Wader
Variety of bird ommonly found in the rainforests.
"Along the river, of course, many other species of birds may be found, such as jungle gants, tufted fishers and ring-necked and yellow-legged waders." — Explorers of Gor, page 311.
Wagmeza
Red Savage term meaning "Maize." See "Maize."
"They grow produce for their masters, such as wagmeza and wagmu, maize, or corn, and such things as pumpkins and squash." — Savages of Gor, page 234.
Wagmu
Red Savage term meaning "Corn." See: "Corn."
"They grow produce for their masters, such as wagmeza and wagmu, maize, or corn, and such things as pumpkins and squash." — Savages of Gor, page 234.
Wagon Box
The main body of the wagon.
"The wagon box, which stands almost six feet from the ground, is formed of black, lacquered planks of tem-wood. Inside the wagon box, which is square, there is fixed a rounded, tentlike frame, covered with the taut, painted, varnished hides of bosks." — Nomads of Gor, pages 30-31.
Wagon Justice
A means of punishment for criminals amongst those of the wagons.
Wagon Peoples
The four nomadic tribes of the Plains of Turia.
"And there were four Wagon Peoples, the Paravaci, the Kataii, the Kassars, and the dreaded Tuchuk." — Nomads of Gor, page 9.
Wagon Tongue
Device which links the wagon to the harnessed bosk.
"Surprisingly the wagons are almost square, each the size of a large room. Which is drawn by a double team of bosk, four in a team, with each team linked to its wagon tongue, the tongues being joined by tem-wood crossbars." — — Nomads of Gor, page 30.
Waiting Cells
Holding cells where slaves are kept while waiting to be taken to the market to be sold.
"Tonight I am to be sent to the Waiting Cells, where girls are kept who will be sent to the market tomorrow." — Assassin of Gor, page 244.
Waiting Hand
The five-day period between the prior to the beginning of the New Year, which begins on the Vernal Equinox.
"Each month, containing five five-day weeks, is separated by a five-day period, called the Passage Hand, from every other month, there being one exception to this, which is that the last month of the year is separated from the first month of the year, which begins with the Vernal Equinox, not only by a Passage Hand, but by another five-day period called the Waiting Hand …" — Assassin of Gor, page 78.
Wakapapi
Kaiila [tribe] word meaning "Pemmican," a food source of the red savages. See also: "Pemmican."
Pemmican, also pemican; Etymology: Cree ;pimihkan
"A concentrated food used by North American Indians and consisting of lean meat dried, pounded fine, and mixed with melted fat; also, a similar preparation (as of dried beef, flour, molasses, suet) used for emergency rations." — Merriam-Webster Dictionary ©2006
"Wakapapi," said Cuwignaka to me. This is the Kaiila word for pemmican. A soft cake of this substance was pressed into my hands." — Blood Brothers of Gor, page 46.
Wales
The bands of planking on a ship's hull.
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English walu; akin to Old Norse volr staff and perhaps to Old Norse valr round, Latin volvere to roll; Date: before 12th century;
"Any of a number of strakes usually of extra thick and strong planks in the sides of a wooden ship — usually used in plural." — Merriam-Webster Dictionary ©2004-2006Etymology: Middle English; akin to Old English streccan to stretch; Date: 14th century;
"A continuous band of hull planking or plates on a ship; also : the width of such a band."
— Merriam-Webster Dictionary ©2004-2006
"She is carvel-built, and her planking is fastened with nails of bronze and iron; in places, wooden pegs are also used; her planking, depending on placement, varies from two to six inches in thickness; also, to strengthen her against the shock of ramming, four-inch-thick wales run longitudinally about her sides." — Raiders of Gor, page 192.
Walk
One of the many commands a slave girl must learn.
Walking Chains
Chains worn about both ankles of a slave girl to choreograph a preferred gait.
"The use of a light walking chain, tethering the ankles, meant to be worn abroad, accompanying the master, incidentally, is not uncommon in the regions of the Tahari." — Tribesmen of Gor, pages 44-45.
[The] Wall
A military defensive tactic in which massed infantry remains stationary, bracing themselves for the charge of tharlarion.
"… the phalanx, though its impact could be exceeded only by the tharlarion wedge or line, is now unknown, except for a defensive relic known as the Wall, in which massed infantry remains stationary, heroically bracing itself when flight is impossible, for the devastating charge of tharlarion." — Assassin of Gor, page 344.
Wall Nets
Very large nets which used to block escape paths; often the employ of slaves to hold these nets is utilized, so that the warriors can then attack.
"But most of those with us, heedless, fleeing the trumpets and beating of spears on shields, ran wildly toward the nets, which suddenly emerged before them, held by slaves. These were not the small capture nets but wall nets, to block a path of escape." — Raiders of Gor, page 51.
Walled Gardens
A walled-in area in which High Caste daughters are kept until a suitor calls upon their father and pays the bride price for them for Free Companionship.
"High Caste daughters in Ar are raised in the Walled Gardens, like flowers, until some highborn suitor, preferably a Ubar or Administrator, will pay the bride price set by their fathers." — Tarnsman of Gor, page 107.
Wallet
Generally made of leather, a pouch worn around a person's waist to carry such things as money or food.
Etymology: Middle English walet; Date: 14th century:
"A bag for carrying miscellaneous articles while traveling." — Merriam-Webster Dictionary ©2004-2006
At noon, in the marshes, with the sun burning at meridian, she had taken another handful of rence paste from a wallet worn at her waist and thrust it in my mouth, again not permitting me the dignity of feeding myself. — Raiders of Gor, page 28.
Waniyanpi
Literal meaning, "tame cattle," they are an agricultural slave community of the Kailiauk tribe made up of all white slaves and are bred forcefully within their own communities. See also: "The Teaching" and "Sames."
"I was born Waniyanpi, in one of the Waniyanpi enclosures of the Kailiauk," she said, "the product of a forced mating, between parents unknown even to themselves, parents selected and matched by the red masters, parents who, even though they were Sames, were forced to perform the Ugly Act, hooded and under whips, on the day of Waniyanpi breeding." — Savages of Gor, page 233.
Wapike
Ini the Kaiila dialect of the red savages, the term translates to "one who is fortunate."
"Howo, Oiputake," called her red master, turning about. He was Wapike, "One-Who-Is-Fortunate," Of the Isanna. — Blood Brothers of Gor, page 469.
War Arrow
Type of arrowhead designed for battle, using both flight and sheath type arrow shafts. The war arrow is also called a broad-headed arrow or barbed arrow which carries barbs or is cut straight across at the base, preventing it from being easily withdrawn from a wound. The head of the war arrow is less securely fastened to the shaft than the hunting arrow, which causes to leave it behind if the arrow is withdrawn.
The term "war arrow" in Torvaldsland, refers to the barbed arrow used in times of battle as well, however, symbolically, it also refers to the barbed arrow of war that is kept at the Torvald monument. This arrow bears the sign of the Torvald and is carried to every free man within a Jarl's juridiction as a means of informing his men to present themselves for war.
See also: "Broad Headed Arrow", "Flight Arrow", "Hunting Arrow," "Sheaf Arrow", "Simple-Pile Arrow," and "Tuchuk Barbed Arrow."
"The hunting arrow, incidentally, has a long, tapering point, and this point is firmly fastened to the shaft. This makes it easier to withdraw the arrow from its target. The war arrow, on the other hand, uses an arrowhead whose base is either angled backwards, forming barbs, or cut straight across, the result in both cases being to make the arrow difficult to extract from a wound. The head of the war arrow, too, is fastened less securely to the shaft than is that of the hunting arrow. The point thus, by intent, if the shaft is pulled out, is likely to linger in the wound. Sometimes it is possible to thrust the arrow through the body, break off the point and then withdraw the shaft backwards. At other times, if the point becomes dislodged in the body, it is common to seek it with a bone or greenwood probe, and then, when one has found it, attempt to work it free with a knife. There are cases where men have survived this. Much depends, of course, on the location of the point.
"The heads of certain war arrows and hunting arrows differ, too, at least in the case of certain warriors, in an interesting way, with respect to the orientation of the plane of the point to the plane of the nock. In these war arrows, the plane of the point is perpendicular to the plane of the nock. In level shooting, then, the plane of the point is roughly parallel to the ground. In these hunting arrows, on the other hand, the plane of the point is parallel to the plane of the nock. In level shooting, then, the plane of the point is roughly perpendicular to the ground. The reason for these different orientations is particularly telling at close range, before the arrow begins to turn in the air. The ribs of the kailiauk are vertical to the ground; the ribs of the human are horizontal to the ground." — Savages of Gor, pages 40-41.When the war arrow is carried, of course, all free men are to respond; in such a case the farm may suffer, and his companion and children know great hardship; in leaving his family, the farmer, weapons upon his shoulder, speaks simply to them. "The war arrow has been carried to my house," he tells them. — Marauders of Gor, page 142.
From among the weapons at the foot of the couch, from one of the cylindrical quivers, still of the sort carried in Torvaldsland, I drew forth a long, dark arrow. It was more than a yard long. Its shaft was almost an inch thick. It was plied with iron, barbed. Its feathers were five inches long, set in the shaft on three sides, feathers of the black-tipped coasting gull, a broad-winged bird, with black tips on its wings and tail feathers, similar to the Vosk gull. I lifted the arrow. "What is this?" I asked the Forkbeard.
"It is a war arrow," he said.
"And what sign is this, carved on its side?' I asked.
"The sign of Torvald," he whispered. — Marauders of Gor, pages 234-235.
War Galley
Any one of the different long ships, or ram-ships, used exclusively for fighting in the sea.
"The Rena of Temos, like most round ships, had two permanent masts, unlike the removable masts of the war galleys." — Raiders of Gor, page 184.
War Lanterns
Brightly colored lanterns used for signaling a rallying of warriors, as well as for maneuvering military units. Specific positioning of these lanterns informs the warriors of the situation at hand.
War Trumpet
Instrument utilized to make war signals. See: "Trumpet."
Warbler
Variety of bird commonly found in the rainforests.
"In the second level, that of the canopies, is found an incredible variety of birds, warblers, finches, mindars, the crested lit and the common lit, the fruit tindel, the yellow gim, tanagers, some varieties of parrot, and many more." — Explorers of Gor, page 311.
Warning Marks
Bits of colored rep-cloth tied in the Vosk delta as a means to warn strangers of danger; used by the rence growers.
"Did you not see the warning marks," asked she, "the white marks, and the blood mark?" — Raiders of Gor, page 11.
Warrior Salute
The common exchange of warriors, acknowledging each other, performed by lifting their blade to the other.
"Murmillius lifted his blade to me. It was the salute of a Warrior. " — Assassin of Gor, page 349.
Warrior Society
A significant component of tribal existence, these societies hold many functions, such as keeping order in the camps and during journeys.
"Warrior Societies in the tribes have many functions. They are a significant component of tribal existence. Such societies, on an alternating basis, do such things as keep order in the camps and on the treks." — Savages of Gor, page 261.
Warriors, Caste of
The Fifth Castes of the Five High Castes.
"In taking companionship with one of the Warriors she would raise caste, for the Warriors on Gor are among the high castes, of which there are five, the Initiates, Scribes, Physicians, Builders and Warriors." — Slave Girl of Gor, pages 113-114.
Warrior's Dance
Warrior's in swordplay.
"While we touched blades, almost as if involved in some bizarre ritualistic dance, there was the ringing, the clanging of fiercer swordplay around us, as the men of Pa-Kur engaged the men of Ar." — Tarnsman of Gor, page 209.
Warrior's Pace
A slow jog which which can be prolonged for hours.
"Using the Warrior's Pace, a slow jog that can be prolonged for hours, I left the Compound of the Mines." — Outlaw of Gor, page 176.
Washing-Booth
The shower of sorts for Muls to cleanse themselves.
Adjoining the cube, reached from the cube by sliding plastic panels, were a lavatory facility and a washing-booth. The washing-booth was remarkably like the showers with which we are familiar except that one may not regulate the flow of fluid. One turns on the fluid by stepping into the booth and its amount and temperature are controlled automatically. I had naturally supposed the fluid to be simply water which it closely resembled in appearance, and once had tried to fill my bowl for the morning meal there, rather than ladling the water out of the water pan. Choking, my mouth burning, I spat it out in the booth. "It is fortunate," said Misk, "that you did not swallow it for the washing fluid contains a cleansing additive that is highly toxic to human physiology." — Priest-Kings of Gor, page 111.
" Washing-booths, incidentally, are found in all Mul-cases and often, for convenience, along the tunnels and in public places, such as plazas, shaving-parlors, pellet-dispensaries, and fungus commissaries." — Priest-Kings of Gor page 111.
[The] Wastes
The vast area of the Tahari that lies east of Tor, hundreds of pasangs deep, thousands of pasangs long; rarely traveled. See also: "[The] Emptiness" and "Dune Country."
"The area, in extent, east of Tor, was hundreds of pasangs in depth, and perhaps thousands in length. The Gorean expression for this area simply means the Wastes, or the Emptiness." — Tribesmen of Gor, page 33.
Water Arrow
Markers utilized in the Tahari to indicate water holes or underground cisterns.
"The 'wheel' is a search pattern. Herdsmen, guards, kaiila tenders, leave the camp along a 'spoke' of a wheel, spacing themselves at intervals. The number of men in the caravan determines the length of the 'spoke.' No one in the caravan departs from it by more than the length of the wheel's spoke, pertinent to the individual caravan. The boy, for example, presumably, if he had his wits about him, would not follow the kaiila long enough on foot to place himself outside the 'rim'" of the 'wheel.' As the 'wheel' of men turns about its axis, the camp, at intervals the men draw arrows in the dirt or sand, or, if rocks are available, make arrows, pointing to the camp. When the search is discontinued, after success or failure, these markers are destroyed, lest they be taken by travelers for water arrows, markers indicating the direction of water holes, underground cisterns or eases." — Tribesmen of Gor, pages 21-22.
Water Clock
Also: "Clepsydra"
A clock which uses the gradual flow of water to tell time.
Inflected Form(s): plural -dras or clep·sy·drae; Etymology: Latin, from Greek klepsydra, from kleptein to steal + hydOr water; Date: 1646;
"Water Clock." — Merriam-Webster Dictionary ©2004-2006
"The average Gorean has a variety of simple devices at his disposal for making the passage of time. Typical among them are marked, or calibrated, candles, sun dials, sand glasses, clepsydras and oil clocks." — Magicians of Gor, page 358.
Water Lizards
Marine saurians found in various fresh waters of Gor.
"About its flanks, as it settled into the mud, there was a stirring in the water, and I realized the small water lizards of the swamp forest were engaged in their grisly work.. — Tarnsman of Gor, page 85.
Water Tharlarion
Marine saurians found in various fresh waters of Gor.
"Upon occasion, and it had happened early in Se'Kara this year, the arena is flooded and a sea fight is staged, the waters for the occasion being filled with a variety of unpleasant sea life, water tharlarion, Vosk turtles, and the nine gilled Gorean shark, the latter brought in tanks on river barges up the Vosk, to be then transported in tanks on wagons across the margin of desolation to Ar for the event." — Assassin of Gor, page 190.
Watonka
In the language of the Kaiila tribe of the Barrens, this word translates to "One-Who-ls-Rich."
"Three or four abreast, in long lines, led by their civil chief, Watonka, One-Who-ls-Rich, and subchiefs and high warriors, the Isanna entered the camp of the Isbu." — Blood Brothers of Gor, page 25.
Wayuhahaka
In the language of the red savages, the term meaning "one who possesses much."
"Two hunters I saw returning, friends; one was Cotanka, 'Love Flute,' of the Wismahi, and the other was Wayuhahaka, 'One-Who-Possesses-Much,' who had elected to remain with the Isbu." — Blood Brothers of Gor, page 469.
Wayuksapiwi
In the language of the red savages, term meaning the Corn-Harvest Moon; one of the autumnal moons; also known also as "Canwapekasnawi."
"Two moons will be sufficient to return to Kailiauk," said Grunt, "If one does not stop for trading." The two moons he had in mind, as I later learned, were Canwapegiwi, the moon in which the leaves become brown, and the moon known variously as Wayuksapiwi, the Corn-Harvest Moon, or Canwapekasnawi, the moon when the wind shakes off the leaves. The autumnal equinox occurs in Canwapegiwi." — Savages of Gor, page 253.
Wazir
Inland (Schendi) word for an ambassador or cabinet member to the Ubar. See also "Vizier."
Vizier; also Wazir
Etymology: Turkish vezir, from Arabic wazIr; Date: 1599
"1: a high executive officer of various Muslim countries and especially of the Ottoman Empire
2: a civil officer in ancient Egypt having viceregal powers." — Merriam-Webster Dictionary ©2004-2006Arabic and Modern Persian Wazir, Turkish Vezir (from old Iranian Pahlavi vçir, "judge"), originally the chief minister or representative of the 'Abbasid caliphs and later a high administrative officer in various Muslim countries, among Arabs, Persians, Turks, Mongols, and other eastern peoples. The office took shape during its tenure by the Barmakid (Barmecide) family in the 8th century. The 'Abbasid vizier stood between sovereign and subjects, representing the former in all matters touching the latter. This withdrawal of the head of state from direct contact with his people was unknown to the previous Umayyad caliphate and was certainly an imitation of Persian usage. Under the early Ottoman sultans, the office was called pervane ("advice"), a usage inherited from the Seljuqs of Anatolia. The Ottoman title vizier was first conferred on a military commander about 1380. Thenceforth until the conquest of Istanbul (1453), it denoted the highest rank in the ruling institution and could be held simultaneously by several persons, including the ministers of state. In this period members of the powerful Çandarli family served periodically as ministers and held the rank of vizier.
Under the sultan Mehmed II (reigned 1444-46, 1451-81), the Ottomans assumed the old Islamic practice of giving the title vizier to the office of the chief minister, but they had to use the distinguishing epithet "grand." A number of viziers, known as the "dome viziers," were appointed to assist the grand vizier, to replace him when he was absent on campaign, and to command armies when required. Later the title vizier was granted to provincial governors and to high officials such as the defterdar (finance officer).
The grand vizier was the absolute representative of the sultan, whose signet ring he kept as an insignia of office. His actual power, however, varied with the vigour of the sultans. In 1654 the grand vizier acquired an official residence known as the Babiâli (Sublime Porte), which replaced the palace as the effective centre of Ottoman government. Beginning in the 19th century the grand viziers presided over the council of ministers, appointed by the sultan; and after 1908 they acquired the right to appoint the Cabinet ministers. The title disappeared with the collapse of the empire.
The term vizier is also customarily applied to a pair of civil officers in ancient Egypt having viceregal powers. The office dates from at least the 4th Dynasty (c. 2575-c. 2465 BC) and achieved great importance from the reign of Sesostris III (1836-18 BC), when the vizier acquired jurisdiction over the entire bureaucracy of ancient Egypt. — Encyclopaedia Britannica ©2004-2006
"I thought it was known to all," he said." I am the high wazir of Bila Huruma." — Explorers of Gor, page 217.
"I will explain that the details of your proposal for a commercial treaty will be discussed with the appropriate wazir, and presented later for approval." — Explorers of Gor, page 227.
"The envoy from Bazi, I noted, would receive an audience with the wazir of trade within five days." — Explorers of Gor, page 234.
"Bila Huruma's wazir or trade will doubtless soon detect that I know little of the merchants or the affairs of Teletus." — Explorers of Gor, page 235.
Weavers
Not much is said about this caste, or its trade.
"Less impressive perhaps but even more essential to the operation of the House were its kitchens, its laundries, commissaries and storerooms; its medical facilities, in which dental care is also provided; its corridors of rooms for staff members, all of whom live in the House; its library, its records and files; its cubicles for Smiths, Bakers, Cosmeticians, Bleachers, Dyers, Weavers and Leather Workers …" — Assassin of Gor, page 111.
Weight
A unit of measurement; ten (10) Stone equal one (1) Weight. See: "Gorean Weight."
"A weight is some ten stone, or some forty Earth pounds." — Tribesmen of Gor, page 37.
Wench Sport
Gorean reference to the gang rape of a slave girl.
"Use her for wench sport," he said, "and then return her to the Chatka and Curla." The slave hood was pulled up, and opened, and then pulled down and over my head; it was folded and tucked under the chin, taking up its slack, and the leather belt, looped twice about my neck, was drawn through its loops, tightened and buckled shut. By one ankle I was pulled across the tiles to the side of the room. — Slave Girl of Gor, pages 338-229.
Western Platforms
At the fairs of the Sardar, these are the platforms reserved for processing and organization of the girls to be sold. See also: "Platforms."
"They are on the western platforms," said the respondent. Those platforms are commonly used for processing and organization. Girls are not often sold from them. They wait there, usually, when they are brought in, before they are conducted to their proper platforms, those on which they will be displayed, those having been rented in advance by their masters. — Beasts of Gor, page 55.
Wharfage
The charge imposed for the handling of goods and the use of the dock by ships.
Date: 15th century;
"1a) The provision or the use of a wharf; b) the handling or stowing of goods on a wharf;
2) the charge for the use of a wharf;
3) the wharf accommodations of a place." — Merriam-Webster Dictionary ©2004-2006
"The representative of the Merchants, to whom I reported my business, and to whom I paid wharfage, asked no questions. He did not even demand the proof of registration of the Tesephone of Tabor. The Merchants, who control Lydius, under merchant law, for it is a free port, like Helmutsport, and Schendi and Bazi, are more interested in having their port heavily trafficked than strictly policed. Indeed, at the wharves I had even seen two green ships. Green is the color common to pirates. I supposed, did they pay their wharfage and declare some sort of business, the captains of those ships were as little interrogated as I." — Hunters of Gor, page 43.
[The] Wheel
In the Tahari, the "Wheel" is a pattern for searching people lost in the desert.
"The 'wheel' is a search pattern. Herdsmen, guards, kaiila tenders, leave the camp along a 'spoke' of a wheel, spacing themselves at intervals. The number of men in the caravan determines the length of the 'spoke.' No one in the caravan departs from it by more than the length of the wheel's spoke, pertinent to the individual caravan. The boy, for example, presumably, if he had his wits about him, would not follow the kaiila long enough on foot to place himself outside the 'rim'" of the 'wheel.' As the 'wheel' of men turns about its axis, the camp, at intervals the men draw arrows in the dirt or sand, or, if rocks are available, make arrows, pointing to the camp. When the search is discontinued, after success or failure, these markers are destroyed, lest they be taken by travelers for water arrows, markers indicating the direction of water holes, underground cisterns or eases. The caravan kaiila, incidentally, both those which are pack animals and those used as mounts for guards and warriors, are muchly belled. This helps to keep the animals together, makes it easier to move in darkness, and in a country where, often, one cannot see more than a hundred yards to the next dune or plateau, is an important factor in survival. If it were not for the caravan bells, the slow moving, otherwise generally silent caravans might, unknowingly, pass within yards of men in desperate need of succor." — Tribesmen of Gor, pages 21-22.
Whip Caress
A method in which the use of a whip on a slave, touching erotically, to exhibit to others, and the slave as well, that she is a real slave. See also "Slaver's Caress."
"Then, before I could realize what he intended, he had subjected Miss Cardwell to what, among slavers, is known as the Whip Caress. Ideally it is done, as Kamchak had, unexpectedly, taking the girl unawares… Elizabeth suddenly cried out throwing her head to one side. I observed to my amazement the sudden, involuntary, uncontrollable response to the touch. The Whip Caress is commonly used among Slavers to force a girl to betray herself." — Nomads of Gor, pages 168-169.
Whip Dance
One of the many dances of slave girls of Gor.
"It is called the Whip Dance, the dance the girl upon the sand danced." — Raiders of Gor, page 100.
Whip of the Furs
This is a method of disciplining slave girls by rape rather than by flogging; popular in Torvaldsland.
Whip Knife
Not really a knife, it is actually a whip with knife blades set into it's tips. This weapon is usually found only in Port Kar.
"To my surprise I noted, coiled at the side of his saddle, in four loops, was a whip knife, of the sort common in Port Kar, a whip, but set into its final eighteen inches, arranged in sets of four, twenty thin, narrow blades" — Assassin of Gor, page 363.
Whip Slave
A slave who holds whip rights over the other slaves.
"The girls were now on their feet and whip slaves were braceleting their wrists before their bodies and attaching the lead chains to the bracelets, preparing to conduct the purchased merchandise from the block." — Assassin of Gor, page 309.
Whipping Frame
A heavy wooden frame on which a slave is bound for beating.
Whipping Pole
Tall, thick, heavy pole which slaves are bound to and whipped.
We stopped by the framework of poles, which I had seen before. There was a horizontal pole, itself set on two pairs of poles, leaning together and lashed at the top… The horizontal pole was about nine feet high. Beneath its center, on the ground, there was an iron ring. This ring was set in a heavy stone, which was buried in the ground. "The girl's wrists," said Ute, "are tied together, and then she is tied. Suspended by the wrists, from the high pole. Her ankles are tied together and tied, some six inches from the ground, to the iron ring. That way she does not much swing… This is a whipping pole," said Ute. "You may go now, El-in-or." — Captive of Gor, page 290.
Whipping Position
See: "Kneel[ing] to the Whip."
Whipping Strap
Another term to describe a whip used in the discipline of a slave; the strap can be of leather or rope.
I turned to one of the men nearby. "Be as her caller and guard," I said to him. He nodded, and, bending down, picked up a strap which lay nearby. "I shall come presently," I told him. He acknowledged this. He left the room, following the girl. A guard is not used in such cases to prevent the escape of the girl, for, in such a situation, in a house or kasbah, there is no escape for her. He serves to protect her, interestingly, from other slave girls. The strap or coiled rope he carries is used less often to hasten, in a humiliating fashion, a girl who might otherwise dally on the way to discipline, though it may serve this purpose, than it is to drive other girls from her. Such a strap or rope, of course, can sting hotly through slave silk. — Tribesmen of Gor, pages 353-354.
"Then she screamed with pain, throwing back her head, as the lash of the five-strap Gorean slave whip cut into her back." — Raiders of Gor, page 110.
Whipping Stick
Used for controlling the draft river tharlarions by bargemen.
"The bargemen in the leather basket shouted out and slapped the two tharlarion on the neck with the whipping stick." — Captive of Gor, page 81.
White
A color that most Goreans associate with impartiality. Also, the caste color of the Initiates.
"The cylinder was white, a color Goreans often associate with impartiality." — Tarnsman of Gor, page 194.
White Ants
Pests which eat wood. See: "Termite."
"It lived on the white ants, or termites, of the vicinity, breaking apart their high, towering nests of toughened clay, some of them thirty-five feet in height, with its mighty claws, then darting its four-foot-long tongue, coated with adhesive saliva, among the nest's startled occupants, drawing thousands in a matter of moments into its narrow, tubelike mouth." — Explorers of Gor, page 293.
White Shark
One of the several varieties of shark which inhabit Gor.
"Once he thrust away one of the white sharks of the northern waters." — Marauders of Gor, page 124.
White Silk Girl
A virgin slave. Often, one will find on VT Gor, the refer to a white silk girl as a restricted slave, which is not exactly correct. Often times a white silk girl is merely raped to make her a red silk girl, thus making her ready for auction. Other times, however, when a particular white silk girl is intended for purchase by a specific customer of high importance, keeping her safely a virgin is tantamount. Althought she may be kept naked, she would be kept in a chastity belt. A white silk girl does not necessarily wear white-colored silks.
"I scarcely supposed," said I, "that you would permit a White Silk Girl to go alone on the streets of Ar." Cernus chuckled. "Indeed not," he said. "The risk is too much, sometimes as much as ten gold pieces." — Assassin of Gor, page 45.
"Other common terms, not generally of slaves, are 'white silk' and 'red silk', for girls, who have not yet been opened, or have been opened, for the uses of men, respectively." — Dancer of Gor, page 128.
White Water
One of many of the Vosk River townships.
"I had gone from Lara to White Water using the barge canal, to circumvent the rapids, and fron thence to Tancred's Landing." — Rogue of Gor, page 62.
Wicincala
In the language of the red savages, a term meaning "girl."
"'Wincala'," she said, "which means 'Girl', and 'Amomona', which means 'Baby' or 'Doll'." — Savages of Gor, page 230.
Wicayuhe
In the language of the red savages, a term meaning "master."
"'Wicayuhe', 'Itancanka'," she said, "words which mean 'Master'." — Savages of Gor, page 231.
Wily Ones
Common reference of a Tuchuk.
"The Tuchuks were commonly called the Wily Ones." — Nomads of Gor, page 75.
Wine-Master Presentation
The offering of a slave of both a wine beverage, and the wine of her slavery. See also: "Second Slave."
"I refer to the Wine-Master presentation," I said, "in which the slave offers not only wine to the master, but herself, and her beauty, for his consideration." — Vagabonds of Gor, page 352.
Winged Tharlarion
Flying tharlarion. See: "Ul."
"Only one creature in the marshes dares to outline itself against the sky, the predatory Ul, the winged tharlarion." — Raiders of Gor, page 1.
[The] Wintering
Migrational move of the Wagon Peoples as they move to warmer ground for the winter months; the second of phases of the Omen Year.
"… the Omen Year, or season, lasts several months, and consists of three phases, called the Passing of Turia, which takes place in the fall; the Wintering, which takes place north of Turia and commonly south of the Cartius, the equator of course lying to the north in this hemisphere; and the Return to Turia, in the spring, or, as the Wagon Peoples say, in the Season of Little Grass." — Nomads of Gor, pages 11-12.
Wismahi
The term in the Kaiila dialect of the red savages meaning "arrowhead."
"The Wismahi, or Arrowhead band of the Kaiila, holds the more northern lands in and below, to some extent, the fork of the Kaiila." — Blood Brothers of Gor, pages 24-25.
Wismahi Band
Literal, Sand Band. One of the five bands (subgroups) that make up the red savage Kaiila tribe. There are various speculations on the origin of the name. One story is based on an encampment of this band one winter, where two rivers joined, forming an arrowhead pattern. Another claims that the band lived once in a flint-rich area, and thrived on extensive trade with neighboring tribes prior to the availability of trading zones. One of the smaller bands, numbering approximately five- to six-hundred members, claim the more northern lands in and below to a small extent of the fork of the Kaiila River.
"The Isbu, or Little-Stones band; the Casmu, or Sand, band; the Isanna, the Little-Knife band; the Napoktan, or Bracelets, band; and the Wismahi, or Arrowhead band, are the five bands which constitute the Kaiila tribe. The origins of these names are not always clear. It seems probable that the Little-Stones and the Sand bands may have had their names from geographical features, perhaps those adjacent to riverside encampments. The Wismahi, or Arrowhead, band is said by some to have once made their winter camp at the confluence of two rivers, the joining of the rivers resembling the point of an arrowhead. Others claim that they once lived in a flint-rich area and, prior to the general availability of trade points, conducted a lively trade in flint with surrounding tribes." — Blood Brothers of Gor, pages 10.
"The Wismahi, or Arrowhead band of the Kaiila, holds the more northern lands in and below, to some extent, the fork of the Kaiila." — Blood Brothers of Gor, pages 24-25.
"The Casmu numbered in the neighborhood of one thousand; the Wismahi, one of the smaller bands, number about five or six hundred." — Blood Brothers of Gor, page 25.
Witankanka
Ini the Kaiila dialect of the red savages, the term translates to "one who is is proud."
"Hou, Witantanka!" called a girl to one of the warriors. "Greetings, One-Who-Is-Proud." — Blood Brothers of Gor, page 53.
Wolakota
The term in the dialect of the Kaiila tribe of the red savages meaning "friendship."
He then added, in Kaiila, for good measure, substantially the same message. "Hou, Kola. Hou, Mitakola. Olakota. Wolakota." "Greetings, Friend. Greetings, my friend. Peace. Peace. Friendship." — Savages of Gor, page 257.
Womnaka
A word of the Dust Leg and Kaiila tribes which literally means "something which exudes much odor;" most likely the word is in reference to dung.
"No longer, at least," she said, "am I womnaka."
"What is that?" I asked.
Master does not speak Dust Leg or Kaiila?" she asked.
"No," I said.
"It is something which exudes much odor," she laughed. — Savages of Gor, page 230.
Wooden Locks
Locks made of wood; not often used as they are not very secure.
"On Gor, though most locks are of metal, wooden locks are not altogether unknown. In the most common variety there are two sets of matching pins, one fixed on a wooden spatula like key and the other set, movable, falls into the bolt, securing it. With the key placed under the bolt, and pressed upward, the movable pins are lifted over the bolt, permitting its movement. This form of lock, however, as one might suspect, provides a poor sort of security, for the pins may be lifted individually by tiny sticks wedged in the holes until the bolt is free." — Assassin of Gor, pages 51-52.
Wooden Pegs
Pegs, or nails, made of wood, used in the building of ships.
"She is carvel-built, and her planking is fastened with nails of bronze and iron; in places, wooden pegs are also used …" — Raiders of Gor, page 192.
Woodpecker
Variety of bird ommonly found in the rainforests.
"In the lower portion of the canopies, too, can be found heavier birds, such as the ivory-billed woodpecker and the umbrella bird." — Explorers of Gor, page 311.
Wopeton
Word in the dialect of the Dust Leg and Kaiila tribes of the red savagesfor "Merchant" or "Trader."
"Wopeton," said Grunt, pointing to me. "Wopeton," he said, pointing to himself. This is the word in both Dust Leg and Kaiila for a trader, or merchant. — Savages of Gor, page 257.
"Wopeton," said Grunt, pointing to me. "Hou, Hou Kola." Then he turned to me. "Your name would be meaningless to them," he said. "I have called you 'Wopeton,' or "Trader' or 'Merchant'. That may serve as a name for you, unless you want another. I have also conveyed your greetings." — Savages of Gor, page 321.
Work Collars
Made of steel and worn over their regular collars, collars which most probably reflect that the girl is currently at task, and as protection of their regular collars.
Work Slaves
Male prisoners that must work as laborers; usually for a set period of time, such as one year. Work slaves may also be female slaves, used for laborers, such as in an encampment or a city.
World's End
That part of Gor of which, in myth, is described as the limits of a flat planet, a place where men may attempt to go, and never return, guarded by monsters and other cruelties of nature. This is the belief of those in the lower castes who are only taught the First Knowledge, not knowing that the planet is round and not flat.
"We did not know where lay the world's end, but we knew where It must be sought. The world's end was said to lie beyond Cos and Tyros, at the end of Thassa, at the world's edge. No man had sailed to the world's end and returned. It was not known what had occurred there. Some said that Thassa was endless, and there was no world's end, only the green waters extending forever, gleaming, beckoning the mariner and hero onward, onward until men, one by one, had perished and the lonely ships, their steering oars lashed in place, pursued the voyage in silence, until the timbers rotted and one day, perhaps centuries later, the brave wood, warm in the sun, sank beneath the sea… Others said, in stories reminiscent of Earth, and which had doubtless there had their origin, that the world's end was protected by clashing rocks and monsters, and by mountains that could pull the nails from ships. Others said, similarly, that the end of the world was sheer, and that a ship might there plunge over the edge, to fall tumbling for days through emptiness until fierce winds broke it apart and the wreckage was lifted up to the bottom of the sea. In the maelstroms south and west of Tyros shattered planking was sometimes found. It was said that some of this was from ships which had sought the world's end." — Beasts of Gor, pages 27-28.
Wozupiwi
In the language of the red savages, term meaning the Planting Moon; one of the spring moons.
"The next moon was Wozupiwi, the Planting Moon, which term, in the context, I find extremely interesting. It seems to make clear that the folk of the area, at one time, were settled, agricultural peoples." — Savages of Gor, page 144.
Wristlet
Not much is described of the wristlets worn by men. Wristlets generally are a band of leather which encircles the wrists; protects the wrist.
Date: circa 1847;
"A band encircling the wrist; especially: a close-fitting knitted band attached to the top of a glove or the end of a sleeve." — Merriam-Webster Dictionary ©2004-2006
"You, Master," said Tina, to a handsome young seaman, who wore a wristlet studded with purplish stone, amethysts from Schendi, "would you be so kind as to rise and come forward." He stood before her, appreciatively, but warily. "You kissed me this afternoon," she told him. "Please do so again." — Hunters of Gor, pages 97-98.
Special Note
Because of the differences in publishing the books, depending upon whether published in the U.S. or Europe, depending upon whether a first publishing or a Masquerade Books release, page numbers will often vary. All of my quotes are from original, first-printing U.S. publications (see The Books page for a listing of publishers and dates) with the exception of the following books:
- Tarnsman of Gor (2nd Printing, Balantine)
- Outlaw of Gor (11th Printing, Balantine)
- Priest-Kings of Gor (2nd Printing, Balantine)
- Assassin of Gor (10th Printing, Balantine)
- Raiders of Gor (15th Printing, Balantine)
- Captive of Gor (3rd Printing, Balantine)
Disclaimer
These pages are not written for any specific home, but rather as informational pages for those not able to get ahold of the books and read them yourself. Opinions and commentaries are strictly my own personal views, therefore, if you don't like what you are reading — then don't. The information in these pages is realistic to what is found within the books. Many sites have added information, assuming the existences of certain products and practices, such as willowbark and agrimony for healing, and travel to earth and back for the collection of goods. I've explored the books, the flora, the fauna, and the beasts, and have compiled from those mentioned, the probabilities of certain practices, and what vegetation mentioned in the books is suitable for healing purposes, as well as given practicalities to other sorts of roleplaying assumptions.