Gold & Steel

Tactical thinking is a large part of the Gorean Warrior mindset, tactics of thought, tactics of combat, tactics of battle. Most Gorean Warriors will debate these subjects for many ahn, sometimes applying their own personal techniques and strategies to a long session over the Kaissa board. But all in all, despite the many subtle variations espoused by different Warriors from the various cultures and areas of Gor, a single dictum, common to all Gorean Warriors, seems to remain the centerpiece of Gorean tactical philosophy.

It can be written as: Do what seems best to you; expend as little effort as possible to achieve the maximum gain; and do not fear to try something new and different, should it seem wise to do so. When a Gorean Warrior says "there exists nothing but gold and steel", he is saying that when all matters of human existence are pared down to their essentials, these two items are the absolute sum in the equation.

These are the final driving forces whose interaction impacts his life to the greatest extent. A Gorean likes to get down to basics in such a fashion, not only does it remind him not to waste his time on foolish pursuits, but it also allows him the luxury of forgetting trivialities and concentrating upon the most important things which currently exist in his life. Whether those things consist of leading tarnsmen in an attack on an enemy cylinder or correctly lacing his sandals in preparation for a long march.

This, then, is an interpretation of the mindset of the basic Gorean Warrior. Do not pronounce yourself a Warrior unless you understand and are prepared to accept these dictims. To do otherwise is to ensure that your stay on Gor will be both short and unpleasant, or lengthy and unfulfilling. --scrolls of Marcus of Ar