Friday, June 6, 2014

Should Free Woman be Magistrates in Gor

Rayah Marenwolf:
I was recently approached to whether my role is btb, should free woman be magistrates, there is some discussion that a free woman would not be given the authority to impale a free man for example, what if he was a spy?
I would love to hear your thoughts and quotes , there is nothing that says free woman cannot be magistrates ......this is all that I found

" I had seen few women, but knew that they, when free,
were promoted or demoted within the caste system according
Tarnsman of Gor [Gor Series Book 1]
by John Norman
49
to the same standards and criteria as the men, although this
varied, I was told, considerably from city to city. On the
whole, I liked the people I met, and I was confident that they
were largely of Earth stock, that their ancestors had been
brought to the planet in Voyages of Acquisition. Apparently,
after having been brought to the planet, they had simply
been released, much as animals might be released in a forest
preserve, or fish stocked free in a river."
Mercy Riiser:
I do think that certain roles can be more difficult for a woman to fill in Gor than for a man just given the basics of what Gor is all about. But except for certain roles like warriors and a few others I don't see why a FW can't take on almost any role in SL.  Given the reality of how many more women there in SL than men I think there is just a practical side to what it takes to run a sim.  Obviously, a FW might get more bosk crap than a FM might get for taking on certain roles but I'd rather have a capable FW rp'ing as Magistrate handling issues BTB than an incompetent and lousy man rp'er in that same role.  Just saying.....   :) 
Meri Slade:
Honestly I wouldn't worry about whether a FW can or can't be a Magistrate. Like Mercy said, we have lopsided gender numbers in SL Gor. If we only let male avs play some of these roles, there'd be a lot of empty roles. I would draw the line at warrior, Ubar, etc. But if you're looking for quotes and book proof, then you should also dig out the ones about FW being kept in towers and how only the men of the family worked in the caste.
 
Do your thing and anyone that complains to you can try to take the position away IC instead of whining about it OOCly.
Junea Demonia:
I would not worry about book quotes and endless discussions if women can fill certain roles or not. If the sim you play in allows you to be a female magistrate then you ARE the magistrate.
 
 
Thunder Wheatcliffe:
I've been lurking for a while and love seeing the comments and messages thorughout this forum.
 
One role I have had issue with a woman filling is Slaver. Frankly, it is a personal bias, and not one that is based on book quotations. I can certainly see this role of kennel mistress, though that can also be a slave role. In any case, my two tarsks - nothing philosophical, just an opinion.
 
Adoveea Rau:
I agree, we have enough lack of men in roles, magistrate is one of those that can be filled. You want more male magistrates? Get more male players. Simple as that.

Looks at Thunder VERY oddly
You know Fighting Slave of Gor IS one of the HUGE references for women slavers running and owning slave houses and training them. Male slaves was a specialty for Lady Tina.
Book or not, i personally no problems with women being slavers actually better then that ridiculous ooc title of kennel mistress..UNLESS you are referring to the appointment of a former male exotic slave-with oversized ear lobes  in Assassin of Gor- Ho-Tu the Master Keeper.
Badeddy resident:
I agree with everyone who say its ok for her to be magistrate. There are more important battles to have in the name of BTB than this one. To get people to read as far as chapter 2 of Tarnsman would be one. I have seen awesome female magistrates, players who truly could play their role well.

But if we go BTB all the way, I think a women would deserve a metal for reaching that title
Raven:
A Magistrate has to be able to enforce the law, keep the peace and command men to carry out orders.  Kind of like a Sheriff.  I can't see a woman doing this in Norman's version of Gor.  I guess she could have a bunch of guards who follow her around and crack skulls on her behalf but honestly who would respect such a person?  Goreans probably wouldn't.  Sounds a lot like Tarna to me. 
Druhsus:
I agree with most here. I rather have a woman that walks the walk as a magistrate (or any other role) than a man who only talks a good game and then when he loses can just bitch and whine about it.
Clovisb Resident:
There's nothing wrong with female magistrates ...

If there was something wrong with female magistrates then it would equally be wrong for free women to be able to hire their own private guards to do their bidding etc.

It's exactly because the example of Tarna was given, and how the men there didn't mind following the orders of a woman, that it gives us evidence that gorean men surely wouldn't mind following the orders of a female Magistrate either.

We even are given the exact quote that Ubara's had entire armies at their fingers tips to command as they pleased... And if the scene of the Polemarkos of Cos teaches us anything it shows us even how goreans didn't even mind to grovel at the feet of a high slave either to get in good standing with someone.


Whatever SL Gor has been trying to teach people ... Gorean men were not ultra-dommes who would refuse to obey orders from female superiors.
 
consuelo albanese:
A Magistrate is a city official, with the backing of the city's leadership or they wouldn't be Magistrate.  To say that a female Magistrate wouldn't garner any respect from a typical Gorean male wouldn't be very by-the-book at all.  If Marlenus appointed Lady Kath (a high caste Scribe) as a Magistrate of Ar, you'd better believe that Joe Biker Gorean would offer her the respect that she deserved... or face a higher court.
Raven:
Quote from: Druhsus on 03. April 2013, 04:28:04

I agree with most here. I rather have a woman that walks the walk as a magistrate (or any other role) than a man who only talks a good game and then when he loses can just bitch and whine about it.


LOL.  Someone is angry with me I think. 
Raven:
Quote from: Clovisb Resident on 03. April 2013, 05:14:29

There's nothing wrong with female magistrates ...

If there was something wrong with female magistrates then it would equally be wrong for free women to be able to hire their own private guards to do their bidding etc.

It's exactly because the example of Tarna was given, and how the men there didn't mind following the orders of a woman, that it gives us evidence that gorean men surely wouldn't mind following the orders of a female Magistrate either.

We even are given the exact quote that Ubara's had entire armies at their fingers tips to command as they pleased... And if the scene of the Polemarkos of Cos teaches us anything it shows us even how goreans didn't even mind to grovel at the feet of a high slave either to get in good standing with someone.


Whatever SL Gor has been trying to teach people ... Gorean men were not ultra-dommes who would refuse to obey orders from female superiors.


I don't think a female "superior" such as an Ubara is the point of the question.  The question asked was should free women be Magistrates in Gor.  I assume we are talking about the Gor from the books.   In SL Gor women can do anything depending on how by the books the sim is. 

Tarna was put in power by the Salt Ubar to insult the two tribes of the Tahari.  The men under her were just following his orders.  A female being in command of the men was in fact a big deal.  She had no real power or command though and the moment she had to do any real fighting she was easily bested by Tarl Cabot.  JN used her as an example of why female fighters/commanders don't work, at least in his version of Gor.  We've discussed this before. 

Quote

“And strangest of all,” said the merchant, leaning forward, looking at us intently, “is the fact that the Aretai raiders were led by a woman!”

“A woman?” asked Hassan.

“Yes,” said the merchant.

Tribesmen of Gor P.179
Violetta Daviau:
Quote from: Raven on 03. April 2013, 08:41:22

... She had no real power or command though and the moment she had to do any real fighting she was easily bested by Tarl Cabot.  ...

As Tarl, as central Gorean warrior caste member - and hero of the story - bested every man, also the taharian tribesmen who had not the pleasure of his caste training.
Unlike the men he bested though he made compliments about Tarna's fighting skills, which he, if I remember, did neither about other woman he quarreled with (e.g. panther girls).

That though only as sidenote, to not derail the thread...
Raven:
Quote from: Violetta Daviau on 03. April 2013, 09:12:13

Quote from: Raven on 03. April 2013, 08:41:22

... She had no real power or command though and the moment she had to do any real fighting she was easily bested by Tarl Cabot.  ...

As Tarl, as central Gorean warrior caste member - and hero of the story - bested every man, also the taharian tribesmen who had not the pleasure of his caste training.
Unlike the men he bested though he made compliments about Tarna's fighting skills, which he, if I remember, did neither about other woman he quarreled with (e.g. panther girls).

That though only as sidenote, to not derail the thread...


I wouldn't agree that he complimented her fighting skills.  He actually told her she wasn't all that. 

Quote

"Fool!" she said.  "Sleen!  I am Tarna!"  She lifted the scimitar.  "I am more than a match for any man!" she cried. 

I met her charge.  She was not unskillful.  I fended her blows.  I did not lay the weight of my own steel on hers, that I not tire her arm.  I let her strike, and slash, and feint and thrust.  Twice she drew back sddenly in fear, almost a wince, or reflex, realizing she had exposed herself to my blade, but I had not struck her.

"You are not a match for a warrior," I told her.  It was true.  I had crossed steel with hundreds of men, in practice and in the fierce games of war, who could have finished her, swiftly and with ease, had they chosen to do so.

--Tribesmen of Gor P. 390
Conall DeCuir:
Quote from: Rayah Marenwolf on 02. April 2013, 19:30:42

I was recently approached to whether my role is btb, should free woman be magistrates, there is some discussion that a free woman would not be given the authority to impale a free man for example, what if he was a spy?
I would love to hear your thoughts and quotes , there is nothing that says free woman cannot be magistrates ......this is all that I found

" I had seen few women, but knew that they, when free,
were promoted or demoted within the caste system according
Tarnsman of Gor [Gor Series Book 1]
by John Norman
49
to the same standards and criteria as the men, although this
varied, I was told, considerably from city to city. On the
whole, I liked the people I met, and I was confident that they
were largely of Earth stock, that their ancestors had been
brought to the planet in Voyages of Acquisition. Apparently,
after having been brought to the planet, they had simply
been released, much as animals might be released in a forest
preserve, or fish stocked free in a river."


That quote of you has for me nothing to do with putting women into power and is just a generalised explaining how caste membership/culture was handled at gor. We know, that free women could be of caste, like free men.

But yet

[women] ...seldom release the following instinct in men. Men, accordingly, do not on the whole, care to follow them. In doing so they generally feel uncomfortable. It makes them uneasy. They sense the absurdity, the unnaturalness, of the relationship. It is thus that normal men commonly follow women only unwillingly, and only with reservations, usually also only within an artificial context or within the confines of a misguided, choiceless or naive institution, where their discipline may be relied upon. Their compliance with orders in such a situation cannot help but be more critical, more skeptical. Their activities tend then to be performed with less confidence, and more hesitantly. This often produces serious consequences to the efficiency of their actions. It is interesting to note that even women seldom care to follow women, particularly in critical situations. The male, biologically, for better or for worse, appears to be the natural leader. In the perversion of nature, of course, anything may occur. ...
---Players of Gor, 15:288

I am not saying, that it would be absolutly impossible that there are female magistrates but they would be very very rare and their workplace would be inside the courthall only and much more limited. They wouldn't be men.
Aphris Myoo:
Quote from: Conall DeCuir on 03. April 2013, 10:02:05

I am not saying, that it would be absolutly impossible that there are female magistrates but they would be very very rare and their workplace would be inside the courthall only and much more limited. They wouldn't be men.

The quote following yours proves that. It states that women can get power (in this case through the Ubar) and that she can make many men believe she is a leader. But as you said "she would never be a man"

Quote from: Players of Gor

I looked up at the Lady Yanina. How small and soft, and luscious, she was. How absurd then, and how unnatural, seemed her position of power, temporary though it might be, over these men. How envious she seemed of men, particularly of her rival, Flaminius. How she was straining to seem a leader, how she must have studied what she took to be its lessons well, how she must have firmly resolved to act that role with determination. Perhaps if she did it well she could fool men; perhaps, if she did it well, she could boldly carry off the pretense; perhaps, if she did it well, she would be accepted almost as though she were a real leader, a true leader. Perhaps, if she did it well, no one would notice that she was really only a small, soft, shapely, lovely creature, one whose natural destiny would be found quite elsewhere than in the saddle of a tharlarion, at the head of troops.

Females can play the role of a leader, but they should do it as a female, not as a man.
Clovisb Resident:
Quote from: Raven on 03. April 2013, 08:41:22

I don't think a female "superior" such as an Ubara is the point of the question.  The question asked was should free women be Magistrates in Gor.  I assume we are talking about the Gor from the books.   In SL Gor women can do anything depending on how by the books the sim is. 

I don't see the ... point of what you tried to say.

If a woman can be an Ubara then why can't she be a Magistrate?

It doesn't matter who appointed Tarna as a Commander or not either, the men under her still had to follow her orders. Neither did the scribes complain when Tarl made a slave-girl head of their accounting business in Port Kar, neither did the men seem ashamed of groveling at the feet of a slave-girl (of the Polemarkos of Cos) to get her favour.

And what does a woman do who owns personal guards? She orders them around.

The books are full with men having female superiors, sometimes even slaves as superiors... Besides the quotes given from Players of Gor where Tarl is doing his crazy-talk in the narration... since Tarl always is the uber-dom anti-feminist. It's not because Tarl says or thinks something in the books that it's 'true'... He's just an exaggurated chauvenistic unstoppable superman in the books to piss off the feminist movement.

If Cookie Monster had been the main character in the books we'd have read endless passages about how cookies are the best thing in the world. If Stalin had been the main character in the books we would've had endless narration about how ridiculous democracy is and how unfallible and just communism is... doesn't mean it's true or strokes with reality, we'd just be hearing the (deranged) political opinion of the main character in the narration the whole time.
Zophie Cabassoun:
I guess i am a bit old fashioned here, feeling a female magistate somehow would ruin my picture of being in Gor.
Its for me, a bit the same as femlaws. We know the majority of players are women and many women are way better in using the bow then men, but still we do not want women to be warriors...

Played well and maybe with a NPC high magistrate, it could maybe be done - but I would hate to see it all over and as a general thing.
Keeping it realistic i would personally prefer to see a woman making a male avi and play the role like that - as some do to be able to fight- I am sure 'he' would gain much more respect from other men as well that way:)
But it just me - I can be so stiff in my ways of Gor that it kills me sometimes! :)
Violetta Daviau:
Quote from: Raven on 03. April 2013, 09:32:13

...
I wouldn't agree that he complimented her fighting skills.  He actually told her she wasn't all that. 

Quote

"Fool!" she said.  "Sleen!  I am Tarna!"  She lifted the scimitar.  "I am more than a match for any man!" she cried. 

I met her charge.  She was not unskillful.  I fended her blows.  I did not lay the weight of my own steel on hers, that I not tire her arm.  I let her strike, and slash, and feint and thrust.  Twice she drew back sddenly in fear, almost a wince, or reflex, realizing she had exposed herself to my blade, but I had not struck her.

"You are not a match for a warrior," I told her.  It was true.  I had crossed steel with hundreds of men, in practice and in the fierce games of war, who could have finished her, swiftly and with ease, had they chosen to do so.

--Tribesmen of Gor P. 390



That bold is what I meant, surely she was not a match for a trained warrior - but neither were the men in the Tahari apparently, and what he tells about the other men he fought tells that those could have bested HER, but obviously neither him...
 
Conall DeCuir:
Quote from: Clovisb Resident on 03. April 2013, 11:11:29


If a woman can be an Ubara then why can't she be a Magistrate?



There's no Ubara without an Ubar and she would be only in charge because of him and if he lets her.

Now for being Tatrix or Commander of men, sure that happend but it wasn't common and if, then only honored at her Home Stone as long the men made her and let her be ... in the case of a female Magistrate, to speak judgement as the men wished, as she was told ? and not because of what she wanted to do ? Now you can of course say, that even a male Magistrate could possibly be bribed or be forced to act as a toy in a game of men, but how long would that work ?
Clovisb Resident:
Quote from: Conall DeCuir on 03. April 2013, 11:37:07

Quote from: Clovisb Resident on 03. April 2013, 11:11:29


If a woman can be an Ubara then why can't she be a Magistrate?



There's no Ubara without an Ubar and she would be only in charge because of him and if he lets her.

Now for being Tatrix or Commander of men, sure that happend but it wasn't common and if, then only honored at her Home Stone as long the men made her and let her be ... in the case of a female Magistrate, to speak judgement as the men wished, as she was told ? and not because of what she wanted to do ? Now you can of course say, that even a male Magistrate could possibly be bribed or be forced to act as a toy in a game of men, but how long would that work ?




And where exactly do people draw the conclusion from that women can only do as men tell them to do?

I guess I'm not able to draw as conclusion from the books that all Free Women on Gor are somehow dependant ditzy blondes that can only follow the instructions of men.

If a woman can be the head of a fighting slave business, and can boss her private guards around to do this and that... (Jason trilogy) Then I don't see the difference with a female Magistrate ordering city-guards around to do this and that either.
Conall DeCuir:
Quote from: Clovisb Resident on 03. April 2013, 11:50:16

Quote from: Conall DeCuir on 03. April 2013, 11:37:07

Quote from: Clovisb Resident on 03. April 2013, 11:11:29


If a woman can be an Ubara then why can't she be a Magistrate?



There's no Ubara without an Ubar and she would be only in charge because of him and if he lets her.

Now for being Tatrix or Commander of men, sure that happend but it wasn't common and if, then only honored at her Home Stone as long the men made her and let her be ... in the case of a female Magistrate, to speak judgement as the men wished, as she was told ? and not because of what she wanted to do ? Now you can of course say, that even a male Magistrate could possibly be bribed or be forced to act as a toy in a game of men, but how long would that work ?




And where exactly do people draw the conclusion from that women can only do as men tell them to do?

I guess I'm not able to draw as conclusion from the books that all Free Women on Gor are somehow dependant ditzy blondes that can only follow the instructions of men.

If a woman can be the head of a fighting slave business, and can boss her private guards around to do this and that... (Jason trilogy) Then I don't see the difference with a female Magistrate ordering city-guards around to do this and that either.


She can own and manage every of her own business be it of caste or not, when she has the power and the coins to pay men and guards. Still for me there is a difference between owning and managing her own slave house or bakery or being put in charge of a position like magistrate.
Violetta Daviau:
I think Gorean men are not ALL stupid, and neither all are suffering from false pride as to admit that a woman could be better suited for a rank than themselfes, and thus if they see a benefit in a woman having a position of rank, they will use that benefit. In the end it is not all men against all women either. It does not depend on if all men in homestone accept a woman in charge but if the men that see her as superior, or even smarter, better in politics, with better network and what not, are strong enough to make other men accept that ruling too.
An example might be a warrior caste leader who has absolutely no hand in dealing with mighty merchants but needs the coin for his fame bringing war plans - it could be well plausible that he protects a certain woman to be in charge, be it on level of Tatrix or administrator for certain affairs... why not?

Now if one of those "protectors" gets an itching cock... it becomes dangerous for her...


I guess the problem for SL Gor are only these:
There are too few men in comparison to women and even less willing to TAKE ranks at allThere are too few players in general that are willing or even only able to FILL a rank with roleplay. And that is a quite spanning problem - too many people hold ranks in a way of title hogging, they do not play the role really, ranging from Tavern owners that never move a finger for their tavern, over smiths who never hold a hammer, to administrators or even ubars who do jack shit as well... and some of them political roles are also just frustrating to play as when it comes to bestow consequences on "criminal" or else politically intrigued against players, those bow out if needed by the use of the drama hammer...
Aphris Myoo:
Quote from: Violetta Daviau on 03. April 2013, 12:16:51

Now if one of those "protectors" gets an itching cock... it becomes dangerous for her...
Thats why Angela Merkel does so well.

The UberGorean in RL Silvio the Horny called her "an unfuckable cow". no danger for itching there.
 
Rayah Marenwolf:


Well it is a position that you must be qualified for, and its true men are not stupid they will not blindly follow a silly free woman that knows not what she speaks about, there are very few free woman magistrates in gor, and only two I know of as merchant magistrates, you have to deal alot with laws and not many want to have to do that, its detailed, I think we need to use common sense, there are some things a free woman would not be allowed to do as magistrate, and she knows her place, free men allow her to be magistrate, and it takes many gorean years to gain the respect in gor of the men to be heard, other wise you are dismissed easily, it is hard to be a free woman taken seriously in gor , you some how have to prove yourself. and yes there are many free woman in gor and many free men, but there are not many magistrates or merchant magistrates, Mercy was the first one I had seen, and inspired me to pursue the merchant laws, I think its an interesting role play, but very hard to play and not abuse the power where men feel you are not btb I think...I do agree with conall , women can not be as decisive as men, for example killing a man, a praetor a free man would feel no remorse or second guess himself when he Impales a man, where as I would ......so I woudl refrain from any treason trials of a free man, but I have done of free woman, even though its role play, its still hard to do such, I had a friend magistrate who had to sentence a pregnant free woman to death, and even until today he feels bad about it and hes a free man, I do not think I could of done it.....but anyway its a hard role play and not many want to do it, I do beleive its btb but common sense needs to be used while doing it, not arrogance or trying to be superiour over the free man
Conall DeCuir:
Quote from: Rayah Marenwolf on 03. April 2013, 16:41:49



Well it is a position that you must be qualified for, and its true men are not stupid they will not blindly follow a silly free woman that knows not what she speaks about, there are very few free woman magistrates in gor, and only two I know of as merchant magistrates, you have to deal alot with laws and not many want to have to do that, its detailed, I think we need to use common sense, there are some things a free woman would not be allowed to do as magistrate, and she knows her place, free men allow her to be magistrate, and it takes many gorean years to gain the respect in gor of the men to be heard, other wise you are dismissed easily, it is hard to be a free woman taken seriously in gor , you some how have to prove yourself. and yes there are many free woman in gor and many free men, but there are not many magistrates or merchant magistrates, Mercy was the first one I had seen, and inspired me to pursue the merchant laws, I think its an interesting role play, but very hard to play and not abuse the power where men feel you are not btb I think...I do agree with conall , women can not be as decisive as men, for example killing a man, a praetor a free man would feel no remorse or second guess himself when he Impales a man, where as I would ......so I woudl refrain from any treason trials of a free man, but I have done of free woman, even though its role play, its still hard to do such, I had a friend magistrate who had to sentence a pregnant free woman to death, and even until today he feels bad about it and hes a free man, I do not think I could of done it.....but anyway its a hard role play and not many want to do it, I do beleive its btb but common sense needs to be used while doing it, not arrogance or trying to be superiour over the free man


I do not understand the part i marked bold. If you think as a female magistrate that you cannot speak law as it is written in your laws, how can you be magistrate at all. For me a magistrate will judge and sentence. No magistrate has to impale anyone by himself nor has he to take care ... he speaks law, there are guards who will execute the sentence.

Imagine me right now looking at you, because if you are biased by gender while doing your work, how can you do a good job ?
Rayah Marenwolf:
[15:53] Rayah (rayah.marenwolf): I say he receive a trial....isnt there something more worse then death , slavery" whispers not wanting to see him killed before her although treachery was punishable with the spike and hanging "why do we not hear why he protests? questions


[15:55] Anarch Allegiere shook his head at Rayah: "The time for such civilities is not now... We are at war and under direct threat. It's men like him who threaten our very existence and looking at what they did to the village, I doubt they would spare us much generosities either. No, the Warriors are right. This man deserves to die," and most in the crowd seemed to agree. Anarch pulled his blade from it's sheath and brought it to the man's throat: "Got any last words, traitor?" - Anarch stared down at the man with indifference as the tip of his blade pressed against the man's neck.


Gorean Men are more decisive when it comes to death sentences I am saying, A woman is some what more emotional and will exhaust all avenues before having one killed, is what I meant by that, of course women even as magistrates does not make me for example cold hearted , or a man......
BlitheBlue Resident:
As usual, I've been lurking but watching this thread with curiousity.  There are two issues here, the first being playability and the second being Gorean ethos, and I don't think the latter should be dictated by the former.

It can be frustrating to have roleplay hamstrung by the lack of appropriate characters to fill a role, but in the end there are both OOC and IC ways around this.  I had this very debate with some folks recently, and we found ways to move the roleplay.

The second issue of Gorean ethos should be the main consideration here.  Just because it is not explicitly written in the books that there were not female magistrates does not mean the Gorean ethos would support it.  After all, it is not explicitly written in the books that there were not rune priestesses or female members of the black caste, but we can draw a logical inference given the contextual clues of over thirty books in the series that these things would not have been supported by the Gorean ethos.  Similarly, just because something happened in the books and is written about doesn't mean it is supported by the Gorean ethos either.  The best example is the Tatrix of Tharna, which is a tale not included to demonstrate the power of women as rulers on Gor, but rather to demonstrate that in the Gorean view, women are inherently and biologically slaves to their emotions, needs and desires (something which is explicitly stated many places), and are therefore inherently corruptable.  The condition under which free women are permitted by men to keep their freedom is the "unnatural" control or suppression of these things.  If they are displayed, a woman is deemed "collarable" and the judge is, of course, men, who in the Gorean mindset naturally have the ability to control and suppress emotions, needs and desires.

Considering this, I don't think the Gorean ethos supports the idea of women acting as magistrates.  This view might not be popular, but I think it's Gorean, which is the point, no?  :)
Junea Demonia:
Quote from: Rayah Marenwolf on 03. April 2013, 18:13:32

[15:53] Rayah (rayah.marenwolf): I say he receive a trial....isnt there something more worse then death , slavery" whispers not wanting to see him killed before her although treachery was punishable with the spike and hanging "why do we not hear why he protests? questions


Gorean Men are more decisive when it comes to death sentences I am saying, A woman is some what more emotional and will exhaust all avenues before having one killed, is what I meant by that, of course women even as magistrates does not make me for example cold hearted , or a man......


I think you are dead wrong about that. If a gorean woman made it to the position of magistrate - she would be there for a reason. She would be expected to hand out appropriate sentences and not whisper and be hesitant to apply the law. If she was that hesitant - I do not see her lasting for one day.

I do not think gorean women in general are portrayed and timid about death and hurting people.

If you play the role like this - I believe that is a problem and your character would not be in that position for a long time - simply for IC reasons.
Junea Demonia:
Quote from: BlitheBlue Resident on 03. April 2013, 18:38:48


Considering this, I don't think the Gorean ethos supports the idea of women acting as magistrates.  This view might not be popular, but I think it's Gorean, which is the point, no?  :)


It can be the point - does not have to be.

There are plenty of sims out there who stretch what is gorean for different reasons. If I go to a sim and the rules allow that rule - I am not questioning the way the play with throwing out book quotes. It is up to them to make their own rules.

If we discuss strictly if the role would have been possible in the books according to JN - that is a different story.
BlitheBlue Resident:
There are plenty of sims out there who stretch what is gorean for different reasons. If I go to a sim and the rules allow that rule - I am not questioning the way the play with throwing out book quotes. It is up to them to make their own rules.

If we discuss strictly if the role would have been possible in the books according to JN - that is a different story.

You're right, there are lots of applications for Gorean roleplay.  Even Star Wars Gor (!)  But I was referring to my earlier premise that Gorean roleplay should be guided by a depth of understanding of what is Gorean as portrayed in the books rather than playability issues.  I'm book-thumperly like that.  ;)
Rayah Marenwolf:

I play my character very strong, but the situation there was Anarch was Ubar and we were in a civil war, so, you have to use common sense, how much can I say? You really do not have much power in that time, I was given the respect to even speak, as it was up to the Ubar if he lives or dies, I could of been killed for speaking actually so it took alot of courage, a very difficult situation, but if it was a trial I would give the death sentence , but all would be heard before decision, I felt that citizen deserved a trial but the Ubar did not he was more decisive, being a gorean man , a red caste
Raven:
The problem is that people keep applying Earth standards to the Gor books.  Don't forget we are not talking about a modern society but a patriarchal, chauvanistic one which JN has said is diametrically opposed to the one we all live in.  Gor was in many ways similar to Ancient Rome, with some Viking and Feudal Japan traditions thrown in.  That and the books vs. SL Gor are very different on many points.  
Hope Dreier:
Lots of things going on here and I;m not going to deal with all of them.   The key issue here is delegated authority,  this exists at all levels of any society.   Going to a very specific case let us examine the military of the world.   In any military there are two kinds of leaders, one kind draws its authority from the state these are usually refereed to as Commissioned Officers- they have been commissioned by the State .  Now usually there are not enough of these Commissioned Officers to do all the necessary duties, so they delegate some of their authority to others.  These are called Non-commissioned Officers - their authority is derived from the authority of the Commissioned Officers to whom they are responsible.

  Now let us examine the Magistrate,  a Magistrate draws his or her authority directly from the State, in the person of the Ubar or from the City Council who approved his appointment.   This authority is the direct authority of the State,   not the individual so appointed, but the state.    It is highly unlikely that a very senior scribe, such as would be appointed as magistrate,  is going to be able to even defend him/herself against even a mediocre warrior, none the less that Magistrate acting within the scope of his/her duty is the one in charge.    The issue is not that the Magistrate is personally more powerful than that warrior, but that the authority that is represented is the authority of the state, infinitely or at least overpoweringly stronger than any individual.    Male or female the authority is that of the state.
 
BlitheBlue Resident:
The issue is not that the Magistrate is personally more powerful than that warrior, but that the authority that is represented is the authority of the state, infinitely or at least overpoweringly stronger than any individual.    Male or female the authority is that of the state.

The power being weilded is that of authority to make independent decisions regarding the legal status of others.  Its this use of independent judgement, even if granted by the state, that makes it a position of power.  They are entrusted to weild this power because they would make objective, impartial judgements.  A woman, being inherently corruptable in the Gorean mindset, would be dangerous and inappropriate in this role because the power vested in her by the state could be easily manipulated by others or even her own base motivations whereas a man would have the innate ability to resist/surpress those things and more responsibly weild that power.
Clovisb Resident:
Quote from: BlitheBlue Resident on 04. April 2013, 02:32:22

A woman, being inherently corruptable in the Gorean mindset, would be dangerous and inappropriate in this role because the power vested in her by the state could be easily manipulated by others or even her own base motivations whereas a man would have the innate ability to resist/surpress those things and more responsibly weild that power.

Where do people get this from?

There are more examples in the books of gorean men being manipulated or cock-collared by women than the other way around...
Mercy Riiser:
Quote from: Mercy Riiser on 02. April 2013, 19:46:29

I do think that certain roles can be more difficult for a woman to fill in Gor than for a man just given the basics of what Gor is all about. But except for certain roles like warriors and a few others I don't see why a FW can't take on almost any role in SL.  Given the reality of how many more women there in SL than men I think there is just a practical side to what it takes to run a sim.  Obviously, a FW might get more bosk crap than a FM might get for taking on certain roles but I'd rather have a capable FW rp'ing as Magistrate handling issues BTB than an incompetent and lousy man rp'er in that same role.  Just saying.....   :) 


I think I still agree with myself!   ;D
BlitheBlue Resident:
Where do people get this from?

There are more examples in the books of gorean men being manipulated or cock-collared by women than the other way around...

I didn't make it up, I promise  ;)
Junea Demonia:
Quote from: Rayah Marenwolf on 03. April 2013, 21:05:56


I play my character very strong, but the situation there was Anarch was Ubar and we were in a civil war, so, you have to use common sense, how much can I say? You really do not have much power in that time, I was given the respect to even speak, as it was up to the Ubar if he lives or dies, I could of been killed for speaking actually so it took alot of courage, a very difficult situation, but if it was a trial I would give the death sentence , but all would be heard before decision, I felt that citizen deserved a trial but the Ubar did not he was more decisive, being a gorean man , a red caste


That sounds to me like a real clusterfuck of a situation. If there is a state of war and the Ubar makes such decisions - then there is no need for a magistrate. If the Ubar only uses you to do his bidding and he is the actual power behind the decisions - then he uses you (the magistrate) as some sort of pawn he can control easily. Nothing wrong with that IC situations - if that is what you were going for.

Also - why would you as the magistrate, obviously used to handing out sentences and in Gor also death sentences, silently whisper to safe some person's life who is guilty and the Ubar who has so much power over you obviously wants the guy dead? Its just a bit of a clusterfuck to be honest....

If I played a female magistrate - I would play her as fully conscious of the difficult situation she is in. She would make sure not to show any public weakness, she would be quicker to judge, more harsh, more knowledgable about the law - for the simple reason that she would have to put up that front in order to be taken seriously in her job. Of course, it does not have to be played like that - but I think that would be the  most fun for me - and the most realistic. I doubt if anyone would ever see more of my magistrate girl then her eyes, actually - cold, calculating, merciless eyes  :)
 
Caranda Schreiner:
In the books? No.  In SL?  Unfortunately necessary because of the male/female avie imbalance.
Rayah Marenwolf:
Someone said to me  once, it is hard to maintain a strong and powerful monarch in gor as a free woman and still show some soft qualities that would be attractive to the gorean male, to know her place, its a hard role to play, i can not show merciless eyes or be crual, I need to be with honour, loyalty and integrity and to show respect to the gorean free man......but in the end im still a woman , I am senstive, I cannot be a sterotype of the books, and even with pride I would admit I need a free man, that is why even as magistrate I am a ward, becasue the truth is in gor the free woman is nothing without the sword of the free man to keep her free......as Mercy said a hard role to play, that not many take upon themselves
Junea Demonia:
Quote from: Rayah Marenwolf on 04. April 2013, 21:58:26


See a magistrate of kaelus said to me, it is hard to maintain a strong and powerful monarch in gor as a free woman and still show some soft qualities that would be attractive to the gorean male, to know her place, its a hard role to play, i can not show merciless eyes or be crual, I need to be with honour, loyalty and integrity and to show respect to the gorean free man......but in the end im still a woman , I am senstive, I cannot be a sterotype of the books, and even with pride I would admit I need a free man, that is why even as magistrate I am a ward, becasue the truth is in gor the free woman is nothing without the sword of the free man to keep her free......as Mercy said a hard role to play, that not many take upon themselves


If your character wants to be attractive to "the gorean male" - she is slave material. If you want to be pretty, feminine, attractive, soft, for a man, you best make sure that is your FC and you do it behind closed doors. Maybe do some research on gorean free women and their desire to be attractive to men - and how that is regarded in the gorean world?

If you insist so much on "still being a woman" and having to "respect" the gorean man in all circumstances - then how could you possibly pass judgement over a gorean man. By that logic, you make your own role implausible.

Sure - you can need a man in your life. Find a free companion. But that would have nothing to do with your profession as magistrate. And gorean fw who "need" a man....goes back to wanting to be attractive and all to men...dangerous territory for a free woman.

I don't know - I just do not see a gorean free woman in such a position as worried about appearing attractive, soft, pretty or feminine to the male world. I believe when she does her job those things would have to take a serious backseat or she would not be in that position for very long.

Even in our feminist world - as a female leader one often still has to be extra tough, extra strong, extra decisive, extra smart - to get the same respect a male leader gets. In the gorean world that would be true 100 times over.
Meri Slade:
I would see a female Magistrate as a "Judge Judy" type personality. Tough, blunt, strongly opinionated. She can still be a companion or even a loving, soft woman behind the scenes, but in that position she'd have to work harder at being tougher, and even more prepared to prove that she can hand down the harder sentences than men are. She'd have that much to prove, constantly.
Meri Slade:
Quote from: Caranda Schreiner on 04. April 2013, 09:55:01

In the books? No.  In SL?  Unfortunately necessary because of the male/female avie imbalance.


And...this. Which supports my first post.
 
Junea Demonia:
Quote from: Meri Slade on 05. April 2013, 04:50:09

I would see a female Magistrate as a "Judge Judy" type personality. Tough, blunt, strongly opinionated. She can still be a companion or even a loving, soft woman behind the scenes, but in that position she'd have to work harder at being tougher, and even more prepared to prove that she can hand down the harder sentences than men are. She'd have that much to prove, constantly.


Yes, very  much this!

I also do not see it as a contradiction to be one way on the  job - and to be different privately. Don't most people do that? I know I am very different at work - and before I decided to be a "kept woman" and had quite a few people working for me - I very much "played the boss role" at work.
Clovisb Resident:
So ... what the fuck were all these goreans doing who lived in cities ruled by Tatrices?
Conall DeCuir:
Quote from: Clovisb Resident on 05. April 2013, 10:11:48

So ... what the fuck were all these goreans doing who lived in cities ruled by Tatrices?


They lived a pretty normal live as most would not have been affected (except we are talking of tharna). I would imagine the red caste being more hollow, as the city would have been led not by men. I could also imagine that to proud red caste officers would have been removed from their positions and even their life as a tatrix would have to take to good care about her own neck and would be surrounded only by men who who would have pledged to her. Children born into such a city wouldnt know any difference and would take female leadership as normal and after 100 years all the taverns would have been replaced by tea houses.
BlitheBlue Resident:
The Tatrix of Tharna was a parable about corruption...  political and cultural corruption resulting from the "corruption" of the "natural order" of having a female ruler.  Our hapless heroes, Tarl and Kron, right these wrongs, reverse the order, cast FW from their walls and enslave the rest.  The Tatrix remains in place during the revolt but she is placed beneath male authority behind the scenes.  And they lived happily ever after ;P
Rayah Marenwolf:
The power of free women, of course, rests ultimately on the might of men.
 . . .
 Were it not for men, free women would be as powerless as slave girls.
 Witness of Gor   Book 26   Page 435


Being a magistrate would not mean I am able to control men, in the end I still have the threat of a collar, I am hired and given the job by men, and I better not mess up, I will resign to the fact possibly it is better for a man to be the HEAD or HIGH of the caste of scribes, as magistrates of the castes of scribes......the point is we have to be proficient in the laws and scrolls, but any way, I am not so concerned with titles, possibly HEADS of castes which is being discussed could be men that may seem much more gorean, for me titles are not what is important, the fisherman may have more knowledge, honour and values than the man that holds Ubar over his head...it is the way one carries themselves, their behaviour, their values that matters, and even a woman in a high position must always know how to act around gorean men, with respect.....dignity and pride
 
Clovisb Resident:
Quote from: BlitheBlue Resident on 05. April 2013, 15:55:26

The Tatrix of Tharna was a parable about corruption...  political and cultural corruption resulting from the "corruption" of the "natural order" of having a female ruler.  Our hapless heroes, Tarl and Kron, right these wrongs, reverse the order, cast FW from their walls and enslave the rest.  The Tatrix remains in place during the revolt but she is placed beneath male authority behind the scenes.  And they lived happily ever after ;P


What about the Tatrices and sole Ubara's of Corcyrus, Olni and even Ar? Even in post-revolt Tharna where the overturning of gynocracy was done rather violently and by the enslavement of essentially all women, the former Tatrix, Lara, remained as city administrator (an elected position) until she abdicated of her own free will. It would be unfair to ignore the fact that prior to the Tarl's encounter with these women, the history told speaks of many years of their rule.

Women have a tendency of exaggurating the submissiveness and dependance upon men in Gor. That is what I suspect is somewhat of a personal bias of how some women and presumably some men would like to experience Gor. But sorry... It's simply not correct and it is as said above, unfair to simply denote every single example of Free Women with power and authority as an exception when there is a multitude of examples.
BlitheBlue Resident:
Women have a tendency of exaggurating the submissiveness and dependance upon men in Gor. That is what I suspect is somewhat of a personal bias of how some women and presumably some men would like to experience Gor.

You had a good retort in the works until this bit, which discounts the possibility that perhaps there are differences of interpretation of the philosophical tenets Norman presents, and that it might have less to do with how we would like to experience roleplay and more with what intellectual schema it's placed in.  Some people think about this stuff rather than just make it up :)
Aphris Myoo:
Quote from: Rayah Marenwolf on 05. April 2013, 15:59:27

The power of free women, of course, rests ultimately on the might of men.
 . . .
 Were it not for men, free women would be as powerless as slave girls.
 Witness of Gor   Book 26   Page 435
This can be vey well true. And it counts for Earth too in the not even that far past.

But men never form one front against women. And a smart Tatrix can play Divide et Impera. Giving favors to one, then to another. Manipulating men who want come to power through her. Interesting in this way is how Catherine the Great came to power and used her lovers to rule after that.
Rayah Marenwolf:


I will say though Praetor should be a free man's position...isnt that a red caste, he would take the place of the admin if hes missing?
Badeddy resident:
In a previous post I said a women ending up magistrate would deserve a medal and while I agree its absolutely not impossible it happen, I still believe in what I said but I would also add, in a real setting, anyone who manage to become magistrate would deserve that medal.

Its not the everyday job. For anyone in that line of work we can assume its the achievement of a life time to become magistrate. I can't even start to imagine how competitive it must be to access this position and stay there. Surely, a lot of very qualified people never make it that high in the legal food chain cause we don't need very many Magistrate.
Now for a women to get it. Sure, why not but I think she will be one Hell of a women. I think she should be very well positioned and already influent and able to play her card very well. Even on Earth there is those women who manage to get top position in domains where we usually see only men but often it was harder for her to get there than it would have been if she was a man.

In Gor, if you are one of those who get to see all those applications from new people in the city. Its amazing to see how many apply for Magistrate. Its probably 1 out of every 3-4 scribe application. Whatever they are women or men, I think very few who give the kind of RP that reflect the character a magistrate should be (IMO). So if a women does it well, great, lets give her the title so se can have a good magistrate for a change and lets not turn her away just because she is a women.
 
Michelline Raymond:
I play a Magistrate in Gor. I am known as Rosaline Spiritor. I have read how some see women as 'emotional' and may not be able to handle the decision of putting a person to death. Rosaline is NOT that woman.

You see, to impale a person for committing a capital crime, is what the law requires. If a person breaks the laws, then consequences follow. Why would anyone pity a person who desecrates the symbolism of the Home Stone? Why would any Magistrate feel for a person who dishonors the Home Stone they swore to protect and defend? That's like saying it's alright to spit on/burn/desecrate the American flag. The same emotions Americans feel when our flag is tarnished, is amplified by a Gorean when it comes to their city.

Rosaline has impaled outlaws without blinking. Rosaline has tried collaring a few women for being an enemy of the city or a down right slut and men would be enraged with her decision (The sim owner would then step in OOCly and overturn the ruling after telling me OOCly that I need to be 'nicer'). Sorry, we know the rules, we know the dangers, we know the books (well, some of us do).

There really weren't 'courtroom trials'. In Explorers', a 'trial' was held right there on the street and sentences immediately handed down and enforced.

As far as being 'demure and soft' to catch a man's attention...no thanks. As strong as Rosaline is, she would need a man to be stronger than her or else he'd just be another trinket she plays with. She has Companioned some of the hardest of men, argued with them, felt the slave ring or a backhand...but she still remains Rosaline. She does sort of begin to watch her words and tone with them, to avoid the punishment she knows she'll get, but still maintains her ground. In the end though, she knows her Companion's word and decision is final.

Gorean men do like a bit of fire in their woman. Some love watching her get riled up and get a few laughs from the insults she comes up with. Rosaline is both loved and hated. Those who love her, love her strength and no nonsense attitude. Those who hate her, hate her mainly because she isn't a free woman who bows down easily. She has felt the collar a few times...but always regains her feet because men see her intelligence and usefulness as a Free Woman rather than a slave.

So, should a woman be a Magistrate in Gor? Yes. When you come across those men too weak to be men, sometimes you need that woman to show them how to grow a pair.
Bastet Nyoki:
Quote from: Michelline Raymond on 08. April 2013, 09:38:11

I play a Magistrate in Gor. I am known as Rosaline Spiritor. I have read how some see women as 'emotional' and may not be able to handle the decision of putting a person to death. Rosaline is NOT that woman.

You see, to impale a person for committing a capital crime, is what the law requires. If a person breaks the laws, then consequences follow. Why would anyone pity a person who desecrates the symbolism of the Home Stone? Why would any Magistrate feel for a person who dishonors the Home Stone they swore to protect and defend? That's like saying it's alright to spit on/burn/desecrate the American flag. The same emotions Americans feel when our flag is tarnished, is amplified by a Gorean when it comes to their city.

Rosaline has impaled outlaws without blinking. Rosaline has tried collaring a few women for being an enemy of the city or a down right slut and men would be enraged with her decision (The sim owner would then step in OOCly and overturn the ruling after telling me OOCly that I need to be 'nicer'). Sorry, we know the rules, we know the dangers, we know the books (well, some of us do).

There really weren't 'courtroom trials'. In Explorers', a 'trial' was held right there on the street and sentences immediately handed down and enforced.

As far as being 'demure and soft' to catch a man's attention...no thanks. As strong as Rosaline is, she would need a man to be stronger than her or else he'd just be another trinket she plays with. She has Companioned some of the hardest of men, argued with them, felt the slave ring or a backhand...but she still remains Rosaline. She does sort of begin to watch her words and tone with them, to avoid the punishment she knows she'll get, but still maintains her ground. In the end though, she knows her Companion's word and decision is final.

Gorean men do like a bit of fire in their woman. Some love watching her get riled up and get a few laughs from the insults she comes up with. Rosaline is both loved and hated. Those who love her, love her strength and no nonsense attitude. Those who hate her, hate her mainly because she isn't a free woman who bows down easily. She has felt the collar a few times...but always regains her feet because men see her intelligence and usefulness as a Free Woman rather than a slave.

So, should a woman be a Magistrate in Gor? Yes. When you come across those men too weak to be men, sometimes you need that woman to show them how to grow a pair.


I'd really love to meet your character :)
Raven:
Speaking of female Magistrates--RIP Margaret Thatcher. 
Mercy Riiser:
She might better be viewed as a Tatrix...!
Michelline Raymond:
Bastet, Rosaline can be found in Voltai Vikel as a Praetor...come on by!
 
Clovisb Resident:
The proper title for a female Praetor should probably be Praetrix
Michelline Raymond:
Quote from: Mercy Riiser on 08. April 2013, 18:18:24

She might better be viewed as a Tatrix...!



LOL Mercy, is that to me?
Druhsus:
Quote from: Michelline Raymond on 08. April 2013, 23:49:04

Bastet, Rosaline can be found in Voltai Vikel as a Praetor...come on by!

Love your sim, even when roller coaster type tarn ride... from 3000 meters to 500 in seconds! NICE
Triad Fallen:
Quote from: Raven on 08. April 2013, 15:31:19

Speaking of female Magistrates--RIP Margaret Thatcher. 


May she rot in hell  ;D
Mercy Riiser:
Quote from: Michelline Raymond on 09. April 2013, 00:24:59

Quote from: Mercy Riiser on 08. April 2013, 18:18:24

She might better be viewed as a Tatrix...!


LOL Mercy, is that to me?


No...that was for the Thatcher!  Our paths will cross in VV soon. :)
 
Aphris Myoo:
Quote from: Triad Fallen on 09. April 2013, 03:14:02

Quote from: Raven on 08. April 2013, 15:31:19

Speaking of female Magistrates--RIP Margaret Thatcher. 


May she rot in hell  ;D

With an Argentinian as Pope she probably will. But without her, probably 50% of Brits would live in the hell of poverty and unemployment.
Reverend Messmer:
I think female can't have any position of authority on Gor. It is again the logic of psychoevolutionisme. It may append but it is due social dysfonction... Female are by nature slave of men, not there master.

If the question is can female be magistrate on sl gor? Yes. Even in BTB sim, you need to adapt for making the RP possible. An example, you rarely see panthers enslaved or purely impaled after a failling raid. If you stick to the law being outlaws they should be kill or keep as slave.
Syndel Daviau:
Wow, Reverend... Arwan must be in trouble if you are the one who resolves their matters of law.
Are you serious? Women cannot have position of authority?
Ubaras, for instance are, in true, the SECOND to their Ubars. Let me educate a moment if you'd allow me.

"The throne of the Ubara of Ar," he said, "is empty."
They looked at one another.
"Thank you," she said, "Ubar."
"I will have all arrangements made," he said, "for your investiture as Ubara of Ar."
His men gasped. My men could not speak. I, too, was struck with silence.
To be Ubara of Ar was the most glorious thing to which a woman might aspire. It meant that she would be the richest and most powerful woman on Gor, that armies and navies, and tarn cavalries, could move upon her very word, that the taxes of an empire the wealthiest on Gor could be laid at her feet, that the most precious of gems and jewelries might be hers, that she would be the most envied woman on the planet.
Hunters of Gor 
Reverend Messmer:
Quote from: Syndel Daviau on 04. October 2013, 17:59:02

Wow, Reverend... Arwan must be in trouble if you are the one who resolves their matters of law.
Are you serious? Women cannot have position of authority?
Ubaras, for instance are, in true, the SECOND to their Ubars. Let me educate a moment if you'd allow me.

"The throne of the Ubara of Ar," he said, "is empty."
They looked at one another.
"Thank you," she said, "Ubar."
"I will have all arrangements made," he said, "for your investiture as Ubara of Ar."
His men gasped. My men could not speak. I, too, was struck with silence.
To be Ubara of Ar was the most glorious thing to which a woman might aspire. It meant that she would be the richest and most powerful woman on Gor, that armies and navies, and tarn cavalries, could move upon her very word, that the taxes of an empire the wealthiest on Gor could be laid at her feet, that the most precious of gems and jewelries might be hers, that she would be the most envied woman on the planet.
Hunters of Gor 


Gor is writen as a phalocratic world keep in mind.

Except for Tharna and the Tatrix, you don't have any city directed by female for a long time. Even the tatrix recognize the supremacy of man in ordinary life in Outlaw of Gor at the end. She state that female should find a free companion or end in slavery.

Ok, female can have a shop, can sell good... But it is not position of high autority.

Ubara are the free companion of the Ubar.  You will do what she say because the will of the ubara is backed by the autority of the ubar. He own the power, she just use it.

We also have no quotation that state female as active member of the high council in any normal city.

So my conclusion turn right. Female as Magistrate seem not possible on Gor like other high ranking position except ubara or tatrix. It is just in contradicton with the idea of psychoevolutionisme.

On Second Life, it is different. Female caracter got more freedom. I never stated female can't act as magistrate on SL Gor. I just state it is an adaptation. And I don't state that is wrong to do so.

When you read in the line. You see that female are clearly not equal to men on Gor. They are slave of men by nature. The fact some stay free is because it is conveniant.
Syndel Daviau:
Talena, daughter of Marlenus, was stand-alone Ubara of Ar in Witness of Gor, backed by the army of Cos.
 
Elle Couerblanc:
Quote from: Syndel Daviau on 04. October 2013, 19:24:25

Talena, daughter of Marlenus, was stand-alone Ubara of Ar in Witness of Gor, backed by the army of Cos.


Actually the conversation quoted was between Marlenus and Verna as he wanted her to return to Ar as his Companion.  But yes, Talena was backed by the Cosians, for a good length of time it would seem too (what at least three books?) and purposely placed there by them.  How I view her in this storyline was partly a true leader figure and partly a pawn for the Cosians to use to degrade the mighty Marlenus.  Was she placed there by her own merit and ability to win the masses? Probably not but she knew how to get her way there by any means possible in my eyes. Kudos for her for manipulating the Cosians to her benefit. :)

I could see females as heads of castes but it would be a hard battle for her to achieve that spot; and one I would like to see with an IC progressive storyline into that role instead of the normal "welcome to your new gorean sim female role player and her is your key to the head of caste office". Probably more in the lower castes though than high castes too.  But still I would think her "reign" would be tenuous at best and wraught with controversy.  Definately some RP potential there if it's played within the spirt of the genre (the blatant sexism and misogynistic ways of some of the men in the culture) and the constant struggle a woman would face to be treated as a true leader.
Syndel Daviau:
There's no relevance between who the conversation was. Could be between two children. The narrative about the power of the Ubara would remain the same. A woman in a leadership position. Which I was correcting the man who was saying there was no such thing.
Talena was in a position of power, presumed pawn or not. A Tatrix is another example of woman in position of power. Any Free Woman of High Caste is in a position of power upon her hired free men of low Caste, so on and so forth. It's all relative to situation. There's no ultimatums towards that. Globally the notion is that women are lesser but it's not always so, it depends very much on just who the woman is: life and death may be in her hands, after all.
Now I will stop derailing the thread! It's about magistrates haha!
Elle Couerblanc:
@Syndel I was only saying who the conversation was between so others not as familiar with the books wouldn't take it as a reference to Talena. Sorry if it looked like I was trying to correct you :)

The point of my post was to agree with what you are ascerting in terms of the plausibility of a female leader in Gor.  Where I think the role play possibilities are thrown out are with the insta titles that are given to often in SL Gor - both for women AND men.  Why not let a woman vye for the role of magistrate? Why not allow her to RP out the possibilities of it being her biggest achievement or her biggest failure in terms of men finding a way to <insert sarcasm font> "bring her to her knees" so she can see MEN are truly the leaders of gor!!!

@Reverend psychoevolutionism or not is really not the point. If the males see some reason to put the woman in a position in which they "believe" they can ultimately control the decisions of a neutral party - why the hell not? They did with Tarna and maybe Talena as well.  Why not make it more localized in terms of caste vs army or city control.  For example, some members of the merchants want more of a say in the decisions regarding court rulings but they don't want to risk putting a man in place who might decide to do things his own way.  He's a gorean man right? In the eyes of the Merchants, controlling a man might be more difficult than controlling a woman *cough*.  If the RP is there to back up her progression up the ladder of  her caste I could see it happen. Isn't Gor about power and control, even if it's on a civic level?
Kail Lefevre:
Quote

The Tatrix of Tharna was a parable about corruption...  political and cultural corruption resulting from the "corruption" of the "natural order" of having a female ruler.  Our hapless heroes, Tarl and Kron, right these wrongs, reverse the order, cast FW from their walls and enslave the rest.  The Tatrix remains in place during the revolt but she is placed beneath male authority behind the scenes.  And they lived happily ever after ;P

Given that in the book the form of corruption in Outlaw of Gor took the form of replacing one Tatrix with another I fail to see your point. If the captain of Tharna had been installing the other Tatrix so he could control her then I might see it but in then end he knows he can't beat Tarl and stands to fight him giving his own life and risking the life of his own slave all to give his Tatrix time to escape. In the end he was a loyal lap dog, just to the wrong woman. Given that Goreans are loyal to a fault to their Home Stone and not to a person per-say it stands to reason that what happened with Tharna could of and likely has happened in a similar manner in other cities. Those with might dislike the current person in power and plot to replace them with some one in place to grab the power should the chance present it self.

Stating that this resulted from the "corruption" of the "natural order" of having a female ruler is incorrect. The corruption stems from how she ruled not that she had tits. When we meet Tatrix she is a selfish bitch that cares only for her self. She has forgotten her people, that she leads them for her benefit not for thier own. This more then any thing breeds resentment and corruption.

Then Tarl gives her his bone and she stops being a bitch and remembers that she has people that need taken care of and that she had allowed her own power to create a  huge imbalance in her people. She shows in the kal-da house that she is willing and able to look after her people now and care about their needs by going around from table to table serving the men drink like a common woman. Which along with Tarl's words show that the men can now trust her again to look after them and right the wrongs and balance the scales.

If any thing I don't think the morale of this story is women in power breed corruption. I think the morale of this story is if you give a bitch a bone(r) that she'll behave.
Reverend Messmer:
Quote from: Elle Couerblanc on 04. October 2013, 21:34:03

@Syndel I was only saying who the conversation was between so others not as familiar with the books wouldn't take it as a reference to Talena. Sorry if it looked like I was trying to correct you :)

The point of my post was to agree with what you are ascerting in terms of the plausibility of a female leader in Gor.  Where I think the role play possibilities are thrown out are with the insta titles that are given to often in SL Gor - both for women AND men.  Why not let a woman vye for the role of magistrate? Why not allow her to RP out the possibilities of it being her biggest achievement or her biggest failure in terms of men finding a way to <insert sarcasm font> "bring her to her knees" so she can see MEN are truly the leaders of gor!!!

@Reverend psychoevolutionism or not is really not the point. If the males see some reason to put the woman in a position in which they "believe" they can ultimately control the decisions of a neutral party - why the hell not? They did with Tarna and maybe Talena as well.  Why not make it more localized in terms of caste vs army or city control.  For example, some members of the merchants want more of a say in the decisions regarding court rulings but they don't want to risk putting a man in place who might decide to do things his own way.  He's a gorean man right? In the eyes of the Merchants, controlling a man might be more difficult than controlling a woman *cough*.  If the RP is there to back up her progression up the ladder of  her caste I could see it happen. Isn't Gor about power and control, even if it's on a civic level?


If you follow most of the story in the book the notion of equity between men and women is one of the weakness of Earth. Gorean men are considered superior to those of Earth for that specific reason in Norman work. It is BTB the morality of Gor. So female magistrate? Female juging male that are not Kajiru... Improbable.

In SL, possible, even BTB sim have some adaptation for making RP possible.
 
Elle Couerblanc:
Quote from: Reverend Messmer on 05. October 2013, 17:34:53

Quote from: Elle Couerblanc on 04. October 2013, 21:34:03

@Syndel I was only saying who the conversation was between so others not as familiar with the books wouldn't take it as a reference to Talena. Sorry if it looked like I was trying to correct you :)

The point of my post was to agree with what you are ascerting in terms of the plausibility of a female leader in Gor.  Where I think the role play possibilities are thrown out are with the insta titles that are given to often in SL Gor - both for women AND men.  Why not let a woman vye for the role of magistrate? Why not allow her to RP out the possibilities of it being her biggest achievement or her biggest failure in terms of men finding a way to <insert sarcasm font> "bring her to her knees" so she can see MEN are truly the leaders of gor!!!

@Reverend psychoevolutionism or not is really not the point. If the males see some reason to put the woman in a position in which they "believe" they can ultimately control the decisions of a neutral party - why the hell not? They did with Tarna and maybe Talena as well.  Why not make it more localized in terms of caste vs army or city control.  For example, some members of the merchants want more of a say in the decisions regarding court rulings but they don't want to risk putting a man in place who might decide to do things his own way.  He's a gorean man right? In the eyes of the Merchants, controlling a man might be more difficult than controlling a woman *cough*.  If the RP is there to back up her progression up the ladder of  her caste I could see it happen. Isn't Gor about power and control, even if it's on a civic level?


If you follow most of the story in the book the notion of equity between men and women is one of the weakness of Earth. Gorean men are considered superior to those of Earth for that specific reason in Norman work. It is BTB the morality of Gor. So female magistrate? Female juging male that are not Kajiru... Improbable.

In SL, possible, even BTB sim have some adaptation for making RP possible.


How can putting a woman in position of power to be used as a pawn considered an act of equality? They want control in decisions that concern them and since they view women as weaker would she not fit the bill?
Nigaltwaddlesworthiii:
Quote from: Elle Couerblanc on 05. October 2013, 21:35:59


How can putting a woman in position of power to be used as a pawn considered an act of equality? They want control in decisions that concern them and since they view women as weaker would she not fit the bill?




I would tend to agree with you Elle, and have to wonder what about this point you and others make is difficult to understand..  ???

Edit for clarification:

It is clear that on SL, there has to be some leway given for some roles due to the lack of male player interest in such roles. That being a given, I view it as perfectly BTB that a woman would and could be used as a tool of ambitious and power hungry men to forward their own agendas. Placing a woman in some position of authority as a puppet is perfectly BTB manipulation, even if it is used as an example of 'why women should never be in power'. If she is the tool of men, ultimately she has no actual power over them, and is only serving to promote a man's agenda in a male dominated world.
Kail Lefevre:
Have to watch that whole installing a woman to rule so you can control her thing.

Look how well that worked in the Eragon books with the Varden


http://www.gor-sl.com/index.php/board,1.0/wap2.html
 

Kurri Facts

Hawt Sommer:
I'm collecting facts on the Kurri based on the books.  Simple one or two sentence facts,  Feel free to add your own references.

1)  The Kurri had an advanced sense of smell almost as good at a Sleen
2) The Kurri could kill eight men easily and weighed in Excess of 900 pounds
3) The Kurri where excellent climbers
4) The Kurri relished the flesh of female slaves.  They ate them, they were food. AKA Marauders: Kur Cow. The Kurri word for Human IS Cattle.
5) The Kur on the Steel Worlds ARE Different from the Native Kur of Gor.
6) Kurri ships are destroyed by the priest kings if they are detected and land (or crash) on Gor. The Kur that are on the planet degenerate quickly to Barbarism and Anarchy.
7) Kurri are nocturnal, but functional in the day


1) White Furred Kurri - Of the Polar North actually swim.  Other Kurri hate water and will avoid it, I would suspect they dont swim and have an unnatural fear of water
2) Kurri cannot eat grain or bread (Assume all organics)  They will be nauseated and vomit.
3) Native Kurri have to live within the the technology laws of the Priest Kings while on Gor,  The technology of the Kurri has been degrading over thousands of years anyway,  they have been regressing.  They did have gas charged Dart Guns but,  the standard issue weapon of a Kur is simply an Axe... They did not use these projectiles in Marauders.
4) Kurii do not make friends of humans.  They use them and then eliminate or eat them.  The closest is a respect from combat or maybe the perception of a pet. 
(Perspective) How much meat do you eat and do you have a pet cow at home?


     During the Gorean series, Tarl Cabot and others have often faced the Kurii and attempted to thwart their plans.  In Marauders of Gor, book #9, the Kurii made a major strike against Gor.  They attempted to invade Gor from the northlands and sweep down toward the southern lands.  They were defeated after a few major battles.  In Tribesmen of Gor, book #10, the Kurii offered an ultimatum to the Priest-Kings.  They told them to surrender Gor.  The unspoken threat was that would destroy Gor.  Tarl Cabot was able to stop a terrible explosive device that would have destroyed the entire planet. In Beasts of Gor, book #12, a Kurii General, Half-Ear, comes to Gor to create a secret base in the frozen north.  Tarl helps stop the Kurii and Half-Ear activates a self-destruction mechanism at the base.  Half-Ear is presumed killed in the massive explosion.  In Savages of Gor and Blood Brothers of Gor, books #17 and #18, it is learned that Half-Ear survived and is hiding in the Barrens.  A Kurii Death squad is sent to kill him for being a traitor.  Tarl helps save Half-Ear's life.  Half-Ear then learns that the death sentence had been lifted and he returns to the Steel Worlds to lead them once again.
  
Isabella Bergiere:
I'm reading Marauders right now and it says that kurri are sent into a frenzy by blood - like earths sharks
Aphris Myoo:
I bought Kur of Gor and read it.

Kur have four genders
- dominant male
- non-dominant male, to affraid to join the Killings, no right to mate at all
- female - eggbearer
- blood nursers - immobile creatures which bred out the fertilised Kur eggs (see it as a corals)

Further
- Kurii have female human pets. The pets sprang in their furs, and nibbled the Kurii pelt and eats lice and other small animals in it.
- Kurii did not have sex with humans
- Kur females are agressive too, they fought sometimes till the death for teh right to mate with a famous Kur male
- Kur females had a harem of non-dominant Kur males
- Kurii had a hunting cylinder were they hunted game (this idea Norman stole from Jack Vance who describes a such like environment in his book The Dirdir)
- In the Kur worlds live human allies with their slaves
- The Kur have Killing Humans, kinda gladiators
- The Kur have cattle farms, where dumb humans are bred, fattened and brought to the slaughter house (this is with sadistical detail described by John Norman)
- There is a half Kur - Lord Grendel, he is immense strong (stronger then a Kur) but a bad master since he is manipulated by a free woman

Kurii Religion
- Kur believe in the Nameless One
- In each Kur steel world is a representative - the xth Face of the Nameless One
Aphris Myoo:
Bloodbrothers of Gor
- Kurii fight to the death, with claws only for honor
- Kurii like to play with their food (ne swings a kajira at her legs in circles above his head)

Tribesman
- renegade Kurii place a doomsday bomb in the Tahari which Tarl dismantles 007 seconds before explosion.

Beast of Gor
-  a Kur atomic bomb goes of and does the polar cap melt

Prize of Gor
- Humans from Earth roam the Gorean surface accompanied with a band of Kur. The Goreans who meet them think the Kurii are a kinda of huge teddybears till.....
Frost Danick:
Quote from: Aphris Myoo on 19. August 2010, 20:36:51

- female - eggbearer
- blood nursers - immobile creatures which bred out the fertilised Kur eggs (see it as a corals)

- Kurii did not have sex with humans

Can someone please tell why the hell people in SL to think that the Kurii DID have sex with humans? As hawt said. They weight in excess of 900lbs have like 7 CLAWED finger and can tear a man limb from limb as if it he was were plastiscene.

If they didn't crush the kajira (Which has been said to have the strength of a 14 year old girl.) they'd tear her to pieces. *sighs*
 
Aphris Myoo:
Quote from: Frost Danick on 24. August 2010, 06:11:22

Quote from: Aphris Myoo on 19. August 2010, 20:36:51


- female - eggbearer
- blood nursers - immobile creatures which bred out the fertilised Kur eggs (see it as a corals)


- Kurii did not have sex with humans



Can someone please tell why the hell people in SL to think that the Kurii DID have sex with humans? As hawt said. They weight in excess of 900lbs have like 7 CLAWED finger and can tear a man limb from limb as if it he was were plastiscene.

If they didn't crush the kajira (Which has been said to have the strength of a 14 year old girl.) they'd tear her to pieces. *sighs*

People have sex with Kurii because there are weirdo's who want to have sex with everything, and the stranger the better (demons, dragons, neko's, furries, werewolves, dogs, Kurii etc). Yesterday i saw a girl with tag "I blow dogs in RL".
Isabella Bergiere:
More from Maurauders which I'm reading right now  :)

*  In the sunlight their eyes were extremely small and black

*  In the darkness their pupils could swell, like dark moons, to fill almost the entire optic orifice, some three or four inches in width.

*  They are both diurnial and nocturnal hunters.  Like the earth cat they hunt when hungry, regardless of the time of day.

*   Its head was approximately the width of the chest of a large man. It had a flat snout, with wide nostrils. Its ears were large, and pointed. They lifted from the side of its head, listening, and then lay back against the furred sides ofthe head.

*  Kurii, I had been told, usually, in meeting men, laid the ears back against the sides of their heads, to increase their resemblance to humans.


*  The ears are often laid back, also, incidentally, in hostility or anger, and, always, in its attacks.


*  It is apparently physiologically impossible for a Kur to attack without its shoulders hunching, its claws emerging, and its ears lying back against the head. The nostrils of the beast drank in what information it wished, as they, like its eyes, surveyed the throng.


*  The trailing capacities of the Kurii are not as superb as those of the sleen, but they were reputed to be the equal of those of larls.


*  The hearing, similarly, is acute. Again it is equated with that of the larl, and not the sharply-sensed sleen.


*  There was little doubt that the day vision of the Kurii was equivalent to that of men, if not superior, and the night vision, of course, was infinitely superior; their sense of smell, too, of course, was incomparably superior to that of men, and their sense of hearing as well.


*  Moreover, they, like men, were rational.

*   The beast was approximalely nine feet in height; I conjectured its weight in the neighborhood of eight or nine hundred pounds.


*   the human, commonly, has an inhibition against killing. This inhibition the Kur lacks.
Isabella Bergiere:
*   The Kur has two rows of fangs. Its mouth is large enough to take into it the head of a full-grown man. Its canines, in the front row of fangs, top and bottom, are long. When it closes its mouth the upper two canines project over the lower lip and jaw. Its tongue is long and dark, the interior of its mouth reddish.

*  The prehensile paws, or hands, of the Kurii are six-digited and multiple jointed.

*  The legs are thick and short. In spite of the shortness of the legs the Kur can, when it wishes, by utilizing its upper appendages, in the manner of a prairie simian, like the baboon, move vvith great rapidity

*  It becomes, in running, what is, in effect, a four-footed animal.

*  It has the erect posture, permitting brain development and facilitating acute binocular vision, of a biped. This posture, too, of course, greatly increases the scanning range of the visual sensors. But, too, its anatomy permits it to function, in flight and attack, much as a four-legged beast.

*  For short distances it can outrun a fullgrown tarsk.

*  They spoke together in one of the languages of the Kurii, for there are, I understood, in the steel worlds, nations and races of such beasts.


* The Kur, moreover, tends to be an inveterate land animal. They neither swim well nor enjoy the water. They are uneasy on ships. Moreover, they knew little of the craftsmanship of building a seaworthy ship.

*The soft flesh of the human female, I knew, was regarded as a delicacy among the Kurii.
((great!))


*  its arms were incredibly long, perhaps some seven feet in length


*  , it shrieked, lips drawn back, with a hideous sound, which, somehow, from its lips and mien, and mostly from its eyes, I took to be a sign of pleasure, of anticipation; I would learn later that this sound is instinctively uttered by Kurii when they are preparing to take blood. This cry, like a stimulus, acted upon the others, as well; almost instantly, with the velocity that the stranger signal can course through a pack of urts


*  The blood of Kurii, like that of men, is red, and of simllar chemical composition.
The major difference between the blood content of the Kur and of men is that the plasma of the Kur contains a greater percentage of salt, this acting in water primarily as a protein solvent. The Kur can eat and digest quantities of meat which would kill a man.


*   Kurii are excellent climbers, well fitted for this activity with their multiple jointed hands and feet, their long fingers, thelr suddenly extendable claws


Isabella Bergiere:
*  The field shelters of the Kurii are made of skins and furs, arched over bent saplings. Each is little more than four or five feet high, with a comparable width, but is fifty or sixty feet in length, some being as long as a hundred feet in length. These shelters, too, are often curved and irregular in outline; sometimes they adjoin one another, with entrances giving mutual access. They resemble caves, sometimes networks of caves, constructed in the open.


*  . No Kur enjoys sleeping exposed. If in a field they will sometimes even burrow into the ground, almost like a sleen, and cover the opening with grass and sticks from the bottom. It always sleeps with its head toward the opening.


*   A typical Kurii foraging squad consists of six animals, called a "hand," with its "eye," or leader. Two such "hands" with their "eyes," constitutes a "Kur," or "Beast." The military Kur, in this sense a unit, is commanded by a "Blood"


*   A "blood" thus commands the two eyes and the two hands. Twelve "Kurs,' the sense of military units, constitutes one "Band." This one hundred and eight animals, including subalterns leaders, and is itself commanded by a "Blood," whose rank is indicated by two rings on the left arm. Twelve of these Bands constitutes a March. A March thus consists of 2160 animals, or, counting the commanders of each Band, 2,172 animals. A March is commanded by a Blood, whose rank is indicated by one ring on the left arm. The ring rank are quite plain, being of some reddish alloy, and are distinguished from decorative rings, of which many Kurii  are fond. Kurii, generally, like men, seem vain beasts, there appears to be an inverse correlation between height of rank and intricacy and variety of ornamentation. The higher  the rank the simpler is likely to be the ornamentation.

*  The Kurii, as I may have mentioned, consist of several "Peoples." Not all of these "Peoples" speak the same language, and, I gather, there are differences among, and within, each People. For example, differences in marking, in texture of fur, in temperament, in tooth arrangement, in ear shape, and so on.

*  No Kur, however, I am told, of whatever race or type, will eat the meat of another.


*   Human prisoners of Kurii, incidentally, are usually stripped; Kurii see no reason to give animals clothing.
Ashoka Mosely:
When fighting with Kurr in world, I come across issues in IM with  kurri characters like, " you can't do that, I'm a kur, RP properly " etc.

Would be interesting to Know from all out there what "can be done" to kurri?

Some points I remember from book 9 below, please correct me if I got it wrong and do add more points
from other books which may conflict?

1.) Some in game kurr say that they can't be shot at with arrows, but, in book 9, the last part was an ambush of kurr , the kurr
that tried to escape were shot at and killed by torvies with bow and arrows.

2.) Some in game kurr say that a single man ingame cannot slay a kurr with melee, but, in book 9, the Forkbeard, Cabot and even a thrall with an axe slayed kurri that attacked them one vs one. I'm going to make an assumption here that the kurri that attacked ( the Thing, Svein's Hall, etc ) were the warrior and fighting kurris and not the smaller egg bearer kinds.

Any experienced RPing kurri / RPing with kurri out there? Feedback appreciated!
 
Aislynne Melnik:
Quote from: Ashoka Mosely on 24. August 2010, 13:07:00

When fighting with Kurr in world, I come across issues in IM with  kurri characters like, " you can't do that, I'm a kur, RP properly " etc.

Would be interesting to Know from all out there what "can be done" to kurri?

Some points I remember from book 9 below, please correct me if I got it wrong and do add more points
from other books which may conflict?

1.) Some in game kurr say that they can't be shot at with arrows, but, in book 9, the last part was an ambush of kurr , the kurr
that tried to escape were shot at and killed by torvies with bow and arrows.

2.) Some in game kurr say that a single man ingame cannot slay a kurr with melee, but, in book 9, the Forkbeard, Cabot and even a thrall with an axe slayed kurri that attacked them one vs one. I'm going to make an assumption here that the kurri that attacked ( the Thing, Svein's Hall, etc ) were the warrior and fighting kurris and not the smaller egg bearer kinds.

Any experienced RPing kurri / RPing with kurri out there? Feedback appreciated!




Everything you said is true, Ace however ... I believe most "in world" Kur are now rping based on the newest book by John Norman, "Kur of Gor" which sadly, I haven't read yet.  I'm only about to begin Book 24/Vagabonds.
Isabella Bergiere:
Quote from: Ashoka Mosely on 24. August 2010, 13:07:00



2.) Some in game kurr say that a single man ingame cannot slay a kurr with melee, but, in book 9, the Forkbeard, Cabot and even a thrall with an axe slayed kurri that attacked them one vs one. I'm going to make an assumption here that the kurri that attacked ( the Thing, Svein's Hall, etc ) were the warrior and fighting kurris and not the smaller egg bearer kinds.




I have not yet read Kur of Gor so am not sure if any of the information is superceded However, here is the quote from the book RE the thrall; I passed this part about 10 mins ago  ;)

Quote

Among them was the lad called Tarsk, formerly Wulfstan of Kassau, to whom Thyri had once been given for the night. In the night of the attack he, at the Forkbeard's encampment near the thing field, with an ax, had slain a Kur.




and there's this whole section:

I saw two Kurii converging on Gorm.Twice , from behind, the ax swept laterally, once to the left, the second time to the right, chopping through the spines.
A sleen, more than eleven feet in length, six-legged, slid past, its fur wiping against my thigh.
Gorm, in his madness, was cutting at the bodies of the  Kurii fallen now before him, shrieking.
Shoulder to shoulder, fighting, I saw Bjarni of Thorstein Camp and the young man, whom I had championed on the dueling ground in the thing.  I smelled fire. There was the howling of Kurii.
I saw a Kur, barred with brown, turning, backing away, snarling, limping, from Ottar, who kept the Forkbeard's farm. Ottar pursued it, heedless of his safety, his eyes wild, killing it, cutting its body then in two with repeated blows of his ax.
I saw the huge, little-known man of Torvaldsland, who had joined the host late, calling himself Hrolf, from the East, who had come from the direction of the Torvaldsberg. With a cry he thrust his spear through the chest of a Kur.
He fought magnificently.
A Kur charged. I side-stepped, catching it in the belly with the ax.
Isabella Bergiere:
Quote from: Ashoka Mosely on 24. August 2010, 13:07:00


1.) Some in game kurr say that they can't be shot at with arrows, but, in book 9, the last part was an ambush of kurr , the kurr
that tried to escape were shot at and killed by torvies with bow and arrows.


and here is the quote to back you up

Quote

"The bridge of jewels worked well," said Svein Blue Tooth to Ivar Forkbeard. "Hundreds, fleeing, were slain by our archers. Arrows of Torvaldsland found the slaughter pleasing."
Ashoka Mosely:
Thanks Ais and Bella! Problem though is I suspect there may be conflicting book stories from other parts of Gor, that being said, looks like Torvies at least have the kurris' number.
Hawt Sommer:
This is the main reason that I wanted to post this thread.

You have people roleplaying Kurri saying that you can't kill one in melee?  They were splattered all over the fields at the final battle,  yeah men's body parts were flying all over he place of course.. but the Kurri were falling in Maruaders.

As for "Kur of Gor" I'm really kind of irritated at JN.  He say's Kur's eat Female slaves in one book, The Kur penning them up like sheep for Food and in the Kur of Gor I'm assuming it's now fashionable to have a pet cow?

OR

Are people taking the instance of one eccentric Kur having a pet cow and making it now very fashionable to have a Pet Cow (Slave) because it's SL Gor.  Where Assassins get companioned and have a Family and the Kurri have Love slaves...

yeah...

I hate SL sometimes.
 
Revenge Sempati:
Quote from: Hawt Sommer on 24. August 2010, 18:55:42

This is the main reason that I wanted to post this thread.

You have people roleplaying Kurri saying that you can't kill one in melee?  They were splattered all over the fields at the final battle,  yeah men's body parts were flying all over he place of course.. but the Kurri were falling in Maruaders.

It is just like a Scribe or Peasant killing a Warrior or Assassin in combat.  It is unlikely but it is possible.  Just like how men killed Kurii in Marauders and Explorers in one on one combat.  I think people forget, or do not know, that it takes very little for a blade to go through a body and Kurii are mortal creatures, just a bit larger and stronger than men.

In SL Gor, there is that new Beast meter, and they higher damage Kur weapons.  So things are already slanted in favour of Kurii winning 1-on-1 combat.  If they are still getting their butts kicked with all that perhaps they need to become an egg-layer or perhaps train in fighting instead of uses the tiresome invalid whining.
Raven:
Quote from: Revenge Sempati on 27. August 2010, 19:39:59

In SL Gor, there is that new Beast meter, and they higher damage Kur weapons. 

I've seen the Kur weapons but there's a Beast meter?  Eh???  Do tell. 
Tigerlily Tomorrow:
I love this I learned alot ty

Hugs tiger
Aphris Myoo:
Quote from: Ashoka Mosely on 24. August 2010, 13:07:00

When fighting with Kurr in world, I come across issues in IM with  kurri characters like, " you can't do that, I'm a kur, RP properly " etc.

Would be interesting to Know from all out there what "can be done" to kurri?

Some points I remember from book 9 below, please correct me if I got it wrong and do add more points
from other books which may conflict?

1.) Some in game kurr say that they can't be shot at with arrows, but, in book 9, the last part was an ambush of kurr , the kurr
that tried to escape were shot at and killed by torvies with bow and arrows.

2.) Some in game kurr say that a single man ingame cannot slay a kurr with melee, but, in book 9, the Forkbeard, Cabot and even a thrall with an axe slayed kurri that attacked them one vs one. I'm going to make an assumption here that the kurri that attacked ( the Thing, Svein's Hall, etc ) were the warrior and fighting kurris and not the smaller egg bearer kinds.

Any experienced RPing kurri / RPing with kurri out there? Feedback appreciated!




Tarl killed a Kur with a quiva, 1 throw in his heart. So any Kur who claims he can not be killed by a sword, arrow, dagger, should read Marauders first. I have spoken many warriors with Kur fighting experience (because we had a rp chasing a certain Kur). Mostly that goes well, only were they annoyed that sometimes Kurii females joined the battles, which is not according the books.
Aphris Myoo:
Quote from: Randall Reich on 28. August 2010, 00:08:45

Quote from: Revenge Sempati on 27. August 2010, 19:39:59

In SL Gor, there is that new Beast meter, and they higher damage Kur weapons. 

I've seen the Kur weapons but there's a Beast meter?  Eh???  Do tell. 

Metalife has a Beast option, already for years. Some used it for cheating and be stronger, but since Metalife shows the setting in the tag, it was the most open way of cheat.  ;D
 
Aphris Myoo:
Quote from: Kur of Gor

"Your voice," said Cabot, "is not full Kur, nor your eyes!"
Grendel suddenly rolled on the tiles howling in pain, and
scratched at them, and then was still, crouched down, head
moving from side to side, moaning.
"You told me you were the result of an experiment," said
Cabot.
"It turned out badly," said Grendel.
"No," said Cabot, "it was outstandingly successful."
Grendel regarded him, puzzled.
"Who was your father, your mother?" demanded Cabot.
"My fathers were Kur," he said, "how many I do not know,
perhaps a dozen, nor do I know their properties, whose
hereditary coils were meshed with the matrix."
"The matrix was the egg of a human female," said Cabot.

This will turn some peoples Gor view up side down.
Revenge Sempati:
Quote from: Randall Reich on 28. August 2010, 00:08:45

Quote from: Revenge Sempati on 27. August 2010, 19:39:59

In SL Gor, there is that new Beast meter, and they higher damage Kur weapons. 

I've seen the Kur weapons but there's a Beast meter?  Eh???  Do tell. 

I beleive Alika was working on it in a limited capacity.  It is either a separate meter or an option that can be enabled server side like the stronger male except stronger beast.  It should be in the GM release notes with the meter.
Mercy Riiser:
Quote from: Revenge Sempati on 27. August 2010, 19:39:59

Quote from: Hawt Sommer on 24. August 2010, 18:55:42



It is just like a Scribe or Peasant killing a Warrior or Assassin in combat.  It is unlikely but it is possible. 

As a Scribe I have no hesitation whatsoever to challenge any Warrior or any Assassin......to a game of Scrabble!   ;)
Toihva Svenson:
GM has a beast option and there is a way to see if a person is wearing that meter, it says beast or something as well.

You need about 9 extra direct hits with a bow or 5 more with a melee to down a Kur with the GM beast meter.
Pax Canning:
Quote from: Toihva Svenson on 03. September 2010, 17:21:23

GM has a beast option and there is a way to see if a person is wearing that meter, it says beast or something as well.

You need about 9 extra direct hits with a bow or 5 more with a melee to down a Kur with the GM beast meter.


There are several "kur" axes available on the market that give 5% more damage than swords or regular axes, too.  I haven't seen any weapons listings that single those out one way or the other, or limit them to just kurii, either.
 

What is a Kur?

Kur have come to Gor, to conquer it for themselves. Kurii are a rabid species with a code of honor all their own, though Tarl Cabot himself, seems to understand some parts of it also.

The Kur have used the planet Eath to recruit agents for themselves in their quest oh inhabitate and control Gor for their own species.

They use, much like the Priest-Kings ships of acquisition to bring agents to Gor. I have only seen females brought to Gor for this purpose  and  while some a play the role of a free woman for a time on Gor, then end result is the same, they are destined to be slaves. 


 Through out the books, the Kur try to find out what is the power of the Priest-Kings and to what extent they control the Gorean planet. They try to conquer Gorean land for themselves in many different form and from different ares of Gor, including, the Barrens, the Great North and the Jungles. 

 

"Here," said Samos, at the end of the corridor, one of the lowest in the pens. He uttered the password through the beamed, metal sheathed door. It swung open. Beyond it was another corridor, but one much shorter. It was damp. Samos took a torch from the guard, and went to one of the doors. He looked through the tiny slit in the door, holding the torch up. Then he slid back the bolt and, bending over, entered the room. There was a foul stench of excrement from within.
"What do you think?" asked Samos.
He held the torch up.
The chained shape did not move. Samos took a stick from beside the door, with which the jailer thrust the pan of water or food toward the shape.
The shape was apparently either asleep, or dead. I did not bear breathing.
An urt scurried suddenly, unexpectedly, toward a crack in the wall. It disappeared within.
Samos touched the shape with the stick. Suddenly it turned and bit the stick through, eyes blazing. It hurled itself, some eight hundred pounds of weight, to the length of the six chains that fastened it, each chain to a separate ring, to the wall. The chains jerked at the rings, again and again. It bit at us. Claws emerged and retracted, and emerged again, from the tentaclelike six-digited appendages of the thing. I looked into the flat, leathery snout, the black-pupiled, yellowish-corneaed eyes, the ears flat back against its head, the wide, fang-rimmed orifice of a mouth, large enough to bite the head from a man. I heard the rings groan in the stone. But they held. I removed my hand from the sword hilt.
The beast sat back against the wall, watching us. It now blinked, against the light of the torch.
"This is the first one, living, that I have seen," said Samos.
Once before, in the ruins of a hall in Torvaldsland, surmounting a stake, he had seen the head of such a beast.
"It is a Kur, surely," he said.
"Yes," I said, "it is an adult Kur."
"It is a large one, is it not?" asked Samos.
"Yes," I said, "but I have seen many larger."
"As nearly as we can determine," said Samos, "it is only a beast, and not rational."
I smiled.
It was chained in six places, at the wrists and ankles, and about the waist, and again about the throat. Any of the chains might have held a bosk or a larl. It snarled, opening its fanged mouth.
"Where did you take it?" I asked.
"I bought it from hunters," said Samos. "It was taken southeast of Ar, proceeding in a southeasternly direction."
"That seems unlikely," I said. Few Goreans would venture in that direction.
"It is true," said Samos. "I know the chief of the hunting pride. His declaration was dear. Six men died in its capture." The beast sat, somnolent, regarding us.
"But why would it, a Kur, venture to such a place?" I asked.
"Perhaps it is insane?" suggested Samos.
"What purpose would such a journey serve for a Kur?" I asked.
Samos shrugged. "We have been unable to communicate with it" he said to me. "Perhaps not all Kurii are rational," He said. "Perhaps this one, as perhaps some of the others, is simply a dangerous beast, nothing more."
I looked into the beast's eyes. Its lips, slightly, drew back. I smiled.
"We have beaten it" said Samos. "We have whipped it, and prodded it. We have denied it food."
"Torture?" I asked.
"It did not respond to torture," said Samos, "I think it is irrational."
"What was your purpose?" I asked it. "What was your mission?"
The beast said nothing.
I rose to my feet. "Let us return to the hall," I said.
"Very well," said Samos. We left the chamber. Tribesmen of Gor, page 17-18
=======================================================
We know little about that species of animal called the Kur. We do know it is blood-thirsty, that it feeds on human flesh and that it is concerned with glory. Beasts of Gor, page 7
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Incidentally, there are many brands on Gor. Two that almost never occur on Gor, by the way, are those of the moons and the collar, and of the chain and the claw. The first of these commonly occurs in certain of the Gorean enclaves on Earth, which serves as headquarters for agents of the priest kings, the second tends to occur in the lairs of the Kurii agents on earth; the chain and claw brand, signifies, of course, slavery and subjection within the compass of the Kur yoke.  Explorers of Gor, page 12
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In the doorway, silhouetted against flames behind them we saw great, black, shaggy figures. Then one leapt within the hall. In one hand it carried a gigantic ax, whose handle was perhaps eight feet long, whose blade, from tip to tip, might have been better than two feet in length; on its other arm it carried a great, round, iron shield, double strapped; it lifted it, and the ax; its arms were incredibly long, perhaps some seven feet in length; about its left arm was a spiral band of gold; it was the Kur which had addressed the assembly. It threw back its head and opened its jaws, eyes blazing, and uttered the blood roar of the aroused Kur; then it bent over, regarding us, shoulders hunched, its claws leaping from its soft, furred sheaths; it then laid its ears back flat against the sides of its great head. No one could move. Then, other Kurii behind it, crowding about it, past it, it shrieked, lips drawn back, with a hideous sound, which, somehow, from its lips and mien, and mostly from its eyes, I took to be a sign of pleasure, of anticipation; I would learn later that this sound is instinctively uttered by Kurii when they are preparing to take blood. Marauders of Gor, page 203
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I sat down, cross-legged, some twenty feet in front of the platform, and waited. I watched the thing on the platform. It was large, and shaggy, and curled upon itself, and alive. I was not sure, initially, if there were one or more things on the platform. But then I became confident it was only one thing. I had not realized he was so gigantic. I sat quietly, watching it breathe.
After a time it stirred. Then, with an ease, an indolent smoothness of motion startling in so large a beast it sat up on the platform, regarding me. It blinked. The pupils of its eyes were like dark moons. It yawned. I saw the double row of fangs, inclined backward in the mouth, to move caught meat toward the throat. It blinked again, and began to lick its paws. Its long, dark tongue, too, cleaned the fur about its mouth. It turned away and went to a side of the room where it relieved itself. A lever, depressed, released water, washing the waste away. The animal scratched twice on the plates near where it had relieved itself, as though reflexively covering its spoor. It then, moving on all fours, lightly, moved forward, around the platform, and went to the sunken basin of water in the room. It put down its cupped paws and splashed water in its face, and then shook its head. Too, it took water in its cupped paws, and drank. With one paw it gestured that I should approach, and palm open on the appendage, indicated that I might use the water. Crouching down I took a bit of water in the palm of my hand and drank.
We looked at one another across the sunken basin. The animal, on all fours, withdrew from the edge of the basin. It projected its claws and scratched on the rug like sub-stance on the walls. Then, claws catching in the heavy material, it moved up the wall, stretching and twisting its body. Then it dropped down to a pole in the scaffolding. It sat there for a moment, and then, lightly, swung from one pole to another, and then returned, dropping lightly, for an animal of its weight, to the floor before the platform. It stretched again, catlike. And then it rose to its hind feet and looked down at me. It was more than eight feet in height. I would have conjectured its weight at some nine hundred pounds. Then it dropped again to all fours and moved to the table on which there reposed the dark, box like object. It moved a switch on the box. It uttered sounds, low, guttural, inquisitive. It did not use human phonemes and. so it is difficult, if not impossible, to convey the quality of the sound. If you have heard the noises made by great rats, such as the Bengal tiger or the black-maned lion, and can conceive of such noises articulated with the subtlety and precision of a civilized speech, that will provide you with an approximation of what I heard. On the other hand, the vocal apparatus of the beast was not even of Earth origin. Certain of its sounds, for example, were more reminiscent of the snort of the boar, the snuffling of the grizzly, the hiss of the snake, than those of the large cats. The phonemes of such beasts are unmistakable, but they are, truly, like nothing Earth has prepared one to hear. They are different, not of Earth, alien. To hear these noises, and know they are a speech can be initially very frightening. Evolution did not prepare those of Earth to find intelligence in such a form.
The beast was then silent.
"Are you hungry?" I heard. The sounds, separate, had been emitted from the dark, flatish, box like object on the table. It was, then, a translator.
"Not particularly," I said,
After a moment a set of sounds, brief, like a growl, came from the translator. I smiled. The beast shrugged. It shambled to the side of the room, and there pressed a switch. A metal panel slid up. I heard a squeal and a small animal, a lart, fled from within toward the opening. It happened quickly. The large six-digited paw of the beast closed about the lart, hideously squealing, and lifted it to its mouth, where it bit through the back of its neck, spitting out vertebrae. The lart, dead, but spasmodically trembling, was then held in the beast's mouth. It then, with its claws freed, opened its furs and, by feel, delicately, regarding me, fingered out various organs which it laid on the floor before it. In moments it had removed the animal from its mouth. Absently, removing meat from the carcass, it fed.
"You do not cook your meat?" I asked. The translator, turned on, accepted the human phonemes, processed them, and, momentarily, produced audible, correspondent phonemes in one of the languages of the Kur. The beast responded. I waited.
"We sometimes do," he said. It looked at me. "Cooked meat weakens the jaws," it said.
"Fire, and cooked meat," I said, "makes possible a smaller jaw and smaller teeth, permitting less cranial musculature and permitting the development of a larger brain case."
page 366
"Our brain cases are larger than those of humans," it said. "Our anatomy could not well support a larger cranial development. In our history, as in yours, larger brain cases have been selected for."
"In what way?" I asked.
"In the killings," it said.
"The Kur is not a social animal?" I asked. "It is a social animal," it said. "But it is not as social as the human."
"That is perhaps a drawback to it as a species," I said. "It has its advantages," it said. "The Kur can live alone. It can go its own way. It does not need its beard." "Surely, in ancient times, Kurii came together," I said. "Yes," it said, "in the matings, and the killings." It looked at me, chewing. "But that was long ago," it said. "We have had civilization for one hundred thousand years, as you would understand these things. In the dawn of our prehistory small bands emerged from the burrows and the caves and forests. It was a beginning."
"How can such an animal have a civilization?" I asked.
"Discipline," it said.
"That is a slender thread with which to restrain such fierce, titanic instincts," I said. The beast extended to me a thigh of the ]art.
"True," it said. "I see you understand us well." I took the meat and chewed on it. It was fresh, warm, still porous with blood.
"You like it, do you not?" asked the beast.
"Yes," I said.
"You see," it said, "you are not so different from us." "I have never claimed to be," I said. "Is not civilization as great an achievement for your species as for mine?" it asked.
"Perhaps," I said.
"Are the threads on which your survival depends stouter than those on which ours depends?" it asked.
"Perhaps not," I said.
"I know little of humans," it said, "but it is my under-standing that most of them are liars and hypocrites. I do not include you in this general charge."
I nodded. "They think of themselves as civilized animals, and yet they are only animals with a civilization. There is quite a difference."
page 367
"Admittedly," I said.
"Those of Earth, as I understand it, which is your home world, are the most despicable. They are petty. They mistake weakness for virtue. They take their lack of appetite, their in-capacity to feel, as a merit. How small they are. The more they betray their own nature the more they congratulate themselves on their perfection. And they put economic gain above all. Their greed and their fevered scratching repulses me."
"Not all on Earth are like that," I said.
"It is a food world," it said, "and the food is not of the best." "What do you put above all?" I asked.
"Glory," it said. It looked at me. "Can you understand that?" it asked.
"I can understand it," I said.
"We are soldiers," it said, "the two of us.
"How is it that an animal without strong social instincts can be concerned with glory?" I asked. "It emerges, we speculate, from the killings."
"The killings?" I asked.
"Even before the first groups," it said, "we would gather for the matings and killings. Great circles, rings of our people, would form in valleys, to watch."
"You fought for mates?" I asked.
"We fought for the joy of killing," it said. "Mating, how- ever, was a prerogative of the victor."
It took a rib bone from the lart and began to thrust it, scraping, between its fangs, freeing and removing bits of wedged meat. "Humans, as I understand it, have two sexes, which, among them, per-form all the functions pertinent to the continuance of the species."
"Yes," I said, "that is true."
"We have three, or, if you prefer, four sexes,' it said.
'There is the dominant, which would, I suppose, correspond most closely to the human male. It is the instinct of the dominant to enter the killings and mate. There is then a form of Kur which closely resembles the dominant but does not join in the killings or mate. You may, or may not, regard this as two sexes. There is then the egg-carrier who is impregnated. This form of Kur is smaller than the dominant or the non-dominant, speaking thusly of the non-reproducing form of Kur.
"The egg-carrier is the female," I said.
"If you like," said the beast, "but, shortly after impregnation, within a moon, the egg-carrier deposits the fertilized seed in the third form of Kur, which is mouthed, but sluggish and immobile. These fasten themselves to hard surfaces, rather like dark, globular anemones. The egg develops inside the body of the blood-nurser and, some months later, it tears its way free."
"It has no mother,' I said.
"Not in the human sense," it said. 'It will, however, usually follow, unless it itself is a blood-nurser, which is drawn out, the first Kur it sees, providing it is either an egg-carrier or a non-dominant." "What if it sees a dominants' I asked. "If it is itself an egg-carrier or a non-dominant, it will shun the dominant," it said. "This is not unwise, for the dominant may kill it."
"What if it itself is potentially a dominant?" I asked. The lips of the beast drew back.
"That is what all hope," it said. "If it is a dominant and it encounters a dominant, it win bare its tiny fangs and expose its claws."
"Will the dominant not kill it -then?" I asked.
"Perhaps later in the killings, when it is large and strong," he said, "but certainly not when it is small. It is on such that the continuance of the species depends. You see, it must be tested in the killings."
"Are you a dominants' I asked.
"Of course," it said. Then it added, "I shall not kill you for the question."
"I meant no harm," I said. Its lips drew back.
"Are most Kurii dominants?" I asked.
"Most are born dominants," it said, "but most do not survive the killings."
"It seems surprising that there are many Kurii," I said.
"Not at all," he said. "The egg-carriers can be frequently impregnated and frequently deposit the fertilized egg in a blood-nurser. There are large numbers of blood-nursers. In the human species it takes several months for a female to carry and deliver an offspring. In the same amount of time a Kur egg-carrier will develop seven to eight eggs, each of which may be fertilized and deposited in a blood-nurser."
"Do Kur young not drink milk?" I asked.
"The young receive blood in the nurser," he said. "When it is born it does not need milk, but water and common protein."

page 369
"It is born fanged?" I asked.
"Of course," it said. "And it is capable of stalking and killing small animals shortly after it leaves the nurser."
"Are the nursers rational?" I asked.
"We do not think so," it said.
"Can they feel anything?" I asked.
"They doubtless have some form of sensation," it said. "They recoil when struck or burned."
"But there are native Kurii on Gor," I said, "or, at any rate, Kurii who have reproduced themselves on this world."
"Certain ships, some of them originally intended for colonization, carried representatives of our various sexes, with the exception of the non-dominants," it said. "We have also, where we knew of Kurii groups, sometimes managed to bring in egg-carriers and blood-nursers."
"It is to your advantage that there be native Kurii," I said.
"Of course," he said, "yet they are seldom useful allies. They lapse too swiftly into barbarism." He lowered the bone with which he was picking his teeth and threw it, and the re-mains of the lart, to the side of the room. He then took a soft, white cloth from a drawer in the table on which the translator reposed, and wiped his paws. "Civilization is fragile," he said.
"Is there an order among your sexes?" I asked.
"Of course there is a biological order," he said. "Structure is a function of nature. How could it be otherwise? "There is first the dominant, and then the egg-carrier, and then the non-dominant, and then, if one considers such things Kur, the blood-nurser."
"The female, or egg-carrier, is dominant over the non-dominant?" I asked.
"Of course," he said. "They are despicable."
"Suppose a dominant is victorious in the killings," I said. "Then what occurs?"
"Many things could occur," he said, "but he then, generally, with a club, would indicate what egg-carriers he desires. He then ties them together and drives them to his cave. In the cave he impregnates them and makes them serve him."
"Do they attempt to run away?" I asked.
"No," he said. "He would hunt them down and kill them. But after he has impregnated them they tend to remain, even when untied, for he is then their dominant."
"What of the non-dominants?" I asked.

page 370
"They remain outside the cave until the dominant is finished, fearing him muchly. When he has left the cave they creep within, bringing meat and gifts to the females, that they may be permitted to remain within the cave, as part of the dominant's household. They serve under the females and take their orders from them. Most work, including the care of the young, is performed by non-dominants."
'I do not think I would care to be a non-dominant," I said.
"They are totally despicable," he said, "but yet, oddly, sometimes a non-dominant becomes a dominant. This is a hard thing to understand. Sometimes it happens when there is no dominant- in the vicinity. Sometimes it seems to happen for no obvious reason; sometimes it happens when a non-dominant is humiliated and worked beyond his level of tolerance. It is interesting. This occasional, almost inexplicable transformation of a non-dominant into a dominant is the reason our biologists differ as to whether our species has three, or four sexes."
"Perhaps the non-dominant is only a latent dominant," I .said.
"Perhaps," be said. "It is hard to tell."
The restriction of mating to the dominants' " I said, 'Thus the selections in the killings, must tend to produce a species unusually aggressive and savage."
"It tends also to produce one that is extremely intelligent," said the animal. I nodded.
"But we are civilized folk," said the animal. It rose to it,) feet and went to a cabinet. "You must not think of us in terms of our bloody past."
"Then, on the steel ships," I said, "the killings, and the fierce matings, no longer take place."
The animal, at the opened cabinet, turned to regard me. "I did not say that," he said.
"The killings and the matings then continue to take place on the steel worlds?" I asked.
"Of course," be said.
'Me past, then, is still with you on the steel worlds," i said.
"Yes," it said. "Is the past not always with us "Perhaps," I said.
The beast returned from the cabinet with two glasses and a bottle.
"Is that not the paga of Ar?" I asked.
"Is it not one of your favorites?" he asked. "See," he said. "It has the seal of the brewer, Temus."
"That is remarkable," I said. "You are very thoughtful."
"I have been saving it," he told me.
"For me?" I asked.
"Of course," he said. "I was confident you would get through.'
"I am honored," I said.
"I have waited so long to talk to you," he said. He poured two glasses of paga, and re-closed the bottle. We lifted the glasses, and touched them, the one to the other. "To our war," he said.
"To our war," I said.
We drank.
"I cannot even pronounce Your name," I said.
"It will be sufficient," he said, "to call me Zarendargar, which can be pronounced by human beings, or, if you like, even more simply, Half-Ear." Beast of Gor page 364 to 370(some edited)
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…slaves are chained at night to avoid becoming the snack of Kurii…“The soft flesh of the human female, I knew, was regarded as a delicacy among the Kurii.” Marauders of Gor, page 177
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Emerging then from the ranks of the enemy came a gigantic Kur, some nine feet in height, some nine hundred pounds in weight. It carried a huge shield and lance, the accoutrements of a man. Behind it, on each side, similarly armed, came others. Blood brothers of Gor, page 265
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The pupils of its eyes, in the sunlight, were extremely small and black. They were like points in the yellowish green cornea. I knew that, in darkness, they could swell, like dark moons, to fill almost the entire optic orifice, some three or four inches in width. Evolution, on some distant, perhaps vanished world, had adapted this life form for both diurnal and nocturnal hunting. Doubtless, like the cat, it hunted when hungry, and its efficient visual capacities, like those of the cats, meant that there was no time of the day or night when it might not be feared. Its head was approximately the width of the chest of a large man. It had a flat snout, with wide nostrils. Its ears were large, and pointed. They lifted from the side of its head, listening, and then lay back against the furred sides of the head. Kurii, I had been told, usually, in meeting men, laid the ears back against the sides of their heads, to increase their resemblance to humans. The ears are often laid back, also, incidentally, in hostility or anger, and, always, in its attacks. It is apparently physiologically impossible for a Kur to attack without its shoulders hunching, its claws emerging, and its ears lying back against the head. The nostrils of the beast drank in what information it wished, as they, like its eyes, surveyed the throng. The trailing capacities of the Kurii are not as superb as those of the sleen, but they were reputed to be the equal of those of larls. The hearing, similarly, is acute. Again it is equated with that of the larl, and not the sharply-sensed sleen. There was little doubt that the day vision of the Kurii was equivalent to that of men, if not superior, and the night vision, of course, was infinitely superior; their sense of smell, too, of course, was incomparably superior to that of men, and their sense of hearing as well. Moreover, they, like men, were rational. Like men, they were a single-brained organism, limited by a spinal column. Their intelligence, by Priest-Kings, though the brain was much larger, was rated as equivalent to that of men, and showed similar random distributions throughout gene pools. What made them such dreaded foes was not so much their intelligence or, on the steel worlds, their technological capacities, as their aggressiveness, their persistence their emotional commitments, their need to populate and expand, their innate savagery. The beast was approximately nine feet in height; I conjectured its weight in the neighbourhood of eight or nine hundred pounds. Interestingly, Priest-Kings, who are not visually oriented organisms, find little difference between Kurii and men. To me this seems preposterous, for ones so wise as Priest-Kings, but, in spite of its obvious falsity, Priest-Kings regard the Kurii and men as rather similar, almost equivalent species. One difference they do remark between the human and the Kur, and that is that the human, commonly, has an inhibition against killing. This inhibition the Kur lacks. Marauders of Gor, page 169-170
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The Kur has two rows of fangs. Its mouth is large enough to take into it the head of a full-grown man. Its canines, in the front row of fangs, top and bottom, are long. When it closes its mouth the upper two canines project over the lower lip and jaw. Its tongue is long and dark, the interior of its mouth reddish. Marauders of Gor, page 170
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The prehensile paws, or hands, of the Kurii are six-digited and multiple jointed. The legs are thick and short. In spite of the shortness of the legs the Kur can, when it wishes, by utilizing its upper appendages, in the manner of a prairie simian, like the baboon, move with great rapidity. It becomes, in running, what is, in effect, a four-footed animal. It has the erect posture, permitting brain development and facilitating acute binocular vision, of a biped. This posture, too, of course, greatly in-creases the scanning range of the visual sensors. But, too, its anatomy permits it to function, in flight and attack, much as a four-legged beast. For short distances it can outrun a full-grown tarsk. It is also said to possess great stamina, but of this I am much less certain. Few animals, which have not been trained, have, or need, stamina. An exception would be pack hunters, like the wolves or hunting dogs of Earth. Marauders of Gor, page 171
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The men stirred uneasily. I listened intently. I knew that Kurii did not, for the most part, inhabit areas frequented by men. On the other hand, the Kurii on the platform, and other Kurii I had encountered, had been dark-furred, either brownish, or brownish red or black. I wondered if it were only the darker furred Kurii that roamed southward. But if these Kurii on the platform were snow-adapted, their fur did not suggest this. I wondered if they might be from the steel ships, either recently, or within too few generations for a snow-adaptation pattern to have been developed. If the Kurii were sufficiently successful, of course, there would be no particular likelihood of evolution selecting for snow adaption. Too, it could be that, in summer, the Kurii shed white fur and developed, in effect, a summer coat. Still I regarded it unlikely that these Kurii were from as far north as his words might suggest. Marauders of Gor, page 171-172
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“That we will furnish you?” asked Svein Blue rooth. I saw spear points lifted among the crowd.
“We will require,” said the Kur, “for each day of the march, as provisions, a hundred verr, a hundred tarsk, a hundred bosk, one hundred healthy property-females, of the sort you refer to as bond-maids.”
“As provisions?” asked the Blue Tooth, puzzled.
Among the Kurii, in their various languages, were words referring to edible meat, food. These general terms, in their scope, included human beings. These terms were sometimes best translated as “meat animal” and sometimes “cattle” or, sometimes, simply “food.” The human being was regarded, by Kurii, as falling within the scope of application of such terms. The term translated “cattle” was sometimes qualified to discriminate between four-legged cattle and two-legged cattle, of which the Kurii were familiar with two varieties, the bounding Hurt and the human.
“Yes,” said the Kur.
Svein Blue Tooth laughed.
The Kur, this time, did not seem amused. “We do not ask for any of your precious free females,” it said.
The soft flesh of the human female, I knew, was regarded as a delicacy among the Kurii.
“We have better uses for our bond-maids,” said Svein Blue Tooth, “than to feed them to Kurii.”
There was great laughter in the field.
Marauders of Gor, pages 177-178
=======================================================
The Jarl, then, took, from the hands of Ivar Forkbeard´s man, the leather-wrapped object.
It was a round, flat, six-sectioned loaf of Sa-Tarna bread.
The Kur looked at it. I could not read his expression.
“Feed,” invited Svein Blue Tooth.
The Kur reached out and took the loaf. “I shall take this to my camp,” it said, “as a token of the good will of the men of Torvaldsland.”
“Feed,” invited Svein Blue Tooth.
The two Kurii behind the speaker growled, soft, like irritated larls.
It made the hair on my neck rise to hear them, for I knew they had spoken to one another.
The Kur looked upon the loaf, as we might have looked on grass, or wood, or the shell of a turtle.
Then, slowly, he put it in his mouth. Scarcely had he swallowed it than he howled with nausea, and cast it up.
I knew then that this Kur, if not all, was carnivorous.
It then stood on the platform, its shoulders hunched; I saw the claws expose themselves; the ears were back flat against its head; its eyes blazed.
Marauders of Gor, pages 178-179
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I heard the tiny wheel scratch at the flint. I did not take my eyes from the things at the far end of the room, on the floor, half hidden by a large table, the area open behind them leading to the ruined tarn cot. It is not wise to look away from such things, if they are in the vicinity, or to turn one's back upon them. I did not know if they were asleep or not. I guessed that they were not. My hand rested on the hilt of my sword. Such things, I had reason to know, could move with surprising speed.
The wick of the fire-maker was now aflame. Samos, carefully, held the tiny flame to the wick of the now-unshuttered dark lantern. It, too, burned tharlarion oil.
I was confident now, in the additional light, that the things were not asleep. When the light had been struck, with the tiny noise, from the steel and flint, which would have been quite obvious to them, given the unusual degree of their auditory acuity, there had been only the slightest of muscular contractions. Had they been startled out of sleep, the reaction, I was confident, would have been far more noticeable. I had little doubt they were, and had been, from the first, clearly and exactly aware of our presence. Savages of Gor, page 15-16
 =======================================================
Obediently they all, including the fellow who had been most forward, drew back.
I did not take my eyes from the beast. It raised one darkly stained paw. The hair between the digits was matted and stuck together. I supposed this was from the kill a pasang or so back.
I backed the kaiila a step or two from the beast. "Back away," I told the men. They obeyed.
The fur of the beast was rent and thick, here and there, with clotted blood. I think, more than once, it might have been struck with lances. It had perhaps lost consciousness in the grass, from the loss of blood, and had been left for dead. It was not the sort of thing the red savages would mutilate. They were unfamiliar with it. They would presumably classify it with sleen or urts, not men.
The beast, snarling, took a step forward.
"It is going to attack," said Grunt. "I can kill it," he said. He raised the crossbow.
"Do not fire," I said.
Grunt did not discharge the weapon.
"Look at it," I said.
The beast regarded Grunt, and then myself. Its lips curled back over the double ring of white fangs.
"It is showing contempt for us," I said.
"Contempt?" said Grunt, puzzled.
"Yes," I said. "You see, he is not similarly armed."
"It is a beast," said Grunt. But he lowered the weapon.
"It is a Kur," I said.
The beast then backed away from us, snarling. After a few feet it turned and dropped to all fours, moving through the grass.
It did not look back. Savages of Gor, page 270, 271
 

What is the Kurii's Ultimate Goal on Gor?

“There is no clue,” Samos had said.
I lay awake on the great couch. I stared at the ceiling of the room. Light from a perforated lamp flickered dimly. The furs were deep and soft. My weapons lay to one side. A slave, sleeping, lay chained at my feet.
There was no clue.
“He might be anywhere,” had said Samos. He had shrugged. “We know only that somewhere he is among us.”
We know little about that species of animal called the Kur. We do know it is blood-thirsty, that it feeds on human flesh and that it is concerned with glory.
“It is not unlike men,” had once said Misk to me, a Priest-King.
This story, in its way, has no clear beginning. It began, I suppose, some thousands of years ago when Kurii, in internecine wars, destroyed the viability of a native world. Their state at that time was sufficiently advanced technologically to construct small steel worlds in orbit, each some pasangs in diameter, The remnants of a shattered species then, as a world burned below them, turned hunting to the plains of the stars. We do not know how long their hunt took. But we do know the worlds, long ago, entered the system of a slow-revolving, medium-sized yellow star occupying a peripheral position in one of nature´s bounteous, gleaming, strewn spiral universes.
They had found their quarry, a world.
They had found two worlds, one spoken of as Earth, the other as Gor.
One of these worlds was a world poisoning itself, a pathodogical world insane and short-saghted, greed-driven and self-destructive. The other was a pristine world, virginal in its beauty and fertility, one not permitted by its masters, called the Sardar, or Priest-Kings, to follow the example of its tragic sister. Priest-Kings would not permit men to destroy Gor. They are not permissive; they are intolerant of geocide. Perhaps it is hard to understand why they do not permit men to destroy Gor. Are they not harsh and cruel, to deny to men this pleasure? Perhaps. But, too, they are rational. And one may be rational, perhaps, without being weak. Indeed, is not weakness the ultimate irrationality? Gor, too, it must be remembered, is also the habitat of the Sardar, or Priest-Kings. They have not chosen to be weak. This choice may be horrifying to those of Earth, so obsessed with their individualism, their proclaimed rights and liberties, but it is one they have chosen to make. I do not defend it. I only report it. Dispute it with them who will.
“Half-Ear is now among us,” Samos had said.
I stared at the ceiling, watching the shifting shadows and reflections from the small, perforated lamp.
The Priest-kings, for thousands of years, had defended the system of the yellow star against the depredations of the prowling Kurii. Fortunes had shifted perhaps dozens of times, but never had the Kurii managed to establish a beachhead on the shores of this beautiful world. But some years ago, in the time of the Nest War, the power of the Priest-Kings was considerably reduced. I do not think the Kurii are certain of this, or of the extent of the reduction.
I think if they knew the truth in these matters the codewords would flash between the steel worlds, the ports would open, and the ships would nose forth, turning toward Gor.
But the Kur, like the shark and sleen, is a cautious beast.
He prowls, he tests the wind, and then, when he is certain, he makes his strike.
Samos was much disturbed that the high Kur, it referred to as Half-Ear, was now upon the surface of this world. We had discovered this from an enciphered message, fallen into our hands, hidden in the beads of a necklace.
That Half-Ear had come to Gor was taken by Samos and Priest-Kings as evidence that the invasion was imminent.
Perhaps even now the ships of Kurii flamed toward Gor, as purposeful and silent as sharks in the waters of space´s night.

But I did not think so.
I did not think the invasion was imminent.
It was my surmise that the Kur, it called Half-Ear, had come to prepare the way for the invasion.
He had come to make smooth the path, to ready the sands of Gor for the keels of the steel ships.
He must be stopped.
Should he discover the weakness of the Priest-Kings, or construct a depot adequate to fuel, to shield and supply the beaching ships, there seemed little reason to suppose the invasion would not prove successful.
Half-Ear was now upon the surface of Gor.
“He is now among us,” had said Samos.
The Kurii moved now, at last, with dispatch and menace. Half-Ear had come to Gor.
But where was he! Beasts of Gor, page  7-8-9
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 “The arrogance of Kurii may yet prove their undoing,” said Samos.
He sat, cross-legged, behind the low table. On It were hot bread, yellow and fresh, hot black wine, steaming, with its sugars, slices of roast bosk, the scrambled eggs of vulos, pastries with creams and custards.
“It is too easy,” I said. I did not speak clearly with my mouth full.
“It is a sport for them,” he said, “this war.” He looked at me, grimly. “As it seems to be for some men.”
“Perhaps to some,” I said, “those who are soldiers, but surely not to Kurii in general. I understand their commitment in these matters to be serious and one involving their deep concern.”
“Would that all men were as serious,” said Samos.
I grinned, and washed down the eggs with a swig of hot black wine, prepared from the beans grown upon the slopes of the Thentis mountains. This black wine is quite expensive. Men have been slain on Gor for attempting to smuggle the beans out of the Thentian territories.
“Kurii were ready once,” said I, “or some party of them, to destroy Gor, to clear the path to Earth, a world they would surely favor less. Willingness to perform such an act, I wager, fits in not well with the notion of vain, proud beasts.”
“Strange that you should speak of vain, proud beasts,” said Samos.
“I do not understand,” I said.
“I suppose not,” said Samos. He then drank from his cup, containing the black wine. I did not press him to elucidate his meaning. He seemed amused.
“I think the Kurii are too clever, too shrewd, too determined,” said I, “to be taken at their face value in this matter. Such an act, to deliver such a message, would be little better than a taunt, a gambit, intended to misdirect our attention.”
“But can we take this risk?” he asked.
“Perhaps not,” I said. With a Turian eating prong, used in the house of Samos, I speared a slice of meat, and then threaded it on the single tine. Beasts of Gor, page 20-21
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Finally, it was decided that it was indeed germane to the decision to understand what the Kurii would offer to obtain this permission.
I, in this time, now came to understand that Torvaldsland stood, in effect, as a wall between the Kurii and the more southern regions of Gor. The Kur, moreover, tends to be an inveterate land animal. They neither swim well nor enjoy the water. They are uneasy on ships. Moreover, they knew little of the craftsmanship of building a seaworthy ship. That now, suddenly, large numbers of Kur
ii
were conjoined, and intent upon a march southward could not be a coincidence in the wars of such beasts with Priest-Kings. I supposed it quite probable this was, in effect, a probe, and yet one within the laws of the Priest-Kings. It was Gorean Kurii that were clearly, substantially, involved. They carried primitive weapons. They did not even use a translator. In the laws of Priest-Kings it was up to such species, those of Kurii and men, to resolve their differences in their own way. I had little doubt but what the Kurii, perhaps organized by Kurii from the steel worlds, were to begin a march in Torvaldsland, which might extend, in a generation to the southern pole of Gor. The Kurii were now ready to reveal themselves. At last they were ready to march. If they were successful, I had little doubt that the invasion from space, in its full power, would follow. In their mercy or disinterest, Priest-Kings had spared many Kurii who had been shipwrecked, or shot down, or marooned on Gor. These beasts, over the centuries grown numerous and strong, might now be directed by the Kurii of the steel worlds. Doubtless they had been in contact with them. I expected the speaker himself was of the steel ships painfully taught Gorean. The Kurii native to Gor, or which had been permitted to survive and settle on Gor, would sure-ly not be likely to have this facility. They and men seldom met, save to kill one another.
The Kuriu, I gathered, did not wish to fight their way to more fertile lands south, but to reach them easily, thus conserving their numbers and, in effect, cutting Torvaldsland from the south. There was little to be gained by fighting an action the length of Torvaldsland, and little to be lost by not doing so, which could not be later recouped when power in the south had been consolidated. I had strong doubts, of course, as to whether a Kur invasion of the south was practical, unless abetted by the strikes of Kur ships from the steel worlds. The point of the probe, indeed, might be to push Kur power as far south as possible, and, perhaps, too, for the first time, result in the engagement of the forces of Priest-Kings to turn them back. This would permit an assessment of the power of Priest-Kings, the extent and nature of which was largely unknown to the Kurii, and, perhaps, to lure them into exposing themselves in such a way that a space raid might be successfully launched. All in all, I expected the invasion of the south was, at this point, primarily a probe. If it was successful, the Priest-Kings, to preserve men on the planet might be forced to intervene, thus breaking their own laws. If the Priest-Kings did not do this, perhaps for reasons of pride, their laws having been given, then, in effect, Gor might become a Kur world, in which, given local allies, the Priest-Kings might finally be isolated and destroyed. This was, to my knowledge, the boldest and most dangerous move of the Others, the Kurii, to this date. It utilized large forces on Gor itself, largely native Kurii in its schemes. Kurii from the ships, of course, as organizers, as officers, might be among them. And doubtless there would be communication with the ships, somehow. This march might be the first step in an invasion, to culminate with the beaching of silver ships, in their thousands, raiders from the stars, on the shores of Gor.
It was possible, of course, that the Kurii would attack Torvaldsland when well within it, without large forces marshaled against them. Once within the country, before an army could be massed against them, they might cut it to pieces, farm by farm.
It was possible, too, of course, that the Kurii had become gentle beasts, fond of farming, renouncing their warlike ways, and turning humbly to the soil, and the labors of the earth, setting perhaps therein an excellent example for the still half-savage human animals of Gor, so predatory, so savage, so much concerned with wars, and their codes and honor. Perhaps we could learn much from the Kurii. Per-haps we could learn from them not to be men, but a more benign animal, more content, more bovine; perhaps they could teach us, having overcome their proud, restless natures, to become, too, a gentler, sweeter form of being, a more pleasant, a softer, a happier animal. Perhaps, together with them, tilling the soil, we could construct a more placid world, a world in which discipline and courage, and curiosity and adventure, and doing what pleases one, would become no more than the neglected, scorned, half-forgotten anachronisms of remote barbarians. We would then have over-come our manhood, and become one with the snails, the Kurii and the flowers.
Marauders of Gor, pages175 to 177
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I nodded. I would not forget Ibn Saran, lithe, like a silken panther. He had been a worthy foe. One gains a victory; one loses an enemy. I lifted my head to the sky, wide and blue, with no clouds. Somewhere up there, beyond atmospheres, beyond the orbits of Gor, and Earth and Mars, in a boulder-strewn enigmatic blackness of space, in the silence of the fragments of the asteroid belt, were the steel worlds, the lairs and domiciles of Kurii. A Kur had fought by my side to save the Gorean world. It was desired not only by men, it was desired, too, by Kurii. I did not think that Kurii, again, would be willing to sacrifice this world, to achieve another. Already, in their remote past, they had lost one world, their own. The political ascendancy of the party which bad been willing to destroy Gor, to secure the Earth, had, with the failure of their project, doubtless been brief. That a Kur had been sent to foil them was doubtless significant. Further, Gor was the true prize of the planet rooting about the sun, not the Earth, for, in the name of rights and liberty, and business, the fools of Earth, confused by the rhetoric of law and morality, shielding short- sighted greed and madness, had stood aside, permitting the poisoning of the air they breathed, the water they drank, the food they ate. That the poisoners will die with the poisoned will perhaps yield them some comfort. Priest-Kings, of course, who are accustomed to think directly in terms of realities and consequences, not words, had not permitted this same insane duplicity to be practiced upon their gullibility. They do not shrivel before the moral fervor of fanatics; rather they seek to look behind words, discarding them as largely meaningless, to discover what is truly meant, what is wanted, what is being striven for, and, if these programs and policies are implemented , what will be the nature of the resultant world, and is that world acceptable or not. To exploitation, to waste, to pollution, Priest-Kings had simply, in their technological abridgments imposed on man, said, "No." It is, in defense of their tyranny, their despotism, you see, after all, lest you think too badly of them, their habitat as well.
 I looked up at the sky. The Kurii, I suspected, did not want Earth, but Gor. Earth might be useful as a slave planet, but the true prize, the object of their predation, would be Gor.
 What then could be the next step? The uprising of native Kurii had been foiled in Torvaldsland. I had been in Torvaldsland at the time. The destruction of Gor, to rid themselves of the opposition of Priest-Kings Gor, had been foiled. When this had occurred I had been at the steel tower in the Tahari, the half-buried ship which had housed the destructive device. I gazed at the placid sky.
Surely Kurii must by now, sense the weakness of the Nest. The ship, for Tahari which had housed the destructive device had penetrated the weakened defenses of the Priest-Kings. But the Priest-Kings, after the Nest War, would be rebuilding their power.
It might well seem to Kurii that they must strike soon. There was not a cloud in the wide, bright Tahari sky. The invasion, I surmised, must be impend
ing. Tribesmen of Gor, page 362-363

GC Male Slaves

Male slaves, on Gor, are not particularly valuable, and do not command high prices.
. . .
A high price for a male is a silver tarsk, but even a plain wench, of low caste, provided she moves well to the touch of the auctioneer's coiled whip, will bring as much, or more. An exception to the low prices for males generally is that paid for a certified woman's slave, a handsome male, silken clad, who has been trained to tend a woman's compartments.
Hunters of Gor - Page 32

Sixteen tarsks was actually a high price to pay for a male silk slave. Most would go from four to six tarsks.
Fighting Slave of Gor - Page 173

Most male slaves in the city were pampered silk slaves, owned by Gorean women who had not yet learned their sex.
Magicians of Gor - Page 71

In some cities, including Ar, an unchained male slave is almost never seen; there are, incidentally, far fewer male slaves than female slaves; a captured female is almost invariably collared; a captured male is almost invariably put to the sword.
Assassin of Gor - Page 51




Masculine verses feminine


. . . many male silk slaves are chosen to be male silk slaves not because they are weak or like women, but because they are not; it is only that they are men, and often true men, who must serve women, totally, in the same fashion that a slave female is expected to serve a free master. To be sure, it is also true, and should be admitted in all honesty, that many male silk slaves are rather feminine; some women prefer this type, perhaps because they fear true men; from such a silk slave they need not fear that they may suddenly be turned upon, and tied, and taught to be women. Most women, however, after a time, find this type of silk slave a banality and a bore; charm and wit can be entertaining, but, in time, if not conjoined with intellect and true masculine power, they are likely to wear thin.
The feminine type of male silk slave, incidentally, for better or for worse, is seldom selected for breeding purposes. Gorean slave breeders, perhaps benighted in this respect, prefer what they take to be health to what they think of as sickness, and what they take to be strength to what they deem weakness.
Savages of Gor - Page 69

"You are too good for him?" asked the merchant.
"Yes," I said. I then realized this was not the proper thing to say. But I had said it.
"You are both animals," he said.
"Yes Master," I said.
"But you are a female," he said.
"Yes Master," I said.
"And he," he said, "though slave is yet male."
"Yes Master," I whispered.
"And is not the male animal the master of the female animal?" he asked.
"Yes Master," I said.
I know that male dominance was pervasive among mammals, and that it was universal among primates. It can be frustrated only by an extensive and complex conditioning program, one adequate, over a period of years, to distort the order of nature.
"Do you find this slave of interest?" asked the master of the male slave.
He shrugged. "She is small," he said.
I looked at him, frightened.
"But she is not without interest," he conceded.
"Do you think you can catch her?" asked the master.
"Of course," said the male slave.
I rose to my feet frightened. I began to back away.
"She is yours," said the master.
Slave Girl of Gor - Page 345