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The Sanctum Secorum Reading Room: Red Nails

Join two of our Keepers of Mysteries as they dive into Red Nails, by Robert E. Howard.

Red Nails begins in the jungles far to the south of any known civilized or barbarian kingdoms. Valeria of the Red Brotherhood is fleeing persecution and is followed into the wilderness by Conan, a fellow adventurer who wishes for an alliance with Valeria. The pair journey towards a mysterious walled city, which appears deserted. The city, which is known as Xuchotl, is a massive structure completely enclosed and roofed off by an emerald dome. A single great hallway runs across the entire city. However, no streets or open courtyards are present. 

The two separate and search the city’s empty corridors. Valeria encounters a man named Techotl, who she joins in his feud between two factions which dwell in the once populous city. Soon, Techotl invites Conan and Valeria into the stronghold of his tribe, the Tecuhltli. Eventually, the couple are welcomed by the rulers of Xuchotl, Olmec and Tascela. After a ritual, Olmec reveals the history of his civilization and its ancient war with the other inhabitants of Xuchotl and the meaning of the red nails driven into a pillar within the Olmec stronghold.

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Originally broadcast live on the Goodman Games twitch channel on April 25, 2023.

Robert E Howard’s suicide was a tragic loss. If you are in distress you can call, text, or chat 988, to be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how your problems are affecting you, provide support, and connect you to resources if necessary. Additionally the Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) remains available to people in emotional distress or crisis.

 

Sanctum Secorum #47 – The Hills of the Dead

Get the free Sanctum Secorum #47 Companion COMING SOON

A predecessor to Howard’s Conan the barbarian, Solomon Kane is a somber-looking Puritan who wanders the world with no apparent goal other than to vanquish evil in all its forms. Returning to Africa, Solomon Kane’s old friend N’Longa (the witch doctor from “Red Shadows”) gives the Puritan a magic wooden staff, the Staff of Solomon, which will protect him in his travels. Kane enters the jungle and finds a city of vampires.With his faith in god, the magic of N’Longa, and his wits, Kane must destroy them all.  This is a sequel to the first Solomon Kane story published, Red Shadows.

Welcome to the Sanctum Secorum podcast. Tonight, the Keepers of Mysteries return with a special guest, Judge Eric Young!

 

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