Master-Warrior Varn, Titan of Gor, by Arealius the Scribe
This Gorean Fan Fiction was generated using MetaAI.
Please note that the Gorean Saga is a fictional series, and its world,
customs, and values may not align with modern societal standards or moral principles.
Gor is Copyrighted by John Norman
As I, Arealius, Scribe of Port Olni, sat across from Varn, renowned warrior and war leader, I felt honored to hear his extraordinary tale. Our meeting took place in his city palace of Varn, surrounded by the warmth of fine Ka-la-na wine.
"I must admit, Master-Warrior," I began, "your reputation precedes you. Would you share your early life with me?"
Varn's eyes reflected a mix of sadness and determination. "I was born in Ar, to Salvacious, a physician, and my mother, a former barbarian slave. Tragedy struck when marauders killed my parents, seeking medical supplies. This event sparked my desire for vengeance and self-protection."
As Varn's gaze drifted into the past, I, Arealius, listened attentively, sensing the depth of his emotional scars.
"That fateful day, I found my father's broken sword, covered in their blood," Varn continued, his voice laced with a quiet intensity. "In that instant, I swore vengeance. I tracked the marauders, driven by rage and grief. Eventually, I found them, and justice was served."
His gaze drifted into the past.
"I tracked those bandits for months," Varn continued, his voice laced with intensity. "My father's broken sword, now a symbol of my resolve, hung at my side. One fateful night, I finally located them, camped and drank."
Varn's eyes blazed with a fierce inner light. "I struck with precision, my training and rage merging. The leader fell, defeated. Yet, vengeance felt empty. I realized my true purpose: protecting others from similar tragedies."
Varn's expression softened. "That quest transformed into self-discovery and growth. I sought Commander Riff's mentorship in Lara, honing my skills. My legend began."
I sensed the depth of Varn's conviction. "Your legacy inspires many, Sir Varn," I said.
Varn nodded.
"Share my tale, Arealius. May it remind others that tragedy can be transformed into triumph through determination. This experience forged me into the warrior I am today. I vowed to protect others from suffering similar tragedies. My journey took me to Lara, where I trained under Commander Riff. When Lara fell, I moved to Piedmont, serving as Commander."
"Sir Varn," I asked, "may I inquire about your training?"
Varn's eyes sparkled with nostalgia. "My journey took me to Lara, where I trained under Commander Riff," he began. "Riff taught me swordsmanship, tactics, and leadership. His mentorship shaped me into a formidable warrior. Under Commander Riff's guidance, I rose through the ranks in Lara, becoming Captain. When Lara fell, I moved to Piedmont, serving as Commander. I reorganized defenses, fostered alliances, and trained emerging warriors. My reputation grew, earning respect from peers and adversaries."
A hint of frustration flickered across his face. "Piedmont's politics and intrigue. But exile sparked self-reflection. I reevaluated allegiances, sought innovative solutions, and embraced my true purpose: protecting and serving." Varn's determination shone through. "Those experiences forged me into the warrior I am today. Commander Riff's teachings, Lara's fall, and Piedmont's rise all contributed." Varn's gaze swept the room, as if reliving memories.
Varn's expression darkened, the fire's warmth momentarily eclipsing his features. "Selena," he whispered, his voice laced with longing. "A kajira, beautiful and kind. Our bond sparked jealousy in the Vizier, who coveted her for himself." His eyes flashed with anger. "The Administrator, blinded by ambition, sided with the Vizier. Together, they conspired against me. Deception and betrayal," Varn continued, his voice heavy with emotion. "Their actions cut deeper than any sword. I was exiled, forced to abandon Piedmont," Varn said, his jaw clenched. "The city I protected, now lost to me. Exile brought self-reflection," Varn observed. "I reevaluated allegiances, seeking true purpose."
"Though wounded, my spirit remained unbroken," Varn declared. "Faith in Tor tu Gor and determination sustained me. I sailed to Caer Cardon, resupplied, and ventured west in Thassa. An ancient map, passed down from my grandfather, guided me to the Isle of LarTorvis. There, I established a new home, uniting the island's people. Today, my city thrives. We've earned respect through our skills, creativity, and self-reliance.
As Varn's story unfolded, I sensed the depth of his conviction. "What drives your unwavering determination, Master-Warrior?" I asked.
As Varn spoke, his eyes burned with an inner fire, illuminating the rustic lounge. His voice, laced with conviction, resonated deeply. "Tor tu Gor, the one true God of Gor, guides me," he continued. "His divine will fuels my perseverance. I remain steadfast, unyielding in my principles." The warmth of the fire danced across his determined features.
"Stubborn arrogance?" I inquired, curious.
Varn chuckled.
"A necessary trait for a warrior-leader. Unwavering confidence in one's abilities inspires loyalty and trust." His gaze intensified. "Protecting and serving – this is my purpose. My people's safety and prosperity drive me forward."
"Your philosophy is simple yet powerful," I observed.
Varn nodded. "Complexity often clouds judgment. Clarity of purpose forges strength."
"As a leader, what burdens do you carry?" I asked.
Varn's expression turned somber. "The weight of responsibility, the constant threat of danger, and the pressure to make wise decisions." His eyes locked onto mine. "But I would not trade this path. Leading, protecting – this is my calling."
"Tor tu Gor's guidance sustains you?" I ventured.
Varn's face radiated serenity. "Unwavering faith anchors me. In tumultuous times, His presence reassures."
"Your conviction inspires hope," I said.
Varn smiled. "May my tale remind others: determination and faith can transform tragedy into triumph."
Intrigued, I asked, "How did you discover the Isle of LarTorvis?"
A smile creased his weathered face. "An ancient map from my grandfather guided me. I established myself as a leader, and the island flourished under my guidance."
Seeking insight, I inquired, "What drives your unwavering determination, Sir Varn?"
His eyes shone with conviction. "My faith in Tor tu Gor, the one true God of Gor, illuminates my path. I'm driven by determination and stubborn arrogance."
Varn's city's achievements fascinated me. "Your people excel in En' Kara and Whipfest. What's the secret to their success?"
"Pride and self-reliance," he replied. "We thrive due to our determination and resourcefulness."
As our conversation drew to a close, I sought a message for Port Olni. "Any words for Ubar or our people, Master Warrior Varn?"
"Extend my warm regards to your Ubar," he said. "I cherish our alliance and look forward to the coming festival, where I'll showcase my city's skills."
Editor's Notes: (https://www.moonproductions.com/Fantasy/Gor/religiousbeliefs.html)
Religious matters and the “Books of Gor" by John Norman Any Questions or Additional information Contact, Nikoli Nicholls The worship of the Priest-Kings is the most prevalent religion on Gor, especially in the civilized lands. Much of this has been previously addressed in the scrolls Initiate Caste and the Priest-Kings and you can find much information there. The Priest-Kings are seen are vastly powerful and very knowledgeable. Few Goreans would wish to purposefully offend the Priest-Kings. Most Goreans have either seen or heard of the effects of the Flame Death so they have much reason to believe that the Priest-Kings actually exist. They may not know the nature of the Priest-Kings but they rarely debate their existence. The Flame Death is a form of capital punishment imposed by the Priest-Kings and triggered from their stronghold in the Sardar Mountains. A victim seems to spontaneously erupt in blue flames. This is most commonly a punishment for those who violate the Technology and Weapon Laws. In addition, the Priest-Kings sometimes use the Flame Death just to show their power to the Goreans. This is very effective. "Occasionally on Gor we destroy a city, selecting it by means of a random selection device. This teaches the lower orders the might of Priest-Kings and encourages them to keep our laws." "But what if the city has done no wrong?" I asked. "So much the better," said Misk, "for the Men below the Mountains are then confused and fear us even more--but the members of the Caste of Initiates, we have found, will produce an explanation of why the city was destroyed. They invent one and if it seems plausible they soon believe it." (Priest Kings of Gor, p.123) The general populace of Gor both fear and respect the Initiate Caste, yet they do so only because the Initiates are alleged to be the messengers and direct servants of the Priest-Kings. The Initiates claim that they speak for the Priest-Kings and further their objectives. As the populace is positive of the great power of the Priest-Kings, they do worry that the Initiates may just be speaking the truth. Thus, to be safe, the populace chooses to generally respect the Initiates. They may disagree with the Initiates behind their backs but they rarely would dare to do so openly, fearful of potential retribution. There is another religion on Gor that appears to exist, at least in part, in some of the cities of Gor though it is likely more prevalent in the countryside. This small cult, much lesser in numbers and power than the worship of the Priest-Kings, worships the Sun. The books say almost nothing about this cult and it does not appear to possess much significance on Gor. The barbaric lands also have their own religious beliefs. Some of these cultures acknowledge the existence of the Priest-Kings but they choose to pray to other deities. The Red Hunters appear to be one barbaric culture that does pray to the Priest-Kings. The Initiate Caste tries to eliminate the worship of at least some, if not all, of these other gods. They are fiercely defensive of their primacy on Gor. The tribes of the Wagon Peoples revere the Priest-Kings but they do not worship them. Instead, they choose to worship the "Spirit of the Sky." In their myth structure, it was Spirit who caused the rains that would form the world, the Peoples and the bosk. Males of the Wagon Peoples will pray only when they are mounted and women are not permitted to pray at all. A man prays to the Spirit as if he was a warrior addressing a Ubar. Thus, the Spirit is seen more as a leader than an actual god. He is someone to respect. To the Wagon People, certain matters are considered holy such as the bosk and one's martial prowess. The people of Torvaldsland respect the Priest-Kings but they also do not worship them. Torvaldslanders worship gods such as Odin and Thor, gods based on the Norse pantheon of Earth. This helps show the connection of the Earth Vikings to the Torvaldslanders. The Initiate Caste especially despises this religion and harshly punishes anyone they catch worshipping them. They may torture these heretics, boiling them in oil or burning them alive. They might even place a snake into one's mouth, forcing the mouth closed and waiting for the snake to tear its way through one of the cheeks. The worshippers of these gods may be known by the sign of Thor, where they make a fist over their drink. The fist is symbolic of Thor's hammer. Torvaldsland has its owns priests, called rune-priests. They commonly wear white robes (like Initiates), possess long hair and may have a spiral ring of gold on their left arms. They carry a bag of omen chips, small wood chips that are soaked in the blood of a sacrificial bosk. These chips are thrown like dice, sometimes several times, and interpreted to divine the future. They also often engage in animal sacrifices. They once sacrificed male slave, thralls, but they have ceased doing so. It is now thought that thralls, like urts and tiny tharlarion, are not worthy enough to be sacrificed to the gods. Rune-priests are less organized than the Initiate Caste and the high council of rune-priests rarely meets all at once. Religion from the Books of Norman ……………….. read what is written. The first High Caste is the Initiates. The Initiates devote themselves to studying, worshipping, and interpreting the will of the Priest-Kings. Their Caste color is White. Culturally, the Initiates are generally either the most powerful High Caste of a given city, or the least, depending on various factors. In times of trouble the status of the Initiates usually either dramatically improves as the populace seeks their intercession with the Priest-Kings, or falls sharply as the populace blames them for not interceding properly on their behalf. Only men may join the Initiates – making it an exception to the hereditary nature of the Caste system. Initiates do not eat meat or beans, shave their heads, and spend much time studying obscure prayers and mathematics which they claim will enable them to enter the afterlife when they die. Very few Initiates know the nature of the Priest-Kings: they consider them beings of spirit with no fixed form and regard them as gods. The Priest-Kings find the Initiates both puzzling and extremely amusing, and take no special steps to improve or degrade their claims to know the will of Priest-Kings. Certain members of the Initiates are in contact with the Priest-Kings (as are various people all over Gor, although how this contact is made is not clear and such agents do not know what the Priest-Kings are like) and do perform certain tasks on their behalf. The Initiates form the only generally found religious body on Gor although there are also sun-worshippers, sky-worshippers, and followers of a modified Norse pantheon, among others. The average Gorean is not very religious – although he may be superstitious – and basically seeks to have the Priest-Kings leave him alone. Since the Initiates teach that only Initiates can find the afterlife, and most Goreans do not believe in an afterlife anyway, the populace respects them but does not seek to follow them fervently. Goreans often speak of someone who has died as having gone to the "Cities of Dust," which may be a reference to an Assyrian/Mesopotamian version of the afterlife, where the dead are ghosts who live on dust. However, they do not believe in an actual afterlife, saying rather than a man’s deeds live after him, as do his children. Sun Worshipers There was a sect among the people that worshipped the sun, but it was insignificant both in numbers and power when compared with the worship of the Priest-Kings who, whatever they were, were accorded the honors of divinity. Theirs, it seems, was the honor of being enshrined as the most ancient gods of Gor, and in time of danger a prayer to the Priest-Kings might escape the lips of even the bravest men. “The Priest-Kings,” said my father, “are immortal, or so most here believe.” “Do you believe it?” I asked. “I don't know,” said my father. “I think perhaps I do.” “What sort of men are they?” I asked. “It is not known that they are men,” said my father. “Then what are they?” “Perhaps gods.” “You're not serious?” “I am,” he said. “Is not a creature beyond death, of immense power and wisdom, worthy to be so spoken of?” I was quiet. {Tarnsman of Gor - 28} Prayer Petitioning to the Priest-Kings Then, standing on the platform, he lifted his bare arms to the mountains. “Let the herd come,” he said. He had spoken in Gorean. Then he reached into a fur sack at his feet and, gently, took forth a representation of the northern tabuk, carved in blue stone. I had no idea how long it took to make such a carving. It would take many nights in the light of the sloping, oval lamps. He put the tiny tabuk on the boards at his feet, and then again lifted his arms to the mountains. “Let the herd come,” he said. “I give you this tabuk,” he said. “It was mine, and it is now yours. Give us now the herd which is ours.” Then he lowered his arms and reached down and closed the sack. He left the platform. There were other individuals, too, on the long platform. Each, I supposed, had their petition to make to Priest-Kings. I looked at the tiny tabuk left behind on the boards. It looked toward the Sardar. {Beasts of Gor - 82} Kneeling and Standing We could hear the bells, the chanting. In a moment we could see the lifted golden circle, on its staff, approaching. The people in the streets hurried to press against the walls. “Initiates,” I said to Marcus. I could now see the procession clearly. “Kneel,” said the fellow near me. “Kneel,” I said to Marcus. We knelt, on one knee. It surprised me that the people were kneeling, for, commonly, free Goreans do not kneel, even in the temples of the Initiates. Goreans commonly pray standing. The hands are sometimes lifted, and this is often the case with praying Initiates. {Magicians of Gor - 17} Prayer Ring We saw a fellow walk by, mumbling prayers. He was keeping track of these prayers by means of a prayer ring. This ring, which had several tiny knobs on it, was worn on the first finger of his right hand. He moved the ring on the finger by means of the knobs, keeping track of the prayers that way, comes to the circular knob, rather like a golden circle at the termination of the Initiate's staff, one knows one had completed one cycle of prayers. One may then stop, or begin again. {Magicians of Gor - 21} Prayer String There were poorly webbed, small tapestries; amulets and talismans; knotted prayer strings; papers containing praises of Priest-Kings, which might be carried on one’s person. {Assassin of Gor - 155} Afterlife Most Goreans seem skeptical of an afterlife, or, at least, seem content to wait and see. The only Gorean caste which, as far as I know, officially believes in an afterlife is that of the Initiates, and they believe in it, it seems, only for themselves, and seem to believe it is connected with such things as the performance of secret rites, the acquisition of secret knowledges, mostly mathematical, and the avoidance of certain foods. {Dancer of Gor - 279} “Religious matters on this world tend to be rather carefully guarded by the Caste of Initiates, who allow members of other castes little participation in their sacrifices and ceremonies. I was given some prayers to the Priest-Kings to memorize, but they were in Old Gorean, a language cultivated by the Initiates but not spoken generally on the planet, and I never bothered to learn them. To my delight, I learned that Torm, whose memory was phenomenal, had forgotten them years ago. I sensed that a certain distrust existed between the Caste of Scribes and the Caste of Initiates." Tarnsman of Gor, page 40 On the other hand, the High Castes, specifically the Warriors, Builders, Scribes, Initiates, and Physicians" Tarnsman of Gor, page 41 These tiers shared the color of that portion of the wall behind them, the caste colors. The tier nearest the floor, which denoted some preferential status, the white tier, was occupied by the Initiates, Interpreters of the Will of the Priest Kings. In order, the ascending tiers; blue, yellow, green and red were occupied by representatives of the Scribes, Builders, Physicians, and Warriors." Tarnsman of Gor, page 61 Blue Flame: controlled by the Priest-Kings, seemingly emerging from the heavens, this flash of energy literally burns it's victims to wisps of ash in an instant, enveloping him in a fierce blue combustive mass. Tarnsman of Gor, page 208 Creation Myths of Gor, Life & Death Beliefs § Common Creation Myth - The Priest-Kings formed man from mud of earth and the blood of tarns. § Death - called the "Cities of Dust" § Death Rite - cremation with bits of bone kept in an urn. Ashes scattered. Mentioned. § Immortality - Goreans do not believe in immortality. The teachings of the Initiates is that only initiates can obtain eternal life. § Kurii - do not believe in immortality § Priest Kings - accorded the honors of divinity. Considered to be the most ancient gods of Gor, and prayers are said to them. § Red Hunters - believe in reincarnation for animals and people. § sun worshippers - there is a sect that worships the sun, but it is insignificant in numbers and power. § theatre people - denied funeral pyre and other forms of honorable burial. § Torvaldsland Thor and Creation Myth - The gods took a hoe, sprinkled water on it and rubbed sweat from their own bodies to create a race of slaves. From this hoe most men were formed. One god threw down his great ax, poured paga on it and his own blood. The ax leaped up and ran away, to become the father of the men of Torvaldsland. § Wagon Peoples - revere the Priest-Kings but pray to the sky. They pray only when mounted, only when in the saddle, and only with weapons at hand. Women are not permitted to pray. § worship - Goreans in general worship standing The Initiates use various types of thickened chrism, consecrated oil. It is commonly used by Initiates to make the sign of the Priest-Kings, the circle of eternity, on their foreheads. There is also a chrism of temporary permission that allows one not consecrated to the Priest-Kings to enter their sanctified area. This chrism allows laborers and other workers to enter the sanctified area to perform their work. This is considered an inferior anointing. Such anointings were first used at roadside shrines to permit civil authorities to enter and slay fugitives who had taken sanctuary within. It is also used for workmen and artists who work in the temple. Dead bodies do not require anointing so they may be freely placed within the Initiate sanctified area. Some Initiates have prayer rings, a means to keep track of a cycle of prayers. It is worn on the first finger of the right hand. It has several tiny knobs which when turned keep track of the cycle of prayers. When you return to the circular knob, you have completed the entire prayer cycle. Initiates claim that Gor was once the planet of a distant sun in the remote Blue Galaxies and has been moved several times to different stars. Gor eventually came to our solar system. Priest Kings are believed to be immortal and likely gods. Almost no one, including the Initiates, have ever seen them. Priest-Kings generally ignore most matters on Gor except for technology violations. They pay little attention to the Initiates, considering them both amusing and harmless. Initiates are considered as examples of the aberrations of humans. Prior to the Nest War in Priest-Kings of Gor, some Initiates were implanted by the Priest-Kings with a fine webbing of gold wire into their heads. They might also have special eye implants. The Priest-Kings could use these Initiates as surveillance devices. In addition, they could kill these Initiates easily, causing their heads to burst and burn. After the Nest War, this practice was basically stopped. Every Gorean is expected to at least once journey to the Sardar Mountains before they are twenty-five years old. The Initiates keep lists of who goes and who does not. Initiates teach that misfortunes hit a city if their people try to avoid this obligation. Sometimes the Initiates will ask individuals to go at a certain time. In some cities and islands, your family receives a gold tarn disk if you go when they ask. That is a vast sum for most Goreans so most people go when the Initiates ask you to. The Sardar journey subjects all Goreans to the bandits and slavers who haunt the trade roads to the Sardar. It is a dangerous journey and some do not return. The sacred Sardar Mountains are the home of the Priest-Kings. The Sardar Mountains are dark and often crowned with ice. Nothing grows there. There is an invisible force shield that prevents all animals from entering the mountains. It may affect their inner ear and cause them to lose control of their bodies. A palisade of black logs encircles the Sardar, with a towering gate of black logs bound with wide bands of brass. An Initiate stands guard at the gate to the Sardar and he decides if the gates will be opened for someone who wishes to climb the Sardar. Generally, no one is refused. Often old men who are tired of life or brash young men make the attempt. None of them have ever returned. A huge, hollow metal bar tolls whenever someone passes through the gate. To open the massive gates, blind slaves must turn wooden windlasses. "There are many texts, of course, which are secret to the caste, and not even available to scholars generally:” "Marauders of Gor" page 29 "The words were in archaic Gorean which I find very difficult to understand. On the surface it is spoken by none but the members of the Caste of Initiates who use it primarily in their numerous and complex rituals." "Priest Kings of Gor" page 165 “Religious matters on this world tend to be rather carefully guarded by the Caste of Initiates, who allow members of other castes little participation in their sacrifices and ceremonies.” Tarnsman of Gor, page 40 Composed by Nikoli Nicholls
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