Free Men on Gor

Cheat Sheet

1. Don't assume that Earth customs and values apply to Gor. The societal norms and legal structures are different. Avoid imposing Earth-based ethical systems or philosophies onto your Gorean character. Embrace the ethical stance of the Gorean society.
2. Generally avoid using modern technology or concepts that do not exist in the Gorean setting.
3. Don't ignore the caste system and its implications. Your character's caste affects their behavior, status, and interactions.
4. Generally avoid portraying your character as an exception to Gorean norms without a strong, plausible reason.
5. Don't neglect the importance of honor and respect in Gorean society. Your character should act in ways that reflect these values. Gorean men treat each other with respect, even enemies. Tea bagging is not Gorean.
6. Don't forget to immerse yourself in the mindset of a Gorean. Think and act as a Gorean would, not as a person from Earth.
7. Generally avoid unrealistic role-play scenarios, such as easily capturing or killing other characters without considering the setting's defenses and societal norms.
8. Don't disrespect the property rights of others, especially regarding slaves. This includes not killing or maiming slaves without considering the legal and social consequences.

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.

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. Gorean men are described as 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]`.

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. Free women often treat males with contempt and ridicule, relying on the assumed protection of a common Home Stone. However, they are always at risk of being enslaved, especially if they do not share a Home Stone with the man:

• "It would be unusual, as I understand it, for a woman to be enslaved by a man with whom she shares a Home Stone. She might, of course, be enslaved for vagrancy, misdemeanors, or crimes. Too, it is generally accepted that a man may enslave a woman who has insulted him or in some way treated him badly, but this option is seldom acted upon, it seems, if a Home Stone is shared"`[3]`.

Free women are often proud, haughty, insolent, arrogant, and outspoken. They often treat males with contempt and ridicule, which is sometimes seen as "courting the collar":

• "Interestingly, Gorean free women are commonly proud, haughty, insolent, arrogant and outspoken. They often treat males with contempt and ridicule. They are relying on the assumed protection of a common Home Stone. Or perhaps it is their way of, as it is said, 'courting the collar'"`[4]`.

Interactions with Slaves

A Gorean free man’s interactions with slaves, whether they are his own or not, are characterized by dominance and control. He may do with his slaves as he pleases, and they are expected to be pleasing and obedient. The relationship is one of ownership and absolute power:

• "It is pleasant, as you might well imagine, receiving such attentions from a woman. It is particularly pleasant, I assure you, when she is a slave, for then she is owned, and you may do with her what you wish"`[5]`.

Slaves are trained to be pleasing to their masters, and failure to do so can result in punishment. The training can be conducted by both men and women, but many believe that only a man with total power over a woman can properly teach her to be a slave:

• "Many Goreans believe that the finest of slave trainers are men, and that only a man with a whip, and total power over a woman, can properly teach her to be a slave"`[6]`.

Slaves are expected to be sexually available and to serve their masters' needs. They are often in competition with other slaves to be the most pleasing:

• "For example, it is not unknown for a Gorean man to have more than one slave, that they may desperately compete with one another, each striving zealously to please him more than the other, that she may become his favorite"`[7]`.

Interactions with Free Women

Interactions with free women of his Home Stone are generally marked by a level of respect, although free women are still subject to the dominance of men. Free women can hold money and property, manage businesses, and occupy positions of importance, but they are still subject to the authority of men:

• "Despite the exalted status of free women, who are equal to men in the holding of a Home Stone, can hold money and property in their own right, may found, organize, and manage businesses, may occupy positions of importance and authority, even to the occupancy of thrones, and who may enter into relationships, or discontinue them, much as they please, the Free Companionship requiring an annual renewal, Gor is essentially a man’s world"`[8]`.

Free women from other cities or those who do not share a Home Stone with the man are considered fair game for capture and enslavement. This is a common practice, especially during times of war or conflict:

• "To make this matter more clear, and to be fairer to the customs of Gor, it should be noted that any woman, any woman whatsoever with whom one does not share a Home Stone, is understood to be fair game for the capture loop"`[9]`.

Free women who show interest in the lives of slaves or attempt to spy on them can also be at risk of being enslaved:

• "For example, sometimes free women attempt, sometimes even disguising themselves, to spy on the doings of masters and slaves. For example, they might attempt, perhaps disguised as lads, to gain entrance to paga taverns. And often such entrance is granted them but later, to their horror, they may find themselves thrown naked to the dancing sand and forced to perform under whips"`[10]`.

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.

Male Relationships on Gor

Men of the Same Caste

Respect and Camaraderie: Men of the same caste generally treat each other with respect and camaraderie. They share common goals and values dictated by their caste codes, which fosters a sense of brotherhood and mutual support.

Men of Different Caste

Hierarchical Respect: Interactions between men of different castes are influenced by the hierarchical nature of the caste system. Higher castes are typically afforded more respect, while lower castes are expected to show deference. However, mutual respect is still common, especially if the individuals are of similar social standing.

Men of the Same Home Stone

Loyalty and Solidarity: Men who share the same Home Stone exhibit strong loyalty and solidarity. They are united by their allegiance to their city and its values, often working together to protect and advance their community's interests.

Men of a Different Home Stone They Are Not at War With

Cautious Respect: Men from different Home Stones who are not at war generally treat each other with cautious respect. While they may not share the same loyalty, they recognize each other's status as free men and often engage in trade or diplomacy.

Men Whose Home Stones Are at War

Hostility and Conflict: When Home Stones are at war, men from opposing cities treat each other as enemies. Hostility and conflict are common, and interactions are marked by aggression and attempts to gain advantage over the other.

Men Who They Meet in Battle

Combat Respect: In battle, men often respect their opponents' skills and bravery. This respect can extend to honorable treatment of prisoners and adherence to codes of conduct during warfare.

Men They Defeat

Dominance and Mercy: Victorious men may assert their dominance over those they defeat, but they can also show mercy. The treatment of defeated men varies, ranging from enslavement to honorable release, depending on the circumstances and the victor's disposition.

Men Who Defeat Them

Respect and Acknowledgment: Men who are defeated often show respect to their conquerors, acknowledging their superior skills or strategy. This respect can sometimes lead to alliances or the defeated seeking to learn from their experience.

Men Not of the Warrior Caste to Those of the Warrior Caste

Deference and Respect: Men who are not of the Warrior Caste typically show deference and respect to warriors. The Warrior Caste is highly esteemed for their combat skills and role in protecting the city, and this respect is reflected in social interactions.

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.