Horror Companion (Savage Worlds, S2P10502)

Shane Lacy Hensley, the mastermind behind the Savage Worlds system, has a remarkable talent for crafting evocative and versatile settings. Among his many contributions, the **Horror Companion** stands out as a testament to his skill in adapting the core mechanics of Savage Worlds to the specific demands of the horror genre. This supplement doesn't just offer rules for gore and jump scares; it provides a robust framework for exploring the psychological terrors, creeping dread, and often overwhelming helplessness that define effective horror. Hensley’s design philosophy shines through in its ability to support a wide array of horror subgenres, from gothic nightmares and cosmic dread to modern slashers and supernatural mysteries, making it an indispensable tool for any GM aiming to deliver truly chilling adventures. What truly cements the **Horror Companion**'s place on a list of Hensley's best is its sheer utility and the imaginative potential it unlocks. It expertly balances mechanical depth with narrative flexibility, offering players and Game Masters alike the tools to create truly memorable and terrifying experiences. From new character archetypes and terrifying monsters to rules for sanity, fear, and grim combat, the supplement empowers players to craft characters uniquely suited to facing the horrors within, while providing GMs with the scaffolding to build suspenseful plots and terrifying encounters. Hensley’s foresight in creating a system that so effectively facilitates this often-tricky genre makes the Horror Companion a standout example of his innovative design and a crucial entry in his body of work.