One common element is the use of local landmarks. For example, an old building or a cemetery. These places are often associated with the unknown and death, which makes them perfect for horror stories. Another is the idea of a vengeful spirit. It could be someone who died unjustly and is now seeking revenge. Also, strange noises like creaking floors or howling winds are often used to create a spooky atmosphere.
One common element is the lack of safety measures during emergencies. For example, in case of a fire or a sudden stop, there are not enough proper safety protocols in place. Also, the old infrastructure sometimes causes problems, like electrical faults which can lead to blackouts inside the train and create panic among passengers. There are also stories of pickpockets taking advantage of the crowded situation, adding to the horror of the journey for some people.
Isolation. Often, in IT horror stories, the characters are isolated. For example, a lone system administrator might be the only one in the server room when something strange starts to happen with the servers. Another common element is the loss of control. The technology that is supposed to be under human control suddenly starts acting on its own, like a self - driving car going berserk in an IT - related horror scenario.
Horror stories often feature a protagonist who is in over their head. They might start out as an ordinary person, like in 'Rosemary's Baby' where Rosemary is just a normal woman, but then they are thrust into a terrifying situation. Settings also play a big role. Abandoned asylums, cemeteries, and old mansions are common settings in horror stories as they have an air of mystery and danger already associated with them.
Fear of death is a big element in horror stories. The threat of death, whether it's from a serial killer or a supernatural force, is always present. Also, there's often a sense of helplessness. The characters find themselves in situations where they seem to have little control over what's happening to them. For instance, in 'The Blair Witch Project', the characters are lost in the woods and being hunted by an unknown entity. There's also the use of suspense. Writers build up the tension by delaying the reveal of the horror, making the readers or viewers more and more anxious as the story progresses.
A really terrifying local horror story is about a forest. There are tales of people getting lost in it and never coming out. The forest seems to have a mind of its own, with paths that change and lead you deeper into the darkness. People who have managed to escape say they were chased by unseen entities. It's a place where the air is thick with fear.
There are quite a few terms. 'Local haunt tales' could be one, which gives the sense of stories related to places in the local area that are haunted. 'Regional horror fables' is also a valid term, as it combines the idea of being local (regional) and the nature of horror stories which often have a fable - like quality, passed down through generations. And 'parish - based horror anecdotes' is another term, especially useful when talking about horror stories that are specific to a small local parish area.
One horror story could be a gunshop that accidentally sold a faulty firearm. A customer bought a gun for self - defense, but when they first used it at a shooting range, the gun misfired and actually injured their hand. It turned out the gunshop hadn't properly inspected the firearm before selling it.
One key element is a unique selling point. For example, if it's a local restaurant, having a special dish that no one else offers. Another is good customer service. People remember when they are treated well. Also, community support. If the local community backs a business, it has a better chance of succeeding.
Common elements in diet horror stories include unrealistic goals. Many people aim to lose a huge amount of weight in a very short time. This leads them to choose very harsh diets. Also, ignoring the body's signals is a big part. They keep on with the diet even when they feel really unwell, like being constantly tired or having headaches, thinking it's just a phase.
One common element is financial exploitation. The findom often takes advantage of the submissive's willingness to give money, asking for more and more until it becomes unmanageable. Another is emotional abuse. They may use shame or guilt to make the person give more money. For example, making the payer feel like they are not good enough if they don't send a certain amount.