Etiquette

Tal

The common Gorean greeting. Normally, it is often accompanied with the right hand raised to shoulder level, the palm inward, facing the body. Also, there are examples within the books, of slaves using “tal” as a form of greeting.

Hail

A form of greeting, reserved for experts and champions at some matter. An expert swordsman or kais player would be greeted in this manner. Slaves may also use this term, when referring to a qualified Free Person. An Ubar would qualify for this form of greeting.

Thank You

Now there is no special Gorean way of thanking another person. With slaves, they may or may not be thanked. It all depends on the will of the Free Person. Many slaves are especially fearful of any Free Person, who shows them such kindness.

Slaves Addressing the Free

All slaves must address the Free as either Master or Mistress. Slaves are not permitted to address any Free Person by their name. It is said that a slave girl grows bold if her lips are allowed to touch the name of her Master or Mistress. But some owners prefer to hear their name said by a slave. This is commonly permitted only in private, out of the presence of others. A slave may tell others the name of her owner, for explanation or identifying purposes only.

Paga Tavern

Now, by the books, when a slave enters a paga tavern, they don’t have to ask permission or perform any form of karta or obeisance at the door. Of course, there are some rooms online, that doesn’t have a slave do any of those things either. A slave should enter quietly and go to kneel in the serving area. A slave should never greet any Free when they enter, unless their Master is present. Of course, if their owner isn’t present, then they could ask permission from the Owner of the House to greet all within. Plus, the slave does need permission to leave though, and this they could ask either their owner or any Free Person. Now, a slave cannot be just sitting around doing nothing. That is sheer laziness and it ruins their owner’s reputation. If their not serving, then they should be doing some chores, until they are told to serve, or see that there is service to be done.

Sitting

A free man sits cross-legged. They rarely use chairs, which are usually reserved for special people, such as, Administrators, Ubars and judges. Most Goreans tend to find chairs to be uncomfortable. Now, a free woman kneels to sit. They kneel with their knees kept close together with their hands, palms face down upon their thighs. Of course, all slaves kneel to sit, with the position of their hands and knees, will depend on the type of slave they are. Plus, slaves never sit in chairs, for they might be either whipped or slain for doing so.

Streets

When walking or riding down a street or road, according to the books, the Goreans commonly stay to the left side when passing others. This is done, so that the sword arm, commonly the right arm, faces the person who is passing.

Station

Gor is a hierarchical world, where status, station and caste are vitally important. In general, you show respect to those with superior status or caste. This includes Free Women. A Free Woman of High Caste, deserves respect from a Low Caste man. Even a wealthy woman would be considered of high status and would also be respected. Though, men do consider themselves dominant over women, they still respect the ideas of status and castes. Men also respect other men of higher standing than themselves.

Haggling

The rule in the market place and stores, is that there are no fixed prices. Haggling is the order of business. In haggling, start with a low offer and the seller would start with a higher offer. Soon, the parties will come down to a reasonable price, that would pleased everyone.