but u know, add the blood, and make him look dead :3 lol

[Lizz]

I don't know anything about another Zombie Awareness Program house but man, I'm hoping, HOPING that theres another humor house this year. I loved being a part of the semi-funny/semi-scary house. I'd love to do something like that again especially with a megaphone but I know thats kind of a pipe dream.

Humor houses tend to end up as my favorites each year. Loved PS: HFTH, Leave it to Cleaver, etc. The one-liners you hear from the SAs just always stick with me in the humor houses!

And I have heard rumors about a humor house, so I think it's safe to say you'll be pleased. Regarding the megaphone... no clue about that =)

[Ash]

I have to agree with LostAlice. If there is an icon I see it being as a new creation possible a female. For me I can see a lot more things that can be done with the theme using a female icon

[faceleg]

Just some random musings from what I've read (slow day at work): The queen of spades is considered unlucky in the card game "Hearts", and is also the Old Maid card....which kinda ties in with what someone else mentioned about the Queen of Spades beign a spinster. Maybe could be part of the icon's backstory (an unlucky spinster?)?

[Titanic SwimTeam]

just pointing something out, do we think that they will really go with a 1920s-1930s style theme since they did that with 2009 and the palace theatre? Do you think that A&D will go back to the well again with time period setting?

[Lizz]

just pointing something out, do we think that they will really go with a 1920s-1930s style theme since they did that with 2009 and the palace theatre? Do you think that A&D will go back to the well again with time period setting?

I think the Boardwalk Prohibition feel is quite different from the UPT, even if they're from the same era. I don't see any problem with returning to such an iconic time in history, especially when there's so much imagery that can be produced with that type of setting.

[AaronPaHHNFan]

I don't see why they wouldn't go back to that time period. It's not like there going back to the Universal palace. Unless it's the Universal Palace Casino. I agree with Dante a few posts above me I would love to see another Leave it to Cleaver house. That house ended up being my favorite that year..... then again I always tend to like the comic houses.