Archive for the ‘City of Ianda’ Category
The last day of Ianda on the isle of Landa
Saturday, July 20th, 2019
Written on the ship “Phaedra” near the shores of Kargash…
On the second day of the fourth week of En’Var – The First Resting – my free companion drew my attention to the fact that a cloud of unusual size and shape had made its appearance. I had been out in the sun, followed by a cold bath, and after a light meal I was lying down and reading. Yet I called for my sandals, and climbed up to a spot from which I could command a good view of the curious phenomenon.
Those who were looking at the cloud from some distance could not make out from which mountain it was rising – it was afterwards discovered to have been Mount Callera on the northern part of the isle of Landa – but in likeness and form it more closely resembled a tree of a swamp forest than anything else, for what corresponded to the trunk was of great length and height, and then spread out into a number of branches, the reason being, I imagine, that while the vapour was fresh, the cloud was borne upwards, but when the vapour became wasted, it lost its motion, or even became dissipated by its own weight, and spread out laterally. At times it looked white, and at other times dirty and spotted, according to the quantity of earth and cinders that were shot up.
To our Physician and to our Commander Marcus Attilius Flamma the phenomenon appeared one of great importance, which deserved a closer study. Marcus ordered a galley to be got ready, and offered to take me with him, if I desired to accompany him, but I replied that I preferred to go on with my paperwork. Oisin, the Physician of Ianda, and the commander were just leaving the house when the Physician received a written message from lady Dezire, the free woman and scribe of Ianda, who was terrified at the peril threatening her – for her villa lay just beneath the mountain, and there were no means of escape save by shipboard – begging him to save her from her perilous position. So they changed their plans, and carried out with the greatest fortitude the task, which they had started as a scholarly inquiry.
They had the galleys launched and went on board, in the hope of succouring, not only the free woman but many other citizens of Port Ianda, for there were a number of people living along the shore owing to its delightful situation. They hastened, therefore, towards the place whence others were fleeing, and steering a direct course, kept the helm straight for the point of danger, so utterly devoid of fear that every movement of the looming portent and every change in its appearance he described and had noted down by a scribe, as soon as their eyes detected it. Already ashes were beginning to fall upon the ships, hotter and in thicker showers as they approached more nearly, with pumice-stones and black flints, charred and cracked by the heat of the flames, while their way was barred by the sudden shoaling of the sea bottom and the litter of the mountain on the shore. They hesitated for a moment whether to turn back, and then, when the Physician warned to do so,
Marcus Attilius Flamma exclaimed, “Fortune favours the bold; try to reach Rarius Yuroki”. The latter was at Port Ianda, separated by the whole width of the bay, for the sea there pours in upon a gently rounded and curving shore. Although the danger was not yet close upon them, it was none the less clearly seen, and it travelled quickly as it came nearer, so all citizens had got their baggage together on shipboard, and had determined upon flight, and was waiting for the wind which was blowing on shore to fall. The commander and the Physician sailed in with the wind fair behind them and embraced the captain of the ship who was in a state of fright, comforting and cheering him at the same time. Then in order to calm his friend’s fears by showing how composed he was himself, Marcus ordered the slaves to carry him to the bath, and, after his ablutions, he sat down and had dinner in the best of spirits, or with that assumption of good spirits which is quite as remarkable as the reality.
In the meantime broad sheets of flame, which rose high in the air, were breaking out in a number of places on Mount Callera and lighting up the sky, and the glare and brightness seemed all the more striking owing to the darkness of the night. Marcus Attilius Flamma kept declaring that the country people in their terror had left their fires burning, and that the conflagration they saw arose from the blazing and empty villas. Then he betook himself to rest and enjoyed a very deep sleep, for his breathing, which, owing to his bulk, was rather heavy and loud, was heard by those who were waiting at the door of his chamber. But by this time the courtyard leading to the room he occupied was so full of ashes and pumice-stones mingled together, and covered to such a depth, that if he had delayed any longer in the bedchamber there would have been no means of escape. So Marcus was aroused, and came out and joined the rest who had been keeping watch. They held a consultation whether they should remain indoors or wander forth in the open; for the buildings were beginning to shake with the repeated and intensely severe shocks of earthquake, and seemed to be rocking to and fro as though they had been torn from their foundations. Outside again there was danger to be apprehended from the pumice-stones, though these were light and nearly burnt through, and thus, after weighing the two perils, the latter course was determined upon.
They placed pillows on their heads and secured them with cloths, as a precaution against the falling bodies. Elsewhere the day had dawned by this time, but there it was still night, and the darkness was blacker and thicker than any ordinary night. This, however, they relieved as best they could by a number of torches and other kinds of lights. They decided to make their way to the shore, and to see from the nearest point whether the sea would enable them to put out, but it was still running high and contrary.
Then the flames, and the smell of sulphur which gave warning of them, scattered the others in flight and roused them. When daylight returned – two days after the last day I had seen, all citizens including the commander, lady Dezire, the physician, lady Lilly, my free companion and myself and others had reached the shores of Kargash.
Ianda was no more. The homestone was safe.
Published in the VOICE OF GOR, seventh volume (year), issue No. 323, Fifth day of the Fourth Passage Hand of the Month of En’Var (The First Resting) of the year 10170 Contasta Ar (07-18-2019 barbarian calendar]
Pictures mady by a citizen of Ianda who painted them out of memory.
Ianda, backstage
Tuesday, February 26th, 2019
Tavern of Ianda on the isle of Landa
Friday, November 9th, 2018
The Isle of Ianda belongs to the so-called Exchange Islands in the southern Thassa which controlled the trade between Cos and Tyros on the one hand and the mainland dominated by Ar on the other hand. In the conflict between Ar and Cos Ianda preserved a strict neutrality and thereby the island became a trading centre of goods between the both big empires. On the market of Ianda goods of Cos changed to Ar and goods of Ar changed to Cos as well. To enable this exchange of commodities, on the Isle of Ianda large shipyards were stablished in which roundships and galleys were built. Also other states ordered ships in Ianda: In the year 10.126 C. A. Bila Huruma, the ruler of six united ubarates, let build some hundred vessels on Ianda which should be used on the Nyoki River and the Lake Ushindi. The so resulted wealth woke up the desirability of the pirates of Port Kas as a case from the year 10.119 C. A. shows: At that time in Port Kar a captured man maintained in a torture that Ianda plans an attack on the captains of Port Kar. Although it had come about in the torture, the captains took this statement to the occasion to raid ships of Ianda. By the constant raids of the pirates, but still more by the events of the year 10.131 C. A. the economic situation of Ianda got worse. Since Ar was taken by Cos, Ianda was not required as an intertrader any more.
Anniversary of Ianda – City of Ianda Second Life
Sunday, October 7th, 2018Gossip
Friday, January 12th, 2018
Gossiping in front of the House of Yuroki Bank in Ianda on the island of Landa. Right: Oysin, head of the green caste, and Rarius Yuroki (left), chief merchant.
Kaissa Tournament in Ianda
Sunday, January 7th, 2018
Playing: DarkFire, Ambassador of the Kaissa Guild of Gor, versus Kjerulf, caste of players. Darkfire won.
1) Introduction: what is the Kaissa?
Kaissa is the Gorean word for “game”. It is a general term that can refer to any type of game but when it is used without qualification, it means only one game, Gorean chess. This is a game very similar to Earth chess though there are numerous differences as well. Kaissa is a very popular game and almost all civilized Goreans, of whatever caste, play. There are many Kaissa clubs and competitions. Lists of important competitions and tournaments are commonly kept in each city’s Cylinder of Documents. Most city libraries have many scrolls of Kaissa strategy and techniques.
Kaissa uses a red and yellow hundred-squared board, with ten ranks and ten files. This is opposed to the normal Earth chessboard of sixty-four squares with eight ranks and files. In Kaissa, there are twenty-two pieces to each side as opposed to sixteen in Earth chess. One side is yellow and the other is red.
Kaissa is played differently throughout Gor. Some cities use different pieces or similar pieces with different abilities. Eventually most cities accepted standard tournament rules, helping to unify and standardize play. These rules were agreed upon by the High Council of the Caste of Players and officially promulgated by the Merchant Caste in 10124 C.A. at the En’Kara fair. Standardized Kaissa may also be known as Merchant Kaissa, Player Kaissa or Kaissa of the En’Kara. Unfortunately, though much information is given about the game, the novels do not provide a complete set of rules for playing Kaissa.
In Torvaldsland, they play their own version of Kaissa. They have a great passion for the game, even greater than those in the south. They sometimes settle disputes over the Kaissa board rather than with weapons. Some pieces differ in their game. The Jarl, their most powerful piece and the Jarl’s Woman, more powerful than the Ubara, are used instead of an Ubar and Ubara. Instead of Tarnsmen there are two Axes. They have no Initiates but have Rune-Priests. They do not have Scribes but have a piece, the Singer, which moves similarly. Their Spearmen move identically as in the southern game. Instead of a Home Stone, there is a Lodge.
Slaves are not commonly permitted to play Kaissa. It is even illegal in some cities for slaves to play or even touch the pieces without permission. They could lose their hands or even be killed for such a violation. Free women also seem not to play Kaissa though there is no explicit prohibition in the books stating that they may not play. Assassin of Gor does make a brief reference that women do not play the game.
2) Southern version: the pieces
Ubar:
The Ubar is the most powerful piece on the board, and is situated on the back row. It can move, on the board, as far as the Player likes in any direction, so long as its way is not impeded by another piece.
Its loss does not constitute the end of the game, this only happens when the Homestone is taken.
Ubara:
The Ubara, situated on the back row on a square of her own colour, moves almost the same way as the Ubar, except for the fact that it is restricted to three squares in any direction, as long as it is not impeded by another piece in its way.
Tarnsman:
The Tarnsman, of which there are two, is another back row piece, and is the Ubar’s most probable right hand man. Its moves are three squares up and two over in any direction. These moves allow the Tarnsman to go over or around another piece, and to capture any piece belonging to an opponent.
The Tarnsman can also move one square in any direction, these moves do not allow it to capture any other piece.
Scribe:
The Scribe, two to each side, sit on the back row. It moves diagonally on its own colour in both directions, but is limited to five squares, as long as no one impedes its progress.
Builder:
The Builder, two per player, is another back row piece. It moves forward, backward and laterally in both directions, with no limit to the number of squares, so long as no one impedes its progress.
Initiate:
The Initiate is one of two pieces per player on the back row. It too, like the Scribe, moves diagonally, but has no limits to how many squares he can move, so long as its way is not impeded by another piece.
Spearman:
The Spearman is one of six each side, and is the main front row piece. It moves forward only and captures only on the diagonal. On the first move, the Spearman has the option of moving either one, two or three squares forward. After the Spearman’s first move it advances only one square at a time. A Spearman can be redeemed for another piece, either the Rider of the High Tharlarion or the Tarnsman: this happens when it has reached the opponent Player’s first rank and can move no further forward.
Rider of the High Tharlarion:
The Rider of the High Tharlarion is one of two pieces per player, and it flanks the six Spearmen on the front row. The Riders can move one square in any direction, as long as they are not impeded by another piece.
Assassin:
The Assassin, two per player, flank the two Riders of the High Tharlarion on the front row. The Assassins can move two squares in any direction forward, backward, laterally or diagonally, so long as they are not impeded by another piece.
Homestone:
The Homestone is the most important piece of the game. It does not start on the board, but each Player must place it on the board by the tenth move. The placement of the Homestone constitutes a movement on its own. If the Homestone isn’t placed on or before the tenth move, the game is over and the other Player will win the match. The aim of the game is to take your opponent’s Homestone without losing your own. The game is over when one or the other Homestone is taken, or one Player resigns, or a draw is accepted. The Homestone has the ability to move one square in any unimpeded direction. It does not, however, have the right to capture other pieces. The placement of the Homestone on the board is your own and your opponent’s choice. The Homestone must be placed on the first rank of one’s playing field, but it cannot be placed on an already occupied square.
3) Northern version: the pieces
Northern version is the Torvaldsland variation of the Southern Kaissa, where some of the pieces have different names and one (the Jarl’s Woman) is more powerful than the Southern version.
Here is a list of the different pieces between Northern and Southern versions:
– Jarl instead of Ubar
– Jarl’s Woman instead of Ubara (Jarl’s Woman is restricted to five cells in any direction, while Ubara is restricted to three)
– Axe instead of Tarnsman
– Singer instead of Scribe
– Rune Priest instead of Initiate
– Physician instead of Assassin
– Lodge instead of Homestone
Free Companionship Ceremony
Saturday, November 4th, 2017
[14:16] Sherman Easterwood: Rarius Yuroki, please honor Sabina with your vows.
[14:16] Rarius Yuroki (Yuroki Uriza): clears his throat and speaks in a formal tone
[14:16] Rarius Yuroki (Yuroki Uriza): I, Rarius Yuroki, claim you, Sabina, as my Free Companion. I vow to love, honor and protect you for as long as we both shall live. I have waited long for someone like you. When all was dark you came into my life and the sunshine returned. My love for you grows stronger with each day. As we take these first steps together, I see one set of footprints in the sand where there once was two. We are one, now and forever. My love for you, Sabina, will never die.
[14:16] Rarius Yuroki (Yuroki Uriza): removes a purple rose from the vase on the table and holds it out to Sabina
[14:17] Rarius Yuroki (Yuroki Uriza): Sabina, I present to you this purple rose as a symbol of the bonding of two of different castes. Me, merchant and once of the warriors, you of the merchant caste. I will honor your caste as I know you will honor mine. Accept this rose in the spirit of that union
[14:17] Sabina (Tremlays Resident) takes the rose from Rarius Yuroki with a smile behind her veils
[14:18] Sabina (Tremlays Resident) clears also her throat and answers: I accept this purple rose in the spirit of that union and promise to honor your caste as I know you will honor mine.
[14:18] Sherman Easterwood: Sabina, now please honor Rarius Yuroki with your vows.
[14:19] Sabina (Tremlays Resident): Just as I was about to resign myself to never knowing the joys of companionship, you came back into my life with just one tiny chance meeting. I vow from this day forward that I will honor your name, house, and being as your free companion. I promise to be always honest yet respectful with you. While I regret all those lost hours that we could have gotten to know each other in the past, I believe fate has given us another chance and I vow to never make following our hearts a regretable decision. I love you Rarius Yuroki and as we take these beginning steps in our combined paths, it is my solemn vow to take each step with you whenever I am permitted to.
[14:19] Sherman Easterwood: And now we will seal you union and your legal bond with the drinking of wine.
[14:20] Sherman Easterwood nods to Sabina to proceed
[14:21] Sabina (Tremlays Resident) turns to her protector, the Ubar, with a smile
[14:23] Sabina (Tremlays Resident) smile graces her red lips as she carefully gathers the length of silks to stand up, smoothing them down, making them presentable.
[14:24] Sabina (Tremlays Resident) turns on her heels with a gentle shift towards the golden chalice and bottle of kalana on the table.
[14:25] Sabina (Tremlays Resident) hands take the bottle with ease, peeling away the wax seal, prying the cork, and letting it release from the bottle without stress.
[14:25] Sabina (Tremlays Resident) tilts the chalice slightly as she begins to pour the Ka-la-na, the rich delicate ruby wine, with its fragrant bouquet permeating the area.
[14:25] Sabina (Tremlays Resident) twists the bottle so as to not let the last drop fall, settling the bottle back to its rightful place on the table.
[14:26] Sabina (Tremlays Resident) turns with the chalice held in a gentle grip and stands with the beautiful vessel supported with both hands.
[14:27] Sherman Easterwood takes the golden chalice from Sabina saying “Drink of this wine to seal your pledge.”
[14:28] Sabina (Tremlays Resident) raises the cup to her lips, takes a small, delicate sip and hands the chalice back to the Ubar
[14:28] Sherman Easterwood turns to Rarius Yuroki, and hands him the chalice. “Drink of this wine to seal your pledge.”
[14:28] Rarius Yuroki (Yuroki Uriza): raises the cup to his lips and drinks quickly and deeply of the wine, emptying the chalice and handing it back to the Ubar
[14:29] Sherman Easterwood takes the chalice and sits it aside and then clears his throat and says
[14:29] Sherman Easterwood: You each have a copy of your legal contract, and agree to the terms within it?
[14:29] Rarius Yuroki (Yuroki Uriza): yes
[14:30] Sabina (Tremlays Resident): Yes
[14:30] Sherman Easterwood: Raise your bond hands once more.
[14:30] Rarius Yuroki (Yuroki Uriza): raises the hand looking at Sabina
[14:31] Sherman Easterwood unbinds their hands, and taking a quill hands it to Sabina. “Please sign the contracts.”
[14:31] Sabina (Tremlays Resident) raises her hands to looking to Yuroki
[14:31] Sabina (Tremlays Resident) takes the quill, dips it in the blood wincing lightly and slowly signs her scrawling mark on each copy. She hands the quill to Rarius Yuroki.
[14:31] Rarius Yuroki (Yuroki Uriza): nods and takes the quill from Sabina, dipping it in the blood on his own palm, and signs his own flourishing mark on the copies too, handing the quill back to the Ubar
[14:32] Sherman Easterwood takes his dagger, makes a quick light cut in his own palm, and dipping the quill in it, signs the contract
[14:32] Sherman Easterwood: A copy of this contract will be stored in City of ianda on the Isle of Landa for any one to see who may question this Companionship
[14:33] Sherman Easterwood: Let no one come between these two, who are now as one, in the eyes of the Priest Kings and the laws of Gor. If you harm or dishonor one, you harm or dishonor both.
[14:33] Sherman Easterwood: Rarius Yuroki and Sabina, may your union be blessed and happy. I wish you peace, joy and bountiful love.
[14:34] Sherman Easterwood: I present to you the Free Companions, Rarius Yuroki and Lady Sabina!
Free Companionship Announcement
Monday, October 30th, 2017
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FREE COMPANIONSHIP
Rarius Yuroki (Yuroki Uriza), head of the merchant caste of Ianda, owner of the HoY Bank and Trading Company and
Lady Sabina (Tremlays Resident), Merchant Magistrate and Perfumer of Ianda
are pleased to announce
Their Free Companionship Ceremony
Third day of the fourth hand of the eight month of the year 10168 Contasta Ar
(Earth date: Friday, 3th of November 2017, 2pm SLT)
Courtroom of Administration Building
All are cordially invited.
Ianda on the isle of Landa
Ianda by night
Monday, October 30th, 2017
Oasis Dancers performing in Ianda
Monday, October 30th, 2017
