Kurii

Kurii:   Beasts of Gor

• have 3 - 4 sexes (pg 368)
• Order amongst Kur Sexes: (pg 370)
• Dominant
• Egg Carrier
• Non-Dominant
• considered despicable by Kurii
• Blood Nurser
• 1st: dominant; most closely to the human male (pg 369 - 369)
• instinctively kills and mates
• 2nd: non-dominant; resembles dominate
• does not kill or mate
• 3rd: egg carrier; smaller than dominant or non dominant
• sorta like the female
• impregnated
• within a moon of impregnation deposits egg in last form of Kur
• 4th: blood nurser; not considered a sex by Kurii
• mouthed
• sluggish
• immobile
• fasten themselves to hard surfaces
• like dark globular anemones
• Young Kur: (pg 370)
• do not drink milk
• born fanged; able to stalk and kill shortly after leaving blood nurser
• Ice Mountain; Ice Island:
• Kurii Post
• Mostly automated
• 200 humans
• 20 Kurii
• Stores:
• Electrical Equipment
• Explosives
• Weapons
• Supplies
• Vehicles (pg 374)
• Towered more than 1000 feet above surface of ice
• Extended 7000 feet below surface
• Width; 4 pasangs
• Length; 10 pasangs (pg 382)
• March: Kur military expression (pg 374)
• refers to 12 bands and their officers
• consists of 2100 - 2200 animals
• Kurii Day is divided into 12 hours (pg 422)
• Gorean Day divided into 20 hours

OOC Guidelines

 Steel Worlds OOC Guidelines

 

1.  There will be absolutely no whining, complaining, or griping if you role play your character into a situation that gets it either killed, captured, or maimed. Kurii and Humans were natural, instinctual, mortal enemies.  Those who did not know the faction of Lycuss would attack and attempt to kill any kur they saw and ask questions later.  If your character is attacked and you do not wish it killed, then I strongly suggest you roll to escape.  Follow through with the role play. Keep all OOC out of it, unless it is to clarify a given situation or casual conversation. 

 

2.  There will be no bolting any Gorean role play character from any of the public chat rooms. Bolting a Gorean character from the chat room is grounds for immediate dismissal from our group, period, and will not be tolerated.

    a. The only time a non-Gorean role play character is bolted from the room is if they disrupt the role play.  We have, as a group, always invited those to lurk and watch the role play, no matter what screen name they are on at the time.  Some people just enjoy watching us play.

    b. If someone disrupts the role play, use the ignore feature found on the right hand side of the chat room.  If someone, whether on a Gorean role play screen name or otherwise, becomes overly derogatory or makes comments that are of a nature that is against AOL TOS regulations, simply report that screen name to AOL TOS, and then place them upon ignore so that their posts can no longer be seen.

 

3.  If, for any reason, your character is killed by another character in our group do not take it personally.  Learn from the mistake(s) that caused your character to be killed, create another character, and come back to play with us. To prevent the following you only must follow the IC guidelines, as in the quotes, found on the web site. 

a. Slave characters within our group have a good possibility of being killed and eaten by the kurii.  This is in keeping with the books.  If you play a slave character and do not wish it killed, it is strongly suggested that said character is played very obedient. 

b. Kurii characters within our group have a good possibility of being killed either by a group of humans or by the other kurii of an opposing faction. We invite those who play Gor to interact with our Kurii characters, whether it is as friend or foe.  It is all part of the game of Gor.

            c. Kurii Agent characters within our group have a good possibility of being made into a slave or killed.  Generally when female agents outlived their usefulness they would be collared and sold on the nearest auction block.  Generally when male agents outlived their usefulness they would be killed and eaten or collared as a slave. (this will only be done in role play IF the agent character goes against the Kurii and is found out)

 

4.  The dicing rules for this group are as follows:

            To escape a non-capture role play: the roll of the dice must be greater than those rolls to block escape, if none are greater than the dice at the end of the round, the character has successfully escaped.

            In an arranged Capture Scene: A total of 15 points must be reached for either capture or escape.

            In a Spar between Kurii, (as in contests of Claw and Fang or training of the military dominants): A total of 15 points must be reached for victory.

            In a battle to the death the total amount of blood points must be reached for death.  A kur has 30 blood points.  A human has 20 blood points.

            Check the Rules Page of the website for dice stats.  Human characters will use the dice stats of the caste they belong to.

 

5. Crossing IC with OOC and Crossing characters will not, at any time, be tolerated and is grounds for immediate dismissal from our group.  There are no exceptions to this rule.  If you play two characters within the group and those characters trade information between each other, you must have email in the form of IC scrolls or role play logs to back up the interaction of said two characters.

            a. If one of your characters in our group is killed or collared and because of such you take your other character out of the Story Line, this will be considered as OOC crossing.

 

6.  IC Guidelines.  It is hopefully not necessary to write IC Guidelines.  Quotes taken directly from the books have been categorized and listed upon the web site for the convenience of our group’s players.  The information is there for all to read about how to play a character that is; a kur, a kur agent, or a human slave of the kur. Because all do not, for one reason or another, read the web site quotes or the books, a few need to know facts about Kurii have been listed below. I do not know how I can make this any easier for our role players.

            a. A kur, generally, does not like to be touched by a human and no where in the books of Norman does it have a kur cuddling, coddling, or being overly lenient with humans. They considered humans to be of a lower order than Kurii.  Keep this in mind when your kur character interacts with a human character.

            b. A kur could speak the language of a human only after years of practice, for the anatomy of their jaws and voice boxes were not designed for such.  A kur could learn to understand the language of a human with little difficulty.

            c. A human could not speak the Kurii language, period, yet a human could learn to understand basic phrases and commands.

            d. Kurii were excellent trackers and according to John Norman had tracking abilities likened to that of the larl and only exceeded by the sleen. 

            e. Kurii had excellent nocturnal vision and could see as well on a starlit night as they could in the bright light of day.

            f. Kurii had excellent hearing and could hear a whispered word from across an arena that was filled with warriors readying for an attack.

            g. Kurii had an excellent sense of smell and could detect the scent of a trail that was days old.

            h. Kurii were carnivores, not omnivores. They lived on a diet strictly of meat, whether human, tabuk, tarsk, bosk, or others.  If they attempted to eat grain it would cause them to immediately become sick.

            i. Kurii were not immune to the poisons of Gor though it is said they could withstand poisons better than humans.  Ost venom was just as deadly to a kur as it was to a human.

            k. Kurii, the Dominants and Non-Dominants, were 7 to 9 feet in height and ranged from 700 to 900 pounds, (the egg-carriers were smaller).  They had six digits that were multi jointed and tipped with claws, that were kept filed, upon their hands. They had six digits upon their feet which had retractable claws, somewhat like a cats. Their legs were shorter than their arms and they could run upon all fours at a surprising speed.  Their teeth were likened to that of a great cats, a few times Norman describes them as having fangs like that of a sabre-toothed tiger. The four fangs in the position of upper and lower canines were long, sharp, and curved backwards. They had a long dark colored tongue and the inside of their mouths were red.  The kurii’s fur ranged from white to brown to black.  White mottling of the fur was indicative of disease.  Their ears were large and pointed and able to swivel forward and back or lay flat against the head. Their eyes were large with a yellowish cornea and had pupils that could dilate the width of the eye or shrink to tiny pinpoints given the amount of light. They had binocular vision. Their nose consisted of a muzzle, sometimes described as flat, with two leathery nostrils that could flare or close to tiny slits. They had two stomachs; a storage stomach and a chemical stomach.  They could control the rate at which their chemical stomach could digest food. Kurii had an eight chambered heart.  Kurii were vertebrates and possessed a brain that consisted of a left and right hemisphere.  Most Kurii were right handed. Kurii did not have tails.

            l. Kurii were of different races which could be discerned by the shape of their ears and nose, the color of their fur, and their size. 

            m. Kurii did not like to swim or submerge themselves in water, with the exception of that race of Kurii known by the Red Hunters as Ice Beasts, which had white fur and lived upon ice flows of the Gorean Arctic and hunted various sea beasts.

            n. Kurii consisted of two types in general, those that were from the ships of the Steel Worlds and those who were native to Gor.  The difference between the two is often described as likened to the difference between a civilized human and a cave man.

            o. Kurii were vain creatures and often wore ornamentation such as rings and hoops in their ears, arm bands, wrist rings, and necklaces.  It was rare that they wore finger rings, with the exception of the rings of Prasdak, of which there is only one left in existence. The higher the rank of a military kur the less ornamentation he wore.

            p. Kurii Agents showed the Kurii great respect, for they knew at any time they could become a meal, yet also knew that the Kurii were always generous with gold, political power and women.

            q. Kurii slaves were always extremely obedient and well behaved, out of pure fear, because they knew that the human female was considered a delicacy among the Kurii and that they would become a meal at the slightest indiscretion.

In the orbit of Hesius - The Story Line

It Began with Autolycuss

Autlolycuss emerged from a blood-nurser upon the first Steel World.  He would bare his tiney fangs and claws at any kur that came near him, be it egg-carrier, non-dominant or even a dominant. He trained in battle as all dominant kurii do, but showed natural ability for rational thinking.  Slowly he worked his way up the ranks. Successful in the Killings and the Fang and Claw arena, his strength and skill was noticed by those above the rings.  He was chosen as one of those who would venture out to the two planets for which the kurii fought.

Upon Earth, Lycuss was intrigued by the many different languages spoken by it's human inhabitants.  He began to study English, and slowly over a great span of time, he trained his own facial muscles and vocal chords to work in a way that would allow him to speak these different languages.  It is difficult for a kur to speak a human language, but kurii are tenacious creatures and perhaps Lycuss is the most tenacious of them all.

"To be sure," I said, "it is extremely difficult for them to speak Gorean, or another human language."  It was difficult for them, of course, given the nature of their oral cavity, throat, tongue, lips, and teeth, to produce human phenomes.  They can, however, sometimes in a horrifying way, approximate them.  I shuddered.  I had, once or twice, heard such creatures speaking Gorean.  It had been disconcerting to hear human speech, or something resembling human speech, emanating from such a source.  I was just as pleased that we had a translator at our disposal." (Savages of Gor)

"Kurii are tenacious.  With or without human aid we may be sure that they weill not rest until they have found their quarry."  (Savages of Gor)

 Due to Lycuss's uncanny ability to speak the human languages he was promoted again within the ranks and given command of a fleet of Acquisition Ships. For many many years he travled back and forth from Gor to Earth.  He would bring in supplies with which to entice those humans that would become kurii agents, but most of all he would bring in human slaves to serve purposes of the kurii against the Priest Kings.

Lycuss is a very old kur.  He has lived long and survived many of the Killings and Contests of the Fang and Claw.  He is also what may be considered a "gentleman" kur. Some of those of the Steel Worlds look down upon him because of his "gentlemanly" ways, but those who do are always reminded of his prowess in the Contests of Strength. It is no secret that due to the abilities of Lycuss, that he is favored with the Chieftains, or those above the rings. He is also extremely vain and sometimes will have his human slaves groom him up to six times per day.  He prefers to cook his food.  He also wears the scent of jasmine or dina so that those humans who know him will recognize him and not attack.

He is only likely to attack humans if they attack first and attempt to mess up his fur. Lycuss has his own agenda, one in which he will attempt to get the humans to side with the kurii.  Together, the kurii and the humans will take Gor from the Priest Kings who hide in their mountains the Sardars. Then, when victory is celebrated over the Priest Kings, the humans will become the slaves of the Steel Worlds and Gor and Earth will belong to kurii.

"I am a civilized being," it said. "I am what you might call a gentleman.  I am different even from most of my kind". (Players of Gor)

"I am a civilized being," it siad. "I am different even from many of my own kind.  They are barbarians." "Yes," I whispered.  "As you can see," it said, feeding, "I even cook my food." (Players of Gor)

 "I was cast out of my own country, a steel county, faraway." it said, "as a weakling."  "I find that hard to believe," I said.  "Nonetheless, it is true," it said.  "Many of my compeers, many of whom are hoenstly little better than barbarians, found it difficult to appreciate my taste for the niceites of life, for the tiny refinements that can so redeem the drabness of existance."  "Such as coking your meat?"  I asked.  "Precisely," it said.  "Accordingly I was put into exile, cast weaponless, not even with combs and brushes, without even adornments, upon this world.  How could I be expected to groom myself?  How could I be expected to keep up my appearance?"  (Players of Gor)

Once more I saw it rise up among bodies.  I heard men weep, and continue to strike at it.  How it prided itself on its refinements, on its sense of gentility.  Howe vain it had been! How irritated I had even been with it, with its confounded spuercilious arrogance.  How jealous it was of being a gentleman.  It went down again.  "We can't kill it!" screamed a man.  "We can't kill it!"  It even cooked its meat.  Once more it thrust it way up through the bodies, now waist-deep about it.  An arm hung from its jaws.  Spears and swords struck at it, again and again.  "They will learn," it had siad, "That even a gentleman knows how to fight." Twice more it tore its way up among bodies, and then, at last, men stepped wearily back from it. Bodies were pulled away.  It lay alone on the sand, dead.  I could not even pronounce its name.  (Players of Gor)

 

 

Enter Aleric

Aleric had risen high in the ranks and was successful in strength and prowess.  His life as a Military Kur of the highest order was promising, until he fell into disfavor with those above the rings.  Aleric became greedy. He first joined a faction of kurii that were planning upon overthrowing those who sat above the rings. It was not long before he overthrew the faction and became it's leader.  Aleric began to gather those who would follow him, but those above the rings took notice and quickly, in a short and bloody battle, killed all of Aleric's followers and cast him out of the Steel Worlds, leaving him upon Gor, marked as a traitor to the rings.

Aleric, also have the tenacity of the kurii, slowly began to gather followers again.  His plan was a simple one.  Kill all humans.  Kill any kurii that stood between him and the ultimate power for which he sought.  Kill all Priest Kings. He would not stop until he ruled the Steel Worlds, Gor, and Earth.

Aleric's number one advisary is Autolycuss.  Because of this he will attempt to steal anything that Lycuss possesses.  He has found out that there is an egg carrier in the territory of Lycuss and hopes to capture her.  His reason for wanting the egg carrier is two-fold: it will take something away from Lycuss and he can use the egg carrier to populate Gor with his own offspring, teaching them to follow him as troops.

Aleric will kill humans indescriminately, he sees them only as food. He will also capture them for the purpose of feeding his troops and breeding them like the cattle he sees them as. (Role Played Characters who attack Aleric and his forces do have the possibility of being killed, however, if only 1 BP is left the human character will usually be left to live or die during the healing process).

"Morevoer, I knew there were factions among Kurii.  Doubtless they had individuals who were bolder, and those who were more cautious.  The failure of the Torvaldsland probe might have had great impact in their councils.  Perhaps a new party had come to pwoer among them.  Perhaps now, a new strtegy, a new plan, was afoot.  (Tribesmen of Gor)

"There are factions among Kurii."  I said.  "It is my feeling that this Kur may be our ally."  "You are mad," said Samos. (Tribesmen of Gor) 

 

The Story Line Goes On...

Lycuss and Aleric both gather forces. They will battle each other.  One for the Steel Worlds.  The other for self gain.  Woe to the humans who find themselves caught inbetween. (OOC If a RPC initializes an attack upon a kur, then that RPC opens the possibility of being killed, regardless of mun consent. Other than that scenario no RPCs will be killed during this story line unless it is agreed upon by the muns of the RPCs.)

Those who wish to join the Story Line, either with established characters or make a new character, you are welcomed to do so.  There will be no OOC other than this website and basic information given through email or IM. Contacts for such are: SteeIWorIdsMyst@aol.com.  Therefore, if you would like to bring in a character, all you have to do is role play it in.

NOTE:  Due to the overwhelming response of those making characters that are Kur Egg-Carriers, that particular genre has been closed and no further Egg-Carriers are needed for the Story Line. 

 

 

In the order of Hesius

OOC Guidelines

There will be no OOC whining, bickering, complaining, etc.  If you do not like how this group plays then we invite you to go elsewhere. Extensive research has been done about the kurii which were created by the author John Norman.  We play our characters as close to what is found in the books as possible.

Killing other characters of those not within the group:  We are not out to kill other peoples characters, however those who play the game of AOL Gor may find their characters harmed or captured by the kurii. However, NPCs, such as guards and the like will be targeted and killed. Excessive use of NPCs will be matched by NPC kurii. Mun consent called during a battle with the kurii will simply get the character ignored. 

If a RPC initializes an attack upon a kur within the territory of the kurii, then that RPC opens the possibility of being killed, regardless of mun consent. 

If a RPC insists upon atagonizing, (attacking, stealing the property of, etc), a RPC kurii there is a good chance that the atagonist will be killed, regardless of mun consent. We caution to choose the battles of your characters well.

If the kurii initialize the attack of humans, no RPCs will be killed during this story line unless it is agreed upon by the muns of the RPCs.  We welcome scenarios of battles between human RPCs and kurii RPCs.

We are all here to have fun playing the AOL online game of Gor.

NOTE:  Due to the overwhelming response of those making characters that are Kur Egg-Carriers, that particular genre has been closed and no further Egg-Carriers are needed for the Story Line. 

 

Dice Stats

All Kurii characters have 30 blood points. The following dice are those that have been recognized since the time of the AOL GHC and listed on the website the Resistance. These dice stats used to be listed on the web site of the RRaMC until April 2, 2009 when they changed their dice stats for kurii to the ranges of 2d21 - 2d24, and the NPC guard stats to 2d21. The reasons for the RRaMC's changing of dice stats can only be assumed to be their fear of losing their characters to a fair dice stat chart that is more in keeping with the books of John Norman and the abilitites he gave the kurii. We will continue to abide by the original dicing stats which have been a staple on AOL Gor since it came to life, which are:

• 2d26   Young Kur, Egg-Carrier, Non-Dominant
• 2d27   Adult Kur (Abandoned/Sick)
• 2d28   Adult Kur - Military
• 2d29   Adult Kur - Commander (if disarmed during battle dice lower to 2d28)
• 2d30   Adult Kur - Leader (if disarmed during battle dice lower to 2d28) 

 

Organization of the Kurii Military

6 kurii equal a "Hand", lead by an "Eye", he is considered to be "Below the Rings".

 

2 Hands and 2 Eyes equal a "Kur" or "Beast", commanded by a "Blood", he is considered to be "Below the Rings."

 

12 "Kur" equal a "Band", commanded by a "Blood" of higher rank, he wears two plain rings of a reddish alloy, welded onto his left wrist, and is considered to be "Within the Rings".

 

12 "Bands" equal a "March", (2,173 kurii), commanded by a "Blood" of higher rank, he wears one plain ring of a reddish alloy, welded onto his left wrist, and is considered to be "Within the Rings".

 

12 "Marches" equal a "People" (25,977 kurii), also commanded by a "Blood" of higher rank, he wears no rings and is considered to be "Above the Rings".  

 

 

Those "Below the Rings" are the non-warriors, such as non-dominants, and lesser warriors.

 

Those "Within the Rings" are the leaders, greater warriors.

 

Those "Above the Rings" are the Cheiftains of the People.

 

A solemn vow is taken by swearing and placing a paw upon the rings of a leader.

 

Guidelines for Kajirae Characters

Guidelines for playing a slave character in this particular SL

(unfortunately; these have become necessary, for it has come to light that there are those who will attempt to capture any slaves of the kurii and will perhaps use OOC information from the profile for IC knowledge)

Special Note:   Human slaves owned by kur were commonly used for food after they outlived their usefulness, when the kur grew tired of them, or simply if the kur suddenly felt a pang of hunger. Think of the cattle rancher that has a favorite old cow, it's named, it's cared for, but if that rancher gets hungry enough, it'll be spending it's final moments as BBQ. Humans were FOOD ANIMALS to the Kurii, nothing more.  

Screen Names:  All new SNs made should not have the kur’s name in them or have any reference to a kur or the kurii

 

Profiles:  Keep the words “kur” and “kurii”, in addition to anything other than “Steel Worlds”, out of the profile.  Keep profile information to a minimum.  Place the link to the site in the profile with no explanation of what it is.

 

Capture: Everything possible should be done to prevent capture by humans, especially those who are known agents of the Priest Kings.  Use the dice, roll 2d20 to escape.  If the role play goes into a proctored escape, 15 pts are needed for success of either side. If the slave is captured she will be killed on sight by those kurii of the group her owner belongs.

 

All slaves of the kurii are barbarian and were brought to Gor from Earth by the Acquisition ships.

Actions:  All slaves of the kurii were extensively trained in the way of the Gorean Kajira.  They do not smell like kur or carry the scent of their owners.  They have no sign of belonging to kurii upon their body or collars. They will never speak knowledgeable about kurii.  If asked who they belong to they will simply reply that they do not know his real name and are only allowed to call him Master.  If asked what others call their Master, they are to reply, “comrade”. They cannot speak the kurii language.  

 

http://steelworldofthekurii.webs.com/rules.htm

In the orbit of Hesius - Guidelines

Guidelines

The content found within the books of Gor, written by John Norman, will be used as the guidelines for this group.  Due to this there will be no Guidelines, per say, that will be written, instead we will use the quotes about the Kurii directly taken from the books, of which there are many. 

I have done the research and the work for you.  Therefore, if you wish to learn about the kur that you will be portraying as a character within the game, all you need to do is click on the subject title below and read. (This is an ongoing project and there are still many more quotes to be added)

Special note:  Humans CANNOT speak the kurii language, it is impossible for a human to reproduce the kurii sounds.  However, they can learn to understand basic sounds, such as commands and are able to "get the gist" of something that is being told to them.

 

Physical Appearance

• Height and Weight
• Claws and Fangs
• Eyes, Ears, Arms and Legs
• Coloration and Races of:
• General Body Structure and Anatomy
• Adornments
• The Odor of a Kur
• Renditions of Kurii: By the Book

Facial Expressions and Body Language

• Hand Signals
• Smiles
• Pleasure, Humor and Amusement
• Warning of Attack or Aggression
• Annoyance, Contempt, and Displeasure
• Body Language in General
• At Rest

Physical Capabilities

• Vision
• Hearing
• Smell
• Strength
• Speed and Agility
• Stamina
• Tracking Abilities
• Nocturnal vs Diurnal
• Climate Control and Body Temperature

Temperament, Personality and Humor

• Temperament
• Intelligence
• Patience and Tenaciousness
• Humor
• Vanity
• Warriors Respect
• Territoriality
• General Behavior
• Water vs Land
• Ship Kurii vs Native Kurii

Civilization, Military, and the Steel Worlds

• Civilization, Tradition and Social Structure
• Civilities and Social Habits
• Politics
• Military Strategies and Discipline
• Military Organization
• Warrior to Warrior
• Ship Kurii vs Native Kurii
• Dominants, Egg-Carriers, Non-Dominants, and Blood-Nursers
• History of the Kurii Civilization and the Steel Worlds
• Animals and Their Uses; Humans as Food 

Beliefs Glory Honor

• Beliefs
• Glory
• Honor
• Battle

Language and Translators

• Kurii Language
• Understanding Human Languages
• Speaking Human Languages
• Translators
• Humans Speaking and Understanding the Kurii Language

Humans in General

• Fondness of Humans
• In Regard of the Human Species
• Mutual Respect of or Honor of
• Treatment of Humans
• Kurii within Human Cities of Gor

Kurii Agents and Slavers

• Agents in General
• Male Agents
• Female Agents
• Slavers and Slaves
• Acquisition Ships and the Merchandise they Acquired

Base Twelve Mathematics and Technology

• The Number Six and Base Twelve Mathematics
• Technology
• Steel Worlds
• Chemical Dating of Objects
• Technology from Kurii History
• Military Bases of Operations and Complexes
• Radios and Transmitters

Kurii Ships on Gor

• Kurii Ships on Earth

Priest Kings and War

• Priest Kings and War
• Who are those Priest Kings anyway?
• Priest Kings, the laws of and the power of:
• The Initiates of the Priest Kings
• Priest Kings on Earth? Or a Confused Human?

Alliances and Understandings with Humans

• Human Alliances
• The Hire of Mercenaires
• Humans as Acquaintances
• In the Company of Humans
• Helping Humans
• Humans as Servants
• Humans as Enemies

We will also abide by the guidelines set forth by the group of the Resistance and recognize all characters thereof.  The Resistance information can be found here: The Resistance
(To the mun of StillbornDawn: We miss you and hope you stay safe, returning to us from your military service overseas very soon)
This section will be updated soon.

Animals and their Uses: Humans as Food

Animals and their Uses: Humans as Food

Sometimes the foraging squads of the Kurii had been accompanied by trained sleen, often four of them.  Twice, in my reconnoitering, I had had to kill such beasts.  The sleen have various uses; some are merely used as watch animals or guard animals; others are used as points in the advance of squads, some to attack putative enemies, others to return to the squad, thus alerting it to the presence of a possible enemy; others are even more highly trained, and are used to hunt humans; of the human-hunting sleen, some are trained merely to kill, and others to hurry the quarry to a Kurii holding area; one type of sleen is trained to destroy males and herd females, distinguishing between the sexes by scent.  A sleen may bring a girl in, stumbling and weeping, from pasangs away, driving her, as Kurii take little notice, through their very camp, until she is entered into a herd.  Four days ago I had seen a girl drive, in which several sleen, fanning out over a large area of territory, had scented out scattered, hiding slave girls and, from various points, driven them into a blind canyon, where a waiting Kur had swung shut a wooden gate on them, fastening them inside.  Sleen are also used to patrol the large return marches of groups of foraging expeditions, those marches between the temporary holding areas and the main camp.  The order of such a march is typically as follows: captured humans, in single file, form its center.  These humans are usually thralls and bond-maids, but not always.  The spoils are carried by the captured male humans, unless there are too many, and then the residue is divided among the bond-maids.  Kurii burden the males heavily; they can think of little more than the weight they carry, and the next step; furthermore, their wrists are usually tied to the straps of their improvised back packs.  Kurii, unlike Goreans, do no subject bond-maids to heavy labor; it toughens their meat; the bond-maids are separated from the males, that they be deprived of leadership; furthermore, the technique of keeping prisoners in single file, separating them by some feet, and preventing speech between them, tends to make conjoint action between them unlikely.  Prowling the long single-file of prisoners, male and female, in alternate groups, bond-maids thus used to separate files of men from one another, will be sleen.  Should any individual, either male or female, depart by so much as a yard from the line of march, or attempt to close the gap between himself and a fellow prisoner, the sleen prevent this.  Once I saw a girl stumble and two sleen, immediately, snarling and hissing, sprang toward her.  She leaped, weeping, to her feet and darted to her precise place in the line, keeping it perfectly, casting terrified glances at the vicious predators.  The line of prisoners and sleen is, on both sides, flanked by the Kurii foragers.  There are thus five lines, the center line of prisoners and spoils, its flanking lines of sleen, and on either side, the flanking lines of Kur foragers.  Human prisoners of Kurii, incidentally, are usually stripped; Kurii see no reason to give animals clothing.  (Marauders of Gor)

History of the Kurii Civilization and the Steel Worlds

History of the Kurii Civilization and the Steel Worlds

“You see?” asked the beast, pointing upward, it seemed at a starry sky above our head.

“Yes,” I said.  I did not recognize the patch of the heavens above us.

“That was our star, “ he said, “a yellow, medium-sized, slow-rotating star with a planetary system, one small enough to have sufficient longevity to nourish life, one large enough to have a suitable habitable zone.”

“Not unlike Tor-tu-Gor, or Sol,” I said.  “the common star of Earth and Gor.”

“Precisely,” he said.

“Tell me of your world,” I said.

“My world is of steel,” it said.  It seemed bitter.

“Your old world,” I said.

“I never saw it, of course,” he said, “It was, of course, of a suitable size and distance from its star. It was small enough to permit the escape of hydrogen, large enough to retain oxygen.  It was not so close to the star as to be a ball of scalding rock nor so far as to be a frozen spheroid.”

“It maintained temperatures at which water could be in a liquid form.”

“Yes,” it said, “and the mechanisms, the atomic necessities, of chemical evolution were initiated, and the macromolecules and protocells, in time, were formed.”

“Gases were exchanged, and the hydrogen-dominated atmosphere yielded to one in which free oxygen was a major component.”

“It became green,” it said.

“Life began its climb anew,” I said.

“Out of the two billion years of the wars and the killings, and the eatings and the huntings, came my people,” it said.  “We were the triumph of evolution in all its heartless savagery,” it said.

“And the doom of your world,” I said.

“We do not speak of what happened,” it said. It moved to the wall and, passing its paw before a switch, caused the projection on the ceiling to vanish.  It turned then to look upon me.  “Our world was very beautiful,” it said.  “We will have another.”  (Beasts of Gor)

 

 

It began, I suppose, some thousands of years ago when Kurii, in internecine wars, destroyed the viability of a native world.  Their state at that time was sufficiently advanced technologically to construct small steel worlds in orbit, each some pasangs in diameter. The remnants of a shattered species then, as a world burned below them, turned hunting to the plains of the stars.  We do not know how long their hunt took.  But we do know the worlds, long ago, entered the system of a slow-revolving, medium-sized yellow star occupying a peripheral position in one of nature’s bounteous, gleaming, strewn spiral universes.

They had found their quarry, a world.

They had found two worlds, on spoken of as Earth, the other as Gor.  (Beasts of Gor)

 

The complex, then, that in which I was prisoner, I conjectured, might well have a clock similar to those used on Kur ships, and in the distant steel worlds, a clock doubtless once developed for use on their former world, doubtless long since destroyed in their internecine wars. (Beasts of Gor)

 

I closed my eyes. “Surrender Gor,” had come the message, presumed from the steel worlds.  “Surrender Gor.”  And, earlier, months ago, a caravan boy, Achmed, the son of the merchant, Farouk of Kasra, had found the inscription on a rock, “Beware the steel tower.”  (Tribesmen of Gor)

 

Somewhere up there, beyond atmospheres, beyond the orbits of Gor, and Earth and mars, in a boulder-strewn enigmatic blackness of space, in the silence of the fragments of the asteroid belt, were the steel worlds, the lairs and domiciles of Kurii.  (Tribesmen of Gor)

 

I did not think that Kurii, again, would be willing to sacrifice this world, to achieve another.  Already, in their remote past, they had lost one world, their own.  (Tribesmen of Gor)

 

“Yes,” said Misk. “We are at war.”
I leaned back.
“But it had been so for twenty thousand years,” said Misk.
“And in that time you have not managed to bring the war to a successful conclusion?” I asked.

“Priest-Kings,” said Misk, “unlike humans are not aggressive organisms.  It is enough for us to have the security of our own territory.  Moreover, those whom you call the Others no longer have their own world. It died with their sun.  They live in a set of Master Ships, each almost an artificial planet in itself. As long as these ships remain outside the fifth ring, that of the planet Earthmen call Jupiter, the Goreans Hesius, after a legendary hero of Ar, we do not fight.”

I nodded.  Earth and Gor, I knew shared the third ring.

“Would it not be safer if these Others were driven from the system?” I asked.

“We have driven them from the system eleven times,” said Misk. “But each time they return.”

“I see,“  I said.

“They will not close with us,” said Misk.

“Will you attempt to drive them away again?” I asked.

“I doubt it,” said Misk. “such expeditions are extremely time-consuming and dangerous, and extremely difficult to carry through.  Their ships have sensing devices perhaps the match of our own; they scatter; they have weapons, primitive perhaps, but yet effective at ranges of a hundred thousand pasangs.”

I said nothing.

“For some thousands of years they have, except for continual probes, usually tests to prove the sex of their Dominants, remained beyond the fifth ring.  Now, it seems they become more bold.”

“The Others,” I said, “surely could conquer Earth.”

“We have not permitted it,” said Misk.

I nodded. “I suspected as much,” I said.

“It is within the fifth ring,” pointed out Misk.

I looked at him in surprise.

His antennae curled in amusement.  “Besides,” said Misk, “we are not unfond of humans.”

I laughed.

“Further,” said Misk, “the Others are themselves a not uninteresting species, and we have permitted certain of them, prisoners taken from disabled probe ships, to live on this world, much as we have humans.”

I was startled.

“They do not live in the same areas, on the whole, that humans do,” said Misk. “Moreover, we insist that they respect the weapon and technology laws of Priest-Kings, as a condition for their permitted survival. “

“You limit their technology levels just as you do humans?” I asked.

“Certainly,” said Misk.

“But the Others of the ships,” I said, “They remain dangerous.” (Assassin of Gor)

 

But if Priest-Kings, eventually, should halt the invasion, that, too, might be of interest to the Kurii of the steel ships, remote, prowling outside the fifth ring, that of the planet on Earth called Jupiter, that on Gor called Hesius, after one of Ar’s legendary heroes.  (Marauders of Gor)

 

Kurii, in their past, at least, were apparently torn by internecine strife, disrupted by “racial” and “civil” wars among themselves.  It is not impossible that the defertilization or destruction of their former home was a consequence of such altercations.  (Marauders of Gor)

Dominants, Egg-Carriers, Non-Dominants, and Blood-Nursers

Dominants, Egg-Carriers, Non-Dominants, and Blood-Nursers

“Even before the first groups,” it said, “we would gather for the matings and killings.  Great circles, rings of our people, would form in valleys, to watch.”

“You fought for mates? I asked.

“We fought for the joy of killing,” it said.  “Mating, however, was a prerogative of the victor.” ------“Humans, as I understand it, have two sexes, which, among them, perform all the functions pertinent to the continuance of the species.”

“Yes,” I said, “that is true.”

“We have three, or, if you prefer, four sexes,” it said.  “There is the dominant, which would, I suppose, correspond most closely to the human male.  It is the instinct of the dominant to enter the killings and mate.  There is then a form of Kur which closely resembles the dominant but does not join in the killings or mate.  You may, or may not, regard this as two sexes.  There is then the egg-carrier who is impregnated.  This form of Kur is smaller than the dominant or the non-dominant, speaking thusly of the non-reproducing form of Kur.”

“The egg-carrier is the female,” I said.

“If you like,” said the beast, “but, shortly after impregnation, within a moon, the egg-carrier deposits the fertilized seed in the third form of Kur, which is mouthed, but sluggish and immobile.  These fasten themselves to hard surfaces, rather like dark, globular anemones.  The egg develops inside the body of the blood-nurser and, some months later, it tears its way free.”

“It has no mother,” I said.

“Not in the human sense,” it said.  “It will however, usually follow, unless it itself is a blood-nurser, which is drawn out, the first Kur it sees, providing it is either an egg-carrier or a non-dominant.”

“What if it sees a dominant?” I asked.

“If it is itself an egg-carrier or a non-dominant, it will shun the dominant,” it said.  “This is not unwise, for the dominant may kill it.”

“What if it itself is potentially a dominant?” I asked.

The lips of the beast drew back.  “That is what all hope,” it said. “If it is a dominant and it encounters a dominant, it will bare its tiny fangs and expose its claws.”

“Will the dominant not kill it then?” I asked.

“Perhaps later in the killings, when it is large and strong,” he said, “but certainly not when it is small.  It is on such that the continuance of the species depends.  You see, it must be tested in the killings.”

“Are you a dominant?” I asked.

“Of course,” it said.  Then it added, “I shall not kill you for the question.”

“I meant no harm,” I said.

Its lips drew back.

“Are most Kurii dominants?” I asked.

“Most are born dominants,” it said, “but most do not survive the kllings.”

“It seems surprising that there are many Kurii,” I said.

“Not at all,” he said.  “The egg-carriers can be frequently impregnated and frequently deposit the fertilized egg in a blood-nurser.  There are large numbers of blood-nursers.  In the human species it takes several months for a female to carry and deliver an offspring.  In the same amount of time a Kur egg-carrier will develop seven to eight eggs, each of which may be fertilized and deposited in a blood-nurser.”

“Do Kur young not drink milk?” I asked.

“The young receive blood in the nurser,” he said, “When it is born it does not need milk, but water and common protein.”

“It is born fanged?” I asked.

“Of course,” it said.  “And it is capable of stalking and killing small animals shortly after it leaves the nurser.”

“Are the nursers rational?” I asked.

“We do not hink so,” it said.

“Can they feel anything?” I asked.

“They doubtless have some form of sensation,” it said.  “They recoil when struck or burned.”

“But there are native Kurii on Gor,” I said, “or, at any rate, Kurii who have reproduced themselves on this world.”

“Certain ships, some of them originally intended for colonization, carried representatives of our various sexes, with the exception of the non-dominants.” It said.  “We have also, where we knew of Kurii groups, sometimes managed to bring in egg-carriers and blood-nursers.” (Beasts of Gor)

 

 

“Is there an order among your sexes?” I asked.

“Of course there is a biological order,” he said.   “Structure is a function of nature.  How could it be otherwise?”

“There is first the dominant, and then the egg-carrier, and then the non-dominant, and then, if one considers such things Kur, the blood-nurser.”

“The female, or egg-carrier, is dominant over the non-dominant?” I asked.

“Of course,” he said.  “They are despicable.”

“Suppose a dominant is victorious in the killings,” I said.  “Then what occurs?”

“Many things could occur,” he said, “but he then, generally, with a club, would indicate what egg-carriers he desires.  He then ties them together and drives them to his cave.  In the cave he impregnates them and makes them serve him.”

“Do they attempt to run away?” I asked.

“No,” he said.  “He would hunt them down and kill them.  But after he had impregnated them they tend to remain, even when untied, for he is then their dominant.”

“What of the non-dominants?” I asked.

“They remain outside the cave until the dominant is finished, fearing him muchly.  When he has left the cave they creep within, bringing meat and gifts to the females, that they may be permitted to remain within the cave, as part of the dominant’s household.  They serve under the females and take their orders from them.  Most work, including the care of the young, is performed by non-dominants.”

“I do not think I would care to be a non-dominant.” I said. (Beasts of Gor)

 

 

“I do not think I would care to be a non-dominant.”

“They are totally despicable,” he said, “but yet, oddly, sometimes a non-dominant becomes a dominant.  This is a hard thing to understand.  Sometimes it happens when there is no dominant in the vicinity.  Sometimes it seems to happen for no obvious reason; sometimes it happens when a non-dominant is humiliated and worked beyond his level of tolerance.  It is interesting.  This occasional, almost inexplicable transformation of a non-dominant into a dominant is the reason our biologist differ as to whether our species has three, or four sexes.”

“Perhaps the non-dominant is only a latent dominant,” I said.

“Perhaps,” he said.  “It is hard to tell.”  (Beasts of Gor)

 

 

“The restriction of mating to the dominants,” I said, “plus the selections in the killings, must tend to produce a species unusually aggressive and savage.”

“It tends also to produce one that is extremely intelligent,” said the animal.

I nodded.

“But we are civilized folk,” said the animal.  It rose to its feet and went to a cabinet. “You must not think of us in terms of our bloody past.”

“Then, on the steel ships,” I said, “the killings, and the fierce matings, no longer take place.”

The animal, at the opened cabinet, turned to regard me.  “I did not say that,” he said.

“The killings and the matings then continue to take place on the steel worlds?” I asked.

“Of course,” he said.

“”The past, then, is still with you on the steel worlds,” I said.

“Yes,” it said.  “Is the past not always with us?” (Beasts of Gor)

 

 

The Kurii, for example, seem to have retained some vestiges along these lines, for in that species, as I understand it, it is not unusual for females to go to the mating cliffs in the moonlight, where, helpless in their sexuality, they cry out, or howl, their needs. (Magicians of Gor)

 

 

 

 

“I am not fond of modern weapons,” it said. “An egg-carrier or even a non-dominant could use them.  They put one at too great a distance from the kill.  (Beasts of Gor)

Ship Kurii vs Native Kurii

Ship Kurii vs Native Kurii

I sighed.  Some years ago Imnak had seen a Kur north of Torvaldsland.  It had probably been a young beast, an offspring of ship Kurii, stranded long ago on Gor. Such animals are found occasionally, usually in remote areas.

 But it was not an ice beast,” he said. I did not understand him.

“It was not white,” he said.

“Oh,” I said.  “are there such beasts in the north?”

“Yes,” he said, “here and there, on the ice.” 

These too, I assumed would be native Kurii, the survivors of stranded ship Kurii, perhaps crashed, brought down or marooned generations ago.  There were different races of Kurii, I knew, though from my point of view there did not seem much point in discriminating among them.  It was speculated that it had been fratricidal wards among such various forms of Kur which had resulted in the destruction of their native world. (Beasts of Gor)

 

 

“It is to your advantage that there be native Kurii,” I said.

“Of course,” he said, “yet they are seldom useful allies.  They lapse too swiftly into barbarism.” He lowered the bone with which he was picking his teeth and threw it, and the remains of the lart, to the side of the room.  He then took a soft, white cloth from a drawer in the table on which the translator reposed, and wiped his paws.

“Civilization is fragile,” he said.  (Beasts of Gor)

 

 

Its lips drew back, this time in a snarl.  It bared its fangs.  I saw that it was considering killing me.  But it would be obedient to its orders, if the situation would permit it.  It was not what it seemed, a simple ice beast.  It was a ship Kur, once bound by the discipline of the steel worlds, the pledges of crews and the necessary rigors of strict report lines.  Unless I forced it to do so, it would not kill me until the time and place mandated in its instructions.  (Beasts of Gor)

 

 

 

The major probe of Kurii, the organization of native Kurii by ship Kurii, had taken place recently.  It had failed.  It had been stopped in Torvaldsland. Ship Kurii, still, then, did not know the extent to which the power of Priest-Kings remained crippled.  (Tribesmen of Gor)

 

These beasts, over the centuries grown numerous and strong, might now be directed by the Kurii of the steel worlds.  Doubtless they had been in contact with them.  I expected the speaker himself was of the steel ships painfully taught Gorean.  The Kurii native to Gor, or which had been permitted to survive and settle on Gor, would surely not be likely to have this facility.  They and men seldom met, save to kill one another.  (Marauders of Gor)

 

I supposed native Kurii did not command the respect of the eduated, trained Kurii of the ships.  They were regarded, perhaps, as a different lesser, or inferior breed, expendable in the strategems of their betters.  (Marauders of Gor)  

 

In the orbit of Hesius - Warrior

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)

 

 Its lips drew back, this time in a snarl.  It bared its fangs.  I saw that it was considering killing me.  But it would be obedient to its orders, if the situation would permit it.  It was not what it seemed, a simple ice beast.  It was a ship Kur, once bound by the discipline of the steel worlds, the pledges of crews and the necessary rigors of strict report lines.  Unless I forced it to do so, it would not kill me until the time and place mandated in its instructions.  (Beasts 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)