Conan the Animated (Fan Short)

 This is a pretty cool animated Conan short.

Robert E. Howard RPG Tribute

In the premiere issue of their digital magazine, Modiphia, Modiphius has created one of the coolest rpg tributes I've seen.

The free pdf has Robert E Howard game statistics for Conan: Adventures in an Age Undreamed Of. In addition to the stats you get a biographic background of Howard and speculation as to his journeys in Hyborea. You can pick up Modiphia #1 here.

I haven't actually played Conan or it's 2d20 system yet. I backed the Kickstarter and will be getting the core book in print (and everything else as a pdf). I already have the core and adventure supplements in pdf, but I'm waiting for a physical copy to really dive in to the game.

If you want to give the game a shot you can grab the Conan quick start here at no cost. While the core book isn't in print yet, you can grab the pdf here and the Jeweled Thrones of Earth adventure compilation here.

Succubus Sunday - Akivasha, Sorceress Queen of Acheron

Played by Tia Carrere, Akivasha was the main villain in 1997's Kull the Conqueror. The movie is cheesy as Hell, but I have a soft spot for it, (despite my general distaste for Kevin Sorbo, post God is Not Dead).

Akivasha is a sorceress queen from ancient Acheron that is revived in a plot to steal Kull's throne. She's a seducer, so she seems to be a fitting lady to spotlight.

Swords and Sorcery Films

Thinking about the Robert E. Howard's Conan Roleplaying Game Kickstarter has got me in a Swords and Sorcery mood. So I'm curious, what are your top three favorite Swords and Sorcery flicks?

Here are mine:

Conan the Barbarian (2011) - I know this may sound heretical, but I think 2011's Conan with Jason Mamoa is more entertaining than the original. I found the characters more memorable and I just dig Mamoa's Conan more than Arnie's.

The Beastmaster (1982) - I watched this movie every weekend growing up. This movie is definitely has Don Coscarelli's touch and is weird in all the right ways. I watched it again this last year and it holds up, though now that I see the incestuous bits, I'm creeped out. The Jun horde and witches still creep me out. I'll be including both in my first Conan game.

The Scorpion King (2002) - I love the Rock. He's charismatic as Hell. There's just something about the Scorpion King that has a special place in my heart. I watched it in theaters with my best friends in high school and I have fond memories. It's still my go to swords and sorcery flick. I think a Memnon-like character would be a great villain for a Conan game. I've watched the other Scorpion King movies, which are pretty bad, but are ok if you're in the right mood. I just wish the 3rd and 4th would have had the Rock.

Robert E. Howard's Conan Roleplaying Game Kickstarter

I know there are plenty of rpgs that allow you to play Conan style games: Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcererers of Hyborea, Crypts & Things, Barbarians of Lemuria, and any edition of D&D. That being said, the new Robert E. Howard's Conan Roleplaying Game sounds fantastic.

Here is an animated introduction to the game and rules.

You can download the quickstart here. Rules for adding sorcery to the quickstart can be found in this update. If you want a challenging foe, check out the Gray Ape. I have the quickstart printed out and hope to run it soon. I'd love to run it before the Kickstarter ends, though I honestly don't see it happening. When I finally get the opportunity, I'll post a play report.