Falconer, Warrior of Gor by Arealius the Sailor, Scribe of Port Olni

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customs, and values may not align with modern societal standards or moral principles.

Gor is Copyrighted by John Norman

Falconer, Warrior of Gor

By Arealius the Sailor, Scribe of Port Olni

As I, Arealius, sat down with Falconer McKeenan, Captain of the Port Olni Warrior Caste and Regent of the city, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity. Falconer, with his rich history and experience, had agreed to share his story with me, and I was eager to hear it.

"So, Falconer," I began, "tell me about your past. What was your life like before you came to Olni?"

I leaned forward, my eyes locked on Falconer's, as I asked the question that would unravel the threads of his past. "So, Falconer," I began, "tell me about your past. What was your life like before you came to Olni?"

Falconer's gaze drifted away, his eyes clouding over as memories long past began to resurface. He took a deep breath, and his voice, low and gravelly, transported me to a time and place far removed from the bustling streets of Port Olni.

"I wandered Gor with my two slaves," he said, his words painting a vivid picture of a life both nomadic and free. "We lived in an abandoned cave and traveled to many parts of this vast and wondrous world."

As Falconer spoke, I found myself imagining the rugged landscape of Gor, the wind-swept mountains, and the endless plains. I pictured Falconer, a young warrior, leading his slaves through the unknown, facing countless challenges and dangers along the way.

"What was that like?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "What drove you to live such a nomadic existence?"

Falconer's expression turned introspective, his eyes narrowing as he delved deeper into his past. "I was born into the warrior caste," he said, his voice filled with a sense of pride and tradition. "From a young age, I was trained in the ways of combat, and I knew that I would one day follow in the footsteps of my father."

I sensed a hint of darkness in his voice, a shadow that fell across his face. "But something changed," I prompted, my intuition guiding me. "Something drove you away from your father's Home?"

Falconer's jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and pain. "My father's Home ended up with an evil Ubar," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I will no longer say its name."

The air seemed to thicken, heavy with the weight of unspoken memories. I nodded, respecting Falconer's silence. It was clear that this was a wound that still lingered, a pain that still resonates deep within him.

As Falconer's story unfolded, I began to see the threads of his past weave together, forming a rich tapestry of adventure, honor, and loyalty. His life, though marked by hardship and struggle, was also filled with a sense of purpose and belonging.

I nodded, intrigued. "That sounds like an exciting, albeit challenging, life. What drew you to Tyros, and how did you become a part of that city?"

Falconer's expression changed, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I took my slaves to Tyros to visit," he said, "and as I walked through the streets, I heard a familiar voice – it was Nicolas Eel, an old friend. I joined him at a table, where he was enjoying paga and watching slave mud wrestling. Little did I know, this chance encounter would change the course of my life. The fellow sitting with Nic turned out to be Galahad, Ubar of Tyros. We hit it off well, and before I knew it, I was a citizen of Tyros."

As Falconer spoke, I found myself drawn into his world, imagining the sights and sounds of Tyros in its heyday. I asked him about his experiences during the wars with Ar, and he recounted the battles with a mixture of nostalgia and regret.

Falconer, a seasoned lieutenant of the Warrior caste, stood at the forefront of the Tyrian army, gazing up at the imposing walls of Ar. As the besieging force launched a hail of arrows and slingstones, a squadron of Tarnsmen, the legendary airborne cavalry of Ar, descended upon the battlefield. Their giant Tarns, with wingspans of up to 20 feet, cast long shadows in the sunlight as they swooped down, talons extended.

The Tarnsmen of Ar, clad in their distinctive red and gold tunics, wielded long, bronze-headed lances, perfect for striking down enemy soldiers from above. As they charged, their Tarns' powerful legs propelled them forward, their sharp talons tearing through the Tyrian ranks like scythes.

Falconer's infantry comrades, armed with bronze-tipped spears and shields, formed a tight phalanx, bracing themselves for the impact. The Tarnsmen, riding their giant birds like cavalry, charged straight into the phalanx, their lances thrusting downward, seeking to shatter the Tyrian lines.

The warriors held firm, their shields locked, as the Tarnsmen's lances crashed down upon them. The sound of splintering wood and screams filled the air as the Tyrian soldiers struggled to withstand the onslaught. Falconer, his sword at the ready, fought to maintain the phalanx's cohesion, shouting orders and encouragement to his comrades.

Despite being battered by the Tarnsmen's aerial assault, the Tyrian infantry refused to yield. They fought back with desperate ferocity, thrusting their spears upward, seeking to strike the Tarnsmen or their mounts. The Tarns, however, proved resilient, their thick feathers and scaly hide protecting them from the warriors's attacks.

As the battle raged on, the Tyrian lines began to waver. Falconer knew that if the phalanx broke, the Tarnsmen would sweep through the Tyrian ranks, cutting them down with impunity. With a fierce cry, he rallied his comrades, and together, they launched a counterattack against the Tarnsmen.

The Tarnsmen, taken aback by the Tyrian warriors' sudden ferocity, hesitated for a moment, giving Falconer's men the opportunity to strike back. The Tarnsmen circled the warriors on the ground like giant scavengers. The battle became a maelstrom of clashing steel, screams, and the thunder of the Tarns' wings. In the end, it was the Tarnsmen who withdrew, their giant birds winging their way back to the safety of the city walls.

As the dust settled, Falconer surveyed the carnage-strewn battlefield. The Tyrian infantry had held their ground, but at great cost. The Tarnsmen's aerial assault had left its mark, and Falconer knew that the battle for Ar was far from over. The Tarnsmen would return, and next time, the Tyrian army would need to be better prepared to face their mighty, winged onslaught.

As the days turned into weeks, the warriors of Tyros and its allies continued to tighten their grip on the city of Ar. The Tarnsmen, though formidable, were unable to break the siege, and the city's defenders grew weaker with each passing day.

Falconer, now a seasoned veteran of the campaign, watched as the Tyrian army implemented a ruthless strategy of scorched earth. The surrounding countryside was laid waste, crops burned, and villages razed. The city's supply lines were severed, and its people began to starve.

The once-mighty city of Ar, the imperial capital of the Known World, was slowly being brought to its knees. Its people, proud and defiant, were reduced to scavenging for scraps, their bodies weakened by hunger and disease.

Despite their plight, the city's defenders refused to yield. They fought on, driven by a fierce determination to preserve their city's honor and independence. But as the weeks turned into months, their resistance began to falter.

One by one, the city's allies failed to come to its aid. The city-states of Cos and Tharna, once sworn to Ar's defense, remained stubbornly neutral, fearing to provoke the wrath of Tyros. The great city of Turia, Ar's longtime rival, even went so far as to declare its support for Tyros, hoping to gain advantage from Ar's downfall.

As the last vestiges of hope faded, the city of Ar was left to face its fate alone. The warriors of Tyros, sensing victory within their grasp, pressed their advantage, launching a final, brutal assault on the city's defenses.

Falconer, his heart heavy with the knowledge of what was to come, stood alongside his comrades as they breached the city's walls. The once-mighty city of Ar, its people starving and its defenders broken, lay at their mercy.

The warriors of Tyros, their swords raised high, poured into the city, claiming it as their own. The city of Ar, its imperial glory lost forever, was reduced to a mere vassal state, subject to the whims of its conquerors. Falconer, his duty done, couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow for the city and its people, who had fought so bravely against overwhelming odds.

As the warriors of Tyros claimed the city of Ar as their own, their attention turned to the capture of the Ubar of Ubars, the ruler of the city. The Ubar, a proud and defiant leader, had refused to yield, even as his city burned around him.

Falconer, along with a contingent of Tyrian soldiers, was tasked with capturing the Ubar and bringing him before the Ubar of Tyros. They found him in the grand throne room of the city palace, surrounded by his loyal guards.

The Ubar of Ar, his eyes blazing with defiance, refused to surrender, even when faced with the overwhelming might of the Tyrian army. Falconer, with a heavy heart, was forced to subdue the Ubar, taking him into custody.

The Ubar of Tyros, triumphant in his victory, decreed that the Ubar of Ar would be taken to the city of Tyros, there to face trial and punishment for his defiance. But before he departed, the Ubar of Tyros had one final act of humiliation in store for his defeated foe.

The Ubar's daughter, Talina, a beautiful and intelligent young woman, was brought before the Ubar of Tyros. With a calculating gaze, he decreed that she would be made the Ubara of Ar, and placed upon the throne of the city.

But it was clear to all that Talina would be nothing more than a puppet, a mere figurehead, with the Ubar of Tyros holding the true power behind the throne. The once-proud city of Ar would be reduced to a mere vassal state, subject to the whims of its conquerors.

Falconer, as he watched the ceremony, couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had fought for the victory of Tyros, but he had never imagined that it would come at such a cost. The city of Ar, its people and its ruler, had been brought low, their pride and independence crushed beneath the heel of the conqueror. 

As the Ubara Talina, her eyes downcast, took her place upon the throne, Falconer knew that the city of Ar would never be the same again. The era of its greatness was at an end, and a new era of subjugation and oppression had begun.

As Falconer stood there, lost in thought, his gaze wandered to the Tarns of Gor, their majestic forms perched atop the battlements, their piercing eyes scanning the horizon. He had seen them in battle, their ferocity and strength unmatched, their ability to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies unparalleled.

Falconer was impressed by the utility and tactical advantage the Tarns could provide in warfare. He realized that, if used properly, these terrible beasts of war could be a game-changer on the battlefield. Their speed, agility, and ferocity made them the perfect weapon for reconnaissance, sabotage, and shock attacks.

As he watched the Tarns, Falconer felt a spark ignite within him. He became determined to learn all there was to learn about these incredible creatures. He wanted to understand their behavior, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to harness their power for his own purposes.

Falconer knew that mastering the Tarns would require patience, dedication, and courage. But he was willing to pay the price, for he knew that the rewards would be well worth it. With the Tarns by his side, he could conquer any battlefield, crush any enemy, and achieve greatness beyond his wildest dreams.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Falconer made a silent vow to himself. He would commit to learning all there was to learn about the Tarns of Gor, no matter the cost. He would become a master of these beasts, and he would use their power to forge his own destiny. The fate of Ar may have been sealed, but Falconer's own fate was only just beginning to unfold.

Over the next two years, Falconer's dedication and natural aptitude transformed him into the leading expert for the Warriors of Tyros on the deployment, use, and training of the giant raptors of the central mountains of Gor. His comprehensive understanding of these birds, from their behavioral patterns to their combat capabilities, made him an invaluable asset to the Warriors.

Falconer's expertise extended beyond the realm of warfare. As the first lieutenant of the Allied Garrison of Ar, he gained hands-on experience in civil administration and governance. He worked closely with the Ubara’s privy council and other officials to maintain order, oversee infrastructure projects, and ensure the city's smooth transition into its new role as a vassal state.

Falconer's dual roles allowed him to develop a unique blend of military and administrative skills. He became adept at navigating the complexities of governance, mediating disputes, and making tough decisions that balanced the interests of Tyros and Ar. His leadership abilities earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, as well as the gratitude of the people of Ar.

As Falconer's reputation grew, so did his ambition. He began to envision a future where he could wield greater influence, shaping the destiny of entire cities and nations. The giant raptors, once a symbol of fear and oppression, had become an instrument of his own empowerment. Falconer's ascent to greatness was well underway, and the world of Gor would soon take notice.

The triumphant return of Falconer and the expeditionary forces was met with a harsh reality. The city of Tyros, once a proud and thriving metropolis, lay in ruins. The prolonged war with Ar had drained the city's resources, leaving its infrastructure crumbling and its people struggling to survive.

The economic devastation was evident everywhere. Buildings stood empty, their walls cracked and worn. The streets were littered with debris, and the once-vibrant marketplaces were now desolate and still. The population, too, had suffered greatly. Many had fled, seeking better opportunities in other cities, while those who remained struggled to eke out a meager existence.

The builder caste, once the backbone of Tyros's prosperity, had been decimated by the war effort. Their skills had been redirected towards building siege engines, canals, and roads for the war machine, leaving the city's infrastructure to crumble. The final blow came when the mighty sea walls, which had protected the harbor for generations, collapsed. The lower city was inundated, and hundreds of citizens and slaves lost their lives in the disaster.

The Ubar of Tyros, the conqueror of Imperial Ar, was faced with an impossible decision. With a heavy heart, he ordered the evacuation of the high castes to another port city, where they would determine the fate of Tyros itself. The once-mighty city was to be abandoned, its people scattered to the winds.

Falconer, who had once been so proud to call Tyros his home, was now faced with the reality of its downfall. He felt a deep sense of loss and betrayal, wondering how the city's leaders could have allowed this to happen. As he prepared to leave with the other high castes, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held for Tyros, and for himself.

The tragic loss of Tyros had a profound impact on Captain Falconer. The mismanagement and shortsightedness of the Ubar's scribe caste had not only led to the downfall of his beloved city but had also shaken his faith in the Higher Castes. Falconer's heart hardened, and his pride in his own Warrior Caste grew. He vowed never to serve an administrator with blind trust again, instead placing his faith in the honor and integrity of the Warriors' Caste.

With a newfound sense of purpose, Captain Falconer rallied his veterans and their families, setting forth towards the mainland. Initially, they traveled north, driven by a sense of adventure and uncertainty. As they journeyed, they heard tales of the Olni River Valley's splendors, with cities like Lara, Port Olni, Ti, and the renowned Vonda. However, it was the cities of the Thentis Mountains that truly captivated Falconer's imagination.

The Thentis Mountains, with their rugged peaks and mist-shrouded valleys, were the natural habitat of the Gorean Tarn. Falconer's fascination with these majestic birds had only grown stronger since his experiences during the war with Ar. He became determined to explore the Thentis Mountains, to learn more about the Tarns and their habits, and to discover the secrets of these mysterious cities.

With a newfound sense of purpose, Captain Falconer set his sights on the Thentis Mountains, leading his followers towards a future filled with promise and adventure. The call of the Tarns and the allure of the unknown beckoned, and Falconer answered, his heart filled with a sense of wonder and his spirit burning with a desire for exploration and discovery.

After Tyros was lost to the sea, Falconer went on to found a new city, Callera, which ultimately met a tragic end, destroyed by a great earthquake. I could sense the pain and loss in his voice as he spoke of Callera's demise.

Captain Falconer and his party finally reached the Thentis Mountains, only to discover that the regional power was the city of Thentis itself, with smaller allied cities like the Soaring Herlit. Falconer, determined to forge his own path, led his band to the far side of the mountains, where they established the city of Callera.

The early days of Callera were marked by hardship and struggle. The warriors, accustomed to the sea, found themselves navigating treacherous mountain trails and passes without the aid of their captain’s beloved Tarns. The lack of builders, merchants, and peasant castes made life difficult, but the warriors persevered.

As time passed, word of the warrior city in the mountains spread, attracting attention from the City of Thentis. Conflicts simmered, then matured, between the two cities, with Thentis' squadrons of Tarnsmen posing a formidable threat to the veteran Warriors of Tyros. Yet, the men of Callera prevailed, refusing to bend their knee to Thentis.

However, nature had other plans. One fateful night, the very ground shook, and the walls of Callera began to fall. Captain Falconer and his people, his tribe, once again faced a natural disaster, once again caused by the folly of man. The city, built without the expertise of the builder caste, had been constructed on unstable ground, vulnerable to earthquakes.

As the dust settled, Falconer gazed upon the ruins of Callera, his heart heavy with grief. His people, once again, were forced to flee, seeking a new home, a new beginning. The captain's mind raced with thoughts of what could have been, of what should have been. The fall of Callera served as a stark reminder that even the greatest warriors can fall victim to the whims of nature and the consequences of their own actions.

"So, Falconer," I asked, "what led you to join Jarek in Olni after Callera was destroyed?"

Falconer's eyes seemed to gaze into the past as he spoke, his expression thoughtful and nostalgic. "I decided to join my friend Jarek in Olni," he said, his voice filled with a sense of camaraderie. "Bringing many of my people with me, including the kennels I owned."

The mention of Jarek's name brought a hint of a smile to Falconer's lips. The two men shared a bond forged in battle, having fought together against the common enemy of Ar. Jarek, a seasoned warrior, had likely been a valuable distant ally during those tumultuous times. Port Olni and the other Salerian cities of the Olni River Valley had provided logistical support to the allies during the siege of Ar. The Olni tarnsmen had provided valuable strategic and tactical support to the allies in numbers that others could not provide. 

Falconer's decision to join Jarek in Olni was not taken lightly. He had brought many of his people with him, a testament to the trust and loyalty they shared. The kennels, too, were a significant part of Falconer's life, and their inclusion in the move spoke to the comprehensive nature of his decision.

"Jarek welcomed me and my men into the Red Caste of Olni," Falconer continued, his pride evident in his tone. "I was proud to serve alongside him." The Red Caste of Olni, an elite group of tarnsmen, was renowned for its bravery and skill. Falconer's admission into its ranks was a mark of distinction, and his pride in serving alongside Jarek was palpable.

The bond between Falconer and Jarek was clear, forged in the heat of battle and strengthened by their shared experiences. As Falconer spoke, it was evident that their friendship was a cornerstone of his life, a source of strength and inspiration.

As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Falconer what he believed was the key to successful leadership, and what advice he would give to those who aspired to follow in his footsteps.

"I believe that the key to successful leadership is honor, loyalty, and a commitment to following the codes," he said. "My advice to those who aspire to lead would be to always put the needs of others before your own, to lead by example, and to never stop learning and growing."

As the captain left my painting studio, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for this remarkable individual. His life story was a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and honor in the face of overwhelming obstacles, and I felt grateful to have had the opportunity to hear it firsthand.

Editors Note: Applying Roman Strategy to Gorean Tarn Warfare

In a hypothetical scenario where Gorean Tarns are used in combat, Roman strategy and tactics can be effectively applied. Here's a comprehensive analysis of how Tarns can be utilized in various combat situations, including reconnaissance, counter-reconnaissance, raids, and sieges.

Reconnaissance and Counter-Reconnaissance

Tarn Reconnaissance: Gorean Tarns, with their agility and speed, can be used for reconnaissance missions. They can swiftly gather information about enemy positions, movements, and fortifications.
Counter-Reconnaissance: To counter enemy Tarn reconnaissance, defenders can employ anti-Tarn tactics, such as:
Tarn-Intercepting Tarns: Train Tarns to intercept and engage enemy Tarns, disrupting their reconnaissance efforts.
Ground-Based Scouts: Use ground-based scouts to detect and track enemy Tarns, providing early warnings to defenders.
Tarn-Deterrent Measures: Employ measures like smoke screens, mirrors, or other visual deterrents to confuse or disorient enemy Tarns.

Raids and Skirmishes

Tarn-Based Raids: Gorean Tarns can be used to launch surprise raids on enemy positions, exploiting their speed and agility to catch defenders off guard.
Tarn-Versus-Tarn Engagements: In skirmishes between Tarn-mounted warriors, the following tactics can be employed:
Tarn-Tactics: Use Tarns to outmaneuver and outflank enemy Tarns, exploiting their agility and speed.
Archery and Javelins: Employ archers and javelin throwers to attack enemy Tarns from a distance, weakening their formations.
Close Combat: Engage in close combat using swords, spears, and other melee weapons, taking advantage of the Tarn's agility to quickly close the distance.

Sieges and Fortified Defenses

Tarn-Based Siege Support: Gorean Tarns can be used to support siege efforts by:
Transporting Troops: Quickly transporting troops to weak points in the enemy's defenses.
Supplying Siege Engines: Transporting supplies and siege engines to the battlefield.
Reconnaissance: Conducting reconnaissance to identify weak points in the enemy's defenses.
Counter-Tarn Defenses: To counter Tarn-based siege support, defenders can employ:
Tarn-Deterrent Measures: Using measures like trenches, pitfalls, or other obstacles to deter Tarns from approaching the defended position.
Anti-Tarn Artillery: Employing artillery, such as catapults or ballistae, to attack Tarns from a distance.
Ground-Based Defenses: Strengthening ground-based defenses, such as walls and gates, to prevent Tarns from breaching the defended position.

Iron Age Weapons and Armor

Mounted Warriors: Gorean Tarn-mounted warriors would likely use:
Lances: Long, heavy lances for charging and breaking enemy formations.
Swords: Short, versatile swords for close combat.
Javelins: Lightweight, thrown javelins for attacking enemy Tarns from a distance.
Leather or Bronze Armor: Lightweight, flexible armor to provide protection while maintaining mobility.
Ground-Based Warriors: Ground-based warriors would likely use:
Pikes: Long, heavy pikes to counter Tarn-based charges.
Swords and Shields: Short swords and shields for close combat.
Javelins and Slings: Thrown javelins and slings to attack Tarns from a distance.
Leather or Bronze Armor: Lightweight, flexible armor to provide protection while maintaining mobility.

By applying Roman strategy and tactics to Gorean Tarn warfare, and incorporating Iron Age weapons and armor, Tarn-mounted warriors can be effectively utilized in various combat scenarios, including reconnaissance, counter-reconnaissance, raids, and sieges.