"The Lighthouse" by Aaron Vlek / Cthulhu Mythos

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
  • "The Lighthouse" is a 2023 Cthulhu Mythos story by the American author, Aaron Vlek. As summarised by the author: "A psychotherapist with a specialty in Dream Swimming sets out to discover if any of the troubling rumors about the old lighthouse, hastily repurposed as a psychiatric facility/research center, are true."
    Vlek: aaronvlek.wordpress.com
    0:00:00 - Introduction
    0:01:12 - The Lighthouse
    1:00:11 - Further Listening
    Bandcamp link: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com/alb...
    How about some Lovecraftian artifacts?
    shop.vermilion.cc/collections...
    (The link above is an affiliate link)
    Narrated by Ian Gordon for HorrorBabble
    Music and production by Ian & Jennifer Gordon
    Artwork by Vishnu Prasad: / artgeek09
    Become a HorrorBabbler here on CZcams:
    czcams.com/users/horrorbabble...
    Support us on Bandcamp or Patreon:
    horrorbabble.bandcamp.com
    / horrorbabble
    HorrorBabble MERCH:
    teespring.com/stores/horrorba...
    The HorrorBabble Podcasts:
    www.horrorbabble.com/podcast
    www.horrorbabble.com/original...
    Search HORRORBABBLE to find us on:
    AUDIBLE / ITUNES / SPOTIFY
    Home: www.horrorbabble.com
    Rue Morgue: www.rue-morgue.com
    Social Media:
    / horrorbabble
    / horrorbabble
    / horrorbabble
    This is an ORIGINAL HorrorBabble Production.
  • Zábava

Komentáře • 325

  • @Vlekistan
    @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +72

    As a author I have a policy of not sticking my nose into the arena where my stories are under discussion, as I enjoy each listener/reader taking away what they will from the story, what it means to them. However, here I am fasinated by the perception that this story is political in any way or is a thinly masked sermon of any sort. The role of the "government" and it's actions towards the Deep Ones is clearly defined in The Shadow Over Innsmouth and this story is a continuation of what might have happened after those events through the eyes of the Deeps Ones and their descendents and the are not intended to in any way represent any social groups in human society today. Were this the case, I would gladly admit it. But as an author, I have never used writing as a platform for any political, or ideologica grandstanding as I actually hate that kind of fiction fro amy direction. I believe, for me as a writer and a reade, that fiction is a place to explore things beyond our mudane world. We are all inundated with politicized rage porn from all directions these days 24/7 and that conditioning makes us see it under every bed. Again, I cannot stand that kind of perspective in stories from any point of view and often find myself saying, GIVE IT A REST even if I happen to agree with the position on display. Several of my stories focus on the Deep Ones from their perspective and I try to explore posible experiences,fears, journeys, transformations, and yes agendas, from the position of these purely fictional beings, never as stand-ns for any human groups. I am saying all this not in any sort of defense of myself, but rather a defense of my borrowing of HPL's Deep Ones as they become my own characters. I believe they deserve to be looked at and explored and loved or hated on their own merits and many times outside of their relation to humanity, again, not as any metaphor or stand-in for any other people or groups. Such a strange creature with such a long legacy would have fascinating stories to tell. I hope we can enjoy them as they are, not as we are conditioned through the madness of contemporary media, to mispercieve them. Good night and good luck. And many thanks for the kind words from those who liked the story. They mean a lot. --Aaron Vlek

    • @shawnpleil4699
      @shawnpleil4699 Před 3 měsíci +3

      Dammit Vlek, there's more to the Cthulhu Mythos then the stupid Deep Ones!
      And why do all the authors that insist on writing endless Deep Ones stories always overlook so many things
      from the original The Shadow over Innsmouth, like the fact that Obed Marsh himself was 100% human?

    • @addictiontransfer3731
      @addictiontransfer3731 Před 3 měsíci

      I think rather than being political, this story betrays the sentiments common to modernity, and therfore its rather obviously a _recent_ addition to the mythos.
      In the original story, the deep folk were murderous and killed any outsider who found out about them, its also heavily implied they sacrifice people for their god Dagon. But this story portrays them all as innocent victims who are being targeted by the government simply because they are "different". Its a very progressive and modern perspective to empathize with "freaks" and try and paint any marginalized group of people as purely being victims, and its particularly jarring in this story since the Deep Folk are literally people-sacrificing murder-monsters that worship a cosmic eldritch-being anathema to humankind lol.
      I understand it probably wasnt intentional, but the story is in stark contrast to everyrhing Lovecraft ever wrote about Cosmic entities and what happens to humans who fraternize with them. Its very easy to interpret the story as the auther saying "remember the monsters killing everyone in the first story?? Well they were just friendly fish people! And they were the real victims!!"
      That being said i enjoyed it. But i absolutely understand people having gripes with it.

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +5

      But do the Deep Ones see themselves as monsters? How do the monsters in any horror story view themselves? And must we by default always identify ourselves with humanity? This is not done in any other horror genre. These trends fascinate me as an author but even more as an observer of society. Vampires murder and people love them. Zombies, murdering and feasting on human flesh is all they do yet people can’t get enough of them. Interesting!

    • @addictiontransfer3731
      @addictiontransfer3731 Před 3 měsíci +6

      @@Vlekistan I'd say we dont _have_ to identify with humanity no.. but if there are human characters that decide to help a group of beings who have made it very clear their ultimate goal is to conquer, subjugate, and mutilate humankind, then the humans helping these creatures should probably be aware of the consequences of helping them (at least if they want to be portrayed as intellegent). Its one thing to be anti-torture, or even anti-government, but for human characters to behave in such a way that could very well be downright misanthropic, they should probably have a good reason.
      The auther of this story doesnt seem to realize that the story he wrote a sequal to was about a race of monsters that wanted human beings to be killed wholesale and sacrificed to an eldritch god. Having all the creatures just go back into the ocean and portraying as a happy ending seems a bit bizarre conodering what these same creatures were doing to innocent people in the original story

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +4

      @@shawnpleil4699 I think it should be obvious. Because we all have our favorite points of entry and that's where we work. I don't feel the need to write about things that don't captivate my interest, and there are plenty of writers who pump out tons of tentacle stuff. No one can address all points, and there will always be points that people love that an individial writer is not going to tackle. Not really surprising. If your issues are not being written about, maybe YOU should get on that! We'd probably all love to see what you came up with as the pool is remarkably "deep" and not fully plumbed by any means! And Lovecraft is by no means the soul inspiration for my work. I have a lot of other stories and even collections that have nothing to do with the Mythos. Why, I even have a "cute" Christmas story about a bunch of woodland animals stealing Coyote's star for his holiday tree. I write Krampus stories too. I think most, if not all writers, unless they are just chasing a market, will have those places their heart and soul resonates with. One of my own personal favorites I've done is a horror story set in Venice, and another that chronicles Lorenzi de Medici's deathbed visions through the lens of Hieronymus Bosch. There are worlds upon worlds of Mythos work to be done and I can only tackle a small part of it, that part I feel inspired and qualified, if you will, to write about.

  • @dewayneweaver2744
    @dewayneweaver2744 Před 3 měsíci +118

    Ian's voice is wonderful. His pronunciation and enunciation are perfect. I'm sick, of A.I. and people who can't speak clearly.

    • @sorde21
      @sorde21 Před 3 měsíci +5

      Excellent readings. Voice works well for me as a sleep aid if I am tired and have heard a story before. First time I found the channel the readings were engaging enough I did not fall asleep - backfired.

    • @andreasfilis9001
      @andreasfilis9001 Před 3 měsíci +3

      I do agree.

    • @THEPAGEBURNER1979
      @THEPAGEBURNER1979 Před 3 měsíci +3

      CZcams can’t work CZcams correctly never mind involving A.I. Just get my notifications right and on time and I’d be happy most of CZcams would be also.
      😂😂😂😮😮😮😂😂😂

    • @benXdeath
      @benXdeath Před 3 měsíci +2

      I've never seen a comment with which I've agreed more strongly.

    • @albe2478
      @albe2478 Před 3 měsíci

      i very much dislike the mind cornfused "supposedly" living people .
      If I do not understand, it is often a fun task to comprehend.
      😊

  • @KrizzRobin113
    @KrizzRobin113 Před 3 měsíci +33

    "The human mind isn't capable of understanding the human mind. But it is all any of us have to work with."
    -The Attic Expeditions 👏👍👋

    • @LurkingProvidence
      @LurkingProvidence Před 2 měsíci +1

      I watched this movie recently! Was pretty fun enjoyed it more than I thought I would. (The attic expeditions)

  • @Nerodrgn
    @Nerodrgn Před 3 měsíci +23

    The art is pretty much how I feel at the wee hours of the morning finding a good story to listen to while finishing off my graveyard shift

    • @travisbickle1951
      @travisbickle1951 Před 2 měsíci

      I'm an insomniac and have often had night jobs, I know the feeling. Podcasts are good too, really help the hours past quicker.

  • @liamrobinson2084
    @liamrobinson2084 Před 3 měsíci +41

    To quote the great Peter Stormare in one on his best roles, "I do so love the old names!". A fantastic contribution to the mythos, thank you HB!

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +2

      Thank you ! Loved him in that.

    • @thejudgmentalcat
      @thejudgmentalcat Před 3 měsíci +2

      Of course the devil has no fashion sense! (But Balthazar did) 😂

    • @michaelkottler
      @michaelkottler Před 3 měsíci +1

      I believe the actual line is "I do miss the old names", but either way: yeah. Dope AF. Best one? "Little Horn!"

  • @cheesburgr
    @cheesburgr Před 2 měsíci +10

    Major props to Vishnu Prasad in that this image has been on my recommendations for a week, and each times makes me exclaim aloud. It inexorably calls to mind the Shadow over Innsmouth, so no surprise at the intro to this one.

  • @AAron-gr3jk
    @AAron-gr3jk Před 3 měsíci +11

    To the narrator: such mastery of pauses and pace

    • @tamlandipper29
      @tamlandipper29 Před 2 měsíci

      Hear here! As one of HB's authors it really is a privilege to have Ian deliver a tale. He nails intent of a phrase perfectly.

  • @robertb1792
    @robertb1792 Před 3 měsíci +24

    Caption of photo should say; "Man does Keto diet wrong way."

  • @jbBehemoth
    @jbBehemoth Před 3 měsíci +12

    "Drain the Swamp" the sign of the times is showing

  • @deirdrewhelan9393
    @deirdrewhelan9393 Před 3 měsíci +7

    I love all the readers for horror stories, but you are my favourite. When I hear, Warren you fool,I settle down and enjoy. ❤

  • @3X73RM
    @3X73RM Před 3 měsíci +35

    I love this! The name drops, the lore expansion. This is what the Mythos needs, modern fans expanding and exploring the world of Lovecraft with good tie ins to the original stories.

    • @tamlandipper29
      @tamlandipper29 Před 3 měsíci +2

      In case you weren't aware, Horrorbabble ran a series of new original mythos last year, written by bold and handsome authors.

    • @durere
      @durere Před 3 měsíci

      If you ask me, it's like the highjacking of popular movie franchises to inject modern political views. This one reeks of antifa. Still a good story though, even if written from the point of view of the villain. The one reason I'm not so upset about it is because I'd probably wanna join the Deep Ones too, since I'm a Pisces.

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +5

      Thanks! Glad you liked it. I am always trying to explore the mythos while staying in cannon. So much room to play and grow.

    • @reporebo
      @reporebo Před 3 měsíci

      @@Vlekistanit’s a great tale, wonderfully written! Will check out more of your writing for sure.

    • @sub-jec-tiv
      @sub-jec-tiv Před 3 měsíci +2

      @@tamlandipper29Your story was great, Mr Dipper. That whole collection was smart and engaging, and understood the source material.

  • @remypartlow2525
    @remypartlow2525 Před 5 dny +1

    This might be my favorite Lovecraftion tale I've ever stumbled across. I am always fascinated by nonhuman perspectives in fiction, and I think the personhood of the people of Insmouth is a wonderful topic to explore. Bravo!

  • @Blayze1017
    @Blayze1017 Před 3 měsíci +12

    Thank you Ian!

  • @RestoredSparda
    @RestoredSparda Před 3 měsíci +13

    Perfect timing. Thank you!

  • @travisbickle1951
    @travisbickle1951 Před 2 měsíci +4

    Mythos March???? Dude, if I'd known, I would have subscribed years ago, already am now, but didn't know this was a thing, thanks for making the month of my birthday so much fun!

  • @WowUsernameAvailable
    @WowUsernameAvailable Před měsícem +2

    Really loved the humane element of this story. With the right sound and visual design, what an amazing videogame this would make!

  • @QuranLion
    @QuranLion Před 3 měsíci +7

    Make them sound as delightful as you'd like, I'm still with old Zadok Allen 🤔

  • @DickGallo-dk7wi
    @DickGallo-dk7wi Před 3 měsíci +21

    It's beginning to look alot like Fish-men, every where I go! 🎶 🖤🐙

    • @Isaac-hm6ih
      @Isaac-hm6ih Před 3 měsíci

      From the minute I got to town, and started to look around, I thought these ill-bred peoples' gill slits showed! 🎼

    • @thefisherking78
      @thefisherking78 Před 3 měsíci +1

      LMAO 🤣 gonna revive this in about 9 months

    • @DickGallo-dk7wi
      @DickGallo-dk7wi Před 3 měsíci +1

      Look up the video. It is hilarious!

  • @colemarie9262
    @colemarie9262 Před 3 měsíci +6

    I love this author! Always excited to see their work.

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci

      Thank you so much! It means a lot. 😎

  • @SunChaserXVII
    @SunChaserXVII Před 3 měsíci +5

    This is fantastic. Love to see the lore explored from a different in-universe perspective like this. Very nicely written and, as always, well read.

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci

      Yes, there is so much to explore, so many questions to bring to the myths while staying within canon and going beyond Cthulhu. So much indeed! Glad you liked it !😎

  • @rneustel388
    @rneustel388 Před 3 měsíci +6

    Just what I needed today-a new HorrorBabble!!

  • @Scarter63
    @Scarter63 Před 3 měsíci +5

    That is some creepy-ass artwork! It reminds me of The Damp Man.

    • @bobbymarcum772
      @bobbymarcum772 Před 3 měsíci +1

      Yes only not as fat, or damp. Yet somehow it made that impression on me as well

  • @sabastjunberthiaume8391
    @sabastjunberthiaume8391 Před 3 měsíci +4

    Ian or rather Mr. Gordon, thank you for your amazing truly amazing service to us on CZcams

  • @guapodesperado2822
    @guapodesperado2822 Před 3 měsíci +4

    Bravo to both author and narrator.
    Well done.

  • @mrbeige7916
    @mrbeige7916 Před 3 měsíci +6

    Perfect timing right as my shift started!!!

  • @alice-ci2go
    @alice-ci2go Před 2 dny

    I really like the direction this author takes on the mythos. No matter how horrific the non human is, it pales in comparison to mans own in inhumanity.

  • @evonneacevedo6578
    @evonneacevedo6578 Před 3 měsíci +3

    This is EVERYTHING I’ve ever wanted from the Mythos. Bravissimo.

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +1

      Thank you kindly! So glad you liked it !😁

  • @shadownet3d
    @shadownet3d Před 3 měsíci +6

    A great reading as always but did not really get into the story. In fact lost interest midway but hung in there till the end.

  • @soulreaver1983
    @soulreaver1983 Před 3 měsíci +6

    Many thanks as always Ian!😎

  • @williestreiff9314
    @williestreiff9314 Před 3 měsíci +2

    The thumbnail art is genuinely masterfull, and excellent job narrating this yarn of Azorhothery

  • @marcocamaiti212
    @marcocamaiti212 Před 3 měsíci +15

    The days HorrorBabble audios drop are very good days. And this one is deliciously Lovecraftian

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +7

      Thanks! Glad you liked it!😎

    • @brendanjoyce645
      @brendanjoyce645 Před 3 měsíci

      @@Vlekistannigga what did YOU? Do?

  • @inisipisTV
    @inisipisTV Před 3 měsíci +5

    Rejoice! A new HorrorBabble video is up and Warren is still dead.

  • @blurryface9597
    @blurryface9597 Před měsícem +1

    Thanks for the story! Great narration as always!

  • @Skylord_F
    @Skylord_F Před 3 měsíci +10

    Love the familiar family names creeping up again in a way that feels fairly natural and sensible. This tale was a good choice.

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +3

      Thank you kindly! 😎

    • @bobbymarcum772
      @bobbymarcum772 Před 3 měsíci +3

      I feel that "Finley" would be another terrific innsmouth name

    • @FigofFae
      @FigofFae Před 3 měsíci

      ⁠@@bobbymarcum772 Nemo Finley

  • @AnthonyZugaj
    @AnthonyZugaj Před 3 měsíci +2

    Magnificent once again. I think this is my new favorite. Well done sir.

  • @ellkat3
    @ellkat3 Před 3 měsíci +3

    This was amazing!! I would love to hear more stories about the dream-swimmers. It felt a bit like a Lovecraftian Inception!

  • @feralbluee
    @feralbluee Před 2 měsíci +2

    beautiful story with real people. Innsmouth - a magical place.
    Ian’s reading bringing all this to us. thanks, sweetie-person 🌷🌱

  • @user-tc2ie3db3z
    @user-tc2ie3db3z Před 3 měsíci +13

    Way to make me sympathise with fish-like-frogs and frog-like-fishes.

    • @pantherdddjvdgx
      @pantherdddjvdgx Před 3 měsíci +1

      Meh

    • @Xbalanque84
      @Xbalanque84 Před 3 měsíci +4

      Harder to sympathize when you remember the countless people in the region who went missing, the human sacrifices, the shoggoths they introduced to Innsmouth's sewer system, the nascent hive mind that inevitably warps the minds of all hybrids as they age and take in the Innsmouth Look, and the evil gods they serve. The protagonist may have just precipitated the apocalypse by springing the Marsh lady.

    • @trashqueeen
      @trashqueeen Před 3 měsíci +3

      ​@@Xbalanque84less hard to symphathise when you take a media analysis approach and realize the innsmouth people were HPL's projection of his "fear of the other" (his racism was bad even for his time)

    • @addictiontransfer3731
      @addictiontransfer3731 Před 3 měsíci +3

      @@trashqueeen using meta analysis of the authur to justify in-story misanthropic character decisions is pretty ridiculous lol. Regardless of what HP lovecrafts personal life or personal opinions were on "race", Shadow over Innsouth is about monsters killing, subjugating, sacrificing, and mutilating innocent people. Then _this story_ is about helping all those same murder-monsters lol. Period. Thats what happens. Its an incredibly jarring juxtoposition, and makes the characters involved look moronic.

  • @garymcdonnell5791
    @garymcdonnell5791 Před 3 měsíci +4

    As always fantastic' though instead of hiding ones head under the duvet in fright of the story!! This time was because of the picture?? Cos it's the uncanny lookalike of my ex wife ahhhhh 😳 hahaha🤣😂😅...

  • @ronald5439
    @ronald5439 Před 3 měsíci +3

    Wow just wow keeping the Lovecraft mythos alive 😎

  • @JJ-np1ig
    @JJ-np1ig Před 2 měsíci +2

    Another great story! Thank you so much.

  • @donaldmccleary9015
    @donaldmccleary9015 Před 3 měsíci +4

    Fantastic story and narration!
    Dr. Gilman! How fitting. Amazing. Then, later, he lists the names of the research colleagues he works with. Awesome.
    Looking forward to reading more works by this author.
    Amazing tale.
    Thanks!!

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +1

      So glad you liked it! I am always working on more! 😎

    • @donaldmccleary9015
      @donaldmccleary9015 Před 3 měsíci

      @@Vlekistan no problem. I really liked it. Well-done. I am looking forward to more. Keep up the great work. I love the use of the last names from the books!

  • @GoldenFoxFarmAurora
    @GoldenFoxFarmAurora Před 3 měsíci +4

    Needed this today, thank you!! 💜

  • @katdroidd
    @katdroidd Před 3 měsíci +2

    I enjoyed this addition to the Mythos very much!

  • @Aroundthesquarebowl
    @Aroundthesquarebowl Před 3 měsíci +6

    Thank you ❤

  • @kevinfogle7929
    @kevinfogle7929 Před 3 měsíci +2

    I enjoy Aaron Vlek's stories.

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci

      So glad you like the work, many thanks.😎

  • @duncankayartwork
    @duncankayartwork Před 3 měsíci +4

    I think that’s maybe the best Innsmouth look illustration I’ve ever seen 🤘properly creepy. Magic ❤

  • @Doperwtje81
    @Doperwtje81 Před 2 měsíci +2

    So happy someone wrote a sequel to Shadow Over Innsmouth. Wonderful story!

  • @barbiedahl
    @barbiedahl Před 2 měsíci +1

    What a great story, weaving together so many of lovecraft's character lineages and story arcs.

  • @beitodesstrafe
    @beitodesstrafe Před 3 měsíci +2

    Woooo!
    Edit to add: just finished it. Great story and reading!

  • @edrozenrozen9600
    @edrozenrozen9600 Před 3 měsíci +2

    That's very creepy art.

  • @rockfordlow571
    @rockfordlow571 Před 3 měsíci +2

    One of the best out of very many I have heard .

  • @gomjabbar5785
    @gomjabbar5785 Před 3 měsíci

    One of the best channels on youtube, amazing story and reading.

  • @mariamcgee4462
    @mariamcgee4462 Před 3 měsíci +3

    I wasn't sure I'd like this tale but I really did. I'm glad the Majestic Marsh had a happy ending.

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +1

      Glad you liked it! Yep, I wasn’t sure myself where she was headed but I liked her send off. Be the first to know she has a twin sister who is very different and in another town. 😎

  • @SpaghettiGuyRevisited-xo3gy
    @SpaghettiGuyRevisited-xo3gy Před 2 měsíci +3

    Thank god for not using AI. Seriously love that. Praise Yeshua. Lord of light in a world of darkness. I walk without fear because I know you wait for me

  • @beafraidofinsectattack
    @beafraidofinsectattack Před 3 měsíci +1

    That thumbnail reminds me of gwent's selfeater monster/relict 😊😊

  • @victoriahadley7138
    @victoriahadley7138 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Sounds like a Delta Green project

  • @user-ln3kh3ku4u
    @user-ln3kh3ku4u Před 3 měsíci +1

    Excellent. Thank u .😀

  • @robbabcock_
    @robbabcock_ Před 3 měsíci +1

    Thanks for another great story!

  • @zackc5764
    @zackc5764 Před 3 měsíci +3

    Aaron Vlek! Hells yeah!

  • @user-ev9bo2pw4w
    @user-ev9bo2pw4w Před 2 měsíci +1

    Enter the pool at the shallow end,and dream swim to the sound of the deepest darkest depths of imagination, keeping within your lane,💀

  • @Drifter2025
    @Drifter2025 Před 3 měsíci +2

    Another amazing tale! What a month!

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci

      So glad you like it, many thanks!😎

  • @FosterYourAffinity
    @FosterYourAffinity Před 3 měsíci +1

    Love this! Well read, and well written! Bringing Innsmouth closer and closer. I love it.

  • @FireEverLiving
    @FireEverLiving Před 17 dny

    The writing was a little amateurish, with the Mary Sue protagonists really sticking out. But I enjoyed it. The subversion of the original was well-done. It's an interesting illustration of how far our culture has progressed since Lovecraft's original, which I found kind of inspiring, but without being too preachy or like some sort of commentary on contemporary politics. It's a nice celebration of liberalism (in a broad sense, not just the left half of politicians).

  • @williamdistefano5698
    @williamdistefano5698 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Oh Nice! I like the longer content.

  • @Wombats555
    @Wombats555 Před 3 měsíci +1

    You are still finding stonking mad bangers after all these years.
    Please invite Mr Vlek to gibber eldritch secrets any time he likes!
    I love these fresh expansions to the mythos.

  • @HereXEG
    @HereXEG Před 3 měsíci +1

    Great listen!

  • @SkullCowboy333
    @SkullCowboy333 Před 3 měsíci +4

    Vlek is always amazing and never fails.

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +1

      Too kind! So glad you liked it. 😎

  • @msmascare
    @msmascare Před 3 měsíci

    Truly a disturbing thumbnail. Bravo Horror Babble, bravo 👏!

  • @Shacthulhu
    @Shacthulhu Před 3 měsíci +2

    Such deplorable people! So much delicious subtext!

  • @JSmith-wu9no
    @JSmith-wu9no Před 3 měsíci +3

    Here's hoping for more Aaron Vlek stories

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci

      Glad you enjoyed it!

    • @JSmith-wu9no
      @JSmith-wu9no Před měsícem

      ​@@VlekistanI found your work on another channel and I find your take on Lovecraft's deep ones very interesting

  • @juliadia007
    @juliadia007 Před 2 měsíci +2

    I really enjoyed this story.

  • @Lorraine33366
    @Lorraine33366 Před 3 měsíci +2

    Ohhh, Dr. GILL-man! ;) Another great story & Lovely narration. Thank you!

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci

      Many thanks! 😎

    • @victoriahadley7138
      @victoriahadley7138 Před 3 měsíci +1

      Um, they are all family names linked to the mythos
      Pickman - ghouls (Pickman's Model)
      Whately - sorcerors / worshippers of Yog Sothoth (Wilbur Whaitely from The Dunwich Horror)
      Marsh - deep one relatives from Innsmouth
      Gilman - investigates witches & their familiars (Walter Gilman from dreams in the Witch House)
      West - Hertbert West, a doctor resurrecting the dead.
      Carter - Randolph Carter a dream explorer.
      Whaite - Asenath / Ephraim Waite. Sorcerors who possess bodies to prolong their age.
      Ward - Charles Dexter Ward, descendant of a terrible wizard Joseph Curwen.

    • @Xbalanque84
      @Xbalanque84 Před 3 měsíci +1

      His great uncle ran the local hotel in Innsmouth.

    • @Lorraine33366
      @Lorraine33366 Před 3 měsíci

      @@Xbalanque84 ahh! Thank you.. Its a cool pun on the sea themed names. I loved that Pickman was in there too

    • @Lorraine33366
      @Lorraine33366 Před 3 měsíci

      @@Xbalanque84 Just realized Gilman is also from Dreams in the Witch house. Thank you all for your replies - gonna brush up on my mythology. I kinda always blew by the "human" names. This is a fantastic story on so many levels!

  • @Edwin-iw4ze
    @Edwin-iw4ze Před 3 měsíci +1

    Loved this one. :D

  • @MrZooBreak
    @MrZooBreak Před 3 měsíci +2

    Great story, and wonderfully read by Ian! To me, this is as weird and grotesque as anything by Lovecraft.

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci

      Thank you kindly!😎

  • @teddydog6229
    @teddydog6229 Před 3 měsíci +2

    I know I’m the millionth person to ask this but it’s worth a shot - where does “You FOOL !!!…Warren is dead.” come from ? How can I properly mourn Warren if I don’t know the specifics of his demise ?
    I am thrilled to be returning to Innsmouth after so long. I very seldom comment on this channel because there’s nothing I have to add. As far as I’m concerned and as a horror fanatic this is the best channel on CZcams. Nothing more to be said.

    • @justincase9282
      @justincase9282 Před 3 měsíci +3

      It is from the Lovecraft story, "The Statement of Randolph Carter."

    • @Kneon_Knight
      @Kneon_Knight Před 3 měsíci

      @@justincase9282 Warren himself was a fool. Meddling about in the lightless depths where "grate (sic) holes are digged (sic) where Earth's pores ought suffice..."

  • @mollyhunter7727
    @mollyhunter7727 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Carnacki the Ghost Finder is the best

  • @SpoopySquid
    @SpoopySquid Před 3 měsíci +2

    3:50 The idea that Lovecraft exists in the universe he created and is just the same pulp author as his irl self is kind of hilarious

  • @jeffashley5512
    @jeffashley5512 Před 3 měsíci +4

    Great tale from Ms. Vlek and amazing telling Ian. She has many Lovecraftian tales and great to hear on Horrorbabble. 💀

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +3

      I was delighted, and honored, to finally get on HB! 😎

    • @jeffashley5512
      @jeffashley5512 Před 3 měsíci

      I found your work on another channel and Prophet of The Black Hajj is my favorite....so far. 😁

  • @akcprivat
    @akcprivat Před 3 měsíci +2

    Fantastik story!

  • @bigsarge2085
    @bigsarge2085 Před 3 měsíci +2

    ❤‍🔥

  • @justletmelistthese
    @justletmelistthese Před 3 měsíci +1

    Mr. Warren's demise is being grossly exaggerated.

  • @joestuttard1495
    @joestuttard1495 Před 3 měsíci

    Awesome work as always

  • @jgr7487
    @jgr7487 Před 2 měsíci +1

    This story sounds nice & hopeful but is but the beginning of another nightmarish era in Innsmouth.

  • @miarencrowsdaughter6434
    @miarencrowsdaughter6434 Před 3 měsíci +2

    I'm hoping that the Dream Swimmers have more adventures. I got a serious 'cycle' vibe from this, much like the John Silence or Carnacki stories, where this 'team' might have to deal with other misunderstood inhabitants of the Lovecraftian canon.

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +1

      They just might! Glad you liked them.

  • @Self-replicating_whatnot
    @Self-replicating_whatnot Před 2 měsíci +2

    "Dr. Gillman" I see what you deed there Aaron :)

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 2 měsíci

      Yeah, but HPL did it first! :)

    • @Self-replicating_whatnot
      @Self-replicating_whatnot Před 2 měsíci

      @@VlekistanHPL had all the subtlety of a barrel of cod to the face. Your story seemed to be more tricky at first before the main charater's name was revealed.

  • @krissyr3393
    @krissyr3393 Před 3 měsíci +1

    A marvellous story

  • @EricDaMAJ
    @EricDaMAJ Před 3 měsíci +1

    On his 200th and something day lost in the Taklamakan desert, Warren spotted a lone, dusty white bearded figure in tattered robes and a turban standing next to a donkey. In the old man's hand hands he clutched a board nearly as weathered as himself. Scrawled on it in wild Arabic was a single word: "Out." Curious, Warren broke from the caravan to meet him.
    "Out? You mean out of here?" he asked. The man nodded his assent, "Yes, Effendi. I alone know the way out. Though I ask payment for my humble services." Warren was taken aback, "How much?" The old man grinned, "How much do you have, Effendi?" After much haggling, Warren paid the old man 100£, 5,000CN¥, 10,000₹, and 6 cigarettes - half up front, half on arrival. "Call me Warren" Warren said.
    Stuffing the payment in his, robes the old man nodded at a high dune some miles away and started off, donkey in tow in a slow walk. Warren took some minutes to bid farewell to his Arab rescuers, who assured him he'd be back. Then he raced after the old man.
    In the first mile a passing Song official sneered at them from his palanquin. "Idiots!" he spat in Mandarin. "You could spare yourselves exhaustion if you rode the donkey." The old man shrugged, mounted the animal, and bade Warren to get on too.
    The donkey struggled through the sand with much complaint with the two passengers. They'd hardly gone another mile when they passed the gaggle of Chinese airline passengers. A matronly woman in a Gucci dress clutching a small dog yelled, "How can you be so inhumane! You'll wear the poor animal out! It's animal cruelty, I say! The poor beast!" Chagrined, Warren dismounted and led the donkey.
    They'd made almost another mile before a pair of Buddhist monks crossed their path. "Look, oh student" the eldest monk said. "See how fatuous belief in tradition leads to an old man tyrannizing the younger generation, riding the donkey in comfort while his son walks in the hot sun." The old man shrugged, dismounted, and urged Warren to remount the donkey. The old man led the donkey.
    Hardly another mile passed before the elder of a pack of Nasrani Christians admonished his followers aloud "Look how we approach the Second Coming as the world falls further into Sin! The young man rides while his elderly father walks. Shame!" Shaking his head, Warren dismounted and they both set off on foot, donkey in tow.
    Mercifully they didn't see anyone else. Zig zagging up the high dune, they finally reached the summit, Warren panting for breath. Looking out he despaired at seeing only another continuous dune vista. Significantly lower dunes, to be sure. But dunes stretching far as his eye could see. Worse, in the distance he sighted the ominous dust cloud of the evening sand storm. He looked darkly down at his companion, who smiled beatifically up at him from a seated position. Lighting one of Warren's cigarettes, the old man said in a weedy but calm voice, "Always in motion, the sands of the Taklamakan. So, too, the planets, moons, and son heavens above. Certainly the travelers of ages who walk, walk, walk seeking escape. It is the will of Allah. There is only one way to escape it. That is to be...still." Exhausted and with no options, Warren sat hugging his knees and watched the sandstorm approach as the light dimmed. 10 minutes later the old man flicked his cigarette away, the ember arcing into the night. Then he partially unwound his turban to cover his face. Warren did likewise with his keffiyeh just before the sand wave engulfed them all.
    Warren jerked forward and woke with a start, his forward motion stopped by a seat belt. "We're here Effendi!" the turbaned old man in the front seat said, looking over his shoulder at Warren through the plexiglass. As if in a dream, Warren unbuckled himself and climbed out of the hackney cab. Shutting the door, he noticed they'd stopped in a pub. A pub in London by the looks of it. God he could use a pint he thought and started towards it. "Ahem" he heard behind him. Remembering, Warren turned and reached into his pockets for the fare. The bills came out - along with a copious amount of sand. He handed them through the window to the weathered brown hands. The old man nodded, "It was good meeting you, Warren." Warren realized he'd never asked the old man's name. But he didn't need to. He knew.
    Adding a generous tip, Warren grinned, *"You fool! Warren is dead!"*

  • @shaunsmith3757
    @shaunsmith3757 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Wonderfully read, Ian! A great addition to the mythos.
    The subtext in the story is interesting. I consider it malleable, honestly, but I wonder what Vlek chose for it to mean. More enjoyable to leave it a mystery, perhaps!

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci +1

      Interesting comment. I prefer that readers, or listeners, take from the story what speaks to them and not be distracted by what I meant. Sometimes that takeaway message is not what I meant at all but what the listener needed or wanted to hear. I have never added any personal or political position to my stories as I believe that would be a disservice to the work and listeners. The attitude towards the Innsmouth people that the head doctor had was not a neo political rant thrown in but rather absolutely reflective of what many of Lovecrafts surrounding characters said so it is in keeping with the cannon of HPLs work. But some wish to see it as a tiresome and predictable add on, and that’s fine too. My work is a smorgasbord, take what you want and go back for seconds if you will! 🤓

    • @shaunsmith3757
      @shaunsmith3757 Před 3 měsíci

      @@Vlekistan I appreciate your response and the insight it came with, sir! I hope I didn't come off as insulting. The subtext, whether it existed or not, was interesting to ponder, but it did nothing at all to diminish my enjoyment of the story. I especially liked the interweaving of the different Lovecraftian families! 😊 And seconds will be had, I assure you! Thanks for your great contribution to the Mythos. 🙏

  • @shokmusic_AC
    @shokmusic_AC Před 2 měsíci +1

    Excellent story

  • @SixTough
    @SixTough Před 3 měsíci +1

    So he was insane? He just threw all the patients into the sea and killed the staff? Or maybe it was all real and eldritch evil wins over more reasonable human evil. Perfect ambiguity and a true Mythos story.

  • @thetiredcynic
    @thetiredcynic Před měsícem

    "marrying too close to home" 😭

  • @krusader357
    @krusader357 Před 3 měsíci +1

    This is simply brilliant 👏

    • @Vlekistan
      @Vlekistan Před 3 měsíci

      Thank you so much!😂

  • @hereticsaint100
    @hereticsaint100 Před 3 měsíci +5

    Sorry but no one's ever going to make me feel sympathy for the Dagon people.

  • @javedsultan4830
    @javedsultan4830 Před 3 měsíci +2

    Miskatonic is world reknowned.. !

  • @patrickcherne3847
    @patrickcherne3847 Před 3 měsíci +1

    That was an awesome story.

  • @EndOfSmallSanctuary97
    @EndOfSmallSanctuary97 Před 3 měsíci

    I forgot what year you had mentioned this story was written in, so I genuinely thought this was a near-contemporary story to Lovecraft, like 1930s or 1940s at latest. It captured the style of early-mid 20th century horror literature so perfectly, aside from one or two exceptions.

  • @toddh377
    @toddh377 Před 3 měsíci

    Good story and the author has turn of the century tone pitch perfect

  • @kevinfogle7929
    @kevinfogle7929 Před 3 měsíci +9

    Mythos March!

  • @friedricengravy6646
    @friedricengravy6646 Před 3 měsíci +2

    DAAAAMN! That is a fantastic reading. Well done, 🎩
    Absolutely a modern classic!