There might be cultists as well. These are the followers of the Cthulhu - related entities. They are usually depicted as being fanatical in their beliefs and willing to do whatever it takes to serve their dark masters. They can be quite menacing as they try to carry out their rituals or stop the investigators from interfering.
The settings in 'Into the Black Cthulhu Mythos Stories' are often desolate and otherworldly. It could be a forgotten, mist - shrouded town where strange things start to happen, or an isolated island with ancient ruins. These settings help to create an atmosphere of unease and isolation, enhancing the overall sense of horror.
Some of the best Cthulhu Mythos stories include 'Pickman's Model'. It's a story that plays on the idea of art and the grotesque, as the main character discovers the disturbing paintings of Pickman. 'The Whisperer in Darkness' is also a great one. It has a lot of elements of paranoia and the discovery of hidden, alien entities. In addition, 'The Haunter of the Dark' is worth mentioning. It builds on the atmosphere of dread and the presence of an ancient, evil force in an abandoned church.
Another great one could be 'At the Mountains of Madness'. It takes the reader on an Antarctic adventure where the characters uncover ancient and dreadful secrets related to the Cthulhu Mythos. It's full of Lovecraft's signature atmosphere of dread and the idea that there are things in the universe that man was not meant to know. It also gives a lot of background about the Elder Things which are important in the Mythos.
I also recommend 'The Shadow over Innsmouth'. This story has a great atmosphere. It follows a man who visits Innsmouth and gradually uncovers the town's dark and fish - like secrets. The idea of a town with a hidden and disturbing past, and the presence of the Deep Ones, makes it a very engaging Cthulhu Mythos story.
One of the best is 'The Call of Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft himself. It introduced the terrifying Cthulhu and the whole Lovecraftian horror concept. Another great one is 'At the Mountains of Madness', which takes readers on a chilling journey to Antarctica, filled with strange and ancient horrors. And 'The Shadow over Innsmouth' is also highly regarded, with its disturbing tale of a town with a dark and eldritch secret.
One of the best is 'The Call of Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft. It introduced the iconic Cthulhu and the vast, mind - bending Mythos. It weaves a tale of horror and the discovery of an ancient, malevolent entity lurking beneath the surface of our world, with a great sense of atmosphere and dread.
To write a Cthulhu Mythos story, start by immersing yourself in the existing works. Understand the themes of cosmic horror, ancient entities, and human insignificance. Build a sense of dread and mystery.
No, it's not. There are many fictional verses out there with their own unique and powerful elements, and it's hard to say one is the absolute strongest.