English Version

The City of Shiprock

Shiprock stands as a multi-tiered port city strategically built upon coastal ruins on the southern edge of mainland Gor, bordering the wild expanses of the Schendi region. This unique vertical layout grants the settlement exceptional visibility and defensive strength, commanding both the sea lanes and the overland routes through the jungle. Directly adjacent to the city lies the dense and untamed Tharl-Hesa Forest, home to a fierce and independent tribe of huntresses. Accessible by both ship and land, Shiprock has risen from its former ashes.

It  was Nio, the Tuchuk, who returned the Home Stone to these ruins, committing to the rebirth of the city. Shiprock thrives on a natural fountain of wealth: its salt mines, often whispered to be the true "white gold" of Gor. Though small, this port offers everything needed for a prosperous, tranquil life. Reflecting the practical spirit of its founder, the people of Shiprock value simplicity, hospitality, and trade. Bound by mutual trust and respect, a historic alliance has been forged between Nio and Zuri -the fierce, wise leader of the Tharl-Hesa Panther Tribe- ensuring the city and the forest stand shoulder-to-shoulder in times of hardship, exchanging pelts, roots, and loyalty.

 Current Climate

Today, Shiprock is under the steady guidance of Ubar Nio the Tuchuk, supported by his companion Tani Thor, a prominent Slaver and mother to his son, Ashvin. Meanwhile, within the emerald canopy of the forest, the sovereign law of the Tharl-Hesa Panther Girls is upheld under the watchful eye of their EN, Zuri.
The heart of all life and coin is the central Marketplace, strategically nestled just steps away from the bustling docks, the customs house, and the edge of the forest. Shiprock is experiencing a historic golden hour: having successfully rebuilt from its fall, the city is now looking outward, seeking political, social, and economic alliances with powerful cities deep within the Gorean continent. Opportunities are ripe for those ready to weave their destiny into this new era. What else might you encounter?

• Merchants and Low Castes are gathering at the Marketplace, capitalizing on the booming salt trade and the exotic goods flowing from the southern seas.

• The Tharl-Hesa Tribe is actively looking for brave traders capable of handling business with the huntresses, offering rare and precious forest goods seldom found in civilized markets.

• Slaves are being trained under traditional Slaver guidance, preparing to serve the free companions and visitors who frequent the prosperous port.

Guiding Principles of Shiprock - OUR OOC MISSION 

Our mission is to create an immersive community of proactive roleplayers built on mutual respect, deep storytelling, and a shared love for the world of Gor. While we maintain a strong commitment to BtB (By the Book) lore, our primary focus is on creative freedom, character evolution, and meaningful collaborative writing. We want to foster an environment where every player can bring and create roleplay for others.

Note on Consequences: While this is a consent-based sim, players will not be shielded from the realistic, in-character (IC) consequences of their actions. Our moderation team is here to help resolve Out-of-Character (OOC) rule infractions and system disputes once personal attempts at resolution have failed. Personal, non-rule-breaking issues will not be moderated. By contacting a moderator, you consent to your logs/messages being shared with the administration team.

If you have any questions or require further information, your respective heads of castes, tribal leaders, or RP administrators will be happy to help you find your place in our story.

Roleplay, roleplay, roleplay! 

This page provides essential information to help guide your journey!
((All information can be considered IC and public knowledge as people arrive or seek information)) 

Arrival in Shiprock

Shiprock is a multi-tiered, fortified port city on the southern coast of Gor, bordering the Schendi region. Arrival is possible through three main routes:

• Guarded Main Docks & Customs House: The waters and docks are heavily monitored. Arriving here means a standard inspection of cargo and persons. Visitors will be strictly reminded of Shiprock's laws regarding peace-weapons within the city tiers.

• The Jungle Border (Tharl-Hesa Forest): Entering via land from the adjacent forest means crossing the territory of the Tharl-Hesa Panther Tribe. While there are no formal city walls on the forest side, the huntresses watch the canopy, and the city guards patrol the treeline market closely.

• The Overland Schendi Route: Travelers arriving from the deep southern continent must pass through the lower land checkpoint. Expect cargo inspections, specifically regarding unregistered salt smuggling or undocumented slave transport.

Note on Slaves: Slaves arriving with their masters are considered private property. For information on how to register public slaves or look into the Ubar’s established setups, please contact Tani Thor or the Slaver administration [Link/Section Coming Soon].

Facts to Note

• Read the Laws: It is vital to read our rules and laws. Ignorance will not be an IC (In-Character) protection.

• Exotic Beasts: Shiprock sits at the edge of the jungle, meaning dangerous fauna is a constant reality. However, apex predators like Larls or Tharlarions or specialized jungle panthers cannot roam freely within the city taverns or market stalls without strict permits from the Ubar's guard or the EN of the forest.

• Tarns: Due to the multi-tiered layout, Tarns can land on designated high-tier ledges. Only sworn city warriors, trusted allies, or characters with specific roleplay clearance may fly them into the settlement.

• The Value of the Home Stone: Those who do not swear to the Home Stone of Shiprock do not enjoy the same default legal privileges, protection, or tax rates on the salt trade. While visitors and residents are welcome to live and thrive, life in a frontier city is always safer when backed by an oath to the Stone.

"I am surprised to hear such sentiments," I said, "from those who must once have held and kissed the Home Stone of Ar." This was a reference to the citizenship ceremony, which, following the oath of allegiance to the city, involves an actual touching of the city's Home Stone... The rationale seems to be that the community has a right to expect allegiance from its members.
Vagabonds of Gor — Book 24 — Page 303 

Becoming a Resident (Not Swearing to the Home Stone)

A visitor must choose to become a registered Resident or a Sworn Citizen to permanently live or operate a business in Shiprock.

• Merchants & Traders: To rent a permanent stall in the central Marketplace or trade directly in the Salt Mines, registration is mandatory.

• How to Register: Residency is obtained through the Scribe Hall or by filling out a simple registry form with caste leaders. You may NPC the administrative process and submit the documentation.

• Resident Restrictions: Frontier life requires trust. Caste Hall "job" access, inner council meetings, and voting rights are reserved exclusively for Sworn Citizens. Residents operate as private contractors (e.g., running a private tavern, clinic, or trading post). They do not automatically receive the full backing of the city’s defense laws in external disputes, though they are fully protected within the city market walls.

How to Become a Sworn Citizen

• Home Stone Citizenship does not pass automatically through companionship. Children must swear to the Home Stone upon reaching adulthood.

• The citizenship ceremony can be roleplayed with an active member or safely NPCed, but the physical documentation MUST be submitted to one of the following leadership roles.

• Authorized Figures to Swear Citizens In:

  • The Ubar (Nio) or designated High Command

  • Heads and Assistant Heads of Castes

  • Magistrates & High Scribes

  • Warrior Caste Captains and Sergeants

Finding Roleplay

We highly recommend joining our In-World Group and FB Group, since SecondLife chats and notices can often be unreliable.

Our sim strives for an immersive, organic roleplay experience. We encourage players to travel from place to place and interact person-to-person to find what their character needs. To assist you, the general locations of the Caste Halls, the Slaver compounds, and the forest boundaries are public knowledge and can be learned via simple NPC interaction.

Shiprock Caste & Tribal Membership

To be an official member of a Shiprock City Caste, you must be a Sworn Citizen or hold an approved High Council contract.

• The Guard: To join the permanent City Guard, you must swear to the Home Stone. However, a local Citizen Militia exists for residents looking to defend the port against southern pirates or outlaws.

• The Tharl-Hesa Tribe: Membership within the Panther Tribe follows the tribal laws of the forest and the authority of their EN, Zuri. Civilization's castes do not apply beneath the jungle canopy.

Free Women Expectations

Shiprock is a practical port city shaped by Tuchuk pragmatism and the proximity of the wild forest, but Gorean decorum regarding Free Women is still recognized, especially around the High Caste areas and official functions.

• Hair and Appearance: In keeping with standard Gorean law, Free Women are expected to keep their hair up and off their shoulders in public areas (no loose, unbound hair).

• High Caste Decorum: High Caste women (Scribes, Physicians, etc...) are expected to wear veils and modesty, flowing robes when attending official city functions, visiting the Ubar's quarters, or conducting business in the High Tiers. Veils should not be completely transparent.

• Low Caste & Frontier Practicality: Merchant women, workers, and those operating in the lower docks or near the forest are permitted to wear practical clothing, including pants, while actively working or trading. However, walking through the high-tier administrative sectors in rugged work clothes or pants may still draw critical stares or social snobbery from traditionalists.

• The Forest Exception: The clothing laws of the city do not apply to the Tharl-Hesa huntresses within their forest territory. However, when entering the city's civilized sectors, mutual respect for local traditions is encouraged to maintain the peace of the alliance.

Roleplay Definitions

Powergaming

Powergaming happens when a player forces actions on another without allowing them to react or escape. This makes RP unfair and unrealistic.

Example of Powergaming:

 ❌ "He throws his sword at the enemy, piercing his heart and killing him instantly."

✔️  "He throws his sword toward the enemy, aiming for his chest." (Allows the other player to react)

Metagaming (MG)

Metagaming occurs when a player uses information obtained outside of RP (OOC) to benefit their character in the game (IC), even though the character wouldn’t realistically know that information or act differently.

Example of Metagaming:

1. Reading a character’s name from the tag above their head and calling them by name without an IC introduction.

2. Knowing details of an enemy plan because it was discussed in OOC chat and using that knowledge IC.

3. Mixing IC and OOC: If you're having a disagreement OOC with another player, don't let it spill over into your characters' interactions. 

Godmode (GM or Godmodding)

Godmodding occurs when a player makes their character invincible, without weaknesses or limitations. This includes ignoring injuries, escaping from any situation without explanation, or controlling other characters' actions without permission.

Example of Godmodding:

 ❌ "Even after being hit by multiple arrows, he gets up without difficulty and continues fighting as if nothing happened."

 ❌ "He easily blocks all enemy attacks and defeats everyone effortlessly."

RP should be balanced and allow realistic
consequences for character actions!