“The Turian's decision plunged me into despair. In all my time among the wagons I had not seen one of the Gorean short swords, so fierce and swift and common a weapon among those of the cities. The warrior of the Wagon Peoples does not use the short sword, probably because such a weapon could not be optimally used from the saddle of the kaiila; the saber, incidentally, which would be somewhat more effective from kaiila back, is almost unknown on Gor; its role, I gather, is more than fulfilled by the lance, which may be used with a delicacy and address comparable to that of a blade, supplemented by the seven quiva, or saddle knives; it might further be pointed out that a saber would barely reach to the saddle of the high tharlarion; the warrior of the Wagon Peoples seldom approaches an enemy more closely than is required to bring him down with the bow, or, if need be, the lance; the quiva itself is regarded, on the whole, as more of a missile weapon than a hand knife. I gather that the Wagon Peoples, if they wanted sabers or regarded them as valuable, would be able to acquire them, in spite of the fact that they have no metalworking of their own; there might be some attempt to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Wagon Peoples, but where there are gold and jewels available merchants, in Ar and elsewhere, would see that they were manufactured and reached the southern plains. Most quivas, incidentally, are wrought in the smithies of Ar. The fact that the saber is not a common weapon of Wagon Peoples is a reflection of the style, nature and conditions of warfare to which they are accustomed, a matter of choice on their part rather than the result of either ignorance or technological limitation. The saber, incidentally, is not only unpopular among the Wagon Peoples but among the warriors of Gor generally; it is regarded as being too long and clumsy a weapon for the close, sharp combat so dear to the heart of the warrior of the cities; further it is not of much use from the saddle of a tarn or tharlarion. 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. Incidentally, Turian warriors, in order to have the opportunist 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. Kamras, however, appeared adamant on the point. ‘The sword,’ he repeated. “ ARROWS Hunting Arrow:The hunting has a long tapering point firmly fastened to the shaft. This makes it easier to withdraw from its target. War Arrow:
The war arrow uses an arrowhead whose base is either angled backwards, forming barbs, or cut straight across, the result in both cases, making the arrow difficult to withdraw from a wound.
AXES
Battle Axe (Torvaldslander):This weapon is described as a single-bladed axe of hardened iron, with a blade of anywhere from 8 to 14 inches in width. It is mounted on a thick wooden handle and also usually has a wrist thong attached to the end the handle, which enables it to be more easily retained during combat. Used in conjunction with a round ironbound shield of wood and hardened leather.
Battle Axe (Kurii):
A huge axe wielded by the members of the Kurii race who have become native to Gor. It has a four inch thick round handle of green needlewood, approximately eight feet in length, and is equipped with a fixed double-bladed iron axe head, the blade of which is over two feet wide, and razor sharp. It is typically used in conjunction with a wide round iron shield some four feet in diameter.
Great Axe (Torvaldslander):This weapon is similar in most respects 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, without the benefit of a shield of any sort. Occasionally such axes will be double-headed, though that adds considerably to the weight of the weapon.
Tomahawk (Canhapi, Red Savages):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 missile weapon.
BOWS
Crossbow:This is 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). The user would carry a belt-case or quiver, which in turn would house the quarrels, or “bolts”.
"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 use the crossbow; lastly, at shorter distances, the crossbow requires much less skill for accuracy than the long bow." Raiders of Gor, pg. 2
Crossbow (Cavalry):
This bow is 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 books as a light crossbow or sporting crossbow.
"The cavalry crossbow does have an iron stirrup in which the rider, without dismounting, may insert his foot, thus gaining the leverage necessary for drawing the cable back with both hands. If the rider is right handed he usually inserts his right foot in the stirrup and leans to the right in drawing the cable; this procedure is reversed, of course, usually, if the rider is left handed. While this procedure permits the rider to reload without dismounting and tends to improve, at some cost to striking power, the bow's rate of fire, it still provides, in my opinion, no adequate compensation for the loss of rapidity of fire. I think it not unlikely that the red savage could discharge three to five shafts in the time a single quarrel could be set in the clumsier weapon. In my opinion, if the crossbow, of the lighter, more quickly loading type, had proved to be a superior missile weapon in the typical combats practiced in the Barrens the red savages would have had recourse either to it, or to something analogous to it. But they have not." Savage of Gor, pg. 96
Great Bow (also called a Peasant Bow): A non-recurved long bow made from the wood of the Ka la na tree, occasionally of temwood, as well. 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 bow arm, and to use an archer's glove or leather finger tab to protect his hands and arm from the string when fired.
"The bow is not commonly favored by Gorean warriors, but all must respect it. It is the height of a tall man; its back, away from the bowman, is flat; its belly, facing the bowman, is half-rounded; it is something like an inch and a half wide and an inch and a quarter thick at the center; it has considerable force and requires considerable strength to draw; many men, incidentally, even some warriors, cannot draw the bow; nine of its arrows can be fired aloft before the first falls again to the earth; at point-blank range it can be fired completely through a four-inch beam; at two hundred yards it can pin a man to a wall; at four hundred yards it can kill the huge, shambling bosk; its rate of fire is nineteen arrows in a Gorean Ehn, about eighty Earth seconds; and a skilled bowman, but not an extraordinary one, is expected to be able to place these nineteen arrows in one Ehn into a target, the size of a man, each a hit, at a range of some two hundred and fifty yards. Yet, as a weapon, it has serious disadvantages, and on Gor the crossbow, inferior in accuracy, range and rate of fire, with its heavy cable and its leaves of steel, tends to be generally favored. The long bow cannot well be used except in a standing, or at least kneeling, position, thus making more of a target of the archer; the long bow is difficult to use from the saddle; it is impractical in close quarters, as in defensive warfare or in fighting from room to room; and it cannot be kept set, loaded like a firearm, as can the crossbow"... Raiders of Gor, pg. 2
The Horn Bow:The Wagon Peoples are skilled with a small, powerful bow made of bosk-horn, and reinforced with strips of leather from that animal. They carry as well narrow, lacquered, rectangular quivers in which some forty arrows are kept at the ready. Each Warrior may carry three or four of these quivers, and thus a single Hundred, or Orlu, is capable of raining devastation on the massive, ponderous tharlarion cavalry of Turia from a distance of a half passang or more. Trained in the use of this weapon from earliest childhood, a Tuchuk can hit his target as easily from a running kailla at full gallop as he can when standing on the ground.
“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.”
“His lance remained on his back, but he carried in his right hand the small, powerful horn bow of the Wagon Peoples an attached to his saddle was a lacquered, narrow, rectangular quiver containing as many as forty arrows.” “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 the roll of sheaf and flight arrows. I counted the arrows. There were seventy arrows, fifty of which were sheaf arrows, twenty flight arrows. “ 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 kaiila, 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.
Small Bow:The small bow can be fired and drawn rapidly. No Gorean weapon can match it in its rate of fire. It can be swept from one side to side of the kaiila to the other. It is not unusual for a warrior to shield himself behind the body of his racing kaiila and circling the enemy, rise up suddenly to fire over the animals back or from beneath it's neck. A heel over the animals back and a fist in its silken neck hair, or an arm thrust through a leather throat hoop, provide the leverage needed for these feats.
GLOVES
Cestus:These are spiked leather gauntlets, used primarily in gladiatorial combat.
"Kurii leapt down the long sides of the hall, slashing, cutting men down as they fled to their weapons 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
Knife Gauntlets:A pair of thick leather gauntlets, upon which are mounted crescent shaped knife blades. Sometimes used by gladiators in arena combats. Also known as the four-bladed dagger cestus of Anango. There is also the hatchet gauntlet of eastern Skjern
"Sometimes men wrestle to the death or use the spiked gauntlets." Assassin of Gor, pg.
Spiked Hand Wraps:These are heavy cloth or leather strips bound about the hand, with projecting spikes, which cover the wearer's knuckles.
Spiked Leather:A pair of spiked leather balls which are worn upon the hands of gladiatorial fighters; the spikes of these devices can be very long. Also known as the Cestus HELMETS
Assassins Helmet:Similar to a warrior's helmet but black.
"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." Tarnsman of Gor, pg. 192
Standard War Helmet:The most commonly used helmet is the standard Gorean war helmet. It is described as a close-faced helmet that 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.
"Above the shield was a suspended helmet, again reminiscent of a Greek helmet, perhaps of the Homeric period. It had a somewhat 'Y'-shaped slot for the eyes, nose, and mouth in the nearly solid metal." Tarnsman of Gor, pg. 22
Captain's Helmet:Similar to a warrior's helmet.
"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, pg. 6
Conical Helmet:“...he wore a conical, fur-rimmed iron helmet, a net of colored chains depending from the helmet protecting his face, leaving only holes for the eyes.” “Another example of a Gorean helmet is that often worn by the desert tribesmen and denizens of such southern cities as Turia and Tor, as well as by the nomadic warriors of the Wagon Peoples. This helmet is similar in design to the Mongol/Saracen battle helmet of Earth and is a cone-shaped steel defense worn atop the head, often fitted with a nasal guard of narrow flat construction. Such helmets may be adorned with a ring of fur or fabric, which encircles the browband area, and can also be found mantled with either a cloth covering or a camail of linked chain. These helmets are closely fitted to the wearer's head, padded with a thick cloth cap, which laces into it, and are often fitted with a leather or cord chinstrap to secure the device in place.” Northern Helms:It 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, chainmail 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.
"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, pg. 73
KNIVES
KNIVES, various: throught the series there were many different knives mention:
“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
“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
“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
“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
“. . .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
“. . .besides the small swords, carried a knife as well, this attached to a leather belt.” Captive of Gor, page 49
“All men of Torvaldsland, incidentally, even if otherwise unarmed, carry a knife at their master belt.” Marauders of Gor, page 50
“. . .free women in Torvaldsland commonly carry a knife. . .” Marauders of Gor, page 156
“The knife blades and long nails are sometimes mounted in clubs. The blades, of course, may also be fitted into carved handles, of wood and bone.” Savages of Gor, page 145
“. . .a straight-bladed Gorean shaving knife.” Priest-Kings of Gor, page 34
“. . .the knife lock, when tampered with, releases a blade, or several of them, with great force, sometimes from behind the individual at the lock.” Assassin of Gor, page 52 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, primarily designed to be thrown at the body of an unsuspecting victim.
"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, pg. 42
Hook Knife:There is no detailed description, but it seems to resemble that of an Urthen Kabir, a short weapon, consisting of a thick, ridged handle and a wide curved blade, sharpened on both sides. The blade may be crescent shaped. Its hilt and pommel can be either fancy or plain and unadorned.
"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, pg. 86
Sleen Knife:The sleen knife is a broad bladed, flat, double edged utility knife equipped with a simple stubby crossguard and unadorned pommel. Much favored by hunters and woodsmen, it is equally suited for use as a camping and skinning knife, prying tool, and as a weapon in hand to hand combat.
"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, pp. 32-33
Tarn Knife:
The tarn knife is a short bladed, single edged utility knife typically used by tarnsmen and generally included among their saddle equipment. Some versions of such knives are designed so that the blade folds into the handle for safety when not in use.
"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, pg. 363
Turf Knife:The turf knife is a wooden-bladed, saw-edged, paddle-like tool, used by Red Savages to cut and saw sod. When the handle is held in the right hand and the blade is supported with the left, it may be used as a shovel.
Whip Knife:
The whip knife consists of a twelve foot long braided leather whip of the "bullwhip" type commonly found on Urth, equipped with a lanyard to insure retention of the weapon in combat. Set into the final eighteen inches of its length is twenty thin, narrow blades, woven into the leather and arranged in sets, four such blades to a set. Each such weapon is tipped either with a double-edged knife blade approximately seven or eight inches long, or a "stunning tip," a lead weight which is designed to incapacitate the victim when he is struck..
"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, pg. 124
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.
“This is a very common weapon, a simple or ornate handle fitted with either a double or single-edged blade of sharpened steel. Daggers upon Gor 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 the Counter-Earth, brandished by persons of all ages and castes. Commonly disparaged by professional warriors as a ‘woman's weapon,’ it is easily concealable and fairly simple to use. Gorean daggers can range from four to eight inches in length, and can be found in every city in various forms. It is 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. Many freewomen use this weapon as a personal means of self-defense.” Quiva:The quiva is another weapon specific to the warriors of the Plains. These are balanced throwing knives, coming seven to a set. The kaiila saddles of the Tuchuks have seven sheaths for the carrying of these knives. The foot-long blades are double-edged and tapered, honed to razor sharpness and mounted in handles of bosk horn or bone. The Tuchuks do no metalworking of their own and most of their blades are forged in the smithies of Ar. It is important to note that each of the Tribes uses quivas with their own standard embossed on the hilt. No Warrior of the Wagon Peoples would consider using any other. A quiva can be thrown with deadly accuracy, but it can also be used as a hand-held weapon for slitting, thrusting and piercing. Although primarily a Warrior's weapon, a quiva is also carried by most Tuchuk Free Women.
“I was most fond perhaps, of the balanced saddle knife, the quiva; it is about a foot in length, double edged; it tapers to a daggerlike point “ “...the quiva itself is regarded, on the whole, as more of a missile weapon than a hand knife... “ “Most quivas, incidentally, are wrought in the smithies of Ar. “ “...in the saddle itself, on the right side, indicating the rider must be right-handed, were the seven sheaths for the almost legendary quivas, the balanced saddleknives of the prairie.” MISCELLANEOUS
Bola:A commonly used weapon of choice among the Wagon Peoples.
“Slowly, singing in a guttural chant, a Tuchuk warrior song, he began to swing the bola. It consists of three long straps of leather, each about five feet long, each terminating in a leather sack, which contains, sewn inside, a heavy, round metal weight. It was probably developed for hunting the tumit, a huge, flightless carnivorous bird of the plains, but the Wagon Peoples use it also, and well, as a weapon of war. Thrown to low the long straps, with their approximate ten-foot sweep, almost impossible to evade, strike the victim and the weighted balls, as soon as resistance is met, whip about the victim, tangling and tightening the straps. Sometimes legs are broken. It is often difficult to release the straps, so snarled do they become. Thrown high the Gorean bola can lock a man's arms to his sides; thrown to the throat it can strangle him; thrown to the head, a difficult cast, the whipping weights can crush a skull. One entangles the victim with the bola, leaps from one's mount and with the quiva cuts his throat.” Garrote:This is usually armed with wire to cut a throat. There are two wooden handles at the ends so you can hold it safely. There is also a version without the wire that can be used to capture people without injuring them. One such variety is the girl-capture chain. It has a narrow golden chain that will choke someone without cutting their throat. You can adjust the the wooden handles.
Goad, slave or tarn:While not truly weapons, the tarn goad can stun. The slave goad on the other hand can kill.
"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, pg. 50
"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, pg. 260 Gunni:These are normally training devices though they may be used in some gladitorial contests. They are curved weights of lead, weighing several pounds, with handles. They are cushioned with cloth. They are capable of breaking through walls or bending iron. They are like boxing gloves filled with lead. The gunnis help to strengthen the muscles of the shoulders, back and arms. When you fight without them, your fists seem to move with blinding speed.
Kurii Dart Thrower:A breech loading missile weapon which fires a six-inch long conical gas propelled dart. Its configuration is similar to an Earth rifle. Kurii Dart Throwers have carved wooden stocks, upon which are incised eccentric designs. These tubular weapons discharge with a hiss, which is not particularly loud. Several types of darts may be fired from such a weapon, including poison tipped explosive tipped, and tranquilizer darts. These weapons are exclusively used by human agents of the Kurii. The actual firing button is located on the forepart of the stock, and the weapon itself seems to be a one-shot weapon, requiring reloading after every firing. First appears in Book #12, Beasts of Gor.
Rencer Throwing Stick:Marsh gants, an aquatic fowl, are hunted with throwing sticks. A throwing stick is not a boomerang and it will not return to the thrower's hand. It will float though so it can be easily retrieved once thrown. The stick will stun the gants, not kill them.
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.
"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, pg. 145
POLE ARMS
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.
"The spear was a typical Gorean spear, about seven feet in height, heavy, stout, with a tapering bronze head some eighteen inches in length. 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. With this weapon groups of men hunt even the larl in its native haunts in the Voltai Range, that incredible pantherlike carnivore which may stand six to eight feet high at the shoulder." Outlaw of Gor, pg. 21
Harpoon:A javelin-type spear, fitted with a barbed head and used with an attached line for retrieval. A similar weapon appears in the brine pits of Klima.
"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
Kailla Lance (Wagon Peoples):A long slender spear, eight to ten feet long, designed to be used from the saddle of a rider on kailla-back.
“’Ah, yes, weapons,’ Kamchak was saying, ‘what shall it be the kaiila lance, a whip and bladed bole perhaps the quiva?’” “His lance had a rider hood under the point, with which he might dismount opponents.” “The lances of the Wagon Peoples are not couched. They are carried in the right fist, easily, and are flexible and light, used for thrusting, not the battering-ram effect of the heavy lances of Europe's High Middle Ages. Needless to say, they can be almost as swift and delicate in their address as a saber. The lances are black, cut from the poles of young tem trees. They may be bent almost double, like finely tempered steel, before they break. A loose loop of boskhide, wound twice about the right fist, helps to retain the weapon in hand-to-hand combat. It is seldom thrown.” Kailla Lance (Red Savage Hunting Lance):Similar to the kailla lance of the wagon peoples, the hunting lance of the Red Savages is commonly longer, heavier and thicker. The point of this lance is longer and narrower 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. Leather grips, hand loops, and decorations all made be present also. Kailla Lance (Red Savage War Lance):This weapon is almost identical to the kailla lance of the Wagon Peoples, though it is more heavily carved and decorated.
Marsh Spear:The marsh spear, a two or three-pronged spear similar to a trident.
Tharlarion Lance:A thick spear, approximately ten to fourteen feet long. It has a lanceolate spear 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. Usually 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.
"In a minute the rider appeared in view - a fine, bearded warrior with a golden helmet and a tharlarion lance." Tarnsman of Gor, pg. 115
Tarn Lance (Red savages):Similar to the war lance, except that it is longer and more slender, easier use from tarnback.
"The tarn lance, it might be mentioned, as is used by the red savages who have mastered the tarn, is, in size and shape, very similar to the kaiila lance. It differs primarily in being longer and more slender." Savages of Gor chapter 1
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 gladiatorial arenas throughout Gor. 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.
"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, pg. 112
SHIELDS
Buckler:A small oval shield about 16 to 18 inches. While this shield was made of steel on earth, on Gor it is, like all other shields made of leather.
"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." Nomads of Gor, pg. 124
Gorean Warrior's Shield:This is 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 strengthen 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. "The round shield, concentric overlapping layers of hardened leather riveted together and bound with hoops of brass, fitted with the double sling for carrying on the left arm, was similarly unmarked. Normally the Gorean shield is painted boldly and has infixed in it some device for identifying the bearer's city." Outlaw of Gor, pg. 21
Rence Shield:They would also wield small, rence shields for defense.
Turian Shield:An oval shield about 24 inches by 36 inches, this shield is also constructed of hide like it's round cousin.
“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
SWORDS
Bastard Sword:See Long Sword. Gorean Short Sword:The Gorean short sword is the basic weapon of all warriors of Gor, except those that fight while mounted, yet even they have considerable skill in its usage, even mounted. Approximately twenty to twenty-two inches in length for the blade while a 29 inches 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 (much like roman swords). The Gorean short sword is hand forged of high 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.
Gladius:The most common weapon of the Warrior is the gladius, a type of short sword. The gladius is derived from the Earth sword of the same name. The gladius is of Spanish origin and was widely used by the ancient Romans. It is about twenty to twenty-two inches long, double-edged, and well balanced. Its blade is so sharp that it will slice a piece of silk dropped down on it. The gladius is heavy enough to have a considerable striking force in saberlike trajectories but light enough to have some of the swiftness and play of a foil. The gladius is maneuverable enough to work its way behind the guard of a longer, heavier weapon. There are other benefits of a short sword over a longer blade as well. A gladius can clear the scabbard a fraction earlier and that can be vitally important. The short blade can also be moved with greater swiftness than a long blade. It allows you to work close to your opponent.
"I supposed one of the reasons for the short blade was that it could clear the sheath a fraction of a second before a longer blade. Another advantage was that it could be moved with greater swiftness than a longer blade. The primary advantage I supposed was that it allowed the Gorean warrior to work close to his man. The brief reach of the blade tended to be more than compensated for by the rapidity with which it might be wielded and the ease with which it might work beneath the guard of a longer weapon. If the swordsman with a longer weapon could not finish the fight in the first thrust or two he was a dead man." Priest-Kings of Gor, pg 174
Long Sword:The denizens of Torvaldsland commonly use the longsword. It is approximately 38 inches in length, adding the hilt and guard giving it an overall length of 51 inches, and it is carried in a belt-scabbard or strapped across its user's back over his right shoulder. The forging of these "long swords" follows the pattern of the swords in the Damascus style. In this method, many billets 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 opponent's shield to bits. Strangely enough this sword is also called the Bastard Sword. This long over-the-shoulder sword is patterned after 15th century European models. Most long swords are "named" blades; 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 believe their swords, as with their ships, possesses a 'soul'. A general slim brass guard and two-handed exotic hardwood handle combine for an overall ability to wield the blade with either one or two hands.
"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, pg. 172
Sacramasax:A short sword similar to the gladius, used by the Alars.
Scimitar:A long curved sword, used either one-handed or with two-hands, depending upon the situation. Forged in the Damascus manner, 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. The scimitar’s blade length is about 30 inches or 37 in overall length with the hilt.
"Djellabas and burnooses, sleeveless, hooded desert cloaks, were being sold in another stall. The burnoose can, as the djellaba cannot, because of the sleeves, be thrown back, freeing the arms. One who rides the swift kaiila, who handles the scimitar and lance, chooses the burnoose." Tribesman of Gor, pg. 50
Spatha:The Alar use the spatha, a long and heavy, double-bladed sword. This is more effective from the back of a tharlarion, a common mount of the Alars.
WHIPS
Bosk:Much like an earth bull whip. Made of Bosk hide plaited together. This whip can be anywhere from 8 to 12 feet long.
"Beside him, coiled, perhaps as a symbol of power, lay a bosk whip" Nomads of Gor, pg. 43
Kurt:A slave whip with five broad, pliant straps. Each strap is about two and a half feet long and one and a half inches wide. The handle is eighteen inches long. Though it may leave a welt, it doesn't permanently mark a victim.
Also this version: The five-bladed slave-whip. Usually used in cases of severe discipline.
"A stout whip, with a long handle, which might be wielded with two hands, and five dangling, soft, wide lashing surfaces, each about a yard long." Kajira of Gor, pg. 83
Quirt:Much like a riding crop, made of leather about a yard long and half an inch in thickness. Can be used on slaves as well for punishment.
"In her hand she carried a long supple kaiila quirt of leather, about a half inch in width and a yard long."
"There she turned to regard me. The quirt fell, viciously, across her shoulder. Crying out with pain, the lovely Alyena turned, and, weeping, stumbling, fled through the curtain of silver strings, to the pens of Tor."
Tribesmen of Gor
Snake:A single-bladed whip, weighted, of leather. It is about eight feet long and half an inch to one inch thick. It is sometimes set with tiny particles of metal. It is a deadly whip and can easily strip flesh from the body. It can kill a Man.
"Heavy coil, laced with wire and flecks of iron. Used primarily on male slaves/captives." Beasts of Gor, pg. 161
Whip: “On the saddle there also hung, on one side, a coiled rope of braided boskhide ...“
....Ubar Luther Weapons Link....
....Brackus, Scribe of Aria site....
These are by no means the complete listing of weapons upon Gor, but these are as accurate as can be found. Hopefully this reference will help you in depicting what type of black caste member you wish to become or give you a varied field of weapons to train with.
Nomads of Gor, page 66
Nomads of Gor, page 11
Raiders of Gor, page 68
Nomads of Gor, page 10
Nomads of Gor
Examples of these weapons can be found in every book of the series.
Nomads of Gor, page 67
Nomads of Gor, page 124
Nomads of Gor, page 124
Nomads of Gor, page 11
Nomads of Gor, page 24
Nomads of Gor, page 123
Nomads of Gor, page 14
Nomads of Gor, page 15
Nomads of Gor, page 11
Tiger Designs
© 2001-2004
All rights reserved