We’re back and we’re heading out to a big party under the hill. While the rest of you are busy clubbing, we’ll be trying out a different kind of dancing. There’s even a singalong, plus some arts and crafts. Sure, some people might claim this is all witchcraft, but we’ve been promised it’s no more sinister than a children’s game. At least that’s what we think the White People said. Our Aklo is a bit rusty.



Main Topic: The White People



This episode is an in-depth look at Arthur Machen’s weird tale “The White People”. While it’s not a Cthulhu Mythos story, both Machen and this tale were big influences on Lovecraft. You will find elements of it, such as the Aklo language and the Voorish sign, dotted throughout Lovecraft’s work.



But just what is it that makes “The White People” such an enduring favourite? It’s a much more complex tale than it first appears to be, and not one that lends itself to easy analysis. We dig into its symbolism and hidden meanings, looking for both a better understanding of the story and inspiration for our games of Call of Cthulhu.



Our Guest Host



We are delighted to welcome Jared Logan back to the Good Friends! Jared is a stand-up comedian and writer who has been involved with a number of major actual play streams and podcasts, including Glass Cannon, Stream of Blood, and Ain’t Slayed Nobody. You can find Jared on tour right now, supporting Kumail Nanjiani.






Links



Things we mention in this episode include:




* Arthur Machen



* Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn



* Bram Stoker



* Austin Osman Spare



* WB Yeats



* Tylwyth Teg



* “The Novel of the Black Seal” by Arthur Machen



* Changeling: the Lost



* “The Shining Pyramid” by Arthur Machen



* “The Red Hand” by Arthur Machen



* “N” by Arthur Machen



* Katharine Briggs



* “The Dunwich Horror” by HP Lovecraft



* “The Great God Pan” by Arthur Machen