Rediscovered Realms fans, prepare for a thrilling solo adventure into the heart of Robert E. Howard's Hyborian Age with GURPS Conan: Beyond Thunder River. This isn't your average gamebook; it's a sprawling 560-paragraph solo adventure for the GURPS system, putting you in the rugged boots of either the legendary Conan of Cimmeria or your own created character.
Hey, thanks for reading Rediscovered Realms! Join 3,000+ other adventurers for FREE (butConsider a PAID Subscription for a ton of epic perks) to receive weekly fun fantasy posts and Keep the Adventure Going Strong!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
This Week’s Rediscovered Realms Theme Song:
You are Conan, defending Fort Tuscelan from the horde of Picts under the leadership of their evil sorcerer. You are the last hope against this savage onslaught.
Remember to check out the new Rediscovered Realms Amazon Storefront for the most epic gift-giving ideas for those important adventurers in your life (including yourself 🗡)
(As an Amazon2Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
Brave the Savage Pictland in GURPS Conan: Beyond Thunder River!
Imagine this: the Aquilonian army has pushed into Pictland, building Fort Tuscelan to secure their new territory. But the fierce Pict tribes have united under the banner of the sorcerous witch-doctor, Zogar Sag, who is amassing a vast horde to crush the fort. As commander of the scouts at Fort Tuscelan, you, whether playing as the formidable Conan (a ready-to-use 500-point character!) or your own 350-point creation, are the last hope against this savage onslaught.
What makes Beyond Thunder River so captivating?
Branching Narrative and High Replayability: This adventure isn't a linear path. With dozens of alternate routes, your choices matter, leading to wildly different experiences each time you play. As the author, W.G. Armintrout, cleverly assumes, you will want to play it again to explore all the nooks and crannies.
More Than Just Combat: While GURPS shines in one-on-one combat, this adventure goes beyond simple hack-and-slash. It emphasizes secondary skills and interaction with others, requiring you to gather information and prepare before potential battles.
Connect with your social media weapon of choice and join 13,000+ Rediscovered Realms treasure seekers for daily fun fantasy posts:
Intriguing Mechanics: Beyond Thunder River features a minor hex crawl element, adding a layer of exploration as you navigate the wilderness. It also utilizes a unique codeword system, where dice rolls determine plot-altering keywords, encouraging players to even choose codewords to explore different narrative possibilities.
From Rediscovered Realms Vaults, hither come these 2 epic Conan-related editions:
Based on a Classic Tale: This adventure is inspired by Robert E. Howard's original story, "Beyond the Black River," but offers the exciting possibility of achieving different endings than the source material.
Support for Your Own Characters: While playing as Conan is an option, the adventure is designed to accommodate your own GURPS characters, making it a fantastic way to experience the Hyborian Age with your personalized heroes.
Cool fantasy line art by Dan Carroll: Just like the Fighting Fantasy and Lone Wolf gamebooks of yore, this solo adventure is generously sprinkled with fun illustrations throughout.
“Honey, can you bring me another roll of toilet paper, please?”
Continuation in Moon of Blood: The adventure doesn't end here! Beyond Thunder River has a direct sequel, GURPS Conan: Moon of Blood, creating a larger, interconnected experience.
While the Conan Beyond Thunder River adventure boasts a substantial 560 sections, allowing for a deep and branching narrative, some might find the constant section-hopping a bit much. However, the sheer scope and the many subquests offer a significant challenge and ensure that achieving a truly successful outcome will take time and strategic thinking.
GURPS Conan: Beyond Thunder River was originally released in 1988 and has seen a reissue (along with Conan Moon of Blood, Conan and The Queen of the Black Coast, and Conan The Wyrmslayer) making it more accessible. You can even find a PDF version from the publisher if you don’t want a physical copy.
Conan Solo Adventures for Gurps reprints on Amazon
(As an AmazonAssociate I earn from qualifying purchases)
So, if you're looking for a deep and engaging solo GURPS experience (or play it without GURPS, like I’m going to do!) steeped in the gritty world of Conan, look no further than Beyond Thunder River. Prepare to face the savage Picts, unravel Zogar Sag's sinister plot, and forge your own legend in the Hyborian wilderness!
You are not only brave, but a Generous Adventurer whose love of Discovery, Imagination & Fun transcends our mere mortal coils . . .
For members of The 300 (paid subscribers), here is the 1st of 4 EPIC FANTASY LOOT giveaways in 2025!
Drawing will be on March 31st and you are automatically entered. If you want to use 1-3 of your ELECTRUM EXTRA CHANCE TICKETS to get extra entries, reply to this newsletter and let me know.
Here’s what Brodryk curated from the Rediscovered Realms Vault and 1 lucky member will win:
The Hobbit illustrated hardcover edition. This book is BEAUTIFUL. (value: $75)
D&D POP! Gelatinous Cube with Dracolich. Oh, and did you know it glows in the dark?! (value: $50)
Frazetta Book Cover Art hardcover complete collection (value: $45)
A COMPLETE BASE SET (1-139) of Steve Jackson’s 1993 Scratch and Slay BattleCards. Unscratched and fully sleeved! (value: $25)
So, I don’t know where I’ve been living for my whole life, but somehow as a fan of the Heavy Metal movie, I never heard of this animated Fantasy/SciFi/Horror Rock Opera featuring Debbie Harry (Blondie), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire) - “Rock & Rule" from 1983!
Check out the 1 minute short from “Horror Metal Sounds” YouTube channel. I’ve got to track this down to see! (I’d also guess that anyone that’s into Furries would totally dig this!)
Your path through Beyond Thunder River may be complete, but the adventure never truly ends. Whether you're battling Picts at Fort Tuscelan, tracking down lost gamebooks, or reveling in the latest fantasy news—there's always another legend waiting to unfold.
From Shadowdark’s staggering success to Monty Python’s triumphant return to theaters, this week proves that old-school fantasy is alive and well.
So tell me, Barbaric Adventurer—will you be taking up Conan’s sword in Beyond Thunder River, or is another quest calling your name? Until next time, Keep the Adventure Going Strong! ⚔️
Spread Adventure Awesomeness! Don’t just Stare - SHARE! If you know other Adventurers who would enjoy this newsletter, please share it with them directly or on social media.
The Last Hope At Tuscelan [Verse 1] In the dark of night I stand alone Watching flames dance far away Ancient words carried on the wind I feel your presence drawing near Your power calls through blood and stone [Pre-chorus] They say you're coming for us all My blade won't save me from your call The woods grow thick with hate tonight As drums beat in the dying light [Chorus] I hear you speak my name Through the fires and the rain Your magic burns like chains But I will not break [Verse 2] My men sleep behind these walls While death stalks through the trees Your painted warriors gather now Their howls pierce through my bones Something evil stirs tonight [Pre-chorus] The signs are written in the stars Your spirits hunt across the dark The woods grow thick with fate tonight As drums beat in the fading light [Chorus] I hear you speak my name Through the fires and the rain Your magic burns like chains But I will not break [Bridge] [Tribal drums intensify] Stand with me brothers Face what comes in darkness Our steel against their spirits Our will against their power (Chanting: Hey-ya hey-ya hey-ya-ha) [Final Chorus] I hear you speak my name Through the fires and the rain Your magic burns like chains But we will not break But we will not break But we will not break
Also a big fan of How to Draw Fantasy ART & RPG Maps by Jared Blando. I have used some of the same maps for my D&D-based world for decades and this is the book that finally got me motivated to sit down and try and rework it.
GURPS was, like, the one system I *didn't* buy and play as a youth 🤣 It was a real trip reading this, it reminded me a lot of... man, my DuckDuckGo-fu is letting me down today, it's not the Endless Quest books, but another CYA-style D&D series. The depth and style is very reminiscent!
Also a big fan of How to Draw Fantasy ART & RPG Maps by Jared Blando. I have used some of the same maps for my D&D-based world for decades and this is the book that finally got me motivated to sit down and try and rework it.
GURPS was, like, the one system I *didn't* buy and play as a youth 🤣 It was a real trip reading this, it reminded me a lot of... man, my DuckDuckGo-fu is letting me down today, it's not the Endless Quest books, but another CYA-style D&D series. The depth and style is very reminiscent!