"Toward the end of my training I always fought with shield and helmet. I would have supposed that armor or chainmail perhaps, would have been a desirable addition to the accoutrements of the Gorean warrior, but it had been forbidden by the Priest-Kings." (Tarnsman of Gor, page 48)
Weaponry
The Priest-Kings carefully limit weapon development with their technology restrictions. But man and Kur find ways enough to do battle. The most common weapon on Gor is the short sword. But other weapons are more popular within some communities. These other weapons include long swords, scimitars, panga knives, quivas, daggers, spears, lances, axes, long bow, short bow, crossbow, quarterstaff, throwing sticks, bola, and whip knives.
"Be strong and do as you will. The swords of others will set you your limits"
Marauders of Gor, page 10
"Within the circle of each man's sword," say the codes of the warrior, "therein is each man a Ubar" "Steel is the coinage of the warrior," say the codes, "With it he purchases what pleases him"
Marauders of Gor, page 10
Marauders of Gor, page 10
"Within the circle of each man's sword," say the codes of the warrior, "therein is each man a Ubar" "Steel is the coinage of the warrior," say the codes, "With it he purchases what pleases him"
Marauders of Gor, page 10
-Gorean Swords-
Gorean Short Sword
The basic weapon of all warriors of Gor. Approximatly twenty to twenty-two inches in length from hilt tip to blade tip, the blade is doubled-edged, and leaf shaped. Narrower at the hilt base and then widening to a width of three or four inches and then descending to a curved and pointed tip. The grip is generally either of polished wood or leather covered wood, with an oval cross-guard. The Gorean short sword is hand forged of light carbon steel. The leaf shaped blade is ideal for thrusting. Perfect for close combat, its point giving it excellent armor penetrating properties. It is generally carried, in a sheath slung over the left shoulder by means of a leather harness, but may also be worn at the hip. This sword is mentioned in all books relating to Gor, from Book #1 Tarnsman Of Gor and throughout the series.
“I had again my sword, that wine-tempered blade of fine, double-edged Gorean steel, carried even at the siege of Ar, so long ago with its scabbard.” Raiders of Gor page 68
Gorean Long Sword
The Long sword is commonly used by the warriors of Torvaldsland. Approximately 36 inches in length, the forging of these "long swords" follows the pattern of the swords in the Damascus style. In this method, many bilits of steel, both hard (high carbon) and soft or flexible (tool) steel are beaten together under heat and folded back upon itself and beaten flat again. This is repeated many times. This folding creates a blade with both a tremendous amount of flexibility and also one that is virtually unbreakable. It also, when treated with a mild acid solution, reveals the pattern formed by the layers of the different steels.
This pattern is different from blade to blade and gives the sword it's unique appearance. This blade is used as a slashing weapon, often it is used to batter an opponents shield to bits. It is carried in a belt-scabbard or straped across its user's back over his right shoulder. Most long swords are "named" blades and they carry the name of their maker or are named by their owner. Names like 'Gramr'('fierce')and 'Fotbitr' ('leg biter') are often used. The warriors of Torvaldsland belive their swords, as with their ships, possesses a 'soul'. This weapon makes its first appearance in the series in book #8, Marauders of Gor.
He wore beneath his cloak of yellow wool, and a great belt of glistening black, with a gold buckle, to which was attached a scabbard of oiled, black leather; in this scabbard was a sword, a sword of Torvaldsland, a long sword, with a jeweled pommel, with double guard. Marauders of Gor, page 172
What do you expect to do with that paring knife?" asked Bjarni of Thorstein Camp Camp, looking at me puzzled. He thought me mad. “Your long sword,” I told him, “is doubtless quite useful in thrusting over thebalwarks of ships. . .” Marauders of Gor, Page 148
“. . .the arc of your stroke is wider then mine, and your blade heavier.” Marauders of Gor ,Page 149
“He wore beneath his cloak yellow wool, and a great belt of glimmering black, with a gold buckle to which was attached a scabbard of oiled, black leather: in this scabbed was a sword, a sword of Torvaldsland, a long sword with a jeweled pommel, with double guard.” Marauders of Gor page 172
-Other Swords-
Alar Sword
"Besides the ax, Alars are fond of the Alar sword, a long, heavy, double-edged weapon." Mercenaries of Gor, Page 45
Spatha
It was a long, cutting sword, of the sort called a spatha among the wagons." Mercenaries of Gor, Page 66
Gladius
He also carried among his things the short, stabbing sword, similar to the gladius, and doubtless related to it, called by his people the sacramasax." Mercenaries of Gor, Page 66
Scimitar
A long curved sword, used either one-handed or with two-hands, depending upon the situation. Forged in the Damascus maner, it has a wickedly curved, single-edged blade, honed to razor-sharpness. Even a light stroke of a Tahari scimitar will pass effortlessly through the flesh, leaving a carved mark 1/4" inch deep in the bone beneath. The overall blade length is perhaps thirty or more inches, with an eight inch long "false-edge" across the back of the tip, for backhanded slashes. Used one handed from kailla back it is incredibly deadly; used two-handed upon the ground it is equally terrifying. This weapon is mentioned in book #4, Nomads of Gor, and described further in book #10, Tribesmen of Gor.
“Gron, bare chested, stood beside him, resting the point of a great, long, curved sword on the tiles at his feet.” Fighting Slave of Gor, Page 118
-Gorean Spears-
Common Gorean Spear
The typical Gorean spear is approximately seven feet in length, with a fitted wooden handle up to two inches thick, capped by a leaf-shaped, tapering head eighteen inches in length. The handle itself is usually made from ka-la-na wood, and banded with metal near the juncture of the spear-head socket to prevent the handle from shearing when
thrown. This weapon first appears in Book #1, Tarnsman of Gor, and appears regularly throughout the series thereafter.
The bronze head of the spear had cut through the brass loops on the shield and pierced the seven hardened concentric layers of bosk hide which formed it.” Outlaw of Gor , page 237
The spear, a Gorean war spear, its head tapered of bronze, some eighteen inches long, its shaft more than an inch and a half in thickness, more than six feet in length, sped from my grasp. Hunters of Gor, page 279
It is a terrible weapon and, abetted by the somewhat lighter gravity of Gor, when cast with considerable force, can pierce a shield at close quarters or bury its head a foot deep in solid wood. Outlaw of Gor, page 21
Lances
Beside him lay the long lance, some nine feet in length. Tribesmen of Gor, page 255
. . .the long, slim lance, eight feet Gorean in length, marked with red and yellow swirling stripes, terminating in an extremely narrow point, razored, steel, some eleven inches in length, and lancelate, as the leaf of the flahdah tree. Tribesmen of Gor, page 234
Tharlarion Lance
A thick spear, approximately ten to fourteen feet long. It has a lanceolate sphear tip that attaches to a thick shaft. At the thickest part the shaft of the lance is about four inches in width and is often fluted to lighten it. Usualy carried when on the tharlarion, couched beneath the right arm of the user, the lance itself crossing over and above the neck of the mount, often supported by a lance-rest which is either attached to the saddle or worn strapped to the user's chest. Can also be thrown, though not designed for it. First appears in book #1, Tarnsman of Gor.
In a minute the raider appeared in view- a fine, bearded warrior with a golden helmet and a Tharlarion lance…Tarnsmen of Gor page 115
Kailla Lance
(Wagon Peoples)A long slender spear, eight to ten feet long, designed to be used from the saddle of a rider on kaillaback. These lances are carried in the right fist, and are flexible and light. They are used primarily for thrusting. Black in color, they are made from the poles of young tem trees, and so flexible that they may be bent almost double
before they break. A loose loop of boskhide, wound twice about the right fist, helps the user to retain the weapon in mounted combat. It is seldom, if ever, thrown. First described in book #4, Nomads of Gor.
“Ah, yes, weapons,” Kmachak was saying, “ what shall it be, the kaiila lance, a whip and bladed bole perhaps the quiva?” Nomads of Gor page 123
The kaiila lance is used in hunting kailiauk as well as in mounted warfare. It is called the kaiila lance because it is designed to be used from kaiilaback. It is to be distinguished in particular from the longer, heavier tharlarion lances designed for use from tharlarionback, and often used with a lance post. Savages of Gor, page 42
Kailla Lance, War
(War lance of the Red savages) This weapon is almost identical to the kailla lance of the Wagon Peoples, though it is more heavily carved and decorated. First appears in book #17, Savages of Gor.
Kailla Lance, Hunting
(Red Savage hunting lance) Similar to the kailla lance of the wagon peoples, the hunting lance of the Red Savages is commonly longer, than the war lance, designed to pierce deeply into a kailiauk's heart. The shaft is made from temwood. The tip can be metal, carved bone or shaped stone,(depending upon what is available) and made be lashed to the shaft with boiled sinew or rawhide, or even attached with metal trade rivets.(again using what is at hand) Leather grips, hand loops, and decorations all made be present also. Described in book
#17, Savages of Gor.
Tarn Lance
(Red savages) Similiar to the war lance, except that it is longer and more slender, easier use from tarnback. Described in book #17, Savages of Gor.
Harpoon
A javelin-type spear, fitted with a barbed head and used with an attached line for retrieval. A similar weapon first appears in the brine pits of Klima in book #10, Tribesmen of Gor, and the actual harpoon itself is used extensively in book #12, Beasts of Gor.
"I grasped the long harpoon. It was some eight feet in length, some two and a half inches in diameter. Its major shaft was of wood, but it had a foreshaft of bone. In this foreshaft was set the head of the harpoon, of bone, drilled, with a point of sharpened slate. Through the drilled hole in the bone, some four inches below the slate point and some four inches above the base of the head, was passed a rawhide line, which lay coiled in the bottom of the boat. As the hole is drilled the line, when it, snaps taut, will turn the head of the harpoon in the wound, anchoring it. Beasts of Gor, page 258
I set the light harpoon into the notch on the throwing board and, even mittened, an instant before the beast turned toward me, grunted, snapping the throwing board forward and downward, speeding the shaft toward the enraged animal. Beasts of Gor, page 285
Trident
The three-pronged spearing fork used by fishermen and sailors of the islands of Gor. Can be utilized both as a thrusting weapon and as a throwing weapon. It is also used, in conjunction with a hooked net, in various gladitorial arenas throughout Gor. (rentiri) It is briefly described as being approximately seven feet in overall length, with prongs of 10" inches or more. Often used with a line attached, for retrieval should it be thrown. This weapon is described in book #6,
Raiders of Gor.
“I could use some paga” said he . He had purchased the net in the morning with a trident, the traditional weapons of the fisherman of the western shore, and the western islands.” Raiders of Gor page 112
Pikes
Four members of the Council Guard, beneath the two great braziers set at the entrance, leaped to attention, the butts of their pikes striking on the tiles. Raiders of Gor, page 255
Gorean infantry, with staggered lines and fixed pikes, their butts anchored in the earth, could usually turn an attack of light cavalry. Savages of Go, page 286
Pikes for repelling boarders, it might be noted, are often greased near the blade end. This makes it harder for boarders to grasp them, wrenching them away, forcing gaps in the pike wall, and so on. Renegades of Gor, page 265
He struck a defender’s pike away from himself. Then he cut at the pirates to his left and right. Guardsman of Gor, page 41
Javelins
Light-armed troops hurried forward, slingers and archers, and javelin men, to keep defenders back. Renegades of Gor, page 259
Sometimes a passing army desires merely to amplify its forces, or replace losses, particularly among the lighter arms, such as bowmen, slingers and javelin men. Mercenaries of Gor, page 31
. . .tarred javelins would be shaken out near the springals and light catapults. Raiders of Gor, page 197
-Knives and Daggers-
Daggers
Daggers take many forms, depending upon the needs and whims of their users, and such weapons are the most common form of side-arm used on Gor. Daggers are worn openly in a belt-sheath or concealed beneath one's clothing, often strapped to the wrist beneath the owner's sleeve, tucked into the collar behind the neck, or hidden in a boot. Used by many freewomen as a personal means of self-defense. Examples of these weapons can be found in every book of the series.
Quiva
A narrow double-edged blade of between 9 and 12 inches in length mounted on a shaped handle of wood, bone, or horn. It is honed to razor sharpness, and its blade tapers to a needle point. Designed for use primarily as a throwing knife, the quiva is also perfectly functional as a hand weapon and general utility knife. It is mostly used by the nomadic Wagon Peoples of the southern hemisphere, who will carry matched sets of seven in special sheaths attached to their kailla saddles. First described in book #4, Nomads of Gor.
“the quiva itself is regarded, on the whole, as more of a missile weapon than a hand knife.” Nomads of Gor. Page 124
Killing Knife
A throwing knife, used by the Caste of Assassins. It is much smaller than the quiva, approximately six to eight inches in length, and its blade is tapered on only one side. Sometimes used in conjunction with poison, though trained Assassins typically disdain the use of poison. It is rarely used in hand-to-hand combat, designed primarily to be thrown at the body of an unsuspecting victim. Described in book #5, Assassin of Gor.
It was a throwing knife, of a sort used in Ar, much smaller than the southern quiva, and tapered on only one side. It was a knife designed for killing. Mixed with the blood and fluids of the body there was a smear of white at the end of the steel, the softened residue of a glaze of kanda paste, now melted by body heat, which had coated the tip of the blade. On the hilt of the dagger, curling about it, was the legend, 'I have sought him. I have found him.' It was a killing knife. 'The Caste of Assassins?' I had asked. 'Unlikely,' had said the Older Tarl, 'for Assassins are commonly too proud for poison.' Assassin of Gor, page 42
Hook knife
Then the large man with missing teeth seized Hup's hair and pulled up the head, to expose the throat, holdingn in his right hand, a small, thick, curved blade, the hook knife of Ar, used sheathed in the sport of that name. . .” Assassin of Gor, Page 12
To this belt there hung the sheath of a hook knife, which was buckled in the sheath, the strap passing over the hilt. Assassin of Gor, Page 84
Both were stripped to the waist. The hair of both was bound back with a band of cloth. Each carried, sheathed, a hook knife. The edges of the sheath were coated with a bluish pigment. Assassin of Gor, page 86
Ho-Tu, his hook knife dripping, a buckler on his left arm now stood beside us. Assassin of Gor, Page 346
"When you were going through our friends' pouches over there, did you find any small knives, such as a hook knife or a shaving knife?" Renegades of Gor, Page 246
She took Claudia's hair in her left hand and held the razor-sharp hook knife. Assassin of Gor, Page 317
There were various matches in the pit of sand that evening. There was a contest of sheathed hook knife, one of whips and another of spiked gauntlets. Assassin of Gor, page 120
Killing knife
It was a throwing knife, of a sort used in Ar, much smaller than the southern quiva, and tapered on only one side. It was a knife designed for killing. Mixed with the blood and fluids of the body there was a smear of white at the end of the steel, the softened residue of a glaze of kanda paste, now melted by body heat, which had coated the tip of the blade. On the hilt of the dagger, curling about it, was the legend, 'I have sought him. I have found him.' It was a killing knife. 'The Caste of Assassins?' I had asked. 'Unlikely,' had said the Older Tarl, 'for Assassins are commonly too proud for poison.' Assassin of Gor, page 42
It was a killing knife, short, well-balanced for throwing. Assassin of Gor, page 261
Sleen knife
"I saw Sheera, standing knee deep in the water, near the beach. She had now thrust her sleen knife into its belt sheath. She was a strongly bodied girl. The sun made the chains and claws at her throat gleam. 'Return again' she called, 'perhaps we will have more men to sell you.' " Hunters of Gor, page 32-33
"The huntsman resheathed his sleen knife." Hunters of Gor, page 162
"I carried only my sword, on its sheath, and a short sleen knife, balanced." Hunters of Gor, page 266
"She fingered the hilt of the sleen knife." Hunters of Gor, page 133
Tarn knife
I looked across to Menicius of Port Kar. His eyes darted from mine. He bent over the neck of Quarrel. I saw that He had been given another knife, a Tarn knife, of the sort carried by riders. In His right hand, ready, there was a Tarn goad. Assassin of Gor, page 363
In Mip’s hand I saw a small dagger, a throwing knife, of a sort manufactured in Ar; it was smaller than the southern quiva; it was tapered on only one side.
“It is an interesting knife,” I said.
“All Tarn Keepers carry a knife,” said Mip, playing with the blade. Assassin of Gor, page 174
Turian Knife
"It is not unusual to encounter a fellow with a jacket of sleen fur, falling to his knees, sewn in the circle stitch of Scagnar, who wears upon his forehead a silken jeadband of Ar. He might carry a double-edged ax, but at his belt may hang a Turian dagger." Hunters of Gor, page 45
"At her waist she wore a jeweled scabbard, protruding from which I saw the ornamented, twisted blade of a Turian dagger; free women in Torvaldsland commonly carry a knife." Marauders of Gor, page 156
Rence knife
"One holds the stem of the plant in the left hand and, with the right, with a rence knife, a small, curved, two-inch knife makes a diagonal upward stroke.” Raiders of Gor, page 27
Panga
". . .the jungle is not a maze of impenetrable growth, which must be hacked through with machete or panga." Explorers of Gor, page 313
"The results of our trading had been two baskets of dried fish, a sack of meal and vegetables. A length of bark cloth, plaited and pounded, from the pod tree, dyed red, a handful of colored, wooden beads, and, most importantly, two pangas, two-foot-long, heavy, curve-bladed bush knives." Explorers of Gor, page 287
"The keen steel of our pangas smote apart thick vines." Explorers of Gor, page 382
"I seized up the panga which had been carried by the beast I had slain. It was heavy. I must needs use two hands to wield it." Explorers of Gor, page 437
Red Hunters knives
"The butcher knives are usually ground down into a narrow, concave shape. They do not have the sturdiness for combat. They are used, generally, for the swift acquisition of bloody trophies." Savages of Gor, page 145
"Imnak’s knife had a wooden handle, some fourteen inches long. Its point was some three inches in length. He braced it on his leg in carving, his fingers near the blade end where they might delicately control the movement of the metal." Beasts of Gor, page 253
More knives
"The ulo, or woman’s knife, with its semicircular blade, customarily fixed in a wooden handle, is not well suited to carving. It is better at cutting meat and slicing sinew." Beasts of Gor, page 262
"I did as I was told, and Imnak, with a large, curved, bone, saw-toothed knife, a snow knife, began to cut at a nearby drift of snow." Beasts of Gor, page 325
"She placed the turf knife in the pit, through the hole which we had left as its entrance. The turf knife is a wooden-bladed, saw-edged, paddlelike tool. It is used to cut and saw sod and, when the handle is held in the right hand and the blade is supported with the left, it may be used, also, rather like a shovel, to move dirt." Blood Brothers of Gor, pages 311-312
"He then drew the large, triangular-bladed knife from the beaded sheath on his belt." Savages of Gor, page 114
"He had sheathed his jagged-edged knife, a fisherman’s knife." Explorers of Gor, page 285
"He was cutting, with a ship’s knife. . ." Marauders of Gor, page 261
"He did have a bow case and quiver, and at the thong on his waist was a beaded sheath, from which protruded the hilt of a trade knife." Blood Brothers of Gor, page 8
"Then the warrior threw her to her stomach, binding her wrists together behind her back, then binding her ankles. With a slave knife he cut the rence tunic from her and threw her, still partly tangled in the net, over his shoulder." Raiders of Gor, page 54
-Gorean Axes-
Battle Axe
(Torvaldslander) This weapon is described as a single-bladed axe of steel, with a blade of anywhere from 8 to 14 inches in width, and is mounted on a thick wooden handle usually has a wrist thong attached to the end the handle, which enables it to be more easily retained during combat. This weapon first appears in the series in book #8, Marauders of Gor.
Great Axe
(Torvaldslander) This weapon is similar to the Torvaldslander Battle Axe, except it is much larger, with a handle up to four feet in length. The axe blade is also much larger, and this weapon is used two-handed. Occasionally these axes will be double-headed. This weapon makes its first appearance in the series in book #8, Marauders of Gor.
Tomahawk
This weapon consists of a shaped wooden handle up to two feet in length, capped with a narrow hatchet-type blade comprised either of sharpened metal, shaped stone or obsidian glass. Often carved with ceremonial inscriptions, it is a common war-arm in use by the Red Savages of the vast grasslands located to the northwest of the civilized city-states of Gor. Can be used as a hand weapon, often in conjunction with a shield of dried rawhide over a wood frame, or thrown as a missle weapon.
-Bows-
Arrow, Sheaf And Flight
"The gorean sheaf arrow is slightly over a yard long, the flight arrow is about forty inches in length. Both are metal piled and fletched with three half-feathers, from the wings of Vosk gulls. Mixed in with the arrows were leather tab, with two openings for the right forefinger and the middle finger, and the leather bracer, to shield the left forearm from the flashing string." Raiders of Gor pager 68
Great (Peasant) Bow
A non - recurved long bow made from the wood of the ka-la-na tree or sometimes of temwood. Unstrung it is over six feet in length, and can require a pull of up to 120 lbs. The bowstring itself is usually made of hemp or sinew lashed with silk thread. The arrows of the bow are temwood, and fletched with the feathers of the vosk gull. Each such arrow is approximately three feet in length, and can be tipped with several different types of arrowheads; of these, the flight tip (a long narrow three-sided metal spike designed for extreme penetration) and the sheaf tip (a wide double or triple edged blade designed to inflict maximum tissue damage upon impact) are the most common. It is commonly carried slung or strapped over the shoulder of the archer when not in use, and is accompanied by a belt or shoulder quiver containing forty (or more) arrows. Its use requires the archer to wear a bracer of thick leather upon the forearm of his bowarm, and to use a archer's glove or leather finger tab to protect his hands and arm from the string when fired. This bow makes its first appearance in book #1, Tarnsman of Gor, and appears regularly there after.
“And there was, too, the great bow, of yellow, supple Ka-la-na, tipped with notched bosk horn, with its cord of hemp, whipped with silk and roll of sheaf and flight arrows. I counted the arrows. There were seventy arrows, fifty of which were sheaf arrows, twenty flight arrows.” Raiders of Gor page 68
Short Bow
This re-curved bow is much smaller in size than the great bow, and is better suited for use in close spaces or from the back of a kailla, tharlarion or tarn. It is often carved from a single, flexible piece of tem wood or ka-la-na wood, though such peoples as the Wagon Peoples and the Red Savages craft shortbows of layered wood and horn, which gives such bows much greater strength and durability. The arrows used by the shortbow are also much shorter than those employed by the great bow. First mentioned in book #1, Tarnsman of Gor, further described in books #4 and #7, and seen throughout the series afterward.
“I learned as well the rope and bow. The bow, of course, small, for use from the saddle, lacks the range and power of the Gorean Longbow or crossbow; still at close range, with considerable force, firing rapidly, arrow after arrow, it is a fearsome weapon.”Nomads of Gor Page 66
Wagon Peoples Small Bow
I could hear in three or four places the clash of arms, the hiss of bolts of crossbows, the answering featherswift flight of the barbed Tuchuk war arrows. Nomads of Gor, page 247
The sides of the wagon box, incidentally, are, here and there, perforated for arrow ports, for the small horn bow of the Wagon Peoples can be used to advantage not only from the back of a kaiila but, like the crossbow, from such cramped quarters. Nomads of Gor, page 31
It is small, double-curved, about four feet in length, built up of layers of bosk horn, bound and reinforced with metal and leather; it is banded with metal at seven points, including the grip, the bow lacks the range of both the longbow and the crossbow, but, at close range, firing rapidly, it can be a devastating weapon. Assassin of Gor, page 365
Again and again the small bow, swift and vicious, fired, twenty barbed arrows in half an Ehn. Assassin of Gor, page 372
The bow, of course, small, for use from the saddle, lacks the range and power of the Gorean longbow or crossbow; still, at close range, with considerable force, firing rapidly, arrow after arrow, it is a fearsome weapon. Nomads of Gor, pages 66-67
The small bow, interestingly, has never been used among tarnsmen. Assassin of Gor, page 365
Horn Bow
The horn bow, unfortunately, formed of pieces of split tabuk horn, bound with sinew, is not effective beyond some thirty yards, One must, thus, be almost upon the animal before loosing the shaft. Wood is scarce in the north and the peasant bow, or longbow, is not known there. More importantly, in the colder weather, the long bow would freeze and snap, unable to bear the stress of being drawn to its customary extent. Beasts of Gor, page 205
. . .at his back was a quiver containing arrows, and a short bow of sinew-bound, layered horn. Such men are seldom seen on Gor. They are the natives of the polar basin. Beasts of Gor, Page 48
Ship bow
The bows were put to their feet. They were short, ship bows, stout and manoeuvrable, easy to use in crowded quarters, easy to fire across the bulwarks of galleys locked in combat. I had seen only such bows in the holding of Policrates. Their rate of fire, of course, is much superior to that of the crossbow, either of the drawn or windlass variety.
All things considered, the ship bow is an ideal missile weapon for close-range naval combat. it is superior in this respect even to the peasant bow, or long bow, which excels it in impact, range and accuracy. Rogue of Gor, page 307-308
Crossbow
A standard infantry weapon of Gor. It consists of a heavy, flexible bow of tempered steel, 18" across (when drawn), mounted on a heavy wooden stock about two feet long, with a trigger mechanism built into the shaped handle. It can use several types arrows (quarrels) of spiked, smooth tipped or broad bladed quarrels, striking with enough
force to penetrate wooden walls, doors or human bodies with relative ease. It has an effective range of approximately 150 yards. Slow to reload, it is commonly redrawn through use of a "goat's-foot" hook or a cranequin (bow crank). Quarrels, or "bolts," are carried by the user in a belt-case or quiver. First appears in book #1, Tarnsman of Gor, and is afterwards seen often throughout the series.
“…the crossbow is the assassin’s weapon, par excellence; further, it might be mentioned that although it takes longer to set the crossbow, a weaker man, with, say his belt claw or his winding gear, can certainly manage to do so; accordingly, for every man capable of drawing a warrior’s long bow there will be an indefinite number who can sue the crossbow; lastly, at shorter distances, the crossbow requires much less skill for accuracy than the longbow." Raiders of gor Page 2
Crossbow, Cavalry
Similar in most respects to the larger crossbow, though instead of possessing a heavy metal bow, it has a much lighter bow of layered wood and horn. Slightly smaller in overall size, it is equipped with a metal stirrup at the firing end, enabling it to be more quickly restrung. It is originally mentioned quite early in the series as a "light crossbow" or "sporting crossbow," it is described in book #17, Savages of Gor.
-Shields-
Gorean Warrior's Shield
A circular shaped shield; made of several layers of bosk's hide generally seven to nine layers thick stretched over a lightweight framework of wood or horn, generally about twenty-four to thirty-six inches in diameter. The shield is often banded with strips of iron to further strengten it. The shield, thought seemingly small, is sufficient in size to protect the areas where a fatal blow may be struck, yet it may also be used as a covering in sever weather. It is worn upon the user's arm, usually the left one, and is carried slung across the back while traveling. The shield is usually painted and sometimes carries a design or device that denotes the warriors city-state.
“and the rounded shield of layered boskhide, with its double sling, riveted with pegs of iron, bound with hoops of brass” Raiders of Gor Page 68
Askari shields
"The oval leather shields and the stabbing spears of the askaris." Explorers of Gor, Page 439
"Lake Ngao, which was discovered by Shaba, and named by him, was named for a shield, because of its long, oval shape. The shields in this area tend to have that shape." Explorers of Gor, Page 100
"The askaris were jubilant, resplendent in their skins and feathers, with their golden necklaces and armlets, their narrow, tufted shields. . ." Explorers of Gor, Page 224
Turian Shield
"The morning sun flashed from their helmets, their long tharlarion lances, the metal embossments on their oval shields, unlike the rounded shields of most Gorean cities." Nomads of Gor, page 113
"They were not the large, oval shields of Turia, behind which a warrior might crouch.." Blood Brothers of Gor, Page 416
He wore a helmet and carried the Turian shield, which is oval. Nomads of Gor. Page 123
Buckler
"Incidentally, Turian warriors, in order to have the opportunity to slay a foe, as well as acquire his woman, customarily choose as the weapon of combat in these encounters, buckler and dagger, ax and buckler, dagger and whip, ax and net, or the two daggers, with the reservation that the quiva, if used, not be thrown. Kamrak, however, appeared adamant on the point. "The sword," he repeated." Nomadsof Gor, page 124
Rence Shields
Some of the men of the rencers, with their small shields of rence wicker, fought, but their marsh spears were no match for the steel swords and the war spears of Gor. Raiders of Gor, Page 52
-Helmets-
Common Helm
The most commonly used helmet is the standard Gorean war helmet. It is described as a close-faced helmet which encloses the entire head, with a distinctive "Y" shaped opening in the faceplate to admit air and to allow breathing. This style of helmet was perfected and much in use during the heyday of the city-states of Greece. Mounted atop each example of this type of helmet is a crest plate, upon which can be displayed the symbol of a city or organization. The crests themselves adorn the top of the helmet either crosswise, from one side of the neck to the other, or lengthwise from the back of the neck to the upper forehead like half-fans. The helmet itself can be painted or lacquered in any color, to represent a grouping, city or caste. This type of helmet is first described in book #1, Tarnsman of Gor, and appears regularly in later books.
Nomads Helm (Helm of The Wagon Peoples)
A type of helm that is often worn by the desert tribesmen and warriors of such cities as Turia and Tor, as well as by the nomadic warriors of the Wagon Peoples. This helmet is cone-shaped steel, often fitted with a nasal guard of narrow flat construction. Such helmets may be trimed with a ring of fur or fabric which encircles the brow, or with either a cloth covering or chain mail at the back of the helm, that covers the neck. These helmets are closely fitted to the wearer's head, padded with a thick cloth cap. This helmet type first appears in book #4, Nomads of Gor.
"He wore a conical, fur-rimmed iron helmet, a net of color chains depending from the helmet protecting his face, leaving only holes for eyes." Nomads of Gor. Page 10
Northern Helm
A fine example of helmetry is the helm worn by northern warriors. is in effect a steel or iron bowl. A single metal browband encircles the head, with two or more curved metal straps attached to it in the pattern of an "X", covering much of the wearer's skull. Curved plates are riveted in place to fill the gaps between the strapping, resulting in a layered metal cap with covers the entire head. These helmets are often fitted with cheek and neck guards, chain-mail camails or even metal faceplates which conceal the face or portions of it like a metal mask. The horns of animals or metal spikes may be attached to the helmet as decoration though this usually makes them rather bulky and difficult to wear in combat. This type of helmet makes its first appearance in book #8, Marauders of Gor.
The helmets of the north are commonly conical, with a nose-guard, that can slip up and down. At the neck and sides, attached by rings, usually hangs a mantle of linked chain. The helmet of Thorgard himself, however, covered his neck and the sides of his face. It was horned. Marauders of Gor, page 73
. . . a helmet, conical, of iron, with hanging chain, and a steel nosepiece, that might be raised and lowered in its bands. Marauders of Gor, page 96
Captain’s Helm
To be sure, carved in wood, high on the chair was the helmet with crest of sleen-fur, the mark of the captain. Marauders of Gor page 6
Assassins Helmet
All were silent, I wore the garb of the Caste of Assassins, and on the left temple of the black helmet was the golden slash of the messenger. Tarnsmen of gor Page 192
-Other Weapons-
War Club
(Red savages) A carved, shaped club of wood or bone, often mounted with a stone or metal head of some sort. This weapon is probably approximately two to three feet in length. This weapon is mentioned in book #18, Blood Brothers of Gor.
Grunt carried similar articles but he, as well, as I had not, carried such items as long nails, rivets, hatchets, metal arrowheads, metal lance points, knife blades and butcher knives. The knife blades and long nails are sometimes mounted in clubs. Savages of Gor, page 145
Bola
The favored weapon of the Warriors of Wagon People. The bola consists of three long leather straps, each about 5 feet in length, terminating in a leather sack which contains, a heavy rounded metal weight. Developed for hunting, it also can be used as a weapon of war. Thrown low the long straps, with their approximate ten-foot sweep, strike the victim and the weighted balls,whip about the victim's legs, entangling and tightening the straps. Thrown high it can pin a man's arms to his sides; thrown at the throat it can strangle him; thrown at the head the whipping weights can crush his skull. Once a victim is entangled with the bolo, another weapon is then utilized to dispatch the victim. This weapon first appears in book #4, Nomads of Gor.
Snake Whip
Heavy coil, laced with wire and flecks of iron. Used primarily on male slaves/captives. Beasts of Gor, page 161
Whip Knife
The important point, however, in the circumstances was that Kamras had proposed the sword as the weapon of his encounter with Kamchak, and poor Kamchak was almost certain to be as unfamiliar with the sword as you or I would be with any of the more unusual weapons of Gor, say, the whip knife of Port Kar or the trained varts of the caves of Tyros. Nomads of Gor, page 124
Coiled at the side of his saddle, in four loops, was a whip knife, of the sort common in Port Kar, a whip, but set into its final eighteen inches, arranged in sets of four, twenty thin, narrow blades; the tips of whip knives differ; some have a double-edged blade of about seven or eight inches at the tip; others have a stunning lead, which fells the victim and permits him, half-conscious, to be cut to pieces at the attacker’s leisure; the whip knife of Menicius, however, held at its tip the double-edged blade, capable of cutting a throat at twelve feet. Assassin of Gor, Pages 363-364
Spiked Hand Wraps
Heavy cloth or leather strips bound about the hand, with projecting spikes which cover the wearer's knuckles. Described in book #14, Fighting Slave of Gor.
Spiked Leather
A pair of spiked leather balls which are worn upon the hands of Arena fighters; the spikes of these devices can be very long. Mentioned in book #14, Fighting Slave of Gor.
Knife Gauntlets
A pair of thick leather gauntlets, upon which are mounted crescent shaped knife blades. Sometimes used by gladiators in arena combats. Mentioned inbook #14, Fighting Slave of Gor.
"Sometimes men wrestle to the death or use the spiked gauntlets." Assassin of Gor, page 189
"The wooden shields of Torvaldsland no more stopped the great axes than dried skins of larma fruit, stretched on sewing frames, might have resisted the four-bladed dagger cestus of Anango or the hatchet gauntlet of eastern Skjern." Marauders of Gor, page 205
"In the pits of Ar,” he said, “he has fought with the knife gauntlets." Fighting Slave of Gor, page 318
Tarn goad
He entered my apartment, carrying a metal rod about two feet long, with a leather loop attached. It had a switch on the handle, which could be set for two positions, on and off, like a simple torch. `What is it?' I asked. 'A tarn-goad,' he replied. He snapped the switch in the barrel to the "on" position and struck the table. It showered sparks in a sudden cascade of yellow light, but left the table unmarked. He turned off the goad and extended it to me. As I reached for it, he snapped it on and slapped it in my palm. A billion tiny yellow sparks, like pieces of fiery needles, seemed to explode in my hand. I cried out in shock. I thrust my hand to my mouth. It had been like a sudden, severe electric charge, like the striking of a snake in my hand. I examined my hand; it was unhurt. 'Be careful of a tarn-goad,' said the Older Tarl. 'It is not for children. Tarnsman of Gor, page 50
Slave goad
He scrambled to His feet, his face a mask of hate, looked about, saw the slave goad, ran to it and whipped it from the wall. I did not pursue him, not wanting to kill him. He turned and I saw, in almost one motion of his finger, the goad switch go to on, the dial rotate to the kill point. Then crouching, the goad blazing in his hand, he approached me warily. Assassin of Gor, page 260
Cestae
Even the cruel cestae of the low pits might have cut away his lower jaw. Fighting Slave of Gor, page 321
He had fought even with the spiked cestae and the knife gauntlets. Rouge of Gor, page 241
Sometimes men wrestle to the death or use the spiked gauntlets. Assassin of Gor, page 189
The wooden shields of Torvaldsland no more stopped the great axes than dried skins of larma fruit, stretched on sewing frames, might have resisted the four-bladed dagger cestus of Anango or the hatchet gauntlet of eastern Skjern. Marauders of Gor, page 205
Rope
Kamchak was a skilled instructor in these matters and, freely, hours at a time, until it grew too dark to see, supervised my practice with such fierce tools as the lance, the quiva and bola. I learned as well the rope and bow. Nomads of Gor, page 66-67
Anything goes
"The women and children carried sticks and switches, the men spears, flails, forks, and clubs" Captive of Gor, page 249
"But a moment later the charging citizens, like thundering, horned kailiauk, like uncontrolled, maddened, stampeding bosk, pikes and spears leveled, chains flailing, swords flashing, boat hooks, and axes and shovels upraised, struck the dumbfounded, disarrayed throngs of astonished buccaneers." Guardsman of Gor, page 128
"Several of them began to follow us, lifting flails and great scythes. Some carried chains, others hoes." Marauders of Gor, page 49
"Shortly thereafter some seven or eight ruffians, armed with clubs and iron bars, had attacked the shop, destroying its equipment." Nomads of Gor, page 237
"They had come prepared, though naked, to make war, though it be with but the branches of trees and the stones of the forest." Hunters of Gor, page 289
Gorean Short Sword
The basic weapon of all warriors of Gor. Approximatly twenty to twenty-two inches in length from hilt tip to blade tip, the blade is doubled-edged, and leaf shaped. Narrower at the hilt base and then widening to a width of three or four inches and then descending to a curved and pointed tip. The grip is generally either of polished wood or leather covered wood, with an oval cross-guard. The Gorean short sword is hand forged of light carbon steel. The leaf shaped blade is ideal for thrusting. Perfect for close combat, its point giving it excellent armor penetrating properties. It is generally carried, in a sheath slung over the left shoulder by means of a leather harness, but may also be worn at the hip. This sword is mentioned in all books relating to Gor, from Book #1 Tarnsman Of Gor and throughout the series.
“I had again my sword, that wine-tempered blade of fine, double-edged Gorean steel, carried even at the siege of Ar, so long ago with its scabbard.” Raiders of Gor page 68
Gorean Long Sword
The Long sword is commonly used by the warriors of Torvaldsland. Approximately 36 inches in length, the forging of these "long swords" follows the pattern of the swords in the Damascus style. In this method, many bilits of steel, both hard (high carbon) and soft or flexible (tool) steel are beaten together under heat and folded back upon itself and beaten flat again. This is repeated many times. This folding creates a blade with both a tremendous amount of flexibility and also one that is virtually unbreakable. It also, when treated with a mild acid solution, reveals the pattern formed by the layers of the different steels.
This pattern is different from blade to blade and gives the sword it's unique appearance. This blade is used as a slashing weapon, often it is used to batter an opponents shield to bits. It is carried in a belt-scabbard or straped across its user's back over his right shoulder. Most long swords are "named" blades and they carry the name of their maker or are named by their owner. Names like 'Gramr'('fierce')and 'Fotbitr' ('leg biter') are often used. The warriors of Torvaldsland belive their swords, as with their ships, possesses a 'soul'. This weapon makes its first appearance in the series in book #8, Marauders of Gor.
He wore beneath his cloak of yellow wool, and a great belt of glistening black, with a gold buckle, to which was attached a scabbard of oiled, black leather; in this scabbard was a sword, a sword of Torvaldsland, a long sword, with a jeweled pommel, with double guard. Marauders of Gor, page 172
What do you expect to do with that paring knife?" asked Bjarni of Thorstein Camp Camp, looking at me puzzled. He thought me mad. “Your long sword,” I told him, “is doubtless quite useful in thrusting over thebalwarks of ships. . .” Marauders of Gor, Page 148
“. . .the arc of your stroke is wider then mine, and your blade heavier.” Marauders of Gor ,Page 149
“He wore beneath his cloak yellow wool, and a great belt of glimmering black, with a gold buckle to which was attached a scabbard of oiled, black leather: in this scabbed was a sword, a sword of Torvaldsland, a long sword with a jeweled pommel, with double guard.” Marauders of Gor page 172
-Other Swords-
Alar Sword
"Besides the ax, Alars are fond of the Alar sword, a long, heavy, double-edged weapon." Mercenaries of Gor, Page 45
Spatha
It was a long, cutting sword, of the sort called a spatha among the wagons." Mercenaries of Gor, Page 66
Gladius
He also carried among his things the short, stabbing sword, similar to the gladius, and doubtless related to it, called by his people the sacramasax." Mercenaries of Gor, Page 66
Scimitar
A long curved sword, used either one-handed or with two-hands, depending upon the situation. Forged in the Damascus maner, it has a wickedly curved, single-edged blade, honed to razor-sharpness. Even a light stroke of a Tahari scimitar will pass effortlessly through the flesh, leaving a carved mark 1/4" inch deep in the bone beneath. The overall blade length is perhaps thirty or more inches, with an eight inch long "false-edge" across the back of the tip, for backhanded slashes. Used one handed from kailla back it is incredibly deadly; used two-handed upon the ground it is equally terrifying. This weapon is mentioned in book #4, Nomads of Gor, and described further in book #10, Tribesmen of Gor.
“Gron, bare chested, stood beside him, resting the point of a great, long, curved sword on the tiles at his feet.” Fighting Slave of Gor, Page 118
-Gorean Spears-
Common Gorean Spear
The typical Gorean spear is approximately seven feet in length, with a fitted wooden handle up to two inches thick, capped by a leaf-shaped, tapering head eighteen inches in length. The handle itself is usually made from ka-la-na wood, and banded with metal near the juncture of the spear-head socket to prevent the handle from shearing when
thrown. This weapon first appears in Book #1, Tarnsman of Gor, and appears regularly throughout the series thereafter.
The bronze head of the spear had cut through the brass loops on the shield and pierced the seven hardened concentric layers of bosk hide which formed it.” Outlaw of Gor , page 237
The spear, a Gorean war spear, its head tapered of bronze, some eighteen inches long, its shaft more than an inch and a half in thickness, more than six feet in length, sped from my grasp. Hunters of Gor, page 279
It is a terrible weapon and, abetted by the somewhat lighter gravity of Gor, when cast with considerable force, can pierce a shield at close quarters or bury its head a foot deep in solid wood. Outlaw of Gor, page 21
Lances
Beside him lay the long lance, some nine feet in length. Tribesmen of Gor, page 255
. . .the long, slim lance, eight feet Gorean in length, marked with red and yellow swirling stripes, terminating in an extremely narrow point, razored, steel, some eleven inches in length, and lancelate, as the leaf of the flahdah tree. Tribesmen of Gor, page 234
Tharlarion Lance
A thick spear, approximately ten to fourteen feet long. It has a lanceolate sphear tip that attaches to a thick shaft. At the thickest part the shaft of the lance is about four inches in width and is often fluted to lighten it. Usualy carried when on the tharlarion, couched beneath the right arm of the user, the lance itself crossing over and above the neck of the mount, often supported by a lance-rest which is either attached to the saddle or worn strapped to the user's chest. Can also be thrown, though not designed for it. First appears in book #1, Tarnsman of Gor.
In a minute the raider appeared in view- a fine, bearded warrior with a golden helmet and a Tharlarion lance…Tarnsmen of Gor page 115
Kailla Lance
(Wagon Peoples)A long slender spear, eight to ten feet long, designed to be used from the saddle of a rider on kaillaback. These lances are carried in the right fist, and are flexible and light. They are used primarily for thrusting. Black in color, they are made from the poles of young tem trees, and so flexible that they may be bent almost double
before they break. A loose loop of boskhide, wound twice about the right fist, helps the user to retain the weapon in mounted combat. It is seldom, if ever, thrown. First described in book #4, Nomads of Gor.
“Ah, yes, weapons,” Kmachak was saying, “ what shall it be, the kaiila lance, a whip and bladed bole perhaps the quiva?” Nomads of Gor page 123
The kaiila lance is used in hunting kailiauk as well as in mounted warfare. It is called the kaiila lance because it is designed to be used from kaiilaback. It is to be distinguished in particular from the longer, heavier tharlarion lances designed for use from tharlarionback, and often used with a lance post. Savages of Gor, page 42
Kailla Lance, War
(War lance of the Red savages) This weapon is almost identical to the kailla lance of the Wagon Peoples, though it is more heavily carved and decorated. First appears in book #17, Savages of Gor.
Kailla Lance, Hunting
(Red Savage hunting lance) Similar to the kailla lance of the wagon peoples, the hunting lance of the Red Savages is commonly longer, than the war lance, designed to pierce deeply into a kailiauk's heart. The shaft is made from temwood. The tip can be metal, carved bone or shaped stone,(depending upon what is available) and made be lashed to the shaft with boiled sinew or rawhide, or even attached with metal trade rivets.(again using what is at hand) Leather grips, hand loops, and decorations all made be present also. Described in book
#17, Savages of Gor.
Tarn Lance
(Red savages) Similiar to the war lance, except that it is longer and more slender, easier use from tarnback. Described in book #17, Savages of Gor.
Harpoon
A javelin-type spear, fitted with a barbed head and used with an attached line for retrieval. A similar weapon first appears in the brine pits of Klima in book #10, Tribesmen of Gor, and the actual harpoon itself is used extensively in book #12, Beasts of Gor.
"I grasped the long harpoon. It was some eight feet in length, some two and a half inches in diameter. Its major shaft was of wood, but it had a foreshaft of bone. In this foreshaft was set the head of the harpoon, of bone, drilled, with a point of sharpened slate. Through the drilled hole in the bone, some four inches below the slate point and some four inches above the base of the head, was passed a rawhide line, which lay coiled in the bottom of the boat. As the hole is drilled the line, when it, snaps taut, will turn the head of the harpoon in the wound, anchoring it. Beasts of Gor, page 258
I set the light harpoon into the notch on the throwing board and, even mittened, an instant before the beast turned toward me, grunted, snapping the throwing board forward and downward, speeding the shaft toward the enraged animal. Beasts of Gor, page 285
Trident
The three-pronged spearing fork used by fishermen and sailors of the islands of Gor. Can be utilized both as a thrusting weapon and as a throwing weapon. It is also used, in conjunction with a hooked net, in various gladitorial arenas throughout Gor. (rentiri) It is briefly described as being approximately seven feet in overall length, with prongs of 10" inches or more. Often used with a line attached, for retrieval should it be thrown. This weapon is described in book #6,
Raiders of Gor.
“I could use some paga” said he . He had purchased the net in the morning with a trident, the traditional weapons of the fisherman of the western shore, and the western islands.” Raiders of Gor page 112
Pikes
Four members of the Council Guard, beneath the two great braziers set at the entrance, leaped to attention, the butts of their pikes striking on the tiles. Raiders of Gor, page 255
Gorean infantry, with staggered lines and fixed pikes, their butts anchored in the earth, could usually turn an attack of light cavalry. Savages of Go, page 286
Pikes for repelling boarders, it might be noted, are often greased near the blade end. This makes it harder for boarders to grasp them, wrenching them away, forcing gaps in the pike wall, and so on. Renegades of Gor, page 265
He struck a defender’s pike away from himself. Then he cut at the pirates to his left and right. Guardsman of Gor, page 41
Javelins
Light-armed troops hurried forward, slingers and archers, and javelin men, to keep defenders back. Renegades of Gor, page 259
Sometimes a passing army desires merely to amplify its forces, or replace losses, particularly among the lighter arms, such as bowmen, slingers and javelin men. Mercenaries of Gor, page 31
. . .tarred javelins would be shaken out near the springals and light catapults. Raiders of Gor, page 197
-Knives and Daggers-
Daggers
Daggers take many forms, depending upon the needs and whims of their users, and such weapons are the most common form of side-arm used on Gor. Daggers are worn openly in a belt-sheath or concealed beneath one's clothing, often strapped to the wrist beneath the owner's sleeve, tucked into the collar behind the neck, or hidden in a boot. Used by many freewomen as a personal means of self-defense. Examples of these weapons can be found in every book of the series.
Quiva
A narrow double-edged blade of between 9 and 12 inches in length mounted on a shaped handle of wood, bone, or horn. It is honed to razor sharpness, and its blade tapers to a needle point. Designed for use primarily as a throwing knife, the quiva is also perfectly functional as a hand weapon and general utility knife. It is mostly used by the nomadic Wagon Peoples of the southern hemisphere, who will carry matched sets of seven in special sheaths attached to their kailla saddles. First described in book #4, Nomads of Gor.
“the quiva itself is regarded, on the whole, as more of a missile weapon than a hand knife.” Nomads of Gor. Page 124
Killing Knife
A throwing knife, used by the Caste of Assassins. It is much smaller than the quiva, approximately six to eight inches in length, and its blade is tapered on only one side. Sometimes used in conjunction with poison, though trained Assassins typically disdain the use of poison. It is rarely used in hand-to-hand combat, designed primarily to be thrown at the body of an unsuspecting victim. Described in book #5, Assassin of Gor.
It was a throwing knife, of a sort used in Ar, much smaller than the southern quiva, and tapered on only one side. It was a knife designed for killing. Mixed with the blood and fluids of the body there was a smear of white at the end of the steel, the softened residue of a glaze of kanda paste, now melted by body heat, which had coated the tip of the blade. On the hilt of the dagger, curling about it, was the legend, 'I have sought him. I have found him.' It was a killing knife. 'The Caste of Assassins?' I had asked. 'Unlikely,' had said the Older Tarl, 'for Assassins are commonly too proud for poison.' Assassin of Gor, page 42
Hook knife
Then the large man with missing teeth seized Hup's hair and pulled up the head, to expose the throat, holdingn in his right hand, a small, thick, curved blade, the hook knife of Ar, used sheathed in the sport of that name. . .” Assassin of Gor, Page 12
To this belt there hung the sheath of a hook knife, which was buckled in the sheath, the strap passing over the hilt. Assassin of Gor, Page 84
Both were stripped to the waist. The hair of both was bound back with a band of cloth. Each carried, sheathed, a hook knife. The edges of the sheath were coated with a bluish pigment. Assassin of Gor, page 86
Ho-Tu, his hook knife dripping, a buckler on his left arm now stood beside us. Assassin of Gor, Page 346
"When you were going through our friends' pouches over there, did you find any small knives, such as a hook knife or a shaving knife?" Renegades of Gor, Page 246
She took Claudia's hair in her left hand and held the razor-sharp hook knife. Assassin of Gor, Page 317
There were various matches in the pit of sand that evening. There was a contest of sheathed hook knife, one of whips and another of spiked gauntlets. Assassin of Gor, page 120
Killing knife
It was a throwing knife, of a sort used in Ar, much smaller than the southern quiva, and tapered on only one side. It was a knife designed for killing. Mixed with the blood and fluids of the body there was a smear of white at the end of the steel, the softened residue of a glaze of kanda paste, now melted by body heat, which had coated the tip of the blade. On the hilt of the dagger, curling about it, was the legend, 'I have sought him. I have found him.' It was a killing knife. 'The Caste of Assassins?' I had asked. 'Unlikely,' had said the Older Tarl, 'for Assassins are commonly too proud for poison.' Assassin of Gor, page 42
It was a killing knife, short, well-balanced for throwing. Assassin of Gor, page 261
Sleen knife
"I saw Sheera, standing knee deep in the water, near the beach. She had now thrust her sleen knife into its belt sheath. She was a strongly bodied girl. The sun made the chains and claws at her throat gleam. 'Return again' she called, 'perhaps we will have more men to sell you.' " Hunters of Gor, page 32-33
"The huntsman resheathed his sleen knife." Hunters of Gor, page 162
"I carried only my sword, on its sheath, and a short sleen knife, balanced." Hunters of Gor, page 266
"She fingered the hilt of the sleen knife." Hunters of Gor, page 133
Tarn knife
I looked across to Menicius of Port Kar. His eyes darted from mine. He bent over the neck of Quarrel. I saw that He had been given another knife, a Tarn knife, of the sort carried by riders. In His right hand, ready, there was a Tarn goad. Assassin of Gor, page 363
In Mip’s hand I saw a small dagger, a throwing knife, of a sort manufactured in Ar; it was smaller than the southern quiva; it was tapered on only one side.
“It is an interesting knife,” I said.
“All Tarn Keepers carry a knife,” said Mip, playing with the blade. Assassin of Gor, page 174
Turian Knife
"It is not unusual to encounter a fellow with a jacket of sleen fur, falling to his knees, sewn in the circle stitch of Scagnar, who wears upon his forehead a silken jeadband of Ar. He might carry a double-edged ax, but at his belt may hang a Turian dagger." Hunters of Gor, page 45
"At her waist she wore a jeweled scabbard, protruding from which I saw the ornamented, twisted blade of a Turian dagger; free women in Torvaldsland commonly carry a knife." Marauders of Gor, page 156
Rence knife
"One holds the stem of the plant in the left hand and, with the right, with a rence knife, a small, curved, two-inch knife makes a diagonal upward stroke.” Raiders of Gor, page 27
Panga
". . .the jungle is not a maze of impenetrable growth, which must be hacked through with machete or panga." Explorers of Gor, page 313
"The results of our trading had been two baskets of dried fish, a sack of meal and vegetables. A length of bark cloth, plaited and pounded, from the pod tree, dyed red, a handful of colored, wooden beads, and, most importantly, two pangas, two-foot-long, heavy, curve-bladed bush knives." Explorers of Gor, page 287
"The keen steel of our pangas smote apart thick vines." Explorers of Gor, page 382
"I seized up the panga which had been carried by the beast I had slain. It was heavy. I must needs use two hands to wield it." Explorers of Gor, page 437
Red Hunters knives
"The butcher knives are usually ground down into a narrow, concave shape. They do not have the sturdiness for combat. They are used, generally, for the swift acquisition of bloody trophies." Savages of Gor, page 145
"Imnak’s knife had a wooden handle, some fourteen inches long. Its point was some three inches in length. He braced it on his leg in carving, his fingers near the blade end where they might delicately control the movement of the metal." Beasts of Gor, page 253
More knives
"The ulo, or woman’s knife, with its semicircular blade, customarily fixed in a wooden handle, is not well suited to carving. It is better at cutting meat and slicing sinew." Beasts of Gor, page 262
"I did as I was told, and Imnak, with a large, curved, bone, saw-toothed knife, a snow knife, began to cut at a nearby drift of snow." Beasts of Gor, page 325
"She placed the turf knife in the pit, through the hole which we had left as its entrance. The turf knife is a wooden-bladed, saw-edged, paddlelike tool. It is used to cut and saw sod and, when the handle is held in the right hand and the blade is supported with the left, it may be used, also, rather like a shovel, to move dirt." Blood Brothers of Gor, pages 311-312
"He then drew the large, triangular-bladed knife from the beaded sheath on his belt." Savages of Gor, page 114
"He had sheathed his jagged-edged knife, a fisherman’s knife." Explorers of Gor, page 285
"He was cutting, with a ship’s knife. . ." Marauders of Gor, page 261
"He did have a bow case and quiver, and at the thong on his waist was a beaded sheath, from which protruded the hilt of a trade knife." Blood Brothers of Gor, page 8
"Then the warrior threw her to her stomach, binding her wrists together behind her back, then binding her ankles. With a slave knife he cut the rence tunic from her and threw her, still partly tangled in the net, over his shoulder." Raiders of Gor, page 54
-Gorean Axes-
Battle Axe
(Torvaldslander) This weapon is described as a single-bladed axe of steel, with a blade of anywhere from 8 to 14 inches in width, and is mounted on a thick wooden handle usually has a wrist thong attached to the end the handle, which enables it to be more easily retained during combat. This weapon first appears in the series in book #8, Marauders of Gor.
Great Axe
(Torvaldslander) This weapon is similar to the Torvaldslander Battle Axe, except it is much larger, with a handle up to four feet in length. The axe blade is also much larger, and this weapon is used two-handed. Occasionally these axes will be double-headed. This weapon makes its first appearance in the series in book #8, Marauders of Gor.
Tomahawk
This weapon consists of a shaped wooden handle up to two feet in length, capped with a narrow hatchet-type blade comprised either of sharpened metal, shaped stone or obsidian glass. Often carved with ceremonial inscriptions, it is a common war-arm in use by the Red Savages of the vast grasslands located to the northwest of the civilized city-states of Gor. Can be used as a hand weapon, often in conjunction with a shield of dried rawhide over a wood frame, or thrown as a missle weapon.
-Bows-
Arrow, Sheaf And Flight
"The gorean sheaf arrow is slightly over a yard long, the flight arrow is about forty inches in length. Both are metal piled and fletched with three half-feathers, from the wings of Vosk gulls. Mixed in with the arrows were leather tab, with two openings for the right forefinger and the middle finger, and the leather bracer, to shield the left forearm from the flashing string." Raiders of Gor pager 68
Great (Peasant) Bow
A non - recurved long bow made from the wood of the ka-la-na tree or sometimes of temwood. Unstrung it is over six feet in length, and can require a pull of up to 120 lbs. The bowstring itself is usually made of hemp or sinew lashed with silk thread. The arrows of the bow are temwood, and fletched with the feathers of the vosk gull. Each such arrow is approximately three feet in length, and can be tipped with several different types of arrowheads; of these, the flight tip (a long narrow three-sided metal spike designed for extreme penetration) and the sheaf tip (a wide double or triple edged blade designed to inflict maximum tissue damage upon impact) are the most common. It is commonly carried slung or strapped over the shoulder of the archer when not in use, and is accompanied by a belt or shoulder quiver containing forty (or more) arrows. Its use requires the archer to wear a bracer of thick leather upon the forearm of his bowarm, and to use a archer's glove or leather finger tab to protect his hands and arm from the string when fired. This bow makes its first appearance in book #1, Tarnsman of Gor, and appears regularly there after.
“And there was, too, the great bow, of yellow, supple Ka-la-na, tipped with notched bosk horn, with its cord of hemp, whipped with silk and roll of sheaf and flight arrows. I counted the arrows. There were seventy arrows, fifty of which were sheaf arrows, twenty flight arrows.” Raiders of Gor page 68
Short Bow
This re-curved bow is much smaller in size than the great bow, and is better suited for use in close spaces or from the back of a kailla, tharlarion or tarn. It is often carved from a single, flexible piece of tem wood or ka-la-na wood, though such peoples as the Wagon Peoples and the Red Savages craft shortbows of layered wood and horn, which gives such bows much greater strength and durability. The arrows used by the shortbow are also much shorter than those employed by the great bow. First mentioned in book #1, Tarnsman of Gor, further described in books #4 and #7, and seen throughout the series afterward.
“I learned as well the rope and bow. The bow, of course, small, for use from the saddle, lacks the range and power of the Gorean Longbow or crossbow; still at close range, with considerable force, firing rapidly, arrow after arrow, it is a fearsome weapon.”Nomads of Gor Page 66
Wagon Peoples Small Bow
I could hear in three or four places the clash of arms, the hiss of bolts of crossbows, the answering featherswift flight of the barbed Tuchuk war arrows. Nomads of Gor, page 247
The sides of the wagon box, incidentally, are, here and there, perforated for arrow ports, for the small horn bow of the Wagon Peoples can be used to advantage not only from the back of a kaiila but, like the crossbow, from such cramped quarters. Nomads of Gor, page 31
It is small, double-curved, about four feet in length, built up of layers of bosk horn, bound and reinforced with metal and leather; it is banded with metal at seven points, including the grip, the bow lacks the range of both the longbow and the crossbow, but, at close range, firing rapidly, it can be a devastating weapon. Assassin of Gor, page 365
Again and again the small bow, swift and vicious, fired, twenty barbed arrows in half an Ehn. Assassin of Gor, page 372
The bow, of course, small, for use from the saddle, lacks the range and power of the Gorean longbow or crossbow; still, at close range, with considerable force, firing rapidly, arrow after arrow, it is a fearsome weapon. Nomads of Gor, pages 66-67
The small bow, interestingly, has never been used among tarnsmen. Assassin of Gor, page 365
Horn Bow
The horn bow, unfortunately, formed of pieces of split tabuk horn, bound with sinew, is not effective beyond some thirty yards, One must, thus, be almost upon the animal before loosing the shaft. Wood is scarce in the north and the peasant bow, or longbow, is not known there. More importantly, in the colder weather, the long bow would freeze and snap, unable to bear the stress of being drawn to its customary extent. Beasts of Gor, page 205
. . .at his back was a quiver containing arrows, and a short bow of sinew-bound, layered horn. Such men are seldom seen on Gor. They are the natives of the polar basin. Beasts of Gor, Page 48
Ship bow
The bows were put to their feet. They were short, ship bows, stout and manoeuvrable, easy to use in crowded quarters, easy to fire across the bulwarks of galleys locked in combat. I had seen only such bows in the holding of Policrates. Their rate of fire, of course, is much superior to that of the crossbow, either of the drawn or windlass variety.
All things considered, the ship bow is an ideal missile weapon for close-range naval combat. it is superior in this respect even to the peasant bow, or long bow, which excels it in impact, range and accuracy. Rogue of Gor, page 307-308
Crossbow
A standard infantry weapon of Gor. It consists of a heavy, flexible bow of tempered steel, 18" across (when drawn), mounted on a heavy wooden stock about two feet long, with a trigger mechanism built into the shaped handle. It can use several types arrows (quarrels) of spiked, smooth tipped or broad bladed quarrels, striking with enough
force to penetrate wooden walls, doors or human bodies with relative ease. It has an effective range of approximately 150 yards. Slow to reload, it is commonly redrawn through use of a "goat's-foot" hook or a cranequin (bow crank). Quarrels, or "bolts," are carried by the user in a belt-case or quiver. First appears in book #1, Tarnsman of Gor, and is afterwards seen often throughout the series.
“…the crossbow is the assassin’s weapon, par excellence; further, it might be mentioned that although it takes longer to set the crossbow, a weaker man, with, say his belt claw or his winding gear, can certainly manage to do so; accordingly, for every man capable of drawing a warrior’s long bow there will be an indefinite number who can sue the crossbow; lastly, at shorter distances, the crossbow requires much less skill for accuracy than the longbow." Raiders of gor Page 2
Crossbow, Cavalry
Similar in most respects to the larger crossbow, though instead of possessing a heavy metal bow, it has a much lighter bow of layered wood and horn. Slightly smaller in overall size, it is equipped with a metal stirrup at the firing end, enabling it to be more quickly restrung. It is originally mentioned quite early in the series as a "light crossbow" or "sporting crossbow," it is described in book #17, Savages of Gor.
-Shields-
Gorean Warrior's Shield
A circular shaped shield; made of several layers of bosk's hide generally seven to nine layers thick stretched over a lightweight framework of wood or horn, generally about twenty-four to thirty-six inches in diameter. The shield is often banded with strips of iron to further strengten it. The shield, thought seemingly small, is sufficient in size to protect the areas where a fatal blow may be struck, yet it may also be used as a covering in sever weather. It is worn upon the user's arm, usually the left one, and is carried slung across the back while traveling. The shield is usually painted and sometimes carries a design or device that denotes the warriors city-state.
“and the rounded shield of layered boskhide, with its double sling, riveted with pegs of iron, bound with hoops of brass” Raiders of Gor Page 68
Askari shields
"The oval leather shields and the stabbing spears of the askaris." Explorers of Gor, Page 439
"Lake Ngao, which was discovered by Shaba, and named by him, was named for a shield, because of its long, oval shape. The shields in this area tend to have that shape." Explorers of Gor, Page 100
"The askaris were jubilant, resplendent in their skins and feathers, with their golden necklaces and armlets, their narrow, tufted shields. . ." Explorers of Gor, Page 224
Turian Shield
"The morning sun flashed from their helmets, their long tharlarion lances, the metal embossments on their oval shields, unlike the rounded shields of most Gorean cities." Nomads of Gor, page 113
"They were not the large, oval shields of Turia, behind which a warrior might crouch.." Blood Brothers of Gor, Page 416
He wore a helmet and carried the Turian shield, which is oval. Nomads of Gor. Page 123
Buckler
"Incidentally, Turian warriors, in order to have the opportunity to slay a foe, as well as acquire his woman, customarily choose as the weapon of combat in these encounters, buckler and dagger, ax and buckler, dagger and whip, ax and net, or the two daggers, with the reservation that the quiva, if used, not be thrown. Kamrak, however, appeared adamant on the point. "The sword," he repeated." Nomadsof Gor, page 124
Rence Shields
Some of the men of the rencers, with their small shields of rence wicker, fought, but their marsh spears were no match for the steel swords and the war spears of Gor. Raiders of Gor, Page 52
-Helmets-
Common Helm
The most commonly used helmet is the standard Gorean war helmet. It is described as a close-faced helmet which encloses the entire head, with a distinctive "Y" shaped opening in the faceplate to admit air and to allow breathing. This style of helmet was perfected and much in use during the heyday of the city-states of Greece. Mounted atop each example of this type of helmet is a crest plate, upon which can be displayed the symbol of a city or organization. The crests themselves adorn the top of the helmet either crosswise, from one side of the neck to the other, or lengthwise from the back of the neck to the upper forehead like half-fans. The helmet itself can be painted or lacquered in any color, to represent a grouping, city or caste. This type of helmet is first described in book #1, Tarnsman of Gor, and appears regularly in later books.
Nomads Helm (Helm of The Wagon Peoples)
A type of helm that is often worn by the desert tribesmen and warriors of such cities as Turia and Tor, as well as by the nomadic warriors of the Wagon Peoples. This helmet is cone-shaped steel, often fitted with a nasal guard of narrow flat construction. Such helmets may be trimed with a ring of fur or fabric which encircles the brow, or with either a cloth covering or chain mail at the back of the helm, that covers the neck. These helmets are closely fitted to the wearer's head, padded with a thick cloth cap. This helmet type first appears in book #4, Nomads of Gor.
"He wore a conical, fur-rimmed iron helmet, a net of color chains depending from the helmet protecting his face, leaving only holes for eyes." Nomads of Gor. Page 10
Northern Helm
A fine example of helmetry is the helm worn by northern warriors. is in effect a steel or iron bowl. A single metal browband encircles the head, with two or more curved metal straps attached to it in the pattern of an "X", covering much of the wearer's skull. Curved plates are riveted in place to fill the gaps between the strapping, resulting in a layered metal cap with covers the entire head. These helmets are often fitted with cheek and neck guards, chain-mail camails or even metal faceplates which conceal the face or portions of it like a metal mask. The horns of animals or metal spikes may be attached to the helmet as decoration though this usually makes them rather bulky and difficult to wear in combat. This type of helmet makes its first appearance in book #8, Marauders of Gor.
The helmets of the north are commonly conical, with a nose-guard, that can slip up and down. At the neck and sides, attached by rings, usually hangs a mantle of linked chain. The helmet of Thorgard himself, however, covered his neck and the sides of his face. It was horned. Marauders of Gor, page 73
. . . a helmet, conical, of iron, with hanging chain, and a steel nosepiece, that might be raised and lowered in its bands. Marauders of Gor, page 96
Captain’s Helm
To be sure, carved in wood, high on the chair was the helmet with crest of sleen-fur, the mark of the captain. Marauders of Gor page 6
Assassins Helmet
All were silent, I wore the garb of the Caste of Assassins, and on the left temple of the black helmet was the golden slash of the messenger. Tarnsmen of gor Page 192
-Other Weapons-
War Club
(Red savages) A carved, shaped club of wood or bone, often mounted with a stone or metal head of some sort. This weapon is probably approximately two to three feet in length. This weapon is mentioned in book #18, Blood Brothers of Gor.
Grunt carried similar articles but he, as well, as I had not, carried such items as long nails, rivets, hatchets, metal arrowheads, metal lance points, knife blades and butcher knives. The knife blades and long nails are sometimes mounted in clubs. Savages of Gor, page 145
Bola
The favored weapon of the Warriors of Wagon People. The bola consists of three long leather straps, each about 5 feet in length, terminating in a leather sack which contains, a heavy rounded metal weight. Developed for hunting, it also can be used as a weapon of war. Thrown low the long straps, with their approximate ten-foot sweep, strike the victim and the weighted balls,whip about the victim's legs, entangling and tightening the straps. Thrown high it can pin a man's arms to his sides; thrown at the throat it can strangle him; thrown at the head the whipping weights can crush his skull. Once a victim is entangled with the bolo, another weapon is then utilized to dispatch the victim. This weapon first appears in book #4, Nomads of Gor.
Snake Whip
Heavy coil, laced with wire and flecks of iron. Used primarily on male slaves/captives. Beasts of Gor, page 161
Whip Knife
The important point, however, in the circumstances was that Kamras had proposed the sword as the weapon of his encounter with Kamchak, and poor Kamchak was almost certain to be as unfamiliar with the sword as you or I would be with any of the more unusual weapons of Gor, say, the whip knife of Port Kar or the trained varts of the caves of Tyros. Nomads of Gor, page 124
Coiled at the side of his saddle, in four loops, was a whip knife, of the sort common in Port Kar, a whip, but set into its final eighteen inches, arranged in sets of four, twenty thin, narrow blades; the tips of whip knives differ; some have a double-edged blade of about seven or eight inches at the tip; others have a stunning lead, which fells the victim and permits him, half-conscious, to be cut to pieces at the attacker’s leisure; the whip knife of Menicius, however, held at its tip the double-edged blade, capable of cutting a throat at twelve feet. Assassin of Gor, Pages 363-364
Spiked Hand Wraps
Heavy cloth or leather strips bound about the hand, with projecting spikes which cover the wearer's knuckles. Described in book #14, Fighting Slave of Gor.
Spiked Leather
A pair of spiked leather balls which are worn upon the hands of Arena fighters; the spikes of these devices can be very long. Mentioned in book #14, Fighting Slave of Gor.
Knife Gauntlets
A pair of thick leather gauntlets, upon which are mounted crescent shaped knife blades. Sometimes used by gladiators in arena combats. Mentioned inbook #14, Fighting Slave of Gor.
"Sometimes men wrestle to the death or use the spiked gauntlets." Assassin of Gor, page 189
"The wooden shields of Torvaldsland no more stopped the great axes than dried skins of larma fruit, stretched on sewing frames, might have resisted the four-bladed dagger cestus of Anango or the hatchet gauntlet of eastern Skjern." Marauders of Gor, page 205
"In the pits of Ar,” he said, “he has fought with the knife gauntlets." Fighting Slave of Gor, page 318
Tarn goad
He entered my apartment, carrying a metal rod about two feet long, with a leather loop attached. It had a switch on the handle, which could be set for two positions, on and off, like a simple torch. `What is it?' I asked. 'A tarn-goad,' he replied. He snapped the switch in the barrel to the "on" position and struck the table. It showered sparks in a sudden cascade of yellow light, but left the table unmarked. He turned off the goad and extended it to me. As I reached for it, he snapped it on and slapped it in my palm. A billion tiny yellow sparks, like pieces of fiery needles, seemed to explode in my hand. I cried out in shock. I thrust my hand to my mouth. It had been like a sudden, severe electric charge, like the striking of a snake in my hand. I examined my hand; it was unhurt. 'Be careful of a tarn-goad,' said the Older Tarl. 'It is not for children. Tarnsman of Gor, page 50
Slave goad
He scrambled to His feet, his face a mask of hate, looked about, saw the slave goad, ran to it and whipped it from the wall. I did not pursue him, not wanting to kill him. He turned and I saw, in almost one motion of his finger, the goad switch go to on, the dial rotate to the kill point. Then crouching, the goad blazing in his hand, he approached me warily. Assassin of Gor, page 260
Cestae
Even the cruel cestae of the low pits might have cut away his lower jaw. Fighting Slave of Gor, page 321
He had fought even with the spiked cestae and the knife gauntlets. Rouge of Gor, page 241
Sometimes men wrestle to the death or use the spiked gauntlets. Assassin of Gor, page 189
The wooden shields of Torvaldsland no more stopped the great axes than dried skins of larma fruit, stretched on sewing frames, might have resisted the four-bladed dagger cestus of Anango or the hatchet gauntlet of eastern Skjern. Marauders of Gor, page 205
Rope
Kamchak was a skilled instructor in these matters and, freely, hours at a time, until it grew too dark to see, supervised my practice with such fierce tools as the lance, the quiva and bola. I learned as well the rope and bow. Nomads of Gor, page 66-67
Anything goes
"The women and children carried sticks and switches, the men spears, flails, forks, and clubs" Captive of Gor, page 249
"But a moment later the charging citizens, like thundering, horned kailiauk, like uncontrolled, maddened, stampeding bosk, pikes and spears leveled, chains flailing, swords flashing, boat hooks, and axes and shovels upraised, struck the dumbfounded, disarrayed throngs of astonished buccaneers." Guardsman of Gor, page 128
"Several of them began to follow us, lifting flails and great scythes. Some carried chains, others hoes." Marauders of Gor, page 49
"Shortly thereafter some seven or eight ruffians, armed with clubs and iron bars, had attacked the shop, destroying its equipment." Nomads of Gor, page 237
"They had come prepared, though naked, to make war, though it be with but the branches of trees and the stones of the forest." Hunters of Gor, page 289