Glory to the Black Caste
- Master AssassinMaster Assassin
There are many who believe the existence of numerous Master Assassins opperating throughout Gor. This view has always been a bone of contention for me, especially within the SL Gor world.
I am one of those people who hates to "sit on the fence" with regard my opinions and ideas so I have decided to make my true feelings known.
I support the idea that the Black Caste had but One Master Assassin to which the rest of its members looked to for leadership. Now I know this will not sit well with a great many BC Rpers, we each have our own way of perceiving and interpreting the passages and meaning of what Norman penned.
I will say this, there is not a single passage in the books that support without a shadow of a doubt, the existence of multiple Master Assassins operating across Gor. Nowhere in the books are there examples like - "The Master Assassin of Ar had a secret meeting with his counterpart from Thentis." Or the Master Assassin(s) gathered to discuss the crimes of Pa-Kur."
There is however, a single passage that does support the theory that the Black Caste was ruled by "one" Master Assassin only.
"There had been a revolt of tributary cities, organized and led by Pa-Kur, Master of the Caste of Assassins." - Slave girl of Gor.
When trying to role-play "by the book", absolute clarity is what many of us seek, speculation and hearsay will always be second best.
For me, the above passage ends all arguments regarding how many Master Assassins roamed Gor.
Now if we where looking for an excellent opportunity for Norman to offer us a second Master Assassin in his books, and clearly stated I might add, it surely would have been during the "Treve" incident.
Throughout the chapters that detail the Treve event, we find some of the ranks that the Black Caste employed - Captain and Lieutenant being the examples. However there was another higher rank among them.
"They are only slaves," said the pit master. "Cut their throats," said the leader of the strangers. Witness of Gor
This ranking officer of the Black Caste is never referred to as "Master Assassin" but only "Leader". Why is he not ascribe the title of Master Assassin?
If he was, it might imply that yes, there were more than one Master Assassin or that the Black Caste had replaced Pa-Kur as their esteemed doyen?
Perhaps the reason Norman does not designate this Leader of the stangers as "Master Assassin" is because the author had not finished with the adventures of Gors Master of the Caste of Assassins?
In the end even my opinion on this is pure speculation, I can never know what Norman had in mind but I will stick by my own conclusions and teach them to those who wish to listen. Weather they wish to continue the idea is entirely up to the individual. I do wonder if Norman offers us accurate information through the views of his Characters, Tarl for example or this slave as another.
"They were much unlike many, if not most, of the men of this world. They did not laugh, they did not joke, they did not tell stories. They were silent, frightening, terrible men. I do not think they had Home Stones. If they had some loyalty, and I do not doubt they did, I think it was rather to some bloody oath, or dark covenant, or even to a leader."
Witness of Gor
Food for thought perhaps? I advise that you take my opinions with a pinch of salt.
For a very interesting debate on this subject, visit: