Story 6: Nykus? A Tale of Conviction

I know my history well. In the past, one man has been able to change the face of Gor. Individuals matter. We are not insignificant blades of grass in a vast field. That fills me with hope.

But am I the type of person equal to those heroes? Can I stand in the sandals of such greats as Hesius or Tarl Cabot? Do I even wish to try?

These and many other questions must be answered soon before Gor is overwhelmed. The window of opportunity dwindles daily. I do not have the luxury of relaxed consideration. A fatal deadline looms over us all.

Yet, there are matters that attempt to hasten death. That is the confrontation we now face. Forces are at work endeavoring to hasten the destruction of Gor.

In order to thwart those forces, I must understand them. I must delve into their origins, their motivations, their powers and their secrets.

I have perused voluminous numbers of scrolls and interviewed thousands of people. I have visited the paga taverns of the northern cities and the cafes of the southern cities. I have spoken to Initiates and Peasants, free people and slaves, city dwellers and barbarians. I have prayed to the Priest-Kings seeking divine guidance. I have met in secret with Ubars, Administrators and High Councils. I have exhausted nearly every available source to me.

I was left with a massive compilation of secrets and lies, rumors and innuendo, facts and myths. Out of that morass of information and disinformation, I formed my own theories and conclusions. I could be fully wrong. I pray I have analyzed the information correctly.

The beginning of this conflict has its origins in myth and legend. Over two million years ago, the enigmatic Priest-Kings brought the world of Gor to its present location. As our recorded history only extends back about ten thousand years, there is a massive gap in our knowledge of our planet's history. One legend of this time is that about twenty thousand years ago our solar system was invaded by a large force of vicious predators.

These predators have been defeated each time that have sought to conquer Gor. But, they are sentient creatures. They learn from their mistakes and adapt. A century might pass without any activity from them but they always return. Yet all this adaption still has not altered the balance of power. The Priest-Kings still reign supreme.

The last twenty-five years though have seen a revision in this balance of power. Rumors of an internal war within the Sardar have emboldened the predators. They have intensified their aggression but also their subtlety as well. Instead of raw force, they now attempt to subvert. This subversion has led to the greatest victories so far.

The predator race is known as the Kurii, the Gorean word for "beasts." They possess advanced technology that would commonly earn the Flame Death. They are a warrior race. To them, we are but food, cattle to herd. They will use us as pawns in their game of interplanetary Kaissa. They are corrupting Gor and most are too blind to see what is occurring.

The Cosian/Ar war exemplified the decay that has infected our society. The Cosians, backed by the Kurii, and aided by high-placed traitors within Ar, conquered Ar. They began to then effectuate change within Ar, changes with ramifications far beyond its walls. This was a turning point, a catalyst that would ignite a chain reaction across the breadth of Gor.

Even though the Cosian invaders would be eventually ousted, the infection had already taken firm root. The Kurii wanted Change to come to Gor and it was coming. People began to forget their true natures. They embraced foreign concepts that were antithetical to the basic precepts of our world. They lost sight of the Truth. They deceived themselves, deluded into believing that nothing had changed. They were ensnared in a trap, one that had already claimed one world in this system.

Change is inevitable in any dynamic system. The Priest-Kings though monitor and restrict certain types of change on Gor. Technological advances are limited in many areas. The Priest-Kings would not permit Gor to follow the historical path of Earth. Technology would never strangle the pristine nature of our world. But, the Priest-kings seem to ignore other changes, changes that are potentially as destructive as technological change. Technological changes are far easier to punish though than violations of societal mores and principles.

Thus, one of my greatest fears. If Gorean society changed too greatly, would the Priest-kings simply eliminate mankind and start over? If we stopped being Gorean, would our punishment be a massive Flame Death that scorches the entire world?

How much change will be ultimately permitted? The motives of the Priest-Kings are clouded in the unknown. We only know they wish to preserve Gor in some type of state. Without guidelines though, we cannot comprehend the ramifications of any change.

The personal punishments we all face are far worse than simple death. We stand to lose our souls, our very identity. But, it is still not too late. We can forge ahead a new destiny. We can conquer our enemies and the plague that seeks to swallow us.

I shall step forward and do what I must to battle a dark future. I shall amass my forces against the dire enemies of Gor.

These are flaws that the Kurii have exploited. They are the flaws that impede a solution to the doom that threatens us all.

The Priest-Kings are my enemies as well. They have limited our means of communication and transport. This prevents us from easily contacting other cities and areas. It makes my mission more difficult. I must convert others to my cause and send them forth as well. This delays the implementation of my plans. It gives the advantage to the Kurii. They possess the ships to easily reach any locale on Gor within Ahn.

Few are willing to even listen to me. They think I am mad. They think I am obstinate, clinging to antiquated traditions they feel should be overturned. They think I am wrong, discounting my logic and analysis. They do not see a Kurii threat. They attribute my actions to selfishness, believing I possess ulterior motives. They refuse to accept that I labor solely for my love of Gor. I have been expelled from cities and refused entrance into others.

When they do listen, few comprehend the threat. They may agree with me about the complaints but they make excuses. They accept it as valid though they might not like it. They also do not see any dire threat. They prefer neutrality in the matter.

Others who listen simply refuse to help, even when they agree a threat exists. They will do nothing to prevent the fall of Gor.

And then a rare few lsten, comprehend and offer assistance. I send them out to spread the message. Though they have the conviction, some are not persuasive enough to sway others. They have heart but little ability. I try to form a core of believers to support my goal. A core exists but is it enough?

My successes were few and too much time. And for each success, the end result was still a loss. I could not stem the tide of chaos. I was losing the War.

I returned home after a night visiting the paga taverns. I needed some temporary oblivion or I would have succumb to utter despair. I was still somewhat inebriated when I reached my door but sober enough to know I was not hallucinating. But not sober enough to worry about the musky stench that assailed my senses when I opened my door.

As I walked toward my bed, a shaggy form melted out from the shadows. It towered over me even though it had to crouch some due to the height of my ceiling. As I stared at this thing I glimpsed the silvery gleam of the moonlight off its claws.

Icy chills rippled through my body and I stood paralyzed. I could not flee and I could not fight. A trickle of urine ran down my left leg. I was at its mercy and I knew that mercy was not part of its nature.

"You are a minor obstacle to our plans. Our corruption of Gor proceeds well. They are losing their spirit. They become more compliant, less resistant to our wiles. They are becoming more like the avaricious men of that other food planet. They are becoming weak and confused. The Priest-Kings have done nothing to stop us. Gor is losing its identity. We have nearly conquered this world. Such fantastic Glory for all of us!

"You are one of the few holdouts. Though your efforts have been great, the impact has been slight. You are more an annoyance than a true threat. But, you still must die. We cannot take a chance that you might become more than you are. I have my duty and that requires your death."


	Introduction \| Table of Contents \| Updates \| Stories \| Links \| Contact Luther Part I Gor is dying… Ten thousand years of civilization stands on a precipice before the gaping maw of a dismal abyss. The dawn of a new Dark Ages beckons to the ignorant. Can anyone stem the tide of chaos that seeks to engulf us all? I know my history well. In the past, one man has been able to change the face of Gor. Individuals matter. We are not insignificant blades of grass in a vast field. That fills me with hope. But am I the type of person equal to those heroes? Can I stand in the sandals of such greats as Hesius or Tarl Cabot? Do I even wish to try? These and many other questions must be answered soon before Gor is overwhelmed. The window of opportunity dwindles daily. I do not have the luxury of relaxed consideration. A fatal deadline looms over us all. From the day we are born, we begin to die. So it is with all things. Yet, there are matters that attempt to hasten death. That is the confrontation we now face. Forces are at work endeavoring to hasten the destruction of Gor. In order to thwart those forces, I must understand them. I must delve into their origins, their motivations, their powers and their secrets. That has been my quest for the last year. I have perused voluminous numbers of scrolls and interviewed thousands of people. I have visited the paga taverns of the northern cities and the cafes of the southern cities. I have spoken to Initiates and Peasants, free people and slaves, city dwellers and barbarians. I have prayed to the Priest-Kings seeking divine guidance. I have met in secret with Ubars, Administrators and High Councils. I have exhausted nearly every available source to me. I was left with a massive compilation of secrets and lies, rumors and innuendo, facts and myths. Out of that morass of information and disinformation, I formed my own theories and conclusions. I could be fully wrong. I pray I have analyzed the information correctly. The beginning of this conflict has its origins in myth and legend. Over two million years ago, the enigmatic Priest-Kings brought the world of Gor to its present location. As our recorded history only extends back about ten thousand years, there is a massive gap in our knowledge of our planet's history. One legend of this time is that about twenty thousand years ago our solar system was invaded by a large force of vicious predators. These predators have been defeated each time that have sought to conquer Gor. But, they are sentient creatures. They learn from their mistakes and adapt. A century might pass without any activity from them but they always return. Yet all this adaption still has not altered the balance of power. The Priest-Kings still reign supreme. The last twenty-five years though have seen a revision in this balance of power. Rumors of an internal war within the Sardar have emboldened the predators. They have intensified their aggression but also their subtlety as well. Instead of raw force, they now attempt to subvert. This subversion has led to the greatest victories so far. And only a small minority of Goreans are even aware of the predators and this War. The predator race is known as the Kurii, the Gorean word for "beasts." They possess advanced technology that would commonly earn the Flame Death. They are a warrior race. To them, we are but food, cattle to herd. They will use us as pawns in their game of interplanetary Kaissa. They are corrupting Gor and most are too blind to see what is occurring. The Cosian/Ar war exemplified the decay that has infected our society. The Cosians, backed by the Kurii, and aided by high-placed traitors within Ar, conquered Ar. They began to then effectuate change within Ar, changes with ramifications far beyond its walls. This was a turning point, a catalyst that would ignite a chain reaction across the breadth of Gor. Even though the Cosian invaders would be eventually ousted, the infection had already taken firm root. The Kurii wanted Change to come to Gor and it was coming. People began to forget their true natures. They embraced foreign concepts that were antithetical to the basic precepts of our world. They lost sight of the Truth. They deceived themselves, deluded into believing that nothing had changed. They were ensnared in a trap, one that had already claimed one world in this system. Change is inevitable in any dynamic system. The Priest-Kings though monitor and restrict certain types of change on Gor. Technological advances are limited in many areas. The Priest-Kings would not permit Gor to follow the historical path of Earth. Technology would never strangle the pristine nature of our world. But, the Priest-kings seem to ignore other changes, changes that are potentially as destructive as technological change. Technological changes are far easier to punish though than violations of societal mores and principles. Thus, one of my greatest fears. If Gorean society changed too greatly, would the Priest-kings simply eliminate mankind and start over? If we stopped being Gorean, would our punishment be a massive Flame Death that scorches the entire world? How much change will be ultimately permitted? The motives of the Priest-Kings are clouded in the unknown. We only know they wish to preserve Gor in some type of state. Without guidelines though, we cannot comprehend the ramifications of any change. The personal punishments we all face are far worse than simple death. We stand to lose our souls, our very identity. But, it is still not too late. We can forge ahead a new destiny. We can conquer our enemies and the plague that seeks to swallow us. I shall step forward and do what I must to battle a dark future. I shall amass my forces against the dire enemies of Gor. The War has already begun. Many battles have already been lost. I am Gorean. I shall fight to the end. Gor is dying… Part 2 Gor is dying… Apathy. Complacency. Laziness. Boredom. Ignorance. Egotism. Arrogance. Avarice. These are flaws that the Kurii have exploited. They are the flaws that impede a solution to the doom that threatens us all. They are the obstacles I face. They are my enemies. They are legion. Can I turn back destiny? The Priest-Kings are my enemies as well. They have limited our means of communication and transport. This prevents us from easily contacting other cities and areas. It makes my mission more difficult. I must convert others to my cause and send them forth as well. This delays the implementation of my plans. It gives the advantage to the Kurii. They possess the ships to easily reach any locale on Gor within Ahn. It is a difficult chore I toil at. Few are willing to even listen to me. They think I am mad. They think I am obstinate, clinging to antiquated traditions they feel should be overturned. They think I am wrong, discounting my logic and analysis. They do not see a Kurii threat. They attribute my actions to selfishness, believing I possess ulterior motives. They refuse to accept that I labor solely for my love of Gor. I have been expelled from cities and refused entrance into others. When they do listen, few comprehend the threat. They may agree with me about the complaints but they make excuses. They accept it as valid though they might not like it. They also do not see any dire threat. They prefer neutrality in the matter. Others who listen simply refuse to help, even when they agree a threat exists. They will do nothing to prevent the fall of Gor. And then a rare few lsten, comprehend and offer assistance. I send them out to spread the message. Though they have the conviction, some are not persuasive enough to sway others. They have heart but little ability. I try to form a core of believers to support my goal. A core exists but is it enough? Can I empty Thassa with a soup ladle? My successes were few and too much time. And for each success, the end result was still a loss. I could not stem the tide of chaos. I was losing the War. Frustration struck. My allies wavered. Desperate measures were required. Immediately. Gor was dying… I returned home after a night visiting the paga taverns. I needed some temporary oblivion or I would have succumb to utter despair. I was still somewhat inebriated when I reached my door but sober enough to know I was not hallucinating. But not sober enough to worry about the musky stench that assailed my senses when I opened my door. As I walked toward my bed, a shaggy form melted out from the shadows. It towered over me even though it had to crouch some due to the height of my ceiling. As I stared at this thing I glimpsed the silvery gleam of the moonlight off its claws. I faced a Kur. I had maybe an Ihn to live. I said a quick prayer to the Priest-Kings as the might beast approached. It spoke, its rough tongue translated for my benefit. "You may call me Harzen. I am your executioner." Icy chills rippled through my body and I stood paralyzed. I could not flee and I could not fight. A trickle of urine ran down my left leg. I was at its mercy and I knew that mercy was not part of its nature. "You are a minor obstacle to our plans. Our corruption of Gor proceeds well. They are losing their spirit. They become more compliant, less resistant to our wiles. They are becoming more like the avaricious men of that other food planet. They are becoming weak and confused. The Priest-Kings have done nothing to stop us. Gor is losing its identity. We have nearly conquered this world. Such fantastic Glory for all of us! "You are one of the few holdouts. Though your efforts have been great, the impact has been slight. You are more an annoyance than a true threat. But, you still must die. We cannot take a chance that you might become more than you are. I have my duty and that requires your death." The Kur raised its right arm, claws extended. Gor is nearly dead and so am I…..