How do you feel about the idea of a house holding onto the energy or emotions of its past occupants?
- I think it’s fascinating and slightly spooky. Our homes hold so many memories.
- I’m not sure I believe it, but I’m open to the possibility.
- It makes me a little uneasy. I prefer not to dwell on the past.
- I completely believe it! Energy is energy—it doesn’t just disappear.
What’s your favorite gothic horror novel?
- Dracula, of course!
- The Haunting of Hill House
- We Have Always Lived in the Castle
- The Turn of the Screw
What makes you nervous about visiting historic places?
- The thought of all the people who have been there before and what they might have experienced.
- The possibility of encountering something supernatural.
- Not much, I think it’s important to connect with the past.
- I love visiting historic places! They’re full of stories.
What makes you most frustrated about traditional horror tropes?
- The reliance on jump scares instead of genuine atmosphere.
- The lack of character development in favor of cheap thrills.
- Honestly, I enjoy a good horror trope now and then!
- I appreciate when horror tries to say something meaningful about humanity.
What are you most excited about when reading a gothic horror novel like The Damned?
- The slow build of suspense and the creepy atmosphere.
- Getting inside the characters’ heads and understanding their fears.
- Uncovering the secrets of the house and its past inhabitants.
- The feeling of being completely immersed in another world.
What do you dream about when it comes to exploring abandoned or eerie locations?
- I’d love to explore them, but only with a group of friends—safety in numbers!
- I’m content experiencing those places through books and movies.
- I’d approach with caution, documenting everything I find.
- I’d be seeking out any paranormal activity—I’m a bit of a ghost hunter.
What happened in the past that makes you wary of people with rigid belief systems?
- I grew up in a household with strict religious rules that felt suffocating.
- I’ve seen how easily people can be manipulated when they’re afraid.
- I think it’s important to be open-minded and accepting of different perspectives.
- I respect everyone’s right to their beliefs, but I prefer to think for myself.
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “goblin garden?”
- Twisted, overgrown plants, almost menacing in their wildness.
- A place of hidden dangers and unsettling beauty.
- A secret garden where something magical and slightly sinister might be happening.
- I imagine gnomes and fairies, but with a darker, more mischievous twist.
What’s your favorite aspect of a haunted house story?
- The psychological suspense and the exploration of what truly frightens us.
- The historical context and how it influences the haunting.
- The possibility that ghosts and spirits might actually exist.
- The thrill of the unknown and the adrenaline rush of being scared.
When you were a kid, how did you react to ghost stories?
- I loved them! I couldn’t get enough of the chills and thrills.
- They scared me, but I was also strangely drawn to them.
- I didn’t really care for them. I preferred stories about real-life adventures.
- I thought they were fun, but I knew they weren’t real.
You have a choice of spending a weekend in a remote cabin in the woods or a historic mansion with a spooky reputation, which do you choose?
- Definitely the cabin! Nature is calming, and I’m not taking any chances with ghosts.
- The mansion, for sure. I love a good ghost story, and I might even have an encounter!
- I’m good with either, as long as I have good company and a way to contact the outside world.
- Neither, I’d much rather be in a bustling city with plenty of things to see and do.
A specific situation arises: You’re home alone at night, and you hear a strange noise. How do you react?
- I grab my phone and maybe a heavy object, then cautiously investigate the source of the noise.
- I try to ignore it and hope it goes away. I’m probably just imagining things.
- I’m calling a friend or family member for moral support, maybe even 911 if I feel truly threatened.
- I grab my camera and try to capture evidence. I’ve always been curious about the paranormal.
What keeps you up at night about the unknown?
- I try not to dwell on it. There are enough things to worry about in the here and now.
- The vastness of space and the idea that we might not be alone in the universe.
- The possibility of an afterlife and what that might entail.
- Not much, I find the unknown exhilarating!
Which of these activities would you enjoy the most: visiting a haunted house attraction, attending a seance, or researching local ghost stories?
- Researching local ghost stories, it’s fascinating to learn about the history of a place.
- A haunted house attraction—they’re more fun than scary.
- Attending a seance—I’m curious about the possibility of communicating with spirits.
- Honestly, none of the above. I’m not really into the paranormal.
When you think about the power of belief, what are you most concerned about?
- People blindly following charismatic leaders without questioning their motives.
- The potential for beliefs to be used to justify harm and oppression.
- The difficulty of changing deeply ingrained beliefs, even when they’re harmful.
- I believe that everyone has the right to their own beliefs, as long as they don’t harm others.
What aspect of human nature do you find most fascinating in gothic horror literature?
- Our capacity for both great love and unimaginable cruelty.
- The ways in which our past experiences can haunt us.
- The struggle between faith and doubt, reason and superstition.
- The primal fears that lie beneath the surface of our civilized selves.
What is most likely to make you feel down about humanity’s potential?
- The endless cycle of violence and conflict throughout history.
- The apathy and inaction of people in the face of injustice.
- The way we treat the planet and each other.
- I have hope for humanity! We’re capable of incredible things.
In a perfect world, what would our relationship with the past look like?
- We would learn from our mistakes and strive to create a better future.
- We would honor the past while acknowledging its complexities.
- We would find a balance between remembering and letting go.
- We would approach history with curiosity and an open mind.
If you could waive a magic wand, what would the perfect outcome be for the characters in The Damned?
- Mabel would find peace and freedom from her late husband’s oppressive influence.
- Frances would use her artistic talents to heal and inspire others.
- The narrator would embrace his intuitive side and explore the mysteries of the universe.
- The Towers would be cleansed of its darkness and become a place of peace and healing.
How often do you reflect on the impact of your own beliefs and actions on the world around you?
- Daily, I want to make sure I’m living in alignment with my values.
- Every now and then, usually when I’m faced with a difficult decision.
- Not often enough, I get caught up in the day-to-day.
- I try to be mindful of my impact, but I also believe in personal responsibility.
You are at a party, and someone starts talking about their recent paranormal experience. What do you do?
- I listen with interest and ask questions. I love a good ghost story!
- I politely listen but take it with a grain of salt. I’m more of a skeptic.
- I steer the conversation in a different direction. I’m not really comfortable talking about ghosts.
- I share my own paranormal experiences, or lack thereof, depending on the vibe.
How comfortable are you with the idea that there might be more to reality than meets the eye?
- Very comfortable. I find the idea intriguing and hopeful.
- I’m open to it, but I need to see some evidence.
- It makes me a bit uneasy. I prefer to stick with what I can see and touch.
- I don’t really think about it much. I’m focused on the here and now.
You have a free afternoon in a mysterious old library to do whatever you want, what do you do?
- I’d seek out the oldest, dustiest books I could find and get lost in their stories.
- I’d look for clues to the library’s past, maybe even try to find a secret passage.
- I’d curl up in a comfy chair with a good book and a cup of tea.
- I’d probably get distracted by all the books and end up leaving with a huge stack!
Which of these is most likely to be a struggle for you: dealing with uncertainty, facing your fears, or letting go of the past?
- Letting go of the past can be hard, but I try to focus on the present.
- Dealing with uncertainty is definitely my biggest challenge. I like to have a plan.
- I’m not great at facing my fears, but I’m working on it!
- I’m pretty good at all three, actually. I’ve learned to adapt to whatever life throws my way.
Which character in The Damned do you identify with most?
- Frances, the intuitive artist who is sensitive to the unseen world.
- Mabel, the woman struggling to break free from the grip of the past.
- The Narrator, the skeptical observer who gradually confronts the truth.
- I think I have a little bit of all of them in me.
New information about a local haunting surfaces, what is your first response?
- I’m immediately fascinated and want to learn more.
- I’m a bit skeptical but curious to see if there’s any truth to it.
- I’m not really interested. It’s probably just a hoax or a publicity stunt.
- I’d want to visit the location and see for myself if there’s anything strange going on.
Someone asks, “How are you feeling about all this talk about ghosts and hauntings?” What’s the actual answer, not just “I’m good”?
- Honestly, it’s kind of freaking me out, but in a thrilling way!
- I’m intrigued, but I need to process this information logically.
- A little overwhelmed, I’d rather be talking about something a little less spooky.
- Completely in my element! I love all things mysterious and unexplained.
What’s your go-to for setting a spooky mood: music, podcasts, or movies?
- Definitely movies! Classic horror films always set the right tone.
- Podcasts about true crime or paranormal investigations. They’re both creepy and fascinating.
- I love finding atmospheric music playlists online—they can be incredibly effective.
- I’m more of a book person. A well-written gothic novel can really get under my skin.
What place do you most want to explore: an ancient ruin, a forgotten library, a haunted theater, or a mysterious island?
- A forgotten library, without a doubt! Just imagine the stories those books could tell.
- An ancient ruin, I’m drawn to the history and mysteries of past civilizations.
- A mysterious island—there’s something so alluring about the unknown.
- I’m not much of an explorer. I prefer to stick to well-traveled paths.
What’s your favorite memory of reading a truly scary book?
- That feeling of being so engrossed in the story that I completely forgot about the real world.
- The chills that ran down my spine when I read a particularly creepy passage.
- Sharing theories and reactions with friends who were reading the book at the same time.
- Staying up late to finish the book because I couldn’t put it down.
What fictional haunted house are you most passionate about exploring from books, movies, etc.?
- Hill House, from Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House.
- The Overlook Hotel, from Stephen King’s The Shining.
- Bly House, from Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw.
- I have my own fictional haunted house I’ve created in my imagination.
What is your absolute favorite spooky activity to do with friends?
- Having a horror movie marathon with plenty of popcorn and snacks.
- Telling each other ghost stories around a campfire.
- Going on a ghost tour of our city and learning about local legends.
- We prefer lighter activities, but we might do a spooky escape room during the Halloween season.
How would your friends and family describe your ability to handle scary situations?
- They’d say I’m the level-headed one who stays calm under pressure.
- They’d call me the scaredy-cat of the group!
- They’d probably say I’m curious but cautious.
- They’d say I’m the one who’s always up for an adventure, even if it’s a little spooky.
Tell us a little about your dream home—is it a cozy cottage or a grand estate?
- It’s a blend of both: a charming cottage with a touch of gothic grandeur.
- A modern minimalist space, full of light and free of clutter.
- A rambling Victorian with secret rooms and a fascinating history.
- I’m happy wherever I hang my hat, as long as I’m surrounded by loved ones.
If you could choose any superpower, would you rather have the ability to communicate with spirits or the power to dispel negative energy?
- I’d choose to dispel negative energy. Imagine making the world a brighter, more peaceful place.
- Communication with spirits would be fascinating. I’d have so many questions about the afterlife!
- I’d rather have a more practical superpower, like telekinesis or time travel.
- I’m happy without any superpowers. I prefer to rely on my own skills and abilities.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you encounter a place with a heavy, oppressive atmosphere?
- I wonder what happened here to make it feel this way.
- I feel a sense of unease and a strong urge to leave.
- I become very aware of my surroundings and any subtle changes in energy.
- I try to remain objective and assess the situation rationally.
What affects you more: real-life horror stories or fictional ones?
- Real-life stories, because I know those things actually happened to someone.
- Fictional stories, because they can tap into our deepest fears and anxieties.
- I’m equally affected by both. A good story is a good story, regardless of its basis in reality.
- I don’t get too affected by either. I’m good at separating fiction from reality.
What’s your idea of a perfect scary story?
- One that keeps me guessing until the very end, with psychological depth.
- A story with a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after I finish reading.
- A story that explores the dark side of human nature.
- As long as it’s well-written and engaging, I’m open to anything.
What is your strongest trait when it comes to supporting friends who are going through a difficult time?
- I’m a good listener and offer a non-judgmental space for them to vent.
- I’m practical and action-oriented. I’ll help them problem-solve and find solutions.
- I’m empathetic and intuitive. I can usually sense what they need, even if they can’t articulate it.
- I’m always there to offer a distraction and some much-needed levity.
How prepared do you feel to handle a situation where your beliefs are challenged?
- I’m always open to having my beliefs challenged. It’s how we grow and learn.
- I try to be respectful of other perspectives, but I also stand firm in my convictions.
- I can get defensive if someone is too aggressive in their approach.
- It depends on the situation and the person challenging my beliefs.
What happens if, during a friendly debate about ghosts, someone dismisses your perspective as ridiculous?
- I politely agree to disagree. Not everyone believes in the paranormal, and that’s okay.
- I present evidence and logical arguments to support my viewpoint.
- I back down. I don’t like conflict, and it’s not worth arguing over.
- I fire back with a witty retort. A little playful debate is fun!
What do you think you need in your life to feel a greater sense of peace and contentment?
- A stronger connection to my intuition and inner voice.
- A deeper understanding of the world and my place in it.
- More meaningful relationships and a sense of community.
- I’m already pretty content with my life as it is.
How often do you make an effort to connect with your intuition or inner wisdom?
- Daily, through meditation, journaling, or simply paying attention to my gut feelings.
- Occasionally, when I need guidance or clarity on a particular issue.
- Not as often as I should. I’m working on being more in tune with my intuition.
- I’m not sure I really believe in intuition. I’m more of a logic and reason person.
How confident are you in your ability to distinguish between intuition and fear?
- Very confident. I’ve learned to recognize the difference in how they feel in my body.
- It can be tricky, but I’m getting better at discerning between the two.
- I often struggle to tell the difference. They can feel very similar.
- I’m not sure I believe in intuition. I think most of the time, it’s just anxiety.
How do you handle the pressure of making important life decisions?
- I weigh the pros and cons, consider all my options, and trust my gut.
- I talk it through with trusted friends and family members to get their perspectives.
- I often get paralyzed by indecision, afraid of making the wrong choice.
- I try to go with the flow and not overthink things too much.
Do you feel a sense of responsibility for creating a positive and harmonious atmosphere in your home?
- Absolutely! My home is my sanctuary, and I want it to feel welcoming and peaceful.
- I do my best to keep things tidy and create a sense of calm, but life can get messy!
- I’m not sure I think about it in those terms. It’s just a place to live.
- I believe everyone in the household shares responsibility for the energy of the home.
How well do you stick to your convictions, even when faced with opposition or doubt?
- Very well. I’m not easily swayed once I’ve made up my mind.
- I try to be open to other perspectives, but I also trust my judgment.
- It depends on the situation. If it’s something I feel strongly about, I’ll stand my ground.
- I’m a bit of a people-pleaser. I don’t like to rock the boat.
Which of the following is most accurate when it comes to your outlook on the future: hopeful, uncertain, excited, or apprehensive?
- A mix of all of the above! The future is full of possibilities, both good and bad.
- Hopeful, I believe that we have the power to create a better future.
- Uncertain, but that’s just part of life. We can’t predict what’s going to happen.
- Excited! I can’t wait to see what adventures life has in store for me.
To what degree do you experience empathy for fictional characters while reading?
- A great deal. I often find myself laughing, crying, and feeling alongside them.
- I can empathize with them, but I also maintain a certain level of detachment.
- Not a lot. I try to remember that they’re just figments of the author’s imagination.
- I connect more with characters who share my values and worldview.
Which of these best describes your current approach to personal growth and self-discovery?
- Actively seeking out new experiences and challenges to expand my understanding.
- Open to learning and growing, but content with who I am at my core.
- Feeling a bit stuck and unsure of what direction I want to take.
- I’m always working on bettering myself, but I don’t put too much pressure on it.
What is your current biggest challenge when it comes to connecting with your intuition?
- Quieting my mind and learning to trust my inner voice.
- Distinguishing between intuition and anxiety or wishful thinking.
- Finding the time and space for introspection and self-reflection.
- I’m not sure I believe in intuition. I rely on logic and reason to guide me.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you’re faced with a problem that seems unsolvable?
- I take a deep breath and try to approach the situation with a clear mind.
- I reach out to friends, family, or mentors for support and advice.
- I often feel overwhelmed and discouraged, unsure of where to even begin.
- I remind myself that most problems have solutions, even if we can’t see them right away.
How do you handle criticism, especially when it’s directed at something you’re passionate about?
- I try to be open to constructive feedback, but I also know my own worth.
- I can be defensive at first, but I ultimately appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow.
- I often take it personally and let it discourage me.
- I consider the source. If it’s someone I respect, I’ll give their opinion more weight.
How would you describe your relationship with fear: do you avoid it, embrace it, or try to find a balance between the two?
- I acknowledge fear, but I don’t let it control my life.
- I face my fears head-on, believing that courage is about feeling fear and doing it anyway.
- I avoid fear whenever possible. Life is too short to be afraid.
- It depends on the fear. Some fears are healthy and protect us from harm.
Are you stuck in a cycle of fear and doubt, or are you actively working to break free?
- Actively working to break free. It’s a journey, but I’m committed to living a more courageous life.
- I have moments of fear and doubt, but I don’t let them define me.
- I’m not sure if I’d call it a cycle, but fear and doubt are definitely present in my life.
- I believe that fear and doubt are natural parts of the human experience.
What would you say are your top struggles right now in terms of personal growth?
- Learning to trust my intuition and make decisions that align with my values.
- Letting go of perfectionism and embracing imperfection.
- Setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing my own needs.
- I’m actually in a really good place right now. I’m happy with who I am and where I’m at.
What is your ultimate goal when it comes to personal development and self-discovery?
- To live a life that feels authentic and meaningful, aligned with my values.
- To continuously learn and grow, embracing new experiences and challenges.
- To achieve a sense of inner peace and fulfillment.
- I’m not sure I have a specific goal in mind, but I’m open to seeing where life takes me.
What do you think is missing in your life that would help you feel more connected to your intuition?
- More time for quiet reflection and introspection.
- A deeper understanding of my own beliefs and values.
- A supportive community of like-minded individuals.
- I’m not sure. I’m open to exploring different practices and perspectives.
What is your current level of expertise when it comes to interpreting symbolism and hidden meanings, like those found in literature and art?
- I’m a bit of a novice, but I enjoy learning about different interpretations.
- I have a basic understanding, but I’m always eager to deepen my knowledge.
- I’m fascinated by symbolism and often find myself searching for hidden meanings.
- I prefer to take things at face value. I’m not very good at interpreting symbolism.
You walk into a room and sense a shift in energy, like something unsettling happened moments before. How do you respond?
- I pause and take a moment to observe the room and the people in it.
- I trust my gut feeling and proceed with caution.
- I brush it off as my imagination. I’m probably just tired.
- I discreetly ask someone if everything is okay.
Which word best describes how you react to the unknown: curiosity, fear, excitement, or skepticism?
- Curiosity, definitely. I’m drawn to the mystery of the unknown.
- A bit of everything! It depends on the situation.
- Excitement! I love the thrill of exploring uncharted territory.
- Skepticism. I need evidence before I can believe in something.
Which of the following do you notice yourself worrying about on a day-to-day basis: the past, the present, or the future?
- I try to stay present, but I often find myself worrying about things I can’t control.
- The future, mostly. I’m always planning and anticipating what’s next.
- The past. I tend to dwell on mistakes and missed opportunities.
- I don’t worry much. I take things one day at a time.
How grounded and inspired do you feel in your everyday life?
- Fairly grounded, but I have my moments where I feel lost and uninspired.
- Very grounded. I feel rooted in my values and purpose.
- Not very grounded. I often feel like I’m drifting through life.
- Inspired! I’m excited about the possibilities that each day holds.
How well do you think you balance logic and intuition in your decision-making process?
- I strive for a balance, considering both logic and intuition.
- I tend to lean more on logic and reason.
- I’m very intuitive and often make decisions based on gut feelings.
- I go back and forth, depending on the situation.
How connected do you feel to your intuition and inner wisdom?
- Very connected. I trust my gut and often receive guidance through dreams and synchronicities.
- Somewhat connected. I’m working on strengthening my intuition.
- Not very connected. I’m more of a head-over-heart person.
- I’m not sure. I’m open to learning more about intuition.
Which of the following is most likely to frustrate you: feeling stuck, facing criticism, dealing with uncertainty, or feeling misunderstood?
- Feeling stuck, I hate the feeling of not making progress or moving forward.
- Facing criticism, especially if it feels unfair or unwarranted.
- Dealing with uncertainty, I much prefer to have a plan and know what to expect.
- Feeling misunderstood, communication is important to me, and it’s frustrating when I can’t get my point across.
What is the trickiest part about maintaining a positive mindset when surrounded by negativity?
- Not letting the negativity of others bring you down.
- Staying true to your own values and beliefs.
- Finding constructive outlets for your own negative emotions.
- Remembering that you can’t control others, only yourself.
Do you find it more challenging to quiet your mind or to motivate yourself to take action?
- Quieting my mind, I tend to overthink things.
- Motivating myself to take action, I can be a bit of a procrastinator.
- I struggle with both equally.
- I’m usually pretty good at both. It depends on the situation.
Do you have a self-care routine in place, such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature?
- Absolutely! Self-care is essential for my well-being.
- I try to incorporate self-care practices into my routine when I can.
- I know I should prioritize self-care more than I do.
- I’m not really sure what self-care looks like for me.
How do you determine your personal growth goals for each year?
- I reflect on the past year, identify areas for improvement, and set realistic goals.
- I choose a word or theme for the year that represents my intentions.
- I don’t really set specific goals. I’m more of a go-with-the-flow person.
- I ask myself what I want to learn, experience, or achieve in the coming year.
Are your fears and doubts holding you back from pursuing your passions?
- Sometimes, but I’m working on overcoming them.
- Not at all. I’m determined to live a life without regrets.
- Yes, I often let fear dictate my decisions.
- I’m not sure I have any passions worth pursuing.