The Bantam Conan Series: Moon of Blood

by Gary Romeo

“Moon of Blood” first appeared in Conan the Swordsman, Bantam Books, 1978. The story is by Lin Carter and L. Sprague de Camp. This is pretty much a no-nonsense grim tale of Conan against the Picts.

There are several characters in this story. Conan is Captain in the Aquilonian army fighting against the Picts. He interacts with several other soldiers. There is intrigue, tactics, and magic. It has all the essentials of a game. So, it is no surprise that it was adapted as a GURPS role-playing game.

Despite the seriousness of the story and a Pictland setting it fails when compared to “Beyond the Black River.” Conan, Balthus, and Slasher made a great team. Conan and Flavius not so much, even though some of the dialog is well done. The wizard Sagayetha is a pale shadow of Zogar Sag.

As mentioned above, this story is a sequel or follow up to “Beyond the Black River.” Conan is described as “armed as if for war; a plain steel helm covered his mane of coarse black hair; and his deep chest and knotted arms were protected by a hauberk of chain mail. The dented helm framed a dark, scarred face bronzed by strange suns, wherein blazed eyes of smoldering volcanic blue.”

Conan is alarmed at the quiet of the forest. He suspects Picts are in the area, even though scouts have reported no sign of them. Conan’s lieutenant, Flavius, suspects that Conan distrusts the Viscount Lucian.

The Picts attack (Conan’s instincts were right) but mysteriously retreat after both sides faced losses. It’s mentioned that a new wizard, Sagayetha, is a nephew of Zogar Zag (sic). Conan is a little more critical of his Aquilonian bosses in this story. “I know those treaties, signed by some Pictish drunken ne’er do well who knew not what he placed his mark upon. I love not Picts, but I can understand the fury that drives them now.”

A horde of snakes attack Conan and his army. The army scatters and Conan and Flavius flee together. They hide behind a beaver dam as the Picts hold council. Various tribes are there. “They are learning to put aside their clannish feuds,” muttered Conan. “If ever the tribes unite at once, let Aquilonia beware. Ha! Look at those twain.”

Revealing who Conan was talking about would provide spoilers. So, I’ll end here. Conan exhibits probably too much strength at one point, making him almost superhuman. His plan and fortitude help win the battle and by story’s end he has been promoted to General Conan. Thus, setting the stage for his eventual kingship.

Marvel Comics adapted the story in Savage Sword of Conan #46. It is a faithful adaptation. I’m including the splash page for the other story in this issue as well. I think you can guess why.