Conan for Spellcraft & Swordplay

It's been pointed out many times that my own Spellcraft & Swordplay roleplaying game is a sort of "alternate history" experiment, which explores what D&D may have looked like, had the original combat rules remained the core, instead of the "alternate" d20-based combat matrix. In many ways this is true, though I like to think that somewhere along the line S&S took on a life of its own.

In any case, it is similar to OD&D if one uses the Chainmail combat systems, no doubt. What this also means is that it's easily convertible for use with my Age of Conan hacks. With the forthcoming DVD release of the new Conan movie starring Jason Momoa in the title role, I thought it might be fun to take a look at what Conan might be like in S&S.

These stats aren't 100% S&S core, as I am drawing from my AoC hack to make them happen (for Cimmerian racial abilities), but it's an interesting thought experiment--what if I had the cash to get hold of the Conan license, and could do a Hyborian Age game that was Powered by O.R.C.S.?  It's a lovely dream.

So without further ado, I present to you Robert E. Howard's Conan, using the S&S rules.  Note also that these stats are very similar to those found in Supplement IV: Gods, Demi-Gods, and Heroes, insofar as Conan's class levels go.  My adaptation of him has equivalent strength, a lower intelligence, higher wisdom, higher Con, lower Dex, and equivalent Charisma.

These stats represent Conan at the height of his power, probably around the time of The Hour of the Dragon. He is certainly an epic character! 

King Conan of Aquilonia
Cimmerian Warrior / Thief*
Level: 15/8**
Abilities:
Str: 23 (+5) 
Dex: 16 (+2) 
Con: 18 (+3) 
Int: 13 (+1) 
Wis: 14 (+1) 
Cha: 15 (+1)

Hit Dice: 20+14 (91 hp)
Attacks: 9+8
AC: Dependent upon armor worn; anywhere from 1 to 8.  When leading his troops in battle, Conan wears Field Plate (AC 8) and rides a black stallion with full barding (AC 7)

Weapons: Varies. While leading troops in battle he wields either a broadsword or axe. 
Class Abilities: Combat Reflexes (enemies -2 to hit), Slaughter (24 attacks vs. 1HD creatures), Weapon Mastery (Sword, +3 hit and damage), Iron Constitution (+2 to Con-based saves), Open Locks, Trap Smith, Pick Pockets, Stealth, Perception, Cant, Expert Linguist, Climb, Vital Strike, Uncanny Dodge (+2 to Dex-based saves)
Racial Abilities: Fighting-Madness (+2 to all attacks while berserk; suffers fatigue afterward) 
*Conan must split all XP evenly between Warrior and Thief; this means he's gathered a TON of XP to get where he is!
**Cimmerians are limited to 8th level as thieves; Conan still must split XP even though he can advance no further as a thief.
Backgrounds: Blacksmith, Sailor, Slave (all +5)

So there you have it: my impression of Conan as a Spellcraft & Swordplay character.  This version would work as an alternate version of the OD&D Conan as well.

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