Mercenaries on Gor

In John Norman's Gorean series, mercenaries play a crucial role in the military and political landscape of Gor. While individual mercenaries or small bands might be mentioned throughout the series in passing, there is a specific book dedicated to exploring their culture, companies, and their pivotal role in a major war.

Primary Appearance

• Book 21: Mercenaries of Gor (1985)

  This is the definitive book in the series concerning mercenaries. The story centers heavily on the various independent mercenary companies—"whose services may be purchased or bid upon for given periods of time"—and their strict allegiance to their pay and their captains.

  • The Plot: The protagonist, Tarl Cabot, arrives at the city of Torcodino just as it is seized by a famous mercenary captain named Dietrich of Tarnburg in a surprise attack. Dietrich is attempting to stall the massive invasion forces of the maritime ubarates of Cos and Tyros, who are marching on the great city of Ar. Tarl Cabot is tasked with delivering urgent, secret letters to the administration of Ar, navigating a city rife with treason and dissension. The existence of the independent mercenary companies is threatened if the balance of power on Gor shifts too drastically.

The Role of Mercenaries on Gor

Throughout the series, it is established that cities and private individuals often hire soldiers to supplement their own forces or to conduct reprisals and acquisitions. The mercenaries of Gor are professional soldiers for hire, and their companies vary greatly in size and reputation. Their neutrality and independence are vital to the complex political balance of the planet.

Are you looking for information on a specific mercenary company or captain from the series?