Cities of Gor
Ar, city of-
The largest, most populous, and most luxurious city of Gor. A city of lofty cylinders, spires, towers, lights, and high bridges lit by lanterns connecting many of the towers. Surrounded by great walls, it's great Gate opens onto the Viktel Aria and there are forty other gates as well. Her politics lack the grandeur of the city itself. The powerful of Ar contributed to a disaster in the delta by not supporting their own army against the invading forces of Cos. Her citizenry burned their gates and tore down their walls to aid the Cosians. Those Warriors who were betrayed by their city returned to it; their goal to liberate Ar by whatever means to revenge her humiliation and regain the glory that was hers.
Ar's Station-
An outpost of the Ubarate of Ar and trading station on the south bank of the Vosk, 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.
Barrens, the-
A vast tracts of rolling grasslands, lying east of the Thentis Mountains. They are not as barren as the name suggests, but perhaps the nomenclature is intended to discourage their penetration. Not as arable as the rest of Gor because of the presence of the Thentis mountains and the absence of large bodies of water. They have extreme seasonal temperatures; bitterly cold winters and long, hot, dry summers. Their climate can also include Booming thunderstorms and tornadoes and blizzards in which snow can drift as high as the mast of a light galley. The grasses, shorter at it's western edge, can reach a height of several feet as one moves further east. No white man has ever penetrated to the eastern edge of the Barrens
Brundisium-
One of the largest and busiest ports of Gor and a commercial metropolis, it is 100 pasangs south of the Vosk Delta on the Thassa. The Genesian Road links it with other coastal cities. Brundisium served as the staging point for the Cosian invasion of Ar.
Cartius River-
Broad, fast-flowing tributary that flows into the Vosk river far to the south and west of Ar. It is composed of three rivers, the Cartius Proper, Subequatorial Cartius, and Thassa Cartius. It's name is taken from the word cart, a compass point indicating southwest .
Cos-
An island 400 pasangs west of Port Kar and hundred pasangs north of Tyros; notable for growing ta-grapes on it's terraced hills. The perpetual enemy of Ar. It's capitol city is Telnus. Other cities are Selnar, Temos and Jad. As the western border of known Gor, the waters beyond it are referred to as 'the World's End' by those who have first knowledge. To those Goreans with second knowledge, who are taught that Gor is spheroid, the expression is merely a figure of speech .
Fort Haskins-
Boswell pass, bordered by the southern edge of the Thentis Mountains and the northern range of the Voltai, opens into The Barrens, the world of the Red Savage. Fort Haskins is situated at the foot of the pass. Once a trading post maintained by the Haskins Company and later a military outpost flying the flag of Thentis, it's military and strategic influence declined with the development of the Thentesian Tarn cavalries and the growth of the population. It is once again a trading center, maintained by the Caste of Merchants of Thentis.
Free Islands-
Also known as exchange islands, they are administered as Free Ports by the Merchants. Included are Teletus, Tabor, and Scagnar. Others were Farnacium, Hulneth and Asperiche. In the south are Anango and Ianda, and in the far north, Hunger and Skjern, west of Torvaldsland. These islands, and free ports on the coast such as Lydius and Helmutsport, Schendi and Bazi make possible the commerce between Cos and Tyros and cities of the mainland.
Free Ports-
The 4 free ports maintained on the Thassa north and south of the gorean equator are Lydius, Helmutsport, Schend,i and Bazi.Fulvians- foothills of the Voltai Mountains, northeast of Ar. The villa district of Ar is found here.
Gor, planet of-
As Tarl was taught by his father, 'Gor is the name of this world'. In all the languages of the planet, it means 'Home Stone'. The planet is also called the Counter-Earth from the writings of the Pythagoreans who first speculated on it's existence. According to the Initiates, Gor was originally a satellite of a distant sun in the Blue Galaxies. It was moved several times from star to star by the Priest-Kings, by one theory, but, according to the 'Theory of the Sun Shield', it has remained in the same place, undiscovered because it is placed as a counterpoise to the Earth. It has the same plane or orbit and maintains that position, with occasional adjustments by the Priest-Kings, to always keep 'The Central Fire' between it and it's planetary sister, Earth.
Hersius-
The Gorean name for the planet, Jupiter. Named for a legendary hero of Ar. Note: an alternate spelling, i.e., 'Hesius', appears in later Books in the series
Kaiila River-
A river in the Barrens, it has two branches known as the North Kaiila River and the South Kaiila River. The Snake River is a tributary of the North Kaiila River. These rivers mark important boundaries in the territories of the Isanna, Napoktan, Wismahi, Isbu and Casmu bands of the Kaiila tribe. It is conjectured that the Kaiila Tribe, finding large herds of kaiila, took the name for themselves, and later the River of the Kaiila Tribe became, simply, the Kaiila River
Kailiauk, city of-
Town on the Frontier of The Barrens, NE of Fort Haskins. It is a major trade center for the purchase, processing and selling of kailiauk hides taken from the massive herds which traverse The Barrens. It is also a slave trade center, dealing primarily in barbarian girls which are sold at various points along the perimeter Kamba River- empties directly into the Thassa outside the Harbor of Schendi. It leads into the rainforest
Kassau-
A town at the northern bank of the forest, it is a town of wood. The town is surrounded by a wall, with two gates, one large, facing the inlet, leading in from Thassa, the other small, leading to the forest behind the town. The main business of Kassau is trade, lumber and fishing, particularly parsit fish from the plankton banks north of the town. Lumber, particularly ka-la-na and tem-wood are traded to the North, which is virtually treeless. Kassau is the seat of the High Initiate of the North
Ko-ro-ba, city of-
The Home Stone of Tarl Cabot, Ko-ro-Ba is found high in the northern latitudes of Gor, NW of Ar and one thousand pasangs from the Sardar Mountains. Described as a city of lofty cylinders, set among rolling green hills, it was destroyed by the will of the Priest-Kings to enlist Tarl of Ko-ro-ba in a search which would ensure the continuation of their ancient, but endangered species.
Lake Ngao-
An equatorial lake of the Jungles of Schendi, the Ua River enters it's eastern extremity, connecting this Lake to Lake Shaba in the NE corner of the rainforest. 'The Falls of Bila Haruma', named for the famed explorer of this region, lies 100 pasangs to the east. The villages of Unkungu are located on the NE shore. Nyundo is the central village of the Ukungu region.
Lake Shaba-
Located in the NE corner of the Schendi rain forest, it is the source of the great river Ua. Originally named Lake Bila Haruma for the explorer who discovered it, the name was changed at the great explorer's request by Tarl Cabot.
Lake Ushindi-
Drained by the Kamba River and Nyoka River, it is a large, equatorial lake, located in the Jungles of Schendi. The inland village of Nyuki is located on the north shore. It's western border is made up of bogs, marshes, and floodlands. A canal connects Lake Ushindi east across the swampland to Lake Ngao.
Lar-Torvis-
A Gorean term for the sun is The Central Fire taken from Pythagorean expressions.Laura- east and north of Ko-ro-ba about two hundred pasangs inland from the sea called Thassa on the Laurius River; it is a small trading city, a river port, whose buildings are made largely of wood. It is a clearinghouse for a various goods, a mercantile town.
Laurius River-
Winding, long, gentle, slow river two hundred pasangs inland from the coast of the Thassa. The free port of Lydius is found at it's mouth. The river is not as broad or brisk as the Vosk River farther to the south. It is located below Ko-ro-ba and above Ar and flows in a generally westerly direction.
Lydius-
Free port administered by Merchants, at the mouth of the Laurius where it empties into the Thassa. Goods, primarily rough goods like tools, crude metal and cloth are shipped from this port to many islands and coastal cities.
Margin of Desolation-
An area north of Ar that was made into a wilderness thousands of pasangs deep. Wells were poisoned, and fields burned and salted to prevent the approach of armies from the north. It was allowed to re-vegetate and re-populate. Some believe the reason is to bring more arable land under cultivation; others say that the eyes of Ar turned north toward the powerful Salerian Confederation.
Market of Semris-
A small town south and somewhat east of Samnium, it is famed for its markets for tarsks, four-legged and two-legged. The town square is described as neat and well maintained, set with flat stones intricately fitted together. There are shops, fountains, a closed temple and public buildings.
Moons, Gorean-
Three moons shine on the planet, Gor, one large and two small ones, described as full, beautiful, and 'hurtling through' the clouds. They are said to have a biological effect on females, who are sometimes chained beneath them. It is suggested that the waxing and waning of the cycles of the moon correlate with the sexual cycles of the female.
Nest, The-
The colony and home of the Priest-Kings in the Sardar; the ruler of the Nest is the Mother from whose eggs the Priest-Kings are hatched.
Nyoka River-
River that flows into Schendi harbor from the rainforest, and then on to Thassa. Olni River- : a tributary of the Vosk River which stretches northeast from it's confluence with the Vosk at Lara. Lara, Vonda, Port Olni and Ti are the cities forming the Salerian Confederation, all of which lie on the Olni River.
Parsit current-
The main eastward current of the waters above the polar basin, so named because of the several varieties of migrating parsit fish which follow it.
Pillar of Exchanges-
About one hundred pasangs northwest of Tharna lonely white column of solid marble 400 feet in height and 100 feet in diameter. The solid pillar offers an almost ideal place for the exchange of prisoners
Plains of Turia- : the southern prairies of Gor, described as a broad grassland, from the Thassa and the Ta-Thassa Mountains to the southern foothills of the Voltai Range. Called the Land of the Wagon Peoples, their holdings extend in the north to the Cartius River.
Polar North-
Referring to the area above the Hrimgar Mountains, home of the Red Hunters. Most of this land is tundra, a treeless plain covered with mosses, shrubs, and lichens during the summer. Some two hundred and forty different types of plants grow in the Gorean arctic within 500 pasangs of the pole. In the winter, early spring, and late fall, it is s desolate, bleak, frozen barren alien landscape
Port Kar-
Facing the gleaming Thassa by way of the Tamber Gulf, is the crowded, squalid, malignant city at the mouth of the Vosk Delta called Port Kar. It is sometimes referred to as the Tarn of the Sea. It is the only city on Gor that recognizes a Caste of Thieves, and it is the only city on Gor actually built by slaves under the whip of their Masters. The city is a mass of holdings, each almost a fortress, all crossed and divided by hundreds of canals. Port Kar is ruled by a several conflicting Ubars, and, under them, the Council of Captains who are responsible for maintaining and managing the great arsenal, as well as the fleets of Port Kar. Her name is a synonym in Gorean for cruelty and piracy Port Olni- : city located on the North bank of the Olni River. A member of the Salerian Confederation.
Prison Moon-
Of the three moons orbiting Gor, the name given to one of the two smaller ones.
Rainforest, Canopies Zone-
Zone in rainforest that ranges from 60 to 125 Gorean feet above the jungle floor. This is the fantastic green cover which constitutes the main ceiling of the jungle. It is inhabited by an incredible number of birds, monkeys, reptiles, and insects. Rainforest, Emergent Zone- an ecological level of the rainforest 125 to 200 gorean feet above the jungle floor. In this highest level, the trees have thrust above the canopies below them. Mainly birds, particularly parrots, long-billed fleers, and needle-tailed lits inhabit this zone.
Rainforest, Ground Zone-
The 'undergrowth' of the rainforest. Extending from the ground to the lower canopies, this ecological zone is home to species of birds, snakes and insects. Many small animals, such as the giani, jit monkeys and four toed leaf urts are found in this zone as well. On the floor itself are marsupials, tarsk, twenty kinds of single-horned tabuk, and jungle larls and panthers.
Rence islands-
Part of the Vosk Delta where the communities of rence growers dwell. They live on rence islands which are small, seldom more than 200 by 250 feet and about 8 to 9 feet thick with an exposed surface above the water of about 3 feet. They are formed entirely from interwoven stems of the rence plants and float in the marsh. To prevent unwanted movement, they are tethered by marsh vine to near-by strong rence roots. Sacred Place- the name given to a place located in the Sardar Mountains. It is considered taBoo, perilous, and, until the time of Tarl Cabot, no man had ever returned from a journey to it.
Samnium-
Two hundred pasangs east and south of Brundisium, a walled city, spared the savageries of war with Cos, because of her alliance with them.
Sardar Mountains-
Legendary location of the Sacred Place home of the Priest-Kings, they are 1000 pasangs from Ko-ro-Ba, in the North. They are smaller than other mountain ranges such as those of Thentis or the Voltai mountains.
The Sardar Mountains Home of the Priest-Kings-
It is believed that the HomeStone of the planet is there, in the Sardar Mountains, guarded by the Priest-Kings. The mountains of the Sardar are not such a vast, magnificent range as the rugged scarlet crags of the Voltai. The Sardar Range is not the superb natural wilderness that is the Voltai. It is inferior to the Voltai in both dimension and grandeur. The mountains are black, except for the high peaks and passes, covered with white patches and threads of cold, gleaming snow. There is no green to be found in the Sardar. No vegetation. In the Sardar Range nothing grows. The only way to enter the Sardar is by foot. It is said that many men enter the Sardar Mountains, but no man ever returns Schendi- : a port city just south of the equator having a population of c. 1 million citizens, most black. It is the base of operations for the League of Black Slavers. It's harbor on the Thassa is the entry for the Kamba and Nyoka Rivers which lead to the interior of the Schendi rainforest. Schendi, rainforest of- : a vast rain forest covering thousands of square pasangs on the equator. It's western border is the Thassa and it's port of Schendi. Two great lakes puncturate it's center, Lake Ngao and Lake Ushindi, four hundred pasangs apart. The rain forest is home to myriad varieties of insects, birds, fish, mammals, rodents and reptiles and some of the most unique flora to be found on Gor.
Skjern-
An island in Thassa, it is located West of bleak, rocky Torvaldsland and north of the northern forests.
Steel Worlds-
An ancient race of Kurii, whose advanced technology contributed to the ruin of their planet, now share a boulder-strewn, enigmatic black space beyond the orbits of Gor, Earth and Mars, living on space ships such as the one found half buried in the Tahari. Since they have no planet of their own, they seek one, possibly Gor, or even Earth. The Priest-Kings constantly battle them, and monitor to see that they do not intrude beyond certain atmospheres, orbiting with the asteroids in their 'steel-world'
Tabor, island of-
The island in the Thassa south of Teletus.
Tahari Desert-
Desert region variously known as the 'Tahari Wastes' lies east of Tor. It is hundreds of pasangs deep and thousands in length, punctuated by various oasis springs and deep wells. In some areas, it has been centuries between rains. Diurnal air temperatures in the shade are in the range of 120 degree's Fahrenheit. Klima, located far to the east in 'The Wastes' is the location of the infamous salt mines. The major tribes are the Kavars and the Aretai, and their vassal tribes, such as the Char, the Kashani, the Ta'Kara, th desert region variously known as the 'Tahari Wastes' lies east of Tor. It is hundreds of pasangs deep and thousands in length, punctuated by various oasis springs and deep wells. In some areas, it has been centuries between rains. Diurnal air temperatures in the shade are in the range of 120 degree's Fahrenheit. Klima, located far to the east in 'The Wastes' is the location of the e Raviri, the Tashid, the Luraz, and the Bakahs.
Tarnburg-
A city in the southern, more civilized, ranges of the Voltai, it is essentially a mountain fortress located two hundred pasangs to the north and east of Hochburg. This high city is the home of Dietrich of Tarnburg, a renowned military strategist, the victor in multiple engagements, and the innovator of several military techniques, defenses, formations, etc.
Ta-Thassa Mountains-
A mountain range in the southern hemisphere of Gor, it marks the southern border of the rainforest between it and the southern prairies. It's western border is the shores of the Thassa Tetrapoli, town of- a town located on the Vosk River.
Tharna-
A harsh and humorless city once ruled by a Tatrix, NE of Corcyrus, located between Ko-ro-ba and the Sardar. The city is well known for it's silver mines. A man who visits in Tharna for more than 10 hours is enslaved. The slaves of Tharna are native-born to the city and there are supposedly no free women. The men of Tharna can be recognized by two yellow cords, thrust over the belt which are presented as part of the Home Stone ceremony. It is said that Lara, the former Tatrix, has now abdicated. The Caste of Poets is outlawed here.
Thassa- The sea.
Thentis- Located in the Thentis Mountains, it is renowned for raising tarn flocks and growing black wine beans.
Tor, city of- Major trading city of the Tahari
Torcadino-
Because of it's location at the intersection of various routes, the Genesian, the Northern Salt Line, the Northern Silk Road, the Pilgrim's Road, and the Eastern Way (or Treasure Road), Torcadino is a crossroads city. Once an ally of Ar, it served as Cosian stronghold and staging center, until reclaimed by Deitrich of Tarnburg. Torcadino is also notable for it's two aqueducts, built a century ago, which bring fresh waer from the Issus, a northwestwardly flowing tributary of the Vosk River.
Torvald, steam of-
A warm current, pasangs wide, it moves eastward to the coast of Torvaldsland and then north. It's warm temperature enables communication and re-supply of between the various small farms and communities of this bleak area. Those of Torvaldsland regard the stream as a gift of Thor, bestowed upon Torvald, legendary hero of the land, in exchange for a ring of gold.
Torvaldsland-
Cruel, harsh, rocky land located NW of the Hrimgar Mountains, above the Northern Forests and below the Polar Plain with which it shares the shores of the Arctic Sea. There are many inlets, cliffs and mountains and little arable land. Good soil is rare and highly prized. The Torvaldslanders are seamen, traveling in their oared Serpent ships in search of parsit fish. Their men, fierce and aggressive warriors, prefer the great axe as their weapon.
Treve-
Little known city that lies among the vast terrain of the rugged Voltai, 700 pasangs north of Ar. It's location is secret and is said to be accessible only by tarn. Sometimes called 'The Tarn of the Voltai' because of it's lofty perch Turia- : a major city-state of Gor situated south of the equator on the plains of Turia. Turia is said to be named for the Tur tree, especially one found near a stream. Turia counts it years from summer solstice to summer solstice. It's wealth and opulence is well known and the city is often referred to as the 'Ar of the south'. At the time of Tarl Cabot's first visit inside the walled, nine-gated stronghold, she had never been conquered. For hundreds of years, she had maintained an uneasy trade relationship with the inhabitants of the plains, the nomadic Tribes of the Wagon Peoples. Sacked and conquered by Kamchak, the eventual Ubar San of the Wagon Peoples, she was ultimately spared, her Home Stone untouched out of sentiment. The mother of the Ubar San had been Turian.
Turmus-
aLast major port on the Vosk before the marshes Tyros- an island of the Thassa, 400 pasangs west of Port Kar and one hundred pasangs south of Cos. It's capitol city is Kasra. Another major city is Tentium. Tyros is a rugged mountainous island known for it's vart caves. The varts are trained to be used as weapons. As the western border of known Gor, the waters beyond it are referred to as 'the World's End' by those who have first knowledge. To those Goreans with second knowledge, who are taught that Gor is spheroid, the expression is merely a figure of speech Ua River- a vast river found in the Ukanga Region of the Jungles of Schendi, it winds between Lake Shaba and Lake Ngao. It is navigable, and the splendor of it's scenery and the variety of life and resources around it are eloquently described. Ua is an inland word for flower. It's source is Lake Shaba.
Venna-
A resort city west of Voltai and 200 pasangs north of Ar, between Ar and the Vosk River on the Viktel Aria. Well known for it's tharlarion races, it is a common locale for the villas of the rich, usually from Ar. Victoria- port town located on the Vosk River, one of the founding members and headquarters of the Vosk League. Known as a haven for pirates, and for it's slave markets.
Viktel Aria-
A military road, the phrase translates as 'Triumph of Ar', or, 'Ar's Triumph'. In it's more northern lengths it is called the Vosk Road and it's northern terminus is Ar's Station.
Voltai Mountain Range-
A range commonly called the Red Mountains because of the dull reddish color of the rock caused by deposits of iron oxide; it is located east of Ar and south of the Vosk river and stretches from there to the Tahari Desert. The Voltai are the eastern border of known Gor
Vosk Delta-
At the mouth of the Vosk River, where it empties into the Tamber Gulf and the Thassa beyond, is a marshland thousands of square pasangs deep of estuarial wilderness. The marshes can be traversed in small rush crafts through hundreds of shallow, constantly shifting channels. The delta is inhabited, particularly in the east, by communities of rence growers who eke out a living harvesting rence. The Vosk Delta is trackless and treacherous, and the habitat of the marsh tharlarion and the predatory Ul. The entire area is claimed by Port Kar which lies within it, some hundred pasangs from it's northwestern edge.
Vosk River-
Gor's mightiest river, flowing thousands of pasangs in a slightly southwesterly direction from it's source in the Voltai Range to the marshes of the Vosk Delta, the Tamber Gulf, and on the the Thassa, it rampages across most of known Gor, over forty pasangs broad.. The scene of mighty naval battles, involving fleets of warships, it is under constant threat from river pirates and cities who would control it's merchant trade. The Vosk League, a political and protective alliance, was formed to promote trade interests by the towns along it's banks. Wands, Primeter-: marking the boundary or Ihanke of The Barrens are hundreds of markers, seven to eight feet high made of peeled Ka-la-na wood, tipped with yellow, black-tipped feathers of the Herlit.
White Water- City located on the northern shore of the Vosk River, east of Tancred's Landing.
The largest, most populous, and most luxurious city of Gor. A city of lofty cylinders, spires, towers, lights, and high bridges lit by lanterns connecting many of the towers. Surrounded by great walls, it's great Gate opens onto the Viktel Aria and there are forty other gates as well. Her politics lack the grandeur of the city itself. The powerful of Ar contributed to a disaster in the delta by not supporting their own army against the invading forces of Cos. Her citizenry burned their gates and tore down their walls to aid the Cosians. Those Warriors who were betrayed by their city returned to it; their goal to liberate Ar by whatever means to revenge her humiliation and regain the glory that was hers.
Ar's Station-
An outpost of the Ubarate of Ar and trading station on the south bank of the Vosk, 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.
Barrens, the-
A vast tracts of rolling grasslands, lying east of the Thentis Mountains. They are not as barren as the name suggests, but perhaps the nomenclature is intended to discourage their penetration. Not as arable as the rest of Gor because of the presence of the Thentis mountains and the absence of large bodies of water. They have extreme seasonal temperatures; bitterly cold winters and long, hot, dry summers. Their climate can also include Booming thunderstorms and tornadoes and blizzards in which snow can drift as high as the mast of a light galley. The grasses, shorter at it's western edge, can reach a height of several feet as one moves further east. No white man has ever penetrated to the eastern edge of the Barrens
Brundisium-
One of the largest and busiest ports of Gor and a commercial metropolis, it is 100 pasangs south of the Vosk Delta on the Thassa. The Genesian Road links it with other coastal cities. Brundisium served as the staging point for the Cosian invasion of Ar.
Cartius River-
Broad, fast-flowing tributary that flows into the Vosk river far to the south and west of Ar. It is composed of three rivers, the Cartius Proper, Subequatorial Cartius, and Thassa Cartius. It's name is taken from the word cart, a compass point indicating southwest .
Cos-
An island 400 pasangs west of Port Kar and hundred pasangs north of Tyros; notable for growing ta-grapes on it's terraced hills. The perpetual enemy of Ar. It's capitol city is Telnus. Other cities are Selnar, Temos and Jad. As the western border of known Gor, the waters beyond it are referred to as 'the World's End' by those who have first knowledge. To those Goreans with second knowledge, who are taught that Gor is spheroid, the expression is merely a figure of speech .
Fort Haskins-
Boswell pass, bordered by the southern edge of the Thentis Mountains and the northern range of the Voltai, opens into The Barrens, the world of the Red Savage. Fort Haskins is situated at the foot of the pass. Once a trading post maintained by the Haskins Company and later a military outpost flying the flag of Thentis, it's military and strategic influence declined with the development of the Thentesian Tarn cavalries and the growth of the population. It is once again a trading center, maintained by the Caste of Merchants of Thentis.
Free Islands-
Also known as exchange islands, they are administered as Free Ports by the Merchants. Included are Teletus, Tabor, and Scagnar. Others were Farnacium, Hulneth and Asperiche. In the south are Anango and Ianda, and in the far north, Hunger and Skjern, west of Torvaldsland. These islands, and free ports on the coast such as Lydius and Helmutsport, Schendi and Bazi make possible the commerce between Cos and Tyros and cities of the mainland.
Free Ports-
The 4 free ports maintained on the Thassa north and south of the gorean equator are Lydius, Helmutsport, Schend,i and Bazi.Fulvians- foothills of the Voltai Mountains, northeast of Ar. The villa district of Ar is found here.
Gor, planet of-
As Tarl was taught by his father, 'Gor is the name of this world'. In all the languages of the planet, it means 'Home Stone'. The planet is also called the Counter-Earth from the writings of the Pythagoreans who first speculated on it's existence. According to the Initiates, Gor was originally a satellite of a distant sun in the Blue Galaxies. It was moved several times from star to star by the Priest-Kings, by one theory, but, according to the 'Theory of the Sun Shield', it has remained in the same place, undiscovered because it is placed as a counterpoise to the Earth. It has the same plane or orbit and maintains that position, with occasional adjustments by the Priest-Kings, to always keep 'The Central Fire' between it and it's planetary sister, Earth.
Hersius-
The Gorean name for the planet, Jupiter. Named for a legendary hero of Ar. Note: an alternate spelling, i.e., 'Hesius', appears in later Books in the series
Kaiila River-
A river in the Barrens, it has two branches known as the North Kaiila River and the South Kaiila River. The Snake River is a tributary of the North Kaiila River. These rivers mark important boundaries in the territories of the Isanna, Napoktan, Wismahi, Isbu and Casmu bands of the Kaiila tribe. It is conjectured that the Kaiila Tribe, finding large herds of kaiila, took the name for themselves, and later the River of the Kaiila Tribe became, simply, the Kaiila River
Kailiauk, city of-
Town on the Frontier of The Barrens, NE of Fort Haskins. It is a major trade center for the purchase, processing and selling of kailiauk hides taken from the massive herds which traverse The Barrens. It is also a slave trade center, dealing primarily in barbarian girls which are sold at various points along the perimeter Kamba River- empties directly into the Thassa outside the Harbor of Schendi. It leads into the rainforest
Kassau-
A town at the northern bank of the forest, it is a town of wood. The town is surrounded by a wall, with two gates, one large, facing the inlet, leading in from Thassa, the other small, leading to the forest behind the town. The main business of Kassau is trade, lumber and fishing, particularly parsit fish from the plankton banks north of the town. Lumber, particularly ka-la-na and tem-wood are traded to the North, which is virtually treeless. Kassau is the seat of the High Initiate of the North
Ko-ro-ba, city of-
The Home Stone of Tarl Cabot, Ko-ro-Ba is found high in the northern latitudes of Gor, NW of Ar and one thousand pasangs from the Sardar Mountains. Described as a city of lofty cylinders, set among rolling green hills, it was destroyed by the will of the Priest-Kings to enlist Tarl of Ko-ro-ba in a search which would ensure the continuation of their ancient, but endangered species.
Lake Ngao-
An equatorial lake of the Jungles of Schendi, the Ua River enters it's eastern extremity, connecting this Lake to Lake Shaba in the NE corner of the rainforest. 'The Falls of Bila Haruma', named for the famed explorer of this region, lies 100 pasangs to the east. The villages of Unkungu are located on the NE shore. Nyundo is the central village of the Ukungu region.
Lake Shaba-
Located in the NE corner of the Schendi rain forest, it is the source of the great river Ua. Originally named Lake Bila Haruma for the explorer who discovered it, the name was changed at the great explorer's request by Tarl Cabot.
Lake Ushindi-
Drained by the Kamba River and Nyoka River, it is a large, equatorial lake, located in the Jungles of Schendi. The inland village of Nyuki is located on the north shore. It's western border is made up of bogs, marshes, and floodlands. A canal connects Lake Ushindi east across the swampland to Lake Ngao.
Lar-Torvis-
A Gorean term for the sun is The Central Fire taken from Pythagorean expressions.Laura- east and north of Ko-ro-ba about two hundred pasangs inland from the sea called Thassa on the Laurius River; it is a small trading city, a river port, whose buildings are made largely of wood. It is a clearinghouse for a various goods, a mercantile town.
Laurius River-
Winding, long, gentle, slow river two hundred pasangs inland from the coast of the Thassa. The free port of Lydius is found at it's mouth. The river is not as broad or brisk as the Vosk River farther to the south. It is located below Ko-ro-ba and above Ar and flows in a generally westerly direction.
Lydius-
Free port administered by Merchants, at the mouth of the Laurius where it empties into the Thassa. Goods, primarily rough goods like tools, crude metal and cloth are shipped from this port to many islands and coastal cities.
Margin of Desolation-
An area north of Ar that was made into a wilderness thousands of pasangs deep. Wells were poisoned, and fields burned and salted to prevent the approach of armies from the north. It was allowed to re-vegetate and re-populate. Some believe the reason is to bring more arable land under cultivation; others say that the eyes of Ar turned north toward the powerful Salerian Confederation.
Market of Semris-
A small town south and somewhat east of Samnium, it is famed for its markets for tarsks, four-legged and two-legged. The town square is described as neat and well maintained, set with flat stones intricately fitted together. There are shops, fountains, a closed temple and public buildings.
Moons, Gorean-
Three moons shine on the planet, Gor, one large and two small ones, described as full, beautiful, and 'hurtling through' the clouds. They are said to have a biological effect on females, who are sometimes chained beneath them. It is suggested that the waxing and waning of the cycles of the moon correlate with the sexual cycles of the female.
Nest, The-
The colony and home of the Priest-Kings in the Sardar; the ruler of the Nest is the Mother from whose eggs the Priest-Kings are hatched.
Nyoka River-
River that flows into Schendi harbor from the rainforest, and then on to Thassa. Olni River- : a tributary of the Vosk River which stretches northeast from it's confluence with the Vosk at Lara. Lara, Vonda, Port Olni and Ti are the cities forming the Salerian Confederation, all of which lie on the Olni River.
Parsit current-
The main eastward current of the waters above the polar basin, so named because of the several varieties of migrating parsit fish which follow it.
Pillar of Exchanges-
About one hundred pasangs northwest of Tharna lonely white column of solid marble 400 feet in height and 100 feet in diameter. The solid pillar offers an almost ideal place for the exchange of prisoners
Plains of Turia- : the southern prairies of Gor, described as a broad grassland, from the Thassa and the Ta-Thassa Mountains to the southern foothills of the Voltai Range. Called the Land of the Wagon Peoples, their holdings extend in the north to the Cartius River.
Polar North-
Referring to the area above the Hrimgar Mountains, home of the Red Hunters. Most of this land is tundra, a treeless plain covered with mosses, shrubs, and lichens during the summer. Some two hundred and forty different types of plants grow in the Gorean arctic within 500 pasangs of the pole. In the winter, early spring, and late fall, it is s desolate, bleak, frozen barren alien landscape
Port Kar-
Facing the gleaming Thassa by way of the Tamber Gulf, is the crowded, squalid, malignant city at the mouth of the Vosk Delta called Port Kar. It is sometimes referred to as the Tarn of the Sea. It is the only city on Gor that recognizes a Caste of Thieves, and it is the only city on Gor actually built by slaves under the whip of their Masters. The city is a mass of holdings, each almost a fortress, all crossed and divided by hundreds of canals. Port Kar is ruled by a several conflicting Ubars, and, under them, the Council of Captains who are responsible for maintaining and managing the great arsenal, as well as the fleets of Port Kar. Her name is a synonym in Gorean for cruelty and piracy Port Olni- : city located on the North bank of the Olni River. A member of the Salerian Confederation.
Prison Moon-
Of the three moons orbiting Gor, the name given to one of the two smaller ones.
Rainforest, Canopies Zone-
Zone in rainforest that ranges from 60 to 125 Gorean feet above the jungle floor. This is the fantastic green cover which constitutes the main ceiling of the jungle. It is inhabited by an incredible number of birds, monkeys, reptiles, and insects. Rainforest, Emergent Zone- an ecological level of the rainforest 125 to 200 gorean feet above the jungle floor. In this highest level, the trees have thrust above the canopies below them. Mainly birds, particularly parrots, long-billed fleers, and needle-tailed lits inhabit this zone.
Rainforest, Ground Zone-
The 'undergrowth' of the rainforest. Extending from the ground to the lower canopies, this ecological zone is home to species of birds, snakes and insects. Many small animals, such as the giani, jit monkeys and four toed leaf urts are found in this zone as well. On the floor itself are marsupials, tarsk, twenty kinds of single-horned tabuk, and jungle larls and panthers.
Rence islands-
Part of the Vosk Delta where the communities of rence growers dwell. They live on rence islands which are small, seldom more than 200 by 250 feet and about 8 to 9 feet thick with an exposed surface above the water of about 3 feet. They are formed entirely from interwoven stems of the rence plants and float in the marsh. To prevent unwanted movement, they are tethered by marsh vine to near-by strong rence roots. Sacred Place- the name given to a place located in the Sardar Mountains. It is considered taBoo, perilous, and, until the time of Tarl Cabot, no man had ever returned from a journey to it.
Samnium-
Two hundred pasangs east and south of Brundisium, a walled city, spared the savageries of war with Cos, because of her alliance with them.
Sardar Mountains-
Legendary location of the Sacred Place home of the Priest-Kings, they are 1000 pasangs from Ko-ro-Ba, in the North. They are smaller than other mountain ranges such as those of Thentis or the Voltai mountains.
The Sardar Mountains Home of the Priest-Kings-
It is believed that the HomeStone of the planet is there, in the Sardar Mountains, guarded by the Priest-Kings. The mountains of the Sardar are not such a vast, magnificent range as the rugged scarlet crags of the Voltai. The Sardar Range is not the superb natural wilderness that is the Voltai. It is inferior to the Voltai in both dimension and grandeur. The mountains are black, except for the high peaks and passes, covered with white patches and threads of cold, gleaming snow. There is no green to be found in the Sardar. No vegetation. In the Sardar Range nothing grows. The only way to enter the Sardar is by foot. It is said that many men enter the Sardar Mountains, but no man ever returns Schendi- : a port city just south of the equator having a population of c. 1 million citizens, most black. It is the base of operations for the League of Black Slavers. It's harbor on the Thassa is the entry for the Kamba and Nyoka Rivers which lead to the interior of the Schendi rainforest. Schendi, rainforest of- : a vast rain forest covering thousands of square pasangs on the equator. It's western border is the Thassa and it's port of Schendi. Two great lakes puncturate it's center, Lake Ngao and Lake Ushindi, four hundred pasangs apart. The rain forest is home to myriad varieties of insects, birds, fish, mammals, rodents and reptiles and some of the most unique flora to be found on Gor.
Skjern-
An island in Thassa, it is located West of bleak, rocky Torvaldsland and north of the northern forests.
Steel Worlds-
An ancient race of Kurii, whose advanced technology contributed to the ruin of their planet, now share a boulder-strewn, enigmatic black space beyond the orbits of Gor, Earth and Mars, living on space ships such as the one found half buried in the Tahari. Since they have no planet of their own, they seek one, possibly Gor, or even Earth. The Priest-Kings constantly battle them, and monitor to see that they do not intrude beyond certain atmospheres, orbiting with the asteroids in their 'steel-world'
Tabor, island of-
The island in the Thassa south of Teletus.
Tahari Desert-
Desert region variously known as the 'Tahari Wastes' lies east of Tor. It is hundreds of pasangs deep and thousands in length, punctuated by various oasis springs and deep wells. In some areas, it has been centuries between rains. Diurnal air temperatures in the shade are in the range of 120 degree's Fahrenheit. Klima, located far to the east in 'The Wastes' is the location of the infamous salt mines. The major tribes are the Kavars and the Aretai, and their vassal tribes, such as the Char, the Kashani, the Ta'Kara, th desert region variously known as the 'Tahari Wastes' lies east of Tor. It is hundreds of pasangs deep and thousands in length, punctuated by various oasis springs and deep wells. In some areas, it has been centuries between rains. Diurnal air temperatures in the shade are in the range of 120 degree's Fahrenheit. Klima, located far to the east in 'The Wastes' is the location of the e Raviri, the Tashid, the Luraz, and the Bakahs.
Tarnburg-
A city in the southern, more civilized, ranges of the Voltai, it is essentially a mountain fortress located two hundred pasangs to the north and east of Hochburg. This high city is the home of Dietrich of Tarnburg, a renowned military strategist, the victor in multiple engagements, and the innovator of several military techniques, defenses, formations, etc.
Ta-Thassa Mountains-
A mountain range in the southern hemisphere of Gor, it marks the southern border of the rainforest between it and the southern prairies. It's western border is the shores of the Thassa Tetrapoli, town of- a town located on the Vosk River.
Tharna-
A harsh and humorless city once ruled by a Tatrix, NE of Corcyrus, located between Ko-ro-ba and the Sardar. The city is well known for it's silver mines. A man who visits in Tharna for more than 10 hours is enslaved. The slaves of Tharna are native-born to the city and there are supposedly no free women. The men of Tharna can be recognized by two yellow cords, thrust over the belt which are presented as part of the Home Stone ceremony. It is said that Lara, the former Tatrix, has now abdicated. The Caste of Poets is outlawed here.
Thassa- The sea.
Thentis- Located in the Thentis Mountains, it is renowned for raising tarn flocks and growing black wine beans.
Tor, city of- Major trading city of the Tahari
Torcadino-
Because of it's location at the intersection of various routes, the Genesian, the Northern Salt Line, the Northern Silk Road, the Pilgrim's Road, and the Eastern Way (or Treasure Road), Torcadino is a crossroads city. Once an ally of Ar, it served as Cosian stronghold and staging center, until reclaimed by Deitrich of Tarnburg. Torcadino is also notable for it's two aqueducts, built a century ago, which bring fresh waer from the Issus, a northwestwardly flowing tributary of the Vosk River.
Torvald, steam of-
A warm current, pasangs wide, it moves eastward to the coast of Torvaldsland and then north. It's warm temperature enables communication and re-supply of between the various small farms and communities of this bleak area. Those of Torvaldsland regard the stream as a gift of Thor, bestowed upon Torvald, legendary hero of the land, in exchange for a ring of gold.
Torvaldsland-
Cruel, harsh, rocky land located NW of the Hrimgar Mountains, above the Northern Forests and below the Polar Plain with which it shares the shores of the Arctic Sea. There are many inlets, cliffs and mountains and little arable land. Good soil is rare and highly prized. The Torvaldslanders are seamen, traveling in their oared Serpent ships in search of parsit fish. Their men, fierce and aggressive warriors, prefer the great axe as their weapon.
Treve-
Little known city that lies among the vast terrain of the rugged Voltai, 700 pasangs north of Ar. It's location is secret and is said to be accessible only by tarn. Sometimes called 'The Tarn of the Voltai' because of it's lofty perch Turia- : a major city-state of Gor situated south of the equator on the plains of Turia. Turia is said to be named for the Tur tree, especially one found near a stream. Turia counts it years from summer solstice to summer solstice. It's wealth and opulence is well known and the city is often referred to as the 'Ar of the south'. At the time of Tarl Cabot's first visit inside the walled, nine-gated stronghold, she had never been conquered. For hundreds of years, she had maintained an uneasy trade relationship with the inhabitants of the plains, the nomadic Tribes of the Wagon Peoples. Sacked and conquered by Kamchak, the eventual Ubar San of the Wagon Peoples, she was ultimately spared, her Home Stone untouched out of sentiment. The mother of the Ubar San had been Turian.
Turmus-
aLast major port on the Vosk before the marshes Tyros- an island of the Thassa, 400 pasangs west of Port Kar and one hundred pasangs south of Cos. It's capitol city is Kasra. Another major city is Tentium. Tyros is a rugged mountainous island known for it's vart caves. The varts are trained to be used as weapons. As the western border of known Gor, the waters beyond it are referred to as 'the World's End' by those who have first knowledge. To those Goreans with second knowledge, who are taught that Gor is spheroid, the expression is merely a figure of speech Ua River- a vast river found in the Ukanga Region of the Jungles of Schendi, it winds between Lake Shaba and Lake Ngao. It is navigable, and the splendor of it's scenery and the variety of life and resources around it are eloquently described. Ua is an inland word for flower. It's source is Lake Shaba.
Venna-
A resort city west of Voltai and 200 pasangs north of Ar, between Ar and the Vosk River on the Viktel Aria. Well known for it's tharlarion races, it is a common locale for the villas of the rich, usually from Ar. Victoria- port town located on the Vosk River, one of the founding members and headquarters of the Vosk League. Known as a haven for pirates, and for it's slave markets.
Viktel Aria-
A military road, the phrase translates as 'Triumph of Ar', or, 'Ar's Triumph'. In it's more northern lengths it is called the Vosk Road and it's northern terminus is Ar's Station.
Voltai Mountain Range-
A range commonly called the Red Mountains because of the dull reddish color of the rock caused by deposits of iron oxide; it is located east of Ar and south of the Vosk river and stretches from there to the Tahari Desert. The Voltai are the eastern border of known Gor
Vosk Delta-
At the mouth of the Vosk River, where it empties into the Tamber Gulf and the Thassa beyond, is a marshland thousands of square pasangs deep of estuarial wilderness. The marshes can be traversed in small rush crafts through hundreds of shallow, constantly shifting channels. The delta is inhabited, particularly in the east, by communities of rence growers who eke out a living harvesting rence. The Vosk Delta is trackless and treacherous, and the habitat of the marsh tharlarion and the predatory Ul. The entire area is claimed by Port Kar which lies within it, some hundred pasangs from it's northwestern edge.
Vosk River-
Gor's mightiest river, flowing thousands of pasangs in a slightly southwesterly direction from it's source in the Voltai Range to the marshes of the Vosk Delta, the Tamber Gulf, and on the the Thassa, it rampages across most of known Gor, over forty pasangs broad.. The scene of mighty naval battles, involving fleets of warships, it is under constant threat from river pirates and cities who would control it's merchant trade. The Vosk League, a political and protective alliance, was formed to promote trade interests by the towns along it's banks. Wands, Primeter-: marking the boundary or Ihanke of The Barrens are hundreds of markers, seven to eight feet high made of peeled Ka-la-na wood, tipped with yellow, black-tipped feathers of the Herlit.
White Water- City located on the northern shore of the Vosk River, east of Tancred's Landing.