Gorean Free Women
The vast majority of the women on Gor are free women. Only 2 to 3% of all the women on Gor are actually slaves. That statistic alone speaks volumes about the place of free women in Gorean society. Despite all the rhetoric, Goreans do not follow through on those platitudes and enslave most of their women. They do not even enslave a significant portion of their women. There must be some compelling reasons to support this stance. Free women must be able to fulfill important roles that slaves cannot. The need for those roles must supersede the need for slaves. This scroll will address the many different facets of free women on Gor, helping people to better comprehend their proper place on Gor.
Personal Appearance
The norm for the free women of the cities of Gor is for them to wear Robes
of Concealment and veils. Women of High Caste are much more likely to wear
Robes of Concealment and veils though many Low Caste women do as well. The
general idea of this garb is to conceal a woman from head to toe, allowing
only her eyes to be revealed, and even if that. This garb is reminiscent of
the clothing worn by Muslim women on Earth though the Gorean garb may be even
more intricate and bulky. Basically, the higher you're Caste or station, the
more complex your clothing will be.
A Low Caste woman may only own a single or a couple Robes while High Caste
women might own dozens of different ones. The robes are worn in layers, each
outer layer being stiffer and bulkier than the one below it. Only a couple
of robes were specifically named in the books though undoubtedly other robes
are named as well. The street robe is a very stiff robe and it goes over the
house robe, which is more flexible. The robes are kept secure by a series
of eyes and hooks and it can take some time for High Caste women to dress
in her multiple layers. Help will be needed dressing properly. Gloves are
also commonly worn. The robes may be of any colours though one's Caste colours
will often be the predominant colour. Beneath these robes, a woman may wear
a slip like undergarment, its fabric dependent upon the wealth of the woman.
High Caste women are more likely to own an undergarment of silk or a similar
material. A Low Caste woman is more likely to wear an undergarment of rep
cloth. Bras, panties and hosiery are not worn on Gor.
Like robes, veils are worn in various numbers and combinations dependent upon
one's Caste and station. Many Low Caste women possess only a single veil which
must suffice for all occasions. High Caste women often own many veils and
will wear a number commensurate with the occasion. Some wealthy women may
wear up to ten veils on a formal occasion. But in general, most women will
wear only one or two veils, such as the last veil and the street veil. Each
veil is heavier and more opaque than the veil beneath it. A veil is commonly
a long length of fabric that is wound around a woman's head and secured by
veil pins. A narrow gap is left for one's eyes. There are a number of veils
named in the books and others may exist as well.
The last veil, also known as the light veil, is often worn next to one's face.
It is similar in some ways to the intimacy veil. The intimacy veil is also
worn next to the face but it is diaphanous. This veil is long though and can
be wound several times around one's face, thus making it more opaque with
each revolution. T he freedom veil, also known as the citizens veil, is worn
above the last veil. The pride veil is then worn above the freedom veil. The
house veil is worn over the pride veil. The house veil is often worn indoors
when the household is having guests, especially guests unfamiliar to the woman.
The street veil is commonly the topmost veil worn in public. This veil is
very heavy and absolutely opaque. There are also veils that signify one's
position, such as the veil of state, an item worn by a Tatrix or Ubara. This
will be an intricately embroidered item, fancy but still opaque.
In many Gorean cities, such as Ar and Ar's Station, it is not legally mandatory
for free women to wear Robes of Concealment and veils. It is more a matter
of custom, tradition and modesty. But, there are some cities that make it
mandatory and repeated violations can lead to enslavement. Part of the justification
for this garb is to protect free women from being kidnapped by raiders. Most
men will not risk their life to try to abduct a woman who might turn out to
be ugly. It is much more profitable to steal a slave who they can easily see
is attractive. Gorean men are aware that many free women do not take care
of their figures. There are Slavers though who specialize in the abduction
of free women. "There is a Gorean saying that free women, raised gently
in the high cylinders, in their robes of concealment, unarmed, untrained in
weapons, may, by the slaver, be plucked like flowers." (Hunters
of Gor, p.118)
In the Robes and veils, it is easy for a free woman to disguise her identity
while she travels around the city. Another justification is that free women
are supposed to be modest and not act like a slave in any way. Wearing clothes
that are too revealing would be a social faux pas. Even in cities where such
garb is not mandatory, there will still be laws that prevent free women from
baring too much flesh in public. Violations of such laws can lead to enslavement.
In addition, some High Caste women do not want the Low Castes to see their
faces. They feel they are above the Low Castes who are not worthy to look
upon their faces.
Normally only one's family may look upon a free women without her veil. Within
their homes, some women may not wear a veil in the presence of certain special
guests. Free women, when drinking in public, commonly lift their veils with
their left hands to drink. Others will drink right through their veils. In
public, some Low Caste women don't wear veils and a few bold High Caste women
may also not wear them. This is more likely to lead to negative ramifications
for the High Caste woman. Peer pressure helps to contribute to women wearing
veils. If a High Caste woman does not wear veils in public, she may find herself
shunned by other women or even publicly insulted. Women of the barbaric lands
often do not wear veils, and even women of some of the northern cities do
not commonly wear veils. In the cities, it is often a serious crime for someone
to face strip a free women, to remove her veils against her will. It can be
dangerous for other reasons as well. "It is not wise to try to tear away
the garments of a free woman with one's bare hands. They may contain poisoned
needles." (Beasts of Gor, p.402)
Footwear for free women is commonly either sandals or slippers, dependent
on Caste. Boots may also be worn, dependent on the situation. Some women wear
platform shoes, especially those of High Caste or station. For example, Talena
once wore platform shoes that were about ten inches high so she could look
down upon the citizens of Ar.
Certain women may wear garb other than robes, dependent on the situation.
For example, wealthy free women who own orchards, fields, ranches, vineyards
or such may wear different clothes when they are supervising or inspecting
their properties. One type of such outfit includes a full skirt, its hem about
six inches off the ground, a blouse, a belted jacket that falls to the thighs,
a hood attached to the jacket by hooks, leather boots, and an opaque veil.
The height of the skirt hem is to protect it from dirt, water or mud. Interestingly
enough, it also functions as a slave control device for kajiri. The sight
of a Mistress' ankle, even booted, is very alluring to a kajirus. He will
want to stare at it but understands he can be punished for doing so. This
will make him a bit tense and wary around his Mistress and this can be used
to control the kajirus. Women who go hunting may also wear different garb
such as hunting leathers or a tunic, long hose, a cape and boots.
Most free women rarely wear cosmetics or perfume, believing they are only
for slaves. But in certain cities, such as Ar, many free women do commonly
use them. There are even stores that cater specifically to free women. Those
stores do not commonly stock products for slaves, only free women. It is interesting
though that many perfumers, hairdressers and cosmeticians treat their free
women clients almost like slaves. This does not stop the free women from patronizing
their establishments. Free women may wear upswept hairdos, something generally
not permitted to slaves who must often wear their hair long. Some free women
even may purchase wigs or falls though they only want items made from the
hair of free women. Women's hair is a common trade item and is especially
prized for catapult ropes. During times of war, some free women will give
their hair to the city to use for catapults.
Treatment of Free Women
Free women are commonly treated with respect, courtesy and honour, especially
free women of high station or Caste. Free women on Gor would be considered
to possess a greater status than typical Earth women. Free women, especially
those of high station, are often referred to as "Lady." On the other
hand, men are not referred to as "Lord" in the books. Free women
may often say what they wish, without anyone's permission, and many men will
listen to what they have to say. Part of the key is that those free men and
women who share a Home Stone have much in common. Thus, they are more apt
to listen to the thoughts and feelings of one another. Free women may often
be bold, within certain limits. "A free woman is inordinately precious.
She is a thousand times, and more, above a mere slave." (Players
of Gor, p.92) "
For example, there is no higher person, nor one more respected, than the Gorean free woman." (Hunters of Gor, p.311)
Free women are rarely raped unless it is leading to their direct enslavement. Even a Slaver who enslaves a free woman will treat her with courtesy until she has been branded.
But, many men find free women boring, preferring the company of slave girls.
Free women are seen to be ignorant, arrogant and frigid. Yet, free man often
will take no action against a free woman who annoys them. "A free woman
may often make a man angry with impunity, she being lofty and free, this latitude
is seldom extended to the slave." (Blood Brothers of Gor, p.221)
A male relative or a Free Companion of a free woman does have some options to discipline her. The punishment will fit the woman's status and dignity. The books do contradict themselves as to whether free woman may be whipped or not. If so, they are whipped differently from a slave, much easier. A Free Companion might chain his woman to his couch, like a slave. This may occur even though a free woman is muchly loved. Some men do take risks to get back at free women who they feel requires punishment. This is a risk because their actions are generally illegal. One extreme example is that sometimes free women are captured, bound and gagged and then made to work in a brothel for a night.
One key to the treatment of free women is their station and Caste. The higher
a woman's station or Caste, then the more likely she will be treated with
courtesy and deference. Her wealth and position are powerful factors that
must be considered. A man ignores these factors at his peril. A second key
is whether or not one shares a Home Stone with a woman. Those who share Home
Stones generally respect and protect each other. Men do not willingly let
men of other Home Stones enslave their women. They do not let their women
come to harm if they can intervene and protect them. A third key is simply
tolerance for the actions of free women. I think Tarl Cabot said it best,
"It is not difficult, of course, to take insolence from a woman."
(Mercenaries of Gor, p.7)
Many Gorean men will just laugh off a woman's insults.
Free Women Roles
Free women on Gor fulfil a number of different roles, roles that essentially
cannot be filled by kajirae. These are important roles, ones that contribute
significantly to the effective functioning of Gorean society. These roles
include positions of power, Caste membership, Free Companions and mothers.
These roles are far more important than the role of a slave. Slaves, in general,
contribute little to the operation of Gorean society. Though there are work
slaves, the primary purpose of the majority of slaves is for the pleasure
of men, a type of luxury. A city could exist without slaves but not without
free women.
Positions of Power:
"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, choice less or naïve institution, where their discipline may be relied upon. Their compliance with orders in such a situation cannot help but be more critical, more sceptical. 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, p.288)
But, this is a generality for which there are a number of exceptions. A free woman of superior ability can achieve much, including ruling a city. That is fully supported by the philosophies of Gor.
Women have ruled on Gor as Administrator, Ubara and Tatrix. An Administrator
is an elected position so a woman would have to win either the vote of the
High Council of the city or the vote of the High Castes. Tharna was led by
a woman Administrator until she chose to step down. An Ubara is a female ruler
of the Warrior Caste. She may rule as the Free Companion of an Ubar or on
her own. As the Free Companion of an Ubar, an Ubara possesses great power,
second only to the Ubar. There is nearly nothing she cannot accomplish with
her power. An Ubara, with no Ubar, can rule on her own if the city supports
her. Talena was made the sole Ubara of Ar when Marlenus was thought dead and
the Regent had been deposed. She would thus possess ultimate power within
Ar. A Tatrix is similar to a civil Ubara. It is a female dictator who does
not belong to the Warrior Caste. She remains in power only through the support
of the people though she was not elected into her position. Tharna, Port Olni
and Corcyrus were all ruled at one time by a Tatrix.
If a woman can attain the highest position in a city, its ruler, then there
is no logical reason why a woman could not fill other positions of leadership
within a city such as a member of the High Council of Castes or Caste Leader.
There are no specific prohibitions in the books that prevent free women from
attaining such positions. It simply takes a woman of superior ability to be
found worthy of such a position. On Gor, it may be rare but it is definitely
within the realm of possibility.
Women may also possess power in other ways. They may own and operate their
own Houses, often Merchant Houses. Their business skills and wealth allow
them to possess various degrees of power. There are a number of examples in
the books of women who own Houses by themselves and wield power through their
wealth and status. There are no laws prohibiting their ownership of property
or real estate. It is often said that Merchants are power brokers within many
cities. Female merchants enter into that equation as well as men.
Caste:
Free women belong to almost all of the Castes on Gor except the Initiates,
Players and Assassins. The books specifically state that women may not belong
to the Initiate Caste. Though there is no specific prohibition in the books
against women belonging to the Players and Assassins Castes, the evidence
supports their exclusion. Both are Castes you must actively petition to join.
Mere birth does not grant one membership in those Castes. The books state
that generally women do not or may not play Kaissa. The books also state that
the Assassin Caste seeks men of a particular calibre. There is no indication
that either Caste permits women or has female members.
Free women are either born into their caste, assume the Caste of their Free
Companion, or petition to join a Caste. Children take on the Caste of their
father. This permits a woman to become a member of the Warrior Caste if her
father is a member. Normally, Free Companions share the same caste though
it is permitted for people to Free Companion people outside of their Caste.
When a woman joins in Free Companionship, she has the option to assume the
Caste of her mate. She can choose to retain her Caste. It is unknown if the
woman retains the option to change Caste throughout the length of the Free
Companionship or if there is a time limit on her choice. Even if she retains
her Caste, her children will still assume the Caste of their father. Women
can petition to join a Caste and they follow the same rules as a man would
in such a petition. The High Council of the city would need to approve of
the change as well as the intended new Caste.
When you become a member of a Caste, you will receive all of the normal benefits
of that Caste such as Caste Sanctuary and charity. But, you generally cannot
work in your Caste until you complete an apprenticeship or accepted training
program. You may be permitted to engage in some limited Caste activities without
such training but your role would always remain limited. Many women choose
not to perform the work of their Caste but there are numerous exceptions.
In general, women do not engage in work requiring a lot of physical strength
such as working at a forge, woodcutting and such. Woman often work as Scribes
and Merchants. There are even female Slavers, some who engage in field captures
though the majority just manage Slave Houses within the cities.
Women also engage in work in the Physician's Caste. But, there is a common
limitation on such women. They cannot engage in the full practice of medicine
until they have first given birth to two children. It is likely their function
before birthing the requisite children might be akin to being a nurse. In
many cities, at age fifteen, a woman of the Physician's Caste will be given
two bracelets to wear. She can remove one bracelet each time she has a child.
When she has removed both bracelets, she may then practice medicine as a full
Physician. The rationale behind this prerequisite is that professional women
tend not to have children. If this were allowed to occur, it would serve over
time to diminish the quality and size of the Caste. Thus, the rule helps to
preserve the future of the Caste. The welfare of the Caste takes priority
over the ambitions and desires of specific individuals. The needs of the many
outweigh the needs of the few, or the one. Caste is vitally important to Goreans
so this logic is accepted as valid and is not questioned.
Women may become members of the Warrior's Caste by birth or Free Companionship.
Yet, women are never trained by the Caste to become warriors. There is no
instance in any of the novels where a woman was ever trained as a warrior
in the Warrior's Caste. The books do not explicitly state that women are never
trained as Warriors but the evidence supporting that conclusion is very compelling.
A deeper analysis of this issue is the topic of Education Scroll #15, Female
Warriors. Probably the most compelling argument is the same logic used by
the Physician's Caste. Female Warriors would be less likely to reproduce and
their deaths in combat would also serve to decrease the birth rate. Combined,
these would tend to destroy the Warrior Caste over time. And this would never
be permitted to occur.
Free Companionship:
Free Companionship is the Gorean equivalent of marriage and it is common to
most of the cities of Gor except for Port Kar. Free Companionship lasts for
a single year at a time when it either must be renewed with the wines of love
or it will dissolve. The renewal must be performed by the twentieth Ahn, midnight,
of the anniversary date. If either party dies or is enslaved, the Free Companionship
will also dissolve. It is unknown whether the parties can voluntarily choose
to dissolve, like a divorce, the Free Companionship prior to the year's end.
As it is a contractual matter, the possibility exists, but the books do not
speak on this matter. But, Free Companionship is a very serious matter to
Goreans. It is not entered into lightly and seems unlikely that Goreans would
see a need to end it earlier than the year's end. There are others who feel
differently about Free Companionship. "Some Goreans think of the Free
Companionship as being a form of contract slavery." (Blood Brothers
of Gor, p.246)
Free Companionships may either be arranged or entered into voluntarily by
both parties. If it is an arrangement, there is often a Companionship Price
also known as a bride-price. This is the amount of money or goods that the
prospective man must pay to the father of the woman he desires to be his Free
Companion. The bride-prices of High Caste women are often in gold or tarns.
Beautiful women might cost as much as forty tarns while the daughter of an
Administrator could go as high as one hundred tarns. The daughter of an Ubar
might even cost one thousand tarns. Low Castes also arrange Free Companionships
though the bride-price would be much lower. The woman is often not consulted
concerning the matter. She must accept what her father arranges for her. Some
women might not even see the face of their intended until the Free Companionship
ceremony. Many Low Caste women will though know their intended Companion though
they will pretend otherwise. It will often be someone of their Caste, someone
they might see in the market or on the city streets. The woman might be "…the
same girl who slapped him with a fish yesterday and hurled such a stream of
invective at him that his ears still smart," (Outlaw of Gor,
p.68)
The books do not contain a complete Free Companionship ceremony, only small
bits of information about its contents. In addition, it is clear that the
ceremonies vary city to city. The only common denominator is that the ceremony
includes the drinking of special wine, the wine of love. In some ceremonies,
the couple will interlock their arms as they drink the wine. The wine must
often be drunk to conclude the ceremony. In some ceremonies, the woman will
wear eight veils, several which will be removed during certain phases of the
ceremony. Some cities then have the final veils removed in private by the
man while in other cities the final veils are removed in public during the
ceremony.
A person is only permitted to have a single Free Companion at a time. There
is no limit to the number of subsequent Free Companions you may have. Free
women do not change their names in a Free Companionship like Earth women do
in a marriage. A Free Companionship generally is supported by a Companion
Contract outlining the conditions of the Companionship. The books again do
not contain the details of such Contracts. There may be a feast celebration
of the Free Companionship. At this event, it is common for the woman to wear
a garland of talendars. If the prospective Free Companions are of different
cities, the ceremony may be preceded by a Companion or Betrothal Journey,
where the woman journey's to the man's city. The wealthier the couple, the
more involved this journey will be. Tarnsmen have a custom where the warrior
playfully captures his intended woman and binds her across the saddle of his
tarn. He then flies away with her, tossing her clothes to the ground below.
Some men will even free a slave to make her his Free Companion.
A female Free Companion, especially one of High Caste, will often perform
only the type of work they choose to do. They do not commonly work as a domestic
servant in their home. There are public slaves who tend to chores such as
cooking, cleaning and laundry. Such work is considered beneath most free women,
especially those of High Caste or station. This does give free women a lot
of free time, especially if they do not work in their Caste and do not have
children.
Children:
But a vital function of the free women of Gor is to reproduce, to provide
children to give longevity to their family and Caste. The child of a slave
is most often legally considered a slave. Few free men will thus have children
with their slaves. That is considered a privilege of free women. In general,
it is free women who care for and teach the children in their crucial beginning
years of development. Slaves are not permitted to teach free people so they
could not teach even children. Slaves are limited to lesser roles with children,
more a playmate than much else. Children will thus learn a lot from their
free mothers so it is the obligation of their mothers to ensure they learn
the proper information. It is likely they are the ones that begin to teach
children about the Caste Codes, their proper modes of behaviour.
Goreans are fond of children and rarely would cause them harm or suffering.
Even slave children are seldom abused. Slave children may not even realize
they are slaves until they are in their teenage years. Despite this general
love of children, there is also a dichotomy involved as well. Some free women
sell their infant children into slavery, mostly their daughters. Some women
even do this on a regular basis. The standard price for an infant girl is
about two tarsk bits, a very low value. Some infants, if they appear sickly
or too weak, may be left out to die, exposed to the elements. Some children
are left in the Voltai Mountains, a wooden skewer through their heels. Goreans
do not consider this to be cruelty.
Female children learn many ways to please men, including such matters as the
preparation of exotic dishes, the arts of walking, standing and being beautiful,
the care of a man's equipment, and certain dances. These dances may include
the love dances of their city and the stately dances of free maidens. These
stately ones might be performed to honour and welcome visiting dignitaries.
It is a slow and graceful dance, very modest. Female children must also learn
how to submit to a man as they never know when that might save their life
one day. The threat of enslavement is a very real danger for all women. Thus,
they want to be prepared as most women would prefer slavery to death.
Laws Concerning Free Women
Within the books, there are basically two types of laws that deal with free
women. There are laws that protect free women and there are laws that state
when a free woman may be legally enslaved. In addition, there are certain
universal conventions that exist dealing with the enslavement of free women.
Though these do not have the power of law, honour often dictates that the
conventions will be followed if appropriate. An important point to consider
is that it is generally illegal to collar a free woman, within the city of
her Home Stone, on your own. Even if a free woman violates one of the city
laws where the punishment is slavery, the legal process must still be followed.
Either magistrates or a court will decide if the woman's actions warrant her
judicial enslavement. Men will act to protect women of their Home Stone from
being illegally enslaved.
Please also remember that the following list of laws may not apply in all
Gorean cities. This is simply a list derived from the books. Each city will
have their own laws and may or may not follow one of the laws listed here.
Other laws, that are not listed here, will also exist.
Laws:
It is illegal to touch pleasure silk to the skin of a free woman. It is considered
too sensuous a material for them.
Face stripping, removing the veils of a free woman against her will, is considered
a serious crime.
A free woman may engage in a form of limited self-contracting where she legally
becomes a slave for a specific time period, commonly ranging from one night
to one year. She cannot end this contract earlier than the specified time
period. Once the contract takes effect, she becomes a slave with no legal
powers at all. This curious contractual arrangement is not described in great
detail. It raises numerous legal dilemmas that can only be speculated about.
The books do not state that the contract does or does not cover any contingencies
or limits the slavery in any way. The woman does become an actual slave. That
would seem to mean she could be freely killed. What would happen if she was
sold? Does the contract prevent that? Would the time period still apply if
she was sold? What would happen if she was stolen? This passage seems to raise
far more questions than it answers.
The Couching Law states: "Any free woman who couches with another's slave,
or readies herself to couch with another's slave, becomes herself a slave,
and the slave of the slave's master." (Magicians of Gor, p.7)
This basically means that a free woman cannot have sex with a male slave she does not own. It does not prevent her from having sex with a slave she does own. It also means that she only has to prepare to have sex with someone else's slave to be in violation. Actual sex is not a requirement. Special seduction slaves are used by some owners to trap free women. Milo, from Magicians of Gor, is a prime example of a seduction slave. Tarl Cabot uses him to entrap Talena and enslave her by this law. The Couching Law exists in Ar and may have been adopted by other cities. There are other cities though like Vonda that clearly does not have such a law because free women there may freely give their male slaves to a female guest.
Debt can lead to a free woman's enslavement in either of two ways. First,
if a father cannot pay his own debts, then his daughter may become the property
of the state. She would then be publicly auctioned and her sale price would
be used equitably to pay off her father's debts. The books do not state that
sons are also susceptible to this law though it would seem unlikely that would
be the case. Second, a free woman who cannot pay her own debts may be enslaved.
There are redemption laws whereby another person can pay off the woman's debt
and thus gain ownership of that woman. If no one chooses to pay off her debts
within a specified time period then she will be sold to a Slaver, the proceeds
used to pay off her debt. The books do not specify the exact length of time
before she would be sold to a Slaver. This law is sometimes used by unscrupulous
people to entrap free women. They may purchase a woman's debt from another
and then request that the woman make good on the debt immediately. If the
woman cannot do so, she will be enslaved.
A free woman can sell herself into slavery but once the transaction is completed,
it is too late for her to revoke it.
If a free woman willingly submits to be a slave to a specific man, the city
laws vary on what can happen. Some cities state that the woman becomes a slave
automatically even if that particular man does not accept her submission.
It seems probable she would thus become a state slave at that point. Other
cities state that the woman remains free if that particular man does not accept
her submission.
If a free woman kneels before a man or addresses him as Master, this is sufficient
to make her a slave. Her actions are interpreted as a gesture of submission.
There is no law in the books that states a free woman may be legally enslaved
for being insolent, insulting, ridiculing or demeaning a man.
Some city laws require women to wear Robes of Concealment and veils. Repeated
offences of failure to wear them can lead to enslavement. Even in cities where
the Robes and veils are not mandatory, a free woman can still be enslaved
for baring too much skin, especially her legs.
There is an important legal principle concerning free women and "conduct
indicating suitability for the collar." It deals with overt conduct that
shows a predisposition to slavery, behaviour that is considered sufficient
grounds to legally enslave a woman. It will be judges or magistrates who make
the decision on whether a particular woman's behaviour warrants such a penalty.
There would sometimes be a hearing with a presentation of evidence. Some of
the behaviours known to warrant such a sanction include fraud, theft, indigence,
vagrancy, prostitution, and performing sensuous dance. In addition, free woman
who show an inordinate amount of interest in slavery may also be found to
suitable for this sanction. If a woman tries to spy on men and their slaves,
if they disguise themselves as a slave, or linger around slave markets, then
they might find themselves being judicially enslaved. These cases will not
always be clear cut and could entail a lengthy hearing.
Conventions:
Here are two important conventions dealing with enslavement and free women.
They do not have the effect of law but honour often dictates these conventions
will be followed. These conventions are part of the Gorean tradition and thus
are accorded much respect.
The institution of capture is practiced by nearly every, if not every, city
on Gor. If you capture women from another city, your own city will recognize
the legality of that capture and your rightful possession of the new slave.
Remember that those women must belong to another city. You cannot legally
raid your own city to obtain women to be your slaves. The city you are raiding
will defend its woman but they also understand that captures are a part of
life.
If a man saves the life of a woman, convention states that he has the option
to enslave her. In essence, the man has won the right to the woman's life
by saving it. Though this is not a law, few people would refuse a man this
right. Even a woman's own family would be likely to honour this convention.
It would be considered to be the honourable course of action.
Restrictions
Free woman have a number of freedoms and restrictions within different cities
not all that reach the level of an actual law. They are much more based on
tradition and Goreans are very supportive of tradition. The general freedom
of a free woman is closely tied to each particular city. Ko-ro-ba may be the
Gorean city that accords the most personal freedom to free women and Tharna,
after its revolution, may be the most repressive. For example, in Tharna,
free women who visit must temporarily wear a collar, slave tunic and leash.
The other cities of Gor fall somewhere in between this spectrum.
In some cities, free women are not permitted to leave their homes without
the permission of a male relative or their Free Companion. In addition, some
cities permit their women only to speak to blood relatives.
Women commonly travel outside the cities only accompanied by a sufficient
group of armed guards. They do not commonly travel with only a single guard.
It can be very dangerous for women outside the cities. Even within the cities,
some women will travel with guards though they are more apt to only travel
with a single guard. This would apply more for women of High Caste or high
station who can afford such protection. The average Peasant women would not
walk around Ar protected by an armed rarius.
There are no known laws limiting the type of weapons that women may carry
but practicality commonly limits their choices to daggers and/or poisoned
needles. Poison is considered to be a woman's weapon, not a weapon of Warriors
or Assassins. Women will carry their weapons concealed, hoping to rely on
surprise if they ever need to actually defend themselves. Without the element
of surprise, most men could easily disarm a woman.
Some free women engage in the sport of hunting and are skilled in the use
of the crossbow or small bow. They may even dress in hunting leathers, ride
a tharlarion and hunt on their own, though that is dangerous.
When sitting, free women kneel in what would be considered almost a tower
slave position. Their hands though lie on their thighs, palms down. Free women
maintain good posture while kneeling. Free women do not sit cross-legged as
that is only for men. It is considered an insult to men for women to sit cross-legged.
Free women may enter a house first, rather than behind a man like a slave.
Free women commonly drink delicately and eat in small bites. A free woman
might eat larger bites, though that is most often done to arouse a man she
desires.
Free women are rarely permitted to observe slave dances that are erotic or
especially sensuous. This is not because they might be offended but it is
for their own protection. It is thought that such sights might inflame the
slave desires within free women.
Most free women dislike the theatre, especially it's more vulgar and ribald
minor forms. If anything, they will attend performances incognito so others
can not identify them. It is only the more serious and major forms of theatre
that free women feel comfortable attending.
The Twelfth Passage Hand, just before the solemn Waiting Hand, is often a
time of great festivities, a Carnival. Carnival is also a time for people
to don masks and bizarre costumes, allowing an opportunity for jokes and pranks.
They also permit incognito assignations between free people. Some free women
even go as far as to masquerade as slaves and run naked through the cities.
Another common game during the Carnival is called Favours. In the basic version,
free women are given ten scarves, each set unique to each woman. The free
women then pass out the scarves to men and receive a kiss in return. The first
woman who passes out all of her scarves and returns to the starting point
wins. This gives free women a valid way to flirt during this specific time.
Frigidity
In general free women are seen as frigid and sexually repressed. Many know
little about sex and see it more as a duty and a chore rather than as a matter
of mutual pleasure. This frigidity is considered acceptable for free woman
though slaves are not permitted that quality. Men are commonly disappointed
by this frigidity, especially if they have experienced the wanton sexuality
of a slave. It generally takes from a third to a quarter of an Ahn, 18 to
24 minutes, to arouse a free woman to orgasm. Some free women are proud of
their frigidity. They consider it important to show how different they are
from slaves. Other free women seek to change that aspect of them and learn
how to be more sexually responsive. Physicians commonly tell free women who
seek advice on changing their frigidity to learn slave dancing. Most consider
it appropriate though that free women remain ignorant of the sexuality of
the slave.
"An unwonted girl, a free woman, thus, can never experience her full
sexuality…Passion, it is thought, deprives the free woman to some extent
of her freedom and important self-control; it is frowned upon because it makes
her behave, to some extent, like a degraded female slave; free women, thus,
to protect their honour and dignity, their freedom and personhood, their individuality,
must fight passion;… the free woman must remain cool and in control
of herself, even in the arms of her companion, to avoid being truly 'had,'…"
(Tribesman of Gor, p.17)
Slaves
Free women may own slaves, both male and female. There are no legal restrictions
on their ownership rights concerning slaves. Silk slaves are special male
slaves trained to please women.
In the presence of free women, slave is commonly required to be more modest.
This applies mostly in public places though it may apply elsewhere as well
depending on the circumstances. On city streets though, kajirae are rarely
punished for a lack of modesty. Free women must tolerate almost any type of
slave behaviour that occurs there. A free man can walk his kajira naked through
the streets if he so desires and the free women would just avert their eyes.
But, men are often solicitous of free women so they would rarely walk their
slaves naked except maybe as a form of discipline. Men generally do not openly
flaunt the sexuality of their slaves in front of free women. They often try
to respect the sensitive feelings of the free women.
In general, free women despise kajirae, treating them with cruelty and viciousness.
If a slave is especially attractive, a free woman will treat her even worse.
This is motivated in part by envy and jealousy. Free women know that men often
prefer the company of slave girls. This resentment is thus taken out on the
slaves and not the men. Free women also envy the slave's freedom to be sexual
beings, especially of those slaves that seem the happiest. Some free women
also despise slaves in a denial of their own feelings and desires to be a
slave. The consequence is that most kajirae fear free women. They understand
the power free women have over them and they do not want to irritate free
women any further. They dread the possibility of being owned by a free woman.
And as most men do not interfere when a free woman punishes a slave, a slave
knows she has little recourse except to be as pleasing as possible to free
women.
Rhetoric
The Gorean novels are filled with much rhetoric concerning beliefs about free
women. Many of these sayings allege that all women are natural slaves. Most
of these sayings are not mentioned in the presence of free women though. They
are what men say when they get together to discuss women.
"Every woman in her heart wants to wear the chains of a man."
(Priest-Kings of Gor, p.204)
"The institution of freedom for women, I decided, as many Goreans believed,
was a mistake." (Nomads of Gor, p.286)
"…the garments of a free woman are designed to conceal a woman's
slavery," (Rogue of Gor, p.276)
"On Gor it is said that free women are slaves who have not yet been collared."
(Magicians of Gor, p.22)
"A Gorean saying came to mind, that the free woman is a riddle, the answer
to which is the collar." (Magicians of Gor, p.50)
Some of these sayings also allege that true love can only exist between a
man and a kajira, not a free woman. The general idea is that, for women, the
price of being free is that they must sacrifice love. Again, these are sayings
generally not spoken of in the presence of free women.
"A woman, I had learned, must choose between freedom and love."
(Slave Girl of Gor, p.412)
"A man can truly love only that woman who is truly his, who belongs to
him. Otherwise he is only a party to a contract." (Slave Girl
of Gor, p.444)
"…no free woman, because she is free, can truly compete for the
attention and affection of a man as can a slave girl." (Fighting
Slave of Gor, p.217)
"Bondage is a soil in which it is natural for love to blossom."
(Blood Brothers of Gor, p.113)
Yet, despite all this rhetoric, free women remain in the overwhelming majority
on Gor. If all women are natural slaves, then why the majority of women haven't
been enslaved. If true love is only find with a slave, does that mean the
vast majority of male Goreans live without love? It seems obvious, based on
the evidence within the books, that all of this rhetoric is mostly just talk.
It is manly banter that has little basis in the realities of Gorean society.
Though generalizations can be made about free women, there are surely many
exceptions as well. Some free women are capable of intense passion and love.
Many men must find contentment with their Free Companions as Gorean men in
general are said to be happy people. Do not confuse the rhetoric with the
reality. Look deeper than the surface to find the true answers of Gor.
Free Women Online
There are a limited number of women in online Gor who act as free women. Most
choose to be slaves. Of those who choose to be free women, many become panther
girls, talunas or female Warriors. You will often hear complaints from free
women that it is too difficult to be a free woman online unless you are a
panther girl, taluna or female Warrior. They do not see any viability in other
roles, seeing too many restrictions on those others.
Let us first consider the role of free women in Gorean role-plays. Many feel
that role-play opportunities for women are too dull and limited. That is why
many create a female warrior though I feel this indicates that Gorean role-play
is primarily combat oriented. That is not the case. Gor is a varied and vibrant
world. Your Gorean role-play is limited only by your imagination. You can
create any number of exciting story-lines, many of which do not involve any
combat. It is easy to add some intrigue and mystery into a storyline. Free
women have freedom in many areas on Gor and could be involved in a myriad
of activities.
Let me give you some examples of the possibilities that exist for free women
in Gorean role-play.
Firstly, you should try to elevate your role-play out of the "tavern" mode.
Too many people centre their role-play in cities in a tavern. They ignore the possibilities that exist outside that tiny location. Free women have better opportunities for role-play in such areas as a marketplace, public gardens or the library. Why should they sit in a tavern and watch the kajirae serve men? It gets boring quickly. Free women should get out into the city streets and seek the possibilities for adventure there.
P ossible storylines for free women.
A free women Physician may be researching a cure for Dar-Kosis, a disease the Initiates do not want cured. Trying to outwit the Initiates, dealing with other Physicians and working with the inflicted are a few areas to consider. A free woman Scribe may stumble upon an ancient secret in an old scroll. She must decide how best to handle it. Maybe others want the scroll and she must elude those people while best discerning what to do with the secret. A free woman Merchant gets to deal with all types of people. Maybe one of her customers orders a special item and then he mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind a cryptic note. Maybe she can you solve the mystery of the customer's fate. Mystery and intrigue storylines work well for free women.
Real time free women have numerous opportunities as well though their online
opportunities do appear limited in some respects. Many online areas are geared
toward Master/Slave interaction, i.e. paga taverns. There are very few places
that cater specifically to real time free women. There is an additional problem
of dealing with people who do not properly understand the role of free women
on Gor. These people may often disrespect such free women. Such free women
should find other women to interact with and find ways to get involved in
the online community. It may not be easy, but there are places there for you.
Gor is a wonderful and varied place. Do not think of its limitations.
Think of all of its opportunities.