Isparana

Contributed by: Rakhamon (morfeus2@hotmail.com). The Marvel adaption of Andrew J. Offut's "Conan and the Sorcerer" and "The sword of Skelos" were some of the first Conan comics I read. I therefore have a certain fondness for them that I don't have for most other non-REH work. Therefore I included Isparana here. If nothing else it may be good to have a few more capable females... Isparana did of course see Conan again in CtB but that is in the "future" as far as this entry is concerned.

"'Wait? While you leave me here to die? I'll have your manhood on a silver plate, first!'" -- Andrew J. Offutt: "Conan and the Sorcerer"

Physical Appearance: Isparana has the tawny skin and black hair of most people of Zamboula. She is an attractive young woman (a few years older than Conan) and her bright eyes betray her cunning. She usually dresses in casual clothes that do not restrict her agility and a headband to keep her long hair out of her face. After the events of "The Sword of Skelos" she has a distinctive burn mark on her hip.

Background: Isparana is a passionate young woman who has lived the hard life of a thief in Zamboula (which has given her a certain disregard for laws). She is street-smart and cunning and not above using her female charms to get the job done if needed.

Presumably due to her skill as a thief the ruler of Zamboula, Akter Khan, ordered her and her then-partner Karamek to retrieve the amulet the Eye of Erlik from the wizard Hissar Zul. In the course of this adventure, Karamek was killed and Isparana met, fought, and ultimately allied with fellow thief Conan. Isparana completed her mission and was then instrumental in bringing down Akter Khan and installing his son Jungir on the throne. Though she was offered a position as first woman of Zamboula, it is believed she later once again returned to life on the open road and eventually met Conan again.

Role-Playing Notes: Isparana is very focused and determined and will not abandon her mission unless absolutely necessary. She is also loyal (in her way) and will not betray her associates or employer (unless she is herself betrayed). She should not be used in straight-out combat scenarios but rather in those involving stealth and guile.

Isparana of Zamboula
Female Shemite Rog4

Medium-size humanoid

Hit Dice: 4d6+4 (24 hp)
Initiative: +8 (+4 Dex, +4 Improved Initiative)
Speed: 30 ft.
AC: 14 (+4 Dex)
Attacks: Scimitar +4 melee; or throwing dagger +7 ranged
Damage: Scimitar 1d6+1; or throwing dagger 1d4+1
Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Sneak Attack +2d6
Special Qualities: Evasion, Uncanny Dodge (Dex bonus to AC)
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +8, Will +4
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 18, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 13, Cha 12
Skills: Appraise +3, Bluff +4, Climb +5, Gather Information +5, Hide +9, Listen +4, Move Silently +9, Search +6, Spot +5, Swim +4, Open Lock +5, Tumble +9, Ride +7, Pick Pocket +8
Feats: Improved Initiative, Dodge, Iron Will

Climate/Terrain: Zamboula
Organization: Unique
Challenge Rating: 3
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: n/a
Advancement: By character class

Equipment: Isparana usually carries her trusted scimitar as well as two daggers (concealed in her boots) for throwing. Any other gear depends on her mission.

Combat: Isparana preferably fights from a distance or uses associates to fight for her. One favourite tactic is to sneak attack with her throwing daggers. She tries to avoid combat if possible since she is not as skilled with the scimitar but she can sometimes be provoked into a open fight.