I've been interested in doing something like this for a while, making a sort of character which is in a universe where the lovecraftian gods and whatnot exist. Though I'm not exactly sure how to proceed with it, though I do have some solid concepts I want to exercise.
They would be a worshiper (or victim.) of Hastur (or similar deity.), simply because I find the whole "favors the creative types" shtick appealing and interesting. Think of a crazed painter or hobbyist with a strange knack for writing seemingly nonsensical things or near constantly drawing a weird symbol in their notes. Also, he's one of the ones with more wiggle room seeing as the information about him is rather sparse.
Though now begins the questions. Primarily how is "magic" used or portrayed in the lovecraft universe? I know one can become immortal via different ways. (Alchemist, deep ones, etc. At least I think.) Though beyond summoning shoggoths and stuff, what can it do?
Hastur has sparse information about him. Primarily just about his appearances, his rank as a great old one, and other things. Which opens the door for wiggle room and whatnot, but also poses as a handicap as to getting solid reasoning as to what the character may or may not do. If they're being influenced or being crazier by Hastur, what would they desire?
And finally, how to portray someone with the eldritch crazies without coming off as offensive or distasteful?
They would be a worshiper (or victim.) of Hastur (or similar deity.), simply because I find the whole "favors the creative types" shtick appealing and interesting. Think of a crazed painter or hobbyist with a strange knack for writing seemingly nonsensical things or near constantly drawing a weird symbol in their notes. Also, he's one of the ones with more wiggle room seeing as the information about him is rather sparse.
Though now begins the questions. Primarily how is "magic" used or portrayed in the lovecraft universe? I know one can become immortal via different ways. (Alchemist, deep ones, etc. At least I think.) Though beyond summoning shoggoths and stuff, what can it do?
Hastur has sparse information about him. Primarily just about his appearances, his rank as a great old one, and other things. Which opens the door for wiggle room and whatnot, but also poses as a handicap as to getting solid reasoning as to what the character may or may not do. If they're being influenced or being crazier by Hastur, what would they desire?
And finally, how to portray someone with the eldritch crazies without coming off as offensive or distasteful?
To answer the magic question, to put it short, by Lovecraft's original writings, there isn't any hard definition on what eldritch sorcerers could accomplish. Summoning was one of the most common spells in use, but they can range from any number of effects, from ripping someone's heart out without touching them or seeing the future (thumbing through a copy of the Call of Cthuhlu RPG might help give you an idea of effects you could produce.) The main commonalities are that magic is difficult to use (oft requiring basic proficiency in advanced mathematics and theoretical physics) and requires a "price-" whether that be the sanity eroded by casting it or sacrifices needed to power the magic.
As far as Hastur's motives? They're never made especially clear. His cultists are as such equally esoteric, and motivation tends to vary between them. The only thing ever given in the original canon is that his worshippers sometimes oppose the Mi-go, alien worshippers of Nyarlathotep and Shub-Niggurath. Outside of those, your character's reason for worship is more or less whatever they interpret.
As far as a character whose come into contact with eldritch beings, playing them is surprisingly simple but oft misunderstood. The thematic pull of Lovecraftian "insanity" wasn't that encounters with the occult turned people into raving lunatics- it was that the crazy things they said were true. Most Lovecraftian protaganists weren't especially un-sound of mind, it's just that the things they actually saw were such that no one would believe if you told them. At worst (typically) the worst they'd have would be what we now know as PTSD or paranoia. As for eldritch worshippers, they're not especially mentally unstable, just more willing to readily accept the alien reality set before them. Their worldview is nonsensical from an outsider's perspective, but the logic makes sense in their eyes, as it's how the universe actually functions.
Hope that helps!
As far as Hastur's motives? They're never made especially clear. His cultists are as such equally esoteric, and motivation tends to vary between them. The only thing ever given in the original canon is that his worshippers sometimes oppose the Mi-go, alien worshippers of Nyarlathotep and Shub-Niggurath. Outside of those, your character's reason for worship is more or less whatever they interpret.
As far as a character whose come into contact with eldritch beings, playing them is surprisingly simple but oft misunderstood. The thematic pull of Lovecraftian "insanity" wasn't that encounters with the occult turned people into raving lunatics- it was that the crazy things they said were true. Most Lovecraftian protaganists weren't especially un-sound of mind, it's just that the things they actually saw were such that no one would believe if you told them. At worst (typically) the worst they'd have would be what we now know as PTSD or paranoia. As for eldritch worshippers, they're not especially mentally unstable, just more willing to readily accept the alien reality set before them. Their worldview is nonsensical from an outsider's perspective, but the logic makes sense in their eyes, as it's how the universe actually functions.
Hope that helps!
You are on: Forums » RP Discussion » Crazy Lovecraftian Character?
Moderators: Mina, Keke, Cass, Claine, Sanne, Dragonfire, Ilmarinen, Darth_Angelus