Showing posts with label Conan the Barbarian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conan the Barbarian. Show all posts

Monday, June 19, 2023

Sword Weirdos Battle Report - Elsa and the Defenders of Arendelle Triumph over the Blood Cult of Sanguivor

In a recent 75-point game, an extraordinary clash unfolded between the formidable alliance of Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Conan the Barbarian, and their loyal wolf companion, and a menacing warband consisting of three Blood Daemons led by the wicked cult wizard, Sanguivor. 

In a land far from Arendelle, an evil plot was attempted by Sanguivor to unbind an ancient daemonette from her bronze prison. The objective was to claim the coveted bronze daemon statue, with the side that had the most models within one stick's distance of the statue (at game end) emerging victorious.

The battle commenced with swift and decisive action. One of the Blood Daemons boldly charged forward, only to be intercepted and swiftly subdued via a pounce by the ferocious wolf. Seizing the opportunity, Conan the Barbarian launched a furious assault, delivering the finishing blow that sent the daemon back to the shadows.

Meanwhile, Elsa showcased her formidable magical prowess, deftly harnessing her powers to eliminate another Blood Daemon with a precise icy Magic Missile spell. 

The remaining daemon, undeterred, sought to strike back, targeting Anna. However, the fearless Anna valiantly defended herself, and with help from Olaf, skillfully evaded the daemon's attacks and held her ground until the daemon’s eventual defeat by the powerful greatsword of Conan.

The climax of the battle unfolded as Sanguivor, driven by his sinister ambitions, rushed towards the statue with hopes of claiming victory for the daemonic forces. However, Elsa, ever resourceful and quick-witted, unleashed an icy spell that sent the cult wizard sprawling to the ground. Seizing the opportune moment, the loyal wolf delivered the final blow that brought an end to Sanguivor's nefarious plans.

The outcome of this epic confrontation was resoundingly in favor of Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Conan, and their loyal wolf companion. Not a single casualty was suffered by the valiant heroes, while the Blood Daemons were completely vanquished from the battlefield!

As the victors bask in the glory of their triumph, they serve as a shining example of friendship and unity, reminding us of the power of courage, friendship, and unwavering determination. The legends of this fateful battle will echo through the ages, inspiring future generations in Arendelle.

Sunday, May 15, 2022

Conan the Barbarian - 40th Anniversary Showing Movie Review

On May 14, 1982, Conan the Barbarian was released to theaters in North America.  To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the cinematic Arnold classic, Mezmaron's Lair helped host a private showing at the North Bend Theatre yesterday.

To me, this is Arnold’s best movie -- and it is still one of my favorite movies of all time.  Despite limited dialog and dated special effects, the movie still holds up after forty years -- the lack of CGI only adds to the movie's authenticity and grit.  I always underestimate how important and effective Basil Poledouris’s legendary score is to the film.   The pacing is generally good and Jon Milius' social commentary about the 1960s is... amusing.

In the beginning of the film, Conan's father tells a young Conan, "for no one - no one in this world can you trust - not men, not women, not beasts... [points to sword], this you can trust."  Despite this advice, after Conan's final victory, it is his father's broken sword that Conan holds aloft - his triumph (at the Battle of the Mounds) only possible due to his reliance on his companions and the actions of his (deceased) lover.  The best stories and movies provide a character not just with a great challenge and adversary, but embark the character on a journey of growth and evolution.