Post by lexii on Nov 14, 2015 19:53:49 GMT
Cities of Gor
I understand," I said. I had a respect for caste honor. Honor is honor, in small things as well as great. Indeed, how can one practice honor in great things, if not in small things? Rogue of Gor, page 231
Citizenship is an important part of life and daily interaction of the Gorean people. Often a Gorean will be asked what city he or she is from, which is the same thing as asking who one "shares a Home Stone" with. Those without a city are considered by most Goreans to be outlaws and therefore, enemies.
ANANGO:
A large island not far from Schendi. It is similar in some respects to 18th century Jamaica on Earth. Reputed to be the home of mythical "black wizards" though in actuality there is no magic on Gor.
AR:
This is the largest and most populous city on Gor. It is similar in many respects to the city of Rome upon ancient Earth. Citizens of Ar tend to be the most civilized and technologically developed of Goreans, and Ar is a cultural center for much of Gor, setting the prevaling fashions in many other cities. Ar is at war with its ancient enemy, the island Ubarate of Cos.
ARGENTUM:
Sister city to Tharna, and a producer of much of the silver mined on Gor. This city is one of the "Silver-Cities" of the Gorean north. It is similar to any of the walled city-states of ancient Earth Greece.
Ar
A freshwater river port town on the Vosk originally established as a river colony and tributory of the Ubarate of Ar. Recently it has split away from the Ubarate and follows its own political agenda, even allying with the enemies of Ar herself. It is considered an ally of Port Cos. Conquered by Cosian Invasion forces several years ago, its Home Stone nevertheless survived and was returned to the town.
BRUNDISIUM:
A large walled city, a saltwater port located south of the Vosk delta on the shores of Thassa. Its port facilities rival even those of Cos and Tyros, and much of the merchandise and supplies which are transported into the landlocked northern interior come through Brundisium. Through the treachery of her former Ubar, the city of Brundisium, though officially allied with Ar, served as the staging point for the great Cosian invasion of Ar, which took place several years ago. Needless to say, Brundisium and Ar are no longer allies. It is similar to any of the walled seaports of ancient Earth Greece.
CORCYRUS:
A city southwest of Ar, which until recently was ruled by a Tatrix, Sheila of Corcyrus. She was deposed for her tyranny, and, after a lengthy war, the fortunes of the city are again on the rise. It is similar to any of the walled city-states of ancient Earth Greece.
COS:
An alliance of several cities which all exist on the island of Cos. It is known for its famous wines and its vast fleets of trading ships, as well as its imperialistic tendencies. It is at war with the city of Ar, and along with its ally the Ubarate of Tyros it is currently at war with the city of Port Kar. It is similar in certain respects to the ancient Earth Minoan culture.
FORT HASKINS:
A smallish fortress town at the edge of the "barrens," vast grasslands northeast of the mountains of Thentis, which guards the trade routes in that region. Known for its large contingent of kailla and Tarn cavalry used to resist and suppress raids by the Red Savages, which inhabit the barrens. It is similar to various western frontier settlements during the Indian wars of North America on Earth.
KASSAU:
A seaport in the far north, southwest of Torvaldsland. Though sharing a similar "Earth-nordic" culture with that place, it is far more cultured and civilized. A major trade center of the frigid northern climes of Gor. It is similar to early medieval Copenhagen on Earth, or other Danish settlements of the same period.
KO-RO-BA:
Also known as "The Towers of the Morning," this city was once destroyed but has long since been rebuilt. It is a cultural center similar to Ar, but its citizenry is known for their fierce love of independence. The city produces many excellent Warriors. It is somewhat similar to the city of Athens during the Hellenistic Period of ancient Greech, on Earth. Ko-ro-ba is in a perpetual state of semi-war with the city of Treve.
LARA:
Walled northern city-state, allied with Ko-ro-ba, which occupies the strategic juncture of the Vosk and Olni rivers. A freshwater port, it is otherwise typical of the mighty walled settlements of central civilized Gor. Known for its skilled Warriors, excellent sailors, and superbly trained slaves. It is similar to any of the walled city-states of ancient Earth Greece.
LAURA:
A rough frontier town located on the Laurius River, upriver from Lydius. It serves as a staging point for the transport of bulk goods such as lumber and furs. A favored trade town for the various outlaws and woodsmen of the northern forests.
LYDIUS:
A northern free port, neutrally aligned. Governed by merchant law rather than by civil law, and loyal to no Ubarate. Located at the juncture of the Laurius River and Thassa (the sea). A large trade town, it handles much of the distribution of the raw materials harvested from the great Northern Forests, and is a major supply port for both northern and southern shipping.
PORT COS:
A freshwater river port town on the Vosk originally established as a river colony and tributary of the Ubarate of Cos. Recently it has split away from the Ubarate and follows its own political agenda, even allying with the enemies of Cos itself. It is considered an ally of Ar's Station.
PORT KAR:
A port city located on the shores of the Tamber gulf, at the coastal edge of Thassa (the sea). Its precise location is open for conjecture, as it guards its privacy tenaciously. Surrounded on the landward side by the vast Vosk Delta Marshes, it is virtually inaccessible except by ship or tarnback. Known as a den of thieves and pirates, its raiding fleets are among the most feared upon Gor. The city itself is squalid, decadent, and often virtually lawless. Similar to the pirate cities of the Barbary coast during the Golden age of Piracy on Earth, and to Dakar on the Gold Coast of Africa during her slave trading heyday.
PORT OLNI:
A large freshwater port on the Olni River, which is a tributory of the mighty Vosk river. Walled and well defended, it guards the mouth of the Olni where it joins the Vosk. This city is a member of the Salerian Confederation.
SCHENDI:
Mighty seaport/riverport, which exists on the edge of the subequatorial rainforests and jungle regions of Gor. A free city, governed under merchant law. This is the primary city of the black tribesmen of Schendi, and home of the League of Black Slavers. Due to its strategic position at the mouth of the southern Cartius River, it is a major trade center for the various spices, raw materials and trade goods of the jungle regions. It is similar in certain respects to the ancient capital of Ethiopia, and to other large African seaports of the same period on Earth.
TABOR:
One of the other "exchange islands," south of Teletus. Also governed according to merchant law. A free port allied to no city or Ubarate.
TELETUS:
The largest of the central "exchange islands," governed not by civil authorities but rather according to merchant law. A free port allied to no city or Ubarate.
THARNA:
Once controlled by a a total gynocracy, it is still governed by a female ruler, or "Tatrix." The male portion of the population has long since regained control over the city, and with the exception of the Tatrix, men rule Tharna almost entirely. There are only very few freewomen in the city of Tharna, the entire female population consisting almost completely of female slaves. Tharna, and its sister city of Argentum to the south, are known for their silver mines and production of that metal. Their blue helmets can distinguish Tharnan Warriors from warriors of other cities. Tharnan males are recognized by the two yellow cords they wear tucked in their belts. This is used to bind slaves. It is similar in some ways to the ancient Earth City of Carthage.
THENTIS:
A fortress city in the Mountains of Thentis. Possessed of some agriculture, particularly the export of wool from its goat-like mountain hurts and its export of beans used to make "Black Wine" (coffee). Also famed for its great Tarn flocks, which are indigenous to the Mountains of Thentis. Most of the tarns on Gor are bred here. This city is not currently at war with anyone, except perhaps the city of Treve. It is similar to several Tyrolean mountain cities found in the Southern Alps in ancient Earth.
TI:
Walled river city situated on the Olni River north of Tharna. It is the seat of the Salerian Confederation, an alliance of four cities dedicated to the restriction of imperialism and piracy on the Olni River. Known for its superb Warriors. It is similar to any of the walled city-states of ancient Earth Greece.
TOR:
The largest and most populace of the desert city-states of Gor. Located in the far south, to the northeast of Turia, at the edge of the vast Tahari wasteland. It is a major trade center and the focal point of hundreds of desert caravan routes. It is also a cultural center for the tribesmen of the Tahari, providing the bulk of trade goods both to and from the desert regions. It is similar in many respects to ancient Earth Baghdad.
TORCADINO:
A walled city-state not unlike Vonda. Recently served as a mercenary stronghold during the Ar/Cos conflict. Occupies a position of great strategic importance in the central north. It is similar to any of the walled city-states of ancient Earth Greece.
TORVALDSLAND:
Not actually a city, but a scattered group of settlements in the far north. Famous for its inhabitants, the Torvaldslanders, who are similar in most respects to Earth Vikings of the early medieval period. Known for its superb sailors and the rough mannerisms of its denizens.
TREVE:
A hidden city in the Voltai Mountains, accessible only by Tarnback. It has little or no agriculture, and exists solely through raiding and warfare. Known for its fierce independence, its love of warfare and its superb tarnsmen. Currently this city is at war with practically everyone, notably the city of Ko-ro-ba. Many years ago it was the target of a retributory tarn strike by the forces of Ar, which turned out to be the largest and bloodiest tarn battle in the history of Gor, in which thousands of tarnsmen clashed in aerial battle for days. It ended in a draw... Ar did not pierce the defenses of Treve, but Treve suffered terrible casualties in fending them off. Neither side wishes to repeat this action, nor does Treve raids the territories of Ar. Treve is similar in certain respects to the ancient Earth City of Sparta.
TURIA:
Often referred to as "the Ar of the south," it is the largest of the southern Gorean cities. A walled city of the southern coastal plains, it was once conquered by the Nomadic Tribes of the Wagon Peoples, but has long since been rebuilt. It is an opulant trade center similar in many ways to Constantinople on ancient Earth.
TYROS:
An alliance of several cities which all exist on the island of Tyros. Known for its great fleets of raiding ships. Along with its ally the Ubarate of Cos it is currently at war with the city of Port Kar. It is similar in certain respects to the ancient Earth Island of Crete.
VICTORIA:
A freshwater port on the Olni River, which is a tributory of the mighty Vosk river. This city is a thriving river town, which was instrumental in the defeat of the Vosk Pirates several years ago. A member of the Vosk League, 19 river towns united against river piracy on the Vosk.
VONDA:
A fairly large port city on the Olni river, which took part in a disastrous territorial war against Ar several years ago. Now rebuilt, it is known for its production and training of male Gladiatorial fighting slaves. It is therefore a large Gladitorial center. Free women are typically well received there, and such free women own several of the training houses. It is similar to any of the walled city-states of ancient Earth Greece.
It is advised that you choose your city carefully, since once you have chosen one it is typically difficult if not impossible to change your mind. To do so is to display to all that the loyalty to a particular Home Stone means little or nothing to you. Remember, slaves have no city or Home Stone once they are enslaved. Knowing what city you are from can be helpful in determining your particular cultural attributes, however.
Home Stones
HOMESTONE
the foundation of every home
the place W/we are judged by
a part of O/our pride
It defines U/us
In the languages of GOR the word "Home Stone" is of critical understanding. Indeed, without a firm understanding of the word and the concept, the visitor is in mortal danger.
In Gorean, the term GOR means "Home Stone." The planet itself is, quite literally, the Home Stone of its people. Further, each and every Gorean who has not been outlawed has a "Home Stone," with slaves taking the Home Stone of their owners. If freed, slaves can again claim the Home Stone of their birth. Although it is not unknown for a person to change Home Stones, it is extremely rare. Since city warfare is common on Gor, those that change Home Stones are often suspect and those who are newly arrived on Gor are cautioned that declaring the wrong "Home Stone" might prove as fatal as not having one. Nevertheless, newcomers on Gor will need to find a City and declared for it. Outlaws, those without a Home Stone, are not even welcome on Port Kar any more.
as Bluto of Treve has said "a Home Stone is the physical, spiritual, social and emotional anchor of a Gorean. It is a the place a FreePerson owes loyalty, fealty and honor.. for most it is the place of their birth.. for others it is an adopted home...for a peasant it is no more than a rock in his hut, but each defends his Home Stone with his life."
Embedded in the front wall of the Keep in the grand courtyard rests the Homestone of the HIDE OUT, a great nearly flawless emerald with delicate gold tracings spidering throughout. The Home Stone was discovered by the City's founder when quarrying the stones for the Keep. It is so set that to attempt its removal would bring all the Keep crashing down upon the thief. Any and all are encouraged to approach to touch or kiss the Homestone. The present HOC of the HIDE OUT Honors this stone above all other things of GOR. He often gauges anothers true worth by how they Honor the Stone. The HOC's personal slaves wear ko-'lars of ancient gold.
Vosk River
Vosk River Cities
Vosk League: The League was formed in 10127 C.A. and consists of nineteen towns located on the Vosk River; Port Cos, Victoria, Turmus, Ven, Tetrapoli, Tafa, Fina, Ragnar’s Hamlet, Hammerfest, Sulport, Sais, Siba, Jasmine, Point Alfred, Jort’s Ferry, Forest Port, Iskander, Tancred’s Landing and White Water. Ar did not permit Ar’s Station to join the League. Its headquarters are in Victoria. Its purpose is to protect against river piracy, after the Vosk League was formed, institutionalized piracy on the Vosk had been largely removed. The topaz used to be a pledge symbol, used among pirates, when combining for massive assaults, the topaz was captured by the Vosk League and now is a private pledge between Port Cos and Ar’s Station. The topaz is broken into two fragments of polished stone and when joined together, the discolorations on each piece make the picture of a river galley.
Vosk River: 40 pasangs wide, passes frontiers of Ar to Tamber Gulf. Far S of Ko-ro-ba, far N of Ar, flows W, empties into Rence (Vosk) Delta on Thassa This is a mighty river, some forty pasangs in width, that passes by Ar and pours into the Tamber Gulf. The Vosk is below Ko-ro-ba and north of Ar. Most towns on the river are free states and belong to the Vosk League. River ships of Ar and Cos battle here for influence over the river and its towns. The southern bank is much less populous than the northern bank.
Turmus: Last major river port on the Vosk River before the Vosk Delta, located on northern bank of the Vosk. It is the last major river port on the Vosk before the nearly impassable marshes of the delta.
Ven: It is a river port on the southern bank of the Vosk, east of Turmus and the last town to the west on the south bank until the delta. Ven is at the junction of the Ta-Thassa Cartius and the Vosk.
Tetrapoli: It is much further west on the river than Ar’s Station; it began as four separate towns; Ri, Teibar, Heiban and Azdak. Legend states that the towns were formed by four brothers. The towns eventually consolidated into a polity, the four districts maintaining the same names. The expression “tetrapoli” means “four cities” or “four towns.”
Port Cos: Located west of Tafa, it was founded by settlers from Cos over a century ago. It is a colony whose ties to Cos are largely historical and cultural. Many officers of Port Cos were native Cosians, mercenaries or veterans of the Cosian navy. It also has its own Home Stone.
Tafa: It is located far east of Ar’s Station.
Victoria: This city is the capital of the Vosk League, located on the northern bank, east of Ar’s Station, between Fina and Tafa. It once was a den of thieves, a market and slave town. Most of the pirates and thieves have been run out of the town. Tasdron is the Administrator.
Fina: It is located east of Ar’s Station.
Ragnar's Hamlet: Located far west of Ar’s Station, it is a good-sized town.
Hammerfest: It is located west of Ar’s Station.
Sulport: It is located far west of Ar’s Station.
Sais: It is located west of Ar’s Station, Jort’s Ferry, Point Alfred, Jasmine, and Siba.
Siba: It is located west of Ar’s Station, Jort’s Ferry, Point Alfred, and Jasmine.
Jasmine: It is located west of Ar’s Station, Jort’s Ferry and Point Alfred.
Pt Alfred: It is located west of Ar’s Station and Jort’s Ferry.
Jort's Ferry: It is located on the northern bank and is west of Ar’s Station.
Ar's Station: Established around 10114 C.A., by the city of Ar, as an outpost and trading station on the south bank of the Vosk River, east of Jort's Ferry (on N bank)and west of Forest Point (on the northern bank). It was founded four years after Pa-Kur's hordes gathered there, prior to their war against Ar. Ar's station was Ar's stronghold on the Vosk. When Cos landed at Brundisium, and moved it's forces toward Ar's Station, Ar failed to act because of political treachery. Ar's Station eventually fell to Cos. It stands at the northern terminus of the Viktel Aria which leads to Ar, also known as the Vosk Road.
Forest Port: It is located on the northern bank and is east of Ar’s Station between Ar's Station and Whitewater.
Iskander: This town is east of Ar’s Station and Forest Port.
Tancred's landing: It is downriver on the Olni and near Lara, located east of Ar’s Station, Forest Port, and Iskander.
Whitewater: It is downriver of the Olni and west of Lara and east of Ar's Station. It is the farthest eastern town and is on northern bank.
Lara: Located at the juncture of Vosk and Olni Rivers, on the southern bank of Olni and the northern bank of the Vosk. This city is part of the Salerian Confederation.
I understand," I said. I had a respect for caste honor. Honor is honor, in small things as well as great. Indeed, how can one practice honor in great things, if not in small things? Rogue of Gor, page 231
Citizenship is an important part of life and daily interaction of the Gorean people. Often a Gorean will be asked what city he or she is from, which is the same thing as asking who one "shares a Home Stone" with. Those without a city are considered by most Goreans to be outlaws and therefore, enemies.
ANANGO:
A large island not far from Schendi. It is similar in some respects to 18th century Jamaica on Earth. Reputed to be the home of mythical "black wizards" though in actuality there is no magic on Gor.
AR:
This is the largest and most populous city on Gor. It is similar in many respects to the city of Rome upon ancient Earth. Citizens of Ar tend to be the most civilized and technologically developed of Goreans, and Ar is a cultural center for much of Gor, setting the prevaling fashions in many other cities. Ar is at war with its ancient enemy, the island Ubarate of Cos.
ARGENTUM:
Sister city to Tharna, and a producer of much of the silver mined on Gor. This city is one of the "Silver-Cities" of the Gorean north. It is similar to any of the walled city-states of ancient Earth Greece.
Ar
A freshwater river port town on the Vosk originally established as a river colony and tributory of the Ubarate of Ar. Recently it has split away from the Ubarate and follows its own political agenda, even allying with the enemies of Ar herself. It is considered an ally of Port Cos. Conquered by Cosian Invasion forces several years ago, its Home Stone nevertheless survived and was returned to the town.
BRUNDISIUM:
A large walled city, a saltwater port located south of the Vosk delta on the shores of Thassa. Its port facilities rival even those of Cos and Tyros, and much of the merchandise and supplies which are transported into the landlocked northern interior come through Brundisium. Through the treachery of her former Ubar, the city of Brundisium, though officially allied with Ar, served as the staging point for the great Cosian invasion of Ar, which took place several years ago. Needless to say, Brundisium and Ar are no longer allies. It is similar to any of the walled seaports of ancient Earth Greece.
CORCYRUS:
A city southwest of Ar, which until recently was ruled by a Tatrix, Sheila of Corcyrus. She was deposed for her tyranny, and, after a lengthy war, the fortunes of the city are again on the rise. It is similar to any of the walled city-states of ancient Earth Greece.
COS:
An alliance of several cities which all exist on the island of Cos. It is known for its famous wines and its vast fleets of trading ships, as well as its imperialistic tendencies. It is at war with the city of Ar, and along with its ally the Ubarate of Tyros it is currently at war with the city of Port Kar. It is similar in certain respects to the ancient Earth Minoan culture.
FORT HASKINS:
A smallish fortress town at the edge of the "barrens," vast grasslands northeast of the mountains of Thentis, which guards the trade routes in that region. Known for its large contingent of kailla and Tarn cavalry used to resist and suppress raids by the Red Savages, which inhabit the barrens. It is similar to various western frontier settlements during the Indian wars of North America on Earth.
KASSAU:
A seaport in the far north, southwest of Torvaldsland. Though sharing a similar "Earth-nordic" culture with that place, it is far more cultured and civilized. A major trade center of the frigid northern climes of Gor. It is similar to early medieval Copenhagen on Earth, or other Danish settlements of the same period.
KO-RO-BA:
Also known as "The Towers of the Morning," this city was once destroyed but has long since been rebuilt. It is a cultural center similar to Ar, but its citizenry is known for their fierce love of independence. The city produces many excellent Warriors. It is somewhat similar to the city of Athens during the Hellenistic Period of ancient Greech, on Earth. Ko-ro-ba is in a perpetual state of semi-war with the city of Treve.
LARA:
Walled northern city-state, allied with Ko-ro-ba, which occupies the strategic juncture of the Vosk and Olni rivers. A freshwater port, it is otherwise typical of the mighty walled settlements of central civilized Gor. Known for its skilled Warriors, excellent sailors, and superbly trained slaves. It is similar to any of the walled city-states of ancient Earth Greece.
LAURA:
A rough frontier town located on the Laurius River, upriver from Lydius. It serves as a staging point for the transport of bulk goods such as lumber and furs. A favored trade town for the various outlaws and woodsmen of the northern forests.
LYDIUS:
A northern free port, neutrally aligned. Governed by merchant law rather than by civil law, and loyal to no Ubarate. Located at the juncture of the Laurius River and Thassa (the sea). A large trade town, it handles much of the distribution of the raw materials harvested from the great Northern Forests, and is a major supply port for both northern and southern shipping.
PORT COS:
A freshwater river port town on the Vosk originally established as a river colony and tributary of the Ubarate of Cos. Recently it has split away from the Ubarate and follows its own political agenda, even allying with the enemies of Cos itself. It is considered an ally of Ar's Station.
PORT KAR:
A port city located on the shores of the Tamber gulf, at the coastal edge of Thassa (the sea). Its precise location is open for conjecture, as it guards its privacy tenaciously. Surrounded on the landward side by the vast Vosk Delta Marshes, it is virtually inaccessible except by ship or tarnback. Known as a den of thieves and pirates, its raiding fleets are among the most feared upon Gor. The city itself is squalid, decadent, and often virtually lawless. Similar to the pirate cities of the Barbary coast during the Golden age of Piracy on Earth, and to Dakar on the Gold Coast of Africa during her slave trading heyday.
PORT OLNI:
A large freshwater port on the Olni River, which is a tributory of the mighty Vosk river. Walled and well defended, it guards the mouth of the Olni where it joins the Vosk. This city is a member of the Salerian Confederation.
SCHENDI:
Mighty seaport/riverport, which exists on the edge of the subequatorial rainforests and jungle regions of Gor. A free city, governed under merchant law. This is the primary city of the black tribesmen of Schendi, and home of the League of Black Slavers. Due to its strategic position at the mouth of the southern Cartius River, it is a major trade center for the various spices, raw materials and trade goods of the jungle regions. It is similar in certain respects to the ancient capital of Ethiopia, and to other large African seaports of the same period on Earth.
TABOR:
One of the other "exchange islands," south of Teletus. Also governed according to merchant law. A free port allied to no city or Ubarate.
TELETUS:
The largest of the central "exchange islands," governed not by civil authorities but rather according to merchant law. A free port allied to no city or Ubarate.
THARNA:
Once controlled by a a total gynocracy, it is still governed by a female ruler, or "Tatrix." The male portion of the population has long since regained control over the city, and with the exception of the Tatrix, men rule Tharna almost entirely. There are only very few freewomen in the city of Tharna, the entire female population consisting almost completely of female slaves. Tharna, and its sister city of Argentum to the south, are known for their silver mines and production of that metal. Their blue helmets can distinguish Tharnan Warriors from warriors of other cities. Tharnan males are recognized by the two yellow cords they wear tucked in their belts. This is used to bind slaves. It is similar in some ways to the ancient Earth City of Carthage.
THENTIS:
A fortress city in the Mountains of Thentis. Possessed of some agriculture, particularly the export of wool from its goat-like mountain hurts and its export of beans used to make "Black Wine" (coffee). Also famed for its great Tarn flocks, which are indigenous to the Mountains of Thentis. Most of the tarns on Gor are bred here. This city is not currently at war with anyone, except perhaps the city of Treve. It is similar to several Tyrolean mountain cities found in the Southern Alps in ancient Earth.
TI:
Walled river city situated on the Olni River north of Tharna. It is the seat of the Salerian Confederation, an alliance of four cities dedicated to the restriction of imperialism and piracy on the Olni River. Known for its superb Warriors. It is similar to any of the walled city-states of ancient Earth Greece.
TOR:
The largest and most populace of the desert city-states of Gor. Located in the far south, to the northeast of Turia, at the edge of the vast Tahari wasteland. It is a major trade center and the focal point of hundreds of desert caravan routes. It is also a cultural center for the tribesmen of the Tahari, providing the bulk of trade goods both to and from the desert regions. It is similar in many respects to ancient Earth Baghdad.
TORCADINO:
A walled city-state not unlike Vonda. Recently served as a mercenary stronghold during the Ar/Cos conflict. Occupies a position of great strategic importance in the central north. It is similar to any of the walled city-states of ancient Earth Greece.
TORVALDSLAND:
Not actually a city, but a scattered group of settlements in the far north. Famous for its inhabitants, the Torvaldslanders, who are similar in most respects to Earth Vikings of the early medieval period. Known for its superb sailors and the rough mannerisms of its denizens.
TREVE:
A hidden city in the Voltai Mountains, accessible only by Tarnback. It has little or no agriculture, and exists solely through raiding and warfare. Known for its fierce independence, its love of warfare and its superb tarnsmen. Currently this city is at war with practically everyone, notably the city of Ko-ro-ba. Many years ago it was the target of a retributory tarn strike by the forces of Ar, which turned out to be the largest and bloodiest tarn battle in the history of Gor, in which thousands of tarnsmen clashed in aerial battle for days. It ended in a draw... Ar did not pierce the defenses of Treve, but Treve suffered terrible casualties in fending them off. Neither side wishes to repeat this action, nor does Treve raids the territories of Ar. Treve is similar in certain respects to the ancient Earth City of Sparta.
TURIA:
Often referred to as "the Ar of the south," it is the largest of the southern Gorean cities. A walled city of the southern coastal plains, it was once conquered by the Nomadic Tribes of the Wagon Peoples, but has long since been rebuilt. It is an opulant trade center similar in many ways to Constantinople on ancient Earth.
TYROS:
An alliance of several cities which all exist on the island of Tyros. Known for its great fleets of raiding ships. Along with its ally the Ubarate of Cos it is currently at war with the city of Port Kar. It is similar in certain respects to the ancient Earth Island of Crete.
VICTORIA:
A freshwater port on the Olni River, which is a tributory of the mighty Vosk river. This city is a thriving river town, which was instrumental in the defeat of the Vosk Pirates several years ago. A member of the Vosk League, 19 river towns united against river piracy on the Vosk.
VONDA:
A fairly large port city on the Olni river, which took part in a disastrous territorial war against Ar several years ago. Now rebuilt, it is known for its production and training of male Gladiatorial fighting slaves. It is therefore a large Gladitorial center. Free women are typically well received there, and such free women own several of the training houses. It is similar to any of the walled city-states of ancient Earth Greece.
It is advised that you choose your city carefully, since once you have chosen one it is typically difficult if not impossible to change your mind. To do so is to display to all that the loyalty to a particular Home Stone means little or nothing to you. Remember, slaves have no city or Home Stone once they are enslaved. Knowing what city you are from can be helpful in determining your particular cultural attributes, however.
Home Stones
HOMESTONE
the foundation of every home
the place W/we are judged by
a part of O/our pride
It defines U/us
In the languages of GOR the word "Home Stone" is of critical understanding. Indeed, without a firm understanding of the word and the concept, the visitor is in mortal danger.
In Gorean, the term GOR means "Home Stone." The planet itself is, quite literally, the Home Stone of its people. Further, each and every Gorean who has not been outlawed has a "Home Stone," with slaves taking the Home Stone of their owners. If freed, slaves can again claim the Home Stone of their birth. Although it is not unknown for a person to change Home Stones, it is extremely rare. Since city warfare is common on Gor, those that change Home Stones are often suspect and those who are newly arrived on Gor are cautioned that declaring the wrong "Home Stone" might prove as fatal as not having one. Nevertheless, newcomers on Gor will need to find a City and declared for it. Outlaws, those without a Home Stone, are not even welcome on Port Kar any more.
as Bluto of Treve has said "a Home Stone is the physical, spiritual, social and emotional anchor of a Gorean. It is a the place a FreePerson owes loyalty, fealty and honor.. for most it is the place of their birth.. for others it is an adopted home...for a peasant it is no more than a rock in his hut, but each defends his Home Stone with his life."
Embedded in the front wall of the Keep in the grand courtyard rests the Homestone of the HIDE OUT, a great nearly flawless emerald with delicate gold tracings spidering throughout. The Home Stone was discovered by the City's founder when quarrying the stones for the Keep. It is so set that to attempt its removal would bring all the Keep crashing down upon the thief. Any and all are encouraged to approach to touch or kiss the Homestone. The present HOC of the HIDE OUT Honors this stone above all other things of GOR. He often gauges anothers true worth by how they Honor the Stone. The HOC's personal slaves wear ko-'lars of ancient gold.
Vosk River
Vosk River Cities
Vosk League: The League was formed in 10127 C.A. and consists of nineteen towns located on the Vosk River; Port Cos, Victoria, Turmus, Ven, Tetrapoli, Tafa, Fina, Ragnar’s Hamlet, Hammerfest, Sulport, Sais, Siba, Jasmine, Point Alfred, Jort’s Ferry, Forest Port, Iskander, Tancred’s Landing and White Water. Ar did not permit Ar’s Station to join the League. Its headquarters are in Victoria. Its purpose is to protect against river piracy, after the Vosk League was formed, institutionalized piracy on the Vosk had been largely removed. The topaz used to be a pledge symbol, used among pirates, when combining for massive assaults, the topaz was captured by the Vosk League and now is a private pledge between Port Cos and Ar’s Station. The topaz is broken into two fragments of polished stone and when joined together, the discolorations on each piece make the picture of a river galley.
Vosk River: 40 pasangs wide, passes frontiers of Ar to Tamber Gulf. Far S of Ko-ro-ba, far N of Ar, flows W, empties into Rence (Vosk) Delta on Thassa This is a mighty river, some forty pasangs in width, that passes by Ar and pours into the Tamber Gulf. The Vosk is below Ko-ro-ba and north of Ar. Most towns on the river are free states and belong to the Vosk League. River ships of Ar and Cos battle here for influence over the river and its towns. The southern bank is much less populous than the northern bank.
Turmus: Last major river port on the Vosk River before the Vosk Delta, located on northern bank of the Vosk. It is the last major river port on the Vosk before the nearly impassable marshes of the delta.
Ven: It is a river port on the southern bank of the Vosk, east of Turmus and the last town to the west on the south bank until the delta. Ven is at the junction of the Ta-Thassa Cartius and the Vosk.
Tetrapoli: It is much further west on the river than Ar’s Station; it began as four separate towns; Ri, Teibar, Heiban and Azdak. Legend states that the towns were formed by four brothers. The towns eventually consolidated into a polity, the four districts maintaining the same names. The expression “tetrapoli” means “four cities” or “four towns.”
Port Cos: Located west of Tafa, it was founded by settlers from Cos over a century ago. It is a colony whose ties to Cos are largely historical and cultural. Many officers of Port Cos were native Cosians, mercenaries or veterans of the Cosian navy. It also has its own Home Stone.
Tafa: It is located far east of Ar’s Station.
Victoria: This city is the capital of the Vosk League, located on the northern bank, east of Ar’s Station, between Fina and Tafa. It once was a den of thieves, a market and slave town. Most of the pirates and thieves have been run out of the town. Tasdron is the Administrator.
Fina: It is located east of Ar’s Station.
Ragnar's Hamlet: Located far west of Ar’s Station, it is a good-sized town.
Hammerfest: It is located west of Ar’s Station.
Sulport: It is located far west of Ar’s Station.
Sais: It is located west of Ar’s Station, Jort’s Ferry, Point Alfred, Jasmine, and Siba.
Siba: It is located west of Ar’s Station, Jort’s Ferry, Point Alfred, and Jasmine.
Jasmine: It is located west of Ar’s Station, Jort’s Ferry and Point Alfred.
Pt Alfred: It is located west of Ar’s Station and Jort’s Ferry.
Jort's Ferry: It is located on the northern bank and is west of Ar’s Station.
Ar's Station: Established around 10114 C.A., by the city of Ar, as an outpost and trading station on the south bank of the Vosk River, east of Jort's Ferry (on N bank)and west of Forest Point (on the northern bank). It was founded four years after Pa-Kur's hordes gathered there, prior to their war against Ar. Ar's station was Ar's stronghold on the Vosk. When Cos landed at Brundisium, and moved it's forces toward Ar's Station, Ar failed to act because of political treachery. Ar's Station eventually fell to Cos. It stands at the northern terminus of the Viktel Aria which leads to Ar, also known as the Vosk Road.
Forest Port: It is located on the northern bank and is east of Ar’s Station between Ar's Station and Whitewater.
Iskander: This town is east of Ar’s Station and Forest Port.
Tancred's landing: It is downriver on the Olni and near Lara, located east of Ar’s Station, Forest Port, and Iskander.
Whitewater: It is downriver of the Olni and west of Lara and east of Ar's Station. It is the farthest eastern town and is on northern bank.
Lara: Located at the juncture of Vosk and Olni Rivers, on the southern bank of Olni and the northern bank of the Vosk. This city is part of the Salerian Confederation.