Well, first of all, it has to have an otherworldly atmosphere. This can be created through the description of the environment, like a mist - covered forest where the trees seem to have a life of their own. Then, there are the abnormal entities. These can be things like tentacle - covered monsters or beings with no real form that can change shape. The main character usually has a curiosity that leads them into the horror. And as they get deeper into it, there's a feeling of being trapped, not just physically but also in a situation that seems inescapable. There's also a kind of ancient evil, something that has been there for a long time and is just waiting to be discovered or awakened.
The key elements include a sense of isolation. The characters are often in a place where they can't easily get help, like a remote island or an abandoned asylum. There's also the use of strange languages or symbols that add to the mystery. These might be on ancient artifacts or in old books. The horror is often related to something that goes against nature, like a human - animal hybrid or a creature that defies the laws of physics. The psychological aspect is important too. The characters' minds are gradually broken down as they face the horror. They might start to doubt their own sanity and see the world in a completely different, more terrifying way.
Typical key elements include the presence of the unknown and unknowable. There's often a sense of cosmic insignificance. For example, in many stories, the characters encounter ancient and powerful entities that are far beyond human comprehension. These entities usually have a non - human appearance and motives that are alien to our understanding. Another element is the use of a decaying or desolate setting, like a long - forgotten, crumbling mansion or a desolate, otherworldly landscape, which adds to the overall sense of dread.
In a desolate town, there was an old, dilapidated mansion on the outskirts. The townsfolk whispered of strange noises that came from it at night. One young man, driven by curiosity, decided to enter. As he stepped inside, a cold chill ran down his spine. The air was thick with an otherworldly stench. He saw shadowy figures moving in the corners, their forms twisted and unnatural. Suddenly, a deep, guttural voice echoed through the halls, speaking in a language he couldn't understand. Fear overtook him, but his legs were frozen. He could only watch as the shadows closed in, and then... darkness.
The key elements include cosmic horror. It often involves entities that are so alien and powerful that they are beyond human comprehension. For example, Cthulhu, a monstrous being. Another element is the use of archaic and eldritch settings like ancient, decaying cities or desolate landscapes. Also, a sense of the insignificance of humanity in the face of the vast and unknowable cosmos.
Well, one important feature is the use of the unknown. In a Lovecraftian horror visual novel, things that are not clearly defined, like strange noises in the dark or shadowy figures at the edge of vision, are common. The art style also plays a crucial role. It might have a dark and gloomy color palette, with distorted or grotesque character designs. And the plot usually involves some sort of forbidden knowledge or a dark secret that, once uncovered, leads to chaos and horror. For example, a character might discover an ancient tome that unleashes an evil force upon the world.
In modern lovecraftian fiction, the use of archaic and esoteric language can be a key element. It gives a sense of something old and mysterious. Then there are the themes of decay and entropy. Things are often falling apart, whether it's a physical place like a crumbling town or the mental state of the characters. The idea of an indifferent universe is also there. The cosmic entities or forces in the stories don't care about humans. They exist on a different scale and with different motives, if they can be called motives at all. And the use of mystery and the slow revelation of terrifying secrets are hallmarks of this type of fiction.
In a psychological horror first person story, the main character's psychological state is a key element. Their mind is the battleground for the horror. This includes their emotions, like extreme anxiety or a sense of impending doom. The power of suggestion is also important. You don't always have to show the horror directly; sometimes, just suggesting it through the character's thoughts is scarier. And the relationship between the character and their environment is crucial. If the environment seems to be working against the character, it adds to the horror. For example, if the walls seem to close in on the protagonist in a claustrophobic space, it heightens the sense of dread.
Well, one of the main themes is the existence of eldritch abominations. These are grotesque and powerful entities that defy human comprehension. For example, Cthulhu, a well - known Lovecraftian creation. There's also a theme of forbidden knowledge. Characters who seek out hidden knowledge usually end up in a world of horror. And then there's the theme of a world that's much more sinister and complex than what humans perceive, which leads to a feeling of dread and unease throughout the story.
Lovecraftian horror novels are often marked by a sense of cosmic horror. They typically involve ancient, malevolent entities that are far beyond human comprehension. The settings are usually dark and desolate, like remote, decaying towns or uncharted regions. The protagonists often find themselves in a fight for their sanity as they encounter these otherworldly horrors.
One great Lovecraftian horror novel is 'At the Mountains of Madness' by H.P. Lovecraft himself. It takes readers on a terrifying journey to Antarctica, where an ancient and unearthly horror is uncovered. The descriptions of the alien landscapes and the eldritch creatures are truly spine - chilling.
The theme of madness is prevalent. Characters in these stories often go insane when they encounter the otherworldly and the unknowable. For example, they might see things that their minds simply can't process, which drives them to madness. Also, the idea of ancient and forbidden knowledge is a theme. Discovering this knowledge usually has dire consequences for those involved.