Free Companionship the Truth Behind the Romance

This Gorean Fan Fiction was generated using MetaAI. 
Please note that the Gorean Saga is a fictional series, and its world,

customs, and values may not align with modern societal standards or moral principles.

Gor is Copyrighted by John Norman

 Journal of Arealius, Scribe of Port Olni

Today, I find myself in the grand library of Genesean Port, a place of immense knowledge and wisdom. The air is thick with the scent of ancient scrolls and the quiet murmur of scholars deep in study. As I peruse the vast collection, my thoughts turn to the institution of Free Companionship, a topic of great interest and complexity within our society.

On Free Companionship

Free Companionship, as practiced in Gor, is a formalized relationship between a man and a woman, distinct in its impermanence and cultural significance. This bond, recognized by our society, must be renewed annually, lest it dissolve automatically. The purpose of such a union is manifold: it provides mutual support, facilitates procreation, and enhances social standing. It is a partnership that allows for the sharing of resources and responsibilities, often strengthening political or social alliances. Importantly, Free Companionship is specifically designed for the growth and perpetuation of a caste from within its families¹. The pedigree of the participants within the caste structure is of the utmost importance in the selection of the two participants. 

Administration and Ceremony

The administration of Free Companionship involves a formal ceremony, which can vary in complexity. Typically, it includes the exchange of vows and the signing of a contract, overseen by a city official or a member of the caste of scribes. This ensures that the contract is properly documented and witnessed, a task often entrusted to those of my caste.

Caste Influence on Free Companionship

The practice of Free Companionship is deeply influenced by the caste system, which dictates much of our social structure. Each caste, from the High Caste such as Warriors, Scribes, Builders, Physicians, and Initiates, to the Lower Castes, has its own customs and expectations regarding Free Companionship². 

Among the Warrior Caste, Free Companionship often involves elaborate ceremonies that reflect their honor and status. The union is a means to produce strong offspring who will continue the martial traditions of the caste.

For the Scribe Caste, the emphasis is on intellectual compatibility and the continuation of scholarly pursuits. The ceremonies are often more subdued but meticulously documented.

In the Builder Caste, the focus is on creating stable and prosperous households that contribute to the city's infrastructure and development.

The Physician Caste values health and well-being, and their Free Companionships often include vows related to mutual care and the advancement of medical knowledge.

The Initiates, who are celibate, do not engage in Free Companionship, reflecting their spiritual dedication.

Regional and Cultural Variations

The practice of Free Companionship is not uniform across Gor. Each city-state, from the grandeur of Ar to the simplicity of the Wagon Peoples, has its own customs and laws. High Caste may have elaborate ceremonies, while Lower Castes might opt for simpler arrangements. Among the barbarian tribes, such as the Red Savages, the concept is less formalized, integrated into their tribal customs.

Non-Renewal and Legal Recourse

Should a Free Companionship not be renewed, it dissolves. The division of property and wealth depends on the terms of the original contract, with the man typically keeping most assets³. Custody of children is determined by the father, reflecting our patriarchal society. If neither partner wishes to care for the children, they may become wards of the city or be taken in by extended family. The dissolution of a Free Companionship can significantly affect wealth, property, and social position, often leading to a reorganization of assets and responsibilities within the family and caste⁴.

Enslavement and Custody

A male companion holds the legal right to enslave his Free Companion at any time during the contract period. This power imbalance is a stark reminder of the societal structures that govern our lives. If a pregnancy extends beyond the one-year limit, the child remains legitimate, and the father assumes responsibility. Abortion, however, is highly controversial and frowned upon, with severe consequences for those who undertake it.

Other Cultural Practices

As I sit in the quietude of this library, I am reminded of the intricate tapestry of our society, woven with customs, laws, and traditions that define our way of life. The institution of Free Companionship, with all its complexities, is but one thread in this vast and fascinating weave. Our caste system, with its distinct roles and responsibilities, shapes much of our daily interactions. The practice of slavery, though harsh, is deeply embedded in our culture, reflecting the hierarchical nature of our world.

Feasts and festivals bring us together, celebrating our shared heritage and the cycles of life. The Warrior Codes instill a sense of honor and duty among the Warriors, while the Initiates maintain our spiritual and religious practices. Our language, formal and archaic, echoes the respect and protocol that permeate our society.

Trade and economy thrive in bustling markets and fairs, where goods and ideas are exchanged. Games and sports, from kaissa to gladiatorial combat, provide both entertainment and a means to show skill and prowess.

These practices highlight the complexity and diversity of Gorean culture, reflecting its blend of tradition, hierarchy, and social norms.

**Arealius, Scribe of Port Olni**

¹: [The life of gorean Free Woman – Psychee's Gorean Archives](https://www.psychee.org/gorpedia/the-life-of-gorean-free-woman/)

²: [The Three Pillars of Gor (Luther) - Barbarians of Gor](http://www.barbariansofgor.com/index.php?title=The_Three_Pillars_of_Gor_%28Luther%29)

³: [Free Companionship - The Trek BBS](https://www.angelfire.com/ca4/slavepages/fc.html)

⁴: [Free Women on Gor - Barbarians of Gor](http://www.barbariansofgor.com/index.php?title=Free_Women_on_Gor)

(1) The life of gorean Free Woman – Psychee's Gorean Archives. https://www.psychee.org/gorpedia/the-life-of-gorean-free-woman/.

(2) The Three Pillars of Gor (Luther) - Barbarians of Gor. http://www.barbariansofgor.com/index.php?title=The_Three_Pillars_of_Gor_%28Luther%29.

(3) Free Women on Gor - Barbarians of Gor. http://www.barbariansofgor.com/index.php?title=Free_Women_on_Gor.

(4) Free Companionship - The Trek BBS. https://www.angelfire.com/ca4/slavepages/fc.html.