Talk:Homestone

Within the fiction, the Home Stone is an important part of the Gorean experience. In fact, it has been referred to as one of the three pillars of Gor. And while we certainly do not want to overlook such a core point of the fiction, we have two challenges.

The first challenge is the simple fact that for most of our characters, our Home Stones are across Thassa and it is unlikely we will ever return — so our Home Stone is forever lost to us. Yet, in Raiders of Gor we learn that all that must be done to declare that a place has a Home Stone is for the free to agree upon it, and of course select a stone.

Further we know that new cities have formed, and even though rare, that people have left their Home Stone and created new cities. So, thus we have ample reason for our characters to declare a stone to be the Home Stone of our homes and towns.

The second challenge is the issue with how role-play groups open and close. How is one to commit to a new town or city and make oath to that place and remain committed to it for the life of their character when in a few months it may close. Or worst perhaps, leadership changes until being part of that group is no long enjoyable for the player. It would be a significant penalty for a player to have to recreate their character each time this happens or to play as an outlaw.

Yet, we need a Gorean fiction that feels authentic and keeps the concept of the Home Stone in a place of importance. To that I suggest:

We establish a process for a new Home Stone to be declared, as well as a recommended process for both joining and leaving a Home Stone. The Gorean concept of being refused bread, salt and fire gives us an excellent foundation from which to begin.

How to Declare a Home Stone

A rock or stone is to be selected. The size matters little. Then the free of the town declare that they will accept this as the Home Stone. Add any other ritual you wish, but this is the necessary part.

Bread, Salt and Fire

To invite someone to join your Home Stone, they must be offered bread, salt and fire. You may add any other oath or ceremony that you wish, but this is the basics.

If you wish to turn someone out of your Home Stone you must ritually refuse them bread, salt and fire. In the books, this is done by bringing a tray to the Ubar/Administrator with bread and salt on it. They then hold out the bread and put it back on the tray, then repeats this with the salt, and then snuffs the brand of fire in the salt.

This has been done to both those once of the Home Stone, and those who were friends/allies of the Home Stone. So it suits most situations. You may add any further ritual, pronouncements or consequences at this time.

Season Four

Season Four has began. We are in the process of upgrading our educational offerings, streamlining the application process, and onboarding new players. As always the wiki is a work in progress. As of Jul 9th, a significant re-organization was made.