I don't speak for other slaves, nor for my Master, nor for anyone other than myself. I don't often post in the blogs, for my own reasons, as my attention is usually focused on my Master and our Home. But this has been on my heart for several weeks. This may end up being an expression both from the character and the typist...for that I ask for understanding. There is a lot on my mind and this is the method I choose to get it out of that expansive space that, so often, seems way too overcrowded, even if no one else reads it. That’s cool, too.
My perspective is of a person that is relatively new to Gor. I wasn't around in the "good old days" of Gor - when it was thriving and exciting, an adventure for all that chose to participate. I wish I had been! I've heard much about it from various folks. Maybe I'm unique in that I am one of very few around, from what I understand, that haven't had a former self, a previous character, reinvented or otherwise. I'm a rarity in the genre online, I suppose, and still a "newbie" even after two years of literally daily interaction...655 days as of today, to be exact. Oh yes, I know that the number may well pale in comparison to you, the reader. I also acknowledge that, although I have struggled my way through about half the books so far, and strived to study and learn more of Gor each and every one of those days in one way or another, I have absorbed but a tiny rock upon the tip of the mountain of Gorean knowledge.
Still, there are a few basics I've learned...
Gor is a beautiful, savage, unforgiving place.
The single most important thing to remember about Gor? It's all about Honor.
The Gorean Freeman is an individual, foremost, of honor and conviction. He is the dominant species and the Leader, Protector and Cornerstone of the Home.
The Gorean Freewoman is to be respected, revered, and treasured to the highest degree. Her position is one of prestige and status. She is the Heart of the Home.
The Gorean slave is a beast, property of her Owner, or of the city in which she finds herself, whose duty is first and foremost to be pleasing in her service to the Free. Like it or not, Gor does not exist without the foundation of slaves.
The Gorean kajira is a slave who is humble among slaves and whose heart and soul truly belongs to Gor.
Now, I pose a question I believe we might all ask of ourselves (no judgement here, by the way):
Am I fulfilling my chosen role according to these and other generally recognized customs?
If You are a Freeman, are You acting in a way that is honorable and consistent and serves as an example to those of Your Home?
If You are a Freewoman, do Your words and actions, and yes, even Your behavior, reflect the status of Your role?
If you are a slave, or kajira, is your first priority the Free and do you exhibit a sincere desire, even an intrinsic need, to serve the Free?
My humble opinion is this...
A Freeman doesn't preen and bluster or bully and demean. He understands that with great power comes great responsibility and temperance is a rare and valuable standard. He speaks with confidence and dominance, not in a domineering way, but with foresight and good judgment.
A Freewoman should possess an elevated strength of character to be refrained and elegant in the presentation of Her being, visually and verbally, with appreciation of the freedom She possesses to express Herself and Her opinions in a wise and thoughtful manner. Even an unconventional Freewoman (She-urts, Panthers, etc), should that be Your perception of Your chosen role, abides by the constraints of that particular role and Her peers within that role, if not traditional Gorean societal rules.
A slave, or kajira, serves the Free, not themselves. They do not draw attention to themselves or behave in a such a way that detracts from the Free. They are continuous and sincere in their effort to bring peace and ease to their Home. They understand their role and revel in it, with sensuality, obedience and humility.
Of course, the aforementioned qualities above are generalizations that most certainly would be adaptive within various role-play scenarios.
I remember fondly my first few days on Gor. I was anxious, fearful of the unknown, and curious. I know some say that curiosity is not becoming of a slave, but without it, how would one even begin to learn to be a part of this vast and strange world? Maybe wonderment is a better term? I was certainly full of wonder.
I met some notable figures in my first few weeks here. Beyond the Man who brought me to Vendara on that first day, I was honored to meet other Free, namely, Mistress Penelope…my first example of a Freewoman of Gor. Also, Master Talarius, Master Aiken, Mistress Dahna, Sar Cabot, and eventually, Mistress Aneesha, along with a slave or two, whom all served as enlightening and educational examples, as well. That was my introduction and it intrigued me enough to want to become a part of this world.
Since that time, I have learned much. I’ve seen the machinations and manipulations of others, grieved the loss of characters and friendships. I’ve laughed and cried and experienced just about every emotion one could within this online medium. I’ve come to admire the expressions of creativity in posted role plays, some from characters I know and others I’ve not met personally. I’ve come to love Gor and even a few people within it…and One, in particular, deeply.
For all these reasons and more, I genuinely want the best for those I know and for this world that I enjoy and appreciate. What I’ve witnessed lately…again, in my humble opinion…is a shell, a travesty and, frankly, an embarrassment. Posts full of venom, negativity and childish speech. It isn’t OUR best. You want Gor to grow again? To thrive? To be enjoyable? If I had witnessed then what I have witnessed lately, I never would’ve stayed. Life is stressful enough, without putting up with shenanigans and diatribes and outright hatefulness in a place where we all come to relax. Where did the Honor go? I think WE can ALL do better, don’t you?
I’m not naive enough to think there is some magical solution to the ills we currently suffer within this Gorean community. However, I do believe that there are some very bright, industrious people here. There is a possibility of communication and constructive problem-solving. One feasible solution, in my opinion, is both group and individual action. Perhaps a commitment Home by Home to assure their citizens are conducting themselves in a way that honors their home and expecting individual accountability within the Home. Sort of a “honor begets honor” approach.
Beyond particular Homes, it is the responsibility of *every single Gorean* reading this. It may require personal restraint, thinking before writing, putting yourself in the other person’s place. No one person can change things on their own. We…Free and slaves…all have to do our part. I’m willing…are you?
OOC - If you have anything constructive to add or suggestions, please feel free to comment. (I reserve the right to delete any negative comments...that isn't what this post is about and, with all due respect, I won't have it hijacked.)
Conversation
Showing 61–80 of 112 comments.
Returning: The conditions for returning from time away for death or retirements are as follows. One must choose a new name, new Caste, and new Home. They may not Lead a home, return to their old Home, Station, Free Companion, slaves, nor train for the Caste they had in the previous Character life for at least a period of three months(earth time).
Duallers: Duallers will be exposed with the proper proof between the Homes upholding these rules as their own as well as in the remaining press(es), as well as banned from said Homes.
Zones: Sanctioned Zones, due to their origins have little purpose in Gor anymore. They began when a rash of non Gorean roleplayers began entering Gorean Rooms just to start trouble. Because this is a rare occurance anymore Sanctioned Zones are hereby abolished within the Homes that choose to uphold these rules as their own. Instead No Zones and Safe Zones will be implimented in the appropriate areas of said Homes for the reason that there were no safe zones on Gor however for slave gardens there
were a degree of heightened security and thus the safe zones are appropriate. When Men of the Home are present a Home should be No Zones.
Signed By:
Ludo Cain, Ubar of Turia, Rowan of Ushindi, Midael, Chief of the Alar, Judas of Asperiche. Chevron of Rovere
Out of respect for the names signing this, i altered it a little by spacing and adding punctuation to get rid of all those little .nn's you sometimes see.
Thank You, Master, for Your time and for the information. I will read through the link and info there, as well. Thank you too, bana! (F) i sent you a private message with my email address.
I'm trying to get even more but the man with the info in question would rather remind me who he is and how long he's been in gorland...
That would be most of it Dalamar...as I remember it...then each home would add rules specific to their community
Ok...who remembers combat rules being 777
I do. I can happily say I helped abolish that garbage. A system if combat that relied only on how fast you could type. It was used elsewhere in other to genres and it didn't do that well in those either
Again, thank you all for the comments. After a lot of thought over the last few weeks and especially the last couple of days, I've come to understand there is a divide regarding role play rules. Many examples of the established rules being blatantly ignored, then other declarations of the importance and value of them. So, I've created a group for discussion and, more importantly, action on the topic, should you care to join. All are welcome. https://www.buzzen.com/id/154/group.html
I'll go on record saying this very clearly, I will not be accepting into TGF any new rules that are NOT already a part of TGF as penned by Our Council until they have been discussed and voted on by that Council as they always have been. I don't give a damn if John Fkn Norman himself shows up here with a list of rules that HE drafted, I don't give a hairy urt's ass what the rest of Gor does if it ain't approved BY TGF it ain't happening IN TGF.
Zones are bullshit, especially safe zones. Gor isn't safe. I know one of you is going to say "oh but what if there's no men of that home present to defend the women?" to which I will plainly response thusly "It takes a real sack of shit kinda guy to attack defenseless women be they Free or slave, so don't even try to tell Me about how those women have to "honor it." A man who pulls that kind of shit has no damned honor to begin with so he need not expect any in return.
"Dualers will be exposed publicly." Nope, not going along with that. If I encounter a person dualing I will confront that person Myself if I encounter them IN My home. I don't snitch.
"Shelving: The act of shelving is defined as bringing back an already dead/retired character. Once a character is retired it may not be ressurected again, it is for all intents and purposes gone." Nope not going along with that, I see nothing wrong with bringing back a character who was simply taken out of play but not killed. Death is the only true finality and the only valid one that disbars a character's return in My opinion.
"Returning: One must choose a new Caste, and new Home. They may not Lead a home, return to their old Home, Station, Free Companion, slaves, nor train for the Caste they had in the previous life." Nope, not going along with that, when a person returns that's their business and no one else's. "The Past is the Past", remember? So if it's a new character then what could anyone possibly know about them beforehand?
Amari I appreciate that you opened a group to discuss this and input from all. great idea!!
I never said "same character" of course a new character would need a new name but I see no logical reason for a person to give up the home and the people they enjoy unless of course, the objective is to isolate people and compel them to leave Gorean permanently, which is rather insipid.
that's basically the standard that Kyrielle did. new name same person. Sorry but I disagree. The idea of dying in rp or retiring a character means that you have to roll play to create a new one. not pick up where you left off with whomever you want just with a new name
if you die or retire there is a consequence to that.