Caste of Assassins

The Caste of Assassins is recognized in Ar only.
It consists of Those who kill for pay.
Their color is Black.

"I had noticed that there was among the crowd one tall, sombre figure who sat alone on a high, wooden throne, surrounded by tarnsmen. He wore the black helmet of a member of the Caste of Assassins."
Book 1, Tarnsman of Gor, page 133

" 'On the highest ground in camp,' said Mintar, 'near the second ditch and across from the great gate of Ar. You will see the black banner of the Caste of Assassins.' "
Book 1, Tarnsman of Gor, page 175

"I dyed my hair black and acquired the helmet and gear of an Assassin. Across the left temple of the black helmet I fixed the golden slash of the messenger. In this disguise I freely wandered about the camp, observing the siege operations, the appointment of the compounds, the marshalling of the troops."
Book 1, Tarnsman of Gor, pages 176 - 177

"There, on a hillock overlooking the palisades that rimmed the rampart to the ditch, I saw the wall of black silk that surrounded the compound of Pa-Kur. Inside were the dozens of tents that formed the quarters for his personal retinue and bodyguard. Above them, at several places, flew the black banner of the Caste of Assassins."
Book 1, Tarnsman of Gor, page 182

"It was as a warrior of Gor that I arose and donned the black helmet and the garments of the Caste of Assassins. I loosened my sword in its sheath, set my shield on my arm, and grasped my spear. My steps were determined when I left the tent. I strode meaningfully to the great tarn cot at the entrance to Mintar's compound and demanded my tarn."
Book 1, Tarnsman of Gor, page 190

"Those members of the Caste of Assassins, the most hated caste on Gor, who had served Pa-Kur, were taken in chains down the Vosk to become galley slaves on the cargo ships that ply Gor's oceans."
Book 1, Tarnsman of Gor, page 215

"Since the siege of Ar, when Pa-Kur, Master Assassin, had violated the limits of his caste and had presumed, in contradiction to the traditions of Gor, to lead a horde upon the city, intending to make himself Ubar, the Caste of Assassins had lived as hated, hunted men, no longer esteemed mercenaries whose services were sought by cities, and, as often by factions within cities. Now many assassins roamed Gor, fearing to wear the somber black tunic of their caste, disguised as members of other castes, not infrequently as warriors.
'I am not an assassin,' I repeated.
'Of course not,' said the man. 'The Caste of Assassins no longer exists.'
I doubted that."
Book 2, Outlaw of Gor, page 72

" 'But I am of the Caste of Warriors,' I said, 'of a high city and we do not stain our spears for the stones of men not, even such stones as these."
The Paravaci was speechless.
'You dare to tempt me,' I said, feigning anger, 'as if I beyond the dreams of a man, were of the Caste of Assassins or a common thief with his dagger in the night.' I frowned at him. 'Beware,' I warned, 'lest I take your words as insult.' "
Book 4, Nomads of Gor, pages 20 - 21 ~才

"Yet none would stand in the way of Kuurus for he wore on his forehead, small and fine, the black dagger.
When he of the caste of Assassins has been paid his gold and has received his charge he affixes on his forehead that sign, that he may enter whatever city he pleases, that none may interfere with his work.
There are few men who have done great wrong or who have powerful, rich enemies who do not tremble upon learning that one has been brought to their city who wears the dagger."
Book 5, Assassins of Gor, page 6 - 7 ~才

" 'Welcome killer,' said the man, addressing the Assassin by what, for that caste, is a title of respect."
Book 5,Assassins of Gor, page 14 ~才

" 'For whom do you wear on your forehead the mark of the black dagger?' queried Portus discreetly.
Kuurus said nothing.
'Perhaps I could tell you where to find him,' proposed Portus.
'I will find him,' said Kuurus.
'Of course,' said Portus. 'Of course.' The heavy man, sitting cross-legged, opposite the Assassin, began to sweat, fiddled with the damp blue and yellow silk covering his knee, and then with a nervous hand lifted a shaking bowl of paga to his lips, spilling some down the side of his face, 'I meant no harm,' he said.
'You are alive,' said Kuurus.
'May I ask, Killer,' asked Portus, 'if you come to make the first killing--or the second?'
'The second,' said Kuurus.
'Ah!' said Portus.
'I hunt,' said Kuurus.
'Of course,' said Portus.
'I come to avenge,' said Kuurus.
Portus smiled. 'That is what I meant,' he said, 'that it is good those in the black tunic are once again amongst us, that justice can be done, order restored, right upheld.'
Kuurus looked at him, the eyes not smiling. 'There is only gold and steel,' said he.
'Of course,' hastilly agreed Portus. 'That is very true.' "
Book 5, Assassin of Gor, page 18 ~才

"It was a throwing knife, of a sort used in Ar, much smaller than the southern quiva, and tapered on only one side. It was a knife designed for killing. Mixed with the blood and fluids of the body there was a smear of white at the end of the steel, the softened residue of a glaze of kanda paste, now melted by body heat, which had coated the tip of the blade. On the hilt of the dagger, curling about it, was the legend, 'I have sought him. I have found him.'It was a killing knife. 'The Caste of Assassins?' I had asked. 'Unlikely,' had said the Older Tarl, 'for Assassins are commonly too proud for poison.' "
Book 5, Assassin of Gor, page 42 ~才

"the crossbow is the assassin𠏋 weapon, par excellence;"
Book 6, Raiders of Gor, page 2

"His (would be Assasin) head now lay half severed, blood on the peasants sandals. Gorean men are not patient with such as he."
Book 12, Beasts of Gor, page 102 ~才

" 'But you are of the Assassins,' I said.
'We are tenacious fellows,' he smiled.
'I have heard that,' I said.
'Do you think that only Warriors are men?' he asked.
'No,' I said. 'I have never been of that opinion.'
'Let us proceed,' he said.
'I thought you were too weak to be an Assassin,' I said.
'I was once strong enough to defy the dictates of my caste,' he said. 'I was once strong enough to spare my friend, though i Feared that in doing this I would myself be killed.'
'Perhaps you are the strongest of the dark caste,' I said.
He shrugged.
'Let us see who can fight better,' I said.
'Our training is superior to yours,' he said.
'I doubt that,' I said. 'But we do not get much training dropping poison into people's drinks.'
'Assassins are not permitted poison,' he said proudly.
'I know,' I said.
'The Assassin,' he said, 'is like a musician, a surgeion. The Warrior is like a butcher. He is a ravaging, bloodthirsty lout.'
'There is much to what you say,' I granted him. 'But Assassins are such arid fellows. Warriors are more genial, more enthusiastic.'
'An Assassin goes in and does his job, and comes out quiety,' he said. 'Warriors storm buildings and burn towers.'
'It is true that I would rather clean up after an Assassin than a Warrior,' I said.
'You are not a bad fellow for a Warrior,' he said.
'I have known worse Assassins than yourself,' I said."
Book 12, Beasts of Gor, pages 412 - 413 ~才

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