In Outlaw of Gor, John Norman describes the consequences of Pa-Kur’s failed attempt to seize Ar and make himself Ubar. By exceeding the traditional limits of his caste, the Master Assassin brought lasting consequences upon the Caste of Assassins.

The passage on page 72 explains how the caste lost its former standing as a respected source of mercenary services, becoming instead a group of hated and hunted men. Many Assassins abandoned the somber black tunic of their caste and concealed their identities by disguising themselves as members of other castes, often Warriors.

Through this account, the novel reveals how the actions of one Master Assassin could affect the standing of the entire caste. It also introduces concealment and disguise as responses to the changed circumstances of Assassins following the fall of Pa-Kur.

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.
Page 72

The Violation of Caste Tradition

Pa-Kur’s attempt to seize Ar and make himself Ubar is presented as a violation of the established limits of his caste and the traditions of Gor. His actions demonstrate the consequences when a member of the Caste of Assassins moves beyond the boundaries of its accepted role.

The Loss of Esteem

Following the siege of Ar, the Assassins lose their former standing as mercenaries whose services were sought by cities and political factions. They become hated and hunted men, illustrating how the actions of one leader can alter the position of an entire caste.

Concealment and Disguise

Many Assassins no longer dare to wear the somber black tunic of their caste. Instead, they disguise themselves as members of other castes, not infrequently as Warriors. Their appearance becomes a means of concealment in a world where their former identity exposes them to danger.

The Consequences of Pa-Kur’s Ambition

Pa-Kur’s ambition to become Ubar has consequences extending far beyond his own defeat. The passage portrays a caste whose relationship with Gorean society has fundamentally changed, with its members forced to live as hunted men rather than openly sought professionals.