1. Introduction to Gorean Customs
Part 1: The Concept of the Home Stone (0–15 Minutes)
Core Philosophy: The Home Stone is the central moral and geographic anchor of Gorean society
Social Gravity: Custom dictates that all social interactions are colored by one’s allegiance to their Home Stone. It is the basis for the Warrior’s Code and the Scribe’s Philosophy
Interim Question for the Student: "If you were a traveler entering a new city and were asked to identify your Home Stone, but you currently have none, how might this affect your legal status and the way a City Guard might treat you?"
Part 2: The Caste System and Visual Identifiers (15–30 Minutes)
Hierarchy and Order: Gor is strictly divided into castes, each with its own specific colors, duties, and codes
The High Castes: These include the Initiates (White), Scribes (Blue), Builders (Yellow), Physicians (Green), and Warriors (Scarlet)
. The Lower Castes: These comprise the vital "lifeblood" of the city, such as Merchants (White and Gold), Peasants (Brown), and Slavers (Blue and Yellow)
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The Role of Caste Pride: A Gorean’s caste is not just a job; it is their identity. To insult a man’s caste is to insult his Home Stone. Custom dictates that one must yield the path to a member of a higher caste or a person of higher status within the same caste
Interim Question for the Student: "You see a man in Scarlet robes approaching you on a narrow street. Based on the colors of his garb, what is his caste, and what specific courtesy of the street must you perform?"
Part 3: The Dichotomy of Free and Bond (30–45 Minutes)
The Fundamental Distinction: Gorean society is binary: one is either Free or Bond
Free Citizens: They possess legal rights, can own property, and are bound by the laws of the Magistrate
. The Unfree: Slaves (Kajirae/Kajiri) have no legal standing and are considered property. They must observe the "Silence of the Unfree" in certain settings and adhere to strict codes of posture and speech
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The Robes of Concealment: Free women, particularly those of high status, traditionally wear Robes of Concealment and veils
Interim Question for the Student: "In a Gorean tavern, you witness a Free Woman in her robes and a slave girl serving paga. How does the 'Silence of the Unfree' apply to the slave girl if a Free Man addresses the Free Woman?"
Part 4: Language, Greeting, and Survival (45–60 Minutes)
Terminology and Basic Interaction: To survive "The Gates," one must master the basic lexicon:
Tal: A common greeting, often accompanied by a raised hand
. Sa-Tarna: "Life-daughter" or wheat, the staple of the Gorean diet
. Paga: The common fermented grain drink found in taverns
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Common Courtesy: Custom dictates specific forms for bowing and addressing titles
End-of-Hour Comprehensive Review
To ensure you have mastered the Introduction to Gorean Customs, please answer the following questions:
The Home Stone: Why is the loss of a Home Stone considered a "psychological death" for a Gorean citizen?
Visual Identification: If you see a person dressed in Blue robes recording transactions at a market, which caste do they likely belong to, and what is their primary role in the city ecosystem?
Etiquette: Describe the difference in "The Art of the Bow" when a traveler greets a Merchant versus a Warrior.
Social Navigation: Explain why "Recognizing Personal Boundaries" is vital when interacting with a Free Woman wearing the Robes of Concealment.
Survival: What are the three most essential items or papers a traveler must present at the City Gates to ensure "Safe Passage"?
