SOURCE: "The Witch of the Mists" by L. Sprague de Camp and Lin Carter (Fantastic, August 1972)

DESCRIPTION: "Suddenly, the muddy heather was alive with men. They were filthy, gaunt, and naked save for twists of greasy rag about their loins. Long, matted hair lay in a tangle about their snarling faces." ("The Witch of the Mists" by L. Sprague de Camp and Lin Carter)

NOTES: Legends tell that the beast men are degenerate ancestors of criminals and slaves who escaped into the swamps near Hyperborea. Centuries of inbreeding have made them little more than animals. They are so debased as to be almost cannibals. They are also deathly afraid of the Hyperboreans who use them for ritual sacrifice.

HISTORY: Conan loses to them only because of sheer numbers and the difficult terrain. The beast men are sacred off before they can do more than rob him.

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