Tharlarion Calvary |
| Tharlarion are a species of Gorean lizards, ranging from tiny hand-sized
creatures to massive beasts. Certain types of tharlarion are used as mounts,
especially by those peoples who have not mastered the tarn. Tharlarions
have been used as mounts by Goreans far longer than tarns. Tharlarions have
been specially bred for a thousand generations before the first tarn was
ever tamed. Tharlarions generally need far less water than tarns and their
metabolism is slower. They seem almost impervious to pain, having a sluggish
nervous system. Most of the larger varieties, such as war tharlarion, have
not only a brain but also a smaller brainlike organ that is located near
the base of their spine. They basically respond to voice signals but sometimes
a strike with the butt of a lance is needed to move them. They must be hit
around the eye or ear openings as they are a couple of the only sensitive
areas on its massive body. Tharlarion cavalrymen ride war tharlarions, a variety of high tharlarion. These cavalrymen may be a subcaste of the Warrior Caste. Unfortunately, the books only contain brief references to these Warriors. War tharlarion are huge creatures, several tons in weight, and they move on two legs. Their saddles are meant to absorb shock but Warriors still wear a leather belt around their waists to help keep them in place. Tharlarions move almost in a leaping fashion so a ride can be unsteady. The cavalrymen also wear high, soft leather boots to protect their legs against the abrasive hide of the creatures. Nothing on Gor can face the mighty impact of a tharlarion charge. The best defenses are a series of ditches or pointed stakes/spears. The mobility of infantry units can also be important defensively as fast units can separate to allow the charging beasts between their lines, thus isolating and surrounding them. The Alars are quite skilled tharlarion riders and some cities use them in their cavalries. The Alars commonly use the medium-weight, saddle tharlarion. Their saddles have stirrups so they can use a couched stock lance. |