Taurus of Nemedia, the Prince of Thieves

Savage Sword of Conan #24 - John Buscema

Taurus the Nemedian
(circa "The Tower of the Elephant")

Human Rogue
7th Level

Hit Dice 7d6-7 (Hit Points: 20)
Initiative: +7
Speed: 30 ft.
AC: 13 (+3 Dex)
Attacks: Unarmed Attack +7
Damage: Unarmed Attack 1d4+2
Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Sneak Attack +4d6
Special Qualities: Evasion, Uncanny Dodge (Dex bonus to AC and cannot be flanked)
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +11, Will +4
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 16, Con 8, Int 14, Wis 13, Cha 17
Skills: Hide +13, Move Silently +13, Tumble +13, Open Lock +15, Listen +12, Spot +12, Search +12, Appraise +12, Disable Device +14, Climb +9
Feats: Improved Initiative, Alertness, Lightning Reflexes, Blind Fighting

Climate/Terrain: Zamora
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 7
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Advancement: By Character Class.

"Taurus, called a prince of thieves, was tall as the Cimmerian, and heavier; he was big-bellied and fat, but his every movement betokened a subtle dynamic magnetism, which was reflected in the keen eyes that glinted vitally, even in the starlight. He was barefooted and carried a coil of what looked like a thin, strong rope, knotted at regular intervals."

~Robert E. Howard, "The Tower of the Elephant"

Conan the Barbarian #4 - Barry Windsor Smith

Taurus of Nemedia is a well established thief in the Hyborian lands. He plots and plans his escapades for months, and does not act on impulse. He equips himself with the best materials, usually stolen. Against the lions of Yara's tower, he used powder made from the blossoms of the black lotus. His rope is woven from the tresses of dead women, which he took from their tombs at night, and steeped in the deadly wine of the upas tree, to give it strength.

Combat
Taurus strikes from the shadows, usually with strange and esoteric weapons. Otherwise, he strangles his victims.

To the left is the original cover art that accompanied Bob Howard's "The Tower of the Elephant" in the March 1933 Weird Tales. This is one of the most popular of the Conan stories. It is the third Conan story Howard wrote (following Phoenix on the Sword and The Scarlet Citadel).

Why is this story so popular? Well, it has a strange wizard in a mystical tower, a being from beyond our ken, curses and dark magics, giant spiders and a tavern brawl. It has everything.

The Robert E. Howard's story, "Tower of the Elephant," was first published in Weird Tales in March of 1933. The story can also be found in the Ace/Lancer paperback "Conan"; the Donald M. Grant Limited Edition "The Tower of the Elephant", Arkham's "Skull Face and Others" and the Gnome Press collection "The Comin of Conan". All of these are out of print but can be found on eBay quite often.

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