Power and Corruption

The pursuit of power, whether through sorcery, political intrigue, or brute force, corrupts individuals and societies, leading to cruelty, betrayal, and moral decay.

The corrupt court of Argos, where a guardsman's violence goes unpunished and Conan is persecuted for loyalty, highlights the theme of corrupt power.

Jehungir and Ghaznavi's manipulative plot to use Octavia as bait reflects the corrupt use of power.

Khosatral's corrupting influence over the city and its inhabitants, and Conan's rejection of that power.

The Black Seers of Yimsha and their agents, like Khemsa, use dark magic to manipulate political power, corrupting both rulers and servants.