Here is the lecture plan for Week 9: Economics and Trade, written for your Magistrate persona.
Magistrate Evans Persona Note: As a Magistrate, you view Economics through the lens of Regulation. You are not a merchant haggling for a rug; you are the official who ensures the scales are not tipped and the taxes are paid. Your tone should be pragmatic: "Gold is the fuel of the city, but Law is the engine."
Teacher’s Notes & Preparation
Platform: Second Life (Text/Voice).
Visual Aids: *
– A texture showing the Gold Tarn, Silver Tarsk, and Copper Tarskbite. * Optional: A map highlighting the Vosk River.
Props:
A Coin Purse: Wear one or hold one.
Scales: A set of merchant scales on the desk creates a great visual.
Key Concept: Distinguish clearly between the Bird (Tarn) and the Coin (Tarn). This is a common confusion for new players.
Class Structure (60 Minutes)
00-05: Introduction: The Sinews of War.
05-20: Segment 1: The Merchant Caste (Codes of Profit).
20-35: Segment 2: Currency (Tarn, Tarsk, Tarskbite).
35-50: Segment 3: Logistics (River and Sand).
50-60: Q&A and Assignment.
Lecture Script: Week 9 - Economics and Trade
I. Introduction (00-05 Mins)
(Action: Stand behind the desk. There is a heavy clinking sound as you drop a leather purse onto the wood.)
Magistrate Evans: Tal. We have discussed Honor. We have discussed Law. We have discussed War. But Honor does not feed the army. Law does not build the walls. And War... War is expensive. Today, we discuss the thing that makes the world turn. Gold.
Magistrate Evans: A city that cannot pay its soldiers is a city that will soon burn. Economics on Gor is simple, brutal, and essential. It is driven by the Merchant Caste, the only men who can walk through a war zone and sell swords to both sides. Open your ledgers.
◈═══════════════════════◈II. The Merchant Caste (05-20 Mins)
Magistrate Evans: The Merchant Caste wears White and Gold. They are a curiosity in our social structure. They are not considered a "High Caste" in the traditional sense of the Initiates or Warriors. They are often looked down upon by the Scarlet Caste as "coin-counters." And yet... many Merchants are wealthier than the Ubars they serve.
Magistrate Evans: The Code of Profit: Their code is not about dying for the Home Stone. It is about the Deal. However, do not mistake them for lawless thieves. A Merchant’s word must be his bond. If a Merchant gains a reputation for selling shoddy grain or watering down his wine, he is finished. His caste will ostracize him.
Magistrate Evans: Merchant Law: This is a critical concept for you to understand. "Merchant Law" is a supranational code. It exists above the laws of individual cities regarding trade disputes. It allows trade to flow between enemies. If Ar is at war with Cos, the armies fight. But the Merchants? They often still trade, under a flag of truce, because everyone needs salt, and everyone needs iron. (Teacher's Note: Raise an eyebrow) Never get between a Merchant and his profit unless you have the tax collectors with you.
◈═══════════════════════◈
III. Currency: The Metal of Exchange (20-35 Mins)
Magistrate Evans: How do we pay for things? We do not use paper money. We do not use "credit." We use metal. Weight is value.
Magistrate Evans: 2. The Silver Tarsk: The standard coin of trade. 10 to 100 Silver Tarsks make a Gold Tarn (depending on the city's exchange rate and the purity). Buying Power: A sword, a fine cloak, a week's lodging, or a very good meal. This is the coin of the soldier and the craftsman.
Magistrate Evans: 3. The Copper Tarskbite: The lowest coin. Literally, a "bite" of a tarsk. Sometimes these are cut into pieces (bits) for smaller change. Buying Power: A cup of paga, a loaf of bread, a basket of fruit. If you throw a tarskbite to a beggar, he will bless you.
Magistrate Evans: The Stone: In some transactions, gems are used. But for the daily citizen, know your metals. Always check the weight. "Clipping" coins (shaving the edges off) is a crime I punish with the loss of a hand.
◈═══════════════════════◈
IV. Logistics: The Arteries of Gor (35-50 Mins)
Magistrate Evans: Having gold is useless if you cannot move goods. Gor is vast. We do not have airplanes or trucks. We have the River and the Beast.
Magistrate Evans: 1. The Vosk River: (Action: Gesture to the map) The mighty Vosk. It runs west into the Thassa. It is the highway of Gor. Huge barges float down the Vosk, carrying grain from the plains to the cities of the coast. Who controls the Vosk controls the food supply. This is why river piracy is so rampant, and why Port Kar is so powerful.
Magistrate Evans: 2. The Caravan Routes: To the South and East lies the Tahari. Here, ships cannot go. We use the Kaiila and the Tharlarion. Caravans can be miles long. They carry the most precious resource of the south: Salt. Without salt, meat rots. Without salt, armies die. The Red Savages and Desert Nomads prey on these caravans. Protecting a caravan is high-paying work for a mercenary.
Magistrate Evans: 3. The Thassa: The sea trade. Merchant ships (Round Ships) hug the coast. They carry spices, silk from Turia, and slaves. A Merchant Captain is a brave man, for he risks the storms and the fleets of Cos and Tyros.
◈═══════════════════════◈V. Conclusion & Assignment (50-60 Mins)
Magistrate Evans: You are not required to be a Merchant. But you are required to understand value. Whether you are a Scribe negotiating your fee, or a Warrior selling his sword arm, you are part of the economy. Do not be cheated. And do not cheat—for the Magistrate is watching.
Magistrate Evans: Your Assignment: I want you to conduct a transaction this week. Go to a market stall (or role-play with another student). Haggle. Do not just pay the asking price. That is for tourists. Offer a lower price. Cite the quality of the goods. Walk away if you have to. Record the result of your negotiation.
Magistrate Evans: Next week is our final session. Week 10: Theology and Philosophy. We will speak of the Priest-Kings and the things that are hidden. (Action: Pick up the coin purse and pocket it) Class dismissed. Tal.
◈═══════════════════════◈
Kati Evans
========================================
Class Title: Introduction to Gor Lesson: Week 9 - Trade and Commerce Duration: 45 - 60 Minutes Instructor: [Your Name] Location: [Sim Classroom Name]
Pre-Class Checklist (Instructor Notes)
Slide Board: Ensure you have textures loaded for:
Image of a Merchant (White and Gold Tunic).
Chart of Currency (Gold Tarn, Silver Tarsk, Copper Tarsk).
Map of Trade Routes (Highlighting the Vosk River or Tahari).
Giver: Load the "Week 9 Summary" notecard.
Prop: Rez a sack of coins or a "chest" prop near the podium.
Phase 1: Arrival & Review (0:00 - 0:10)
(Wait for avatars to sit. Welcome them in local chat.)
/me jingles a heavy pouch of coins on the desk before looking up. "Tal. Welcome to Week 9."
Instructor: "We have studied the Warriors who defend the city, and the Scribes who write its laws. But who pays for the walls? Who feeds the army?"
Instructor: "Today, we discuss Trade and Commerce. We look at the Merchant Caste, the currency of Gor, and the dangerous caravans that keep civilization alive."
Instructor: "I am sending out the summary for Week 9 now. Please accept the inventory offer."
(Action: Drag and drop Week 9 Notecard to students)
Instructor: "In Second Life, we deal in Linden Dollars (L$). In Gor, they deal in Gold Tarns. Today, we learn how to translate that value into Roleplay."
Phase 2: The Merchant Caste (0:10 - 0:25)
(Action: Change Display Board Texture to )
/me points to the figure in White and Gold.
Instructor: "The Merchant Caste is technically a Low Caste. They are not 'High Caste' like a Warrior or Scribe. However, do not let that fool you."
Instructor: "They are often called the 'Golden Caste.' They wear tunics of White and Gold. In many cities, the High Council is beholden to the Merchants because the Merchants hold the debt."
Instructor: "The Code: Merchants have their own law, 'Merchant Law,' which often supersedes city law during trade fairs. Their reputation is their life. A Merchant who breaks a contract is blacklisted across all of Gor."
Instructor: "RP Note: Playing a Merchant is a powerful role. You are the only one who can travel safely between warring cities, claiming 'Merchant Immunity' (though this is not always respected by outlaws)."
Phase 3: Currency & Coinage (0:25 - 0:40)
(Action: Change Display Board Texture to [Chart of Gorean Currency])
Instructor: "Money makes the world go round, even on Counter-Earth. Let's learn the coins."
Instructor: "1. The Gold Tarn: The highest standard coin. It is heavy gold.
Value: It can buy a skilled slave, a fine mount, or a small house.
RP Usage: If you toss a Gold Tarn to a tavern wench as a tip, you are either a King or a fool. It is too much money for a casual tip."
Instructor: "2. The Silver Tarsk: The standard coin of trade.
Value: A few silver tarsks pay for a good meal, a room at an inn, or a common purchase.
Exchange: Usually 100 Silver Tarsks = 1 Gold Tarn (varies by city)."
Instructor: "3. The Copper Tarsk / Tarsk Bit:
Value: Small change. Used to buy an apple, a cheap drink, or pay a beggar."
Instructor: "RP Tip: When you 'tip' someone in SL, emote the coin. '/me tosses a silver tarsk on the table.' It creates a realistic sense of economy."
Phase 4: Trade Routes & Marketplaces (0:40 - 0:50)
(Action: Change Display Board Texture to [Map of Trade Routes])
Instructor: "Where does the money come from? It comes from moving goods from where they are common to where they are rare."
Instructor: "The Vosk River: Look at the blue line. The Vosk is the Mississippi of Gor. Massive floating barges carry grain and timber. The 'River People' live their whole lives on these rafts."
Instructor: "The Tahari Salt Trade: In the desert, salt is worth its weight in gold. Caravans brave heat and bandits to bring salt to the north."
Instructor: "Marketplaces: Every city has a Great Market. This is the heart of gossip and RP. In Second Life, the 'Market' is often the OOC shopping area, but try to find IC markets. Stalls selling silks, weapons, and spices are great hubs for interaction."
Phase 5: Conclusion & Assignment (0:50 - 1:00)
(Action: Blank the board)
Instructor: "To summarize Week 9: The Merchant Caste drives the world. They deal in Gold Tarns and Silver Tarsks. They brave the Vosk and the Desert to bring us the goods we need."
Instructor: "Next week is our Final Class. Week 10: Philosophy and Religion. We will discuss the Priest-Kings, the Initiates, and the deeper meaning of the Gorean way."
Instructor: "Homework Assignment: Go to a Gorean market sim or a weapon vendor. Look at the prices. Imagine paying for that sword in silver coins. How heavy would your purse be? Write a notecard calculating the cost of your outfit in Silver Tarsks."
Instructor: "I will now open the floor for questions regarding coins or trade."
(Allow remaining time for Q&A)
/me weighs the coin pouch in hand again. "May your profits be high and your risks low. Dismissed."
=====================================================================
by Kati Evans
Lesson 9: Trade and Commerce
· The role of Merchants in Gor society
· Currency, trade routes, and marketplaces
Lesson 9: Trade and Commerce - The Role of Merchants in Gorean Society
Objectives:
· Understand the importance of Merchants in Gorean society
· Learn about the organization, practices, and ethics of Merchant activities
Part 1: Merchant Caste
The Merchant caste plays a vital role in facilitating trade, managing commerce, and ensuring the efficient distribution of goods and resources on Gor. They are highly respected and influential members of Gorean society due to their economic contributions.
Part 2: Merchant Organization
Merchants often operate within structured organizations, such as trading houses or merchant councils. These entities enable them to coordinate their activities, pool resources, and collectively negotiate trade agreements with other cities or castes.
Part 3: Trade Practices
Gorean trade practices prioritize efficiency, reliability, and adherence to established laws and customs. Some common practices include:
· Trade routes: Established networks facilitate the movement of goods across the planet, connecting cities and regions with diverse resources.
· Contracts and negotiations: Merchants often employ written agreements and engage in negotiation to secure favorable terms.
· Risk management: Merchants must anticipate and mitigate potential hazards, such as theft, natural disasters, or political instability.
Part 4: Merchant Ethics
While many Merchants uphold the highest standards of honesty and fairness, others may resort to unethical practices, such as smuggling, price manipulation, or deceptive tactics. Consequently, Merchants must balance their pursuit of profit with the need to maintain trust and goodwill among their customers and peers.
Conclusion
The Merchant caste and its activities are essential components of Gorean society, facilitating trade, fostering economic growth, and connecting diverse communities across the planet. Understanding the organization, practices, and ethics of Merchants provides valuable insights into the complexities of Gorean commerce and culture.
Lesson 9: Trade and Commerce - Currency, Trade Routes, and Marketplaces
Objectives:
· Understand the monetary system and currency in Gorean commerce
· Learn about key trade routes and marketplaces that facilitate economic exchange on Gor
Part 1: Currency
The primary currency used in Gorean commerce consists of various coins, typically made from gold, silver, or copper. Some common Gorean coins include:
· Tarn disks: Large gold coins, often used for significant transactions.
· Silver tarsks: Smaller silver coins, widely used for everyday purchases.
· Copper tarsk bits: The smallest denomination, used for minor transactions or as change.
Part 2: Trade Routes
Several trade routes link Gorean cities and regions, ensuring the efficient exchange of goods and resources. Some notable trade routes include:
· The Vosk River: A major waterway used for transporting goods between cities like Ar, Ko-ro-ba, and Port Kar.
· The Northern Trade Route: A network of trails and roads connecting northern cities, facilitating trade with remote regions.
· The Southern Trade Route: A vital link between southern cities like Turia and the rest of Gor, traversing harsh desert terrain.
Part 3: Marketplaces
Marketplaces serve as hubs for commercial activity, allowing Merchants and customers to engage in transactions, negotiate prices, and exchange information. Some common types of Gorean marketplaces include:
· Central markets: Large, permanent marketplaces located in major cities, offering a wide variety of goods and services.
· Seasonal markets: Temporary markets that operate during specific times of the year, often coinciding with festivals or harvests.
· Specialty markets: Markets dedicated to specific goods or services, such as livestock, textiles, or artisan crafts.
Conclusion
Currency, trade routes, and marketplaces are critical components of the Gorean economy, facilitating the exchange of goods and services across the planet. Understanding these aspects of trade and commerce provides valuable insights into the economic interconnectedness of Gor's diverse communities.
No comments:
Post a Comment