Conan the Barbarian: Rogues in the House

Mild spoilers follow for the story…

This short story by Robert E. Howard was really quite delightful to read. I saw so many aspects that have become tropes of tabletop roleplaying along with sword & sorcery stories. Particularly the traps in the house. The enlistment of the villain as part of the group against a monster with which they are trapped. 

The entire arc includes political intrigue, the enlistment of Conan as a champion for one. Explorations, battle with a monstrous adversary, and the betrayal and eventual death of a villain. It’s quite a fun story, and showcases Howard’s descriptive skills. I’d recommend it to anyone wanting insight into one of the many stories that likely directly influenced the spread of the TTRPG hobby.