Free Men on Gor

Hierarchical Society and Caste System

• Caste System: Almost every free person in the cities of Gor belongs to a caste, which dictates their social status and occupation. This system is rigid and hierarchical, with High and Low Castes, and specific roles within each caste.
• Double Knowledge: The Low Castes are taught certain untruths to keep them in their place, such as believing the world is flat and that magic exists.

Legal and Social Norms

• Legal Slavery: Slavery is a legal and accepted institution on Gor, with no abolitionist movements. Free men often own slaves, and the societal structure supports this practice.
• Judicial Systems: Gorean cities have codified laws and judicial systems to handle violations. Free men must consider these laws and their caste codes in their actions.

Gender Dynamics and Dominance

• Male Dominance: The society is patriarchal, with men holding dominant roles. Free men are expected to be strong and assertive, often taking what they wish by force.
• Free Women vs. Slaves: Free women are respected but are considered less desirable than slaves, who are seen as the ultimate expression of female beauty and submission.

Mindset and Philosophy

• Thinking Like a Gorean: Role-playing a Gorean requires adopting a mindset that is vastly different from that of Earth. This includes accepting the hierarchical and patriarchal nature of Gorean society, as well as the normalized practice of slavery.
• Honor and Respect: Free men on Gor place a high value on honor and respect, both in their personal conduct and in their interactions with others. This includes loyalty to one's caste and city.

Thinking Like a Gorean

Role-playing a Gorean requires adopting a mindset that is vastly different from that of Earth. This includes accepting the hierarchical and patriarchal nature of Gorean society, as well as the normalized practice of slavery. Gorean men are described as being fundamentally different from men of Earth, not just in physical attributes but in their character and psychology. They are large, strong, virile, confident, uncompromising, and powerful. The major differences lie in their cultural conditioning and acceptance of natural biological sovereignty. Gorean culture does not deny nature but embraces and enhances it:

• "They have never surrendered their manhood. They have never seen fit to relinquish their natural biological sovereignty. The Gorean culture does not deny nature but accepts it, acclaims it, relishes it, and enhances it"`[1]`.

Gorean men are accustomed to seeing women in bondage and view them in terms of their potential as slaves. This cultural norm significantly influences their interactions and perceptions of women:

• "They are accustomed to seeing beautiful women in bondage, their limbs and beauty well revealed by slave garb, their necks locked in collars. And there is nothing, of course, which so enflames the virility of a man as the sight of a slave girl"`[2]`.

Honor and Respect

Free men on Gor place a high value on honor and respect, both in their personal conduct and in their interactions with others. This includes loyalty to one's caste and city. The concept of honor is deeply ingrained in Gorean society and is a guiding principle for many actions and decisions. For instance, the presence of kajirae (slave girls) in Gorean society is seen as contributing to its harmony, security, and stability:

• "The man whose sexual needs are well satisfied tends to be content, and he who is content is commonly happy, and he who is happy has no need to disrupt his society, hurt others, or prey on his fellows. I have no doubt that the presence of kajirae in Gorean society has much to do not only with its naturalness, for men desire slaves and slaves long for masters, but also with its general harmony, security, and stability"`[3]`.

Gorean men are also described as having deep feelings, whether it be anger, jealousy, friendship, or love. Their emotions are more openly expressed compared to men on Earth, and hypocrisy is regarded as a form of lying, unworthy of a man:

• "Goreans are usually individuals of deep feelings. Their anger tends to be deep, and their jealousies are deep; and their friendships and loyalties; and they hate deeply, and they love profoundly. On the whole, Gorean emotion tends to be more open than it is on Earth. On Gor hypocrisy is regarded as a form of lying, unworthy of a man, not as a virtue on which it is prudent to rely"`[4]`.

Conclusion

In summary, the mindset and philosophy of Gorean free men are deeply rooted in their cultural norms, which emphasize natural biological roles, honor, and respect. These elements create a society that is vastly different from other low magic medieval fantasy worlds, where the hierarchical and patriarchal structure is not only accepted but celebrated. The presence of slavery and the distinct roles of men and women further highlight the unique characteristics of Gorean society.

Unique Cultural Practices

• Free Companionship: This is a form of marriage on Gor, but it is not as binding as Earth marriages. Free companionships can be renewed annually or dissolved easily, reflecting the less rigid nature of personal relationships.
• Warrior Codes: Warriors on Gor follow specific codes of conduct that emphasize strength, honor, and the right to take what they can by force. These codes are unique to the warrior caste and shape their behavior and interactions.

Role-Playing Challenges

• Role-Playing Limitations: Characters on Gor have specific limitations based on their caste, gender, and societal status. Embracing these limitations can enhance the role-playing experience by making it more realistic and challenging.
• Pure Role-Play: Gorean role-play often involves a high degree of personal investment and emotional involvement, making it more than just a game. This contrasts with the more detached and purely entertainment-focused role-play in other settings.