Panther Girl on Gor
From Barbarians of Gor
Introduction
Gor is a fictional world created by John Norman in his series of science fiction novels. The world of Gor is characterized by its complex social structures, diverse cultures, and strict codes of honor and behavior. The Gor role-playing community is a vibrant and immersive environment where participants adopt the personas of characters from the novels, engaging in intricate storylines and interactions that reflect the rich tapestry of Norman's creation.
One of the most intriguing and dynamic roles within the Gor universe is that of the Panther Girl. Panther Girls are women who have escaped the constraints of Gorean society, choosing instead to live in the wild forests of Gor. They are fierce, independent, and skilled in survival, often forming bands that live by their own rules and customs. Unlike other women on Gor, Panther Girls reject the traditional roles of subservience and embrace a life of freedom and self-reliance.
The purpose of this article is to guide new role-players in embodying a Panther Girl character. Whether you are new to the world of Gor or an experienced role-player looking to explore a new persona, this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge and practical tips needed to successfully portray a Panther Girl. From understanding their origins and lifestyle to developing your character and engaging in role-playing scenarios, this article will help you immerse yourself in the role and enjoy the unique experience of being a Panther Girl on Gor.
Understanding the Panther Girl
Origins and Background
Panther Girls are women who have chosen to live in the northern forests of Gor, often as a means of escaping the constraints of Gorean society. They are typically escaped slaves or free women who seek the freedom and independence that the forests offer. These women band together in small groups, constructing their own camps and shelters, and living primarily by hunting and trading. They are considered outlaws and are subject to the same penalties as male outlaws, though they are more often enslaved if captured rather than killed. The distinction between Panther Girls and Talunas is significant; while Panther Girls inhabit the northern forests, Talunas are white-skinned girls who live in the jungles near Schendi. Both groups share similarities in their use of weapons and their outlaw status, but they are culturally distinct and do not intermingle. Source: *Female Warriors (Luther).txt*, *The Northern Forests (Luther).txt*, *Jungles of Gor (Luther).txt*
Lifestyle and Culture
Panther Girls live in semi-permanent camps within the forests, each band claiming a certain territory. These camps are typically surrounded by walls of sharpened stakes and consist of conical, thatched huts. The bands do not get along well with each other, often engaging in battles over territory. Panther Girls are skilled hunters, employing bows, spears, and sleen knives, and they are known for their proficiency with these weapons. They also engage in slaving and trade, capturing men who enter their forests and sometimes selling them at exchange points. The Panther Girls' disdain for men and other women is a defining characteristic; they treat female slaves with great cruelty and regard non-Panther Girls as weak and worthless. Source: *The Northern Forests (Luther).txt*
Appearance and Attire
Panther Girls derive their name from the skins of forest panthers that they commonly wear. Their attire is often scanty, consisting of panther skins and sometimes gold or shell ornaments such as necklaces, bracelets, and armlets. They do not wear traditional Gorean clothing like leather outfits, robes of concealment, veils, or tunics. This distinctive appearance is not only practical for their lifestyle but also serves to assert their identity and status within the forests. Source: *The Northern Forests (Luther).txt*