By the Books
Member Blog post · General
There are some Gorean role-players that believe everything done in role-play must be in strict accordance with the books and supported by them, with all else rejected.
I propose that this reasoning is valid to a point, but also flawed.
For example, I have almost always seen the sula-ki position derided as being an onlinism and as such is often rejected by many homes on that basis.
It is incontestably true that no such position is named in the books.
But, does the absence of the name make the position non-Gorean in nature?
Another example, quite similar to the first, is the table position, which is an element of BDSM, and to the best of my knowledge not mentioned in the books.
But, is the nature of the position in conflict with Gorean practice and ideals?
A further example is the sweetening of drinks, also not in the books and thus an onlinism and rejected by many as such.
But, is it inconceivable a master of Gor would want such?
My View
The books serve as a guide to what is appropriate, but not be used as in a manner akin to a religious text, such that it dictates what is allowed with all else being forbidden.
The books define much, but one should not be slavish to them.
The test I apply when it is my call is simple. If I can imagine it is something that is feasible on Gor that it need not have a direct quote from the books supporting it to be acceptable.
Thus, I would allow all of the above.
On the contrary, I would not allow a FW to ride into a longhouse whilst mounted on a sparkling pegacorn and escorted by a wing of Mecha Falcosharks with frikin’ lasers on their heads. That’s going a wee bit too far.
Comments
6 comments on this post.
One of the main pillars of Gor is slave heat. Sula ki is a GREAT position for a connoisseur of the tasty folds. Sweetened drinks are the same, rub it on a vessels rim, pour a drink over one and let it drip into the vessel, whatever. The be all end all is everyone has their own opinion of everything, and no one needs the approval of anyone else to enjoy their lives. It's a matter of personal taste. People most often use the books merely to justify criticism of others, instead of enjoying life.
I believe what is Gorean by far transcends the contents of the books alone. To me Gor is more a matter of philosophy than prose. Many do enjoy bringing up their favouite quotes, but for whatever reason seldom mention other quotes that may not be as pleasing to them. I always find instances of that to be interesting and useful, making them a welcome sight for me.
I once was a "By the Books" kinda woman, then lIke most of us though not all accomplish all thesefeats, I aged a bit, became a little wiser & became a lot more opened minded. I realized that while yes the PK's monitored the growth of the Goreans to make sure as I gather from my takes on the books, only some growth happened, & I use that now realization to expand my Gor & role-play to enhance my Gorean experience. I started going to cities not listed in the books, why? Because look at a map [c]
There is SO much land not named & claimed in the books which leaves it open to them like those in Vendara and Helisto to find these places, name them & call them home. It allows Manon & Agrit to explore the rest of Cos & make what they find enhance their Gor. It allows me to find Caithris a named Island that has no real known info on & make it my own. Basically what it boils down to is... growth. It truly is a wonderful thing.
My home that is currently a WIP will be a holding not mentioned in the books. Toravaldsland works especially well for that with it having smaller settlements than the South, generally further apart. As I am not one for self-generated aggrandisment it will be a minor place with myself a Hold Jarl of no particular note or repute. If you have read Marauders my hall will be much closer to that of the Forkbeard than that of Bluetooth.
I have indeed... many times... it is my favorite book!