Black Caste Tavern

 

On the low side of Ar in the back streets where the city watch will only patrol during day light and then only when they must, you seek the Tavern of Assassins. The tavern is often the source of stories told to scare children into proper behavior and a source of nightmares for the law abiding citizens of Ar. It is the lounge of Killers, but cutthroats, thieves, outlaws, brigades, murderers, and bandits can sometimes be found within. Looking down at the crude map you purchased from a pinch-fingered urchin you know that you are close and turn down a cluttered alley.

As you step toward the tavern you notice a single post protruding from above the low door, hanging from it on two hooks is a single black slab, a coarse denotation of the tavern. You stop before the heavy tem wood door with iron bindings. It lacks any handles and/or hinges; instead it has a small slotted hand hold on the left side. You place your fingers in the grip and attempt to pull the door open, instead you find that it slides quite easily and obviously counterweighted to your right, sliding into the wall.

You stand in door way eyes on the deeper darkness within, steeling yourself you step inside and down the trio of steps, the door slowly sliding closed behind you. The air is heavy and moist, the room lit by scattered tharlarion lanterns, you immediately notice that there are no windows and the only other doorway is along the left hand wall though it lacks a door.

You know from stories that within that doorway lay the kitchen, the source of the heat and moisture, the tavern is not well ventilated. Your eyes scan the room slowly from right to left.

A half dozen low tables rest upon large but simple furs throughout the room. At the center of the room along the back wall there is a large hearth now cold, though often found alit with a kettle of mulled kalana simmering over the flames.

Perhaps the length of a Northman before the hearth, the tem wood floor takes on a different hue, in a square perhaps 13x13 feet. Below it you know is a 7 foot deep pit whose bottom is laced with sand. Many would-be patrons have witnessed the tem wood boards being lifted and set aside, finding themselves within the pit and facing insurmountable odds under the jeers of surrounding patrons. It was not uncommon for these unwilling contestants to vanish and never to be seen again. Swallowing you continue your slow scan of the room, the walls seeming to absorb the sounds from the kitchen, not sending back the echo you would expect.

Beside the far left wall, hanging on the back wall you see a bosk's eye target formed with rings of black and deep red. Perhaps 10 paces before the target one of the tem wood boards is the same deep red color. You know this to be where they have their Game of Blades, which has a tendency to become violent.

Your skin crawling, you take one last look thru the large room trying to imprint as much as possible into your memory. The walls and two supporting pillars are decorated / vandalized by carved images, runes, and glyphs. Your eyes fall to the runes nearest you on the door frame intricately carved with a russet brown coloring within. You lift a finger and trace the deep lines, pulling your hand back abruptly as you rationalize the source of its color. Its creator most likely sliced his palm then pressed and pulled it across his work. Or perhaps you think, it's creator colored it by more gruesome means with another's blood or flesh.

Your hand reaches to the grip on the right side of the door to slide it aside and flee this place, but you pause, fear tightening your stomach and loins. You knew that as you pulled the door back on the other side could be one of its patrons. Steeling yourself knowing that every ihn you delay your chance of meeting increases.... You slide the pocket door aside.

Finding yourself alone, your lungs release a captive breath you didn't realize you were holding. You hasten from the abode almost stumbling as you make your way toward the street. You silently cheer yourself for your bravery this eve and wonder if anyone will believe your tale.


 

Black Caste Tavern Facts


 

 

1.      The tavern is owned and operated by the BlackCaste of Assassins. It's open to the public; though enter at your own risk. Player consent is null and void here. We expect strict realism. If you plan on attacking a Killer, then leaving before trained Assassins could even get one shot off, or you happen to get a bolt in your leg and you're running out just fine... consider yourself ignored, and dead to the Caste. That type of terrible role-play will not be tolerated.

 

2.      There is a rotation for NPC Assassins to watch over the tavern. They are not guards but are close by, if not in the tavern, should trouble start. Standard, there are 6 of them present at all times and at high risk times there will be up to 8, or even 10. These are only times of large threat to the Caste. NPC Assassins cannot assassinate and can be role played by any registered and non-probationary member of the caste. They each roll 2d22. Usually four remain inside and two men guard the door. There's also the cook who is a trained Killer as well.

 

3.      There is only one (known to patrons) exit/entrance to the tavern. There is no other means of entrance or exit.

 

4.      There are no windows or other window-sized openings in the tavern. Ventilation is of small grated pipes that use outside wind currents and interior temperature differences for air control. Often the tavern door is left ajar so the cool air may rush in to the social area travel into the kitchen, heating up as it does so, to rise thru the venting tubes in the ceiling.

 

5.      The tavern's door is unlocked 30 ehn before dusk and is relocked at dawn. Those attempting force entry during the day will find the door to be as strong a siege door. If partial success is made they will find murder holes quite plentiful throughout the alley. Those remaining in the tavern at dusk will be forcibly removed by a detail of 6 NPC Assassins as well as the duty Assassins, unless the present Assassins deem otherwise. NPC Assassins will meet deadly force with deadly force of their own.

 

6.      The buildings in the area of the tavern are solidly connecting walls (wall to wall built).

 

7.      All registered and non-probationary members have access to the key that locks and unlocks the door from the inside only. The door can not be locked or unlocked from the outside.

 

8.      The tavern sign (black slate) is removed when the tavern is closed.

 

9.      The Kitchen Master is an envoy and a non-registered member of the Black Caste.

 

10. Roasted bosk, spiced yellow suls and mulled kalana are the Tavern specialties (items in abundance and of superior quality). There is also the standard tavern/den/inn stock of food as many of the Black Caste members use the tavern as a food source.

 

11. The tavern social area is 30 feet deep and 60 feet wide as you enter.

 

12. The only persons who will receive sustenance for free are full members of the Black caste. Applicants, Pledges, Probates, and all others must pay for their meals.

 

13. Those who damage caste property will answer for the damages. This usually consists at a minimum of matching the monetary value of the damages.

 

14. Tharlarion lanterns are used for lighting though occasionally, depending on air conditions and special events, a pair of energy bulbs will be produced by the Kitchen Master (chair initiated only). They are secured in a pair of small cages in the ceiling of the social area.

 

15. The room(s) and tables have been treated with fire retardant oil. Mixing tharlarion lanterns and drunken men on an ignitable surface is not a good idea. In addition, due to previous problems, the exterior of the building including the door have been treated.

 

16. There are a few girls collared strictly to the Black Caste Tavern. Black Caste Tavern girls may serve anyone in the tavern, but Caste comes first.

 

Order of Service/Tending: Male Assassins, Pledges/Applicants, Male non-members, Female Assassins, female non-members.
 

For example, should a warrior and pledge assassin walk in, the pledge is to be served first.If a male and female assassin are sitting at a table and both ask for service, the male is served first unless the slave is already within service to the female.

 

17. Outside of the tavern Black Caste Tavern girls are reserved in pleasure solely to the Black Caste members, registered and pledges. Inside of the tavern they can be used by anyone. There is a second level of the tavern where thirteen alcoves are found. Number seven is closed and locked.

There are kettle girls, NPC's, who work in the kitchen but they are not permitted in the social area or to encounter anyone not of the Black Caste. Guests not of the Black Caste are not permitted in the kitchen under ANY circumstance and will be met by the duty NPCs.

 

18. ALL Tavern/Caste girls are followed by one NPC guard. Be it knowingly, or unknowingly as someone shadowing that she never sees. This guard is to be played upon entrance to a room not of the Caste to ensure someone won't become an idiot and steal or maim a Killers slave.

 

Caste and Tavern Slaves
 

* reserved to Members of the Caste and those actively in the entry process. They may serve any patron of the tavern. These girls are property of the Tavern and the Caste.

 

Duties of the Tavern En Slave

The First Girl of the Tavern can be signified by her collar. Where tavern slaves wear black collars with red lettering, hers has silver lettering stating "Property of the Black Caste" and under that "En-Kajira." Her responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

1.      Making certain slaves adhere to Tavern Rules and Rules of Conduct
 

2.      Reporting recalcitrant slaves to their Master, as well as the Ubar of Assassins.

 

This slave is not a "sister," and it is advised that she is not called such. She is to be called by her given name by non Tavern Slaves, as well as Caste Slaves, and Mistress by Tavern Slaves.
 

Black Caste Tavern Guidelines

1.      This tavern is owned, run and protected by the Black Caste of Assassins. In the Black Caste Tavern the word of the Caste members is law and may only be overturned by the Ubar of Assassins. While pledges (not applicants) have "sway" over player persons, they do not over their registered peers.

 

2.      The tavern, though it is for the Caste, is a public place. Any, with a few exceptions may enter, though enter at your own risk. Entering is tantamount to consenting to our GL's. Kurii, and large wild animals (larls, non-Black Caste sleens, kaiila) are to be killed on sight.

 

3.      Any Free Woman entering the Black Caste Tavern and not acting in the manner of a freewoman of Gor, may be reprimanded, and/or collared by a Caste member if they are witness to it. No dice are needed in the capturing of a disrespectful free woman. Women rarely entered a paga den, or tavern on their own in the first place. If the Free Woman has guards, and she's being disrespectful to the patrons of the tavern, these guards would not be stupid enough to get in between an Assassin and the collar bait. Any intelligent man, no matter how much he was paid, would protect a woman such as that who is about to reap what she sowed.

 

4.      Panther Girls, Taluna, Female Outlaws, "feral women" can be collared on sight in the Black Caste Tavern. They should not be in the cities in the first place. Enter as one.. leave as kajira or sleen feed. Caste sleen, happen to like these little morsels.

 

5.      The Black Caste Tavern is not a safe ground for un-collared slaves. They can and will be collared if found without a collar to either be sold or kept by those capturing them. A 25% fee will be required from any sale of a slave collared within the confines of the Black Caste Tavern, by anyone not of the Caste of Assassins. Any Assassin collaring a slave in the tavern may do so with impunity if the slave was un-collared... or a freewoman acting in a manner that warranted such a collaring.

 

6.      The BCT is serviced by several kajirae collared by the Caste. If punishment is demanded by a patron for one of the kajirae collared to the Black Caste that patron must scroll the Ubar of Assassins or any other Assassin if one is not present.. If warranted, the slave will be punished. Severe Punishment is reserved solely to full and non-probationary members of the caste. To punish a slave to the extent where she cannot serve is to have the Tavern loose out on profits. To kill that slave, is to kill the property of the Caste.

 

7.      Only knock out matches, spars, and death matches (if applicable) are to occur within the tavern. Food fights are an exception to the rule as well.

 

8.      By entering the tavern you give player consent to the actions of the Black Caste and will be held responsible for all therein. For example, if you smash a table and piss on the furs; attacked and/or slain, any cry you make about player consent will not be accepted. RULE OF THUMB on this issue... if you, the player, have consented enough to enter the tavern, and the RP within is feasible for Gor, your player consent is given for that RP. This includes if you come in and damage the tavern and run out, you are still susceptible. This is mentioned twice for a reason.

 

9.      Any known Rogue Killer (both nonaffiliated, and "branch Caste" Killers) who enters the tavern with Registered Assassins present that presents themselves, or has been listed as such, can and will be hunted. To claim you are of the Caste, and have the audacity or idiocy to enter their tavern is grounds for an automatic hunt. As the last rule stated, you had consented to enter the tavern and RP. Player consent on this rule is thrown out the window. Rogues, enter at your own risk. To do so is to give consent to what may happen to you within that time span. Moding will not be accepted. If moding is used as a form of escape it will be considered an invalid move and the RP will continue as if it did not take place (you will obviously not be defending yourself). You have been warned.

 

10. Payment for services are due at the time of service. Remedial actions will be taken for unpaid services. To eat, and/or drink from the tavern, then leave without paying, is to steal from the Tavern, in thus, from those of the Black Caste. A foolish move.

 

11. All slaves owned privately by members of the caste or by the Caste itself are required to serve at all times. Idle slaves will not be tolerated. The only exception to the rule is if you are with your Master/Mistress, and he/she has to remain at their side. Privately owned slaves of the caste or its members are reserved by the caste. Sexual use of these slaves is not welcome or allowed unless otherwise stated.

 

12. While the tavern is a secluded and dark area, it is not a brothel. Please do not treat it as such. If you seek to have sexual gratification from your slave within any overt manner, do so either within your own haven, or within the provided alcoves. Remember, any one can pop into the room, and you never know if there is a minor behind the screen name

 

13. Non-Player Characters, as well as Player Characters will enforce these rules. The guards (NPCs) are armed, and perhaps only half of them are seen, if that person is lucky. The shadows are dark, and can hold many secrets. Non-Caste people (slaves not owned by Caste members and free) are not allowed within the kitchens, and thus will be escorted out, violently if need be.

 

Slave Rules of Conduct
(subject to changes and additions)

 

 

 

1.      First and foremost, the En Slave’s word to slaves, when their Master is not present, is law. The Tavern will not tolerate lazy slaves that sit on their tails twirling their hair. If you come into the tavern, expect to work. If your Master shows up, you are released from what duties the First Girl may give you.

 

2.      A slave upholds the honor of their Master this means that your primary function is to be pleasing. Insolent and bratty slaves are not tolerated. Absolute obedience is expected. Whining is unacceptable.

 

3.      Your are to call all Free People, "Master" or "Mistress" at all times. You are to show them the utmost respect.

 

4.      Many slaves show their disrespect for the Free by the use of thoughts. Saying in their defense that no one can read their minds. By such they are showing disrespect and such is not allowed. This is Gor and normally the reading of minds is impossible. However, this is also AOL Gor and there are those that have this ability. Gorean Masters/Mistresses are also Masters of the art of body language, especially as concerns their slaves. You are a slave, such can be punished. You think it, then accept the responsibility of it. Player does NOT enter the RP.

 

5.      You are not to touch without permission. Just because a Master touches you, does NOT mean you have permission to do the same. Often slave girls are forbidden to touch the Free, and thralls are known to be killed.

 

6.      A slave will not touch a weapon unless told so by a Master. Punishment for this is "death" and it will be adhered to.You may handle kitchen utensils such as small knives used to prepare foods and cut fruits and bread.

 

7.      Will never correct a Master or Mistress in the room. If a slave feels something is incorrect, you will ask permission to whisper to a Free Person and express your concern. A slave does not start a conversation with a Freeperson, unless they first request permission to speak and get it. You do not keep advertising your presence by asking if you may serve.

 

8.      A slave shall not handle any money not given to them. Gorean law permits they carry money in their teeth, in their hand (if given) or in a small pouch around their neck.

 

9.      When a command is given it will be obeyed. There will not be so much as a hesitation or a question.

 

10. All slaves must request permission to leave the Tavern. If they are ignored, they may repeat such, and if still ignored may go quietly to the serving furs or leave as the case may be.

 

If you are serving, the person you are serving is your entire focus. You do not greet anyone entering you do not smile at a brother or sister. If the one you are serving is punted, give them a respectful amount of time to return (5 mins). You may either continue your serve to the point that you kneel before their table, or suspend the serve and wait until they return to watch. Too much time, then you may return the items to the kitchen and yourself to the serving furs. If they return ask if they wish the serve completed, provided you are not busy at the time.

 

Game of Blades

 

There are many versions of the game, only the most common are listed below (if you have any versions you'd like to add, send the rules to the caste scribe).

The Game is played with 2 or more players. There is usually a monetary bet of some sort involved though it's not unknown to have victor/looser conditions. Each contestant steps to the throwing point twenty feet from the bosk's eye target. They then throw a blade (from the size of a killing knife to quiva) at the target for rating in a point system. The closer to the center the higher the allotted points.

A player rolls half his number of dice but keeping the same sides. For example if someone would roll 2d20 in combat they would roll 1d20 in The Game. Likewise an Elder Male Assassin who normally rolls 2d23 for combat would roll 1d23 in The Game.

 

Scoring Chart:
1-10=1pt
11-15=2pts
16-18=3pts
19-21=4pts
22-23=5pts

 

Each Game consists of three rounds one throw per player per round. If at the end of the three rounds there is no decided winner or winning team the game moves to Sudden Death. This is where the blood sport comes into play.

Sudden Death. One player stands with his back against the bosk's eye target (the defender) while an opposing player stands at the firing line (attacker). The defender has a buckler (small circular shield about 10 inches across) with which to defend the attacker's throw. The attacker then strikes at the defender as if he were the target rolling his standard gaming dice. The defender rolls his own gaming dice in an attempt to block the blade with the shield.

The dice rolls themselves are inverse. For example if the Attacker rolls a 21 on his strike and the defender rolls a 4 the result (21-4=17) is an attack roll of 17 which inflicts 3pts of damage on the defender and is worth three points for the attacker. If the defending die is higher than the attacking die then the attack is completely deflected, no points are earned or lost.

The defender may not attempt to dodge, duck or evade the blade in any way other than by intercepting it with the shield. The shield may not be thrown. To do either is to invoke a no shielded assault at half range (which means they can use full combat dice and score up to 10pts of damage in a single throw. Game points are also doubled).

If a game reaches Sudden Death every contestant in that game must take a turn both as an attacker and a defender. This is not a game for those wishing to walk away unscathed.

This is a recognized game within the tavern and outsiders and persons who are not regulars are not welcome to join a game (In otherwords... If someone is not a registered member, non-registered member, probate, pledge, or applicant then they are not welcome to take part).

There is another version of the same game where every round is Sudden Death. This is often used to settle disputes within the caste, usually without fatality. It is commonly referred to as A Bloody Game.

NOTE: Cheating is allowed, and not frowned upon as long as you are not caught. If an entire round passes before the cheating is noticed then it is considered that you have gotten away with the act successfully (a complete round is when a complete cycle of turns is made). As the saying goes... "A sin isn't a sin if you don't get caught." If one is caught cheating (within the allotted time) then they (or their team) loose(s) one point. Also note that those caught cheating twice during the same game are expelled from that game and may not be replaced. Only other players may catch a cheater, bystanders are not permitted to point out the act and if they do so they are often met with violence by all players for interference. If interference is made then the cheating act will be modified and ignored in addition to the violence taken against the bystander. (OOC interference is treated as IC interference... if you don't like it, don't come in)

1.  No weapons. This is to be a hand to hand combat, or with blunt objects. Some may argue that Killers aren't physical type of people. This is wrong. For one to keep up their speed, strength, physical health, and combat prowess should they become cornered, one must fight. Dirty shots (groin hits, biting, etc) are encouraged!
 

2.  The matches are to knock-out which means to 20 points. These aren't death matches, and only blunt items (legs, fists, staffs so on so forth) are used. So 20 "blood points" gone, does not mean death. Simply finding the dream land.
 

3.  As not to place the other in danger (which almost always happens to be a Caste member, or someone striving to be) revival of the knocked out opponent must be within a agreeable amount of time. In other words, they're not to be left there over night, or for hours. Smelling salts can be found within the kitchens.
 

4.  No breaking of important bones. For instance, both hands of a Killer. To do so is to endanger their occupation. This goes for backs, necks, sternums, and other vital areas. One hand, sure. It'd teach them how to use the other.
 

5.  No one talks about Fight Club, ever.  Have fun in throttling each other.