In the Gorean Saga by John Norman, Ar’s Station is a critical military and agricultural outpost located in the Vosk River basin. It serves as a northern bastion for the city of Ar and is central to the plot of the later "middle" books of the series.
The primary books featuring Ar's Station are:
Renegades of Gor (Book 23): Focuses on the siege of Ar's Station by the forces of Cos and her allies.
Vagabonds of Gor (Book 24): Continues the narrative of the war and the fallout of the siege.
Magicians of Gor (Book 25): Deals with the aftermath of the city's betrayal and the status of the Ar's Station Home Stone.
Quotes & Descriptions
While specific dialogue often varies by edition, the following passages capture the essence and descriptive atmosphere of Ar's Station as presented in the novels:
On its Strategic Importance
"Ar's Station... Ar's base of power in the vast arable basin of Gor's mightiest river, the Vosk." — Renegades of Gor (Blurb/Introductory context)
On the Hardship of the Siege
"Tarl escapes his imprisonment and ponders whether he should then flee Ar's Station, making his way to freedom through its miseries and desolations, its ruins and flames, or shall he remain, to defend her weakened, betrayed, starving defenders..."
— Renega des of Gor
On the Betrayal by Ar
"Ar's Station, which held out so valiantly against superior forces in the north, is denounced as traitorous... The Home Stone of Ar's Station is displayed in Ar as an object of contempt." — Magicians of Gor
On the Value of the Home Stone
"Marcus, of Ar's Station, wishes to regain the Home Stone of his beloved city, for no city can die whose Home Stone survives." — Magicians of Gor
Key Characteristics of Ar's Station
Location: Situated in the north, near the Vosk River, it is the "breadbasket" and military shield for the imperial city of Ar.
The Siege: The station is famous for its "valiant" defense against the Ubarate of Cos. Unlike the city of Ar itself, which largely fell due to internal treason and political rot, Ar's Station remained loyal and fought until the end.
The Home Stone: In the Gorean world, a Home Stone represents the soul and sovereignty of a location. The fact that Ar's Station had its own Home Stone (distinct from Ar's) signifies its importance as a semi-autonomous and vital entity.
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