AR:
This might be the largest and most glorious city on
Gor. It is situated low in the temperate latitudes in the northern hemisphere.
The city is located south of the Vosk River and north of the Cartius River.
Ar claims the land between the Vosk and the Cartius. Ar tarnsmen do not fly
south of the Cartius. There is a swamp forest to the north border of Ar. Ar
is the hereditary enemy of Ko-ro-ba. It is also an enemy of Cos and Tyros.
Ar claims the southern shore of the Vosk. As Ar has no port, the Vosk is very
important. Ar is a central city containing the Home Stones of a dozen other
cities. It has become an empire. It is composed of more than a hundred thousand
cylinders and bridges. Its population is thought to be about two to three
million free people.
One popular account has it that an ancient hero, Hesius, once performed great
labors for Priest-Kings, and was promised a reward greater than gold and silver.
He was given, however, only a flat piece of rock with a single character inscribed
upon it, the first letter in the name of his native village. He reproached
the Priest-Kings with their niggardliness, and what he regarded as their breach
of faith. He was told, however, that what they gave him was indeed worth far
more than gold and silver, that it was a 'Home Stone.' He returned to his
native village, which was torn with war and strife. He told the story there,
and put the stone in the market place.
"If the Priest-Kings say this is worth more than gold and silver,"
said a wise man, "it must be true."
"Yes," said the people.
"Whose Home Stone is it?" asked the people, "yours or ours?"
"Ours." responded Hesius.
Weapons were then laid aside, and peace pledged. The name of the village was
Ar."
Dancer of Gor, page 302