Role Guidelines

Certain roles on Gor are restricted to experienced players and main characters. In the pursuit of cultivating the Gorean community which has been established on this server and the dedication to preservation of the Gorean theme, we have established a list of roles which will require either a serious amount of time dedicated to the role specifically or great deal of familiarity and experience with Gor and Gorean roleplay.

This is a work in process. There is a lot to organize and discuss.

Rune Priest

Application Restrictions - Experience Required

• Torvaldsland Born Character, Gorean Race, and Male Avatar
• Backstory must be written to suit Gor, server and role in harmony.
• A list of role specific activities you have done in role-play before so our mentor admin can begin a discussion with you.
• Character look must be appropriate for Gor, server and character.
• Final approval subject to review by: Branwyn

How to evolve into this role

No No List?

This applies to everyone currently playing the role, as well as those engaged in “role or caste adjacent” roles. Worship any God, other than Odin or Thor. Claim there is a Valhalla As player recognize that your character is incapable of predicting the future or casting magic. Double down on the blood death and gore from "Hollywood Vikings". Utilize any creation Myth other than the one in the book, including any lore derivative of that. Fail to know the rules for an assembly of law or formal duel. Introduce holidays that cannot be traced back to historical times or the Gorean books themselves. That leaves five, do you know what they are? You must understand the Torvaldsland calendar as it relates to both the new year, the fest-season of Odin, and planting. Cannot be covered in tattooed/carved Runes. Nor can you print nor carve runes onto someone else. Allow slaves in anyway to participate in the religion.

Haruspex

Application Restrictions

How to evolve into this role

No No List?
This applies to everyone currently playing the role, as well as those engaged in “role or caste adjacent” roles.

Torturers

Application Restrictions - Experience Required

• Wagon People Culture, Gorean Race
• Demonstrated experience, knowledge and understanding of the role must be exemplified.
• Backstory must be written to suit Gor, server and character in harmony.
• Character look must be appropriate for Gor, server and character.
• Final approval subject to review by:

How to evolve into this role

No No List?
This applies to everyone currently playing the role, as well as those engaged in “role or caste adjacent” roles.

Priest King Agent

Application Restrictions

• This role is not playable on this server.

How to evolve into this role

• Rare exceptions may be made for players who are both extremely knowledgable in the role and are brought onto the seer team to orchestrate with the server setting and storyline.

Kur Agent

Application Restrictions

• This role is not playable on this server.

How to evolve into this role

• Rare exceptions may be made for players who are both extremely knowledgable in the role and are brought onto the seer team to orchestrate with the server setting and storyline.

Kur Minion

Application Restrictions

How to evolve into this role

No No List?
This applies to everyone currently playing the role, as well as those engaged in “role or caste adjacent” roles.

Contract Woman

Application Restrictions - Experience Required

• Pani Culture Required, Gorean Race
• Demonstrated experience, knowledge and understanding of the role must be exemplified.
• Backstory must be written to suit Gor, server and character in harmony.
• Character look must be appropriate for Gor, server and character.
• Final approval subject to review by:

How to evolve into this role

No No List

‘’Every restricted role or caste should have a no-no. And it must be made clear this applies to everyone currently playing the role, as well as those engaged in “role or caste adjacent” roles. Please list examples for each.

Exotic Bred Slave

Application Restrictions

• Gorean Born. Male or Female. Bred as a slave.
• Demonstrated experience, knowledge and understanding of the role must be exemplified.
• Backstory must be written to suit Gor, server and character in harmony.
• Character look must be appropriate for Gor, server and character.
• Final approval subject to review by one of the role experts identified as follows:

How to evolve into this role

Evolving into this role would actually require playing in Gor for a while, demonstrating an understanding of these topics, and eventually re-applying for a new character. Complexity and Depth: Exotic bred slaves often come with intricate backstories and specific characteristics that require a deep understanding of the Gorean world and its nuances. This can be overwhelming for a beginner who is still learning the basics of the setting and the dynamics of the role-play. For instance, the text mentions, "The most common exotic is the virgin slave who has been raised without the knowledge that men exist" (sourcefile.txt). This indicates a level of complexity in the character's background that might be challenging for a novice to portray accurately. Role Expectations: Exotic bred slaves are often expected to exhibit specific behaviors and traits that align with their breeding. This can place a lot of pressure on a new player to meet these expectations, which might detract from their enjoyment and learning experience. The text notes, "Another slave, an exotic, bred for stripes, put more laundry beside her" (sourcefile.txt), highlighting that such characters have unique attributes that need to be consistently portrayed. Training and Experience: Playing an exotic bred slave might require a higher level of role-playing skill and experience to convincingly depict the character's unique qualities and the reactions of others to them. The text explains, "It is expensive and troublesome to raise a slave from infancy at one’s own expense and that is why slaves are seldom bred, at least on a wide scale" (sourcefile.txt). This suggests that these characters are rare and special, requiring a nuanced portrayal that a beginner might struggle with. Immersion and Realism: For a new player, starting with a more straightforward character can help them immerse themselves in the world of Gor and understand its social structures and norms. Jumping straight into a complex role might hinder their ability to grasp the fundamental aspects of the setting. The text states, "It is much more convenient to acquire them when they are ready for plucking, so to speak" (sourcefile.txt), implying that simpler roles are more accessible and manageable for beginners. In summary, starting with a less complex character allows new role-players to gradually build their understanding and skills, making their experience more enjoyable and less daunting.

No No List

A role-player portraying an exotic bred slave should avoid the following actions to maintain authenticity in Gorean role play:

A role-player portraying an exotic bred slave should avoid the following actions to maintain authenticity in Gorean role play:

Avoid Overly Modern or Earth-like Behavior

Exotic bred slaves should not exhibit behaviors or use language that is too modern or reflective of Earth culture. For example, using contemporary slang or referencing modern technology would be out of place in the Gorean setting. This includes avoiding Earth-like insults or expressions that would not make sense in the Gorean context.

Avoid Unrealistic Abilities or Knowledge

Exotic bred slaves should not possess knowledge or abilities that are unrealistic for their role. For example, they should not demonstrate advanced combat skills, strategic military knowledge, or any form of supernatural abilities. Their behavior and skills should align with their background and training as slaves.

Avoid Unrealistic Displays of Knowledge or Skills

Exotic slaves should not display knowledge or skills that they would not reasonably possess given their background. For example, an exotic slave bred in ignorance of men should not suddenly demonstrate advanced knowledge of Gorean customs or combat skills. "They have no duties other than to seek their own pleasure" (05_Assassin-of-Gor-by-John-Norman.txt). It would be unreasonable for such a character to suddenly take on complex tasks or roles without prior training.

Avoid Excessive Exceptionalism

While some uniqueness is inherent in playing an exotic bred slave, players should avoid making their character excessively exceptional in ways that disrupt the role-play environment. This includes avoiding traits or storylines that make their character overly powerful, knowledgeable, or central to every plot.

Avoid Ignoring the Unique Traits of Exotics

Do not neglect the specific behaviors and traits that align with the breeding of exotic slaves. For instance, exotics might have been bred for specific purposes, such as having no knowledge of men. Ignoring these traits can lead to an inauthentic portrayal. For example, "They know nothing of men... They have never looked on a man. They do not know they exist" (05_Assassin-of-Gor-by-John-Norman.txt). An exotic slave suddenly acting with full knowledge of men would be unreasonable.

Do Not Overlook the Psychological Impact of Their Upbringing

Exotic slaves often have unique psychological backgrounds due to their upbringing. For instance, they might have been raised in complete ignorance of their status as slaves or even as women. "They are raised in complete ignorance... They do not even know they are women" (05_Assassin-of-Gor-by-John-Norman.txt). It would be unreasonable for such a character to suddenly display a deep understanding of Gorean society and their place within it.

Avoid Unrealistic Reactions to New Situations

Exotic slaves might react in extreme ways when exposed to new situations due to their unique backgrounds. For example, "Not infrequently, they go mad, and are slain the following morning" (05_Assassin-of-Gor-by-John-Norman.txt). It would be unreasonable for an exotic slave to adapt instantly and without significant distress to a completely new and harsh environment.

Do Not Neglect the Role of Training and Conditioning

Exotic slaves might require specific training and conditioning to fulfill their roles. Ignoring this aspect can lead to an inauthentic portrayal. For instance, "Commonly, they will seek out a female slave... and this woman will comfort them, and explain to them what they are, that they are women, that they are slaves, that they must wear a collar and that they must serve men" (05_Assassin-of-Gor-by-John-Norman.txt). It would be unreasonable for an exotic slave to immediately understand and accept their role without this process.

Panther/Taluna

Application Restrictions

• Gorean Born Woman (not Earth or Hyborian)
• Demonstrated experience, knowledge and understanding of the role must be exemplified.
• Backstory must be written to suit Gor, server and character in harmony.
• Character look must be appropriate for Gor, server and character.
• Final approval subject to review by: Vexing or Banshee

How to evolve into this role

• Evolution into having an approved panther girl requires an act of mentorship by an established panther player. This means that another approved panther girl is willing to roleplay with you, teach you and eventually inform the server team that you are 'experienced' enough to become an approved panther character.

No No List

‘’This applies to everyone currently playing the role, as well as those engaged in “role or caste adjacent” roles such as Earth slaves, Hyborian free women, or new to Gor free women who rejected caste and society by leaving the settlements to live in the forest.

1. Attack/raid settlements/encampments
2. Proactively hunt men
3. Keep slaves in camp
4. Perform rescue raids on encampments/settlements of men
5. Enter into agreements with groups of men/settlements for protection against enemies
6. Build impenetrable fortresses**
7. Have male thralls as protectors on follow
8. Ally with any groups/settlements to assist in their combat
9. Enter into either a Companionship or willfully submit as a slave and remain an active panther
10. Claim proficiency with men's weapons

Things NOT to Do as a Panther Girl

1. Attack/Raid Settlements or Encampments: Panther Girls should avoid attacking or raiding settlements or encampments of men. Such actions are likely to lead to severe retaliation and possible enslavement.
2. Proactively Hunt Men: While Panther Girls may capture men who enter their forests, they should not proactively hunt men outside their territory. This behavior is not consistent with their survival-focused lifestyle.
3. Keep Slaves in Camp: Keeping slaves in camp can be dangerous and impractical. Panther Girls typically sell captured men at exchange points rather than keeping them long-term.
4. Perform Rescue Raids on Encampments/Settlements of Men: Rescue raids on men's encampments or settlements are highly risky and not typical behavior for Panther Girls, who prioritize their own survival and freedom.
5. Enter into Agreements with Groups of Men/Settlements for Protection Against Enemies: Panther Girls should not enter into protection agreements with men or settlements. Such alliances undermine their independence and can lead to exploitation.
6. Build Impenetrable Fortresses: Panther Girls live in semi-permanent camps, not impenetrable fortresses. Their camps are simple and practical, designed for mobility and survival.
7. Have Male Thralls as Protectors on Follow: Male thralls should not be used as protectors. Panther Girls rely on their own skills and the support of their band, not on male slaves.
8. Ally with Any Groups/Settlements to Assist in Their Combat: Forming alliances to assist in combat is contrary to the Panther Girls' ethos of independence. They do not involve themselves in the conflicts of others.
9. Enter into Either a Companionship or Willfully Submit as a Slave and Remain an Active Panther: Panther Girls who enter into companionship or willfully submit as slaves cannot remain active Panther Girls. Such actions are incompatible with their lifestyle and values.
10. Claim Proficiency with Men's Weapons: Panther Girls do not wield men's weapons like swords. They use weapons appropriate for their strength and abilities, such as bows, spears, and knives.

She-Urt

Application Restrictions

How to evolve into this role

No No List

‘’Every restricted role or caste should have a no-no. And it must be made clear this applies to everyone currently playing the role, as well as those engaged in “role or caste adjacent” roles. Please list examples for each.