Teacher’s Notes & Preparation
Platform: Second Life (Voice or Text). This script is written for text-based teaching but can be read over voice.
Visual Aids: If you have a presentation board in Yellow Rose Hall, prepare textures showing:
A diagram of the Solar System showing Gor opposite Earth.
An image of a glowing Home Stone.
Props:
Wear your Magistrate Robes of Office.
Have a "wand" or "pointer" to gesture.
Optional: A goblet of Ka-la-na water on the desk.
Chat Management:
Ask students to hold questions until the "Question Period" markers to prevent chat lag.
Use
/shoutor a talker tool if the room is large.
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Class Structure (60 Minutes)
00-05: Arrival, seating, and introduction.
05-20: Segment 1: The Nature of the World (Astronomy & Gravity).
20-35: Segment 2: The Home Stone (The Soul of the City).
35-50: Segment 3: Arrival (Voyages of Acquisition).
50-60: Q&A and Dismissal.
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Lecture Script: Week 1 - The Foundation
I. Introduction (00-05 Mins)
(Action: Stand behind the lectern. Gaze sternly across the room, waiting for silence.)
Magistrate Evans: Tal, students. Take your seats quickly. I am Magistrate Evans. For the next hand of weeks, I will be guiding you through the fundamental structures of our world. Whether you are free-born to this world or newly arrived from the barbarian world of Earth, you are here to learn civilization.
Magistrate Evans: This course is not merely history; it is survival. To live on Gor is to understand your place within it. Look to your neighbor. You may be different castes, different genders, and different origins. But in this hall, you are students of the College of Lara. Open your wax tablets. We begin with the ground beneath your feet.
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II. The Counter-Earth Theory (05-20 Mins)
Magistrate Evans: Many of you have looked at the sky. You see the same stars as the world of your ancestors, but you do not see Terra. Why? Gor is the Antichthon—the Counter-Earth.
Magistrate Evans: We share an orbit with the world of Earth. We are exactly opposite them, hidden forever behind the burning face of the Sun. Because of this shared orbit, the distance to the sun is identical. However, the nature of our world is superior.
Magistrate Evans: (Gesture to the solar system chart if available) Note gravity. Those of you born on Earth may feel lighter here. You can jump higher, move faster. The specific gravity of Gor is less than that of Earth. This is why our architecture can soar to heights impossible on Terra, and why our Tarns can fly while bearing a rider in full armor.
Magistrate Evans: But do not mistake this lightness for weakness. The environment of Gor is harsh. It selects for strength. The weak do not survive the winters of the Voltai or the sands of the Tahari. We are a world hidden by the Priest-Kings for a purpose. We are a protected garden, isolated from the madness of the "steel worlds."
(Pause for brief notation) Magistrate Evans: Are there any questions regarding our physical location in the stars before I proceed?
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III. The Home Stone (20-35 Mins)
Magistrate Evans: Now, we move to the most important concept you will learn in your life. The Home Stone.
Magistrate Evans: On Earth, a city is a collection of roads and buildings. It is a location on a map. On Gor, a city does not exist without a Home Stone. A peasant might say, "It is a rock." A Magistrate will tell you, "It is the soul."
Magistrate Evans: A Home Stone is typically a simple rock, perhaps carved with a single letter—the initial of the city. But its value is infinite. It represents the sovereignty of the territory. To lose a Home Stone is to lose the city. If a city’s Home Stone is stolen, the city is effectively dead. Its lights are extinguished. Its citizens wander in shame.
Magistrate Evans: Every free person has a Home Stone. It may be the stone of their city, or the stone of their own hearth. There is a saying: "A man who has no Home Stone is a beast." Why? because he has no loyalty. He has no center. He has nothing greater than himself to die for.
Magistrate Evans: In this class, and in this city, we respect the Home Stone. You will see Warriors salute it. You will see peasants bow to it. It is the center of our law, and the center of our hearts.
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IV. Arrival: The Voyages of Acquisition (35-50 Mins)
Magistrate Evans: I look around this room and I see faces that were not born under the light of our three moons. How did you get here? You did not build a ship. You did not fly a tarn across the void.
Magistrate Evans: We call these the Voyages of Acquisition. The Priest-Kings, the rulers of this world who dwell in the Sardar Mountains, have the technology to bridge the gap between worlds. They bring people here. Sometimes for specific purposes, sometimes by chance.
Magistrate Evans: Why? Some say to refresh the bloodlines. Some say to save the best of Earth from its own destruction. Regardless of the reason, once you are here, there is no going back.
Magistrate Evans: You must shed the habits of Earth. On Earth, you believed in chaos, in money over honor, in machines over muscle. Here, you must learn the Caste system. You must learn the sword or the plow. The "Voyages" are a one-way ticket to a harder, but more meaningful life.
(Action: Walk closer to the students) Magistrate Evans: Do not pine for Earth. It is a world of cement and noise. You are now citizens—or subjects—of Gor. Embrace the steel, the stone, and the caste.
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V. Conclusion & Assignment (50-60 Mins)
Magistrate Evans: We are approaching the end of the Ahn. Next week, we will discuss the Caste System. We will define your place in society—from the High Castes of the White, Red, Blue, Green, and Gold, to the essential lower castes.
Magistrate Evans: Your Assignment: Before the next class, I want you to walk the city. Find where the Home Stone is kept (or where the central administration is). Stand before it. Observe how people act near it. Reflect on what it means to belong to a city, rather than just live in it.
Magistrate Evans: I will remain for a few moments for any final inquiries. Otherwise, you are dismissed. Tal.
(Action: Gather notes and wait for questions.)
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Kati Evans
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Class Title: Introduction to Gor Lesson: Week 1 - The Counter-Earth & The Home Stone Duration: 45 - 60 Minutes Instructor: [Your Name] Location: [Sim Classroom Name]
Pre-Class Checklist (Instructor Notes)
Slide Board: Ensure you have textures loaded for:
Solar System Diagram (showing Gor/Counter-Earth).
Map of the Known World (Gor).
Image of a Home Stone (glowing rock symbol).
Giver/Giver Script: Load the "Syllabus" and "Week 1 Summary" notecards into your class giver or be ready to drag-and-drop them to students.
Group Invite: Have the group invite link ready for new students.
Phase 1: Arrival & Setup (0:00 - 0:05)
(Wait for avatars to sit. Welcome them in local chat as they arrive.)
/me smiles and nods to the students as they settle into their seats. "Tal to everyone. Please make yourselves comfortable. We will begin in just a moment."
/me checks the roster and taps a few notes on a datapad.
Instructor: "Greetings. Welcome to 'Introduction to Gor.' I am [Your Name], and I will be your instructor for this 10-week course. Whether you are entirely new to Gor or just brushing up on your lore, you are welcome here."
Instructor: "Before we begin, I am passing out the Course Syllabus and the summary for today's lesson. Please accept the inventory offer."
(Action: Drag and drop Notecards to the students or click the class giver.)
Instructor: "House rules: Please hold detailed questions until the Q&A sections so we can stay within the hour. If you need to go AFK, please tag yourself. Let us begin."
Phase 2: The Counter-Earth (0:05 - 0:20)
/me walks to the front of the room and taps the display board with a pointer.
(Action: Change Display Board Texture to [Solar System Diagram])
Instructor: "We begin with astronomy. Look at the diagram. We are all familiar with Earth. But in the Gorean lore, written by John Norman, there is another planet sharing Earth's exact orbit."
Instructor: "This is Gor. It is located directly on the opposite side of the Sun, perpetually hidden from Earth's view. This is why it is called the 'Counter-Earth' or 'Antichthon' in ancient Greek theory."
Instructor: "Now, you might ask: 'Wouldn't our gravity probes detect it?' In the books, the explanation is technological. Gor is protected and hidden by the Priest-Kings."
/me pauses to let the text sink in.
Instructor: "The Priest-Kings are an advanced extraterrestrial race—insectoid in nature, though rarely seen. They live in the Sardar Mountains. They are the 'gods' of this world, though they do not demand worship in the way Earth religions do. They demand balance."
Instructor: "They brought humans to Gor from Earth (Terra) over thousands of years via 'Voyages of Acquisition.' This explains why you see Romans, Vikings, and Greeks on Gor. We are the descendants of those taken from Earth."
Instructor: "Does anyone have a quick question on the astronomy before we move to geography?"
(Wait 1-2 minutes for typing)
Phase 3: The City-States & Geography (0:20 - 0:35)
(Action: Change Display Board Texture to [Map of Gor])
Instructor: "Let's look at the map. Unlike Earth, which is divided into massive nations, Gor is a world of independent City-States."
Instructor: "There is no 'President of Gor.' There is no United Nations. Each city is a sovereign nation unto itself. Ar is an enemy of Ko-ro-ba. Port Kar is an enemy of... well, everyone."
/me points to the center of the map.
Instructor: "Here is Ar. It is the prototype of a Gorean city. Massive, militaristic, and ruled often by an Administrator or Ubar. It is famous for its cylinders—tall towers that pierce the sky."
/me points to the mountains.
Instructor: "And here, in the Voltai Mountains, is Ko-ro-ba, the Towers of the Morning. High altitude, breathtaking views."
Instructor: "Because these cities are independent, travel between them is dangerous. The lands in between are wild. You have the Tahari Desert to the southeast, and the Northern Forests up top. If you leave the city walls, you are unprotected by law."
Instructor: "This isolation shapes the Gorean mindset. Your city is your world. Your city is your survival."
Phase 4: The Home Stone (0:35 - 0:50)
(Action: Change Display Board Texture to )
Instructor: "This brings us to the most important concept of Week 1. The Home Stone."
/me looks at the class seriously.
Instructor: "If you remember nothing else from today, remember this: A Gorean is defined by their Home Stone."
Instructor: "Every city has a Home Stone. It is the physical embodiment of the city's sovereignty. It is usually a simple rock, perhaps carved with the city's letter, but its value is infinite."
Instructor: "There is a peasant saying: 'One can live without a Home Stone, but one cannot be a man.' To belong to a city is to share its Home Stone."
Instructor: "If a city's Home Stone is stolen, the city is effectively destroyed. Its citizens are cast adrift. Wars are fought just to recover these stones. The theft of a Home Stone is the ultimate insult."
Instructor: "This is also why we use the greeting 'Tal'. You will hear this everywhere in Second Life Gor. While it simply means 'Greetings,' historically it is believed to derive from a gesture of raising the hand—showing you have no weapon—but implies a salute to the Home Stone."
/me demonstrates the gesture, raising his right hand, palm forward. "Tal."
Phase 5: Conclusion & Assignment (0:50 - 1:00)
(Action: Blank the board or leave the Map up)
Instructor: "To summarize Week 1: Gor is a hidden Counter-Earth, managed by the Priest-Kings, populated by humans from Earth, and divided into fierce city-states united only by their reverence for their Home Stones."
Instructor: "Next week, we will discuss who lives in these cities. We will break down the Caste System—from the White Caste Initiates down to the Peasants."
Instructor: "Homework Assignment (Optional): Explore the sim. Find the local bank or administration building and see if you can find where the RP Home Stone is kept (do not touch it, of course!). Just observe how it is guarded."
Instructor: "I will now open the floor for any final questions."
(Allow remaining time for Q&A)
/me bows his head to the class. "Thank you for attending. I wish you well. You are dismissed."
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by Kati Evans
Lesson 1: Introduction to GorOverview of the Counter-Earth, Gor's history, and its societal structure
Key differences between Earth and Gor
The significance of the Home Stone and its role in Gor culture
Lesson 1: Introduction to Gor - Overview of the Counter-Earth, Gor's history, and its societal structure
Objectives:
-Gain knowledge of Gor's historical background
-Learn about the societal structure, including castes and city-states
Part 1: Counter-EarthGor, known as the Counter-Earth, is a parallel planet to Earth, sharing the same orbit but remaining hidden on the opposite side of the Sun. It is a world with a unique ecosystem, culture, and history, distinct from Earth's.
Part 2: History of Gor
The origins of Gor can be traced back to ancient civilizations when human beings were brought to the planet by an extraterrestrial race called the Priest-Kings. Over time, various cultures emerged, each with its own language, customs, and societal structures.
Part 3: Societal StructureCaste System: Gorean society is divided into castes, which dictate an individual's profession and social status. The main categories are the High Castes (Initiates, Scribes, Physicians, Builders, and Warriors) and the Low Castes (merchants, artisans, and laborers).
City-States: Gor is divided into numerous independent city-states, each with its own government, laws, and Home Stone. Major cities include Ar, Ko-ro-ba, Port Kar, Tharna, and Turia.
Law and Order: Gorean law is upheld by the Magistrates, who maintain order and settle disputes in their respective city-states.
In this lesson, we explored the concept of Gor as a Counter-Earth, its rich history, and the societal structure that shapes the lives of its inhabitants. As we progress, we will delve deeper into the various aspects of this fascinating world, including its culture, laws, and customs.
Lesson 1: Introduction to Gor - Key Differences between Earth and Gor
Objectives:
-Understand the cultural, societal, and technological contrasts between the two planets
Part 1: Societal DifferencesCaste System: Unlike Earth, Gor has a rigid caste system that determines one's profession and social status. This hierarchy is deeply ingrained in Gorean culture.
Gender Roles: Women on Gor typically occupy different roles than those on Earth. Free Women have specific societal expectations and limitations, while enslaved women are considered property and subject to strict rules.
Laws and Customs: Gorean laws and customs vary significantly from Earth's, with unique legal codes and social norms that dictate behavior, interactions, and justice.
Part 2: Cultural DifferencesReligion and Beliefs: The Priest-Kings, an extraterrestrial race, govern Gor and are considered divine beings. In contrast, Earth has numerous belief systems and religions.
Language and Literature: The Gorean language is distinct from Earth's languages, and Gorean literature, such as the texts and poetry, reflects the planet's unique culture and history.
Celebrations and Festivals: Both planets have their own unique holidays and celebrations that mark important events or historical moments, with little overlap between them.
Part 3: Technological DifferencesLimited Advancement: Gorean technology is less advanced than Earth's, with a lack of modern conveniences and a focus on simpler tools and methods.
Weapons and Warfare: Warfare on Gor relies on traditional weapons like swords and bows, in contrast to Earth's more advanced military technology.
In this lesson, we examined the key differences between Earth and Gor in terms of society, culture, and technology. Understanding these contrasts helps us better appreciate the unique characteristics and challenges faced by inhabitants of both worlds.
Lesson 1: Introduction to Gor - The Significance of the Home Stone and its Role in Gor Culture
-Learn about the symbolism and practical functions of the Home Stone
Part 1: The Home Stone as a SymbolThe Home Stone is a revered object in Gorean society, representing unity, identity, and sovereignty. Each city or settlement has its own Home Stone, which serves as a tangible symbol of the community's shared values, history, and aspirations. The stone's significance is deeply ingrained in Gorean culture, with its origins dating back thousands of years.
Part 2: The Role of the Home Stone in GovernanceIn the absence of a central government on Gor, the Home Stone plays a crucial role in the administration of local laws and customs. The presence of a Home Stone signifies the legitimacy of a city's authority and its ability to enact and enforce regulations. The Home Stone also acts as a rallying point for citizens during times of crisis, uniting the community in defense of their shared values and way of life.
Part 3: The Home Stone as a Source of Pride and IdentityThe Home Stone is a source of immense pride for Goreans, who view their connection to the stone as an essential aspect of their identity. Insults directed at a city's Home Stone are taken personally by its inhabitants, while theft or destruction of the stone is considered a grave offense. The Home Stone serves as a constant reminder of the shared history and aspirations that bind a community together, reinforcing the social fabric of Gor.
In conclusion, the Home Stone is a pivotal element of Gorean culture, symbolizing unity, identity, and sovereignty for the diverse communities that inhabit this rich and complex world. By understanding the significance and functions of the Home Stone, we can better appreciate the values and traditions that shape the lives of those who call Gor their home.
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