The Laws of Port Talis
((The laws were created based upon the explicit laws as described in the novels of Gor.))
The law is divided into sections:
Public Laws - Section A
Public laws dictate how public services were to be provided and how public functions should be conducted. In our example we categorize caste law as a form of public law.
Public Laws - SECTION A
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1. Swearing of the Oath – CITIZENSHIP
Young men and women of the city, upon coming of age, participate in a ceremony involving the swearing of oaths and the sharing of bread, fire, and salt. Each participant holds and kisses the Home Stone of the city. Only then are the laurel wreath and mantle of citizenship conferred. This act grants full status as a CITIZEN.
1a. Residents
Residents are granted protections within the city equivalent to citizens, provided they are registered with the Caste of Scribes and their caste of belonging. However, they are not required to swear to the Home Stone and may not hold office, vote, or participate in civic decisions. In times of war or siege, residents must swear temporary allegiance to the Home Stone to retain their protected status.
2. Protection of the Home Stone
The defense of the city is primarily entrusted to the Red Caste. However, all men, regardless of caste, are obligated to defend the Home Stone, Free Women, Children, and the property of the city and its citizens from attack or theft.
Deadly force used in such defense is deemed acceptable by the High Council. Any man who employs such force is shielded from arrest and prosecution, provided he reports the incident within one day to the High Council. A tribunal may review the justification post-incident to ensure accountability.
3. False Claim of the Home Stone
To falsely claim a Home Stone as one’s own is a grave offense. This includes any verbal, written, or symbolic assertion of allegiance to a Home Stone not one’s own. Punishment is determined by a panel of three magistrates, guided by precedent. Intent and the degree of harm caused shall be considered in sentencing.
4. Treason
Treason is considered a serious offense and includes acts such as espionage, sabotage, aiding enemies, or undermining the authority of the Ubar.
• Punishment for women: typically enslavement
• Punishment for men: typically impalement or a sound beating
All charges must be reviewed by the High Council unless wartime conditions suspend this right. The High Magistrate has final authority in sentencing, which must align with precedent unless a written justification is provided.
5. Access to the City
Port Talis is a peaceful Ubarate and its gates are generally open.
Guards may conduct random checks and deny access if deemed necessary. All denials must be recorded with cause and reviewed weekly by the High Council. Citizens may appeal denied entry through a magistrate. Random checks shall be documented and reported monthly.
6. The High Council and The Ubar
Port Talis is governed by an Ubar. The Ubar convenes the High Council for counsel, but his word is final law.
In times of war, the High Council is dissolved and the Ubar assumes full authority.
• The Ubar must declare the beginning and end of war in writing.
• The High Council may petition for review after 60 days of continuous conflict.
• The Ubar must reinstate the Council within 30 days of peace or face removal by Council vote.
In peacetime, the High Council votes by majority.
In some instances the High Council can choose to keep the Ubar in place even passed the 30 days of peace with a super majority vote. If a consensus is not met at a three-quarters majority the high council is reinstated and the Ubar steps down.
7. Declaration of War
Only the Ubar may declare war, at his sole discretion. Such declarations must be made in writing and are subject to review as outlined in Section 6.
8. Ambassadors
Ambassadors represent the city and must comply with the directives of the Ubar and the High Council.
• They may not speak or negotiate on behalf of the city without written authorization.
• Ambassadors must be of the High Caste of Scribes and are appointed by the Ubar.
• In case of conflict between the Ubar and Council, a neutral magistrate shall mediate.
• All treaties or agreements negotiated by ambassadors require a two-thirds Council vote and the Ubar’s signature to be binding.
9. Alliances
Only Ambassadors appointed by the High Council or the Ubar may discuss alliances with other cities.
• All alliances must be ratified by a two-thirds vote of the High Council and signed by the Ubar.
• No other citizen may negotiate or promise alliances on behalf of Port Talis.
10. Head Slaver of the City
The Head Slaver is elected by majority vote of the High Council from among the Sub-Caste of Slavers.
• They oversee the city kennels and slave commerce.
• They report directly to the Ubar and the High Council.
• Their authority is limited to their domain and does not extend to the High Merchant or other castes.
• Any disputes involving caste jurisdiction shall be resolved by the High Council.
Let these laws be known and upheld by all who dwell within or seek the protection of Port Talis. May the Home Stone remain ever sacred.
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What amendment was made:
Citizenship vs. Residency
Amendment:
Residents shall receive protection under city law only while in compliance with registration and conduct standards set by the Caste of Scribes. Residents may not hold office, vote, or participate in civic decisions. In times of war or siege, residents may be required to swear temporary allegiance to the Home Stone to retain protection.
Why: Prevents abuse of protections without loyalty or responsibility.
2. Use of Deadly Force
Amendment:
Any non-Red Caste man who uses deadly force must report the incident within one day to the High Council or risk forfeiting immunity. A tribunal may review the justification post-incident.
Why: Adds accountability while preserving the right to defend.
3. False Claim of the Home Stone
Amendment:
A false claim includes any verbal, written, or symbolic assertion of citizenship or allegiance to a Home Stone not one’s own. Punishment shall be guided by precedent and reviewed by a panel of three magistrates.
Why: Defines the offense and limits arbitrary punishment.
4. Treason
Amendment:
Treason includes acts of espionage, sabotage, aiding enemies, or undermining the Ubar’s authority. All charges must be reviewed by the High Council unless suspended during wartime. Punishments must be consistent with prior rulings unless justified in writing.
Why: Clarifies what constitutes treason and adds checks on punishment.
5. Access to the City
Amendment:
Denial of entry must be recorded with cause and reviewed weekly by the High Council. Citizens may appeal denied entry through a magistrate.
Why: Prevents arbitrary exclusion and adds oversight.
6. Ubar’s Wartime Powers
Amendment:
The Ubar must declare the beginning and end of war in writing, with the High Council retaining the right to petition for review after 60 days. Failure to reinstate the Council within 30 days of peace is grounds for removal.
Why: Prevents indefinite rule under the guise of war.
7. Ambassadors and Alliances
Amendment:
Ambassadors must receive written directives before negotiations. If the Ubar and Council disagree, a neutral magistrate shall mediate. All treaties must be ratified by a two-thirds Council vote and signed by the Ubar.
Why: Balances power and prevents unilateral diplomacy.
8. Head Slaver’s Authority
Amendment:
The Head Slaver’s jurisdiction is limited to the management of city kennels and slave commerce. Any disputes involving caste authority shall be resolved by the High Council.
Why: Clarifies scope and prevents caste conflict.
Procedural Laws
Procedural law governs how government and law is implemented.
The Laws of Port Talis
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PROCEDURAL LAWS
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From here on:
Praetor = Magistrate
Prefect = High Magistrate
These laws are issued by the Head Scribe of Port Talis. with the approval of the Ubar of Port Talis. Any law in the city of Port Talis so approved, will have with immediate effect. The Ubar shall only have the final word to dismiss the changes and keep the law unchanged, or allow the changes to be written into law.
Punishments/Sentences
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Punishments, and sentences will be decided by the Magistrates (or Praetors) for minor offenses and High Magistrate for higher offenses, and all court cases will be overseen by the High Magistrate.
Due Process
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The laws of the city of Port Talis are written to promote harmony and strength, they shall be enforced by the Prefects and Guardsmen of the city, or where such Guardsmen are unavailable, by the Warrior caste. Those seeking relief under the law shall present evidence and allegations of criminal activity to a Prefect of the city. Those accused of crimes shall have an arrest warrant issued that they may be presented before a Prefect of the city to answer such allegation. All free men and women, charged with a crime, are entitled to a hearing before a Prefect and to present evidence of innocence. Both the accuser and the accused may call upon the services of a single lawyer to assist them with their case. All accused are considered innocent until proven guilty, the final determination being made by the Prefect assigned to the case.
Praetor or Magistrates
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Praetors are law enforcers who can handle minor crimes and may also issue arrest warrants for citizens/residents who have allegedly broken the law for further investigations as required. They belong to the caste of scribes.
Appeal
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Decisions can be reviewed by the High Council.while the city has an Ubar.
When the city is under an Ubarate, the Ubar has the right to carry out, review and/or overturn any sentence if he so chooses, or the citizen requests a review.
Detention
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Once convicted the criminal is subjected to detention according to sentencing.
Those accused of crimes may be held by the Guardsmen at the discretion of the Prefect, Praetor, High Council or Ubar, pending the investigation of the facts of the case and the preparation of a trial. Those so held shall not be held for a period longer than three hands without the express approval of the Ubar.
Autrefois Convict and Autrefois Acquit.
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Once a sentence has been passed, citizens cannot be convicted of the same crime, unless the crime was committed again.
Convictions in Absentia
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Any person summoned before a Prefect or the High Council who refuses may be brought bound by Guardsmen. Any person who cannot be found by the Guardsmen may be tried and convicted in absentia.
Pardons
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Pardons can only be granted by the Ubar.
Release
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At the end of sentence or when pardon is granted, the person is released, having served the time given
Reduction of Sentence
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The Ubar may upon his pleasure reduce any sentence passed by any Prefect or the Praetor. Reduction of sentence does not absolve the convict of their crime.
Perjury
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It is a crime in the city of Port Talis to present false witness and testimony before a Prefect, the Ubar or the High Council. Such cases are punishable by execution or banishment.
Jurisdiction
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The City of Port Talis does not recognize the laws of other cities, nor does it authorize the the execution of arrest warrants or collection of debts of other cities unless said city has a written "extradition treaty" with Port Talis that has been agreed upon by city officials and the High Council. Cities with extradition treaties must notify local authorities before attempting to execute any warrant within the city or its territories.
Executions
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For those convicted of serious crimes, the city retains the punishment of execution, where the convict shall be hung by the entrance gates, that their shame be manifest to all those visiting the city and passing by. Once so chained, the convicts shall remain there until they are pronounced dead by a Physician of the city. Their bodies shall then be discarded into the river that there shame be washed away from the city. Upon the discretion of the Prefect, the condemned may instead be impaled upon a stake until they are declared dead by a Physician of the city.
Executions are sentenced by the High Magistrate and can be carried out as:
- impalement
- hanging in iron collars
All execution sentences can be appealed.
Banishment
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The Ubar alone reserves the right to banish any citizen found to have dishonored the Home Stone. Banishment shall occur in the chamber of the High Council by the public refusal of bread, salt and fire. The Cylinder of Knowledge shall maintain a permanent record of all such banished citizens. Banished citizens shall be re-admitted to the city only if they are granted permission by the Ubar to partake in a new citizenship ceremony.
Work chains
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Free men of the city convicted of crimes and sentences to imprisonment may, as the discretion of the Praetor, be sold to work chains for the period of their sentence. Monies collected from the proprietors of work chains shall be deposited with the city treasury. Work chains operating in the vicinity of the City of Port Talis are guaranteed neutrality provided they are not actively working on fortifications to the benefit of an enemy of the city.
Capture Rights
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Port Talis does not applies capture rights. Any slave or free person (who is bound) and taken into the city will be held by the Warriors until a Slaver from the city Kennels can collect and process the slave/bound person.
Testimony of slaves
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The testimony of slaves can be taken under torture and maybe used as valid evidence in court. As torturers from Turia are not readily available, any male citizen of Port Talis is able to torture a slave if a law scribe is in presence and has requested the slave be tortured for questioning.
Tort Laws
Tort Laws apply to damages to person or property including murder, rape, assault, theft, fraud and defamation.
The Laws of Port Talis
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CRIMINAL ACTS - TORT LAWS
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Section 1 - These crimes can result in death, enslavement, or other punishments as deemed fit by a magistrate/High Magistrate
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⚖️ The Laws of Port Talis (Southern Gorean Codex)
Treason
Betrayal of the Home Stone or any attempt to overthrow the sovereignty of Port Talis is the gravest crime.
• 1-a: Falsely claiming membership in a Caste.
• 1-b: Forging papers or seals for personal gain.
• 1-c: Aiding enemies of Port Talis in any form.
• 1-d: Possessing or creating maps of the city without belonging to the Caste of Cartographers.
• 1-e: Selling or trading information about Port Talis to outsiders.
• 1-f: Spying upon the citizens of Port Talis.
Penalty: Death, exile, or enslavement, at the discretion of the Magistrates.
Murder and Attempted Murder
No free may take the life of another free without lawful sentence or explicit authority.
• Penalties: Execution, exile, or blood-price paid to the family of the slain.
• Accused may plead innocence before a Prefect or claim Justifiable Homicide.
Justifiable Homicide includes:
• Defense of the Home Stone.
• Slaying an agent of an enemy power when arrest is not feasible.
• Execution carried out under Prefect’s sentence.
• Self-defense.
• Protection of others: Free men may use deadly force to defend women, children, fellow free, and property.
• Physicians: Deaths in the course of treatment may be judged by testimony of another Physician.
• Euthanasia: A free may take his own life; assistance is lawful if a signed note is authenticated by Scribes.
• Refusal of Submission: A Warrior must accept the submission of a free woman or slay her.
• Capture Rights: A man granted rights over a foreign woman may slay her if she refuses the collar.
• Assassins: Those claiming the Caste of Assassins must prove their commission before the Praetor; if released, they must depart the city immediately.
Theft or Destruction of Property
• Theft by a slave: Execution.
• Theft by a free:
• First offense: Ear notching.
• Second offense (male): Right hand removed.
• Third offense (male): Left hand and both feet removed.
• Second offense (female): Enslavement.
• Stolen property shall be seized and returned to rightful owner.
Rape
Forcing a free person into sexual acts against their will is forbidden.
• Penalty: Execution or exile, at Prefect’s discretion.
• Conviction requires testimony of witnesses or Physicians.
Slander and Defamation
• False statements harming reputation or livelihood are crimes.
• Penalty: Fines or imprisonment.
• If truth is proven, the accuser shall suffer equal punishment.
Other Crimes
• Face Stripping: Removing the veil of a free woman without authority of her Companion or Magistrate.
• Disregard of Safety: Disobeying lawful orders meant to protect free persons.
• Assault: Physical attack upon a citizen; punishment determined by Magistrate.
• Fraud: False witness or deceit for gain; punished by fines or imprisonment.
• Arson: Investigated by Magistrates; punishable by imprisonment or enslavement.
• False Accusations: Punishable by fines, imprisonment, or enslavement.
• Kidnapping: Abduction without lawful order; punishable by death or enslavement.
• False Imprisonment: Unlawful confinement of a citizen; punishable by Magistrate’s ruling.
• Bribery: Offering goods, services, or coin to corrupt testimony or neglect duty; punishable by fines, imprisonment, or enslavement
⚖️ The Laws of Port Talis (Southern Gorean Codex, Part II)
Accepting a Bribe
To accept coin, goods, or services in exchange for false testimony, neglect of duty, or unlawful influence is a betrayal of the Home Stone.
• Penalty: Fines, imprisonment, enslavement, or death, at the discretion of the Magistrates.
• Any citizen, resident, or official found guilty shall be stripped of honor and caste privileges.
Breaking & Entering
Forcing entry into the private holdings of another without lawful warrant or Magistrate’s order is forbidden.
• Exception: Warriors may enter dwellings or shops in pursuit of criminals or when danger within is evident.
• Penalty: Imprisonment, fines, or enslavement, as judged by the Prefect.
Resisting Arrest
Any who flee or refuse lawful apprehension after a warrant signed by the High Magistrate, or who disobey the command of a Warrior, shall be guilty of resisting arrest.
• Penalty: Imprisonment, enslavement, or death, depending on severity and circumstance.
• The authority of the Warrior is absolute in pursuit of justice.
Face Covering
No man may obscure his face within the walls of Port Talis, save those of the Clan of Torturers or those bearing a Physician’s note.
• First offense: Verbal warning.
• Second offense: Imprisonment or enslavement.
• Persistent offenders may be exiled or executed.
Section II — Of the Enslavement of Free Persons
Enslavement of Free Women
A free woman who acts in a manner unbecoming of her station shall be enslaved.
Reasons include:
• Slavish behavior in speech, dress, or demeanor.
• Kneeling in the slave’s position or dancing as a slave.
• Submission to a man or addressing him as “Master.”
• Free Companionship contracts permitting enslavement.
• Absence of manumission papers when branded or collared.
• Couching another’s slave.
• Public lust, drunkenness, nudity, or vagrancy.
• Wearing earrings in public.
• Dressing or performing as a slave outside of Kajuralia.
Penalty: Immediate collaring and sale from the public block.
Debt
If a man cannot pay his debts:
• His property may be seized by Prefects.
• If insufficient, his daughters and companion may be enslaved and sold.
• He himself may be chained to labor until the debt is repaid.
• Free women unable to meet obligations may be enslaved and sold, either publicly or directly to the creditor.
Foreign Free Women
Free women not citizens of Port Talis are not protected under its laws. They may be collared without repercussion.
Section III — Dispute Resolution and Challenges
Intra-Caste Disputes
Disputes within a Caste shall be judged by the Head of Caste.
• Rulings may be recorded in the Cylinder of Knowledge.
• All parties must abide by the decision.
Inter-Caste Disputes
Disputes between Castes shall be resolved by their respective Heads.
• If resolution fails, a challenge may be issued.
Challenges
• The challenger must declare the challenge publicly.
• The challenged man chooses the mode of combat and time.
• He may appoint a champion if unskilled in the arts of the Red Caste.
• The dispute ends when mercy is demanded or death occurs.
• The victor has no claim to the estate of the vanquished.
• If the vanquished dies, his estate is distributed according to inheritance law.
Free Persons and Family Laws
Family laws govern the expected roles of families.
The laws of Port Talis
1. Of free people
Port Talis is an Ubarate and with such a classification, certain expectations of conduct are expected. With that being said, these Laws apply:
WITHIN THE CITY OF Port Talis
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1.1a Port Talis respects all local customs from other Gorean lands. The local customs such as Pani, Tuchuk, are tolerated for visitors and those citizens of low caste. High Caste Citizens of other cultures must adapt to Southern customs.
1.1b FREE MEN
Free men of Gor have complete freedom to portray themselves in all ways they see fit that do not break any law. However, these buildings cannot be accessed without a shirt and/or kilts/pants on:
- Castes buildings
- Administration
- Temple
Access can be denied by any caste member to the above listed buildings when and only when the above law is broken.
If a free man is found inside the building inappropriately dressed, he will be asked to leave and return clothed or escorted out.
1.2 FREE WOMEN
a. High Caste Free Women: EXPECTED to wear Robe of Concealment which includes Head cover (optional), veils, gloves (optional) and covered toes.
You might be asked to comply by prominent figures. (warriors, heads of your caste). If you do not comply, you may be fined and brought before the Head of your Caste, Ubar, or Magistrate.
Refusal to be brought before the Head of your Caste, Ubar, or Magistrate will lead to an immediate arrest by a warrior of Port Talis.
a1. High Caste Free Women must wear their hair up regardless of culture.
b. Low Caste free women: Are not required to wear a veil.
b1. Low Caste Free Women must wear there hair up unless Northern Born and un-companioned, and must be braided.
TOLERATED
1. Light make-up
2. Local Customs (Pani, Tuchucks, Red Savages, Red Hunters and so on) for visitors only and Low Caste Citizens
NOT TOLERATED - ever
1. tattoos unless barbarian born
2. nail polish on hands and or feet (exposed - allowed in private)
3. earrings (slave embellishment)
4. visible piercings (slave embellishment)(exceptions for local customs apply)
5. exposed cleavage
6. exposed legs
7. flowing hair in public (Grand Baths are not considered public)
2. Of Family Laws
2.1. Paternal Authority.
2.1.1. The city of Port Talis respects the role of the father to manage his family as he sees fit and shall limit its interests in such matters.
2.2. Inheritance.
2.2.1. Upon the death or enslavement of a man of Port Talis, his assets and estate shall be transferred in equal parts, to all his children. If no such offspring can be found, the estate shall instead be transferred to the nearest living relative by blood. If no such relative can be found, the assets shall instead be transferred to his companion. If no companion exists, then said assets shall instead be transferred to the High Council of the city.
Free women who die or are enslaved shall have their assets transferred to her children. If no offsprings are present, the assets are to be transferred to the nearest male relative by blood. Protectors may not inherit from their protectorates. In the event that no male relative can be located, a woman’s assets shall instead be transferred to the High Council of the city.
For both free men and women, the city shall make efforts to locate heirs of the deceased for a period of not less than four hands before such assets can be transferred to the city. If any free of Port Talis wishes his estate to be divided otherwise he may deposit an official will prepared and sealed by a Scribe and deposited at the Cylinder of Knowledge. Alternatively he may choose three witnesses to his will, who must be free citizens of Port Talis. Such witnesses are expected to come forth before a Prefect of the city upon the man’s death or enslavement and recite the will they witnessed as well as the date the will was made.
2.3. Companionship.
2.3.1. Contract of Free Companionship
2.3.1.1. The city of Port Talis recognizes the institute of Free Companionship between one man and one woman only. Although travelers speak of some cities having sanctioned same gender companionships, they are not recognized in the city of Port Talis. Visitors to the city wishing their companions to enjoy the rights of companionship within the walls of the city of Port Talis may deposit proof of companionship with our Cylinder of Knowledge. Those visitors from regions where multiple companions are permitted may only deposit proof of one companionship. The father of the woman to be companioned, or one protector of record, must consent to the companionship for it be considered legal.
2.3.2. Rights of Companions
2.3.2.1. Free Companions are protected by law, but the authority of the man over his companion is recognized and upheld. A Free Companion may act as proxy for her male companion if he is unavailable, including sitting on the council and voting on his behalf. Written authorization must be obtained and be on record with the Cylinder of Knowledge for such authority to be transferred.
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2.3.3. Bride Price
2.3.3.1. The Bride Price is paid by the man to the father or principle protector of record of the woman he is taking as his companion. Such amounts shall be mutually agreed by both parties.
2.3.2. Renewal
2.3.2.1. Free Companionships must be renewed in the presence of a Scribe annually. The Scribe will sign a renewal form, a copy of which must be placed with the Cylinder of Knowledge. Failure to renew the companionship results in its dissolution.
2.3.5. Termination
2.3.5.1. The companionship terminates if either partner dies or is enslaved, or if the companionship is not renewed upon its anniversary. Companions who renew their pledges of companionship outside of the walls of the city of Port Talis should obtain an official certification of the ceremony by the local authority where the renewal takes place and have a copy deposited with the Cylinder of Knowledge in the city of Port Victoria for the city to recognize the continuation of the companionship. Companions may also petition the Ubar to dissolve their companionship if they can cite evidence of why said companionship should be dissolved.
2.3.6. Division of Assets
2.3.6.1. In the event that the companionship terminates, both companions are entitled to those assets and monies they brought into the companionship and those which they purchased for themselves. Additional assets and estates purchased during the companionship for which clear title is not discernable by law are the property of the man. If the companionship is terminated due to death or enslavement of the man, the estate of the man shall be transferred according to Port Talis law on inheritance.
2.4. Children
2.4.1. Status
2.4.1.1. A child's status as slave or free is determined by the status of the mother at the time of birth. The children of slaves are themselves slaves and the property of the mother's owner. A child of a free woman is a free child, subject to the law of its father.
2.4.2. Protection
2.2.2.1. No child in the city of Port Talis be they free or slave, shall be subject to sexual practices by any person. Any man, slave or free, who engages with sex with a pre-pubescent shall be castrated and sold to Tahari traders for use as a eunuch. In the event that any man is charged with such an offense, a Physician shall be called to determine the age of the alleged child. In those cases where the alleged minor cannot be presented for inspection, public records may be consulted to determine the alleged minor's age.
2.4.3. Birth Out of Companionship
2.4.3.1. Children born to free women who have allowed their companionships to lapse by a failure to renew, and have not pledged new companionships, shall be subject to their former companion and said child be presented to him, that the child may be raised properly as his son or daughter.
2.4.2. Adoption
2.2.2.1. Free men of the city may petition the High Council to adopt an orphan or illegitimate child as their son or daughter. The High Council shall consider such requests and if granted, the child shall be henceforth considered the child of the adopter. Said child will be accepted into the caste of the father and shall be expected to practice said caste when the child reaches puberty. Said child may also share in the inheritance of the father and his companion upon their death or enslavement.
2.4.5. Disowning.
2.4.5.1. Any free man may disown any child by publicly stating in the Council Chambers before the High Council of city. A further Certification of Disownership shall be filed with the Cylinder of Knowledge for public record. Upon disowning a son or daughter, said father relinquishes all rights and responsibilities to the former dependent. Disowned children remain member of their caste. Disowned children no longer may lay claim upon the estate of the father or mother upon the death or enslavement of the former parent. Disowned daughters become protectorates of the Ubar unless a protector of record is registered with the caste of scribes.
2.5. Changing Names
2.5.1. Any free person may petition the High Council to change their name from the one given to them by their father. Such petitions should be written down by a Scribe and presented before the council. If the High Council grants such a request a record will be made with the Cylinder of Knowledge. All properties and obligations will be carried forward to the new name.
2.6. Free Women
2.6.1. Rights
2.6.1.1. Free Women of Port Talis are those women of city who have reached puberty and have sworn allegiance to the Home Stone in an official ceremony of citizenship. The Free Women of Port Talis are entitled to the protection of the Home Stone and the walls of the city. Free Women may own property and manage their businesses. Free Women may speak their minds on whatever topic they choose. Free Women are free to move about the public space of the cities without a male escort.
The same rights apply to RESIDENT free women of the city.
2.6.2. Access to Taverns and Brothels
2.6.2.1. Free Women may not enter a Tavern or Brother Punishments include: stripping down to the veil and transportation back to her domicile in chains, enslavement.
2.6.3. Obedience to Fathers, Companions, Protectors
2.6.3.1. Free women who are not companioned are expected to obey their father’s instruction. Those free women whose fathers have moved on to the cities of dust, or for whom their whereabouts is unknown, may petition another free man of the city to be their protector of record. Said protector, or protectors, may fulfill the role of father for the free woman, including being responsible for her behavior in public, setting her bride price and giving permission for her to companion. A free woman is not expected to adopt the caste of her protector if it differs from her own. A free woman may list multiple protectors, records of which should be deposited with the caste of Scribes. Those free women who refuse or are unable to obtain protection from a free man will be considered protectorates of the Ubar. In these cases the Ubar will fulfill the role of father or protector for the free woman where such permission is needed. In the event that the Ubar of the city is a woman, such roles of protection shall be borne by the highest ranking male member of the High Council. Protectorates are not mandatory. A free woman without companion or male relatives may choose to self-administer, knowing well what that might imply for her safety.
2.6.4. Assault
2.6.4.1. The striking a free woman by a man is a crime in the city of Port Talis punishable by fines. Repeated offenses will lead to imprisonment. The striking a free woman by another free woman is punishable by a fine set forth by a Prefect of the City.
2.6.5. Face Stripping
2.6.5.1. Within the city walls, a free woman shall not be forcibly face stripped without the order of a Prefect. Those found guilty of such a crime shall be subject to fines and imprisonment.
2.6.6. Submission
2.6.6.1. Within the city walls, a free woman may offer herself in submission to a man who then has the opportunity to accept said submission and collar the woman, making her a slave, or refuse. If the act submission is refused the free woman may continue to live as a free, enjoying all the rights and freedoms of the free woman. A free woman submitting herself before a free man grants the free man the ability to collar her without the order of a Prefect. The free man should obtain witnesses to the submission that he might rightfully obtain papers from the Cylinder of Knowledge proving his ownership. The right of submission is suspended once an arrest warrant is issued for a free woman. From the moment the arrest warrant bears an official seal, the named free woman shall only have the right of submission to a Prefect of the city. Any man who accepts the submission of a woman for whom an arrest warrant has been issued is subject to the charge of theft, since said woman, once enslaved may only be considered the property of the city of Port Talis. The Prefect may grant leniency in such cases if he believes that the man was unaware of the outstanding warrant.
2.6.7. Life Debt
2.6.7.1. Any free woman NOT of Port Talis, whose life is saved by a free man of Port Talis, who is not a relative of the free woman, by blood or companionship, may be claimed as a slave by said free man if he wishes her. Free men asserting such claims must present the woman and such evidence as exists pertaining to her rescue before a Prefect of the city. If such evidence is found to support the claim the woman shall be sent for branding and collaring and papers issued to the free man confirming the woman as his property. Should the evidence be found not to support the claim of rescue the woman shall be released and escorted back to her domicile by Guardsmen.
Merchant Laws
The only laws that are universal throughout Gor.
📜 The Merchant Codex of Port Talis
By the will of the Home Stone, under the authority of the High Council, and in accordance with the Merchant Laws of the Sardar Fairs…
I. Authority of the Caste of Merchants
• The Caste of Merchants shall preside over all matters of trade, coin, and commerce.
• The Head of Caste, with approval of the High Council, shall establish the standard weights for all coinage stamped with the seal of Port Talis.
• Port Talis recognizes and adheres to the Merchant Laws of the Sardar Fairs, binding its trade to the greater Gorean order.
• Disputes in Merchant Law shall be judged by Scribe Magistrates, under exemptions granted by the Sardar agreements.
II. Acts Against Merchant Law
Punishments shall be decreed by the Scribe Magistrates, in accordance with Gorean severity.
A. Trade (Fraud)
• Scales failing calibration (tested four times yearly).
• Use of deceptive Foot or Stone.
• Alteration of coin weights (shaving, clipping).
• Falsification of pedigree papers on slaves.
• Falsification of bills of sale.
• Operating a business without registration with the Caste of Merchants.
B. Property (Theft)
• Failure to pay debts.
• Sale of stolen goods.
C. Slaves
• Public sale of unbranded slaves.
• Failure to register slaves according to Port Talis law.
• Failure of an owner to ensure slaves wear visible tokens of bondage.
III. Taxes
• All residents and citizens shall pay taxes.
• Tax on goods, services, and merchandise: ¼ that of Ar.
• Tax on rental and real estate: 5%.
• The Harbor Master shall levy a 1% tax on all imports and exports.
IV. Weights and Measures
• The Caste of Merchants shall maintain a single reference weight and stone, calibrated at the Sardar Fairs.
• Merchants must calibrate their measures annually.
• Any deviation greater than 15% constitutes fraud.
V. Work Chains
• Work Chains may be inspected by Prefects and Guardsmen to ensure no free men are held unlawfully.
VI. Slaves
6.1 — Protection
• Adult slaves hold no protection under Port Talis law.
• Owners possess absolute rights, including the right to kill displeasing slaves.
6.2 — Child Slaves
• Slaves not yet of puberty are granted limited protections consistent with their legal status as children.
6.3 — Dismissal of Past Offenses
• Once enslaved, debts and past crimes are erased.
6.4 — Allocation of Assets
• Assets of the newly enslaved are discharged according to inheritance law.
• Freed slaves may not reclaim former property.
6.5 — Sale
• Only the owner of record may sell a slave.
• Free Companions may not sell slaves purchased by their men.
6.6 — Theft
• Stolen slaves become property of the thief after two weeks if unrecovered.
• Runaway slaves seized by Guardsmen are returned to the thief as property.
6.7 — Runaways
• First offense: whipping.
• Second offense: hamstringing.
• Free persons must apprehend runaway slaves and deliver them to Guardsmen.
• Foreign runaways may be taken to kennels; compensation or right of first offer may be requested.
6.8 — Transportation
• Slaves may not leave the city unescorted.
• Attempting to leave with another man’s slave is theft.
6.9 — Legal Documents
• Slaves may not touch legal documents unless sealed and authorized.
6.10 — Testimony
• Slave testimony is taken under torture and considered less reliable than that of a free.
6.11 — Weapons
• Slaves may not touch weapons of attack.
• Fighting slaves may use whips and short knives in practice only.
6.12 — Collars
• Female adult slaves must wear locked collars in public.
• Unauthorized removal is punishable by fines and imprisonment.
6.13 — Impersonation
• Slaves may not impersonate free persons except in plays, with visible tokens of bondage.
• First offense: whipping.
• Second offense: hamstringing.
6.14 — Papers
• Ownership papers must be deposited with Scribes.
• Travelers must present papers for authentication.
• Slaves with disputed ownership are seized until resolved.
6.15 — Pedigree
• Forging pedigree papers is punishable by imprisonment.
6.16 — Offspring
• Children of female slaves are property of the mother’s owner.
6.17 — Branding
• All slaves must be branded.
• Absence of brand is punishable by fines and seizure.
• Preferred brand location: high on the left thigh.
6.18 — Authenticity
• Selling slaves under false description (e.g., hair color) is punishable by fines and seizure.
6.19 — Striking a Free
• Female slaves striking a free: tortured and executed.
• Male slaves may strike only in bodyguard duty; otherwise executed.
6.20 — Abandoned Slaves
• Un-collared or abandoned slaves become property of the city.
6.21 — Rescuing
• Slaves taken in conquest belong temporarily to the warrior who seized them, but must be turned over for processing.
• Former free women of Port Victoria remain slaves, as a mark of shame upon their city.
6.22 — Manumission
• Owners freeing slaves must file manumission papers with Scribes.
• Freed slaves have 20 ahn exemption from collaring to secure attire and remove collars.
• Former slaves must carry manumission papers at all times.
• Branded women without papers shall be re-enslaved and sold.
Closing Declaration
Thus are the Merchant Laws of Port Talis inscribed, binding all who trade, all who own, and all who serve within the walls of the city. By the will of the Home Stone, these laws endure, upheld by the High Council, enforced by the Caste of Merchants, and guarded by the Prefects and Scribes.
Caste Laws - Section B
📜 The Castes Codex of Port Talis
By the will of the Home Stone, under the decree of the Ubar, and with the authority of the High Council…
I. Head of Caste
• The Head of Caste shall maintain the standards of their caste within the city.
• Appointment shall be made by the Ubar, serving at the discretion of the High Council.
• Tenure continues until resignation, dismissal by majority vote of the High Council, or decree of the Ubar.
II. Caste Entitlement
• Castes are strict; Heads of Castes may exercise control over admission.
• Children shall be of the caste of their father.
• Male children, upon adolescence, are expected to practice their caste after apprenticeship.
• Free Companions may elect to change caste registration to that of their male companion.
• Any person enslaved loses caste protection, rights, and entitlement.
III. Caste Duties
• Members of each caste are expected to perform functions that support the city.
• Any Gorean who refuses to practice their livelihood or alters caste without consent of the Ubar shall be stripped of caste and declared outlaw.
• Outlaws are subject to execution at the discretion of the Magistrate.
• Women are not required to practice their caste if they choose not to do so.
IV. Caste Change
• Individuals with proven aptitude outside their caste may petition for change.
• Permission must be obtained from the Ubar, the Head of the current caste, and the Head of the desired caste.
• A sponsor from the desired caste must speak for the petitioner before the Head of Caste.
• No man or woman shall be admitted to any caste without express consent of the Head of Caste.
V. Caste Expulsion
• Individuals failing to practice their caste, failing to meet standards, or bringing dishonor may be expelled.
• Expulsion is requested by the Head of Caste.
B1 — The Caste of Initiates
• Representation: Guaranteed one voting seat on the High Council, filled by nomination of the Initiates.
• Law: May maintain their own courts and laws, subject to High Council approval. They have no access to Guardsmen, Magistrates, or Scribe records.
• Pilgrimage: All free citizens must attend the Sardar Fair before their twenty-fifth birthday to pay homage to the Priest Kings. Records are kept by the Initiates. Failure results in banishment for men and enslavement for women.
• Temple Access: All free may enter the temple to pay homage. Slaves may not enter and must be chained outside.
• Authorized Slaves: Only eunuchs owned by the Initiates may serve within the temple.
B2 — The Caste of Scribes
• Representation: Guaranteed one voting seat on the High Council.
• Sub-Branches: Determined by the High Scribes and recorded.
• Praetor (High Magistrate): All Prefects report to the Praetor, appointed by the High Scribe. The Praetor may override rulings, commute sentences, or impose harsher ones.
• Prefects (Magistrates): Drawn from the Caste of Scribes, appointed by the Praetor. They issue warrants, hear complaints, examine evidence, and deliver rulings. Prefects may enforce warrants outside the city walls.
• Legal Documents: Deemed valid once bearing the seal of the city or a city scribe.
• Time Recording: Official records use the calendar of Ar.
• Maps: Kept only by authorized Scribes and Warriors. Unauthorized possession is treason.
• False Papers: Fraudulent documents are seized and destroyed. Bearers are charged with fraud, theft, or treason depending on purpose.
B3 — The Caste of Physicians
• Representation: Guaranteed one voting seat on the High Council.
• Sub-Branches: Determined by the High Physicians and recorded.
• False Papers: Fraudulent documents are seized and destroyed. Bearers are charged with fraud, theft, or treason depending on purpose.
B4 — The Caste of Builders
• Representation: Guaranteed one voting seat on the High Council.
• Construction: Only free citizens may build or maintain city walls and cylinders. Such work is a privilege unworthy of slaves.
• Interference: Free men interfering with infrastructure to aid enemies or disrupt the city are subject to execution. Free women so found shall be enslaved. Interference includes poisoning wells or grain stores.
B5 — The Caste of Warriors
• The roles of Warriors are governed by the Codes.
• Representation: Guaranteed one voting seat on the High Council.
B5 — The Caste of Warriors
b5.2 — Deputization
• Warriors of the Red Caste may deputize men of other castes during times of conflict.
• No official declaration of war, hostilities, or state of emergency is required for such deputization.
• Once deputized, the non-warrior may be armed and assigned duties consistent with the rank of apprentice warrior.
• Deputization lapses when the immediate danger has passed, or when a Warrior of Captain rank or higher absolves the non-warrior of his duties.
b5.3 — Companions of Warriors
• Free Companions of Warriors may petition to change caste to that of the Red Caste.
• If accepted by the Head of the Warrior Caste, the woman shall be considered of the Red Caste.
• Such women may not wield weapons in battle, attend warrior training, nor present themselves as Warriors.
B6 — The Low Castes
b6.1 — Representation on the Council
• The Low Castes shall be represented on the High Council by a single non-voting representative.
• This representative shall voice the concerns and opinions of the lower castes of the city.
• Appointment shall be made by the Ubar, and tenure continues until resignation or dismissal.
b6.2 — The Caste of Metalworkers
• To copy a key, a Metalworker must first obtain permission from the legal owner.
• Permission may also be granted by the Low Castes’ council representative, the Praetor, the High Council, or the Ubar.
• Any Metalworker found to have copied a key without such permission shall be punished by execution.
b6.3 — The Caste of Assassins
• Assassins entering the city on caste business must present themselves in caste colors and wear the dagger symbol upon their foreheads.
• Assassins attempting to enter in disguise shall be arrested and executed.
• All assassins hunting within Port Talis must seek the consent of the Head of the Black Caste, who is represented in the city.
b6.4 — Street Performances
• Companies or individuals wishing to perform music, plays, or entertainment in the streets must obtain a license from the Ubar’s office.
• Performing without such license is a criminal offense, punishable by fines and imprisonment.
• The Ubar’s office may demand payment before issuing a license.
• Licenses may not exceed four weeks in duration; longer performances require renewal through the Administration office.
Closing Declaration
Thus are the Caste Laws of Port Talis inscribed. By the will of the Home Stone, the decree of the Ubar, and the authority of the High Council, these laws bind all castes, preserve order, and uphold the honor of the city.
Public Laws - Outlaws - Section C
📜 Public Laws of Port Talis — Section C: Outlaws
By the will of the Home Stone, under the decree of the Ubar, and with the authority of the High Council…
C.1 — Declaration of Outlaws
• Any Free found within the city walls who bears no caste shall be declared Outlaw.
• This law applies equally to men and women.
• Those unable to show evidence of caste shall be arrested by Guardsmen and held until verification.
C.2 — Punishments
• Men found to be Outlaws shall be executed.
• Women found to be Outlaws shall be enslaved and sold from the public block.
• Peasants shall not be considered Outlaws, for their caste is recognized.
C.3 — Pirates
• Those calling themselves Pirates shall be deemed no different than Outlaws.
• Pirates shall be subject to the same penalties as Outlaws.
C.4 — Thieves
• The City of Port Talis does not recognize a caste of thieves.
• Any who claim such a caste shall be deemed Outlaws and tried as such.
C.5 — Panthers and Talunas
• Panthers and Talunas shall be treated as Outlaws under the law of the city.
• They shall be subject to arrest, execution, or enslavement according to their sex and standing.
Closing Declaration
Thus are the Outlaws named and judged. By the will of the Home Stone, the decree of the Ubar, and the authority of the High Council, these laws bind all who dwell within Port Talis, preserving order and the honor of the city.
Public Laws - Miscellaneous - Sections D, E, F (Kuraii, Mamba, Taluna & Panthers)
📜 Public Laws of Port Talis — Sections D–F
By the will of the Home Stone, under the decree of the Ubar, and with the authority of the High Council…
Section D — Kurii
Law: Kill on sight.
Reason (based on the Gorean series):
• The Kurii are alien predators, enemies of the Priest-Kings, and sworn foes of all civilized Gorean cities.
• They are known for their savagery, immense strength, and desire to dominate Gor through conquest and destruction.
• To permit a Kur to live within the walls of Port Talis would endanger the Home Stone itself.
• Thus, by Gorean custom and necessity, Kurii are slain immediately upon discovery, without trial or delay.
Section E — Mambas
Law: Kill on sight.
Reason (based on the Gorean series):
• The Mambas are jungle tribesmen of Schendi, feared for their cannibalistic practices and ferocity.
• They are considered dangerous outsiders, hostile to Gorean civilization and contemptuous of the laws of the cities.
• Their presence within Port Talis would bring dishonor and peril, as they are known to prey upon strangers and revel in bloodshed.
• Therefore, the law decrees that Mambas be slain upon sight, preserving the safety and dignity of the city.
Section F — Panthers and Talunas
Law: Capture on sight.
Reason (based on the Gorean series):
• Panthers and Talunas are outlaw bands of women who dwell in the forests, rejecting the bonds of civilization.
• They are often hostile to men, raiding caravans and villages, yet they are not considered as irredeemable as Kurii or Mambas.
• Gorean custom holds that women who live as panther girls or Talunas may be subdued, collared, and returned to the order of society as slaves.
• Thus, the law commands capture rather than execution, for their fate is to be reclaimed into bondage, serving as a reminder of the supremacy of Gorean order.
Closing Declaration
Thus are the enemies of Port Talis named and judged. By the will of the Home Stone, the decree of the Ubar, and the authority of the High Council, Kurii and Mambas shall be slain, Panthers and Talunas shall be captured, and the honor of the city shall be preserved.
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