Flame Death and the Tinkers Damn

It occurred to me, while chatting with a particular hairy merchant friend, what a particularly difficult job it must be to create new products on Gor. When one normally thinks of a "high-risk/high-yield" job, inventor does not spring to mind. Sure, arena combatant, tarnsman mercenary, or even a high cylinder iron worker, but inventor? Perhaps not enough make the big tarsks to qualify them into this category, or too many have been seen running screaming from their workshops with heads alight in blue fire to draw many to the profession. Yet, it would seem that a man would need to have great intelligence to bring ideas to life without crossing the line and losing his own. While there are some very clear definitions of some types of outlawed technology, there is also a great deal of room for interpretation. I would think that within this room, a Gorean with ingenuity could become quite wealthy. Once in production of a worthwhile project, marketing would be nearly effortless, since merchants come a task-bit a dozen! I can see the gold tarn signs in their eyes now...

Now, since I live quite a way from the Priest-Kings, and have yet to see someone with their head on fire (at least from flame death), I thought I would toss out a few ideas on new items for the citizens of Gor.

TARN RACE UMBRELLA HAT - For the Gorean sports fan there could be nothing better than this new product. Not only would it keep off the hot sun, but would be sturdy enough to deflect those annoying tarn droppings that can ruin the whole day. Since the hat would splatter said droppings all over nearby spectators, sales could be astounding! Make the hats in all faction colors, and it is bound to be a big hit.

TARN BANNER AERIAL ADVERTISING - This one is a sure winner. Imagine all of those arena events happening in various cities. Now imagine a few ah-ral lengths of repcloth bearing a message... "Come to the Such&Such Tavern after the games! Sluts! Paga! Merriment!". Oh yes, those annoying banners can fly on Gor!

THARLARION POOPER-SCOOPER - You would have to think that in cities such as the glorious Ar, the great Ubar would make provisions to keep the streets free of large piles of animal dung. For this problem to be solved, a handy implement could be used. It would consist of a shovel type device that attaches to a dung sack for quick pick up. It would, of course, come in a size that is easy for a slave to handle. This way, she can scoop... detach... and then be placed in it for the night!

STROBE GLOBE - Since we know that illumination globes are allowable technology, it would follow that a flashing light would also be approved. This could be used in taverns catering to the "younger" Goreans, and might even lead to the invention of ravishment lava lamp for the older set. For those of you concerned of a "Passing Hand Fever", I did not mention disco balls. In fact, I would think that the Priest-Kings, in their wisdom, would not allow polyester. I certainly pity the poor bastard who gets lit up in a leisure suit.

RENCE PAPER PLATES - This may seem like a very mundane item to create, but for those drinking and eating from wooden plates and bowls, it would be Sardar sent! Let's face it, those things get a bit gamey after awhile. Unfortunately, this would take assembly line type production, and rencers just don't seem like the type...

Well, those might be a few things that could make my hairy merchant friend on Gor a rich man, but here on Earth (yes, Earth), they would be ordinary. The reason for this, in my opinion, is the fact that there are no Priest-Kings here watching closely over what people do here. In fact, some of the "inventions" that we see created by the persons who claim this lifestyle, would most certainly merit them a fiery death. The widespread use of protectors and protection collars is one example. I would suggest any who desire to take on this lifestyle seriously simply sit back, read, listen to those who have been around for a time, and learn. It is a wonderful thing, and stands alone without silly changes that attempt to make it what it will never be...

I wish you well,

Mastiff