"The Colour of the Forest" by Ian Gordon / Van Melsen Mythos

Van Melsen, Case #2
"The Colour of the Forest" is a Cthulhu Mythos short story by Ian Gordon.
In the story, the renowned Paranormal Investigator Peter Van Melsen heads into the wilds of Scotland, in order to investigate the presence of mysterious doorways found in the furthest reaches of Galloway Forest Park.
Listen to THE SOUL STEALER, here: • "The Soul Stealer" by ...
00:00 - Introduction
01:16 - Van Melsen's Foreword
03:42 - The Colour of the Forest
53:18 - Van Melsen's Afterword
56:07 - Further Listening
The first volume of Van Melsen stories (eBook):
UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CGXFZCH5
USA: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGXFZCH5
CA: www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CGXFZCH5
AUS: www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CGXFZCH5
Bandcamp link: horrorbabble.bandcamp.com/alb...
Narrated by Ian Gordon for HorrorBabble
Music and production by Ian Gordon & Jennifer Gill
With thanks to our producers: Ashley Lindsay, Camerin Seigars, and Cody Stec
Artwork by Duncan Kay: / duncankayart
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This is an ORIGINAL HorrorBabble Production.

[@HorrorBabble]

First book of stories now available: UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CGXFZCH5 USA: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGXFZCH5 The Peter Van Melsen Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLeNNKRLWxwoO0VCrw61QeyrZk_DQYZycx

[@henryk123]

Whenever HorrorBabble reads a story, I automatically assume it's taking place in beginning of twentieth century and even when cellphones and laptops are mentioned, I still can't 'update' my mental picture of sets and characters...

[@feralbluee]

holy cow, me too. we must be of the same generation, no? anyway that's where these stories belong - in Holmes's time - or the 3o''s like Poirot. . . Keep safe :)

[@pamelajackson6954]

I too imagine early 1900s at least and laptops often break my imagination.

[@Graycata]

I had a bit of a jarring feeling in the other story, when he mentioned the girl wearing jeans

[@badas45]

Me too, when he says email I imagine telegram and I replaced mentally all modern drivel with a more Lovecraft appropriate timeline

[@lilithwilcox9074]

Same

[@12201185234]

My wife and I are camping, high up in the mountains in Southern California. We're sitting in front of a campfire in the middle of the forest as I listen to this.

[@Eris123451]

But wait...........................................what was that ? Honey did you hear that ? ..................................................................................................................................Honey ?

[@GodOfPlague]

Lol great user name we've all felt that way.

[@Self-replicating_whatnot]

Hopefully there weren't any out-of-place doors around.

[@jessetoler1032]

Nice knowing ya!

[@DaBigBoss48]

Then you are living a fine life good sir! I hope further prosperity for you and all of us deeper thinkers. AVE.

[@gusgone4527]

It's now official. I'm addicted to these short stories.

[@colemarie9262]

Please KEEP WRITING!!! You give both the horror classics and mythos based stories an honest homage, while combining the two beautifully. This is nothing like the lazy mimicry that has totally overrun the creepypasta genre. The internet NEEDS you Ian!!

[@taterpussy3825]

Great story, I find myself wanting to buy Van Melsen a beer

[@draochvar9646]

Aaayyyyy, I live near Berchtesgaden and I can see the Untersberg from my house 🤣🤣🤣 So now I know where I WON'T go hiking again. Awesome work, superb storytelling and killer delivery as always. Thanks mister.

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

My name is Warren -- imagine my surprise to find I was dead! Cheers from the afterlife, wsj

[@PhilieBlunt666]

My parents nickname for me is philipe so to some extent we're in this together my friend 😆

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

@cak01vej -- alas, all I remember is watching re-runs of 'I Love Lucy" -- the horror, the horror...Cheers, wsj

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

@@PhilieBlunt666 -- you should have insisted they call you H.P. -- although some would think that rather saucy! Cheers, my friend, wsj

[@PhilieBlunt666]

@@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves Oh man, if i had any say in it i definitely would... But a family nickname you enjoy? Unheard of! 🤣

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

@@PhilieBlunt666 -- yeah, when I was a kid, I was called "Pencilhead" -- its a long story. Cheers, wsj

[@Oraphel]

It is interesting how you tied together Lovecraft's Alien Colour with the Hyperborean cycle of CAS. Despite certain similar elements, such as the presence of Old Ones, Lovecraft's and Smith's stories are remarkably different, especially considering how Smith's protagonists may sometimes interact with the Great Old Ones without death or sanity (i.e. Eibon, despite being an all-powerful wizard, can contact Tsathoggua without serious repercussions). That being said, I feel you captured this same sort of 'mechanism', if you will. Rather than having the Colour arrive on a meteor (a la Lovecraft), they enter through stranger doors; we have the same entity, but with a different shade of colour (mind the pun). I digress. Another great original work Ian. Thank you for sharing.

[@ViktoriousDead]

Lovecraftian horror Really is a unique gem amongst the horror genre. Thanks for the upload!

[@olalustig5397]

There are alot of Lovecraftian & cthulu mythos stories on audible,sadly it costs alot,BUT if u borrow someones credit card you can register and get one free book,then cancel within 30 days(best to do it directly after u bought a book so u dont forget ) Then you do this over and over with all your familys cards and u have a whole bunch off books,some collections are up to 20 hours! Happy listening Sadly none have the amazing voice as Ian but hey,the man can only read so much :)

[@rickyhurtt8692]

Yeah I'd just realized ol Ian had hooked us up with the writing also. You go boy

[@undeaddave9671]

You should listen to The Things that came from Winterhill.

[@ClockworkChainsaw]

Listening to these while falling asleep lead to interesting dreams. Did you know, for example, that the local scout group is tasked with going out and scrubbing the doors clean? The ajar one is a very unpopular one to scrub, because you might fall through.

[@slewis9602]

Another excellent story, I really enjoy Van Melsen. Thanks H.B.

[@philippel.9086]

Man!! I feel honored that a character of your story bore my name. That was a really captivating one. Good Job!

[@Graycata]

If these stories have taught me anything oh, it's to leave random parts of structure alone. Stairs, Doors, Chimneys...

[@stephenparsons653]

I like the slow pacing - nobody is in any particular hurry to get anywhere and, considering where they are going, why would they be? It's almost like Lovecraft in reverse as the characters shuffle sideways to their fate rather than being impelled by the irresistible lure of forbidden knowledge. It's a comforting and comfortable horror tale and I have no problem with that.

[@joshuak.parker9855]

I listen to your narration of Jack London's " to build a fire" every morning on my hikes through spotify but there is no place for me to say thank you on that platform. Thank you dearly for a beautiful narration of my all time favorite London short. Thank you.

[@exileinderby51]

First class story and first class storytelling

[@cobrachicken07]

This is so wonderful - the writing, the story and setting, characters, and, of course, narration. Great job! Looking forward to the next Van Melsen adventure 🤠👍

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you!

[@beverlyamarantes9775]

Truly fascinating tale of the beauty of colors and the dangers of my curiosity.

[@0therun1t21]

I think I'd be too afraid to go through a portal even though I really want to know what's on the other side.

[@badraven_indieauthor]

I tried over and over to listen to it, but there would be an interruption. Finally, last night I listened to it. Great story! I like the characters, the plot, style of prose, and that investigative theme. Great job!

[@CJ-uf6xl]

Brilliant! Really looking forward to the next one. Thank you.

[@parkeaudio1338]

Love the new intro, I've been so excited for the next installment ever since the soul stealer

[@olalustig5397]

ITS BEEN SO LONG BUT ITS FINALLY HERE,THANK YOU IAN - KEEP EM COMING!

[@gohboy56]

Gordon Kay's depiction in " The Color of the Forest" is really brilliant. I got a real eyeful of it on my tv.👍🙏

[@HorrorBabble]

I think you mean 'Duncan Kay'! Thank you, either way!

[@cleoldbagtraallsorts3380]

Renee Artois would no doubt provide an interesting version! 😄

[@VictorReynolds]

I love how this series brings the Cthulhu mythos into the present day!

[@PoppabearsCave]

Masterfully done! Both in writting and narration. So well done, thank you!

[@donaldmccleary9015]

These stories are awesome! Van Melsen is incredible! I listened to these out of order, so I listened to the first six in order this week. That took some time! Lol! These are great stories, and I immensely enjoy them. I think I would get along quite well with good ole' Van Melsen!

[@skehleben7699]

I didn't realize the narrator is the writer. Discovered these recently and I'm thoroughly addicted!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks for listening!

[@phoenixjames6126]

Just as fantastic as the first! The climactic encounter with the "color" was wonderfully descriptive and full of fantastic imagery. So many unanswered questions, cannot await the next Van Melsen story!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thank you so much!

[@rickyhurtt8692]

I've always really loved (loathed) talking with someone who says you know after every statement

[@macharian6963]

So good, this series is the greatest

[@SavageBites]

Great stuff Ian! your best so far i believe, very much in the mold of the Mythos and HPL himself, while retaining your voice. sweet!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks, sir!

[@73mleduc]

I really like the new branding! As usual thanks for the great work.

[@jessetoler1032]

"unscheduled collapse"...lol...I nearly fell outta my chair.

[@kylejarrett1621]

You have my infinite attention...again...I just enjoy the pleasure of each story thank you!!

[@merri_spiderly6017]

Just as always, your tales and readings are magnificient. Nothing beats lying in bed and listening to some cosmic horror before falling asleep.

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks again!

[@tamlandipper29]

Relistening. One of my favourite Melsens.

[@MrsCaranAmy]

This was an awesome story. I just loved the way it was presented and it had a great plot. I hope there are more stories like this one to come. Thanks. ♡

[@JWEthan]

This is an excellent story and a marked improvement over the enjoyable first Peter Van Melsen story. The switch to first person narration is a smart choice and the central mystery and nature of the entity conjures a compelling comic horror vibe more effectively than in the previous tale. The melding of affectionate homages to Peter Cushing and Lovecraft's works continues to be effective. However, I would like to see a little more fallibility, flaws and self-doubt in Van Melsen, otherwise the character risks becoming stale.

[@t.t.5324]

I love this character! More, more, more of him, please!! thank you for the videos. Great writing and story.

[@HorrorBabble]

More to come!

[@sksksksl]

These are wonderful stories! Thank you for writing and performing them!

[@RobertEWaters]

Well and imaginatively done once again Ian. Thank you!

[@HmasTeR43214551]

Hi, Fantastic story; just like the first one. I am looking forward to the next story featuring Van Melsen.

[@rickyhurtt8692]

I really like these stories and that they same to been done in modern style like the old Carnacki stories atleast to myself makes them more memorable than the daily CPs that are churned out daily. Of course your great narration helps a great lot also

[@patrickmcpherson97]

Another wonderful Van Melsen story. Keep up the good work.

[@myinfinity309]

Ian Gordon, your stories are outstanding!

[@TheodoreDorado]

I just started the Van Melsen series. These are absolutely fantastic! I try to write myself, but it's so hard to find motivation after working all day. Anyway, I am so genuinely glad you're featuring your own work now in addition to that of other--because it's excellent! Well done.

[@5tsumi13]

also: thank you mr. gordon for your writing. keeping the classic voice of horror tales alive!

[@fredg.sanford634]

Great story Ian!! More, please!

[@starmezzo]

OMG Ian, that was sooo good! Loved it! When are you going to publish your stories? You are an amazing creative writer. Keep them coming!

[@themischeifguide]

I love these stories, great work.

[@GoblinsStoleMyBrain]

I intended to have this on "in the background", but you totally stole my attention. I'm absolutely loving the Van Melsen stories :)

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks, Lou! Always appreciated. Ian

[@H_412]

I enjoyed the way the narration was from Van Melsen's POV via his writings. Very much like the Call of Cthulhu in that regard

[@jeremygriffin620]

Loved it! Great work guys.

[@Boogie_the_cat]

I have to admit that the most unnerving part of this narration was hearing you speak my name (Philippe) [you nailed the pronunciation] , while I thoroughly enjoyed the tale as well

[@soulreaver1983]

Excellent video dude! Awesome intro from the unnameabel ☺👍

[@nobodyyouknow1065]

Ian thinks he’s so big with his fancy, smokey, pillowy accent (that works on me like an Ambien, and I mean that in the best way possible) that he can just slip his own fiction into things and nobody will condemn him for his conflict of interest. I mean he’s totally right, but....

[@stuff6218]

Fantastic work, Ian. Easily as enjoyable as any of the best classics from the genre

[@HorrorBabble]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DickGallo-dk7wi]

Ian. Your original short stories are a delight! Thank you for sharing them. 🕷💀🦇

[@kenchesnut4425]

As always..wonderful narration

[@Julian-bq9qv]

Very well done - a great tale which brought two things to my mind - one - the Venus fly trap; and two, a John the Balladeer story by the great Manly Wade Wellman, about the strange things called Gardinels, which were scattered here and there among the most out of the way places in the old rural areas of the Southern mountain country. Not many who entered a Gardinel ever emerged.

[@jasemalvis2140]

Not related to the story but the line "you fool. Warren is dead" gives me nam flashbacks ever since first listening to YOUR reading of that story. The build up almost made me cry before the payoff sent real shivers down my spine!

[@ellismartiskainen7729]

What story is that line from?

[@suzannef138]

I really love your Vam Melsen stories! So good

[@HorrorBabble]

I'm very pleased!

[@suzannef138]

Just realized I spelled it wrong 😮😂 Van Melsen. I've listened to them all, most more than once! I really hope that there are more to come!! ❤️

[@nyar2352]

It took me a week to find the time to sit down and listen to your new opus. Now that I finished I am nigh ecstatic! The story is every bit as captivating as I had hoped it would be, and more! Your choice of words is just perfect, Ian. I'm a professional word-person (commonly known as a philologist), and your prose hits right in my language centre. Atmospheric and captivating, the last time I felt like that was when I discovered Clark Ashton Smith's work. Similarly, the subtle humour shining through had me laugh out loud a few times. Long story short, I have become an ardent fan and hope that there will be more Van Melsen stories in the future! ____________ Edit: As a former denizen of the lands around the Untersberg, that little detail was highly appreciated.

[@ADawg619]

To be honest everytime I see it is one of your own stories I come at it with a very skeptic outlook trying to judge but in all actuality I am blown away by your skills and you do a great job even when I am trying to find faults. You are amazing and keep it up! I know you like to keep it with the late 1800's to early 1900's horror. But if you could do some readings of Stephen King or Clive Barker Hellraiser? I know the way you tell the story would be so much better than any other readings found on the internet

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks Allie! We're unable to record works under copyright, hence the majority of our recordings being based on public domain material. That said, we were given permission to record a Barker story a couple of years ago on a limited basis, so perhaps we'll be able to do that again in the future.

[@0therun1t21]

That was cool, now about those darn stairs...

[@cliffordkeeling9280]

A glasgiw chap called phillipe...hmm (just teasing). Good narration (as always). Well done!!

[@hawkgirl9984]

I cant help but feel like this is inspired by that one reddit thread "I'm a park search and rescue ranger, and I have some stories to tell" in which a park search and rescue ranger keeps finding staircases just randomly out in the woods, and his superiors keep telling them not to pay them any mind and do not under any circumstances touch them. The park ranger eventually finds out that if the stairs are touched, really bizarre things happen and people often end up dead. If it's not inspired by that, then well, It just made me think of it. Fantastic story, I cant get enough of this kind of content!

[@HorrorBabble]

I'm very familiar with that thread! And yes, it certainly influenced certain elements of this story. Thanks for listening! Ian

[@shawnpleil4699]

Excellent story Ian! 👍

[@5tsumi13]

i scour through this channel looking for stories i haven’t heard yet and am always pleasantly surprised with what i find. you guys are amazing thank you so much for all the excellent content!!!

[@HorrorBabble]

Thanks again, Max.

[@feralbluee]

I didn't know you were published - congrats! great story,. . . :)

[@NightAngelus]

YES! More original content. *happy dance* You guys are so awesome with your recordings. Adding life to the characters along with the music and background sound affects to add to the feel us listeners get. The orignal content is so sweet listing to the tales you weave while building new worlds or expanding onto established ones creating new paths for fans to explore. So many of your recording, The Originals and Lovecraft especially, i keep going back to when i need to relax or to play as background sounds while i draw.

[@kitsuneoga]

Excellent artwork and story, to say the least

[@beverlyamarantes9775]

Time to wind down with the HorrorBabble crew.

[@XelionGraves]

I just got a job 4 days ago, and have to walk for an hour to get there. Listening to these on the way to and from work makes the journey infinitely more enjoyable. Thank you Horrorbabble ❤

[@jamiecameron7615]

He'll yeah!! What a treat, thank you very much!!

[@Nanosuit37]

Excellent. Thank you again. You all are quite a good talent.

[@illmade2]

excellent story and reading as always.

[@danbreeden1801]

Always expertly done

[@blurryface9597]

Thanks! Such a great story

[@Firecracker66]

Perfect for my sleepless night

[@David_Tomlinson]

It was like Colour out of Space mixed with a really good Carnaki. 🕵🔍 But without the tweed. First class, top form!! Was well certain Nick-Nack was going to do a Bennings.

[@dexterisabo3137]

Bravo! Great story!

[@Cosmicorgasme]

Good one!! Loved it.

[@ASolzhenitsyn]

So I take it you have read the "I am a US park ranger"/"Stairs in the woods" story?

[@HorrorBabble]

Absolutely! Those accounts inspired the basic premise.

[@Isaac-hm6ih]

Ah, so this was written recently. I'd assumed it was a massive coincidence and I was actually here in the comments to make a joke about the similarity of concept.

[@Tazirai]

Total awesomeness.

[@LTPottenger]

In some other dimension they have a story called "the smell of the city" about us.

[@SC-jh9qp]

Loch Doon! Nice. 👌

[@DED_MEEM]

I'm imagining a children's series feat. Knick Knack the Pug: Paranormal Dog Investigator.

[@HorrorBabble]

Love it!

[@setamonkeytoy]

I love some of your word choices in this series it's rare to hear the words petrichor, ubiquitous, and phantasmagoria which I think is a shame as there some of my favourites along with mellifluous (which your work is), susurrus and fricative . ❤

[@WhoCares69]

Felmont ... now I’ve heard that name before 🤔. Nice touch 👏👏

[@billsummy2412]

AWESOME :-)

[@Arsenik17]

Necronomicon reference, bingo!

[@Arsenik17]

Lol such a Lovecraft mood, describing a scene as "indescribable" then describing it anyway.

[@popevimtoripkeefhappysackXXX]

“..unscheduled collapse..” Arf !!!

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Dig the synth pad intro 👏 Really enjoying these Van Melsen stories. Have you talked to Arkham House?

[@HorrorBabble]

They're a difficult bunch to contact!

[@Thomas-wn7cl]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Good Story

[@hannaclutterbuck-cook5595]

DUDE! New intro. Nice.

[@feralbluee]

great story, Isn. you’re just getting better and better at writing. let’s see: - reader and actor, cultivated voice and accent, composer, and god knows what else. you probably play the piano, too. (such an incredible and versatile instrument :). does Jennifer do the taping and noises off? really well done, too. :} 😺🙀

[@HorrorBabble]

I reckon you're too generous, Alexa. We'll probably throw another behind the scenes video together at some point in order to better answer questions like that... :) Ian

[@feralbluee]

HorrorBabble ok i’ll take half off the list. LOL great you’re doing another background story - i look forward to all your new stuff. some people are watching Netflix during the lockdown. i listen to stuff on UTube. i’ve listened to yours - some of them twice over :). do you think 1984 is scary enough to read? - considering what’s going on here in amurica? there is that one bit where they put rats after him and he’s terrified of them. take care, sweetie. alexa 🌷✨👻👀 :)