Dark Cloud on the Horizon: A Story of Gor
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
Dark Cloud on the Horizon: A Story of Gor
By Arealius, Scribe of Port Olni
As he sifted through his notes, a particular passage caught his eye. It was from his apprenticeship days, his first foreign trip as aide to Lady Sela Montgomery, the Port Kar Ambassador at large. He recalled the weight of responsibility, the thrill of the unknown, and the intricacies of diplomatic protocol.
The entry was dated to the day Lady Sela's delegation arrived in Ar, amidst the somber atmosphere of Marlenus the Old's funeral pyre. Arealius's notes described the imposing figure of Marlenus the Younger, then newly crowned Ubar of Ar, standing before the High Castes. The young Ubar's words still resonated in Arealius's mind:
"We stand at the threshold of a new era. The south beckons, rich with the treasures of the Vosk and the secrets of the Salerian wastes. We will not be bound by the caution of our fathers. We will not be deterred by the whispers of doubt. Ar will rise, and the world will tremble."
Lady Sela's whispered commentary still echoed in Arealius's ears: "Ambition and hubris, a potent mix. This young Ubar would do well to temper his zeal with wisdom."
As Arealius closed his eyes, the memories swirled, transporting him back to that fateful day. He saw the determined glint in Marlenus's eye, the calculating gazes of the High Castes, and the subtle intrigue that wove through the gathering like a silken thread.
Lady Sela's voice dropped to a whisper, her eyes scanning the gathering as if searching for potential eavesdroppers. "The young Ubar is under immense pressure, Arealius. The Initiates whisper prophecies of greatness, the Warriors clamor for glory, and the Merchants promise riches beyond his wildest dreams."
She leaned in closer, her breath tickling Arealius's ear. "But I believe the greatest pressure comes from Turia. Its Merchant Caste, with their coffers overflowing and their influence spreading like a stain, is quietly goading Ar into this southern campaign."
Arealius's eyes widened slightly as he nodded, his mind racing with the implications. Turia, with its powerful merchant caste, had long been a thorn in the side of Ar, seeking to expand its influence and control over the region.
Lady Sela's voice took on a conspiratorial tone. "Mark my words, Arealius, Turia's merchants will reap the benefits of this war, while Ar bears the cost in blood and treasure. The young Ubar would do well to be cautious, lest he becomes a pawn in their game of power and profit."
As Lady Sela spoke, Arealius couldn't help but wonder about the motivations of the various players involved. Was Marlenus truly in control of his own destiny, or was he being manipulated by the forces around him?
One of Lady Sela's senior advisors, a seasoned diplomat with a keen eye for politics, discreetly approached her. His voice was low and measured, his words chosen with care.
"Lady Sela, if I may be so bold, perhaps it would be wise to be more... circumspect in your discussions with young Arealius. He is, after all, still an outsider among the scribes, despite his talents."
Lady Sela's gaze flicked to the advisor, her expression thoughtful. The advisor continued, his voice barely above a whisper.
"As a Rencer from the Vosk River Delta, with a... complicated family history, Arealius's loyalties may not be entirely clear. His mother's capture and collaring, his own uncertain status within the scribes' caste... these are factors to consider when sharing sensitive information."
The advisor's words hung in the air, a subtle reminder of the complexities surrounding Arealius's background and the potential risks of revealing too much.
The senior advisor, Theodorus Calvus, grasped Arealius's elbow firmly, steering him away from Lady Sela. "What do you think you're doing, standing so close to the Ambassador?" he hissed, his voice low and menacing.
Arealius tried to explain, but Theodorus cut him off. "You're nothing but a kajira's son, a nobody from the streets of Port Kar. You don't deserve to breathe the same air as Lady Sela, let alone stand beside her."
Theodorus's words dripped with venom, and Arealius felt a surge of humiliation. "You're lucky to be serving in this delegation, boy. Don't forget your place."
Theodorus's grip tightened, and he leaned in close. "If I see you standing that close to Lady Sela again, I'll have you sold in the slave markets of Ar. You'll be nothing more than a pleasure slave, serving the whims of some wealthy merchant."
Arealius felt a chill run down his spine as Theodorus's words hung in the air. He knew he had to be careful, that one misstep could mean disaster. Theodorus's grip finally relaxed, and Arealius was left standing alone, his dignity bruised and his sense of self-worth battered.
Arealius stepped back, his eyes drawn to the figure of Marlenus the Younger, the new Ubar of Ar. The young Ubar's voice rang out across the gathering, his words filled with passion and conviction. Arealius couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for the man's confidence and ambition.
As he watched Marlenus, Arealius couldn't help but think about the vast difference between their circumstances. One, the Ubar of the greatest city on Gor, and the other, a slave's son who had managed to learn to read and write. Yet, despite their differences, Arealius felt a sense of connection to the young Ubar.
A decision formed in Arealius's mind. He would ask permission from the Ambassador to serve as a cartographer for the Imperial forces on the Ubar's campaign in the south. It was a bold move, but Arealius felt it could be an opportunity to prove himself, to make a name for himself in the world.
He thought about the skills he had acquired, his ability to read and write, his talent for painting and drawing. He could use these skills to create maps, to chart the terrain, to help the Ubar's forces navigate the unknown.
With a sense of determination, Arealius made his way back to Lady Sela, hoping to catch her attention and request her permission to join the campaign as a cartographer.
Theodorus stepped in front of Arealius, blocking his path to the Ambassador. Both men withdrew from the meeting, their movements watched by the warriors of Ar. Theodorus pulled Arealius behind him, his grip firm.
Outside the main hall, they were confronted by a captain of the Warrior caste. Theodorus's eyes flashed with anger as he turned to the captain. "Slay this young upstart on the spot," he demanded.
The captain laughed aloud, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Do the scribes need warriors to discipline their own?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Before Theodorus could respond, Arealius spoke up boldly. "I am a scribe of Port Kar, a skilled cartographer with survey and field journal keeping experience. I wish to join your Ubar's campaign to the southern regions, captain! My supervising scribe, Master-Scribe Theodorus, told me that is not possible and that I should be beaten."
The captain's expression changed, and he favored Arealius with a smile. "Is this true, Theodorus?" he asked.
Theodorus's face darkened, and he spat out the words. "Yes, it's true. And he's the son of a slave."
Arealius quickly countered, "My mother was a member in good standing with the Caste of Scribes. A river pirate in the Vosk River Delta took her captive, but she taught me all she knew while she raised me."
The captain's eyes narrowed, and he asked, "Where is the woman now?"
Arealius's voice was blunt. "She was sold, and her master released me to find my way."
The captain smiled, and his decision was clear. "I'll take him," he said, his eyes never leaving Theodorus's face.
Here’s a focused summary of today’s project—highlighting the symbolic and historical parallels between John Norman’s Gorean Saga and the Roman campaigns along the Danube frontier under Marcus Aurelius:
🧭 Project Summary: Gor and Rome on the Edge of Empire
🔱 Narrative Goal
To craft a fan fiction campaign set in the Gorean Saga, centered on a military expedition launched by a young and ambitious Ubar of Ar—Marlenus the Younger—into the southern plains inhabited by the nomadic Wagon Peoples. The campaign is modeled on Imperial Rome’s operations along the Danube frontier, particularly during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, and explores themes of legacy, conquest, and metaphysical awakening.
🏛️ Ar and Rome: Civilizational Mirrors
| Gorean Lore – City of Ar | Imperial Rome – Marcus Aurelius Era |
|---|---|
| Ar is the cultural and military heart of Gor, ruled by a Ubar and a High Council | Rome is the epicenter of civilization, ruled by an emperor and a Senate |
| Marlenus the Younger inherits power after his father’s death, seeking prestige and expansion | Marcus Aurelius leads campaigns to secure Rome’s borders while wrestling with philosophical doubt |
| Ar’s legions are disciplined, honor-bound, and expansionist | Roman legions are professional, hierarchical, and tasked with frontier defense and conquest |
| Ar’s campaign is driven by internal politics, economic ambition, and spiritual omens | Rome’s Danube campaigns were responses to tribal incursions, imperial prestige, and philosophical reflection |
🐎 Nomadic Tribes: Wagon Peoples and Sarmatian Parallels
| Gorean Wagon Peoples | Eastern European Tribes (Roman Frontier) |
|---|---|
| Tuchuk – central tribe, pragmatic, cavalry-based | Sarmatians – nomadic horse warriors, tribal confederations |
| Kataii – mobile archers, spiritual depth | Quadi – semi-nomadic, mystic warrior culture |
| Kassar – conservative, honor-bound | Marcomanni – structured tribal society, fiercely independent |
| Paravaci – mystics and lore-keepers | Sarmatian priesthood and tribal seers |
The Wagon Peoples mirror the mobility, tribal structure, and spiritual resilience of the Sarmatians and their neighbors. Their decentralized power and mastery of cavalry tactics pose a direct challenge to Ar’s imperial rigidity—just as the Sarmatians frustrated Roman formations along the Danube.
📜 Story Development So Far
- Opening Scene: Framed by Arealius, a scribe from Port Olni, reflecting on the rise of Marlenus the Younger after his father’s funeral pyre.
- First Council Meeting: Marlenus declares his intent to expand southward, driven by legacy, wealth, and prophecy. The Spiral medallion—his father’s—becomes a symbol of destiny.
- Ambassador’s Arrival: A female envoy from the river cities meets Marlenus, warning of tribal unrest. Arealius reflects on the contrast between Ar’s grandeur and his youth in the salt-stained libraries of Port Kar.
🔮 Symbolic Themes
- The Spiral glyph represents recursion, destiny, and metaphysical turning points.
- The campaign is not just military—it’s a spiritual crucible for Ar and the tribes.
- The scribe’s perspective adds historical weight and philosophical depth, echoing Meditations and the role of memory in shaping myth.
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