Hyborean Monsters from the world of Conan

[Susano]

The following is a collection of monsters created by Robert E Howard for Conan's world of Hyborea. My sources were the Del Rey Robert E Howard collections The Coming of Conan, The Bloody Crown of Conan, and The Conquering Sword of Conan.

For completeness sake, I am reposting some creatures I developed and presented a while ago.

Edit: Apparently my attempts to present formatted character sheets didn't work... sorry about that.

Edit II: I am going to posting the whole cast to my website, complete with corrections and tweaks. I'll post the URL once everything is up.

URL: http://surbrook.devermore.net/adaptionscreatures/creatures.html#reh

[Susano]

BLACK ONES

Val CHA Cost Roll Notes
25 STR 15 14- Lift 800 kg; 5d6 HTH Damage
15 DEX 15 12- OCV: 5/DCV: 5
16 CON 12 12-
13 BODY 6 12-
13 INT 3 12- PER Roll 12-
13 EGO 6 12- ECV: 4
13 PRE 3 12- PRE Attack: 2 1/2d6
8 COM -1 11-

6 PD 1 Total: 6 PD (0 rPD)
6 ED 3 Total: 6 ED (0 rED)
3 SPD 5 Phases: 4, 8, 12
9 REC 0
32 END 0
39 STUN 0 Total Characteristics Cost: 68

Movement: Running: 6"/12"
Swimming: 2"/4"

Cost Powers & Skills
12 "Nails... Grown Like The Talons Of A Wild Beast": HKA 1d6 (2d6 with STR);
Reduced Penetration (-1/4), END 1
10 Teeth: HKA 1/2d6 (1d6+1 with STR), END 1
2 Heavy: Knockback Resistance -1"
25 "Not Men": Life Support (Longevity: Immortal, Immunity: All Terrestrial Diseases
And Poisons)
4 Long Legs: Running +2" (8" total), END 1
17 Nodded And Gestured But Did Not Speak: Mind Link, specific group of up to any 32
minds; Only Can Be Maintained With Others Who Have Mind Link (-1)
4 Long Arms: Stretching 1", Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); Always
Direct (-1/4), No Noncombat Stretching (-1/4), No Velocity Damage (-1/4)

Skills
5 Combat Skill Levels: +1 with Hand-To-Hand

3 AK: Isle of the Pool of the Black Ones 12-
0 Analyze Animal 8-
3 Climbing 12-
3 Concealment 12-; Self Only (-1/2)
0 Language: Black One (native)
0 PS: Black One Abilities 8-
3 Shadowing 12-
3 Stealth 12-
0 Survival (Tropical Island) 8-
94 Total Powers & Skills Cost
162 Total Character Cost

75+ Disadvantages
5 Physical Limitation: Large, up to twice human size (roughly 8' tall and 600+ lbs) (I, S)
15 Psychological Limitation: Extremely Aggressive (C, S)
67 Experience
162 Total Disadvantage Points

OPTIONS
Cost Powers
3 Taller And Stronger: +3 STR (28 STR total)
4 Taller And Stronger: +2 CON (18 CON total)
4 Taller And Stronger: +2 BODY (15 BODY total)
28 Pipes: Mind Control 12d6, Telepathic (+1/4), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2);
OAF (pipes; -1), Gestures (play pipes; -1/4), No Range (-1/2), Set Effect (dance; -1)


Ecology:
The Black Ones are a race(?) of beings who live on an otherwise empty island far out in the Western Ocean. They are not men, but seem to be some sort of demonic or diabolical beings made in the shape of men. They dwell amid a series of semicircular stone walls, each enclosing courtyards carpeted in green grass. At one end of this layout is a tower, and near the center is a deep pool of green water.

Personality/Motivation:
The Black Ones are apparently the servants/slaves/priests of a pool of greenish liquid. They will capture anyone who ventures onto their island, sometimes tormenting them by playing a pipe or flute-like instrument, causing their captive to dance uncontrollably. Once done tormenting their captive, one of the Black Ones will then thrust him into the green pool, where the hapless victim will then shrink down to about the size of a man's hand, transformed into statue of (apparently) petrified bone. The resulting statue is then placed on a ledge in one of the courtyards.

Powers/Tactics:
Even the smallest of the Black Ones stands about seven and a half feet in height, with the tallest at least nine feet tall. They are immensely strong, and can carry a man (or two) with ease. Although they seem to have no knowledge of weapons, their long, talon-like fingernails make for excellent weapons, as do their sharp teeth. The priest of the Black Ones possess a pair of pipes that can cause a victim to dance uncontrollably, this artifact is used to torture captives.

Black Ones do (or cannot) speak, but seem to communicte by a form of telepathy.

Appearance:
Black Ones have the appearance of tall, rangy, well-formed men. Their skin is as black as ebony, while their eyes are a tawny gold. They have no body hair, while their faces are said to be diabolical in appearance. Black Ones don't seem to wear any clothing.

Designer's Notes:
The Black Ones appeared in the Conan story The Pool of the Black One. This character sheet represents a typical Black One. Use the optional powers to create the head "priest." You could easily add additional powers if desired, such as Damage Resistance, Damage Reduction, more Life Support, and magic spells (or spell-like abilities). They shouldn't be powerhouses in combat, however, as a band of semi-drunken pirates was able to wipe out the entire band (granted, it was something like 60 pirates versus 30 Black Ones...).

[Susano]

GRAY APE

Val CHA Cost Roll Notes
33 STR 23 16- Lift 2,400 kg; 6 1/2d6 HTH Damage
18 DEX 24 13- OCV: 6/DCV: 6
23 CON 26 14-
17 BODY 14 13-
8 INT -2 13- PER Roll 11-
8 EGO -4 13- ECV: 3
25 PRE 15 14- PRE Attack: 2d6
6 COM -2 10-

9 PD 2 Total: 9 PD (3 rPD)
7 ED 2 Total: 7 ED (3 rED)
3 SPD 2 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12
12 REC 0
46 END 0
46 STUN 0 Total Characteristics Cost: 100

Movement: Running: 7"/14"
Swimming: 0"/0"

Cost Powers & Skills
10 Arm Smash: HA +2d6; Hand-to-Hand Attack (-1/2), END 1
15 "Tusk-Like Fangs": HKA 1d6 (2d6 with STR), END 2
12 Taloned Fingers: HKA 1d6 (2d6 with STR); Reduced Penetration (-1/4), END 1
6 Thick Hide: Armor (2 PD/ED 2)
4 Heavy: Knockback Resistance -2"
2 "Stupefying Quick": Running +1" (Total 7"), END 1
-2 Can't Swim: Swimming -2"
3 Sharp Senses: +1 PER with all Sense Groups
5 "Smelling Out His Trail": Tracking for Normal Smell
5 "Creatures Of Darkness": Night Vision
4 Arms That Hang Nearly To The Ground: Stretching 1", Reduced Endurance
(0 END; +1/2); Always Direct (-1/4), No Noncombat Stretching (-1/4), No Velocity
Damage (-1/4)

Skills:
10 Combat Skill Levels: +2 with Hand-To-Hand

3 Acrobatics 13-
0 AK: Forests On The Eastern Shore Of The Sea Of Vilayet 8-
0 Analyze Animal 8-
3 Climbing 13-
2 Concealment 11-; Self Only (-1/2)
0 Language: Gray Ape (native)
0 PS: Gray Ape Abilities 8-
3 Shadowing 11-
3 Stealth 13-
0 Survival (Temperate/Subtropical Forests) 8-
88 Total Powers & Skills Cost
188 Total Character Cost

75+ Disadvantages
5 Physical Limitation: Large, up to twice human size (roughly 7' tall and 880 lbs) (I, S)
10 Physical Limitation: Limited Manipulation (F, S)
10 Physical Limitation: Near Human Intelligence (F, S)
15 Psychological Limitation: "Is Wary, For All His Strength" (C, S)
15 Psychological Limitation: "Hates The Sun And Moon" (C, S)
15 Reputation: Man-eater 14-
43 Experience
188 Total Disadvantage Points

Ecology:
Gray apes are massive flesh-eating primates who dwell deep in the forests on the eastern shore of the Sea of Vilayet. Nocturnal by nature, they shun virtually any light source, even moonlight, and lurk in only the deepest and darkest sections of forest.

Personality/Motivation:
Typical animal motivations. For all their size and strength, gray apes are wary predators, and will often lurk in deep shadow before springing out to attack their prey.

Powers/Tactics:
Far faster than their bulk indicates, gray apes like to strike from ambush, hiding themselves in heavy brush before attacking. They have been known to hurl great rocks at foes, but don't seem capable of creating or using any other weapons.

Appearance:
A gray ape stands over seven feet in height, with short legs, arms long enough to brush the ground, massive shoulders, and a hairy swag belly. The ape's face has close-set ears, flaring nostrils, and white tusk-like fangs. They are covered in shaggy gray hair shot-through with sliver.

Designer's Notes:
Gray apes appear in two Conan stories, Iron Shadows on the Moon, and The Hour of the Dragon. They are basically huge flesh-eating gorillas and I'll admit to basing this character sheet off of the Guardian Ape character sheet found in the HERO System Bestiary. Game Masters can use them as a template for any number of ape-like monsters.

[Susano]

HYBOREAN DRAGON

Val CHA Cost Roll Notes
50 STR 40 19- Lift 25 tons; 10d6 HTH Damage
15 DEX 15 12- OCV: 5/DCV: 5
40 CON 60 17-
35 BODY 50 16-
8 INT -2 11- PER Roll 11-
5 EGO -10 10- ECV: 2
40 PRE 30 17- PRE Attack: 8d6
6 COM -2 10-

15 PD 5 Total: 15 PD (9 rPD)
12 ED 4 Total: 12 ED (9 rED)
3 SPD 5 Phases: 4, 8, 12
18 REC 0
80 END 0
80 STUN 0 Total Characteristics Cost: 195

Movement: Running: 12"/24"
Swimming: 0"/0"

Cost Powers & Skills
40 "Dripping Yellow Tusks": HKA 2 1/2d6 (5d6+1 with STR), END 4
30 "Long Spiked Tail": HKA 2d6 (4d6 with STR), END 2
25 Serrated Spikes Along The Back: HKA 1d6+1, Continuous (+1), Damage
Shield (+1/2), Inherent (+1/4), Persistent (+1/2), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2);
Always On (-1/2), Activation Roll 11- (-1), No STR Bonus (-1/2)
30 Too Big To Hurt: Physical and Energy Damage Reduction, Resistant, 1/4
9 Thick Scales: Damage Resistance (9 PD/9 ED); Does Not Protect Certain Areas Of The
Body (eyes, inside of the mouth, and so on; -0)
24 Heavy: Knockback Resistance -12"
2 "Can Go For A Long Time Without Eating Or Drinking Again": Life Support
(Diminished Eating: only needs to eat once a month or so)
12 Faster Than It Looks: Running +6" (12" total), END 2
-2 Can't Swim: Swimming -2"
6 Dragon Senses: +2 PER with all Sense Groups
4 Sharp Sense Of Smell: +2 PER with Smell/Taste Group
6 Tail: Extra Limb, Inherent (+1/4)

Skills:
4 Combat Skill Levels: +2 OCV with Dripping Yellow Tusks

0 AK: Home Territory 8-
0 Analyze Animal 8-
0 Concealment 8-
0 Language: Hyborean Dragon (native)
0 PS: Hyborean Dragon Abilities 8-
0 Shadowing 8-
0 Stealth 8-
0 Survival (forest) 8-
190 Total Powers & Skills Cost
385 Total Character Cost

75+ Disadvantages
15 Physical Limitation: Animal Intelligence (F, G)
10 Physical Limitation: Huge, up to eight times human size (16m long, -6 DCV, +6 to
PER Rolls to perceive) (F, S)
5 Physical Limitation: Reduced Leap, cannot leap (I, S)
15 Physical Limitation: Very Limited Manipulation (F, G)
285 Experience
385 Total Disadvantage Points

Ecology:
Hyborean dragons are a nearly extinct species of enormous reptile, found far to the south on the edges of Black Kingdoms located below Stygia. They tend to be forest and scrubland dwellers, and will prey on just about anything smaller then themselves. Although quick for their size, they prefer to strike from ambush, locating their prey with their acute sense of smell.

Personality/Motivation:
Typical animal motivations.

Powers/Tactics:
Due to its sheer size, bulk, thick scales, and jaws lined with enormous teeth, the Hyborean dragon is the most lethal land predator in the world. Fearless, it will attack a desired prey item with unbridled aggression, and is nearly impossible to drive off, as wounding it will only make it that much more angry.

Appearance:
A Hyborean dragon is nearly 60 feet long from the tip of its crocodilian snout to the end of its spiked tail. The mouth is full of sharp tusk-like teeth, and is mounted on the end of a long neck, allowing the dragon a wide range of motion. Rows of serrated spikes run down the spine ending in a spiked tail. The creature's back is nearly 10' tall, while its belly almost brushes the ground. Although the legs are almost absurdly short, they can move the dragon's vast bulk at a far faster pace than most realize.

Designer's Notes:
The Hyborean dragon appears in the Conan story "Red Nails." There Conan and Valeria meet apparently the last dragon left and kill it with the aid the incredibly poisonous Apples of Derketa. Later they learn the dragons had been re-created by magic from the bones of long dead creatures found in the nearby forests. The description Robert E Howard gives of the dragons make them sound like Stegosaurus mixed with a Tyrannosaurus Rex, which is what I used to create this character sheet.

(Hyborean Dragon created by Robert E Howard, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

HYBOREAN GHOUL

Val CHA Cost Roll Notes
20 STR 10 13- Lift 400 kg; 4d6 HTH Damage
16 DEX 18 12- OCV: 5/DCV: 5
15 CON 10 12-
13 BODY 6 12-
8 INT -2 11- PER Roll 11-
8 EGO -4 11- ECV: 3
15 PRE 5 12- PRE Attack: 3d6
4 COM -3 10-

6 PD 2 Total: 6 PD (1 rPD)
6 ED 3 Total: 6 ED (1 rED)
3 SPD 4 Phases: 4, 8, 12
7 REC 0
30 END 0
31 STUN 0 Total Characteristics Cost: 49

Movement: Running: 6"/12"
Swimming: 2"/4"

Cost Powers & Skills
10 "Gnashing Fangs": HKA 1/2d6 (1d6+1 with STR), END 1
10 "Ripping Claws": HKA 1d6-1 (1 1/2d6 with STR); Reduced Penetration (-1/4), END 1
15 "Horrible Vitality": Physical Damage Reduction, 1/4, Resistant
1 "Horrible Vitality": Damage Resistance (1 PD/1 ED)
5 "Unblinking Soulless Eyes": Night Vision

Skills:
10 Combat Skill Levels: +2 with Hand-To-Hand

2 AK: Argossean Hills 11-
0 Analyze Animal 8-
2 Concealment 11-; Self Only (-1/2)
0 Language: Ghoul (native)
0 PS: Ghoul Abilities 8-
0 Shadowing 8-
5 Stealth 13-
0 Survival (Temperate/Subtropical Forests) 8-
60 Total Powers & Skills Cost
109 Total Character Cost

75+ Disadvantages
0 Physical Limitation: Human Size
10 Physical Limitation: Near Human Intelligence (F, S)
15 Reputation: eaters of human flesh, spawn of darkness, children of unholy matings with
demons of the underworld, 11- (Extreme)
9 Experience
109 Total Disadvantage Points

Ecology:
Hyborean Ghouls dwell in the forested hills that mark the border between Zingara and Argos. They are flesh eaters, preying on men, horses, and anything else they can catch. Supposedly created when a now-vanished race of men mated with demons from the underworld, the ghouls are rumored to lurk in great numbers in a ruined city located deep within the forest.

Personality/Motivation:
Typical semi-sentient motivations.

Powers/Tactics:
Ghouls tend to prey on easy pickings, such as corpses, but are strong enough and powerful enough to take down an armed man with just their claws and teeth.

Appearance:
Ghouls have a humanoid shape, with a malformed head, dog-like jaws, unblinking eyes, manlike hands, gray corpselike skin, and a charnel-house like smell. They wear no clothing.

Designer's Notes:
Hyborean Ghouls appeared in the Conan novel The Hour of the Dragon. Conan manages to kill on with just a dagger, then fights his way free of a whole mob armed with a sword and knife. They make an excellent low-level opponent for a group of PCs and can easily be made tougher by upping their Damage Reduction and Damage Resistance. Curiously, their dog-like jaws reminds me of the description of a Lovecraftian Ghoul....

[Susano]

PICTISH SWAMP DEVIL

Val CHA Cost Roll Notes
25 STR 15 14- Lift 800 kg; 5d6 HTH Damage
23 DEX 39 14- OCV: 8/DCV: 8
25 CON 30 14-
16 BODY 12 12-
20 INT 10 13- PER Roll 13-
20 EGO 20 13- ECV: 7
25 PRE 15 14- PRE Attack: 5d6
6 COM -2 10-

12 PD 7 Total: 12 PD (6 rPD)
12 ED 7 Total: 12 ED (6 rED)
4 SPD 7 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12
10 REC 0
50 END 0
42 STUN 0 Total Characteristics Cost: 160

Movement: Running: 9"/18"
Swimming: 2"/4"

Cost Powers & Skills
90 "Blue Flame As Chill As Ice": EB 6d6, Continuous (+1), Damage Shield (+1/2),
Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2)
22 "Sickle-Like Talons": HKA 1d6 (2d6 with STR), Armor Piercing (+1/2)
19 "Fire-Based Outlines": Sight Group Images 1" radius, +4 to PER Rolls, Reduced
Endurance (0 END; +1/2); Only To Create Light (-1), No Range (-1/2) plus +4 DCV;
Linked (-1/2), Only Versus Ranged Attacks (-1/2)
23 "I Called In His Voice": Hearing Group Images 1" radius, -4 to PER Rolls, Line Of
Sight (+1/2), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); Set Effect (human voices; -1/2)
6 "Torso Covered In Snaky Scales": Damage Resistance (6 PD/6 ED)
6 Heavy: Knockback Resistance -3"
50 "From A Far Realm": Life Support: Total (including Longevity: Immortality)
6 "Long Crane-Like Legs": Running +3" (9" total), END 2
3 "His Thoughts Are My Thoughts": Mind Link, Psychic Bond; Feedback (-2)
5 "Eyes As Red As Living Fire": Nightvision
4 Long Arms: Stretching 1", Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); Always Direct (-1/4),
No Noncombat Stretching (-1/4), No Velocity Damage (-1/4)

Skills:
10 "Lashing Arms": Combat Skill Levels: +2 with Hand-To-Hand Combat

0 Language: [various] (native)
3 Shadowing 13-
3 Stealth 14-
3 Tracking 13-
253 Total Powers & Skills Cost
413 Total Character Cost

75+ Disadvantages
5 Physical Limitation: Large, up to twice human size (8'-9' tall) (I, S)
15 Physical Limitation: Subject To Summoner's Commands (I, F)
20 Psychological Limitation: Overconfidence (VC, S)
298 Experience
413 Total Disadvantage Points

OPTIONS
Cost Powers
10 "He Had Not Seen It Move": Teleport 9"; No Noncombat Movement (-1/4), Only To
Places The Character Can Normally Reach (-1/2), END 2

Ecology:
Pictish swamp devils are beings summoned from the Misty Lands, which lay on a plane separate from Earth's. They are brought to this world "with incantations and sorcery and [the sorcerer's] own blood" where they are "materialized... in the flesh of [this] planet." These beings are then sent out to hunt down and slay the enemies of the sorcerer who summoned them.

Personality/Motivation:
A Pictish swamp demon can apparently only kill those who they are told to kill. To quote one demon: "My brother had not painted a skull black for you and hurled it into the fire that burns for ever on Gullah's black altar. He had not whispered your name to the black ghosts that haunt the uplands of the Dark Land. But a bat has flown over the Mountains of the Dead and drawn your image in blood on the white tiger's hide that hangs before the long hut where sleep the Four Brothers of the Night. The great serpents coil about their feet and the stars burn like fireflies in their hair."

However, one given the task to kill a target, a swamp devil will waste no time getting the job done. It will often use its ability to mimic voices to lure the target into an ambush, at which point the swamp devil isn't above toying with its prey. Swamp devils tend to be supremely confident in their ability to eliminate a given target, and may engage a foe in conversation, explaining in exact detail what the person did to be marked for death at the hands of the devil.

Powers/Tactics:
Swamp devils combine great strength, speed, and agility, with powerful claws (capable of ripping right through mail), an uncanny ability to mimic any voice, and the power to create unnatural magical fire to hunt down and kill their foes. Interestingly, they don't seem to be particularly resilient to damage, and can be killed with normal weapons.

Because a swamp devil is a summoned being, they maintain a direct connection with their summoner. The devil and the sorcerer are one in many ways. As one devil puts it: "We are one, tied together by invisible threads. His thoughts are my thoughts; if he is struck, I am bruised. If I am cut, he bleeds." Thus, killing the devil will almost certainly kill the sorcerer, and vice versa. This damage is shared via the Mind Link.

Appearance:
Normally, a swamp devil maintains a brilliant aura of flame about its body. While this makes the devil easy to spot in the dark woods, it also makes the devil hard to see, and thus hard to target directly. If they drop the flames, a roughly humanoid form is revealed. Swamp Devils are between eight and nine feet tall, with a humanoid face marked by oblique eyes, pointed ears, and thin lips. The arms are long and end in razor-sharp talons, while the legs are akin to a crane's and have three-toed birdlike feet. The body itself is covered in scales akin to a snake's.

Designer's Notes:
The Pictish Swamp Devil appears in the Conan story "Beyond the Black River," which in many ways is a settlers and Indians story given a coating of swords and sorcery. Conan mentions swamp and forest devils in several stories dealing with the Picts, although I doubt all such creatures are as dangerous as this one. You can easily make this Devil more powerful by giving it the Infernal package from the HERO System Bestiary, replacing or adding to the already existing powers as needed. You may also want to give the Devil Mental and Power Defense. To pay for all this, give the Devil the appropriate Disadvantages common to all Demon and Devils listed in the HERO System Bestiary.

(Pictish Swamp Devil created by Robert E Howard, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

SATHA the OLD ONE

Val CHA Cost Roll Notes
45 STR 35 18- Lift 12.5 tons; 9d6 HTH Damage
21 DEX 33 13- OCV: 7/DCV: 7
30 CON 40 15-
30 BODY 40 15-
8 INT -2 11- PER Roll 11-
8 EGO -4 11- ECV: 3
35 PRE 15 16- PRE Attack: 7d6
8 COM -1 11-

14 PD 5 Total: 14 PD (7 rPD)
10 ED 4 Total: 10 ED (7 rED)
4 SPD 9 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12
15 REC 0
60 END 0
68 STUN 0 Total Characteristics Cost: 185

Movement: Running: 15"/30"
Leaping: 0"/0"
Swimming: 10"/20"

Cost Powers & Skills
7 "Glistening Coils": +15 STR; Only Usable With Grab (-1), END 1
30 "Great Fangs, A Foot Long, Curved Like Scimitars": HKA 2d6 (4d6 with STR),
END 3
121 "A Colorless Liquid That He ... Knew Was Death": Drain CON 5d6, Delayed Return
Rate (points return at the rate of 5 points per Hour; +1), NND (defense is appropriate
LS ; +1), Personal Immunity (+1/4); 4 Charges (-1), Snake Bite Must Do
BODY (-1/2), Extra Time (onset time begins 1 Segment after victim is bitten; -1/2),
Gradual Effect (5 Segments; 1d6/1 Segment -1/4), Linked (to RKA; -1/2) plus
RKA 6d6, NND (defense is appropriate LS [Immunity]; +1), Does BODY (+1), Personal
Immunity (+1/4); No Range (-1/2), 4 Charges (-1), Snake Bite Must Do BODY (-1/2),
Extra Time (onset time begins 1 Segment after victim is bitten; -1/2), Gradual Effect
(6 Segments; 1d6/1 Segment -1/4)
7 Glistening Scales: Damage Resistance (7 PD/7 ED)
22 "Colossal Form": Knockback Resistance -11"
18 "Quickness Incredible For Its Bulk": Running +9" (15" total), END 2
8 Affinity For Water: Swimming +8" (10" total), END 1
5 "Born In Darkness": Night Vision
6 "Forked Tongue": +3 PER with Smell/Taste Group

Skills:
6 "Strike Like Lightning": Combat Skill Levels: +3 OCV with Bite

2 AK: Pits of the Scarlet Citadel of Khorshemish, the Castle of Tsotha-lanti 11-
0 Concealment 8-
0 Language: Serpent (native)
0 PS: Serpent Abilities 8-
0 Shadowing 8-
3 Stealth 13-
0 Survival (Subterranean) 8-
235 Total Powers & Skills Cost
420 Total Character Cost

75+ Disadvantages
15 Physical Limitation: Animal Intelligence (F, G)
15 Physical Limitation: Cold-Blooded (F, G)
20 Physical Limitation: Gigantic (24m long, -8 DCV, +8 to PER Rolls) (F, G)
5 Physical Limitation: Reduced Leap, cannot leap (I, S)
15 Physical Limitation: Very Limited Manipulation (F, G)
275 Experience
420 Total Disadvantage Points


Ecology:
Satha the Old One is an immense snake who dwells in the horror-haunted pits under the Scarlet Citadel in the city of Khorshemish. Of unknown age, the huge snake is the master of the pits, and hunts its prey along the wide central corridor, feeding on screaming sacrifices presented to it by the sorcerer Tsotha-lanti (as well as anything else it can catch).

Personality/Motivation:
Typical animal motivations.

Powers/Tactics:
As Satha is a venomous snake, his first move is usually a horrific bite, followed by a lethal dose of venom. However, Satha is also a constrictor, and will quickly follow up and bite with a Grab (usually with the mouth) and then whips his coils around his victim, crushing them in splintering of bones.

Appearance:
Satha is a huge snake, fully 80' long from the point of his triangular head (larger than a horse's) to the top of its tail. The creature is covered in scales as white as hoarfrost, while his eyes are a brilliant yellow. Satha's fangs are a foot long, while his venom is so lethal as to leave burn-like scars on naked flesh.

Designer's Notes:
Satha appears in the Conan story [i]The Scarlet Citadel. Conan doesn't fight this monster, but instead evades it with the help of the sorcerer Pelias. The great snake fears Pelias and flees from his presence. Conan asks why and Pelias informs him Satha "saw my naked soul."

Curiously, Satha also appears in another non-Conan story, titled The Valley of the Worm. This story is one of Howard's "prehistory" fantasies, and deals with a Nordheimr/Aryan warrior named Niord, who battles a horrific Lovecraftian monster haunting ruin-strewn valley. In order to kill the monster, Niord hunts down and traps the giant serpent Satha, who is 80' long, white, with foot-long fangs, and venom virulent enough to pit metal.

Satha is pretty dangerous as is. If you want to make him more powerful give him Lightning Reflexes (+2 to +4 DEX) and more venom Charges. He might also need a level of Longevity Life Support.

(Satha the Old One created by Robert E Howard, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

SERVANT OF BIT-YAKIN

Val CHA Cost Roll Notes
30 STR 20 15- Lift 1600 kg; 6d6 HTH Damage
20 DEX 30 13- OCV: 7/DCV: 7
25 CON 30 14-
15 BODY 10 12-
10 INT 0 11- PER Roll 11-
10 EGO 0 11- ECV: 3
25 PRE 15 14- PRE Attack: 5d6
6 COM -2 10-

12 PD 6 Total: 12 PD (2 rPD)
10 ED 5 Total: 10 ED (2 rED)
4 SPD 10 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12
11 REC 0
50 END 0
43 STUN 0 Total Characteristics Cost: 124

Movement: Running: 8"/12"
Swimming: 2"/4"

Cost Powers & Skills
10 "Hammer-Like Fists": HA +2d6, Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); Hand-To-Hand
Attack (-1/2)
10 "Bones Like Tempered Steel": Physical Damage Reduction, 1/4, Resistant; BODY
Only (-1/2)
2 Tough Hide: Damage Resistance (2 PD/2 ED)
4 Heavy: Knockback Resistance -2"
4 Apparently Ageless: Life Support (Longevity: lifespan of up to 1,600 years)
4 Long Legs: Running +2" (4" total), END 1
5 "Eyes... Cold Sparks Of Gray Icy Fire": Nightvision
4 Long Arms: Stretching 1", Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); Always Direct (-1/4),
No Noncombat Stretching (-1/4), No Velocity Damage (-1/4)

Skills
10 "Bestial Ferocity": Combat Skill Levels: +2 with Hand-To-Hand

5 AK: Palace Of Alkmeenon 14-
3 Climbing 13-
3 Concealment 11-
0 Language: Bit-Yakin (native)
0 PS: Servant of Bit-Yakin Abilities 8-
7 Shadowing 13-
3 Stealth 13-
0 Survival (jungle) 8-
74 Total Powers & Skills Cost
198 Total Character Cost

75+ Disadvantages
5 Physical Limitation: Large, up to twice human size (8' tall) (I, S)
10 Psychological Limitation: Extremely Aggressive (C, M)
108 Experience
198 Total Disadvantage Points


Ecology:
The Servants of Bit-Yakin are a manlike race of "shambling horrors" found in the jungle far to the south of Hyborea. Some are known to live in the abandoned and deserted palace city of Alkmeenon, where they live off of a mixture of temple offerings, local fruits, and whatever is found floating in the river that runs under the palace.

Personality/Motivation:
Normal sentient humanoid motivations. The Servants of Bit-Yakin can be highly aggressive if they choose to, and will often stalk intruders for some time before falling upon them en masse and ripping them to pieces.

Powers/Tactics:
Immensely strong, with the ability to shatter a man's skull with a single punch, the Servants of Bit-Yakin are virtual whirlwinds of destruction in combat. While normally they will strike out with their fists, the Servants aren't above simply Grabbing a foe and battering them to death against and nearby solid object. They will also work together, with one Grabbing a target, while the other deals the death blow. Trying to kill a Servant can be extremely difficult, as they are quite agile with a durable inhuman body structure. The Servants may also be immortal, or, at the very least, very long-lived.

Appearance:
The Servants are never clearly described, although these passages should give one an idea of what they look like: "They are not humans! They are gray, hairy devils that walk like men and speak a gibberish no human could understand."; " At first they seemed like gray stone statues, those motionless shapes, hairy, manlike, yet hideously human; but their eyes were alive, cold sparks of gray icy fire."; As the monstrous shape with it leprous gray body and the features of a carven, unhuman idol loomed over him...".

It would seem the Servants are taller than Conan, and thus stand around seven to eight feet in height (or even taller). They are gray, covered in hair, have a humanoid shape, and their eyes glow in the dark.

Designer's Notes:
The Servants of Bit-Yakin appear in the short story "Jewels of Gwahlur." They apparently come from the south of Hybora, far off of the map that Howard created to show the lands Conan traveled in. What they are is never really stated, but at best guess they are some sort of ape-like creature, although Howard does state "It was no ape, neither was it a man". He also writes "It was some shambling horror spawned in the mysterious, nameless jungles of the south, where strange life teemed in the reeking rot without the dominance of man, and drums thundered in temples that had never known the tread of a human foot." So the Servants might be some form of primate, or other mammal, or they could be a construct, which would explain their long life and durability.

To make the Servants even more dangerous, give them some of the powers listed for a Guardian Ape in the HERO System Bestiary. You could also increase the Damage Resistance and Damage Reduction as needed.

(Servant of Bit-Yakin created by Robert E Howard, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Susano]

THOG

Val CHA Cost Roll Notes
30 STR 20 15- Lift 1,600 kg; 6d6 HTH Damage
18 DEX 24 13- OCV: 6/DCV: 6
25 CON 30 14-
20 BODY 20 13-
10 INT 0 11- PER Roll 11-
20 EGO 20 13- ECV: 7
30 PRE 20 15- PRE Attack: 6d6
0 COM -5 9-

15 PD 9 Total: 15 PD (5 rPD)
15 ED 10 Total: 15 ED (5 rED)
4 SPD 12 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12
11 REC 0
50 END 0
50 STUN 0 Total Characteristics Cost: 160

Movement: Running: 6"/12"
Leaping: 0"/0"
Swimming: 2"/4"

Cost Powers & Skills
15 Fangs I: HKA 1d6 (2d6 with STR), END 1
15 Fangs II: HKA 1d6 (2d6 with STR), END 1
15 Fangs III: HKA 1d6 (2d6 with STR), END 1
12 Talons I: HKA 1d6 (2d6 with STR); Reduced Penetration (-1/4), END 1
12 Talons II: HKA 1d6 (2d6 with STR); Reduced Penetration (-1/4), END 1
12 Talons III: HKA 1d6 (2d6 with STR); Reduced Penetration (-1/4), END 1
10 "Whip Of Scorpions": HKA 1/2d6 (1d6+1 with STR), END 1
67 "Whip Of Scorpions": Drain CON 3d6, Delayed Return Rate (points return at the rate
of 5 per Hour; +1), NND (defense is appropriate LS: Immunity; +1), Personal
Immunity (+1/4); 12 Charges (-1/4), HKA Must Do BODY (-1/2), Gradual Effect
(15 Minutes; 1d6/5 Minutes; -3/4) plus RKA 2d6, NND (defense is appropriate LS:
Immunity; +1), Does BODY (+1), Personal Immunity (+1/4); 12 Charges (-1/4), HKA
Must Do BODY (-1/2), Gradual Effect (10 Minutes; 1d6/5 Minutes; -3/4), Linked (-1/2),
No Range (-1/2)
6 "Dark Tentacle-Like Member(s)": Extra Limbs, Inherent (+1/4) (as many as needed)
5 Semisolid Body: Damage Resistance (5 PD/5 ED)
15 Semisolid Body: Physical Damage Reduction, 1/4, Resistant
2 Heavy: Knockback Resistance -1"
25 Semisolid Body: Life Support (Longevity: Immortal, Immunity: All Terrestrial
Diseases And Poisons)
10 Semisolid Body: No Hit Locations
25 Light Does Not Illuminate It: Sight Group Images, -6 to PER Rolls, Reduced
Endurance (0 END; +1/2), Persistent (+1/2), Inherent (+1/4); No Range (-1/2), Set Effect
(obscure Thog's shape and size; -1)
5 "Dark Tentacle-Like Member(s)": Stretching 1", Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2);
No Noncombat Stretching (-1/4), No Velocity Damage (-1/4)

Skills:
15 Combat Skill Levels: +3 with Hand-To-Hand

2 AK: Xuthal 11-
0 Analyze Animal 8-
0 Concealment 8-
0 Language: Thog (native)
0 PS: Thog Abilities 8-
3 Shadowing 11-
3 Stealth 13-
0 Survival (Urban) 8-
274 Total Powers & Skills Cost
434 Total Character Cost

75+ Disadvantages
25 Distinctive Features: physical form hard to discern, appears to absorb light, body
appears to waver and alter when looked at (NC, E [fear])
5 Physical Limitation: Large, roughly to twice human size (I, S)
10 Physical Limitation: Limited Manipulation (F, S)
10 Physical Limitation: Near Human Intelligence (F, S)
5 Physical Limitation: Reduced Leap, cannot leap (I, S)
10 Psychological Limitation: Hungry For Human Flesh (C, M)
20 Reputation: Haunter of Xuthal, 14- (Extreme)
274 Experience
434 Total Disadvantage Points

Ecology:
Thog is a singular creature who haunts the ancient city of Xuthal. The creature's origins are unknown, but he seems to live in a deep well found under the city proper. Thog tends to sleep there for long periods, then awake to feed -- on the inhabitants of Xuthal! Once sated, he will return to his well, and sleep for a time.

Personality/Motivation:
Thog doesn't seem to have much motivation beyond satisfying his hunger.

Powers/Tactics:
Thog's shapeless body can produce limbs at will, such as tentacle-like members that feel flabby, but have a grip like steel. Other tentacles will have claws or venomous stings, while others will be used to simply crush the life out of a foe. As Thog doesn't seem to be totally made of normal matter, sword blows and the like will pass right through his body, with the wounds quickly reforming back together. However, Thog isn't totally invulnerable to physical weapons, and will flee if badly injured.

Appearance:
Thog's exact appearance is unknown, as its body seems to absorb light. It seem to be made of a huge, bulky, and vaguely toad-like mass of shapeless black matter. Its eyes are large pools of light, while the rest of the body is simply a blot of shadow. Its skin is like rubber, and it seems to possesses tentacles, claws, fangs, and scorpion-like stings on its multiple limbs.

Designer's Notes:
Thog appears in the Conan story Xuthal in the Dusk. He comes across as a sort of Lovecraftian mythos being, and I used the Amorphous Horror found in the HERO System Bestiary to build most of his basic stats and powers. I will admit one problem was trying to build Thog per the descriptions of him in Xuthal in the Dusk, combine that with the Amorphous Horror, and not have him kill Conan. This version is meant to be a threat to a small group of PCs, so he might not balance perfectly against my Conan write up.

[Susano]

WINGED APE

Val CHA Cost Roll Notes
30 STR 20 15- Lift 1,600 kg; 6d6 HTH Damage
20 DEX 30 13- OCV: 7/DCV: 7
25 CON 30 14-
18 BODY 16 13-
20 INT 10 13- PER Roll 11-
18 EGO 16 13- ECV: 3
30 PRE 20 15- PRE Attack: 2d6
6 COM -2 10-

9 PD 3 Total: 9 PD (3 rPD)
7 ED 2 Total: 7 ED (3 rED)
4 SPD 10 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12
11 REC 0
50 END 0
46 STUN 0 Total Characteristics Cost: 155

Movement: Running: 7"/14"
Flight: 12"/24"
Swimming: 2"/2"

Cost Powers & Skills
10 Arm Smash: HA +2d6; Hand-to-Hand Attack (-1/2), END 1
15 Bite: HKA 1d6 (2d6 with STR), END 2
12 "Black-Nailed Paws": HKA 1d6 (2d6 with STR); Reduced Penetration (-1/4), END 1
9 Thick Hide: Armor (3 PD/ED 3)
2 Heavy: Knockback Resistance -1"
16 Winged: Flight 12"; Restrainable (-1/2), END 2
2 "Fearful Speed": Running +1" (Total 7"), END 1
3 Sharp Senses: +1 PER with all Sense Groups
5 "Blood-Red Eyes": Night Vision
5 "Individual Life Span Is Enormous": Life Support (Longevity: Immortal)

Perks:
45 "Great Spotted Hyenas": Followers 50 75-base Point Giant Hyenas (use the Wolf
character sheet on page 186 of the HERO System Bestiary, increase stats as needed)

Skills:
10 Combat Skill Levels: +2 with Hand-To-Hand

2 AK: Ancient City on the River Zarkheba 11-
0 Analyze Animal 8-
3 Climbing 13-
2 Concealment 13-; Self Only (-1/2)
0 Language: Winged Ape (native)
3 "Performed Weird And Awful Rites": Power: Magic Skill 13-
0 PS: Winged Ape Abilities 8-
3 Shadowing 13-
3 Stealth 13-
1 Survival (Tropical Forests/Jungle) 11-
3 Tactics 13-
154 Total Powers & Skills Cost
309 Total Character Cost

75+ Disadvantages
5 Physical Limitation: Large, up to twice human size (roughly 8' tall and 880 lbs) (I, S)
15 Psychological Limitation: Hatred Of Intruders (C, S)
218 Experience
309 Total Disadvantage Points

Ecology:
The winged ape is not really an ape, but instead the last survivor of an ancient pre-human race. This race was old even before the first proto-humans took their first tottering steps, dwelling in a great city built on the banks of the River Zarkheba deep in the tropical jungles. They individually lived for thousands of years, while their city lasted for untold eons (and possibly millions of years). Then came an upheaval in the river, and the waters ran black for days, and many of the winged apes died. Those that lived become "stunted abhorrent perversion[s] of nature." In time they regressed, changing from "winged god to pinioned demon." Finally, there was a long survivor, who dwelled in the ruined city, watching over it and the vast treasure in gems it contained.

Personality/Motivation:
The winged ape is highly xenophobic, and will quickly kill anyone who enters the ruined city. The winged ape is no fool, however, and will lay in wait, observing an enemy before striking.

Powers/Tactics:
The winged ape is the last descendent of a race that initially was superior to man in intelligence and ethical development. Now, the winged ape's vast intellect as been perverted, and he has gone from (presumably) peaceful philosopher to lethal killer. However, the winged ape also possesses vast cunning, and will cleverly try and divide an enemy's forces before attacking, whittling down a foes numbers into more manageable groups.

The winged ape is assisted in its endeavors by a band of 50 giant spotted hyenas. Once men who spent the night in the ruins, they were turned into beasts by the winged ape through some sort of sorcery, and now are the ape's slaves. He often uses them to attack small groups of travelers.

Appearance:
The winged ape has a gigantic manlike form, with broad bat-like wings, short and bowed legs, huge arms, black nails, a malformed head, and blood-red eyes. It is covered in black hair. The winged ape has also been described as a giant bird or a monster bat.

Designer's Notes:
The winged ape was described in the excellent Conan short story Queen of the Black Coast. Howard describes them as a race superior to man in spiritual, intellectual, and ethical development, before the poisoned river water spelled their doom. This character sheet represents the last of the race, who Conan killed in battle. Game Masters, of course, can easily use this character sheet to create a whole race of beings once again. They might be natural magic users and/or possesses various forms of super-science that might as well be magic.

(Winged Ape created by Robert E Howard, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)

[Super Squirrel]

What order are you working on them? It certainly isn't in the order they appear in the books. ;)

I'm curious how you will will do the spider venom from The Tower of the Elephant.

[Susano]

What order are you working on them? It certainly isn't in the order they appear in the books. ;)

I'm curious how you will will do the spider venom from The Tower of the Elephant.

You know... I forgot about the spider.

I'll have to come back to that, I think. I've started something new for the time being. Hmm... I wonder if its possible to do the "elephant" from The Tower of the Elephant?

[Super Squirrel]

You know... I forgot about the spider.

I'll have to come back to that, I think. I've started something new for the time being. Hmm... I wonder if its possible to do the "elephant" from The Tower of the Elephant?
Not in a thread dedicated to Monsters.

[Susano]

Not in a thread dedicated to Monsters.

I'll have to think about those two....

[OddHat]

Fantastic thread, full of creatures I can lift for my Pulp Hero game.

I appreciate the problem with Thog; Conan had writer's fiat on his side.

The Wingd Ape will make a great pulp scenario.

[Lethosos]

And Satha the Old One may make a good basis for The Red Dragon, who is actualy a mutated, intelligent serpent worshiped by snake-cultists.

You're doing good there. :)

[Vondy]

Yes, but where are the Hybroean Dancing Girls?

Nice work, incidentally. Snagged.

[Vondy]

Not a monster, but a suggestion: Thoth-Amon.

[FenrisUlf]

Good work on these monsters, Susano.

[Susano]

Not a monster, but a suggestion: Thoth-Amon.

Based on the stories? I got nuthin'....

He only shows up once, that I recall. He's named a second time, I think.

Granted, he gets scads of airtime in the pastiches.

[Susano]

Good work on these monsters, Susano.

Thank you.

[Vondy]

Based on the stories? I got nuthin'....

He only shows up once, that I recall. He's named a second time, I think.

Granted, he gets scads of airtime in the pastiches.

I was thinking about the pastiches, but if you are working from "howard only" then, yup, there's a dirth of source material.

[Susano]

I was thinking about the pastiches, but if you are working from "howard only" then, yup, there's a dirth of source material.

I tossed all my pastiches a long time ago.

[altamaros]

PICTISH SWAMP DEVIL

"I Called In His Voice": Hearing Group Images 1" radius, -4 to PER Rolls, Line Of Sight (+1/2), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2); Set Effect (human voices; -1/2)

Powers/Tactics:
Swamp devils combine great strength, speed, and agility, with powerful claws (capable of ripping right through mail), an uncanny ability to mimic any voice, and the power to create unnatural magical fire to hunt down and kill their foes. Interestingly, they don't seem to be particularly resilient to damage, and can be killed with normal weapons.

(Pictish Swamp Devil created by Robert E Howard, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook) Hi, just a question. The ability to "mimic any voice": shouldn't it be a
shapeshift (hearing group)
* limited group of shapes (human voices)
* Imitation

[Susano]

Hi, just a question. The ability to "mimic any voice": shouldn't it be a
shapeshift (hearing group)
* limited group of shapes (human voices)
* Imitation

Hm... possible. I borrowed this from something in Monsters, Minions, and Marauders. The Lecorcotta (argh... how do you spell it?), which Steve created. I'd have to check the Ultimate Metamorph for more.

[Markdoc]

Hm... possible. I borrowed this from something in Monsters, Minions, and Marauders. The Lecorcotta (argh... how do you spell it?), which Steve created. I'd have to check the Ultimate Metamorph for more.

You spell it Leucrotta and Steve didn't invent it - it's a mythical beast: a chimera of sorts (different medieval bestiaries combined a lion, a stag or goat, and even a badger) and able to speak with a human voice. It is (supposedly) derived from exaggerated stories about hyenas.

And it featured inthe first Monster Manual! :D

cheers, Mark

[Susano]

You spell it Leucrotta and Steve didn't invent it - it's a mythical beast: a chimera of sorts (different medieval bestiaries combined a lion, a stag or goat, and even a badger) and able to speak with a human voice. It is (supposedly) derived from exaggerated stories about hyenas.

And it featured inthe first Monster Manual! :D

By created I meant the character sheet, not the creature itself.

My version is here:
http://surbrook.devermore.net/adaptionscreatures/myth/dragons/leucrocotta.html

[Lucius]

You spell it Leucrotta and Steve didn't invent it - it's a mythical beast: a chimera of sorts (different medieval bestiaries combined a lion, a stag or goat, and even a badger) and able to speak with a human voice. It is (supposedly) derived from exaggerated stories about hyenas.

And it featured inthe first Monster Manual! :D

cheers, Mark

I've also seen it spelled leOcrotta, I think.

I've come across it in an Irish story. So it was a pan-European medieval mythic/heraldic beast?

Lucius Alexander

The palindromedary has appeared as far afield as Belgium and England....

[Susano]

I've also seen it spelled leOcrotta, I think.

I've come across it in an Irish story. So it was a pan-European medieval mythic/heraldic beast?

Sort of. I know it has appeared in several medieval bestiaries, all of which were made in England, France, and possibly other parts of Western Europe.

[Vondy]

The Leucrotta is a pan-european myth with Celtic (not specifically irish) roots. The Celts were from Southeastern Europe before they spread West. Since the Celts made a huge impact in Central Europe, Spain (the Celts I find most interesting, personally), and the British Isles, the myth is common to all of them. On the other hand, the Celts also had significant early interaction with the Greeks and Romans, who have some myths similar (if not identical) - who got what from who (and when) is a matter of speculation.

[Markdoc]

And interestingly enough it turns up (under another name) in the Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe. That sequence was so briliant that I use it as a guide for monsters of this kind.

The short version is that the monster in that sequence not only speaks with a human voice, but can speak with the voices of those it has eaten *and* it seems to have access to the victim's memories, so that it can pose as the next victim's loved one. It raises the question of whether the person who has been eaten is still alive. Seriously cool presentation (and plays an important role in the entire story cycle too)

cheers, Mark

[Susano]

And interestingly enough it turns up (under another name) in the Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe. That sequence was so briliant that I use it as a guide for monsters of this kind.

The short version is that the monster in that sequence not only speaks with a human voice, but can speak with the voices of those it has eaten *and* it seems to have access to the victim's memories, so that it can pose as the next victim's loved one. It raises the question of whether the person who has been eaten is still alive. Seriously cool presentation (and plays an important role in the entire story cycle too)

Mark,
Nestor pronounced the series unreadable (to him). How is it? Does it resemble anything else i might have read? (as in, if you liked the style of X, you might like this?) Is it liked Jack Vance's "Dying Earth"? If yes, then I'll skip it.

[Markdoc]

Mark,
Nestor pronounced the series unreadable (to him). How is it? Does it resemble anything else i might have read? (as in, if you liked the style of X, you might like this?) Is it liked Jack Vance's "Dying Earth"? If yes, then I'll skip it.

I loved that series - it's a big influence on my gaming world. But.... my guess is that you wouldn't go for it. I'm a big Vance fan too, remember :D And the only thing it even vaguely resembles is the Viriconium cycle by John M Harrison. It's a one of a kind series.

Wolfe is a very "literary" writer - he likes playing around with language and he likes to see if the reader is paying attention. So important details are slipped into the early part of the story, with no explanation and then pulled out a couple of books later, with no backwards references. If you missed it the first time through you often end up going "WTF??? Where did that come from?" And the story is told in the first person - it's Severian supposedly writing his memoirs - but sometimes, he lies about past events :D, which just adds to the fun of piecing the story together. Also, the story is fairly meandering:

***spoiler alert***









The main character - Severian, who's a trainee torturer - gets exiled for offering a mercy killing to a "client" that he's fallen in love with (in a conventional fantasy he would have freed her and run away together). He heads off to his city of exile, along the way meeting up with a lot of grotesque characters. He loses his job, gets involved in politics, meets the emperor and eventually ends up emperor himself with the job of regenerating the world (it seems like it's more or less by accident - or perhaps it wasn't). That's it, basically, the whole plot, but it takes 4 books to get there.

I like it because it's really offbeat and offers something different from the standard fantasy fare. I mean how many characters are "trainee torturers?" I suspect the assassin character in Robin Hobb's first series is inspired a bit by Severian, but that's about it. The character is introspected and angsty, not because he's a torturer, but because he flunked out of torture school, disappointing his old teacher and his friends and proved a failure in his first job. There's a nice scene in the first book where he's arrested for "impersonating an imperial officer". When he protests that he is actually is a torturer, he's asked for proof. I don't recall the exact wording (it's been years since I read it) but he turns to one of guardsmen who arrested him and Wolfe writes something like "I stepped on his foot so he could not withdraw and with my fingers crushed the nerve in his neck that causes convulsions". No obvious remorse there!

It's .... different. So is the world, which is "far distant time fantasy" like the Dying Earth series. So The "citadel" where Severian grows up is a grounded spaceship that doesn't work anymore. The noble cavalry are armed with what sound like short range plasma weapons. Most people ride various riding beasts or walk, while the privileged zoom around in aircars that can no longer be replaced. There's lots of cool ideas that are introduced as background and never followed up on. That's not sloppiness, but intentional - to gve the impression that the character is part of a whole world, but not the whole deal in and of himself.

The Dying Earth series is kind of whimsical and baroque - the Book of the New Sun is kind of gloomy and romantic by comparison. I like 'em both.

cheers, Mark

[Captain Obvious]

The Dying Earth series is kind of whimsical and baroque - the Book of the New Sun is kind of gloomy and romantic by comparison.


Dying Earth = whimsical
New Sun = gloomy

How's that work? :think:

[Markdoc]

Dying Earth = whimsical
New Sun = gloomy

How's that work? :think:

Well the earth is dying in both series, but in the first one the characters say things like: "Oh well, might as well finish the bottle - sun could go out any moment, after all!" :D

cheers, Mark

[Lucius]

And interestingly enough it turns up (under another name) in the Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe. That sequence was so briliant that I use it as a guide for monsters of this kind.

The short version is that the monster in that sequence not only speaks with a human voice, but can speak with the voices of those it has eaten *and* it seems to have access to the victim's memories, so that it can pose as the next victim's loved one. It raises the question of whether the person who has been eaten is still alive. Seriously cool presentation (and plays an important role in the entire story cycle too)

cheers, Mark

I would never have connected the leucrotta with that passage in New Sun. Gene Wolfe is doing something so totally different here, from a simple "monster that mimics a human voice" trope. In fact, I associate it a lot more with his own Catholic background - the idea of the cannibal sacrament, of communing or uniting with Someone/Something by eating part of it, is one of the strongest threads holding the story together.


Susano, I have no idea if you'd like it, but I can say that I have read rather widely and I consider it absolutely first rate; at the same time, it IS hard to know what to compare it to. I find myself thinking "it's not like THIS, no and it's not like THAT...."

It's incredibly deep, and incredibly rich, and things you think over and done with in one book, turn up in a later one with completely different implications....


Lucius Alexander

Explaining a palindromedary might be easier....

[Lucius]

Yes, but where are the Hybroean Dancing Girls?

Here.


Dancing Girl

Characteristics

Value Char Points
8 STR -2
14 DEX 12
13 CON 6
8 BOD -4
10 INT 0
10 EGO 0
13 PRE 3
18 COM 4
4 PD 2
4 ED 1
3 SPD 6
5 REC 0
26 END 0
19 STUN 0

5” Run -2

Total-> 26






Skill Cost Roll



Acrobatics “I am skilled and graceful” 3 12
Acting “I can be anything you want me to be” 3 12
Disguise “I am clever with makeup and costumes” 3 11
Contortionist “I can hold any position you choose” 3 12
Conversation “You are so fascinating, please tell me more!” 3 12
Seduction 3 12
KS: Carnal Knowledge (intellect) 3 11
PS: Dancer (agility) 3 12
PS: Singer (interaction) 3 12
PS: Concubine(interaction) 3 12
Stealth “I am light on my feet” 3 12
Concealment 3 11

Total Points for Skills: 36







Unspent: 13 pts

Disads

Disadvantage Rolls Points
Distinctive Features: Beautiful, seductive. Concealable 10
Hunted by Hyborean Monsters from the World of Conan, Evil Wizards, etc. <=14 20
Social Limitation: Hyborean Dancing Girl 15
Watched by Master <=14 20
Psych Lim: (Varies with individual girl) 10



Our Hyborean Dancing Girls are built on 75 points plus 75 points of disadvantages, suitable for a standard heroic game. 13 points are left unspent for optional customization and/or skills not yet learned. Available for sale (150 pt follower for 30 pts) or lease (Summon 150 pt Dancing Girl 30 pts, (+1 advantage for slavishly devoted 60 pts,) delivery to civilized regions only (Hyborean kingdoms and some Shemitic city-states) (-1/2 limit “must inhabit locale”) allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery (-5 limit extra time) Check out our special rates for matched sets and harems with Teamwork skill! (each 5 pts doubles the number for either Follower or Summon) Ask about our special insurance against having your dancing girls abducted by Cimmerian barbarians!


Nice work, incidentally.

We like to think so. Thank you.

Lucius Alexander

Only from Palindromedary Enterprises

[Markdoc]

I would never have connected the leucrotta with that passage in New Sun. Gene Wolfe is doing something so totally different here, from a simple "monster that mimics a human voice" trope.

Indeed, but is not his ability to turn thngs on their metaphorical heads why we read him? Compare the Book of the Long Sun with earlier generation ship stories like "non-stop". When you start reading the book, it's not clear for a while that it *is* a generation ship story.

Same with the Leucrotta-thingy: I must say, "leucrotta" was the first thing that popped into my head when I read that scene, but you are right, it's very much more than a talking monster - especially since the concepts introduced there take on an entirely different cast when it comes to later parts of the book dealing with the autarch

In fact, I associate it a lot more with his own Catholic background - the idea of the cannibal sacrament, of communing or uniting with Someone/Something by eating part of it, is one of the strongest threads holding the story together.

Hmm. Interesting - I read that and many other parts of the story, including Severian's insistence on his infalible memory and the resurrection sequences (Dorcas, Typhon) with their discussion of (incorrect or inapplicable) memories as part of an extended discussion on identity and memory - what are we, if not our memories? And if our memories alter, then who are we really? For me, that was the theme that held the book together.

In that light, I (mentally) paired The Book of the New Sun with The Soldier of the Mists - one is the memoirs of a man who wrote nothing down because he has an eidetic memory, the other the memoirs of a man who wrote everything down because he has no memory at all.

And then in Peace, we have a man who built a house to literally hold his memories and who now is sometimes not sure if he is actually living his actions or remembering them...

You can see why english lit. prof.s love this guy.

cheers, Mark

[Susano]

Mark,
Have you read any of China Miéville stuff? Such as Perdidio Street Station, The Scar, or Iron Council?

[Markdoc]

Mark,
Have you read any of China Miéville stuff? Such as Perdidio Street Station, The Scar, or Iron Council?

No. Not because I don't want to - what I've heard sounds kind of cool - but simply because I have never stumbled across the books when I have been in a buying mood. I have two whole shelves of books at home I haven't read yet, so going out on the net to find more books seems a bit whacked.

So right now I'm reading "Montaillou, village occitan" by Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie. It's a detailed history of a village in southern France during the cathar period. Fascinating stuff because it's a history about peasants and small merchants (ie: day to day life) based on detailed original documents, but it's kind of chewy reading. Maybe I'll buy the english translation. And for lighter stuff, "The emperor of Dreams" - the collected stories of Clark Ashton Smith - another Fantasy Masterworks book.

cheers, Mark

[Susano]

No. Not because I don't want to - what I've heard sounds kind of cool - but simply because I have never stumbled across the books when I have been in a buying mood. I have two whole shelves of books at home I haven't read yet, so going out on the net to find more books seems a bit whacked.

Ahhh... I see. Personally, I am re-reading my shelves of books to see if I want to keep them. Hence the pile of "things to sell," which now includes the Great Book of Amber, Fortress of the Pearl, The Chronicles of Prydain, my Stormwatch GNs, my Authority GNs, my Dragon Ball GNs, and the like.

Next, I plan to read Those Who Hunt The Night and Fevre Dream

[Markdoc]

Ahhh... I see. Personally, I am re-reading my shelves of books to see if I want to keep them. Hence the pile of "things to sell," which now includes the Great Book of Amber, Fortress of the Pearl, The Chronicles of Prydain, my Stormwatch GNs, my Authority GNs, my Dragon Ball GNs, and the like.

Next, I plan to read Those Who Hunt The Night and Fevre Dream

Fevre Dream is good!

I tossed the Great Book of Amber but got the first 5 Amber novels in one volume: I reread them a couple of weeks ago and you know, I had forgotten how good they were.

cheers, Mark

[FenrisUlf]

Here.


Dancing Girl

Characteristics

Value Char Points
8 STR -2
14 DEX 12
13 CON 6
8 BOD -4
10 INT 0
10 EGO 0
13 PRE 3
18 COM 4
4 PD 2
4 ED 1
3 SPD 6
5 REC 0
26 END 0
19 STUN 0

5” Run -2

Total-> 26






Skill Cost Roll



Acrobatics “I am skilled and graceful” 3 12
Acting “I can be anything you want me to be” 3 12
Disguise “I am clever with makeup and costumes” 3 11
Contortionist “I can hold any position you choose” 3 12
Conversation “You are so fascinating, please tell me more!” 3 12
Seduction 3 12
KS: Carnal Knowledge (intellect) 3 11
PS: Dancer (agility) 3 12
PS: Singer (interaction) 3 12
PS: Concubine(interaction) 3 12
Stealth “I am light on my feet” 3 12
Concealment 3 11

Total Points for Skills: 36







Unspent: 13 pts

Disads

Disadvantage Rolls Points
Distinctive Features: Beautiful, seductive. Concealable 10
Hunted by Hyborean Monsters from the World of Conan, Evil Wizards, etc. <=14 20
Social Limitation: Hyborean Dancing Girl 15
Watched by Master <=14 20
Psych Lim: (Varies with individual girl) 10



Our Hyborean Dancing Girls are built on 75 points plus 75 points of disadvantages, suitable for a standard heroic game. 13 points are left unspent for optional customization and/or skills not yet learned. Available for sale (150 pt follower for 30 pts) or lease (Summon 150 pt Dancing Girl 30 pts, (+1 advantage for slavishly devoted 60 pts,) delivery to civilized regions only (Hyborean kingdoms and some Shemitic city-states) (-1/2 limit “must inhabit locale”) allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery (-5 limit extra time) Check out our special rates for matched sets and harems with Teamwork skill! (each 5 pts doubles the number for either Follower or Summon) Ask about our special insurance against having your dancing girls abducted by Cimmerian barbarians!




We like to think so. Thank you.

Lucius Alexander

Only from Palindromedary Enterprises

Good one, Lucius! But do you accept bulk rates?

[Susano]

Here.


Dancing Girl

I'm really thinking I should add this to the website list.... :D

[Lucius]

Good one, Lucius! But do you accept bulk rates?

You mean, beyond the fact that after the first, each additional is only 5 pts?

In any case, stock is depleted right now. Some new guy got crowned king of Aquilonia and everyone wanted to buy him a present. Then some Stygian wanted all our virgins.

I'm really thinking I should add this to the website list.... :D

With the contact information: lucius_p_alexander@yahoo.com ? ;)

If it's going up on such an honored website, I may want to go over it again first. I basically just copied most of it from the Fembot write-up.

Lucius Alexander

Pondering possible publicity for Palindromedary Enterprises

[FenrisUlf]

In any case, stock is depleted right now. Then some Stygian wanted all our virgins.



Well, you know what they say about Stygian virgins anyway: any girl older then 14 who can run faster than the demon her cousin summoned.

[Susano]

If it's going up on such an honored website, I may want to go over it again first. I basically just copied most of it from the Fembot write-up.

Lucius Alexander

Pondering possible publicity for Palindromedary Enterprises

Sure. The color text about rates and the like sold it for me. And it makes an amusing change to all gloom and doom of the rest of the character sheets.

[Lucius]

Mark,
Have you read any of China Miéville stuff? Such as Perdidio Street Station, The Scar, or Iron Council?

I have read Perdido Street Station. Fascinating novel, and like The Book of the New Sun, it's hard to know how to describe it because it's hard to know what to compare it too. Except maybe an exceptionally lucid and consistent dream - or nightmare.


I was toying with taking Concealment off the Dancing Girl, but too many of them seem able to, for example, hide a dagger in a scanty costume somewhere. Some of the skills I'd like to buy up, but there are only so many points to go around. I'm also considering doing the Gorean Slave Girl write-up as well, but not sure I can do it on 75 + 75 pts.

Does anyone see anything I missed?


And Susano, would you like to see a list of options for spending that customizable 13 pts?

Lucius Alexander

Palindromedary Enterprises

[Susano]

And Susano, would you like to see a list of options for spending that customizable 13 pts?

Sure!

[Vestnik]

I thought Perdido Street Station was brilliant (and it contains BTW a very funny D&D parody). The Scar I liked a lot too. IMO, in Iron Council, Mieville lets his politics get far, far too involved -- he's a Trotskyist, and the book is transparently a tribute to the Russian Revolution. ("Council" = "Soviet," for instance.) It also has a really lame deus ex machina either.

Boy, those books are full of ideas.

[Susano]

I agree. Iron Council didn't work well for me. But man, all of them are crammed with wild concepts.

[shadowcat1313]

I nearly got thrown out of the theater at the opening of the first Conan movie, I looked up during the scene where Thulsa Doom uses a spell to fire a poisoned arrow with a snake component

I said rather loudly "Look... he invented the Boa and Arrow"

[Curufea]

I agree. Iron Council didn't work well for me. But man, all of them are crammed with wild concepts.
Toldja :)
Dang - wish I had more time to work on Crobuzon Hero....

[Vestnik]

I agree. Iron Council didn't work well for me. But man, all of them are crammed with wild concepts.

In IC, I thought his politics were so overdone it was like being hit over the head with a hammer: "this book is really about the Russian Revolution!" (THWACK!) "Get it!" (THWACK!)

How much more obvious can you get than exiled revolutionaries coming to help the revolting workers of New Corbuzon in an armored train, then being immortalized by the phrase "the Iron Council was, is, and will be!"?

[Vondy]

Here.




Very nicely done. Rep for you. There is no life without hyborean dancing girls. Well, okay, there is, but what fun is there in being a bare-chested barbarian without them?

[Vondy]

I'm really thinking I should add this to the website list.... :D

I second that motion.

[Vestnik]

Toldja :)
Dang - wish I had more time to work on Crobuzon Hero....

How would you model the slake-moths' wings? Something like a really big mind control (since it seems to get a +30 EGO on everybody), no range, AE cone (with a big expanded area), Restrainable, only vs. characters in front of the slake-moth, characters must be looking at slake-moth, always on? Or an Entangle based on ECV?

15d6 Mind Control, AE cone (28" cone; +1 1/2), Continuous (+1), 0 END (+1/2), Telepathic (+1/4), Persistent (+1/2), (356 Active Points), one command ("stop!"; -1), No Range (-1/2), Restrainable (-1/2), Always On (-1/2), only vs. sighted opponents (-1/4), target must be looking at slake-moth (-1/2) (84 Real Cost)

[Susano]

Entangle Based on Ego Combat Value. The effect is nigh impossible to break. There's also that Mental Transform -- devouring memories and the like.

[Vestnik]

Entangle Based on Ego Combat Value. The effect is nigh impossible to break. There's also that Mental Transform -- devouring memories and the like.

Yes, that would have to be a linked partial transform that lowered INT and EGO, no? (It also knocks you out while you're under the effect -- Entangle blocks all Sense Groups?)

[Susano]

Yes, that would have to be a linked partial transform that lowered INT and EGO, no? (It also knocks you out while you're under the effect -- Entangle blocks all Sense Groups?)

Something like that. I'd need to re-read it and take notes on the effects described. Slake-Moths are also nearly impossible to kill. Huge amounts of BODY and/or Damage Reduction.

[Vestnik]

Something like that. I'd need to re-read it and take notes on the effects described. Slake-Moths are also nearly impossible to kill. Huge amounts of BODY and/or Damage Reduction.

SPOILER















The immature, stunted one survives (for a while) having several tons of steel and concrete being dropped on it. Then again, at the end one gets taken out just using Bas-Lag technology flame- and acid-throwers.

Really terrifying beasties.

[Vestnik]

As it turns out, there's a writeup for a slake-moth here: http://www.curufea.com/games/crobuzon/slakemoth.php

[Susano]

SPOILER















The immature, stunted one survives (for a while) having several tons of steel and concrete being dropped on it. Then again, at the end one gets taken out just using Bas-Lag technology flame- and acid-throwers.

Really terrifying beasties.

Yes, but how many shots of flame and acid did it take again? And wasn't it already wounded from gunfire? They are very, very tough.

[Vestnik]

Yes, but how many shots of flame and acid did it take again? And wasn't it already wounded from gunfire? They are very, very tough.

Assuming a New Corbuzon flamethrower to be a 2d6 RKA, I would give them about a 5 resistant ED and 50% resistant Damage Reduction. That would be an average of 1 BODY per shot getting through. Then a BODY of about 20 or 25. Thus about 20 or 25 shots to take one down.

[Curufea]

How would you model the slake-moths' wings? Something like a really big mind control (since it seems to get a +30 EGO on everybody), no range, AE cone (with a big expanded area), Restrainable, only vs. characters in front of the slake-moth, characters must be looking at slake-moth, always on? Or an Entangle based on ECV?

15d6 Mind Control, AE cone (28" cone; +1 1/2), Continuous (+1), 0 END (+1/2), Telepathic (+1/4), Persistent (+1/2), (356 Active Points), one command ("stop!"; -1), No Range (-1/2), Restrainable (-1/2), Always On (-1/2), only vs. sighted opponents (-1/4), target must be looking at slake-moth (-1/2) (84 Real Cost)
I modelled them like this-
http://www.curufea.com/games/crobuzon/slakemoth.php
http://www.herogames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25023&highlight=slake+moth

[Vestnik]

I modelled them like this-
http://www.curufea.com/games/crobuzon/slakemoth.php
http://www.herogames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25023&highlight=slake+moth


That is a really nice site. I hope you can get some new stuff up soon -- I think New Corbuzon hero is a great idea. I do, however, refuse to play a woman with a bug for a head. ;)

Don't you think the wings' effect is a bigger area effect than that? They bind the cactus people in the dome from some ways off. And isn't it only in front of the moth that observers are at risk?

[Savinien]

I had to go back a few pages to see how we got to Slake-moths from Hyborea.

Interesting...

[Vestnik]

I had to go back a few pages to see how we got to Slake-moths from Hyborea.

Interesting...

Slake-moths would wipe the floor with Conan. ;)

[Susano]

I had to go back a few pages to see how we got to Slake-moths from Hyborea.

Interesting...

Yes, well, the thread drift here seems to be a case of multi-track drifting.

[Susano]

Slake-moths would wipe the floor with Conan. ;)

If it's a fight between slake-moths and Conan, Elric, Fafhrd, and the Gray Mouser, I'm gonna bet on the moths.

[Savinien]

Nah... If Isaac can hold them off for a little while, those guys would take out a slake-moth.

[Susano]

Nah... If Isaac can hold them off for a little while, those guys would take out a slake-moth.

It all depends on who sees who first, and how they see each other....

Now, in a straight claws versus steel fight? My money's on Conan.

And Elric, but he doesn't count. Stormbringer kills nearly everything anyway.

[Curufea]

Isn't Elric just an angst-ridden carrier for Stormbringer? Surely Stormbringer is the main character of that series ;-p

I have to say - I am more of the opinion that the Moths are plot points, and really should not go by the book. I only made up rules for them because they were so unusual and I wanted to see if they could be modelled.

And I wasn't the instigator of thread drift. That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

Even though it would be better to talk about this stuff on a Susano character thread to do with Bas-Lag...

[Susano]

Isn't Elric just an angst-ridden carrier for Stormbringer? Surely Stormbringer is the main character of that series ;-p

In all seriousness? No. But it sure is a nice Follower for Elric to have.