The Code of the warriors, in general,
characterized by a rudimentary chivalry, emphasizing loyalty to pride chiefs
and the home stone. It is harsh , but with a certain gallantry, a sense
of honor that I could respect.
A man could do worse then live by
such a code.
Tarnsman of Gor page 41
"Flee!" she said.
"I am of the Warriors," I said.
"But you may die," she said.
"That is acknowledged in the codes," I
said.
"What are the codes?" she asked.
"They are nothing and, and everything,"
I said. "They are a bit of noise, and the steel of the heart. They are
meaningless, and all significant. They are the difference. Without the
codes men would be Kurii."
"Kurii?" she asked.
"Beasts, such as ice beasts, and worse,"
I said. "Beasts such as the face you saw in the sky."
"You need not keep the codes," she said.
"I once betrayed my codes," I said. "It
is not my intention to do so again."
I looked at her. "One does not know, truly
what it is to stand,
until one has fallen. Once one has fallen,
then one knows, you see, what it is to stand."
"None would know know if you betrayed the
codes," she said.
"I would know," I said, "and I am of the
Warriors."
"What is it to be a warrior?" she asked.
"It is to keep the codes," I said. "You
may think that to be a warrior is to be large, or strong, and to be skilled
with weapons, to have a blade at your hip, to know the grasp of the spear,
to wear the scarlet, to know the fitting of the iron helm upon one's
countenance, but these are things are not truly needful; they are not,
truely what makes one man a warrior and another not. Many men are strong,
and large, and skilled with weapons. Any man might, if he dared, don the
scarlet and gird himself with weapons. Any man might place upon his brow
the helm of iron. But it is not the scarlet, not the steel, not the helm
which makes a warrior." She looked at me.
"It is the codes," I said.
"Abandon your codes," she said.
"One does not speak to slaves of the codes,"
I said."
Beasts of Gor page 340
In the center of the amphitheater was
a throne of office, and on this throne, in his robe of state a plain brown
garment, the humblest cloth in the hall sat my father,
Administrator of Ko-ro-ba, once Ubar, War
Chieftain of the city.
At his feet lay a helmet, shield, spear,
and sword.
"Come forward, Tarl Cabot," said my father,
and I stood before this throne of office. Behind me stood the Older Tarl."
The Older Tarl was speaking. "I, Tarl,
Swordsman of Ko-ro-ba, give my word that this man is fit to become a member
of the High Caste of Warriors."
My father answered him, speaking in ritual
phrases.
"No tower in Ko-ro-ba is stronger than
the word of Tarl, this Swordsman of our city. I, Matthew Cabot of Ko-ro-ba,
accept his word."
Then beginning with the lowest tier, each
member of the Council spoke in succession, giving his name and pronouncing
that he, too, accepted the word of the blond swordsman. When they had finished,
my father invested me with the arms which had lain before the throne. About
my shoulder he slung the steel sword, fastened on my left arm the round
shield, placed in my right hand the spear, and slowly lowered the helmet
on my head.
‘Will you keep the Code of the Warrior?"
asked my father.
"Yes," I said, "I will keep the Code."
"What is your Home Stone?" asked my father.
I replied, "My Home Stone is the Home Stone
of Ko-ro-ba."
"Is it to that city that you pledge your
life, your honor, and your sword?" asked my father.
"Yes," I said.
"Then," said my father, placing his hands
solemnly on my shoulders, "in virtue of my authority as Administrator of
this city and in the presence of the Council of High Castes, I declare
you to be a Warrior of Ko-ro-ba."
"Aside from candidates for the status of
Warrior, none of my caste was permitted to enter the Council armed."
Tarnsman of Gor Pages 62-63
"One who has shed your blood, or whose
blood you have shed, becomes your sword brother, unless you formally repudiate
the blood on your weapons. It is a part of the kinship of Gorean warriors
regardless of what city it is to which they owe their allegiance. It is
a matter of caste, an expression of respect, having nothing to do with
cities or Home Stones."
Tarnsman of Gor page 119
Steel is the
coinage of the warrior, with it he purchases what pleases him
Tribesman of Gor page 9
Be strong and
do as you will . The swords of others will set you your limits.
Tribesman of Gor page 9
"I would not
have thought Sauros of Tyros would have used poisoned steel," I said. Such
a device, like the poisoned arrow, was not only against the codes of the
warriors, but, generally, was regarded as unworthy of men. Poison was regarded
as a woman's weapon.
Marauders of Gor page 18
"Yield her or I will have my tharlarion trample you...or would you prefer
to be spitted on my lance?"
"You know
the codes." If you want her, you must challenge for her and meet me with
the weapon of my choice."
"Hooded, she
cowered there, the prize, her ears filled with the sudden violent ringing
of blade on blade as two warriors fought to the death to possess her."
Tarnsman of
Gor page 117
I am of the Caste of Warriors, and it is in our codes that the only death
fit for a man is that in battle, but I can no longer believe that is true,
for the man I met once on the road to Ko-ro-ba died well, and taught me
that all wisdom and truth does not lie in my own codes
Priest Kings of Gor page 14
Could it be that I had, as the Codes of my Caste recommended, not even
considered her, but merely regarded her as a rightless animal, no more
than a subject beast, an abject instrument to my interests and pleasures,
a slave?
Priest
Kings of Gor page 48
If it turned
out badly, what I did, I would have no defense other than I did what I
did for my friend for him and for his brave kind, once hated enemies, whom
I had now learned to know and respect. There is no loss of honor in failing
to achieve such a task, I told myself. It is worthy of a warrior of the
caste of Warriors, a swordsman of the high city of Ko-ro-ba, the Towers
of the Morning.
Nomads of
Gor, pg 8
the first thing
a Gorean warrior is likely to do to the stranger in his tent is kill him,
the second is to find out who he is
Tarnsman of
Gor Page 167
I am of the
Caste of Warriors…of a high city and we do not stain our spears for the
stones of men
Nomads of
Gor Page 20
kneeling before
me, lowering her head and lifting her arms, the wrists crossed. She laughed.
"Now you must take me with you or slay me."
she took unfair
advantage of the Warrior Codes of Gor.
" you must
accept it or slay me."
Tarnsman of
Gor Page 109
The Warrior Caste is one of the five High Castes on Gor, though it is the least of the High Castes. Red , or scarlet, is the color of the Warrior Caste and Warriors often wear red tunics to denote their status. The usual garb of a Warrior is a scarlet tunic, sandals and cloak. The books do not explicitly state that there are any subcastes to the Warrior Caste but it seems reasonable that some do exist such as Tarnsmen and Tharlarion Cavalrymen. It can be difficult at times to differentiate between what would be considered an actual subcaste and what would simply be considered a different position. A City Guardsman may simply be a possible position and not an actual subcaste. It generally seems that subcastes possess certain skills that others may not. Being a City Guardsman does not really take special skills but obviously a Tarnsman would.
The Gorean term for a Warrior is "rarius" and the plural form is "rarii." A rarius denotes any type of Warrior and not just a member of the Warrior Caste. The warriors of the Wagon Peoples, Torvaldsland and other such cultures are rarii. This term was never used to refer to a woman in any of the novels. A pride consists of a hundred Warriors. It appears to be an older term that has fell out of use by the timeframe of the novels. In Gor's past, there were once Pride Chiefs who ruled rather than the Ubars and Administrators of today. It is unknown if Pride Chiefs still exist.
Warrior Training
During the extensive training of Warriors, they learn many matters. It does appear though that this training can be accelerated if necessary. Tarl Cabot apparrently completed his training in a matter of months, if not weeks. This may simply have been a plot device though and not indicative of the normal training process. The training is of a Warrior is both physical and mental. The training is similar to the training of an Assassin in many respects, mostly in the area of combat skills. Warriors learn much from teaching scrolls at special war schools. These scrolls are very similar in the different cities by virtue of the Sardar fairs where Castes meet to share ideas.
As a number of Warriors are illiterate, then it can be assumed that Warrior training does not require reading. It would though require excellent memorization skills, something most Goreans are quite adept at. Teachers may tell the students what they must know, probably repeating themselves often to instill the necessary knowledge. Much of this learning will entail the aspects of the Warrior Code. As the Code appears to be rather comprehensive, its memorization is a daunting task.
Warriors learn how to wield the weapons of a warrior: the gladius, spear, dagger, and crossbow. They are taught to use both arms to fight, in case their primary arm is disabled. They are trained in unarmed combat, similar to some of the martial arts of Earth. They learn the Warrior's Pace, a slow jog that can be kept up for hours. A Warrior can usually make ninety pasangs a day alternating a Warrior's Pace with a Warrior's stride. Some Warriors can do even better. This Pace was created to be used even under the heavy weight of one's weapons and equipment.
They are trained in acute observation and retention. They almost unconsciously size up every situation, analyzing where an attack might come from. This enables them to avoid surprise in many circumstances. Warriors also learn the virtues of concealment and subterfuge. A Warrior is not always direct in his approach to a problem as many might think. Circumstances dictate the actions of the prudent Warrior. They learn that if they move slowly, they will commonly convey the impression that they do not intend any harm. Quick movements often lead to defensive reactions from others. It is better to lull your foe into a false sense of security.
They learn the tactics of night fighting. Most of the time, in dark conditions, luck is the deciding factor in combat. But, there are certain tactics that can enhance your chances. Misdirection can be effective. You can throw pebbles or other small objects away from you making noise. This might make your foe move in that direction. The use of back kicks gives an extension to your striking ability but also provides minimum exposure of your vital areas. You might stab into the dark with a full arm extension, trying to get your foe to lunge after you, overextending himself. Most of the time, you will not be in complete darkness. There will be maybe starlight or faint illumination. In true darkness though, there would be little you could do except to rely on chance.
Warriors prefer to have the sun and wind behind their backs when they are fighting. The glare of the sun can distract a foe and also will wear on him after a time. The wind will help propel ones arrows or spear, adding momentum. Dust, sand and other debris are also more likely to adversely effect your enemy.
Warriors also learn much about the hunting and capture of women. They are encouraged to capture slaves from other cities. They are taught the capture knot, a special knot often used to bind a captive. Most Warriors can make this knot in less than three Ihn. The knot is done by flipping a thong or cord about a captive's wrists twice and then turning a double opposite overhand with a twist following the first overhand. It is basically two simple loops and a double knot.
Warriors learn the virtues of patience. "When men stalk one another with weapons it is well to have patience, great patience." (Priest-Kings of Gor, p.54)
They also learn certain universal conventions concerning combat. To signify a truce or call for a parley, you place your shield on the ground and then place your spear atop the shield. If you wish to surrender, the shield straps would be broken and spear shaft also broken. During battle, you grant quarter by gesturing to the ground with your sword.
Sword Fighting
The most common weapon of the Warrior is the gladius, a type of short sword. The gladius is derived from the Earth sword of the same name. The gladius is of Spanish origin and was widely used by the ancient Romans. It is about twenty to twenty-two inches long, double-edged, and well balanced. It is heavy enough to have a considerable striking force in saberlike trajectories but light enough to have some of the swiftness and play of a foil.
The gladius is maneuverable enough to work its way behind the guard of a longer, heavier weapon. There are other benefits of a short sword over a longer blade as well. A gladius can clear the scabbard a fraction earlier and that can be vitally important. The short blade can also be moved with greater swiftness than a long blade. It allows you to work close to your opponent. If a swordsman with a longer weapon can not finish a battle in the first thrust or two, he will generally lose the battle.
In sword fighting, both strength and skill are significant. Strength is most important if a battle is prolonged. You can turn aside a sword with either skill or strength. If you use your strength, your foe must exert more effort to return his sword to a ready position. It is very difficult to strike a foe who is both competent and careful. It can be dangerous though over a long time to rely solely on defense. "One who limits oneself solely to defense, and is unwilling to attack, obviously can never win. Too, sooner or later, it seems, he must be doomed to lose. There is no wall so strong that it will not one day crumble." (Rogue of Gor, p.190) Becoming highly skilled with the sword comes only with long practice and study. The best swordsmen are differentiated by the "…subtle differences, and dimensions and increments, which tend to divide masters." (Rogue of Gor, p.190)
The speed with which one can draw a sword is especially crucial in many battles. In many combats, the first warrior to draw is often the winner. Warriors learn the habit of drawing their sword each day, ensuring that it comes out smoothly and without incident. This helps work on your speed. It is also done to test the scabbard to ensure that it has not swelled or such. An enemy might also have tightened or fastened your blade in the scabbard by a tiny wooden plug, shim or bit of wire. A quarter of an inch, where hundredths of an Ihn are involved, can be a considerable advantage. Some Warriors may partially draw their blade if they feel combat is imminent. Usually the scabbard strap is hung over the left shoulder so it may be easily discarded in battle. The scabbard is at the left hip to ease the swift across the body draw. In some situations, the scabbard is discarded to prevent it being a hindrance. Warriors also take care of their own swords, not relying on others to do so. They will be the only ones to hone and oil their blades.
GOREAN WARFARE
There are numerous war scrolls concerning the practice, strategy and techniques of war. War is studied intently by many Goreans. Two famous war scrolls are the commentaries of Minicius and the anonymous analyses of "The Diaries," sometimes attributed to the military historian, Carl Commenius of Argentum. Carl was rumored to have once been a mercenary. There are war schools that teach these subjects and to which Warriors can go for further education. These schools have libraries filled with scrolls of many diverse topics on warfare.
Most Gorean wars are small-scale events, confined to a limited area. Most wars occur between only a few cities rather than large alliances of dozens of cities. It would be rare for a battle to include more than five thousand men. Goreans would find Earth wars, involving millions of lives, to be nearly unthinkable. Most Gorean wars are more similar to a large raid rather than an open, pitched conflict. Mobility and surprise are common elements of such warfare, contributing to the small sizes of their forces. War is generally performed by members of the Warrior Caste, professionals who are well trained and know what war entails. Only in large scale conflicts, especially when a city is endangered, do others besides the Warrior Caste join into the conflict. If a city is in dire need, they may arm any able-bodied man, of whatever Caste. Peasant levies, armed with long bows, are common. A city may even free and arm its male slaves in especially dire circumstances.
One of the most common reasons why wars begin are when one city raids the merchant caravans of another city. Sometimes these Warriors will don the uniforms and colors of another city to disguise their true identity. This will put suspicion on another city, commonly the enemy of the disguising city. Another reason a war might begin is over trade rights to a certain area. The ownership of natural resources such as silver mines may also precipitate war. Cities may also battle over their territorial limits, such boundaries being very fluid matters.
Warfare involves more than simply military considerations. There is a significant political aspect as well. Conquering a city or piece of land is but the beginning. "Territory must be held as well as won." (Mercenaries of Gor, p.142) What good is winning if you cannot keep what you have fought and gained? Warfare may also be preceded by diplomatic efforts to prevent a war. Ambassadors, who possess immunity, will often try to resolve a dispute amicably before committing their resources to warfare. This alternative dispute resolution will continue throughout the length of the war, trying to stem the actual bloodshed.
Gorean Infantry
Gorean infantry usually marches light, a factor of the nature of Gorean warfare. They commonly march at a measured pace, the counting of the cadence often kept by a drum. Forty pasangs, about twenty-eight miles, is an average da's march. Thus, military supply posts have been placed at intervals on major roads, usually about forty pasangs apart. Such major roads are kept in excellent condition in case there is ever the need for an army to travel them. The officers will march in the front of the infantry. A standard barrier will then march behind the officers but a step or two in front of the front rank of Warriors. Many Gorean standards are over a century old. To supply the army, the army may bring its own supplies, carried in bosk or tharlarion wagons. Tarns may also be used to supply the troops. Due to the abundant availability of game, many armies do not need to bring many supplies. They can often live off the land. In addition, they can levy the local villages for provisions if needed.
The phalanx used to be the most common infantry formation. A phalanx consists of several rows of men, each row holding a spear. The rearward rows held longer spears than the front rows. When a phalanx would charge, it would be quite the force to be reckoned with. No other military formation was able to meet it headon. You either had to meet a phalanx with another phalanx or try to outmaneuver it. But, such a close-formed military formation is hard to maintain over rough terrain. Thus, the Torian Squares eventually made the phalanx much less common. The Torian Squares possess superior mobility and regrouping capacities, even over rough terrain. The actual make-up though of the Torian Squares is not discussed in detail in the novels. The use of cavalry though drastically changed warfare. The Torian square is still used but the phalanx is almost obsolete. One defensive relic of the phalanx is still used, the Wall. The Wall is a group of massed infantry who remain stationary against a tharlarion charge. It is not a recommended tactic.
Dietrich of Tarnburg has been a major innovator in Gorean warfare. He was the first to introduc the "harrow" to positional warfare. The harrow is named for a large rakelike farming tool. In this formation, spikes of archers, protected by iron-shod stakes and sleen pits, are placed in front of the normal infantry Warriors. This formation is meant primarily against cavalry forces. It creates a deadly gauntlet that must be passed through to reach the main forces. But, once the cavalry is heavily wounded, the infantry can then surge forward and decimate the remaining cavalry.
Dietrich also introduced the "oblique advance" where large numbers of men are concentrated at crucial points while the balance of the opposing army is unengaged. This allows a smaller force to engage an army up to three times its size. It may be able to turn the flank of the larger force, causing chaos and rout. If the advance fails, you can retreat your men knowing that much of your force probably did not engage in the battle.
Tarnsmen Attacks
There are numerous defenses to tarnsmen attacks, depending upon the location of the attack. Within a city, tarn wire is often used, though generally only when danger is imminent. This is thin, almost invisible, wire that is stretched over the city like a net. It will slice a tarn that tries to pass through them. Some tarnsmen may carry bladed hooks on long lines to sever these wires. In cities, towns and small villages an overhead network of ropes, cloths and tarnwire present a good defense. The network will present certain small holes that ground based archers can use to fire at the tarns. But the tarnsmen, due to the swift speed of their mounts, will find they ave insufficient time to acquire a proper target for their own missile fire through the cover. Iron stakes on the ground will also help prevent talon attacks from tarns.
Out in the open, the most common defense to an aerial attack is the "shield roof" or "shield shed" which is similar to the old Earth formation called the "tetsudo" or "tortoise." Shields are held to constitute a wall for the outer ranks and a roof for the inner ranks. Dietrich was the first man to properly coordinate air and ground forces. He coordinated these forces so as to force his enemies into sturdy but relatively inflexible defensive squares. He would then advance his archers in long enveloping lines so they would present a much broader front for low-level point-blank firepower. The archery of tarnsmen is most effective against massed infantry or cavalry. It is much more difficult to strike a man or mount when he is wary of you and ready to evade your missile fire. Tarn drums are used to control the complex war formations of tarsnmen.
