| BASIC PRINCIPLES EFFECTING THE COMMUNITY AND HOW IT IS ORGANIZED |
The community of Sardaria does not have a rule book or instruction manual. It is not a role playing game, BDSM club, erotic simulation, or fanciful escape from reality. It is a gathering of men and women who share a strong interest in Gorean philosophy and sociology, and manifest this through the application of the values suggested by these systems to how they view their world and live their lives. As such, the community's practices and customs are founded in what these people are, and what they have come to determine is correct for themselves. Simply put, Sardaria is governed by the concepts found within the novels of John Norman which collect the basis of Gorean philosophy, further clarified by the laws of the modern society within which each involved person lives. Rules are not really a necessity in this community, at least not in the sense of those that would tell a free man how to live, how to act "right" in a social setting or how to "be Gorean." What is attempted here is not the creation of a play place where people can learn how to skillfully pretend to be something they are not. Nor is it the development of an environment in which the participants each follow a script of expected behavior in order to better fulfill and maintain their chosen fantasy role. Such places use rules as a means of creating an illusion and providing a guide within which to act, behavior that might otherwise be forgotten as one shifts between reality and fantasy. For those of Sardaria, there is no shift between fictional character and real life. By simply following Gorean philosophy, and truly living the lifestyle each professes to be leading, the vast majority of what others might refer to as "rules" are already being followed, with what falls under the concepts of "honor" and "loyalty" further presenting a far more appropriate and realistic guide for social conduct than any supplement could ever provide. These things, coupled with common sense and an adherence to those laws in existence where each person lives, are the true measure of Sardaria's guidelines. As such, a listing of strictures is not needed to instruct individuals on how to keep up appearances and not forget the roles they are playing, for these considerations are not applicable here. Each person is expected simply to live by the philosophy they claim to follow, and conduct themselves in accordance to its ideals. So what the rest of this section attempts to present are some of the basic customs and procedures of this community, gathered to clarify certain issues for those they pertain to. This first part deals with general issues, while other pages address free persons and slaves directly. "Regarding Free Persons" contains some information pertinent to the free of Sardaria and those they associate with. "Regarding Slaves" is also connected to this, providing particulars relevant to slaves within the community, including summary explanations of Gorean Slavery, and the differences between "submissives" and "slaves." While "Slave Behavior" explains specific protocol that is generally expected of them.
Though the majority of ideas relevant to Gor would not be at all detrimental to minors, and in many cases might actually prove beneficial to their growth, much of what is titled "Gor" as found online centers on heavy sexual themes. In accordance with the belief that the rearing of one's children is the responsibility and jurisdiction of the given parents, and in respect for the common laws of modern society in regard to minors, no individuals under the age of 18 may be admitted into Sardaria, and if minors are known to be in attendance in a public room the community sponsors, conversation is expected to reflect a respect for the age of that person. Online Gor and What is Really Gor
To put it simply, much of what is taught online regarding Gor is totally incorrect. Sardaria does not abide by what is deemed normal for AOL, IRC, or any online incarnation, and has no affection for "net-isms" and other little additions to the source novels or perversions of the ideas they present. We also do not promote or participate in the incorrect practices of other groups, for in doing so we would simply be condoning and supporting their mistakes. If you are unsure as to what Gor is really about and are truly interested in learning, it is suggested that you take the time to do so. The best possible way this can be done is by reading the Gorean novels. If you have difficulty finding these books, there are some suggestions as to how they may be acquired in the - Where to get the Books? - section of this website. This can also be supplemented by reading websites and message boards that are relevant to Gor, but it should be again noted that the majority of Gorean websites have little in common with the books other than the word "Gorean" and some overused catch phrases. What you read online may well push you farther from understanding Gor, than bring you closer to it. The Word "Gorean"
The word "Gorean," as employed on this website, is used to refer to those people who live a Gorean lifestyle and follow the philosophies inherent to it. In this way, it is reflective of both those people actively doing so on Earth and those fictional characters portrayed in the novels of John Norman as living on the planet Gor. While the two are of course not the same, and obviously do not share the same societal atmosphere or reality, the point of usage in this sense is to indicate those who live by a particular set of customs, traditions, philosophies, and beliefs, all of which are gathered under the word "Gorean." How this word is being used and what it refers to should be readily apparent when considering the context of the given situation. When used to describe those leading a Gorean lifestyle, it is not meant to suggest that the world of Gor is a real place, or that people living this particular lifestyle wish to believe it so. Delusion of this sort is actually contradictory to the philosophy that fictional world is founded on. Also, some who follow a Gorean lifestyle do not prescribe to the use of the word "Gorean" as a means of titling themselves. This choice is understood and perfectly acceptable, and the use of the word in that manner here is not meant to suggest their opinions are incorrect. Gorean Trivia
If you think that being Gorean is a measure of how much book trivia you can collect and memorize as if to pass a test, you have come to the wrong place. Even sites such as those we ourselves have created prove nothing except that time was invested in a work, and those having expended it wished to do so. Anyone can memorize details, and enough can exhibit an understanding of them, but the true measure comes from within oneself, in manifesting what you appear to understand and claim to believe in the simplest of unconsciously motivated actions. Such is not founded in the recitation of facts and figures which have only a cursory meaning to you and are stated as a means to impress or feign authority, and not in how many pages of information you possess and proceed to repeatedly tout that your "website" contains. Such things are often done to surround inadequacies with the illusion of importance, replacing actual manhood and leadership with pages of talk on it that when placed under the light of reality and truth fall far short of their repeatedly professed claims. Observing the Law
The community of Sardaria conducts itself in accordance with those laws of modern society which effect it and its people, along with any legal terms, contracts or agreements made with parties that it chooses to become involved with. This community does not condone, support or encourage activities which are in violation of any laws or statutes enacted by recognized authorities, or terms of agreement made with various services. Location of the Community
The existence of Sardaria is not a matter of online or offline presence. It exists in those who are a part of it, and gathers together wherever or however its people may meet. Offline, these community gatherings occur in two forms, "regional" events and "national" ones. The difference between the two has to do with regularity and scope. The former are more localized gatherings, set to occur in a particular area at a generally consistent location and time, with the objective of being a means for people in the same region to easily meet with regularity. The latter are less frequent and have the objective of gathering people of all different regions together in one place, being prepared and announced much in advance with the location moving from region to region with each event. Both are open to all citizens of the community, and property that has received permission to come. Online, those of the community most often meet on the Internet service of AOL. This is not to say that we only consider those capable of accessing AOL for acceptance into our community, just that it is currently easier to communicate with us if this means is used for online interaction. The possibility of maintaining a regularly open room on the AUSTnet IRC server has long been considered, and offers have been made to open locations on Active Worlds and Yahoo, but our continued focus for online communication and growth remains AOL. The possibility of developing into other areas is still held as an option, but this will not be done until we are sure of the foundation of any attempted projects, and see such an addition as something mutually beneficial. Offline Gatherings
A "Gathering" is a planned offline event where those of Sardaria come together to meet one another face to face. These events occur a number of times a year, in a variety of places, normally being scheduled far in advance, with the actual location being chosen in response to suggestions made and agreed upon. Sardarian Gatherings are not mass BDSM scenes, group orgies, mini-ren faires, costume parties, or acted out scenarios. They are simply chances for individuals in our community to gather in one place and enjoy the company of friends. What occurs at these events would likely be considered pretty tame by those with active imaginations, for very little out of the ordinary occurs. To us, the Gorean lifestyle is something that is every day, for it is indicative of the lives we actively lead. It is not something we retreat to a few times a year to play out our fantasies in cute little leather clothes. How we behave at a Gathering is no different from how we behave in every other moment of our lives, in every other place, excepting that we have the pleasure of better company at that time than most. For the most part, when the community comes together offline to meet, such Gatherings are closed to those not of Sardaria. It is possible that some respected guests may be invited to attend, but this is only with the prior knowledge and consent of the community itself. No individual can take it upon himself to extend this courtesy alone, and the desire to invite an outsider must be made known to others of the community and all attending, prior to any mention to the possible guest. It is of course expected that anyone who does plan to attend will agree to whatever provisions are stated prior to the event occurring, also meeting any commitments regarding expenses and reservations well in advance. Many other groups online have now begun to refer to general offline events as "gatherings," but their use of the same word is only coincidental, and the content of these other occurrences do not necessarily hold anything in common with our own. City Rooms Online
The community in its online form sponsors a limited amount of public channels or rooms. This limit is placed to insure that a preponderance of locations is not created, with more rooms existing than people to fill them. The channels that currently exist reflect the online needs of the community, and are flexible enough to provide participants with a number of options for interaction. Any individual who is a recognized part of the community may open one of the accepted public rooms if all are closed at the time. These rooms are open to the general public, including those not of Sardaria, and may be attended by anyone who is willing to abide by their rules in a mature and responsible manner, and seeks to be a positive part of any interaction. Room Specific Protocol
The sponsored rooms of the community each have their own protocol for interaction. This is again based on the factors defined in the introduction to this section, and are further delineated in the respective websites that have been created to support and describe them. Those familiar with the Gorean lifestyle should have little difficulty accepting or following these things, for they will likely reflect one's own nature and mannerisms, with any material presented simply serving to explain what the rooms are presented for, and inform those who are less versed in these things. Citizenship and Joining the Community
As should be obvious, the only people who can become citizens of our community are the free. Slaves are property, and while they can become a part of the community through ownership, they are not considered citizens in the same manner. To a free person, the first loyalty and consideration is to one's Home Stone, to the community he is sworn to and lives a part of as a citizen. To a slave, the driving purpose is to be pleasing to one's master, with all dedication focusing on him. Only those who have been accepted into Sardaria may be considered an actual part of it. Once this happens, the person gains whatever rights and privileges are associated with who and what they are. Free persons are considered to be citizens of the city, with their place being that of one sworn to its Home Stone and accepted as worthy of the privilege of declaring it their own. Slaves are taken into the community as property, as is fitting what they are, and are expected to live up to the collars that they wear. Acceptance itself is determined over a preliminary period of time. The general process for new people is similar, with different considerations being obviously made with regard to slave or free as appropriate. Acceptance into Sardaria is not something that is just given to one wishing to join the community, but must be seen as fitting for the person, with the city itself also feeling it will gain from the inclusion of this new entity. Generally, this entrance process is a gradual one which begins with the individual being introduced to those of the city, and time then being taken for all to gain an understanding of each other before any decision is made. During this period ideas and information are exchanged, with it being learned just how much the person knows of Gor and the lifestyle, along with an overall impression of the individual being received. While it is not necessary to know "everything," the want to know and capacity to understand is a prerequisite for consideration, as is an obvious display of a natural behavioral tendency towards the philosophy and lifestyle of Gor. Entrance into the city is something that is "earned by virtue of the intent and application" of the individual. The amount of time necessary to determine this worthiness is dependent upon the dedication, understanding, merit, and appropriateness of the prospect. This can vary greatly from person to person, but the length of time really is unimportant and not necessarily a reflection on character as it is on knowledge and perhaps overall availability. Normally this will take some months to acheive, but during this time the person is free to interact with the community and encouraged to frequently do so. As stated, the above is only a general overview of how a person might join this community. It is primarily a reflection of how a free person would be considered, but slaves are handled in a similar fashion. The main difference between the two, besides the fact of one being a citizen and the other a slave, is that the entrance process of a slave usually culminates with her being taken into collar by a free person of the community. This is not something that is casually done though, for it represents a strong commitment of lasting potential. Sometimes slaves are brought in as community property, owned by the city itself with no actual individual owner. More is explained on this in the section entitled "Regarding Slaves." There are also other sections of this website which give particular detail on how one may seek to enter our community. Individuals so inclined are directed to read "Entering - Free Persons" and "Entering - Slaves" for more information. The articles associated with these pages were written to not only explain how a person may go about entering this community, but also provide some ideas to be considered before choosing to proceed. The next step in either case is contacting the city itself or one of it to declare your intentions and the wish to learn more of Sardaria. Numbers
A word perhaps should be mentioned with regard to the concept of "quality, not quantity." Those of Sardaria are not at all interested in adding people to our community strictly to swell its numbers and appear larger than those around us. Our primary concern is in developing the quality of our group and adding people who will be a positive part. Sardaria is the product of the dedication and commitment of many individuals. We have no wish to see this effort and loyalty betrayed by a quest for hollow numbers. In fact, we prefer to remain small and be selective both in our citizenship and the slaves we take as property, and plan to continue to be so in the future. Those of Sardaria have been together for what would be considered Online to be a long time. The addition of troublesome individuals, especially in numbers, does nothing to increase the quality of our group and its interaction. We do not care to risk what we have spent a long time building and developing, and ask that if others wish to be a part of something that many are very dedicated to, that they show the potential for the same commitment and consideration. Profiles
Those who are a part of the community are expected to put the word "Sardaria" in their profiles in some way. This is done to signify that you are an accepted part of our city, and enable our people to be more easily found and contacted. Disputes
If a dispute occurs within the bounds of regular interaction, those involved are advised to seek their own solutions within what is deemed appropriate and fitting for the situation. If no acceptable resolution seems readily apparent, it is possible to consult with others of the community as to how to proceed. If a personal dispute grows to involve a larger portion of the community, then it will become the community's responsibility and right to solve the issue as it sees fit. Consent
On AOL, there is a term that is used called "mun-consent." What this refers to is the right of the "mun," or person behind the keyboard, to choose what he/she wishes to consent to in online activity. This is normally in reference to the actions of one's character in a role-playing game, with the "mun" deciding if participation in particular events is something he/she wants to be involved with. In Sardaria the concept of "mun" is irrelevant because we are ourselves at all times, though the term is still sometimes used to refer to one's physical self, in contrast to the cyber manifestation. Irrelevant as the normal concept of "mun" may be, the idea of "consent" is still very relevant to the community. Any offline involvement between those in the community is entirely up to the discretion of those involved, and is never to be forced upon another or seen as an obligation. This includes phone numbers, photographs, exchange of address, arrangement to meet, and any other possible related considerations. The privacy of each individual is to be respected by others, with each person's business being their own. Each is expected though, to be completely honest in their dealings with others, and not seek to deceive those around them through lies or embellishments. What you choose to divulge is expected to be the truth, as is the intentions you claim to have, and the arrangements you make with others. This should all go without saying, but for purposes of this discussion is being clearly stated here. Some issues relevant to the idea of "consent" are further detailed in the section of this website entitled "Regarding Slaves."
