The Culture · Character
Bora Horza Gobuchul
Also known as Horza Gobuchul, Horza, the Changer
- Major
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 1
A fit man in his neutral form with a fairly muscular build, taut golden-brown skin possessing a healthy sheen, and dark hair growing in from the roots after being cut short. His face appears firm yet supple with regular features that can drain of animation to look anonymous and unlinked in unconsciousness, while his body shows resilience despite limps, head bruises, or sweat-slicked skin after combat. He wears a bulky spacesuit often paired with gloves, a helmet, and a plasma pistol on his thigh, projecting the adaptable, determined presence of a shapeshifting mercenary operative.
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 1
- Books
- 1
Description
An elderly-looking, gaunt and bony man with slack skin, a paunch, and a rib-skinny chest. His hair is thin and yellowing in this drug-induced appearance. He is shown nearly naked or in a loincloth, and his venom-teeth have been removed. A fit, strong human man, a little taller and fuller-chested than his neutral normal, with darker, thicker hair. His face is still his own, with a light-brown surface. He wears a suit during the Vavatch escape; it is damaged and ill-fitting, with a laser-burn injury to his right calf beneath it.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
- SK
Sro Kierachell Zorantformer lover
Kierachell was Horza's lover during his time as sentinel on Schar’s World; he returns seeking her.
Yalsonlover and ally
Horza and Yalson develop romantic relationship aboard CAT; she becomes pregnant with his child.
- QX
Querl Xoralundraspy-father and agent
Xoralundra is Horza's Idiran handler and mentor figure, employing him for missions including retrieval of Culture Mind from Schar’s World.
- U
Unaha-Clospreluctant companions
Drone Unaha-Closp joins CAT crew; tense relationship with Horza, saves him from Xoxarle.
Perosteck Balvedaopposing agents
Horza and Balveda are adversaries in the Idiran-Culture war; Horza works for Idirans, Balveda for Culture Special Circumstances. They have history of capture, escape, and mutual respect amid conflict.
Kraiklynimpersonation and replacement
Horza impersonates and kills Kraiklyn to take command of Clear Air Turbulence and its crew.
- X
XoxarleIdiran section leader
Xoxarle leads Idiran team on Schar’s World; kills Changers including Kierachell; Horza kills him.
- A
Amahain-Frolkimpersonated minister
Horza impersonates Sorpen minister Egratin (Amahain-Frolk); Frolk orders his execution.
Story so far
BOOK 1Consider Phlebas
Key events
- Book 1
Ch. 2Horza's Rescue from SorpenIdiran forces dramatically breach the sewercell on Sorpen to rescue Bora Horza Gobuchul, capturing Culture agent Perosteck Balveda in the process. - Book 1
Ch. 3Battle at Hand of God 137A Culture GCU ambushes the Idiran cruiser Hand of God 137 from the system sun, forcing Xoralundra to order Balveda's execution and eject Horza into space. - Book 1
Ch. 4Horza Kills ZallinHorza fights and kills the hulking youth Zallin in a brutal brawl aboard the Clear Air Turbulence to earn his place among the mercenary crew. - Book 1
Ch. 7Eaters Island EscapeHorza is captured by the cannibalistic Eaters cult, witnesses ritual torture, then poisons Fwi-Song and escapes by stealing a Culture shuttle. - Book 1
Ch. 8Horza Impersonates KraiklynHorza infiltrates a Damage game on Vavatch, kills Captain Kraiklyn during a chaotic dockside confrontation, and assumes command of the Clear Air Turbulence. - Book 1
Ch. 10Changer Base Massacre DiscoveryHorza returns to the Changer base on Schar's World only to discover his comrades, including his former lover Kierachell, have been massacred by Idiran forces. - Book 1
Ch. 12Station Six FirefightHorza's team clashes with Idiran warriors at station six in the Command System, resulting in the deaths of Dorolow and Neisin while capturing Xoxarle. - Book 1
Ch. 14Train Collision CatastropheA dying Idiran activates a runaway train that crashes into Horza's team at station seven, killing Yalson, Wubslin, and Aviger while freeing Xoxarle. - Book 1
Ch. 15Horza's DeathDespite Balveda's efforts to rescue him from the tunnels, Bora Horza Gobuchul dies from his injuries on Schar's World.
Appearances
Meet Bora Horza Gobuchul in Bookworm
Meet Bora Horza Gobuchul in your EPUB — spoiler-safe to the book you're on.