"Potential" is a short story by famed British horror writer Ramsey Campbell set in the expanded Cthulhu Mythos. It was published by Arkham House in 1973 in the Campbell collection Demons by Daylight.
Synopsis[]
Whilst searching for acceptance, Charles meets a man who introduces him to a secretive cult. The cult convince Charles to commit an unspeakable act, one which transforms Charles himself into the sacrifice necessary to summon forth a dark entity.
Characters[]
- Charles, a man looking to belong somewhere.
- Cook, a cult member.
- Smith, the cult's enigmatic leader.
Mythos Connections[]
- The story is set in Campbell's fictional Severn Valley setting, specifically Brichester, the backdrop to many of his Mythos-related stories.
- Both H. P. Lovecraft and August Derleth are referenced in "Potential" as being the same people as in real life.