Military Strategies and Discipline
I, held, watched the departure of the Kurii. They, obedient to their orders, withdrew, I admired the Kur commander, that he had been able to instill in his fierce beasts such discipline. As they withdrew some dragged with them the fallen bodies of askaris. (Explorers of Gor)
The Kur commander raised his paw. His lips drew back over his fangs. It was a sign of Kur triumph, or pleasure. Then he swiftly communicated commands to his beasts. -------------- The Kurii facing us then, snarling, watching us, not turning their backs, began to withdraw. They obeyed their commander. He had won. He would not now risk more of his beasts. Too, he would wish to use them to guarantee the safe passage of the ring to his prearranged rendezvous, from whence it would be eventually returned to the steel worlds, or on this planet, used devastatingly against men and Priest-Kings. (Explorers of Gor)
One of the Kur leaders, then, marshaling his forces, formed them in loose lines, that they might no longer be singly attacked. I had little doubt but what he was a ship Kur. I admired his ability to control the degenerate, recruited Kurii he commanded. There was perhaps in them the vestige, or memory, perhaps passed on in an oral tradition, of the disciplines and dignities in their past, notably, doubtless, that of ship loyalty. (Explorers of Gor)
I had met Half-Ear there, in a vast northern complex, an enormous supply depot intended to arm and fuel, and otherwise logistically support, the projected invasion of Gor, the Counter-Earth. (Explorer of Gor)
“It turned about and bent down, and picked up a large shield, of a sort adequate for such a creature. It lifted this before us, displaying it, horizontally, convex side down. We could see that the shield straps were in order. It then placed the shield on the floor, to the side of the table, to their left. It then went back and again bent down. This time it brought forth a mighty spear, some twelve feet in length, with a long, tapering bronze head. This, with two hands, holding it horizontally, across its body, it also displayed, lifting it ceremoniously upwards and towards us, and then drawing it back. It then put the spear down, laying it on the floor, to their left. The shaft of the spear was some three inches in diameter. The bronze head might have weighed some twenty pounds.
“They honor us,” said Samos.
“As we did them,” I said.
The symbolism of the creatures action, the lifting of weapons, and then the setting aside of them, was clear. This actions also, of course, was in accord with the common Gorean convention in proposing a truce. That the creatures had seen fit to utilize this convention, one of humans, was clear. I found this a welcome accommodation on their part. They seemed concerned to be congenial.” (Savages of Gor)
“You are my prisoner,” I said to him.
“I think not,” he said. He indicated, holding it, the small metallic device which had lain beside him on the dais. It nestled now within his left, tentacle paw.
“I see,” I said. The hair rose on the back of my neck.
“Let us drink to your victory,” he said. He lifted his glass. “A victory to men and Priest-Kings.”
“You are generous,” I said.
“But a victory is not a war,” he said.
“True,” I said.
We touched glasses, in the manner of men, and drank. (Beasts of Gor)
“You will not take me alive,” it said.
“Surrender,” I said. “It is no dishonor to surrender. You have fought well, but lost.”
“I am Half-Ear, of the Kurii,” it said. (Beasts of Gor)
“Why,” asked Samos, “should the slave ships cease their runs?”
“An invasion?” I asked.
“Unlikely,” said Samos, “If an invasion were to be launched soon, surely the slave runs would continue. Their cessation would surely alert the defense and surveillance facilities of Priest-Kings. One would not, surely, produce a state of apprehension and heightened awareness in the enemy prior to an attack.”
“It does not seem so,” I admitted, “Unless the Kurii, perhaps, feel that just such a move might put the Priest Kings off guard, that it would b too obvious to be taken as a prelude to full war.” “But this possibility, doubtless,” smiled Samos, “too, is one which will not fail to be considered by the rulers of the Sardar.”
I shrugged. It had been long since I had been in the Sardar.
“It may mean an invasion is being readied,” said Samos. “But I think the Kurii, who are rational creatures, will not risk full war until reasonably assured as to its outcome. I suspect their reconnaissance is as yet incomplete. The organization of native Kurii, which would have constituted a splendid intelligence probe, and was doubtless intended primarily as such, yielded them little information.” (Tribesmen of Gor)
Kurii, cautious, like sharks, did not wish to commit their full attack until assured of its success. Had they known the weakness of the Sardar, and the time required to restore the power source, regenerating itself now at inexorable concentration rates determined by natural law, they would have surely launched their fleets. (Tribesmen of Gor)
The Kurii, I gathered, did not wish to fight their way to more fertile lands south, but to reach them easily, thus conserving their numbers and, in effect, cutting Torvaldsland from the south. There was little to be gained by fighting an action the length of Torvaldsland, and little to be lost by not doing so, which could not be later recouped when power in the south had been consolidated. I had strong doubts, of course, as to whether a Kur invasion of the south was practical, unless abetted by the strikes of Kur ships from the steel worlds. The point of the probe, indeed, might be to push Kur power as far south as possible, and, perhaps, too, for the first time, result in the engagement of the forces of Priest-Kings to turn them back. This would permit an assessment of the power of Priest-Kings, the extent and nature of which was largely unknown to the Kurii, and, perhaps, to lure them into exposling themselves in such a ways that a space raid might be successfully launched. All in all, I expected the invasion of the south was, at this point, primarily a probe. If it was successful, the Priest-Kings, to preserve men on the planet might be forced to intervene, thus breaking their own laws. If the Priest-Kings did not do this, perhaps for reasons of pride, their laws having been given, then in effect, Gor might become a Kur world, in which, given local allies, the Priest-Kings might finally be isolated and destroyed. This was, to my knowledge, the boldest and most dangerous move of the Others, the Kurii, to this date. It utilized large forces on Gor itself, largely native Kurii in its schemes. Kurii from the ships, of course, as organizers, as officers, might be among them. And doubtless there would be communication with the ships, somehow. This march might be the first step in an invasion, to culminate with the beaching of silver ships, in their thousands, raiders from the stars, on the shores of Gor. (Marauders of Gor)
Kurii are land animals, not fond of water. In their march south, the fleet of Thorgard of Scagnar would cover their western flank. More importantly, it would give them the means of communication with the Gorean islands, and, if desirable, a means whereby their invasion might by accomplished. The fleet, further, could, if necessary, provision the advancing horde and, if necessary, if dangers should threaten, evacuate large portions of it. The Kurii march would have its sea arm, its naval support. Kurii, as I have indicated, are rational animals. The strategies seemed elementary, but sound. The full extent of the strategy, however, I suspected, was known only on the steel worlds, the steel worlds in space on which it had doubtless been constructed and from which, perhaps, it might be conducted. (Marauders of Gor)
“We have been tricked!” cried a man. “Across the camp is the true rally, hundreds of Kurii! All falls before them! This was a ruse to draw men here, permitting Kurii to regroup in numbers elsewhere!”
My heart leaped.
No wonder the commander of the Kurii had left his forces here, disappearing, I wondered if they knew his real intent had been elsewhere. I admired him. He was a true general, a most dangerous and lethal foe, unscrupulous, brilliant.
“It seems,” grinned Ivar Forkbeard, “we have a worthy adversary.” (Marauders of Gor)
The Kurii showed no signs of emerging from the shield wall. It consists of two lines, one on the ground, the other at chest level, of overlapping shields. The shields turn only for the blows of axes. We could see the two front lines, one kneeling, one standing, of Kurii. Similar lines, fierce, obdurate, protective, extended about the formation, on all sides, forming the edges of the Kurii war square. Within the square, formed into ragged “Hands,” “Kurii”, and “Bands”, with their appropriate leaders, were massed a considerable number of Kurii, ready to charge forth should the shield wall open, or to support it if it seemed in danger of weakening. It was my supposition that their square contained, now, better than twenty-three hundred beasts. (Marauders of Gor)
Military Organization
“One is a Blood,” I said.
“What is that?” asked Samos.
“In their military organizations,” I said, “six such beasts constitute a Hand, and its leader is called an Eye. Two hands and two eyes constitute a larger unit, called a “Kur” or “Beast”, which is commanded by a leader, or Blood. Twelve such units constitute a Band, commanded again by a Blood, though of higher rank. Twelve bands, again commanded by a Blood, of yet higher rank, constitute a March. Twelve marches is said to constitute a People.” (Savages of Gor)
“Why is the leader spoken of as a Blood?” asked Samos.
“It seems to have been an ancient belief among such creatures,” I said, “that thought was a function of the blood, rather than of the brain, a terminology which has apparently lingered in their common speech. Similar anachronisms occur in many languages, including Gorean.”
“Who commands a People?” asked Samos.
“One who is said to be a “Blood” of the People, as I understand it,” I said.
“How do you know that one of these is a “Blood,”’ asked Samos.
“The left wrist of the larger animal bears two rings, rings of reddish alloy,” I said. “They are welded on the wrist. No Gorean file can cut them.”
“He is then of high rank?” asked Samos.
“Of lower rank than if he wore one,” I said. “Two such rings designate the leader of a Band. He would have a ranking, thusly of the sort normally accorded to one who commanded one hundred and eighty of his fellows.”
“He is analogous to a captain,” said Samos.
“Yes,” I said.
“But not a high captain,” said Samos.
“No,” I said.
”If he is a Blood, then he is almost certainly of the steel ships,” said Samos.
“Yes, “ I said. (Savages of Gor)
A march is a Kur military expression. It refers to twelve bands and their officers. It consists of between twenty-one hundred and twenty-two hundred animals. (Beasts of Gor)
“Who is Half-Ear?” asked Bosk of Port Kar.
“We do not know his true Kur name,” said Samos. “He is only known upon Gor as Half-Ear.”
“Who is he?” asked Bosk of Port Kar.
“He is a great war general of the Kurii,” Said Samos.
“Is his arrival on Gor significant?” asked Bosk of Port Kar.
“He has doubtless come to Gor to take charge of the operations of Kurii upon this world.” (Slave Girl of Gor)
A typical Kurii foraging squad consists of six animals, called a “hand,” with its” eye,” or leader. Two such “hands” with their “eyes”, constitutes a “Kur”, or “Beast.” The military Kur, in this sense a unit, is commanded by a “Blood”. (Marauders of Gor)
The commander of a military Kur, thus, might better be thought of as the “brain” or “mind,” but continues, in their languages, to be spoken of as the “blood”. A “Blood” thus commands the two eyes and the two hands. Twelve “Kurs”, the sense of military untis, constitutes one “Band”. This one hundred and eight animals, including subalterns leaders, and is itself commanded by a “Blood”, whose rank is indicated by two rings on the left arm. Twelve of these Bands constitutes a March. A March thus consists of 2,160 animals, or counting the commanders of each Band, 2,172 animals. A march is commanded by a Blood, whose rank is indicated by one ring on the left arm. The ring ranks are quite plain, being of some reddish alloy, and are distinguished from decorative rings, of which many Kurii are fond. (Marauders of Gor)
The commander, or Blood, of a March wears only a single, thin reddish ring. Whether or not this simplicity is honored duty, so to speak, or in their privacy, I do not know. I further do not know the full significance of the rings. I do not understand how they are earned, or what is involved in moving from the “second ring” to the “first ring”. I do know that rings are welded on the wrists of the beasts. The iron files of the Goreans, incidentally, will not cut the alloy. They may be obtained, of course, by the severing of the arm. Why the conjunction of bands is spoken of as a “March” is also unclear. This may refer to a military march, of course, but, I suspect, the term being apparently ancient, that it may also refer to migrations in the remote history of the Kurii, on their own wolrd, putatively no longer existent or viable. There is some indirect evidence that this may be the case, because twelve “Marches” are referred to not as a Division or Army, or some such unit, but rather as a “People”. A People would be commanded by a “Blood” of the People. Such a commander is said to stand “outside the rings.” I do not fully understand the meaning of this expression. (Marauders of Gor)
I saw the general within their square, the huge Kur whom I had seen before, in the hall of Svein Blue Tooth, it with the golden ring on the left arm. The ring of gold, as far as I knew, had no military significance. Many Kurii wear such rings, and necklaces and earrings. That no ring of reddish alloy was worn, which would distinguish the leader of a Band or March was of interest. The leader of a Band wears two welded, reddish rings, the leader of the March, which contains twelve Bands, only one. The general in the formation against which we stood wore not even one reddish ring. Surely he was not a “Blood” of a “People”. Yet there was little doubt of his authority, or his right to such authority expected he stood as a commander from one of the steel worlds themselves, sent to unite and command native Kurii. (Marauders of Gor)
Warrior to Warrior
To my surprise I saw the Kur leader, a huge, brown Kur, doubtless from one of the far ships, lift his panga in salute to the black Ubar. Bila Huruma, then, breathing heavily, raised his stabbing spear in his dark and bloody fist. “Askari hodari!” he cried. I shook with emotion. It was much honor he had done the beast, not even human, confronting him. The salute of the Kur commander had been acknowledged and returned. (Explorers of Gor)
It looked at me. “What can compare,” it asked, “with the joy of real victory? Of true victory? When one has risked one’s life openly and then, after a hard-fought contest, has one’s enemy at one’s feet, lacerated, and bleeding and dying, and can then tear him in victory and feast in his body, what can compare with the joy of that?” The eyes of the beast blazed, but then the fierce light subsided. It poured us again a glass of Paga.
“Very little, I suppose,” I said.
“Do I horrify you?” it asked.
“No,” I said.
“I knew I would not,” it said.
“How did you know that?” I asked.
“I saw you fight,” it said.
I shrugged.
“You should have seen your face,” it said. “You cannot tell me you did not like it.”
“I have not told you that,” I said.
“In time the war will be finished,” it said. It looked at me, “If we should survive it, there will be afterwards no use for such as we.”
“We will, at least,” I said. “have known one another.”
“That is true, it said. “Would you like to see my trophies?” it asked.
“Yes,” I said. (Beasts of Gor)
I was pleased to have met Zarendargar, or Half-Ear. We had talked long. Strange that I could converse with him, for he was only a beast. I think he regretted sending me out upon the ice, to be rent by the white Kur. Zarendargar, or Half-Ear, I think, was a lonely soldier, a true soldier, with few with whom he could speak, with few with whom he could share his thoughts. I suspect there were few, if any, in that steel complex, even of his own breed, with whom he could converse warmly, excitedly, swiftly, in detail, as he did with me, where a word might suggest a paragraph, a glance, a lifted paw signify what might with a less attuned interlocutor require hours of converse to convey. He seemed to think we were, in some sense, kindred, that despite alien evolutions, remote origins and diverse histories. How preposterous was that concept! One does not find one’s brother upon the shores of foreign worlds. “The same dark laws which have formed the teeth and claws of the Kur have formed the hand and brain of man,” had said Half-Ear. This seemed to me, however, quite unlikely. Surely the same noble, high laws which had formed the lofty brain and useful hand of man could not have been responsible for the fangs and claws of the predatory Kur. We were men and they were beasts. Was that not clear to all? (Beasts of Gor)
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