Bêlit, Queen of the Black
Coast
(Circa "Queen of the Black
Coast")
Medium-sized Human, 20 years
old
Barbarian
Level 10
Hit Dice: 10d12+30 (100
hp)
Initiative: +9 (+5 Dex, +4 Improved
Initiative)
Speed: 40 ft.
AC: 18 (+5 Dex, +1 Dodge)
Attacks: Longspear or scimitar +12/+7
melee
Damage: Longspear or scimitar 1d8+5
Face/Reach: 5 ft x 5 ft./5
ft.
Special Attacks: Rage
3/day
Special Qualities: Fast Movement;
Uncanny Dodge
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +8, Will +4
Abilities: Str 15, Dex 20, Con 16, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 18
Skills: Climb +15, Jump +15, Swim +15,
Perform (Dance) +9, Move Silently +11, Balance +11, Profession
(Seaman) +8, Intuit Direction +7
Feats: Combat Reflexes,
Improved Initiative, Dodge, Leadership, Mobility
Climate/Terrain: The Black
Coast
Organization:
Solitary
Challenge Rating:
10
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Chaotic
Evil
Advancement: By Character
Class.
"Bêlit
sprang before the blacks, beating down their spears. She turned
toward Conan, her bosom heaving, her eyes flashing. Fierce fingers
of wonder caught at his heart. She was slender, yet formed like a
goddess: at once lithe and voluptuous. Her only garment was a broad
silken girdle. her white ivory limbs and ivory globes of her breasts
drove a beat of fierce passion through the Cimmerian's pulse, even in the panting
fury of battle. Her rich black hair, black as a Stygian night, fell
in rippling burnished clusters down her supple back. Her dark eyes
burned on the Cimmerian. She was untamed as a desert wind, supple
and dangerous as a she-panther."
~"Queen of the Black Coast" by Robert E. Howard, 1934
Bêlit led a
group of black pirates against Stygian and Shemite shipping. She was
quite totalitarian, and given to mood swings. She loved the
accumulation of wealth and the power she wielded. Considered a
goddess by the blacks who loyally followed her, she led them to many
victories until her untimely death. She is considered to have been Conan's
first and greatest love.
She is a pirate of the most fearsome type. Little is known of her early life, though she claimed that she was a descendant of an ancient line of Shemite royalty. Now she is the commander of a fast and slender pirate galley which is known as the Tigress. The ship has 40 oars and a red pennant flying from the mast, giving it an unmistakable distinctness. Her crew numbered about 100 tribesmen, who were called the Black Corsairs. They used longbows, spears, clubs, and shields in combat, and they never have to check morale when Bêlit is present, because they regard her as a goddess. More information on the Tigress can be found below.
Bêlit presents and interesting contrast to her dark crew. Her skin is ivory white and her hair is a thick, rich black. She wears only a silken girdle, even in combat, and bears a jeweled dagger on her belt. Although she is rather intelligent, she gives very little thought to the possible consequences of her actions and is basically impulsive in nature. Upon making up her mind to do something, she can never be swayed from her plans, regardless of the cost. She is most happy to lead a life of sensuality, passion, and materialism. Gems and jewelry are her most prized treasures.
After her death, the game master can apply the ghost template to her stats. Although she saved Conan's life once, who says she won't do it again?
CombatRage: Thrice per day, Bêlit can go into a rage
and increase her Strength and Constitution by +4, and gains a +2 morale
bonus to Will saves. She suffers a -2 penalty to
AC.
Fast movement: Bêlit's speed is increased by +10 feet when
wearing no armor, light armor, and shields.
Uncanny Dodge: Bêlit
retains her dexterity bonus to her AC even when caught flatfooted or
surprised. She cannot be flanked. She can sense danger before it even
becomes apparent.
Here is a version of Bêlit for the Hero system by Jason Verbitsky.
Robert E. Howard's story, "Queen of the Black
Coast," was first published in Weird Tales in May of 1934. The story
can also be found in the Ace/Lancer paperback "Conan of Cimmeria"; the
Donald M. Grant Limited Edition "Queen of the Black Coast", and the Gnome
Press collection "The Coming of Conan". All of these are out of
print, but usually available on eBay.Above is the original artwork that appeared with
"Queen of the Black Coast" in Weird Tales", depicting the ghost of Bêlit
saving Conan's life.
The movie Conan the
Barbarian used this scene for Valeria, except,
unfortunately for us, they put clothes on Valeria.
To the left is the first appearance of Bêlit in
Marvel Comics' Conan the Barbarian comic book. Issue 58
adapted the first part of Robert E. Howard's story. Marvel then took
their time and developed her character immensely, filling in the three
years that Howard merely glosses over.
The
Tigress is a Barbarian Longship, as described in Fantasy
Flight Games' "Seafarer's Handbook".
Huge Ship
Propulsion: Large sail, oars (three sets)
Speed: 45 ft (oars), 40 ft (sails)
Crew: 45 (Bêlit had a crew of 100)
Cargo: 10 tons
Hull: AC 5, Hardness 5, Hit Points 40
Deck: AC 5, Hardness 5, Hit Points 20
Mast: AC 5, Hardness 5, Hit Points 300
Weapons: None
Ship Qualities: Oceanworthy, wave rider
Trademarks and copyrights are cited on this page without permission. This usage is not meant in any way to challenge the rightful ownership of said trademarks/copyrights. Some text by Roger E. Moore from Dragon Vol. VI no.7. AD&D is a trademark of TSR; reach TSR's parent company at Wizards of the Coast, Inc.©. Conan and all related characters are trademarks and copyrights of Conan Properties, Inc. Artwork is copyrighted by Weird Tales and/or Marvel Comics Group. All copyrights are acknowledged and remain the property of the owners. "Inzeladun" and related characters © 1984, 2000 Vincent N. Darlage. All rights reserved by their respective owners. This page is for entertainment only.
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