Fahfrd

His great, lean muscles, white skin, copper hair, green eyes, and above all pleasant yet untamed expression of his massive countenance, all hinted at a land of origin colder, rougher, and more barbarous than that of Lankhmar.

Lankhmar Tales of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser Volume 1 by Fritz Leiber

Description

Fafhrd is a barbarian of the Cold Waste. He has pirated the seas and promised himself to someone in his village. But when he meets Vlana, fugitive and dancer from the cities, he sees a way to find what he truly seeks—civilization.

This first volume starts slow as it introduces both Fafhrd and The Gray Mouser in separate stories, but picks up the pace once the two characters meet in Lankhmar, the city of thieves. These two aren't your heroic adventurers, but that was intentional. Leiber created a "realistic" duo of men, who drink too much, work for hire, and discover fantastic things about the world of Nehwon, much of it unwittingly.

Character classes

Rogue

To survive in Lankhmar, Fafhrd takes to thievery. Even though he's a barbarian, I picked Rogue as his primary class as spends most of his time in Lankhmar roguing, pretending, and stealing.

Pirate

As a member of his tribe, Fafhrd explored part of the world in pirating expeditions while following other leaders.

Warrior

He's seven feet tall and wields a big sword. Yes, he can fight.

Survivalist

His father died while attempting to scale mountains, and presumably Fafhrd has a piece of his father's spirit still in him.

Singing skald

At the time of Vlana's arrival, Fafhrd is training to sing tales of heroism and lore.

Abilities

Hiding

When first they meet, Fafhrd is hidden among the gargoyles above the city just as thieves rush on the street below..

Endurance

Part of living in the Cold Waste, Fafhrd has endurance that allows him to run and take punishment.

Fighting

When swordplay is required, Fafhrd is at the forefront.

Skiing

Fafhrd can move, and fight, while on skis

 

Equipment

Graywand

Fafhrd names his mighty blade Graywand, to match his own character.

Allies

The Gray Mouser

Fafhrd's constant companion, they treat each other as equals as they strive to see the world of Nehwon to forget a horrible disaster they both share.

Vlana

The dancing girl from the city, she is a Thieves guild exile looking for revenge.

 

Enemies

Mor

Mor is Fafhrd's mother, and leader of her coven. They work ice magic to try and keep Fafhrd from leaving their clan.

Hringorl

One of the leaders in the Cold Waste, he vies with Fafhrd for possession of the dancer Vlana.

Slayers' Brotherhood

An enforcement arm of the Thieves Guild, the Slayers' Brotherhood hires warriors to defend their thieving operations in Lankhmar

Thieves' Guild

They do not allow any thieving to go on in Lankhmar without their approval, cut, or vengeance.

Ningauble of the Seven Eyes

Sometimes an ally, Ningauble hires the two adventurers or sends them on quests. Other times, he/she/it seems to be toying with them.

Sheelba of the Eyeless Face

Another wizard, he/she/it is often shown to be in competition or perhaps in cahoots with Ningauble. They also send the pair off on quests.

Krovas

Thieves' Guild Guildmaster

Hristolimo

A warlock in Krovas's employ.

Lord Rannarsh

A seeker of treasure

 

Exploration

Nehwon

The setting for the entire story

Cold Waste

A land of cold, snow and mountains.

Lankhmar

The city of thieves, where Fafhrd and The Gray Mouser learn to coordinate and survive.

Jewels in the Forest

A treasure easily found, but easily retrieved?

 

Quests

Bring Vlana out of the Waste

In order to leave the Waste, Fafhrd must contend with his mother's snow coven, Hringorl, and Vlana's keeper.

Fulfill Vlana's Revenge

She seeks the head of Krovas, who drove her out of the Thieves' Guild.

Forget the disaster

In an attempt to forget their disaster in Lankhmar, Fafhrd and The Gray Mouser travel up and down the world of Nehwon in the span of 10 or so pages.

Seek the Jewels in the Forest

Diamonds as big as a man's head! They are hidden, but not too hidden. But what could have allowed these treasures to remain unclaimed for so long?

 

Credits

Fafhrd's head is from a cover created by Mike Mignola.

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