New Moon Rising
It's meaning is - A new beginning, a rebirth the chance to truly be what is meant to be
"The cities of Gor are numerous and pluralistic. Each has its own history, customs and traditions." (Slave Girl of Gor, p.108) Hundreds of cities exist on Gor though many of them were never named or described in the books. We have the names of some Gorean cities, such as Talmont, Cardonicus and Piedmont, but little or no description of them. We also have partial descriptions of some cities but do not have their names. New Moon Rising is one such City. It's Laws will be told here.
Cities are vitally important to Goreans, far greater than the average Earth person considers his own city or country. "For the Gorean, though he seldom speaks of these things, a city is more than brick and marble, cylinders and bridges. It is not simply a place, a geographical location in which men have seen fit to build their dwellings, a collection of structures where they may most conveniently conduct their affairs." (Outlaw of Gor, p.22) A city is considered to be almost a living entity, one with a past, present and future. "For them a city is almost a living thing, or more than a living thing. It is an entity with a history, as stones and rivers do not have history; it is an entity with a tradition, a heritage, customs, practices, character, intentions, hopes. When a Gorean says, for example, that he is "of" Ar, or Ko-ro-ba, he is doing a great deal more than informing you of his place of residence." (Outlaw of Gor, p.22) "The Goreans generally, though there are exceptions, particularly the Caste of Initiates, do not believe in immortality. Accordingly, to be "of" a city is, in a sense, to have been part of something less perishable than oneself, something divine in the sense of undying. Of course, as every Gorean knows, cities too are mortal, for cities can be destroyed as well as men. And this perhaps makes them love their cities the more, for they know that their city, like themselves, is subject to mortal termination." (Outlaw of Gor, p.22) Cities instill great loyalty and pride within their citizenry. As many Goreans rarely travel, their city may be the only location they ever truly know.
Home Stone
The heart and soul of each city is its Home Stone, a concept that is said to be difficult for those of Earth to fully comprehend. The closest analogue on Earth would be a country's flag though that analogy is lacking in many respects. In simplest terms, a Home Stone is a stone. It can be any type of stone, of any size, shape, color and material. It can be very plain, intricately carved or even adorned with rare gems. "How does a city obtain a Home Stone?" I asked. "Men decide that she shall have one." Said Tab. "Yes," I said, "that is how it is that a city obtains a Home Stone." (Raiders of Gor, p.251) Some cities, like Ar, have ancient Home Stones while others, such as Port Kar, have only possessed their Home Stone for maybe twenty years. A city's Home Stone is most commonly kept at the top of the highest cylinder in the city, though it will be well defended. A city can not be completely destroyed if its Home Stone still survives. When the Priest-Kings destroyed Ko-ro-ba, Matthew Cabot retained the Home Stone so the city actually still survived and could later be rebuilt. The theft of a Home Stone is considered a great glory as it will ruin an enemy city.
Goreans devote intense loyalty to their Home Stone. They support and defend those who share that Home Stone with them. Even rivals and enemies who share a Home Stone would work together against any threat to that Home Stone. "Yet for these stones, and on account of these stones, these seemingly inauspicious, simple objects, cities have been built, and burned, armies have clashed, strong men have wept, empires have risen and fallen." (Magicians of Gor, p.485) Goreans stand when they discuss their Home Stone because it is considered an issue of honor. If a man failed to stand, he might even be killed for his offense.
Citizenship
To become a citizen of a city, and thus claim its Home Stone as your own, is more than a matter of birth. When you reach the age of intellectual majority, you must actively seek citizenship and its concomitant rights. The actual age of one's intellectual majority is never stated in the books and it may vary from city to city. In New Moon Rising age of intellectual majority is decided by the Ubar and His Ubara and One other that He so appoints to help in all matters of importance. Each city has its own requirements for obtaining citizenship. To become a Citizen of New Moon Rising One must pledge an oath of allegiance to the city and swear to uphold it's laws in honor and respect. New Citizens are required futher to dine at least once with the Ubar. To become a Citizen One needs some existing citizens to vouch for them, citizens who are not related by blood. You may at the discretion of the Ubar face questioning concerning your worthiness to be a citizen. If you meet all of the requirements, then you may receive the laurel wreath and mantle of citizenship, with all of its concomitant rights. The Gorean word "civitatis" means "of the city of" and refers to someone being a citizen of a city. For example, "civitatis New Moon Rising" essentially means that one is a citizen of New Moon Rising.
You do not automatically retain your citizenship throughout your life. However in the New Moon Rising One may remain a Citizen as long as they are of a honorable standing within it. Citizenship is considered more a privilege than a right. Citizens are considered to owe allegiance to their city and thus certain duties are owed to that city. Political apathy is not permitted. Another duty is that the citizen must work in his Caste. This applies to women as well though more often the latter part rather than the former. In general, such outlaws are first exiled from their city, or flee on their own, and then will face impalement if they dare return to their city. Being an outlaw is not an envious life. You are cut off from all support structures, you have few if any friends, and must strive hard simply to exist. Few Goreans willing opt to become outlaws.
It is possible to change your citizenship and swear loyalty to a new Home Stone. But, this is a rare matter on Gor. One's loyalty to your Home Stone is very strong and even if one objects to certain aspects of your city, the loyalty remains. In addition, many Goreans do not travel much so they have little contact with other cities. To move to a new city would mean a separation from your relatives and Caste members. Such a separation runs contrary to the common norms of Gor. When someone does change their citizenship, it is often because they are fleeing some negative consequence in their original city. For example, someone fleeing creditors may change citizenship as many cities offer protection from foreign creditors.
A family can disown one of their own members through an oath of disownment. This is an irreversible ceremony and is not invoked without careful consideration. The victim loses all ties to their family and Caste. This ceremony exists within many cities and it is also part of the Warrior Caste Codes.
Government
There are a limited number of governmental forms in the Gorean cities. The New Moon Rising is led by an Ubar His Ubara (Free Companion) and One other whom He deems to rule with Them. The Ubar is a military monarch, a man. The Gorean word "Ubar" literally means a "war-chief" and it is part of the Warrior Caste Code. The term is also sometimes used rather loosely as well, almost slang to refer to a masterful person. For example, a slave may sometimes refer to her Master as her Ubar. In the case of New Moon Rising it's the title of it's leader who is of the Caste of Warriors.
The Ubar can make or change any law that He wishes though He is still subject to those laws. Ubars wear purple robes, a color long associated with royalty on Earth. Their robes are far from simple or humble. The territory claimed by a Ubar or Ubara is often referred to as a Ubarate. In the case of New Moon Rising the Ubar often wears red or scarlet to dictate He is still of the Caste of Warriors.
High Castes within New Moon Rising
CASTE OF INITIATES
CASTE OF SCRIBES
CASTE OF BUILDERS
CASTE OF PHYSICIANS
CASTE OF WARRIORS
CASTE OF MERCHANTS
CASTE OF SLAVERS
