Basic Information
Lovecraft Country is a Horror Trope that refers to a fictionalized version of New England, especially in the Cosmic Horror subgenre. It's named for H.P. Lovecraft, who wrote numerous short stories set in this version of the region.
Lovecraft Country is dotted with small towns and isolated communities, many of which harbor dark secrets. The inhabitants are frequently depicted as corrupt - often spiritually (or even biologically) as well as morally. Inbreeding is likely a factor in that, but just as important is the worship of inhuman gods and ancient horrors, such as the Cthulhu Mythos. If there are Things Man Was Not Meant To Know, you can bet somebody somewhere in Lovecraft Country knows them.
The most famous fictional locations within Lovecraft Country include Arkham, Dunwich and Innsmouth, all of which are relatively close to the real world locations of Salem and Boston.
The overseas analog of Lovecraft Country is often known as Campbell Country.
Sources
Most of the works of H.P. Lovecraft are set in Lovecraft Country, as are many of the works of Stephen King.
Game and Story Use
- Obviously, a perfect setting for Call of Cthulhu, but also many other horror RPGs.
- Relocating another genre of game to the environs of Lovecraft Country would give it a different (and possibly unique) flavor. A superhero game set in Lovecraft Country would be interesting, as all those mutant heroes and villains would have a far more sinister back-story than is normal for the genre.