Tracting out Cthulhu by James Wymore
"Tracting out Cthulhu" by James Wymore is a speculative fiction novel set in an alternate history where the Republic of Deseret, a Mormon state, exists alongside other global powers. The story begins in March 1903 at a diplomatic event in San Diego, where Hisato Nozaki, a Japanese trade delegate, meets with a mysterious man named Smith. They discuss the threat of an ancient entity, Cthulhu, whose influence is spreading through Tendrils that corrupt and control leaders worldwide. The narrative follows Smith, a member of Deseret's Correlation Department, as he collaborates with Nozaki to prevent the awakening of Cthulhu. The plot involves espionage, alchemy, and advanced technology, including airships and mechanical men. Smith and his team, including combat elders and Japanese shrine maidens, track the Tendril to Tokyo, where they confront a conspiracy led by Marxist revolutionaries and a rogue Japanese general. The story explores themes of cultural exchange, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the dangers of unchecked power. It combines elements of steampunk, Lovecraftian horror, and alternate history, culminating in a battle to prevent the resurrection of an ancient evil. The novel concludes with the protagonists averting disaster and strengthening ties between Deseret and Japan, setting the stage for future alliances against common threats.
By James Wymore · First published 2018 · Genre: Horror, Cosmic Horror, Weird Fiction · 19,467 words
First lines
March 1903 / Consulate Row / San Diego, Mormon California, Republic of Deseret
The evening's reception in the marble-lined Dutch Consulate glittered as brightly as any event could, hosted by dour Dutchmen serving stolid Dutch cooking.
Genres
- Horror — The narrative and themes involve supernatural terror and evoke intense fear, aligning closely with classic horror elements.
- Cosmic Horror — Central to the lore is the mythos of Cthulhu, emphasizing an overwhelming, unknowable cosmic dread.
- Weird Fiction — The blending of the bizarre, supernatural, and illogical creates an atmosphere typical of weird fiction storytelling.
- Dark Fantasy — Elements of fantasy interwoven with a grim, otherworldly atmosphere establish a dark fantasy tone.
Tags
cosmic horror · Lovecraftian · weird fiction · occult · supernatural · mythos · eldritch · paranormal · dark fantasy · gothic · esoteric · forbidden lore
What this Textopian page supports
Tracting out Cthulhu is listed on Textopian as a novella by James Wymore, dated 2018 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: James Wymore
- Date: 2018 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Cosmic Horror, Weird Fiction, Dark Fantasy, Occult Fiction
- Length: 19,467 words
- Structure: 1 section, 582 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tracting out Cthulhu by James Wymore
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph