A New Citizen for Turmus

 Journal Entry: August 12, 2026

Location: Turmus, Olni Var, and Olni
Title: A New Citizen for Turmus

I began the morning in Turmus shortly before four. I checked the Educational Hall calendar and confirmed that tomorrow’s lessons would be “Salt, Silk, Spice, and Steel: The Goods of Gorean Trade,” followed on Saturday by “Bowing, Kneeling, and Other Gestures of Respect.”

Carola soon joined me and asked whether I had recovered from the previous day’s power outage. I had been working far too many late nights preparing lessons and apparently became quiet enough that she and Cherry thought I had fallen asleep.

Cherry was searching for fresh sage to use in tea and to burn in her new home as part of a peasant custom intended to welcome happiness. Carola suggested brak-bush leaves as a Gorean alternative, noting that they are traditionally hung on doors during the Waiting Hand.

Both women commented upon the northern clothing I was wearing. I explained that it was one of the outfits my father had given me and that he came from the north. Carola thought it looked comfortable and relaxing, while Cherry said it was charming and very different from my usual appearance. They both insisted that it made me look more approachable. Carola even suggested that it might help me attract a solid companion. I was still uncertain about the outfit and admitted that I felt somewhat undressed in it.

Carola then entertained us with a story about Bravin. While she had been sitting near the tavern, he told her to fetch black wine because no slave was nearby. When she directed him to the bell, he changed his order to paga and graciously gave her permission to enter the tavern. Carola instead rang the bell three times, bringing both the Tavern Keeper and a slave to serve him, and then departed. Cherry wondered whether his behavior had been an awkward attempt at flirting. Carola remained thoroughly unimpressed.

A visiting woman named Vindara approached us while looking for someone knowledgeable about animals. She had a young kaiila that needed a warmer place to live during the northern winter. The lands surrounding Turmus are largely marshy because of the river delta, although some suitable dry land exists beyond the walls. Carola recommended that she speak with Selia about whether an appropriate place might be found.

When I returned during the afternoon, I met Marcus Galbreus. He confirmed that Laela had recently come into his possession and asked whether she had been assisting me. I explained that her help had been informal and occasional. Marcus gave his permission for me to assign her whatever tasks I might need completed, saying that he wanted her to remain busy and useful to members of the Scribe Caste.

I appreciated his offer. Laela is a good girl, and her assistance has been helpful since my own girl is no longer with me. Now that I have Marcus’s approval, I will feel comfortable asking Laela to help more regularly.

Marcus also told me that he was working on a case involving theft and exchanged insults. I understood the difficulties such cases can bring and reminded him that I am a Magistrate by profession. We both admitted that our busy lives sometimes make it difficult to remember every previous conversation.

I later visited Olni and checked the schedule there. Tomorrow’s trade lesson will be presented at noon and four in Turmus, with an additional Olni presentation at two. Saturday’s lesson will be offered at eleven in Turmus and noon in Olni.

At the Olni inn, I spoke with Cid and Stefania. Stefania reported that Venna had suffered a large battle and had been burned, with refugees constructing a settlement near the Cove. She said a passage near the library led toward the new settlement. The news was concerning because of how close the Cove is to Olni.

After returning to Turmus, I met Aries while he was giving Zoey a tour of the city. Zoey was considering joining the Turmus Slave House. Aries asked me to show her the Educational Hall.

I showed Zoey the classroom, the schedule, the large map of Gor, the blackboard, and the library stored within the drawers. Aries kindly praised the classes and the work I had done to create a place where both the Free and slaves could learn.

I joined the tour as it continued through Turmus. Zoey was shown the tavern, kennels, gates, arena, palace, market, temple, and other important locations. We explained that slaves may not enter the temple and that it is safest for them not to approach its steps. She was also told that regal purple is prohibited to slaves and that she should learn the customs of the city before deciding whether to join the kennel.

When the tour returned to the Slave House, Zoey met Cheryl, Jean, and several others. Seònai, a Physician, examined her sufficiently to determine that she appeared healthy. Zoey said she had been born in Nara, had previously lived in Kurtzal, and had been well cared for even while in kennels. Seònai emphasized that the city must protect itself from illness and that Zoey would receive a more thorough examination if she entered the Slave House.

Zoey began completing the required applications and reading the city rules. Nicholas arrived later and was informed that she was seeking admission to the kennel. It was encouraging to see that the recruitment notice we prepared the previous evening had already helped bring a prospective girl to Turmus.

I also properly introduced myself to Seònai. I told her that I am a Magistrate and teach at the Educational Hall on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Each day follows a different series, so students may continue with the same subject by attending on the same weekday. She said she would try to attend the Tuesday classes when her work allowed.

The city meeting was held that evening in the palace throne room. Ubar Bactu began by addressing the recent accident that caused approximately one quarter of Turmus to disappear. He thanked Selia for responding quickly and helping restore the city so that its regular activities could resume.

Several events were announced, including the recognition of the Warrior Caste on August 19, an OOC dance afterward, the Free Companionship ceremony of Thunder and Iona, the Dazzler concert, and the Summer Madness Gorean Dance-Off.

Commander Augustus gave a detailed report on the city’s defenses and the continuing threats from the north. Nicholas reported upon the successful sales made by the Slave House and the current effort to replenish its numbers. Lib reminded everyone that Turmus possesses an excellent infirmary and medical staff available to care for the Free as well as slaves.

After the city meeting concluded, those who wished to witness the pledging ceremony gathered around the Home Stone. Aries stepped forward and announced his intention to pledge himself to Turmus.

He used a dagger crafted by Tasdron, one of the city’s blacksmiths, to draw the blood needed to seal his oath. Aries spoke of the welcome, brotherhood, and kindness he had received from the people of Turmus. As an Advocate, he pledged to use his skills to preserve peace, order, and justice. As a citizen, he pledged his unquestioning allegiance to the Home Stone.

Afterward, the Ubar welcomed him home, and the room answered with cries of “Hail Turmus!”

Aries had cut his palm rather more deeply than he intended. When he struggled to stop the bleeding, I gave him a clean piece of cloth from my pocket. Amalia wrapped it tightly around his hand while worrying that he had injured his writing hand. Fortunately, Aries explained that he was right-handed and had cut his left palm.

I was very glad that I remained for the ceremony. Aries thanked me several times for witnessing his pledge and said my presence meant a great deal to him. The gathering was smaller than he had expected, but he seemed pleased by its solemn and personal nature.

It was a full day of conversations, city activity, and planning for the future. Turmus gained a new citizen, the Slave House gained a promising applicant, and the Educational Hall continued to attract interest. After the difficulties caused by the missing city objects and the power outage, it was comforting to see the city restored, active, and growing again.

⊰════════════════════════════⊱

Meeting Summary:

Meeting: Turmus City Meeting
Date: August 12, 2026
Time: Approximately 6:05 PM–6:45 PM SLT
Location: Turmus Palace Throne Room
Presiding: Ubar Bactu and Ubara Selia

Purpose:

To provide city announcements, reports from Turmus officials, information about upcoming events, and an opportunity for questions or concerns from citizens and residents.

Summary:

City Restoration:

• Ubar Bactu addressed the accidental return of objects that caused approximately twenty-five percent of Turmus to disappear.
• He apologized for the disruption.
• Ubara Selia was thanked for her quick response.
• The city has resumed its regular activities.

Upcoming Events:

• August 13 at 10:00 AM SLT — Free Companionship ceremony of Thunder and Lady Iona at the Turmus Theater.
• Magistrate Marcus Galbreus will officiate the ceremony.
• Lady Ella was thanked for decorating the theater.
• August 19 — Recognition of the Turmus Warrior Caste in the palace throne room.
• An OOC dance will follow the Warrior Caste recognition so that slaves and Free Women may participate without in-character restrictions.
• August 22 at 4:00 PM SLT — OOC Dazzler concert at the Concert Platform near the Turmus Landing Zone.
• August 29 at 12:00 PM SLT — Summer Madness Gorean Dance-Off, organized by Head Merchant Ramius.

Merchant and Shop Announcements:

• Lady Anja reported that two messages disappeared from the mailbox outside her textile and clothing shop.
• Anyone who left a message for Anja or Cougar was asked to resend it.
• The recent Merchant Fair was considered successful.
• Citizens were encouraged to submit ideas for future in-character events to Ubar Bactu or Ubara Selia.

Educational Announcements:

• Selia reminded everyone that classes are offered at the Educational Hall and the campfire.
• Daily notices will provide class subjects, dates, and times.
• Both Free Persons and slaves are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Defense Report:

• Commander Augustus reported that the city walls, harbor defenses, ships, tarn patrols, gates, and defensive chains remain ready.
• Citizens were encouraged to learn the locations of warning bells and safe rooms.
• The north has made broad threats against southern cities.
• The Ubar of Venna was reportedly captured and taken in chains to Port Valaris before being released.
• Northern mercenaries also appeared at a Free Companionship ceremony in Teletus and declared war before departing.
• Merchants and other travelers were asked to remain alert and bring useful information back to the Ubar and Commander.
• The Commander expressed confidence in Turmus’s defenses while emphasizing continued preparation.

Slave House Report:

• Nicholas reported that the Slave House had sold approximately seven or eight girls during the previous several months.
• The reduced kennel population was attributed primarily to those successful sales.
• Six or seven good slaves remained in the House.
• A new recruitment effort was underway.
• A prospective new girl had arrived and was receiving a medical examination.
• Lora had recently been sold to the city blacksmith.
• Cass was recovering slowly after surgery and currently working only limited hours in the Slave House.

Infirmary Report:

• Lib reminded the city that Turmus has an excellent infirmary and medical staff.
• Physicians are available during much of the day.
• Free Persons were encouraged to use the infirmary when medical care is needed.

Recorded Attendance Included:

• Ubar Bactu
• Ubara Selia
• Commander Augustus Bade
• Kati Evans
• Aries Marchese
• Nicholas Eel
• Lib
• Carola Aromata Titus
• Anja Steinnsdottir
• Angelica Augustina Bade
• Lora
• Elmas
• Nixie
• Jean
• Amalia
• Sara, also known as Rayelle
• Nerine
• Cheryl

⊰════════════════════════════⊱

Ceremony Summary:

Ceremony: Aries Marchese’s Pledge to the Home Stone of Turmus
Date: August 12, 2026
Time: Approximately 6:55 PM–7:09 PM SLT
Location: The Home Stone, Turmus Palace
Presiding: Ubar Bactu
New Citizen: Aries Marchese

Purpose:

To permit Aries Marchese to swear his allegiance to the Home Stone and formally become a citizen of Turmus.

Summary:

Ubar Bactu reminded those present that pledging to a Home Stone is a solemn act. A person making the oath declares that the city is his home and that he is prepared to pay the dearest cost necessary to protect it.

Aries stepped before the Home Stone and used a dagger crafted by Tasdron to cut his palm. He then delivered his pledge:

“I, Aries, stand before this assembly as a relative newcomer, yet those who have lived here both long and short have welcomed me into this city with open arms. I have been shown brotherhood and kindness by the many residents and citizens of Turmus, some of whom are here today. It was those qualities that drew me to stay in this city, and those qualities which call me to pledge today.

“As an Advocate of the Caste of Scribes, I pledge to utilize my skills for the continued betterment of this beautiful city, to ensure peace and order and swift deliverance of justice through the enforcement of the laws of Turmus. And as a citizen of Turmus, I pledge my unquestioning allegiance to the Home Stone of Turmus.”

Aries placed his blood upon the Home Stone to complete the oath. Ubar Bactu welcomed him home, and those present answered with “Hail Turmus!”

Following the ceremony, Kati provided a clean cloth for Aries’s injured palm, and Amalia bound the wound.

Recorded Witnesses Included:

• Ubar Bactu — Presiding
• Ubara Selia
• Commander Augustus Bade
• Angelica Augustina Bade
• Kati Evans
• Carola Aromata Titus
• Amalia
• Nixie