ETIQUETTE and RULES
In
reading this information you will find helpful hints on Gorean Etiquette.
It is for all, not just the Free or just slaves. Below this are the links
to the rules for the Free and slaves. I advise however, for the Free to
read the slave's rules and for slaves to read the rules of the Free to
promote better understanding.
Tal:
Tal is a common Gorean greeting. It is often accompanied with the right hand
raised to shoulder level, palm inward, facing the body. This signifies that
the person being greeted is not considered an enemy. The gesture shows that
the hand is devoid of any weapon. Slaves however are not permitted weapons
so this salute would be ludicrous. As slaves must also respect all free persons,
they cannot consider any to be their enemy so this salute might even be
considered an insult to a Free person. Slaves may use the word "Tal" as a
greeting but they would not accompany it with the hand gesture.
Hail:
This greeting is reserved for experts and champions in
something. An expert swordsman or kaissa player would be greeted in this
manner. Also, a Ubar qualifies for this type of greeting whereas a slave
would never be greeted in this manner. Slaves may also use this term when
referring to a qualified Free person.
I Wish You Well:
This is the common Gorean phrase of farewell. It may be used by Free persons
or slaves. Many use "Be well" in place of "I wish you
well." This is acceptable among Free, however, slaves may not use
"Be well" as it constitutes a command rather than a
"wish."
I Beg Your Favor:
This is the common Gorean phrase for "please." Free and slaves can both use this
phrase.
Thank You:
There is no special Gorean term or phrase to thank another person. Some Free
will thank a slave upon the completion of a serve and some not, it is the
choice of the Free only.
Slaves Addressing Free People:
All slaves must address free persons as Master or Mistress. They will only
address their own Master or Mistress as "my" Master or "my" Mistress.
Slaves are not permitted to address any
Free person by their name. The privilege of using a Master's name is reserved
for the Free Woman, in particular the Free Companion. It is said that a slave
girl grows bold if her lips are allowed to touch the name of her Master,
but some Masters enjoy hearing their name said by a slave. This is commonly
permitted only in private, out of the presence of Free women. A slave may
tell others the name of her master for explanation purposes only, such as
to identify her owner.
Ubar (YOObar):
Ubar is an official title. In reality, nobody will have this title except
in a time of declared hostilities against another city. Slaves addressing a Ubar should refer to him as
"Ubar" or "Master" but should not combine the two. "Master Ubar" is not a
valid address. A Free person's title is always considered respectful for
a slave. Only those in the position of command over armies and forces would
really be called Ubar. The Ubar commands armies and fighting forces on Gor.
Most Free persons should also address an Ubar by his title, unless you have been given specific permission
to call him by His name.
Ubara (yooBARuh):
Ubara is an official title but only applies when
a Free Woman is a Free Companion to a Ubar. Slaves addressing the Ubara
should refer to her as "Ubara" or "Mistress" but they
should not combine the two. "Mistress Ubara" is not a valid
address. Most Free persons should also address a Ubara by her title, and
not by her name. If you have been given specific permission from the
Ubara, you may then call her by her name.
Paga Tavern:
While there are no true paga taverns on earth, some Goreans who own homes
expect slaves serving them to serve as if in a paga tavern. When a slave enters a paga
tavern (or Gorean home), she does not have to ask permission or
perform any form of obeisance at the door. A slave should enter quietly and
go to kneel in the serving area if there are no other duties to attend to. A slave should greet
the free
when she enters. A slave does need permission to leave the tavern. They should first ask their owner. If
the owner is not present, any free person may be asked.
Slaves should wait in the serving area only if there are no other duties
to attend to and should pay attention to see if
any free person needs service. If a free person requests a server,
they should not have to wait for a slave. Free women will not serve in a paga tavern.
Order of Precedence:
Certain free persons should always be given precedence by slaves,
especially when serving. A Ubar, Administrator or Owner of a home should be given priority
in all matters, they are the highest ranking Free person in the
home. After the Free Companion of the Administrator or Free Companion
of the Owner. After that, would be any other high ranking persons present.
Then, your owner should be given precedence. Finally, all other Free persons
would then have equal precedence.
Haggling:
The rule in the marketplace and in stores is that there are no fixed prices.
Haggling is the order of business. If you wish to purchase an item from someone,
haggle over the price. In haggling, you start your offer low and the seller
starts his price high. You try to come to a reasonable price, that makes
both parties pleased. Many merchants enjoy haggling as much as getting their
money.
Begging:
Goreans do not favor begging and some even view it as an insult. If
charity is necessary, it is usually arranged by the caste or clan.
Free Women:
Free Women should be treated with respect and honor. Considerable deference
is due to a Free Woman. Free Women may speak freely and without permission.
They may be bold and do much of what they wish. Free Women must also
beware that they possess their freedom only by the will of Free Men. A
Ubara should be treated with the utmost of respect as she does wield
great power in the city.
Lady:
This is a term of respect used for Free Women, especially those of high station
or Caste. It is to be used only by Free Persons though. A slave would not
use this term.
Compliments:
Gorean compliments are generally meaningful for they are given only
when deserved.
Children:
Goreans are generally fond of children and do not inflict suffering or abuse
on them. Even slave children are seldom abused and are given much freedom
at least until they reach adulthood.
Sitting:
Free men sit cross-legged. They rarely use chairs
as chairs are usually reserved for special people like Administrators,
Ubars and judges. Most Goreans find chairs to be uncomfortable. Free women
kneel. Their knees are kept close together and their hands lie on their
thighs, palms face down. All slaves kneel, and the position of their hands
and knees depend on the type of slave they are. Slaves never sit in chairs
and might be whipped or even slain for sitting in them.
Streets:
When walking or riding down a street or road, Goreans commonly stay to the
left of the road when passing others. This is done so that your sword arm,
commonly the right arm, faces the person you are passing.
Free Etiquette
Slave Etiquette
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