Frequently Asked Questions about Minus.
In General:
[ Q. ] Who leads Minus?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Chev. aka Cimber This is his room and he runs it both OOCly and ICly.
In character, Cimber is the Administrator of Minus. For the moment there is not a high council but that may change in the near future as things settle in the town.
[ Q. ] Isn’t Minus a village in the books?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Yes, Minus was mentioned as a village and its only real industry was agriculture. However, we have taken some liberties with the story and stretched it. Minus is now a town and the economy is diversifying and growing, although agriculture and primarily the harvesting of sa-tarna is a major part of it's revenue. Until recently the people of Minus and the peasants of Verl River Valley paid grain tithes to the City of the Ar in the south.
[ Q. ] So, this is set at around the events depicted in Magicians of Gor. When do we find Marlenus?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Yes, the room is set at around the events of Magicians but we are going to be diverting from the story there. Marlenus may be found or he may not be that’s kind of up to the home and where the story goes from here.
As of July 2016 Marlenus has returned to reclaim his place as Ubar. Ar has risen.
[Q.] Minus also allows multiple characters?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] We allow approved members to play what are essentially enhanced NPCs called Secondary Characters. However, they are limited in total and possess certain restrictions. So, this isn't exactly dualling but we are making allowances for the sake of roleplay. To read more about Secondary Characters and the rules [ GO HERE. ] If you do not agree with the use of secondary characters please be polite when informing other players you will not be engaging their secondary characters in the room.
[ Q. ] I don't agree with transgender and homosexual typists playing in Gor. If I join can I just ignore them?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] If you are upset by the thought of interacting with typists different from yourself then don't come here. This kind of attitude is not wanted in Minus.
[ Q. ] I don't get along with certain players behind the scenes. If I join can I just ignore them?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] It would be ideal if players could clear the air and come to a civil understanding but players are welcome to give certain individuals distance in the room if they feel it is necessary and maintaining their own personal boundaries, but roleplay done in public areas can be addressed and responded to by anyone in the immediate area. The room staff can be called upon to mediate in certain situations between typists but we would very much like to remain roleplay focused.
[ Q. ] I am being harassed and I feel unsafe. What do I do? (Something we hear off and on, sometimes after the fact)Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Definition of Harassment from the Imagine Chat Site rules:
Harassing other players in an OOC manner, whether in PM or in public or by using an 'anonymous' type name. Harass: 1. to disturb persistently; torment, as with troubles or cares; bother continually; pester; persecute. 2. to trouble by repeated attacks, incursions, etc., as in war or hostilities; harry; raid.
As you can see by that definition- "to harass" is a very subjective phrase. If you are being harassed while in Minus, please copy the harassing posts and PM them to room staff through the message board with time stamps and date. If we don't know about it, we can't help you. Further, if you are being harassed in any other room script the interactions and send it along to PII or Holiday on the Imagine Chat Forums.
A note: Harassment is not arguments between friends or couples. If harassment is happening anywhere other than Minus, our staff can not help you. Please either block them from the messenger you use.
[ Q. ] You have Roleplay Credits? I have to get ‘credit’ to play in the room?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Yes, we have a system where currency or resources are awarded for roleplay done in the home. These Roleplay Credits can be earned for an assortment of items to use in character or beyond. Personal Pulldowns are even purchased in this format. No, this is not commonly done in other homes, and not everyone in the home participates in this concept, but for those of us who are roleplaying consistently we do appreciate a kind of ‘paycheck’ for what we get accomplished. To read about the credits and their uses, visit this thread: Roleplay Credits and The Minus Marketplace
[ Q. ] I have to "buy" a Personal Pulldown? If I am a member shouldn't I get a pd to represent my home or business?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Yes we 'buy' our pulldowns and other character resources using our Roleplay Credits. This is done as a way of giving us something to work toward beyond room tags.
[ Q. ] I see I am only allowed a maximum of 3 pulldowns. Why so few?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Because the more pulldowns the room has loaded into it, the slower it will load for chatters. If you want more pulldowns though you can pool together with other players to add to a business or home but the room staff does retain the right to exercise a fair limit if people start trying to load too many pds into one room location.
[ Q. ] So, you have a market on the forum where you use your Roleplay Credits to buy stuff. That seems gamey, Gor is not a game.
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Not really a question so much as a statement of observation. We know this is not something done in other homes and to some this makes Gor feel or seem like a game, but for others this adds another dimension to the roleplay experience. With html roleplay there is only so much we can see and do, and many of us have been at it for years. This market idea simply expands on the overall roleplay experience giving players the option to collect items and souvenirs some of which are unique to the home as an added little bonus. It's just something kind of fun and entertaining to do on the side but it's understood not everyone will share this view. If you don't agree or like the market idea that's fine but no one is forcing any of us to participate in it.
[ Q. ] I keep seeing references to 'member inventories' or my inventory. What is this?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Member Inventory is a list of all the items and resources a member of Minus has accumulated and purchased during their time within Minus. These inventories are displayed in three areas. - 1 - Under a member's name in [ board posts ].
- 2 - Within our [ profiles ] themselves (click on a name and view a member's profile).
- 3 - In the [ Member's Inventory ] list which can be accessed by clicking on any item within any of profiles.
[ Q. ] I noticed in the inventories people have shields and badges that are not available in the market. What are they and how do I get them?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] The inventories contain more than just items we purchase in the Minus Town Market. They also contain badges that represent certain events we have participated in or achievements gained in roleplay. A list of all the badges, what they mean and how they are earned is located [ HERE ]. Or if you want you can hold your cursor over each person's item or badge in their inventory and read what they mean there as well.
Regarding Rules:
[ Q. ] Prodigy? Why? I don't like that system, it's flawed and judges are impartial.
Spoiler: click to toggle [A.] Everyone's a critic but the fact is there hasn't been a fighting system introduced since that can compete or is better than prodigy. Many have strong opinions but Cimber is a fan of Prodigy and it’s his room.
[ Q. ] I have a friend/potential slave/companion who was banned from Minus on a previous occasion, but now they want to come back. If they swear to behave and act with honour can you please lift the ban?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] We have walked down this path before and it did not work well. If a person is on the banned list there is a very good reason, and in most cases, multiple reasons. Sorry, but it is very unlikely a person on the ban list will ever be permitted back.
[ Q. ] You allow gender bending and secondary characters?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] See our previous answer in the "General" portion of this post.
[Q.] How or when is a person banned from the room?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Players are OOC banned for site or room rule infractions including dualing/gaming, or charges of harassment happening in the room and backed by scripts provided to the room staff. Characters so far have been banished from Minus in roleplay for serious crimes such as dishonouring the Home Stone or collaborating with the Kur.
Those who break their oaths are not banned OOCly or ICLY in roleplay, but are also not well regarded and if caught in our borders will be confronted. While the door to return to Minus is always open those seeking to return are often made to work a bit harder and prove themselves in roleplay.
[Q.] So if I leave Minus I am considered an oath breaker?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] No. If a person leaves by stating they have lost interest in the room OOCly, or meet with the Administrator ICly to explain they are moving on, then that person is not an oath breaker. Goreans after all did move around a bit and could claim other Home Stones. However, if for example a character leaves Minus prior to battles/conflicts and effectively abandon their posts, or just packs up and leaves without any kind of message or word sent to the Administrator, then that can be considered as oath breaking. It's all in how a person chooses to leave.
Regarding Joining/Petitioning:
[ Q. ] I would like to join Minus. How do I do that?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Fill out a petition on the forum and play in the home without incident for a period of time (more than a week or two). After completing this petitioning phase you may be given tags by the Administrator. Everyone is welcome to play and stay in the town without home tags but all laws will be observed. Guests who are petitioning to join Minus are encouraged to add scripts of their interactions to their Accommodation Thread on the forum to show the Administrator and the citizens they are serious about sticking around.
[ Q. ] I am a Free person but I don't have a caste or an occupation. Can I still join?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Yes, but you are required to have some sort of skill or occupation to show you will be a benefit not a burden to the town. The castes themselves do accept new membership and so mentoring to join a caste is possible. We're not saying you have to be rich high born nobility or 'do gooder' to settle here either but you must have a demonstrated skill beyond 'bad ass' leaning against walls or 'dark and mysterious' in order to convincingly write yourself into the small town setting. Minus is not a city and as such expect folks to be all up in your business, being nosy, curious and sometimes overbearingly friendly, but with an agenda.
Exceptions to this are destitute and poor women (she urts) but it is unlikely in a town this small they will remain free for long. Male beggars are also not uncommon on Gor.
[ Q. ] I am a slave. Can I still join?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Yes, of course, but we would like to see roleplay beyond the usual bareneck coming into the home skulking and hiding in alleyways, essentially waiting for someone to pluck them from their plight. If you want to be a slave then you may enter as a disgraced/indebted free man or woman and submit to someone, or place yourself on a slave ring or in a cage and beg for a collar, or be placed up for auction. Some free members, especially those running a Slaver House, Tavern, Brothel etc may also allow an interested player to ask questions and make arrangements to write you into a collar.
[ Q. ] My character is not a 'good guy' can I still join?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Yes, but the length of your character's survival will depend on various factors. Basically if you are attempting to orchestrate crimes against the town and its people after claiming citizenship you're going to die. Plain and simple. If you don't mind this eventuality then see ya at the chopping block! However, if you want to keep your character alive you may use Minus as a base of operations to lay low and discreetly operate your more shady dealings in other neighbouring towns or cities. Your character's survival will depend on how discreet and smart you are, and the town's officials will operate in a 'don't ask, don't tell' capacity so long as Minus and its people are unaffected.
Another option too is creating a secondary character which to carry out certain roleplay with that you will not be too sore losing to death when/if they are caught. However, the secondary character option is reserved only for members. Outsiders coming to do dirt in Minus are likely to get stomped on. Only those who earn our trust may orchestrate roleplay that may affect the town or it's population.
Regarding Free Men:
[ Q. ] When do we raid!?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Either when homes stop being pussies and adjust their raid rules, or whenever you guys want (within the rules set forth by the rooms you may be targeting).
[ Q. ] I like my slaves wearing avatars that are rather risque and heavily pornographic. People in the room are complaining about it, can you make them stop?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] We do ask players to be considerate and leave the heavily pornographic avatars for private play. Some of us enjoy porn (a lot!) but it doesn't need to be flashed in our faces during everyday interactions. By pornographic we do mean penetration shots and anything showing the 'money shot'. Nude slaves are nothing to get upset over but a woman spread eagle and crotch open or a male slave with his junk hanging out is not going to be well received by some of our retinas. Please be courteous!
[ Q. ] I am going to collar that mouthy Free Woman. Wait, why can't I?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] It was somewhat taboo to collar or discipline a woman of the same home stone on weak grounds but certainly if a free woman repeatedly steps out of line or submits she gives up her protection within the home stone. That said, a woman being opinionated and mouthy is not unheard of on Gor but if the woman's tongue is found to be too sharp, or she is interjecting where she is not wanted she can be disciplined and corrected. Either with a firm hand or a spell in a cage.
On the other hand, if a Free Woman who is NOT a citizen of Minus crosses the line with questionable behaviour while within our walls she may find herself in steel.
If you feel a female citizen of Minus is behaving poorly and is displaying questionable judgment in the home then bring the matter to a Free Man of the home, or the Administrator and they may determine an appropriate punishment.
Regarding Free Women:
[ Q. ] Veils? Do I need them in my avatar? Do I have to dress like I am a Gorean nun?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] Veils in character or in avatars are optional. Not every Free Woman wore veils but most high caste women did in public and for protective reasons. It’s mainly a cultural convention but Minus is not the City of Ar or other major centers so dressing down to some degree is possible. A bare arm or shoulder here or there within an avatar is not going to hurt anyone, but if you are going to be playing in other rooms you will cover up completely to avoid attracting the attention of men and causing a fuss. If the men of Minus have to go ransom back women who are out in other rooms slutting it up in their avatars they are gonna make you regret it. Be smart, shop S-Mart....and when in doubt get a second opinion about an avatar.
[ Q. ] I like my slaves wearing avatars that are rather risque and heavily pornographic. People in the room are complaining about it, can you make them stop?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] We do ask players to be considerate and leave the heavily pornographic avatars for private play. Some of us enjoy porn (a lot!) but it doesn't need to be flashed in our faces during everyday interactions. By pornographic we do mean penetration shots and anything showing the 'money shot'. Nude slaves are nothing to get upset over but a woman spread eagle or a male slave with his junk hanging out is not going to be well received by some of our retinas. Please be courteous!
[ Q. ] I am a strong willed, sharp tongued woman and I obey no one. Will I still be welcomed here?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A .] Yes but there is a reasonable limit of what the people will tolerate. Self proclaimed 'bitches' and those who make it known they will always openly challenge and provoke the men of Gor will not be always be protected or well regarded here after a time. Free Women in the books were afforded a great deal of respect and as a free person were not held to the same standards as slaves, however, they also had to work to maintain that respect.
Free Women also had to take certain precautions and most knew enough not to push limits and provoke certain individuals, although free women are not always perfect, they make mistakes, things happen and punishments were exacted. Others however had a constant need and a desire to provoke men and often did such as a way of begging for the attentions and steel of a man. It's a dance old as time BUT while strong women are an asset to homes, rude, disrespectful, overly spiteful and purely negative individuals, be it a man or a woman, are not. If a woman is noted as constantly provoking men in the home she will have no grounds to claim protection citizenship here offers or complain when the men remind her of her place.
Regarding Slavery:
[ Q. ] How do I enter into a Town collar?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] There is no official town collar though Cimber may collar women to the state (aka town) at his own discretion. Other members may not unless he is consulted. Slaves here will largely be personally owned or collared to certain businesses looking for slaves. The public Bath House is one option.
[ Q. ] I am going to collar that mouthy Free Woman. Wait, why can't I?
Spoiler: click to toggle [ A. ] See our answer to this question in the Free Men portion of this post.
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