The Ubar/Ubara: Supreme Rulers of Gorean Cities

The Ubar (male) or Ubara/Tatrix (female) is the supreme ruler of a Gorean city, wielding immense, often absolute, power. Their authority is derived from their capacity to command loyalty and enforce their will, primarily through military might. This position is the highest to which a human can aspire on Gor, representing the zenith of power, wealth, and influence.

I. Ascension and Legitimacy

1. Selection: Ubars are typically chosen from the High Castes, with Warriors commonly producing them. They can ascend through various means:

   • Election: In cities with an Administrator, the High Castes may elect an Ubar for "stated terms" in times of crisis.

   • Military Coup: Often, an Ubar (or Regent) rises to power through a military coup, seizing control in times of chaos or "inept civilian administration."

   • Conquest: An Ubar can proclaim himself ruler of a conquered city, hoping to win over survivors (e.g., Pa-Kur in Ar).

   • Adoption: Some Ubars select their own successors, often through legal adoption, who then inherit the position.

2. Confirmation: Their enthronement is a grand event, often involving the "ringing of bars," applause from the High Council, processions, games, and declarations of holidays. A medallion of the city's Home Stone, a scepter (rod of office), and sometimes a crown (tiara for Ubara) are ceremonial symbols of their office.

3. Lineage (Not Always Required): While some Ubars are from traditional ruling lines, others rise from outside (e.g., Minus Tentius Hinrabius and Cernus in Ar). Legal entitlement to succession can be given even if not of a specific ruling line.

II. Absolute Power and Authority

1. "Word is Law": The Ubar's word is the law. They "rule without check and by decree," having the power to make and change laws unilaterally. Justice is founded on their will.

2. Above the Law (Functionally): An Ubar is "above the law" in the sense that they can change it by decree. However, they are still "subject to the law unless they choose to change it." This indicates a practical, rather than inherent, superiority to law.

3. Command: They command the power of the city, including its soldiers, supply acquisition, and wealth. Their word alone can appoint high officers.

4. Supreme Judge: The Ubar is the "supreme ruling judge" in their city, hearing cases and capable of overruling jury verdicts if they deem them not in conformity with justice.

III. Responsibilities and Duties

1. Protection of the Home Stone: A Ubar's primary duty is the "protection of the Home Stone," the ultimate symbol of the city's identity and sovereignty. Betraying the Home Stone is unforgivable.

2. Maintaining Order and Defense: They are "military sovereigns," responsible for ordering their military, maintaining street security, overseeing searches, and leading their city in times of crisis or war.

3. Administrative Oversight: They attend to "numerous duties," residing in the Central Cylinder (often the palace and seat of governance), overseeing daily affairs.

4. Ceremonial Duties: Ubars greet the sun ceremonially on the first day of the New Year and may have a family member cast grain and offer prayers for harvest.

5. Cultivating Support: They often cultivate and flatter the lower castes to secure popular support for their rule, sponsoring games and races.

IV. Nature of Power and Vulnerability

1. Dependent on Steel: The Ubar's power is ultimately "limited institutionally only by his capacity to inspire and control those whose steel keeps him upon the throne." Their rule is maintained by the military's loyalty.

2. Solitude and Burden: The Ubar is "the most alone of men," "a stranger to all men," bearing heavy burdens of "loneliness and decision, and power." They have "so few" true friends, and often "have no friends."

3. Risk of Tyranny: If an Ubar refuses to relinquish power after a crisis, they become a "tyrant," ruling until "ruthlessly deposed" (often by being abandoned by their men or overthrown). Tyranny is a Gorean title for a strong ruler with no legal limits on tenure.

4. Vulnerability to Defeat: Ubars can be deposed, forced to flee, or even assassinated. Their city can fall, and they can be captured, enslaved, and publicly humiliated (e.g., a Ubara sold in a special slave sale, or kept in a pleasure garden as a "delicious memento of victory"). They can be subjected to torture slaves.

5. Influence of Others: Despite absolute power, Ubars may be influenced by wealthy Merchants ("gold hides and whispers behind thrones") or be indebted to them. Even a Ubar can be a "fool" when "entangled" by a slave's beauty.

6. Symbolic Power: The "power of his mere presence" can strike terror, and the "mystique of victory" can act like a magic spell on soldiers.

V. Dress and Regalia

1. Purple Robes: The Ubar's primary color is purple, specifically "Ubarial purple," a special color reserved only for Ubars. This is often part of a swirling robe of state.

2. Golden Chain/Medallion: They wear a "golden chain of the Ubar" with a "medallion-like replica of the Home Stone of Ar."

3. Special Headwear: May wear elaborate headdresses (e.g., made of Ushindi fisher feathers) or specific tiaras (for Ubaras).

In conclusion, the Ubar/Ubara is the embodiment of supreme, often absolute, authority in a Gorean city, combining military leadership, legislative power, and ceremonial duties. Their rule is ultimately dependent on the loyalty of their warriors and their ability to command, navigate political realities, and project an image of undeniable power, all while enduring the immense solitude and inherent dangers of the throne.

- Kati Evans