Finding a physical or digital copy of specific Gorean community handbooks can be tricky because much of this material is "gray literature"—documents created by and for the online roleplay (RP) and BDSM communities rather than published by John Norman himself.
The Gaol Handbook (sometimes referred to as the "Gorean Prison Manual" or "Gaolers Guide") is a set of community-authored guidelines for those roleplaying as "Gaolers" or "Gaol Keepers" in Gorean sims (largely on platforms like Second Life or IRC).
Where to Find It
Since this is a community-driven document, there isn't one "official" version, but you can find the text through the following sources:
The Gorean Lifestyle & RP Sites: Most copies are hosted on niche community wikis. Search for "Gorean Gaolers Handbook" or "Manual for Gorean Gaolers" on sites like The Gorean Circle or specific Second Life sim websites (e.g., Ar of Gor or Port Kar community pages).
Scribd & SlideShare: Often, long-standing players upload PDFs of these manuals for easier sharing. You can usually find them by searching for "Gorean Gaol Handbook PDF."
Second Life Marketplace / In-World Libraries: If you are a Second Life user, many "Academies" or "Schools" in-world provide free "notecard" versions of these handbooks at their landing points or libraries.
What the Handbook Generally Covers
Most versions of the Gaol Handbook focus on:
Procedures: The intake, processing, and "breaking" of captives or "free" citizens who have been arrested.
Commands & Positions: Specific Gorean positions (like bara or sa-tarna) as they apply to a prison setting.
Legal RP: Guidelines on how "magistrates" and "scribes" interact with the gaol to ensure the roleplay follows the "Laws of the City."
Safety & Consent: Because these handbooks are used in BDSM/RP contexts, modern versions almost always include "Out of Character" (OOC) rules regarding limits and "red-lighting."
A Quick Note on "Canon"
It is worth noting that while John Norman describes gaols and prisoners extensively in books like Tarnsman of Gor and Captive of Gor, he never wrote a formal "Handbook." These documents are "fan-canon" (or "Sim-canon") developed over decades to provide structure for online play.
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Finding the "Gaol Handbook" (or "Gaoler's Manual") online can be a bit of a hunt because it is primarily used as a functional document within specific roleplay groups.
The most comprehensive versions are currently hosted on Psychée's Gorean Archives (Gorpedia) and various community wiki sites. Below are the most direct ways to access the text:
1. Online Archives (Web Versions)
These are the most stable links to the full text of the handbooks used by the largest Gorean roleplay communities:
Psychée's Gorean Archives (Gorpedia) The Gorean Circle / Gorean Campus: This community often hosts the "Manual for Gorean Gaolers." It is structured as a training guide for those wishing to play the role of a guard or keeper.
2. Second Life Libraries (In-World)
If you use Second Life, you can get a physical "notecard" copy (which is the easiest way to read it while playing).
The Gorean Campus: Teleport to the Gorean Campus sim. They have a massive library of "Notecard Dispensers." Look for the section labeled "Castes & Roles" or "Law & Order."
Imperial Ar: Most major city sims (like Ar or Ko-ro-ba) have a "Public Office" or "Gaol" building. Usually, there is a book on a pedestal near the entrance that will give you a copy of the city's specific Gaol Laws and Procedures when clicked.
3. Key Sections to Look For
When you find a copy, ensure it contains these standard sections to know you have the "full" version:
The Intake Procedure: How to strip, search, and record the belongings of a captive.
The Chain of Command: The relationship between the High Council, the Magistrates, and the Gaolers.
Punishment Protocols: Standard Gorean punishments (the Whip, the Wheel, the Branding) and the RP rules for them.
The "Escape" Rules: The OOC (Out of Character) mechanics for how a prisoner is allowed to attempt an escape.
Pro-Tip for Searching
If you are looking for a downloadable file, use this specific search string in Google:
"Gaol Handbook" filetype:pdf Gorean
or
"Manual for Gorean Gaolers" filetype:doc
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In Gorean roleplay, the Gaol Handbook functions as the "Standard Operating Procedure" for the Caste of Gaolers and the city's legal system. While versions vary by sim, they generally follow a core set of duties and "rights" derived from the books and established community standards.
1. Duties of a Gaoler
A Gaoler’s primary responsibility is the secure containment of prisoners, but the role is highly administrative.
Intake & Documentation: Every prisoner must be logged. This includes recording the "Charge" (why they are there), their "Caste" (if free), and a description of their belongings.
Security & Surveillance: Constant monitoring of the "Iron Bars." In RP, this involves regular emote-checks to ensure captives aren't picking locks or communicating secretly.
The "Conditioning" Process: For those destined for slavery, Gaolers manage the transition from "Captive" to "Kajira/Kajirus." This includes teaching basic positions (Bara, Sa-Tarna) and ensuring the prisoner understands their new status.
Enforcement of Sentence: If a Magistrate orders a "flogging" or "branding," the Gaoler is typically the one to carry out the sentence or supervise the professional torturers.
Escort Services: Moving prisoners from the gaol to the Courthouse (Scribes' Hall) or the Public Square for execution or auction.
2. "Rights" of the Prisoner
On Gor, "rights" are not universal; they depend entirely on whether the prisoner is a Free Citizen or a Captive/Slave.
For the Free Citizen (Under Arrest)
The Right of Trial: A free person of a city has the right to be heard by a Magistrate. They cannot be enslaved or executed without a legal judgment (unless under special martial law).
The Right of Appeal: In some sims, a free citizen can appeal to the High Council or the Administrator of the city.
Caste Protections: Higher-caste prisoners (like Physicians or Scribes) are often afforded slightly better living conditions than lower-caste criminals until their guilt is proven.
For the Captive (Not Yet Enslaved)
Maintenance of Value: A Gaoler has a duty (to the city or the owner) not to permanently "break the goods." While they can be disciplined, they are usually kept fed and healthy enough to be sold or used.
The "Iron Rule" of Mercy: This is more of an OOC (Out of Character) rule: A prisoner generally has the right to a "playable" experience. Prolonged isolation without RP interaction is considered poor form in most communities.
3. The "Escape" Protocol
Almost every handbook includes a section on how a prisoner can legally escape. Usually, this requires:
A "Window of Opportunity": A Gaoler leaving a door unlocked or failing to emote a guard post.
Dice Rolls or Skill Checks: Most sims use a system where the prisoner must win a "strength" or "stealth" roll against the guard's "perception."
Outside Help: A third party (like a Panther Girl or a Rogue) must often infiltrate the gaol to provide tools or a distraction
4. Finding the Document
If you want the exact text used in Second Life, the most popular version is the "City of Ar Gaol Manual." You can find the full text by searching for:
"Manual for Gorean Gaolers" + "Psychée"
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In Gorean roleplay, documentation is used to enhance the "Scribe-heavy" atmosphere of the books. Below are two templates based on standard community handbooks (like those used in Ar or Ko-ro-ba).
I. Prisoner Intake Log
This form is filled out immediately upon the prisoner being brought through the Iron Gates.
| Field | Entry Details |
| Name / Designation | (Full Name if Free; "Captive [Description]" if unknown) |
| Home City & Caste | (e.g., Scribe of Ar, Merchant of Turia, or "Outlaw") |
| Arresting Officer | (Name of Guard/Warrior who brought them in) |
| Charge(s) | (e.g., Theft, Espionage, Violation of Sumptuary Laws) |
| Physical Condition | (Note any injuries, scars, or existing brands) |
| Confiscated Items | (Detail weapons, coins, papers, or jewelry) |
| Holding Cell Assigned | (e.g., Low Cell 4, Maximum Security, Pit) |
Gaoler’s Note: “The prisoner was stripped and searched. All personal effects are stored in the Scribe’s chest. The prisoner has been assigned the 'Basic Tunic' and fed one bowl of black bread and water.”
II. Judgment & Sentencing Record
This is used after a Magistrate has handed down a ruling.
OFFICIAL DECREE OF THE MAGISTRACY
Date: [Gorean Calendar Date]
Presiding Magistrate: [Name]
The Verdict:
The accused has been found [GUILTY / NOT GUILTY] of the charges presented.
The Sentence (Check all that apply):
[ ] Flogging: _____ strokes with the [Whip/Quirt].
[ ] Public Shaming: _____ hours in the iron collar at the Public Square.
[ ] Forfeiture: All assets and properties transferred to the City.
[ ] Enslavement: To be branded with the [Kajira/Kajirus] mark and sold at the next auction.
[ ] Execution: By means of [The Flame / The Impalement / The Great Birds].
Special Instructions:
(e.g., "Prisoner is to be kept in isolation until the branding iron is hot.")
Authorized by: __________________________ (Scribe/Magistrate Signature)
How to use these in Roleplay:
The Scribe Interaction: If you are roleplaying the Gaoler, you can send these templates to a "Scribe" player to have them "officially" filed in the city's records.
The "Notecard" Method: If you are in Second Life, copy these into a Notecard and name it
[INTAKE] - Name of Prisoner. You can then drop a copy of that card into the prisoner's inventory so they know their "IC" (In-Character) status.
In Gorean roleplay, the legal system is harsh and based on the principle of lex talionis (the law of retaliation) or the absolute authority of the Home Stone.
The following list is compiled from the "Common Laws" sections of major community Gaol Handbooks. These are categorized by the status of the offender, as the punishment for a Slave is vastly different from that of a High Caste Citizen.
I. Crimes Against the City (High Crimes)
These are typically handled by the High Magistrate or the Administrator.
| Crime | Description | Standard Punishment |
| Treason | Betraying the Home Stone or aiding a rival city. | Death (often by the Great Birds or impalement). |
| Spying | Being found in a city without papers or an explanation. | Death or Permanent Enslavement. |
| Theft of Property | Stealing from the City Grain or Treasury. | Loss of a Hand or Enslavement. |
| Impersonation | Claiming a Caste (e.g., Physician or Warrior) not your own. | Flogging and Brand of the "False One." |
II. Crimes Against the Person (Low Crimes)
These are the "bread and butter" of Gaol roleplay.
Brawling / Disturbing the Peace: Usually results in 1–3 days in the Gaol and a fine paid to the city.
Insulting a High Caste Member: If a lower-caste person insults a higher-caste person, the punishment is typically public flogging (10–20 lashes).
Unlawful Drawing of Steel: Drawing a sword within city limits without cause. Punished by confiscation of the weapon and a heavy fine.
Violation of Sumptuary Laws: Wearing clothes or colors reserved for a different caste. Result: Confiscation of clothes and public shaming.
III. Crimes Involving Slaves (Kajirae/Kajiri)
On Gor, slaves are property, so crimes involving them are treated as "property damage" or "misuse of assets."
| Situation | Crime | Standard Punishment |
| Theft of a Slave | Taking another man's slave. | Death or Enslavement of the thief. |
| Unauthorized Discipline | Striking someone else's slave without permission. | Fine payable to the owner. |
| Slave Disobedience | A slave refusing a direct command. | The Whip or the "Box" (isolation). |
| Runaway Slave | Attempting to flee the city or owner. | The Brand of the "Fugitive" (an 'F' on the cheek) and heavy flogging. |
IV. Common Gorean Punishments (The "Toolbox")
When filling out a Sentencing Record, Gaolers typically choose from these "canon" methods:
The Stocks/Pillory: Used for minor offenses to subject the criminal to public ridicule.
The Branding Iron: * Kajira/Kajirus: The mark of a slave.
Thief: Often a mark on the forehead or hand.
V (Vitreus): For those who are "lawless" or outlaws.
The Whip: Measured in "strokes." 10 is a warning; 50 is life-threatening; 100 is an execution.
The Pit: A deep, dark hole in the gaol floor used for "breaking" the spirit of stubborn captives.
The Slave Ring: Forced labor on a chain gang, often used as a "work-off" sentence for debts.
A Note on "The Merchant's Peace"
Many Gaol Handbooks include a rule that Merchants are often exempt from local petty laws while in the Merchant's Quarter to encourage trade. If a Gaoler arrests a Merchant, they must be very careful not to start a trade war!
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To complete your paperwork set, here are the two most common legal documents used to move characters in and out of the Gaol. These are designed to look "official" when sent via a roleplay post or a Second Life notecard.
I. Warrant of Arrest
This is issued by a Magistrate or a High-Caste official and handed to the City Guard or Gaoler to authorize the apprehension of a subject.
SEAL OF THE MAGISTRACY: MANDATE OF APPREHENSION
TO: The Captain of the Guard / High Gaoler
FROM: The Office of the Magistrate, City of [Name]
SUBJECT FOR DETENTION: > Name: __________________________
Known Aliases: __________________________
Caste/Standing: __________________________
THE CHARGE: > By the authority of the Home Stone, the above-named individual is to be taken into custody immediately upon sight for the following crimes:
SPECIAL DIRECTIVES: > [ ] Live Capture Only: Subject is needed for questioning.
[ ] Use of Shackles Authorized: Subject is considered dangerous/armed.
[ ] Seizure of Assets: Search and secure all properties and slaves belonging to the subject.
BY ORDER OF: > [Signature/Seal of Magistrate]
II. Release / Transfer Order
This is the Gaoler's "exit ticket." No prisoner should leave the cells without this, or the Gaoler risks being charged with negligence or bribery.
GAOL RELEASE & PROPERTY RESTORATION
PRISONER ID: #__________
NAME: __________________________
REASON FOR RELEASE: > [ ] Time Served: Sentence completed as of this date.
[ ] Pardon: Granted by the Administrator / High Council.
[ ] Bail/Fine Paid: Amount of ________ [Tarsks/Copper] received by the Scribe.
[ ] Transfer: To be moved to the custody of [Name/Unit] for [Trial/Execution/Sale].
[ ] Enslavement: Subject has been processed and is no longer a "Prisoner" but "Property."
INVENTORY RETURN: > The following items, confiscated at intake, have been:
[ ] Returned to the individual in full.
[ ] Forfeited to the City Treasury.
[ ] Destroyed by order of the Court.
GAOLER’S FINAL CLEARANCE: > "The iron has been opened. The subject is cleared for exit. Let it be known they leave under the Laws of the City." > VERIFIED BY: __________________________ (Gaoler on Duty)
DATE: [Gorean Day/Month/Year]
Roleplay Tips for Using These:
The "Red Tape" Scene: If you want to create tension, have a Gaoler refuse to release a prisoner because a Scribe forgot to put the "Official Seal" on the Release Order.
The Transfer Trap: A "Transfer Order" is a classic way to stage an ambush. If a prisoner is being moved to another city, their friends might try to intercept the guards on the road.
Forfeiture: In Gorean RP, when a "Free" person is enslaved, the Gaoler often gets to keep a small percentage of the "Confiscated Items" or a small fee from the sale—check your specific Sim's handbook for "Gaoler's Perks."
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In Gorean roleplay, the "Rules of the Iron Cells" (sometimes called the Code of the Gaol) are the instructions read to a prisoner upon intake. These rules are designed to establish the Gaoler’s absolute authority and to strip the prisoner of any illusions of "Free" status while within the walls.
In most handbooks, these are posted on the cell doors or recited by the Gaoler while the prisoner is being shackled.
The Rules of the Iron Cells
1. Absolute Silence
Prisoners shall not speak unless addressed by a Gaoler, a Scribe, or a Magistrate. Communication between cells (whispering through the bars) is strictly forbidden and is usually punished by the "Silence Mask" or a lash for every word spoken.
2. The Command of the Keys
The sound of the keys or the Gaoler's staff is a command. When a Gaoler approaches the bars, the prisoner must:
Move to the center of the cell.
Face away from the door (kneeling or standing, depending on the Gaol's specific rules).
Cross their wrists behind their back in anticipation of binding.
3. Preservation of the Mark
If a prisoner is branded or marked by the city, they are responsible for the cleanliness of that wound. Interfering with a brand or attempting to obscure a "Thief" or "Kajira" mark is considered a secondary crime against the Home Stone.
4. Maintenance of the Kennel
The cell must be kept in the manner dictated by the Gaoler. Waste must be placed in the provided bucket, and blankets (if any) must be folded. Failure to maintain the cell results in the loss of "luxuries" (like straw or a second meal).
5. No Drawing of Steel
Even the possession of a sharpened spoon or a piece of wire is treated as an escape attempt. Any prisoner found with "contraband" will be moved to The Pit (a lightless, bottomless cell) for a duration determined by the High Gaoler.
6. Submission to Discipline
The Gaoler is the hand of the Magistrate. Any attempt to resist a flogging or a search will double the original sentence. "The whip does not argue; the prisoner does not complain."
The "OOC" (Out of Character) Rules
Because these handbooks are used for roleplay, there is always a "Meta" section to ensure the game remains fun and consensual for the players involved.
The 15-Minute Rule: A common community rule where a Gaoler must interact with a prisoner at least once every 15–30 minutes if they are "active," to prevent someone from just sitting in a cage with nothing to do.
Consent Checks: Before a "permanent" change happens (like a permanent brand or a character's death), the Gaoler must check the player's profile or send a private message (IM) to ensure they are okay with that "IC" consequence.
The "Exit" Clause: Most handbooks allow a prisoner to "Request a Scribe" if they need to end the scene for real-life reasons, allowing for an organized "off-ramping" of the roleplay.
Summary Table for Quick Reference
| Infraction | Standard Gaol Response |
| Talking back to a Gaoler | 5–10 lashes or "The Gag." |
| Refusing to Kneel | Use of the "Electric Prod" (in SL) or physical force. |
| Hiding Contraband | Immediate transfer to the Lower Dungeons. |
| Attempted Escape | Branding of the "F" (Fugitive) and shackling to the wall. |
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