>>95877745
>Are there things which should test your sanity just be perceiving them?
Unless they have an overtly magical effect to them, I'd say no personally. Whether you're in Lovecraft or some other fantasy/horror setting. Reading about the Headless Horseman or Darkgod McDeathkill or whatever monster should not on its own be enough to "damage" a character. Frighten or unnerve maybe, but if you're using a system with an actual sanity mechanic, probably not directly reduce it.

Encountering the thing directly or involving magic, like
>trying to use the knowledge therein to enact a sorcerers rite etc may cause mental damage.
should though, I feel.