City of Ar, a Travel Guide

Travel Guide for Ar

Introduction

Ar, often referred to as the "Glorious Ar," is the greatest city on Gor and serves as a symbol of the ideal Gorean city. It is the most detailed city within the novels, being the setting or focal point for many of the books, from Tarnsman of Gor to Magicians of Gor. Ar stands as a model for other cities to emulate, with only Turia in the southern hemisphere coming close to matching its size and grandeur. The city has a turbulent history and has even attracted the specific attention of the mysterious Priest-Kings. The ultimate fate of Ar stands in question at the end of Magicians of Gor, the 25th book, due to the unfortunate cessation of the series. Hopefully, additional novels will be published to resolve this matter and answer the questions concerning the future of Ar, Marlenus, Talena, and many others City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Ar is situated in the northern hemisphere of Gor, in the lower temperate latitudes. This means it has a mild climate, with occasional snows and more frequent cold rains in the winter, and generally moderate summer heat. The spring and fall seasons tend to be longer due to the mild weather. The city is located south of the Vosk River and north of the Cartius River, claiming the land between these two rivers. Ar's population is thought to be about two to three million free people, and it is composed of more than a hundred thousand cylinders and bridges City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Ar wields power in many subtle ways beyond its military forces. It is seen as the epitome of quality, style, and progress, often emulated by other cities. The products of Ar are generally regarded as being of high quality, marked with the stamp of Ar to verify their place of origin. The styles of Ar in clothing, customs, etiquette, architecture, and more are closely watched and emulated by other cities, making Ar's influence extensive even when it does not try to be influential. The leaders of Ar understand these subtle influences and leverage them to maintain their city's preeminence City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Geography and Climate

Climate

On the northern border of Ar is a swamp forest, the home of the Swamp Spiders, also known as the Spider People. These are large, intelligent spiders who inhabit enormous, complex webs that stretch across the terrain. They are generally a peaceful race who refuse to harm other rational creatures, even in self-defense. Unfortunately for the Spider People, the people of Ar have no such compunctions. They hunt and slay the Spider People to obtain Cur-lon Fiber, apparently derived from their web material, similar to spider silk. The Fiber is used in the mills of Ar though its actual uses are not described. This is also one of the only areas that was left untouched when Marlenus created his Margin of Desolation City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Surrounding Regions

Further north of Ar, after three days ride by tarn, forming its northern border, is the mighty Vosk River. The Sardar Mountains are a five day ride by tarn from Ar. The Vosk River, about forty pasangs wide, is one of the largest rivers on Gor. You must cross the Vosk to travel to the northern cities such as Thentis and Ko-ro-ba. Most of the river towns are located on the northern bank because of Ar's Margin of Desolation. Nearly all of the river towns on the Vosk have recently declared their independence and formed the Vosk League. For a long time, Ar and Cos battled for control of the Vosk and its towns. The formation of the Vosk League has significantly lessened the control of both Ar and Cos City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Around 10114 C.A., Ar established a trading station on the southern bank of the Vosk River, Ar's Station. Ar's Station was considered an outpost of Ar and not an official colony. This meant that it did not have a Home Stone of its own and shared the Home Stone of Ar. Ar did not permit Ar's Station to join the Vosk League. Ar feared losing their control on the Vosk if Ar's Station joined the League. The later conquest of Ar's Station by Cos, and Ar's failure to aid them, has soured most of the town against Ar. In addition, the traitors within Ar accused Ar's Station of collaborating with Cos and willingly surrendering their city to Cos. It seems certain that in the future Ar's Station will sever its ties to Ar City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Northeast of Ar, a few pasangs away, are the Fulvian Hills, foot hills of the Voltai Range. This is also the location of the villa districts of Ar, the site of many small, white-washed villas. A number of small roads wind through the hills connecting the often isolated villas. To the northeast and the east of Ar are the Voltai Mountains. The lights and tallest cylinders of Ar are visible from certain locations within the Voltai. Men from Ar journey to the Voltai to hunt larls. The Voltai is also the location of Ar's enemy, Treve City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Southeast of Ar will eventually lead below the Voltai Mountain range but it is not a direction that men commonly travel as it leads into the desert regions of the Tahari. The southern border of Ar is delineated by the Cartius River, a river that derives its name from the direction it lies from Ar, using the Gorean compass. The Cartius flows west by northwest and was once though to be a tributary of the Vosk though it is not. The tarnsmen patrols of Ar do not venture south of the Cartius. South of the Cartius leads to the lands of the southern hemisphere like Turia and the Plains of the Wagon Peoples. Southwest of Ar are a number of sul fields. The agriculturist Appanius, who once owned the seduction slave Milo, possesses fields here. West of Ar you will eventually reach Thassa though it is over one thousand pasangs away. Ar is a landlocked city and that is partially why they consider the Vosk River to be so important City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Ar was once surrounded by a large, barren region called the Margin of Desolation. When Marlenus first became Ubar of Ar, he devastated a large region surrounding Ar out to about three hundred pasangs, about 210 miles. Nearly all of the vegetation was cut down, wells were filled in, and fertile land was salted. There remained only a few isolated groups of trees on the borders of Ar and the swamp forest. This desolate region became an "invisible wall" to protect Ar from attack. It created a barren zone that would prevent invading armies from using the land to resupply themselves. Armies would need to bring their own supplies which would add to the difficulty of any attack. As the average daily march of an army is about forty pasangs, it would mean an invading army had to march for over seven days through this barren area City of Ar (Luther).txt.

But sometime after the events of Assassin of Gor, when Marlenus was once again Ubar of Ar, he decided to eliminate the Margin of Desolation. The lands were made fertile once again, new wells were dug, animals were transplanted to populate this region, and Peasants were allowed to take up residence. Despite this rebirth, the region still retains its name. The elimination of this barren region was a cause for concern for a number of northern cities. They felt it signaled that Marlenus intended to expand his empire northward. This fear, in part, led to the eventual formation of the Salerian Confederation City of Ar (Luther).txt.

The primary road that leads out from Ar is the Viktel Aria, a name that translates into "Ar's Triumph" or "The Triumph of Ar." It is also known as the Vosk Road because it is the most direct route from Ar to the Vosk River. The road ends at Ar's Station on the Vosk. The Viktel Aria is a well-built military road, with close-fitting stones. It is wide enough to allow wagons and tharlarions to travel down it. It is also marked with pasang stones so that one can ascertain their position on the road and the distance to certain cities, villages or crossroads City of Ar (Luther).txt.

History

Founding of Ar

Ar is thought to be the oldest settlement on Gor, over 10,000 years old. Its actual age may be less than that but we will likely never know. Legend states that Ar was founded by Hesius, the mythical first man on Gor. The Ar calendar thus dates itself from this legendary founding. Years are reckoned as "Contasta Ar" which means "from the founding of Ar." Hesius figures into much of the mythology of Ar and he may be the same person as that of Hersius, another legendary hero of Ar. Hesius has given his name to the second month in the Ar calendar. The planet Jupiter is called Hersius by Goreans, after a legendary hero of Ar. This may simply be a misspelling of Hesius City of Ar (Luther).txt.

The Home Stone of Ar is thought to be the oldest Home Stone of Ar. It even figures into a common Gorean myth about the origin of the Home Stone. The Home Stone of Ar is a small, flat stone with a dull brown color. A crude carving, in an archaic Gorean script, of the letter "al-ka" is inscribed on the stone. It is not visually impressive but its great antiquity is very impressive. Here is one of the origins of that Home Stone:

"One popular account has it that an ancient hero, Hesius, once performed great labors for Priest-Kings, and was promised a reward greater than gold and silver. He was given, however, only a flat piece of rock with a single character inscribed upon it, the first letter in the name of his native village. He reproached the Priest-Kings with their niggardliness, and what he regarded as their breach of faith. He was told, however, that what they gave him was indeed worth far more than gold and silver, that it was a 'Home Stone.' He returned to his native village, which was torn with war and strife. He told the story there, and put the stone in the market place.

"If the Priest-Kings say this is worth more than gold and silver," said a wise man, "it must be true."

"Yes," said the people.

"Whose Home Stone is it?" asked the people, "yours or ours?"

"Ours." responded Hesius.

Weapons were then laid aside, and peace pledged. The name of the village was Ar." City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Major Historical Events

Not much else is known about Ar's history prior to the reign of Marlenus, Ubar of Ar. We know that the first ubarate of Ar was of Titus Honorious though the year or even time frame of his ubarate is unknown. But for nearly 10,000 years of history that has passed, we know so very little City of Ar (Luther).txt.

The first major historical event we learn anything about, with an actual time frame, is the Valley War. We do not know when the war started, only that it ended around 10098 C.A. with victory for Ar. Marlenus became Ubar during this war and was already known for never having been defeated in combat. We do not know who ruled Ar prior to Marlenus becoming Ubar. We also do not know who Ar was fighting during this war. Ar may have acquired some of the Twelve Tributary Cities during this war. After the war, Marlenus refused to give up his position as Ubar. The Warrior Caste supported him as Ubar. Marlenus promised power and wealth to the High Council and other important figures in Ar. They greedily accepted his promises and permitted him to remain as Ubar. During subsequent years, Marlenus engaged in a number of wars until he had conquered a total of twelve cities, the Twelve Tributary Cities City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Marlenus has a vision for Ar and himself. He wishes to be the Ubar of all of Gor, creating a united empire of Ar that would cover all of known Gor. In talking to Tarl Cabot, who had stolen the Home Stone of Ar, Marlenus said,

"I risked my life a thousand times and gave the years of my youth to the vision of Ar and its empire, that there might be on all Gor but one language, but one commerce, but one set of codes, that the highways and passes might be safe, that the peasants night cultivate the fields in peace, that there might be but one Council to decide matters of policy, that there might be but one supreme city to unite the cylinders of a hundred, severed, hostile cities---and all this you have destroyed." (Tarnsman of Gor, p.155) He continued speaking, "But, I, Marlenus, though a warrior, was more than a warrior, always more than a warrior. Where others could see no more than the codes of their castes, where others could sense no call of duty beyond that of their Home Stone, I dared to dream the dream of Ar-that there might be an end to the meaningless warfare, bloodshed, and terror, an end to the anxiety and peril, the retribution and cruelty that cloud our lives---I dreamed that there might arise from the ashes of the conquests of Ar a new world, a world of honor and law, of power and justice." (Tarnsman of Gor, p.155) His dreams though have been thwarted by the Priest-Kings who do not want such a mighty empire on Gor City of Ar (Luther).txt.

In 10110 C.A., Tarl Cabot of Ko-ro-ba purloined the Home Stone of Ar. This was orchestrated behind the scenes by the Priest-Kings who did not wish Ar to expand any further. Ubar Marlenus had to flee the city in disgrace, taking only a force of fifty tarnsmen with him. The Initiate Caste took control of Ar in his absence. Pa-Kur, Master Assassin of Ar, then amassed a huge army to conquer the city, to install himself as Ubar. Though the Initiates eventually surrendered to Pa-Kur, his victory was very short-lived as he was overthrown by Tarl Cabot, Marlenus and forces from Ko-ro-ba and Thentis. After Pa-Kur's defeat, Marlenus was officially exiled from the city and he trekked to the Voltai Mountains with a group of loyal Warriors. Kazrak, a Warrior of Port Kar, was made the temporary Administrator of Ar, in reward for helping to secure the aid of Ko-ro-ba and Thentis against Pa-Kur City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Several years later, Kazrak was voted out of office and then banished from the city. He made many enemies during his short reign, especially in the Initiate and Merchant Castes. Kazrak had levied taxes on the Initiates and upheld some rulings of the administrative courts over the Initiate courts. He also tried to stop monopolies of the Merchants. Om, the High Initiate of Ar, was murdered and he had been on good terms with Kazrak. The new High Initiate was Complicius Serenus, someone not so friendly to Kazrak. During a Harvest Feast, Complicius Serenus divined the liver of a sacrificial white bosk and stated that the omens were against Kazrak. Soon after that, Kazrak was deposed. Kazrak and Sana of Thentis, his Free Companion, left the city and may have founded a settlement on an island in Thassa, farther north than Cos and Tyros. The newly elected Administrator was Minus Tentius Hirnabius, a member of a well known and respected family, prominent among the Builders City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Around 10119 C.A., Administrator Minus resigned, forced out by circumstances arranged by Cernus, a Slaver. Cernus owned the largest slave house in Ar, possessing close to six thousand slaves, and it was also more than thirty generations old. Between the Houses of Cernus and Portus, they handled 70% of the slave trade in Ar. Cernus was eventually elevated to the Warrior Caste and soon after was elevated to Ubar of Ar. Cernus was allied with the Kurii and wanted to seize control Ar. His machinations were successful but he was

After Magicians of Gor

• Marlenus of Ar, the Ubar of Ubars, returned to Ar. His return was significant enough to cause unrest among the mercenary garrisons, leading to a potential revolution in the city. *Magicians of Gor.txt*
• The presence of Marlenus in Ar and the restlessness of unpaid mercenary garrisons hinted at an impending revolution within the city. *Magicians of Gor.txt*
• Talena, once the daughter of Marlenus, was placed on the throne of Ar as a puppet Ubara by the occupying forces of Cos and Tyros. This led to widespread contempt for her, and naming a slave "Talena" in Ar was considered an act of sedition, punishable by impalement. *Magicians of Gor.txt*

Getting There

Major Roads and Routes

Ar is a landlocked city, making the Vosk River a crucial route for transportation and trade. The primary road leading out from Ar is the Viktel Aria, which translates to "Ar's Triumph" or "The Triumph of Ar." This road is also known as the Vosk Road because it is the most direct route from Ar to the Vosk River. The Viktel Aria is a well-built military road, with close-fitting stones, wide enough to allow wagons and tharlarions to travel down it. It is marked with pasang stones to help travelers ascertain their position on the road and the distance to certain cities, villages, or crossroads. Deep ditches line most of the sides of the Viktel Aria, except where other roads intersect, serving as a defense against invaders by preventing them from easily bringing supply wagons onto the road City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Several other roads intersect the Viktel Aria. The Holmesk Road leads from the Vosk Road to Holmesk, the winter camp of the army of Ar. The Eastern Way, also called the Treasure Road, links the western cities with Ar, and the city of Torcodino is located on this road. The Argentum Road leads from the city of Argentum and travels east to the Vosk Road, where travelers must then turn south to reach Ar. Other roads intersect the Vosk Road, but they are not named or described in detail in the books City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Ar's Station, established around 10114 C.A., is a trading station on the southern bank of the Vosk River. It commands the northern terminus of the Viktel Aria. Ar's Station was considered an outpost of Ar and not an official colony, meaning it did not have a Home Stone of its own and shared the Home Stone of Ar. Ar did not permit Ar's Station to join the Vosk League, fearing the loss of control over the Vosk if it did. The later conquest of Ar's Station by Cos, and Ar's failure to aid them, has soured most of the town against Ar. It seems certain that in the future, Ar's Station will sever its ties to Ar City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Nearby cities and towns include:

* Holmesk: Located 100 pasangs south of the Vosk River, between Ar and Ar's Station.

* Teslit: Situated north of Holmesk, midway between Holmesk and the Vosk River.

* Rarn: Known for its silver mines, located southeast of Tharna.

* Tharna: Located in the northern hemisphere, far northeast of Corcyrus.

* Port Kar: Located 100 pasangs from the northwest edge of the Vosk Delta.

* Fort Haskins: A former fort city at the eastern edge of Boswell Pass.

* Kailiauk: A trade town on the frontier of the Barrens, northeast of Fort Haskins.

* Kassau: A northern coastal free trade port city located at the inlet of Thassa, with the northern forests behind it.

* Harfax, Besnit, Esalinius: Three cities within 100 pasangs of the edge of the Woods of Clearchus.

* Rorus: A village located by tracing the overland trade route five days southeast of Ko-ro-ba, towards Ar, then proceeding several days southwest overland from there.

* Rarir: A village located south of the Vosk and near Thassa, southwest of Ko-ro-ba Marcus of Ar Geography Notes for Map.txt.

Transportation Options

The Viktel Aria is the primary road for reaching Ar, connecting it to the Vosk River and various other cities and towns. Ar's Station on the Vosk River serves as a crucial trading post and outpost for the city. Other intersecting roads such as the Holmesk Road, Eastern Way, and Argentum Road provide additional routes for reaching Ar. The city's landlocked nature makes these roads vital for transportation and trade City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Travel by tarn is a common method of transportation to and from Ar. Tarns are large, bird-like creatures that can cover great distances quickly. It takes about three days to ride a tarn from Ar to the Vosk River, and five days to the Sardar Mountains. Tarns are often used for rapid travel and military purposes, allowing tarnsmen to patrol and defend the city effectively. Tarn baskets and saddles are used to carry passengers and cargo, making tarns a versatile mode of transport City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Other transportation options include carts and wagons, which are commonly used for transporting goods and people along the well-built roads leading to and from Ar. The Viktel Aria and other intersecting roads are designed to accommodate such vehicles, ensuring efficient travel and trade City of Ar (Luther).txt.

City Layout

Districts of Ar

Anbar District

One of the most dangerous districts in the city, located south of the Plaza of Tarns. It is considered one of the poorer districts in Ar City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Metallan District

Located southeast of the district of the Central Cylinder, west of the Avenue of Turia, and south of the Plaza of Tarns. It is a low-class district, though not poverty-stricken, and is known for secret assignations City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Street of Brands

This district, located near the Avenue of Turia, is dedicated to slave sales and items connected with slavery, both wholesale and retail City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Street of Coins

A district where various forms of banking are conducted, including money changing, loans, and letters of credit City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Trevelyan District

Another dangerous district in Ar, located east of the Avenue of the Central Cylinder. It is also considered one of the poorer districts in the city City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Major Streets and Landmarks

Avenue of the Central Cylinder

The largest and grandest street in Ar, more than four hundred feet wide and dominated by the Central Cylinder at one end. It is lined with trees, fountains, and expensive shops City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Plaza of Tarns

Located north of the Anbar and Metallan districts, this plaza is a central hub with several streets leading into it, including Emerald Street, Gate Street, Hermadius Street, and Tarn-Gate Street City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Wall Road

The longest street in the city, circling the perimeter of the inside of the walls surrounding Ar. It allows for easy travel across the city and rapid movement of troops City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Avenue of Turia

A major avenue in Ar, located in the Street of Brands district, east of the Metallan District. It is lined with Tur trees and known for its exclusive shops for the wealthy City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Places of Interest

Central Cylinder

This is the largest Cylinder in Ar, reaching over one thousand feet into the sky. It is almost a city in itself, situated in the center of a circular park among trees, vegetation, and fountains. The Cylinder houses the offices of many different city agencies and organizations, such as the war office, and is the meeting place for the High Council of the City. It also contains the living quarters of the ruler of Ar, be it Ubar or Administrator. The interior of the Cylinder varies, with spiraling stairways, marbled floors, carpeted areas, and energy lamps. There are vast dungeons and underground passages beneath the Cylinder. The roof is round and appears to emit a blue light from beneath it. In the center of the roof is a low, round platform where the Home Stone of Ar is kept, well-guarded despite appearing to be left in the open. The Home Stones of the Twelve Tributary Cities are also kept in this Cylinder City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Capacian Baths

These baths are said to be the finest on Gor, catering to all budgets with bath girls costing from one copper up to a silver. The Capacian has dozens of different pools, differing in shape, size, décor, temperature, and even the scent of the water. Some of the different pools include the Pool of Blue Flowers, Pool of the Tropics, Pool of Ar's Glories, Pool of the Northern Forests, and the Pool of the Splendor of the Hinrabians. The baths are within walking distance of the Stadium of Tarns City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Brothels and Slave Houses

Ar has a number of brothels, ranging from cheap ones costing only a tarsk bit to luxurious places costing several gold tarns. Many of them are located on the Alley of the Slave Brothels of Ludmilla. Ludmilla owns brothels including the Chains of Gold, supposedly the best and most expensive brothel, as well as some cheap tarsk-bit brothels such as the Silken Cords, the Scarlet Whip, the Slave Racks, and the Tunnels. The city also has several prestigious slave auction houses, such as the House of Claudius and the Curulean, the latter being the most prestigious slave auction house in all of Ar City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Markets and Shopping Areas

Ar boasts numerous markets and shopping areas, including the Teiban Sul Market, which is likely a produce market specializing in suls. The market is bordered by Clive Street on the north, Venaticus Street on the south, and the Boulevard of Teiban on the west. The Avenue of the Central Cylinder and the Avenue of Turia are known for their exclusive shops for the wealthy. The shop of Philebus, specializing in Turian silk, is located on the Avenue of the Central Cylinder City of Ar (Luther).txt.

Cultural Highlights

Festivals and Events

Local Cuisine

Arts and Entertainment

Cultural Influence on Other Parts of Gor (source_file_name)

Games and Entertainment

Arena Contests

Tarn Racing

Tharlarion Racing

Hunting

Board Games and Dice Games (source_file_name)

Important Public Figures

Marlenus, Ubar of Ar

Other Notable Leaders and Influencers (source_file_name)

How to Dress in Ar

Robes of Concealment and Veils for Free Women

Typical Attire for Men

Footwear and Accessories

Attire for Slaves (source_file_name)

Allies, Enemies, Alliances, and Consortiums

Key Allies and Alliances

Notable Enemies

Important Consortiums (source_file_name)

Accommodations

Types of Lodging

Popular Hotels and Inns

Luxury Resorts

Safety and Regulations

Local Laws and Customs

Safety Tips for Travelers

Emergency Contacts

Walking Tour of Ar

Narrated and Condensed Tour

Street-Level Descriptions

Sights, Sounds, and Smells (source_file_name)