Servitor of the Outer Gods

The Servitors of the Outer Gods, also known as the Idiot Flute-players or Amorphous Flute-players, are a mysterious species expanded upon by Chaosium for the Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game. They were first referred to by H. P. Lovecraft in "The Rats in the Walls", and are also featured in August Derleth's stories, such as The Lurker at the Threshold.

Background[]

The Servitors of the Outer Gods are amorphous beings that resemble squids, frogs, and octopi which are constantly changing their shape and appearance. When needed they accompany the Outer Gods, though most of them are in the Court of Azathoth.

The music to which the Outer Gods dance to is made by these demonic drummers and flautists. On occasion they will also play for cultists to summon deities or to provide background music.

The "amorphous idiot flute-players" are often seen in the company of Nyarlathotep. (HPL: "The Rats in the Walls", AWD: "The Dweller in Darkness")

One "amorphous flute-player" also played music to summon the Byakhee in an ancient Yule ritual partaken by the Crawling Ones. (HPL: "The Festival")

Behind the Mythos[]

The Servitors of the Outer Gods share many similarities with the Moon-beasts from Lovecraft's novel The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath. The Moon-beasts are also amorphous, toad-like with squid-like tentacles, are often seen playing flutes, and are also servants of Nyarlathotep.