What are some elements that can make a 'decades horror story' truly terrifying?

Answer 1

In a decades horror story, the idea of generational trauma can be a terrifying element. If the horror is passed down from one generation to another every decade, it's like a dark inheritance. For instance, a family might have a mental illness that strikes every decade, and each new generation has to face this unknown terror. Also, the decay of a place over decades can be spooky. An old building that slowly becomes more menacing every decade, with new horrors emerging as time passes. And the fear of the unknown future. Since it's been happening every decade, people in the story are always afraid of what the next decade will bring in terms of new horrors.

Answer 2

The element of slow progression can be really terrifying in a decades horror story. Imagine a strange mark that appears on a person's body every decade, and with each decade, it grows and causes more pain and strange symptoms. It gives the victim and those around them time to dread what's coming next. And the connection to the past. If the horror is related to something that happened decades ago, like an old wrong that is being avenged decade by decade, it makes it scarier. There could also be a sense of isolation, like a village where this decades - long horror is only known to them, and they can't get help from the outside world.