Can you recommend some good Lovecraftian black horror stories?

Well, of course, H. P. Lovecraft is the originator. But there's also Thomas Ligotti. His works often explore similar themes of nihilism and the horror of existence as Lovecraft did. Brian Lumley is another. He has created a vast body of work that draws on Lovecraftian concepts and expands on them, especially with his take on the Necroscope series which has elements of Lovecraftian horror in it. And Ramsey Campbell, who has been influenced by Lovecraft and has written many stories that have that same sense of creeping dread and otherworldly horror.

Another theme is the idea of forbidden knowledge. In Lovecraftian stories, characters often stumble upon knowledge that they should not have. This knowledge is so disturbing that it can drive them mad. For example, learning about the true nature of the ancient gods can shatter a person's sanity.

For beginners, 'The Dunwich Horror' is also great. It has elements of the occult and the appearance of a monstrous entity. The small town setting and the way the horror unfolds make it accessible and engaging for those new to Lovecraftian horror.

A good example could be 'The Innsmouth Legacy in WW2'. It takes the classic Lovecraftian concepts from 'The Shadow over Innsmouth' and transplants them into the chaos of World War 2. The story might involve the Nazis getting involved with the Deep Ones or other Lovecraftian entities, creating a truly horrifying scenario. The characters have to deal with not only the war but also the otherworldly threats that lurk in the shadows.

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.

One of the best is 'The Call of Cthulhu'. It introduces the terrifying and otherworldly entity Cthulhu. The story builds a sense of dread as the characters gradually uncover the truth about this ancient and malevolent being that exists beyond human comprehension.

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.

One great Lovecraftian visual novel is 'Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth'. It does a wonderful job of bringing the Lovecraftian horror to life. Another is 'The Case of Charles Dexter Ward', which stays true to the source material in terms of the atmosphere and the plot twists. And 'Sunless Sea' also has strong Lovecraftian elements, especially in its world - building and the sense of the unknown that pervades the game.

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.

Thomas Ligotti is an important figure in Lovecraftian horror. His stories have a similar sense of dread and the exploration of the human psyche in the face of the unknowable. He uses Lovecraft's style of creating a sense of unease through the description of the abnormal and the terrifying, while also bringing his own distinct voice to the genre.