Mario H. Steinmetz: Hellraiser sparked my love for horror

Mario H. Steinmetz (*1965, Rhineland-Palatinate) is a long-time successful horror author. His most famous work is the apocalyptic trilogy Totes Land (Dead Land). Besides writing, Mario is involved in medieval reenactment, fencing, and playing post-apo RPGs. His first book translated into Czech is the gamebook Klinika smrti. We took this unique opportunity to catch up with Mario for a short interview.

Klinika smrti is an interactive book – a gamebook. You have focused primarily on classic fiction in your work so far. What led you to write your first gamebook?

That's true. I've mainly written horror until now. But I've also just released a cyberpunk novel, Shinigami. When the publisher Mantikore-Verlag asked if I wanted to write a gamebook for my zombie trilogy "Totes Land", I was very surprised. But I liked the idea because it's a nice companion to the novels.

Zombies. Zombies everywhere! What do you think is so appealing about zombies, and why did you choose them as the main enemies in Klinika smrti?

Why zombies? What makes the undead so fascinating? I don't think it's about death itself. It's about a human trying to survive in a dystopian environment. In an apocalypse, there are no masks to hide behind. Only pure horror. Survivors return to their raw, primal selves.

Wouldn't it be a terrifying thought to wander the world mindlessly as a slowly decaying horror creature? What if your soul, your consciousness, were still trapped inside your body, and you had to witness your own slow, unstoppable decay?

Wouldn't that drive you insane?

As mentioned before, there is a connection to the "Totes Land" novels. The story also takes place in the same city, which happens to be my hometown.

Theoretically – what weapon would you choose during a zombie apocalypse (you can choose anything)?

Since I practice medieval martial arts, my first choice would be a falchion, also known as a "long knife". It doesn't wear out, doesn't need ammo, and is nearly indestructible. Plus, I know how to handle it quite well. Firearms are fine, but their availability is limited. Klinika smrti takes place in Germany, and it's very difficult to get hold of firearms there.

The gamebook Klinika smrti was published in 2019. Some time before the world fell into the chaos caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Did you perceive any similarity between your vision of a world "in ruins" and what was happening around you?

Did you ever think: *"Yeah, I knew people would react like this. I described it in my book".*

I admit, yes. There are many parallels. The lockdown. The public hysteria. The end of pretense. That is definitely what the beginning of a catastrophe looks like.

When I read the prologue of Klinika smrti today, I recognize a similar development to what we experienced during the pandemic. It scares me a little.

In Klinika smrti, you thank authors like Jens Schumacher, Swen Harder, the Süssner brothers, Alex Kühnert, and many others. How was the collaboration with these highly experienced gamebook authors? Did you ever meet them in person?

I know them all personally. After all, they are the people from Manticore-Verlag. Of course, I talked to all of them about my plan to write a gamebook. I got a lot of tips. And that's the beautiful thing about it – we supported each other. We helped each other. Like one big family. Without the experience of my friends, I probably wouldn't have managed it. I am very grateful to them.

When I mentioned how many references Klinika smrti has, they thought I was crazy. But it worked. I was fascinated by the flowchart that Alex created.

Book excerpt

What is the best advice regarding gamebook writing you received from these authors?

Keep lists, lists, and more lists. Double-check everything. And if you ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of branching, have a glass of whiskey. Delete all the links you wrote that day and start over.

They were damn right about that. Sometimes it was pure madness. I cursed, swore, and wanted to give it all up. But in the end, it worked out, and it's amazing.

You are generally considered an experienced and popular horror author. Why did you choose horror as your specialty? What do you think is appealing about horror stories? Why do readers like to be scared?

Aren't we all fascinated by fear? Don't we like unpredictability, uncertainty?

I like to compare it to curtains that you just need to pull aside to face the unknown. The fear of what we don't know, or what we think doesn't exist.

I gained my love for horror when I saw the first Hellraiser films. The idea that behind the wall is another, dark world that reduces a person to what they truly are: a dying, fear-filled bundle of meat, bones, and blood. That only a thin membrane separates us from hell. One careless cut is enough for this membrane to burst and release the demons lurking in the darkness.

Well, in the end, it's the uncertainty of what happens after death. That's what we fear the most. The fear that we will lose everything.

What is your favorite zombie story? Is it a movie? A PC/console game? Or a book? I remember you mentioned Ash from Evil Dead at the end of Klinika smrti. Is that your favorite movie?

Of course, I love myths, books, and movies about zombies. But the trigger for writing "Totes Land" and subsequently Klinika smrti was a round of P&P roleplaying. The first part of the trilogy roughly reflects the experiences from my gaming. Then a zombie LARP was added. Everything else fell into place almost by itself.

I love Ash. In the movies and in the series. So, of course, I had to add something to remind people of him. But I wouldn't say Ash inspired me to write Klinika smrti.

Now let's move to the future. On your website, I noticed the book *1888: Where is Jack the Ripper*. Which means a new interactive book is on the way! Tell us something about it. Jack the Ripper is simply the most famous serial killer of all time. Will you give us the chance to catch the Ripper once and for all in this book?

Exactly, 1888 will be released in 2023. My work on it is done; now the graphic design is being handled.

This gamebook presented completely different challenges for me, which is why it is structured quite differently.

In my research, I took into account original police reports, pathologists' notes, newspaper reports, and lists of suspects. I used all of this to weave a dark and very realistic web in which you can quickly get lost.

The rules are very short this time, and no dice are needed. You can play either as an inspector or as a prostitute, which generates two completely different paths.

Oh yes, there is a real killer at the end. I let my imagination run wild and chose a suspect who is often overlooked.

The gamebook 1888 will actually have more pages than Klinika smrti and will again have absolutely brilliant graphics.

(Mytago publishing house plans to acquire the rights to translate this gamebook – ed. note)

Last question. I have already played Klinika smrti. Surprisingly, I survived. But I still don't know where the dog I saved is, and if he is doing well.

Congratulations. Ah, so you found and freed the dog. That's nice. There are, of course, other companions in the game that you can find.

As for the dog, he is definitely fine. I have two dogs myself and I do everything to make them happy. How could I hurt them in Klinika smrti? Also, I think dogs have a better chance of survival than humans.

What message do you have for those who haven't played your gamebook yet? Any good advice before they dive into a world of filth, mold, and chaos?

There are many ways to get to Klinika smrti. The easiest path is not necessarily the best. I recommend avoiding fights. But if you really have to fight, make sure you have a suitable weapon ready in advance.

Don't trust anyone, especially those who seem friendly!

You will definitely need one thing: a ton of luck! A damn big ton of luck, because death comes quickly in Klinika smrti! "Keep your ears pricked for the days ahead," - that's a strange German metaphor, haha.

It was a pleasure to answer your questions, and I look forward to the reactions of Czech players and their experiences! Sending hellish greetings!

author Eva Lassler