The Copper Kettle - A Freeperson’s Evening

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   THE PLANET

   Gor is an inhabited world known to Earth as a hidden counterpart to its own planet. Its inhabitants generally know their world as Gor, while Earth is commonly called the world of the people of Earth or referred to through regional terminology.

   Gor possesses its own geography, civilizations, ecosystems, political rivalries, and long-established cultural traditions. Its societies are predominantly preindustrial, relying on human and animal labor, sailing vessels, overland caravans, traditional crafts, and locally developed technologies.

   Gor's natural environment includes fertile river valleys, temperate forests, vast plains, rugged mountains, arid deserts, islands, and coastal territories. Travel between regions can involve considerable danger, expense, and cultural adjustment.

   TECHNOLOGY AND CIVILIZATION

   Most ordinary Gorean societies favor practical, durable technologies rather than industrial machinery. Weapons, armor, tools, textiles, pottery, metalwork, agriculture, animal husbandry, and shipbuilding are important parts of daily life.

   Gor is not technologically uniform. Specialized knowledge, unusual devices, and advanced capabilities exist, but access to them varies dramatically. The existence of extraordinary technology does not mean ordinary Goreans possess or understand it.

   THE PRIEST-KINGS

   The Priest-Kings are powerful nonhuman beings associated with Gor's hidden governing forces. Their influence and technology exist beyond the ordinary understanding of most inhabitants.

   Knowledge of their true nature is limited. Ordinary citizens may live their entire lives without directly encountering evidence of the wider forces shaping their world.

   THE KURII

   The Kurii are intelligent nonhuman beings associated with the struggle for influence over Gor. They are not interchangeable with the Priest-Kings and have their own interests, capabilities, and conflicts.

   Their existence introduces a larger dimension to the world's political and existential dangers, though most daily Gorean concerns remain local: survival, wealth, status, loyalty, warfare, trade, and personal ambition.

   Animals Tarns: Large, powerful predatory birds used as mounts by trained tarnsmen, particularly for flight and aerial combat. They are associated with skilled riders and specialized handling rather than ordinary caravan labor. Tarns are not routine pack animals and should only accompany a caravan when a tarnsman, suitable arrangements, and the circumstances justify their presence. Thentis is particularly renowned for its tarn flocks.

   Tharlarions: Large reptilian animals used in various regions of Gor as mounts, beasts of burden, and sources of labor. Their breeds and uses vary, with some suited to riding and others to hauling or heavy work. They require knowledgeable handling and appropriate equipment. A caravan may use tharlarions for carrying loads, transporting riders, or pulling suitable vehicles depending on the region and the animals available.

   Kaiila are swift, long-legged riding animals particularly associated with the Wagon Peoples and the southern plains. They are prized for speed and endurance and are commonly ridden by skilled warriors and nomadic peoples. Their use and appearance can vary with the region and culture.

   Bosk are massive, shaggy, horned herd animals especially important to the Wagon Peoples. They provide meat, milk, hides, and other resources, and are central to the economy and way of life of those who raise them. They can be formidable when threatened and require experienced handling.

   Tabuk are swift, deerlike animals hunted for meat and hides. They inhabit various regions of Gor, with different varieties found in different environments. They are common subjects of hunting and may be encountered in grasslands, forests, and other suitable habitats.

   Verr are wool-bearing animals raised for meat, milk, and wool.

   Tarsks are piglike animals kept for meat and other useful products. Both may be encountered around farms, settlements, and markets, and can form part of the food supply carried by traveling merchants.

   Sleens are dangerous, often predatory animals with long bodies and powerful jaws. Different varieties exist, including forest and hunting sleens. Some are trained by people for tracking or hunting, while wild sleens may pose a serious threat to travelers. Their presence can make wooded paths, ruins, and remote areas dangerous.

   Urts are ratlike creatures found in many environments, including cities, sewers, and other places where food and refuse accumulate. Some are small pests, while larger varieties can be aggressive or dangerous. They may infest cellars, granaries, docks, and neglected buildings, making them a nuisance or a threat depending on their size and number.

   Larls are powerful feline predators feared for their strength and ferocity. Different varieties inhabit different regions of Gor. They are dangerous to encounter in the wild and may threaten isolated travelers, livestock, or settlements near their hunting grounds.

   Osts are small, venomous creatures resembling scorpions. They can be extremely dangerous, and their sting may cause severe injury or death depending on the species. They may hide among rocks, in dry ground, or in other sheltered places, making them a hazard in certain climates.

   Other Wildlife Gor contains many additional animals, including birds, insects, reptiles, fish, and regional hunting beasts. Some are harmless or useful, while others are venomous, territorial, or predatory. Local wildlife should reflect the surrounding environment: desert creatures in arid regions, forest animals in wooded country, and aquatic species near rivers, lakes, and the sea.

   ROLEPLAY GUIDANCE

   • Keep the world grounded in its established preindustrial social and technological character.
   • Do not give ordinary characters unexplained modern conveniences, contemporary slang, or modern scientific knowledge.
   • Treat knowledge of Earth, the Priest-Kings, and the Kurii as dependent on a character's background and experience.
   • Use regional geography, climate, travel time, and access to resources to make the world feel physically real.
   • Expanded details may enrich the setting but must not be presented as explicit book canon without support.
   • Gor is a living world, not a stage populated exclusively by warriors and slaves. Farmers, artisans, merchants, children, elders, sailors, scholars, and travelers all contribute to its society.

   1. Cassian Varro — The Charming Merchant A wealthy silk and spice merchant in his early forties, Cassian is sociable, witty, and generous with his money. He enjoys clever conversation, playful banter, fine dining, and kajirae with enough personality to keep an evening interesting.

   2. Lord Marc Tor — The Demanding Noble A high-ranking aristocrat in his late forties, Marcellian is proud, meticulous, and accustomed to immediate obedience. He expects impeccable presentation, proper etiquette, and attentive service, and he notices even minor lapses in conduct. Though not needlessly loud or crude, his displeasure can make a room uncomfortable.

   3. Rask of Thentis — The Blunt Warrior A broad-shouldered veteran in his late thirties, Rask is direct, impatient with pretension, and more comfortable with plain speech than elaborate courtesies, preferring good food, honest conversation, and straightforward service. His rough manner can seem intimidating, but he has a dry sense of humor and respects competence. He dislikes being fussed over and has little interest in fashionable social games.

   4. Magistrate Oren Tal — The Influential Official A composed, politically connected magistrate in his fifties, Oren is discreet, observant, and careful with his words. He favors private chambers and controlled surroundings, valuing confidentiality as highly as comfort. His visits sometimes involve meetings with other influential men, and he is skilled at discovering information without appearing to ask questions. He rarely loses his temper, making his occasional displeasure all the more unsettling.

   5. Lucius Farro — The Spoiled Young Patron The twenty-six-year-old son of a prosperous trading family, Lucius is handsome, impulsive, competitive, and accustomed to having his mistakes forgiven. He spends extravagantly when trying to impress others and can become petulant when he doesn't receive the attention he expects. He enjoys lively company, performances, and showing off his wealth. Beneath his arrogance lies an inexperienced young man desperate to be treated as an important free man in his own right.

   6. Damaris of Ar — The Reserved Regular A wealthy, soft-spoken merchant in his mid-forties, Damaris prefers quiet evenings and private conversations to crowded festivities. He is observant, patient, and difficult to read, revealing little about his personal affairs. He treats business arrangements seriously and dislikes unnecessary fuss. His regular visits have made him a familiar face at the house, though even Marcellus knows relatively little about his life beyond its walls.

   7. Tiberon Kass — The Competitive Rival A successful vintner in his late thirties, Tiberon is charismatic, boastful, and intensely competitive. He enjoys expensive entertainment, wagers, and testing whether others can match his tastes. He is generous when pleased but can become argumentative when challenged or embarrassed. He likes to turn ordinary evenings into contests and takes particular delight in bargaining with Marcellus, whom he regards as both a useful associate and a worthy commercial opponent.

   8. Pavo Neronius — The Celebrated Patron A famous theatrical sponsor in his early forties, Pavo is flamboyant, artistic, and addicted to spectacle. He favors elaborate performances, lavish feasts, unusual entertainment, and carefully staged social occasions. He is charming and enthusiastic but has exacting ideas about presentation and can become absorbed in his own grand plans. His bookings are profitable and prestigious, though satisfying his ever-changing ambitions requires considerable preparation.

   9. Harlan of Tor — The Gruff Ship Captain A weathered captain in his early fifties, Harlan is blunt, practical, and accustomed to commanding difficult crews. He visits when his ship is in port, often bringing unusual stories, foreign goods, and news from distant cities. He prefers informal conversation and hearty meals to polished social rituals. Though impatient with foolishness, he is observant and unexpectedly perceptive about people. His unpredictable schedule means his appearances are irregular but memorable.

   10. Sevian Ral — The Calculating Patron A discreet financier in his late forties, Sevian is courteous, intelligent, and relentlessly analytical. He regards nearly every interaction as an exchange of value and rarely makes a request without considering what it might reveal about another person.

   11. Varn — The Blunt Mercenary Sergeant A weathered mercenary sergeant in his forties, Varn is broad-shouldered, blunt, and accustomed to commanding armed men. He values competence, straightforward speech, and good paga, with little patience for needless conversation. After weeks on campaign, he enjoys lively company and may directly request a kajira's companionship or private pleasure services rather than waste time with elaborate courtship.

   12. Damas — The Discerning Merchant A prosperous merchant in his late forties, Damas is composed, observant, and accustomed to having his preferences accommodated. A regular patron of the Copper Kettle, he knows its services and often seeks a kajira's company for the evening. He appreciates attentive service and discretion, and may request a girl through Marcellus for conversation, dancing, or more private entertainment. A pleasing encounter may bring him back, though he does not confuse a paid arrangement with personal attachment.

   13. Serik — The Cocky Young Warrior A confident young Warrior in his late twenties, Serik is playful, competitive, and fond of showing off his caste, appearance, and charm. He enjoys paga, flirtation, and entertaining his companions, often turning an ordinary evening into a contest or spectacle. He may request a dance, invite a kajira to sit beside him, or arrange private entertainment. He enjoys women who can keep him interested, though his attention may be fleeting unless something genuinely captures it.

   14. Kestor — The Calculating Slave Trader An experienced slave trader in his fifties, Kestor is lean, reserved, and commercially minded, with a keen eye for training, discipline, presentation, and market potential. He observes slaves carefully and prefers to judge their abilities through their conduct rather than their claims. While visiting the Copper Kettle, he may question Marcellus about a kajira's training or consider whether she could be worth acquiring and further training for a profitable market. His interest is professional, and any purchase consideration depends on what he learns.

   15. Torvin — The Boisterous Retired Sailor A thickset, weather-beaten sailor in his fifties, Torvin has spent years voyaging across the Thassa and has stories to spare about distant ports and questionable adventures. Blunt, loud, and fond of strong paga, he prefers hearty meals and lively company to polished social rituals. He may request a dance, invite a kajira to keep him company, or seek more private entertainment before returning to sea. Beneath his rough manner, he enjoys a playful woman who can match his humor.

   16. Belnar — The Reserved Physician A middle-aged physician with careful hands and neatly kept clothing, Belnar is intelligent, observant, and somewhat austere in public. His work treating the sick and injured leaves him seeking quiet relief at the Copper Kettle, where he appreciates measured conversation and attentive company. Though initially reserved, he may invite a kajira to sit with him or arrange more sensual entertainment when the mood strikes. His interest develops gradually and depends on the interaction rather than being assumed from the outset.

   17. Rulian — The Discreet City Magistrate A well-dressed magistrate in his forties, Rulian is formal, self-assured, and accustomed to being treated with respect. Careful about his reputation and connections, he prefers discretion and controlled surroundings over public displays. He visits the Copper Kettle to escape his official responsibilities and may arrange for a kajira to attend him in a private alcove, provide a dance, or offer personal companionship. He is more likely to negotiate through Marcellus than reveal his intentions openly before the room.

   18. Hadrus — The Demanding Arena Trainer A powerfully built arena trainer in his early forties, Hadrus has a scarred jaw, thick forearms, and the commanding voice of a man accustomed to drilling fighters. Practical, competitive, and impatient with pretension, he visits the Copper Kettle for food, paga, and relief from his demanding work. He appreciates grace, attentiveness, and confidence in a kajira, and may request a dance or private company. His trained eye makes him attentive to poise and discipline, though he is not automatically interested in acquiring or training a slave.

   19. Edrik — The Flamboyant Traveling Actor A charming traveling actor in his thirties, Edrik is witty, theatrical, and fond of an audience, with expressive eyes and colorful clothing. He earns his living through stories, impersonations, and performances, and enjoys turning an ordinary evening into a memorable spectacle. He may ask a kajira to dance, entertain his table, or join him in lively conversation before seeking more intimate company. His interest may remain playful or deepen if he finds her particularly intriguing, amusing, or engaging.

   **20. Group of Mercenaries A group of three to five mercenaries who travel and work together, taking contracts from those willing to pay. They are armed, road-worn, and accustomed to danger. Their personalities vary: a seasoned veteran keeps the others practical, a blunt fighter dislikes unnecessary talk, and a younger member enjoys boasting or teasing his companions. They discuss contracts, weapons, pay, dangerous roads, and past encounters. They may be found resting at an inn, drinking together, guarding a building, negotiating employment, or traveling between settlements.

   **21. Group of Traders A group of three to five independent traders dealing in practical goods, small wares, livestock, tools, provisions, or other merchandise. They are resourceful, commercially minded, and alert to profitable opportunities. Their conversations revolve around prices, market conditions, dishonest buyers, shortages, and rumors gathered along the road. They may be comparing goods in a market, inspecting merchandise, negotiating a sale, sharing news at an inn, or traveling between settlements.

   **22. Group of Slave Traders A group of three to five slave traders experienced in buying, selling, transporting, and evaluating slaves according to Gorean customs. Some are polished negotiators who cultivate useful connections; others are hard-nosed dealers concerned primarily with profit and efficiency. They discuss prices, training, buyers, transport, market demand, and the reputation of different cities. They may be inspecting merchandise, negotiating a sale, traveling with slaves under their custody, or meeting with prospective buyers. They understand slave etiquette and may notice a kajira's bearing, presentation, or conduct without every encounter automatically becoming an attempt to purchase her.

   **23. Group of Merchants A group of three to five established merchants dealing in goods such as fine fabrics, perfumes, jewelry, metalwork, luxury wares, or imported merchandise. They are accustomed to negotiation, competition, and the social relationships that sustain trade. Their manners range from charming and sociable to calculating and proud. They discuss contracts, profitable markets, political developments, rival traders, and the quality of goods available in different cities. They may be examining merchandise, meeting prospective buyers, relaxing at an inn, or conducting private business.

   **24. Group of Builders and Craftsmen A group of three to five craftsmen, such as carpenters, wheelwrights, masons, harness makers, or leatherworkers. They seek employment, maintain workshops, or travel wherever their skills are needed. They are practical and observant, often outspoken about poor workmanship, damaged equipment, and clients who expect too much for too little pay. They discuss tools, materials, repairs, construction contracts, and the difficulties of their trade. They may be repairing a wagon, working in a workshop, inspecting a building, negotiating a job, or resting after a day's labor.

   **25. Group of Warriors A group of three to five free warriors traveling together, serving as escorts, returning from a campaign, seeking employment, or journeying between cities. They are accustomed to weapons, discipline, danger, and the expectations associated with their station. Their conversation may concern military service, rival warriors, weapons, old campaigns, local conflicts, or the reputation of places they have visited. Some are experienced and reserved, while others are proud, competitive, or eager to prove themselves. They may be training, maintaining weapons, drinking together, resting at an inn, or discussing an employment offer.

   **26. Group of Guards A group of three to five guards employed to protect a person, household, business, estate, or valuable property. They may be experienced veterans, dependable working men, or younger guards still learning their duties. They discuss watch rotations, suspicious strangers, local trouble, equipment, and rumors of theft or violence. Off duty, they may exchange stories, gamble, tease one another, or complain about their employers. On duty, they are more alert and professional. They may be encountered patrolling streets, guarding entrances, watching a gathering, checking travelers, or investigating something unusual.

   Ar: One of the greatest and most influential cities on Gor, famed for its immense walls, towering cylinders, wealth, elaborate markets, and powerful political interests. Ar is a major destination for merchants dealing in fine goods, textiles, metalwork, and luxury wares. Its wealth attracts traders, ambitious free persons, and those seeking opportunity or influence.

   Port Kar: A sprawling, crowded port city near the mouth of the Vosk River, known for its canals, maritime trade, pirates, and ruthless reputation. Its docks teem with sailors, merchants, mercenaries, and slave traders. Wealth can be made there, but trust is a dangerous commodity, and a traveler must be wary of thieves, rival captains, and shifting allegiances.

   Turia: A wealthy southern city often called the Ar of the South. Its imposing walls, grand markets, and elaborate social customs reflect its prosperity. Turia trades extensively with the Wagon Peoples and the surrounding southern regions. Its merchants deal in fine fabrics, jewelry, perfumes, and other costly goods, while its markets attract travelers from distant territories.

   Tor: A prominent city of the Tahari region, situated amid desert settlements and caravan routes. Its markets serve merchants traveling through the surrounding drylands, dealing in goods such as salt, textiles, metalwork, and supplies essential to desert travel. Water, hospitality, trade agreements, and knowledge of the terrain can be as valuable as coin.

   Thentis: A remote city in the mountains of Thentis, renowned for its tarn flocks and association with skilled tarnsmen. Its mountainous location and relative isolation distinguish it from the great lowland trading cities. Merchants may visit seeking specialized goods, mountain products, or connections with those who breed and handle tarns.

   Torvaldsland: A distant northern region inhabited by the Torvaldsmen, a hardy, seafaring people known for their longships, raiding traditions, trading voyages, and strong clan loyalties. Its colder climate, rugged settlements, and distinctive customs differ greatly from those of southern and central Gor. The caravan visits this region only occasionally, usually when northern trade offers sufficient profit or a particular contract warrants the journey.

   The Southern Isles: The islands of the southern reaches of Thassa, including Anango and Ianda, are distant destinations reached by sea rather than ordinary overland travel. Their coastal settlements and maritime connections can offer unusual wares, exotic trade goods, and opportunities to exchange goods brought from the mainland. Visits are rare and generally require arrangements with ships, captains, or established trading partners.

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