Trading with Panthers
Trading with Panthers
Presentation at the En’Kara Fair [2026, edited] by Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish)
[10:09] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: Welcome to Trading with Panthers, this is a guide for those living behind city walls to branch out trade, to the forests. I am ‘Angel’ Keres Blades of Port Shdows, located on the coast of the Northern Forest where we see panthers on a daily basis.
This discussion is a blend of one Free Woman’s experience, living and operating as a trader in the Northern Forests with knowledge a long time, experienced Panther. En of the Shiva Sa’ng Fori, Alena Ramona is here to nudge me when I make a mistake and help answer questions.
I operate in both BTB and GE worlds, finding that lately, most panthers exist in GE. I hope to dispel some myths and stereotypes, and give you a clear picture of what it takes for a successful trade with a panther band. Every trade with every band will be different. Your experiences will vary.
[10:11] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: Trading with Panthers, I’ve found to be a mostly untapped market. As most expect, there is a level of danger, and a lot of unknowns when dealing with panthers. These factors grow more dangerous with rumor and gossip. Having the facts about traveling and interacting with the women of the forest will make it less daunting.
[10:12] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: Today’s talk is split into sections discussing what panthers are like, what the trade process looks like, and what opportunities there are for trade.
A demonstration of the trade ‘ritual’ will be given after any questions are answered, followed by an opportunity for all to meet and practice a trade with a real, live panther if they wish. This is also an opportunity to make connections for trade after En’Kara.
[10:14] Morrigancalhoun Resident: (=>en) panther’s / taluna’s are not dangerous it is the man who hunts us that makes us dangerous even though we don’t want to
[10:14] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: By definition, a panther is a female outlaw living in the forests in the north of Gor. They are typically escaped slaves or free women wanting to reject their prior life, but many are born in the forests, and have never seen the inside of city walls..
By reputation, a panther is fiercely independent, proud, and territorial. You will also find them to have tight sense of family with their bandmates, and a strong sense of loyalty and respect for leadership. This is not always true, using the Sa Ki Fori as an example. They sold a few of their own into slavery. Backstabbing weaker bandmates is not uncommon in SL Gor.
[10:16] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: If you have heard stories of run-ins with panthers, they may have included taunting and mocking men, or even capturing them. The panthers of the forest are not only interested in kidnapping a man for ransom and sport. It is very common for attractive free women and slaves to be taken as well with the goal of indoctrination into the camp. Panthers are known for raiding other camps and caravans. Opposing bands are not normally friendly but they will join together in a common goal such as removing an individual from their forest.
[10:18] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: The trade docks of a panther camp is sacred, one of the few ways to acquire the items critical to their survival. Merchant Law governs every panther trade dock, and they are familiar with the rules and ritual performed each time. There is a dance of positioning with certain steps and words to help develop the scene for successful, efficient, and safe trade with anyone.
[10:20] Alena Ramona: It also should be noted that panthers, in general, growing up in the forest is a bit of an SLism. A pregnant panther is usually seen as a liability from a btb point of view. However, it is also conceivable that it would happen somewhere, and that some might be more tolerant than others. This is a “Know your audience” situation. However, even if he did speak out of turn…Starr is pretty correct as Angel just demonstrated. All panthers generally see exchange point sanctuary traditions as immutable. I have seen far too many attacks at trade posts for the purpose of RP. If you care about authenticity, maybe reduce those a bit. Most are setting it up anyway and just having fun after all.
Gorean Panther girls in their natural habit.
[10:22] Albrecht Hesius (6668941holy): i trade with panther for pelts or to add rp .the dockes in most are safe zones .but if you go there start calling them girl that dont go well .and most try to rp in a manner not to up set any .tho at times panther have that one who will call the man boy and other words .but over all i had good rp with panthers over the years
[10:24] Alena Ramona: Yes, so, to answer that by request…. That is mostly correct. If you go to the exchange point with the intent to just “Talk” or to start insulting the panthers present…expect to be attacked later on. If there is a travel distance from the exchange point you’re using to an exit point…don’t be surprised if they slap you down for it. Same goes for panthers trading with men…don’t stand there and jeer them and call them boy and all that. If you’re going to do that, trade at a non sanctioned point. This goes back to “setting up realistic RP”. If you’re doing that RP, you’re trying to start a story, which is understandable. We can do better than that, and make a more realistic scenario. Don’t ruin it for everyone! The more of us ruin exchange points the more the tradition changes to a weird SLism.
[10:25] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: Meeting a panther on the Trade Dock, one would expect them eager to trade, but they do not operate as formal Gorean merchants. Trade happens when the need and opportunity coincide to benefit the survival of the band. The tone at the trade can be unpredictable, dangerous, and laced with threats or seduction all while staying on their terms. If the huntress making the trade becomes annoyed or angry, walking away from the trade completely is a valid and common consequence.
[10:26] Khi (tamaraward): Thank you. As you just said, trade at exchange points *should* be intense and dangerous and exciting. That said, the sanctity of them should never be broken by either side. It is a matter of honor. Honor that is the sinew that binds all of us together in the way of all interactions from all castes and cultures whether personal or community-wide.
[10:27] Alena Ramona: That is true Khi, but I like to stay away from words like “never” because there’s an exception to everything in life. As a general rule…never is probably near appropriate, but there always has to be room for interesting story as well. Regina is correct as well; that was a big problem, but we should focus on the positives rather than the actions of problem players.
[10:27] Alena Ramona: That is what I boil that down to….problem players are simply problem players and generally don’t care anyway so…the only thing to do is discipline them.
[10:29] Jonas Daviau: I use to trade .. I am still safe .. There is a difference nonetheless when dealing with panthers or taluna. Ritual is more sacred for the taluna, and one must be very careful—offer, and do not ask.
[10:29] Allerd: For my Gretuck tribe the trading post is sacred, we do not attack those who come to trade and ring the bell for trade, for us it has always been this way
[10:30] Alena Ramona: This is true to a point, but just like with panthers Taluna are a “know your audience” situation. There isn’t actually that much to go on about Taluna in the books, and as a result we’ve had to fill in the blanks in SL. – to Jonas. To Allerd, yes, as I’ve explained to Angel before…Ge panthers and btb panthers see eye to eye on this specific topic. Exchange points are practically sacred. If you break the peace at one expect to be hated by every panther that hears about it.
[10:33] StarrCooper: 2 points sorry.. What is the falllout if groups repeatedly violate the trade points and 2) Is thee any way to try get trades back realistic.. I get tired of people offering double gold tarns to buy a fish hook or jewelled crowsn.. Its hard to want to trade when you dont know if OOC you gonna be looked after if people are toxic and 2) people have no idea about gorean money
[10:37] Alena Ramona: whew, that’s a lot at once. So for Starr…. You have to simply let people be people to a point. Too much micromanagement by admins OOC can be damaging. If someone is just shooting at the traders that’s one thing, and even then you can always be polite to people that seem like they’re being an ass. They may not know. Patience is really key, patience and educating the playerbase.
[10:38] Alena Ramona: As for goods well…you can just try to help them but you must remember, Starr, that there is a certain degree of ignorance ICly among panthers. Some panthers cannot read…and some do not know the value of things.
[10:38] Alena Ramona: That is as much an RP as anything else sometimes
[10:41] Regina7876: For me it would be nice if we could have more classes year around. I know that there is place but not if its used. Ge in some places is out of control. I think its up to each home to teach their new people about money and honor and other things of Gor. My question is could a list be made of BTB and GE homes that welcome trade and trade by Panthers ?
[10:42] EvaCarissa Neiro: Regarding Starr’s comment, I think you can try to explain things to the players who are bothering you, but it’s true that some don’t want to listen or simply want to cause trouble. My advice is to try to resolve it through dialogue. If they don’t listen, you can go to the moderators, and if that doesn’t work either, simply distance yourself from those who aren’t respecting your roleplay. You choose who you interact with. My question is: Is it expected that everyone at trading points will be armed and that merchants will have warriors or mercenaries for protection? Or is that seen as a threat?
[10:42] Alena Ramona: Regina: Most of the lack of information is simply part of the bleedout of the playerbase of Gor. Many of the things you’re talking about have been done before, but fallen out of practice. Someone has to take the initiative to make that list and keep it updated. The people that did that don’t generally play that much anymore.
[10:43] Alena Ramona: Eve: That is a GREAT question, and yes, weapons should be expected especially at the wilder exchange points. It is conceivable that people have to get to and from that exchange point. Merchant law only protects while they are trading and not the travel there and back, obviously. Armed guards should be expected, and that’s also very good advice for moderation. Again, patience is the key.
[10:45] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: You might be asking yourself, If there is risk to trading with Panthers, why do it? The main reasons I have found are:
– Trade for unique items
– Find new, sustainable sources of common items
– Increase your customer base
[10:46] Alena Ramona: And Captives, captives, captives…even if they are rare these days!
[10:47] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: Need is not the top priority in trade, being topped out by safety, timing, and existing (dis)agreements at times. A trade might be denied with a certain individual or fail part way through due to many factors.
– Intended or Unintended insults or threats. This should not need too much explaining. If this happens, the trade will like end.
– Outside Interference. Trade Docks are often close to a traveled path, which could bring randomness. Panthers will respect the trade of others while it happens, but other incidents can happen nearby.
[10:47] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: >Types of goods offered. Panthers trade for necessities of life. When preparing for winter, luxury items such as chocolates, candies and black wine are passed up for non perishable foods, fuel, spices and salt. More mature huntresses are less likely to trade for luxury items and seeing them offered to entice, could be an insult.
– Value of items offered are not equal, insulting. Unacceptable trade options.
if they feel they are not being treated fairly, it could open to more negotiation, however if they feel it severely off-balanced, the entire trade could be terminated.
[10:52] Morrigancalhoun Resident: (=>en) I see many members of the GMA here and they always say that a war or where someone comes from should not damage the trade and every trade will be fair, ok the GMA is still known in the south of GOR, but it is slowly becoming known in the north of GOR, I am also a member of the GMA myself and yes, I think if the GMA comes more and more to the north, the trade with panthers / talunas will also improve.
[10:53] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish): Agreed Morrigan. The Gorean Merchants Association has done a lot to bring the south together. We are slowly spreading more North.
[10:53] Rarius Yuroki (yuroki.uriza): Simple question: would Panthers accept coins? I mean real coins in roleplay, not OOC hud coins? Or do they only exchange goods for goods?
[10:54] Morrigancalhoun Resident: (=>en) Rarius Yuroki (yuroki.uriza) I think it can be different for each camp, my camp will accept it
[10:55] Alena Ramona: Oooh Rarius I like this question – so this might be the most asked question I get in regards to panther traditions and trading. YES PANTHERS WILL ACCEPT AND USE COIN! That said, panthers in the books did so, Hura was paid in gold by both Tyros and Marlenus. It is pretty clear panthers are enticed by coin, but that we often prefer trade goods or opportunities to spend that coin when they become available. I have heard many times that panthers do not use coin, but this is inconsistent with book references.
[10:55] Alena Ramona: Remember to use your head. If you’re giving up half your camp’s supplies for coin? That’s probably a terrible idea. Moderation.
[10:56] Bea Lael (lifepath) smiled and stands up after she is called on. “Thank you. I once was a part of a city that had a good trade point with Panthers. There were three Panthers and while I was trying to conduct the trade with them, one of the warrior’s slaves, of my former city started yelling out insults to all of the Panther women. She kept taunting them, called them names, and other things. This made the Panthers upset and they yelled back at the slave. Tensions began to rise. I had to pause the trade talk and looked back at the warrior whom was supposed to be protection during the trade. He also did not tell his slave to shut up. He just stood there, and laughed a few times. It was disgusting. I asked him. ” Sir, Could you please tell your slave to stop talking? She is insulting the Panthers and making them angry?’ Guess what he said to me. He said, “Well, ok you can do this by yourself,” And he left me with the three Panthers by myself as he walked off with his slave. It was ridiculous. But thankfully at the time, there was an honorable warrior of that same city whom just so happen to log in moments later. He saw I was by myself near three armed Panthers and immediately went down to the trade area to offer me at least some protection and stood there as a guard for me. After the slave had been pulled off by her owner, the Panthers calmed down and the trade talks continued. I was very grateful that the other honorable warrior was with me during that moment. After the trade agreement, the Panthers got in their boats with what they received and sailed away. So that entire situation could have gone very bad for me had that other warrior’s slave still been there and taunting the Panthers, thankfully I spoke out against it. Though it did, surprisingly cause one of the warriors of my former city walk off. He chose to allow his unruly slave to run off at the mouth and did not control her. It was a wild situation, and glad no battle took place. Thank you for the time.”
[10:57] Alena Ramona: as a note on the coin thing: this also assumes that panthers would have access to areas where they could freely spend coin without being stripped and collared for it…
[10:59] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish): Thank you for sharing that story Bea. I think the idea of taunting panthers with words is a pastime for some. Too many don’t understand the consequences. Even if they are behind a wall when it was said. You will not always behind that wall. There are consequences for your actions. That was the first rule I was taught coming to Gor. Watch what you say and do. It can come back to you.
[11:00] Alena Ramona: Bea, Okay so, that was a long story. Digesting that takes time, and it sounds like a situation that has a lot of moving parts. Sadly, and this is not to accuse anyone, sometimes I notice that free women and slaves get a little jealous when men step away from them to interact with panther women. This is understandable to a point, or they just want to be involved and usually can’t so they do things like this themselves. Men tend to get overwhelmed with nonsense, especially warriors, and can become short tempered if that lasts all day long. I think that’s a good example of de-escalation but he should have punished his slave – not for insulting outlaws, but for being obnoxious and speaking out of turn. Slaves sometimes get away with near murder nowadays and we wouldn’t have tolerated it in Old Gor.
Veck Sa’ng Fori – An exchange point near Helmutsport.
[11:02] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish): we will hear from Jessika next, and a lot more are lining up. If your question does not pertain to what I am saying, I am happy to stay as long as needed afterwards to answer everyone.
[11:02] Jessika Roberts (jessikaroberts): I don’t want to hold up the presentation, so you can skip me if you wish. I was wondering about a comment you made earlier, however, saying that most Panther bands are GE these days. Why do you think that is? In light of that, how does a band being either GE or BtB change the way they handle trade?
[11:05] Khi (tamaraward): Just a reminder that Panther Girls are only ONE of the dangers of traveling the Northern Forests. It is a *journey* to get to them from any populated cities of the south except perhaps Lydius which is on the border and a few scattered others. Remember this. There are leech plants, ost, lar, Forest Urts of Unusual Size, and many other things that can make your journey there exciting.
[11:06] Khi, This is more of a comment but it’s very true. The northern forests are dangerous and too many people often act like they’re going on vacation when they show up in my forest. You’re not. You’re in hell. The northern forest is the largest untamed frontier on the face of Gor…remember that.
[11:09] StarrCooper: My question is if people do abuse the trade points and we cant get a mod on right away to settle things is it a case of the old HTML days of submitting a log then everyone being in Limbo… Because I am not wanting to go back to trade points being shot at it by bored bands of city folk and then spending my limited time waiting for somthing to be jusged or ruled or enforced
[11:10] Alena Ramona: Okay so that’s a good question starr- but that shouldnt’ come up very often. Even the most die hard GE pew pewer (no offense to our GE cousins ) usually has respect for people trading. Generally only the new players do this, so if you have problems with a player when no mod is around simply address it calmly, and if your RP is getting ruined, just switch to away or OOC and ignore the pew and cut them out of your scene. Remember the writing is the most important thing, not the visuals, and we as players all decide what the story is.
[11:11] Alena Ramona: If someone is doing something that you think is egregiously out of line with your story then simply delete them from it. That simple.
[11:12] Alena Ramona: That said, you should always try to solve things with them first amicably, nd remember to be polite. Not everyone has the same philosophy about Gor and if you want your own thoughts and traditions to be respected you need to respect how others’ play too. Zandrae – honestly? Some do, some don’t. My band couldn’t care less – we keep track of what we have in our heads and on notecards. However, other bands love it!
[11:12] Alena Ramona: For us, we dont’ think any of it is necessary and we just use normal prim props during trade and try to keep it realistic to what we have.
[11:15] Domi (dominiquecallypso): I have to wonder at tmes why is it that it has to be just ge or btb cant people learn to get along trade play make whole stories roleplay is more a trade of our words and minds .. is this logical
[11:17] Alena Ramona: Well, okay, firstly I’ve done plenty of trades with GE panthers and our band has had plenty of stories with GE panthers. Usually that’s the ones that mesh with our style a little more fluidly than others, which is mostly longform para RP with a focus on immersion and realism. Others have their own styles they enjoy, a faster style, and there’s merits to that too. I would say this to all the cities of the world: btb panthers and GE panthers have always gotten along to some degree. This isn’t an us problem ::P This is more of a city problem, and I think that the city sims could stand to learn a lot about how panthers treat each other OOCly despite disparate views on what the RP should look like. There is always an inroad somewhere, and as long as both groups try to respect each other it should be fine.
[11:18] Alena Ramona: To elaborate quickly so we can move on: That means don’t do things you know the other group disapproves of…right in front of them. Don’t make fun of each other. It’s okay to discuss things and make suggestions but…stay in that middle ground and you can have a fun RP.
[11:20] Alena Ramona: Okay to address this – then solve it amongst yourselves. Talk to other GE people…we have requirements to do meter combat on our sim. It is strict. It is by consent, and it works. Sure, it’s slower, but that’s one option. The GE groups on the continent need to solve this problem together or it will never stick. anyway, let Angel move on please, we have limited time and we want to get to more content
[11:21] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: There is a common procedure for all trade docks with five steps.
1. Initiation. Ringing the bell at a trade dock indicates your desire to speak with the band. Both side respect and rely on the safety given; neither side are to use or threaten weapons from the time the bell is rung until both parties depart safely.
2. Greeting. Respect and tolerances for each other’s differences must be maintained. Trade with an unknown is a risk, giving your name and where you live helps to break the ice. Typically one person from each side will do the introductions and nearly all the talking for the negotiation. This can help to keep down confusion when there is a large group gathered.
3. Negotiation. During the entire process, each party will stand to either side, keeping a visual separation of the two groups. The first meetings with each camp will spend some time investigating what valuable things might be available. Negotiations are handled with the familiar back and forth, finding a happy ground.
4. Exchange of
[11:21] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: goods. When an agreeable quantity of goods is proffered by each side, The exchange of goods is made as soon as feasible due to, the constant flow of events in the forests.
5. Departure. After the exchange of good and pleasantries, both parties will exit the trade dock area. Those present for the trade have safe passing back to camp or to their departing ship.
[11:26] Quantum Vortex: There are book references to do them doing exactly that – or disguising as slaves, though no self respecting panther girl would admit to the latter:P
[11:26] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish): Panthers will disguise themselves. In fact I’ve seen some at the fair in disguise. You probably wouldn’t know unless they told you.
[11:26] Domi (dominiquecallypso): Thats not true I recently by mistake dropped into a btb city and had to fight my way out hardly any rp and it was fight on I was called a outlaw a criminal a slave.. am I a panther yes and no I am a Norsewoman in the valkryies..
[11:27] Domi (dominiquecallypso): I had on very little and in the end had to run for my saftey
[11:30] Alena Ramona: Tal Carrot and that’s exactly right. My entire band was instructed to mostly stay in disguise. Do as you all like, of course. Ah…on the subject of automatically smelling people in disguise I literally had this happen to me yesterday. I calmly explained that it wasn’t appropriate and I even made a friend in the process. Not everyone fully thinks out things before they act. As to being ejected well…that seems harsh. Too harsh.
[11:31] Alena Ramona: Well it’s put simply as: roleplayers are actors. Put yourself in the moment as if you were really there and use logic from there. You’re not a mind reader. They don’t really have a tag above their head. Feel free to ask questions, but that’s a disguise issue not so much a trading one. Perhaps cities could benefit from not automatically trying to send a thousand guards on panthers trading at their exchange point? :) I’ve seen that happen.
[11:31] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: Next more specific trade items will be covered. The entire range of items might not apply to every camp as local resources are different. Think about what you would expect to find for trade from panthers. I will give you a few moments before I share my list. You can shout out some ideas if you like.
[11:34] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: Common Trade Items available
Panther bands rarely produce goods; instead, they raid, scavenge, or capture what they later trade.
1. Captured Men. Certain men might be hunted or taken captive if determined to be a threat. These men might be
ransomed, exchanged, or sold to slavers. Sometimes, men are kept as slaves; most panther camps are tended to by female slaves.
2. Animal Products. Anything of value in the forest might be brought for trade, including animal goods. From animals, you can find pelts, furs, bones, claws and teeth. The meat of animals hunted is kept to feed the camp.
3. Plant Products. Plants for both culinary and medicinal uses, unique to the area.
4. Weapons. Bows, knives, quivers, and arrows taken from patrols or travelers may be kept or traded for supplies. The larger, bladed weapons such as swords, axes, and halberds are traded to melt down for arrowheads
5. Loot. Raids on Caravans, other panther camps and travelers bring in portable yet valuable items, keeping what is useful and trading
[11:34] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: the rest. These items include
– Cloth
– Jewelry
– Tools
– Small trade goods
6. Information. Knowledge of forest paths, outlaw movements, or caravan routes might be given in trade where the threat is zero or minimal to them. Safe passage or warnings may also be offered in exchange for goods. This might walk a fine line of suggesting the panthers need assistance and risk offending.
[11:36] Alena Ramona: Stuff to bring for panthers: Salt, Flour, Sugar, fresh knives or knife blades, arrow heads, tools, good boots, wine or other drinks, FOOD! vegetables are difficult to grow under the canopy. The northern forest is not renderable in SL; it should have the most ginormous trees you’ve seen in your life with a canopy that shadows the floor, and nothing but ferns and such otherwise.
[11:37] Khi (tamaraward): I do not in any way mean to sound obtuse, but from a roleplaying perspective, how are Panther Girls melting down iron and steel in the forest for arrow and spearheads please?
[11:39] Alena Ramona: You don’t, she means to trade TO the panthers, not receive from. A character with a background of mine could do it, but doesn’t do it simply because of the fuel cost and the time it would take to setup a makeshift forge capable of it. That’s why we tend to trade for those. Now, sometimes, panthers could have access to village outposts or open forge areas in rare circumstances, but even then they’d need to know what they’re doing and often will not.
[11:39] Alena Ramona: Steel requires heat that can’t really be done outside of a city, but working precious metals for making jewelry and things like that would be common. You can do that over a fire in a clay kiln.
[11:40] Alena Ramona: When panthers make our own spearheads/arrowheads they are often made from stone or copper
[11:43] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish): Yes, those would be luxury items, some have already been mentioned, usually they include:
– Cookies
– Candies
– Chocolates
– Black Wine
[11:43] Alena Ramona: That is so true, and that’s why I keep coming back to: Panthers are varied. Many panthers in SL and in the books are very different from the others. We share some similar traditions but we can also have wildly different opinions on things. This…is actually btb.
[11:44] Alena Ramona: Black wine is like, really really really expensive. No panther should be able to get it and if they do get it you should make a big deal out of it because it’s like getting the most rare wine you’ve ever seen and maybe sharing it with your friends
[11:45] Alena Ramona: if you’re waking up and making blackwine every morning you’re rich enough to not be a panther and well yeah. The pothead growers were funny, but…well….that’s a whole different topic.
[11:46] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: I have a few items, things to remember when trading. Our time is running low, but any wishing to stay late, there will be a demonstration of a trade and then Alena, Tara, En of the Sa’ne Asoka, and myself will be available for questions.
[11:47] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: When you are meeting a Panther for the very first time, expect suspicion. You might receive extra questions about intentions, or origins. This is not a sign of being unwelcome but to verify the validity of your claims.
if you are eager to do trade, balance tolerance and respect for each other.
A variety of option for trade include coin, barter, information and future favors. Creativity wins out.
Threats of collars are taken very seriously,
Panthers often pay a little more for certain commonplace goods, a premium.
Furs can generally be got cheaper from panthers who are more eager to get goods than, say, a male furrier working out of a city.
[11:48] Alena Ramona: Note for all: If you goto a panther’s exchange point, call them down, threaten to collar them, offer no trade, and the panthers beat you up in that rare case it happens? Don’t be surprised. Using the exchange point as your shield to throw insults isn’t going to work. There is a line to these things, and if nothing else they’d drag you away from it before beating you up.
[11:51] Jessika Roberts (jessikaroberts): What if I need to ask the Panthers for information? Should I also go to the trade bell?
[11:53] Sly (sylvia.hawks): The tradepoint is used for both parties beneficial. And thus usually honored. As with anything in life, when it looses that purpose.. Things get more tense. If you negotiate information, with a good offered deal to pay next time… Thats perfect.
[11:54] Sly (sylvia.hawks): In my experience.. Free women or men always carry something of worth… Expect to leave without your boots… for the sake of roleplay, and return for more information and better payment…..next time :)
[11:54] Alena Ramona: information can be the most valuable thing to us at times. Not all panthers are abandoned when they disappear, and sometimes knowing what happened to them for sure is at least valuable in itself so we know where information leaks “go”
Panther of Gor
[11:55] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: We will do a quick demonstration of a trade. We have Sato and Jonas to volunteer. Can you please come to the yellow rug in front of me?
[11:56] Jonas Daviau: arrives at the dock unarmed, his heart pounding, fear knotted in his chest, perhaps for the first time. The wood creaks beneath his steps, the wind carrying the scent of salt and the unknown. He hesitates for a moment, then reaches out. The bell rings, clear in the silence. He stands there, motionless, waiting… torn between doubt and something stronger that refuses to let him turn away.
[11:59] ᴀɪʏᴀɴᴀ ᴍᴀᴄ ᴀ’ ʟÌᴏꜱ (aiyanacae) heard the bell ring through the wind, causing her to pause for a moment. Glancing around to her other sisters as they were doing their own little things, she’d grumble and stand up making her way to the trading docks.
Once arriving, she spotted the large man. Jonas, taking in his features before speaking “Tal there, you rang?” Despite seeming somewhat uninterested before him and lazy, she was cautious after all.
[12:01] Jonas Daviau: Tal… he says politely, bowing his head. I was told you hold a slave I wish to reclaim. I am willing to pay the price. In return, I can offer something you may find to your liking… black wine, among other things.
[12:05] ᴀɪʏᴀɴᴀ ᴍᴀᴄ ᴀ’ ʟÌᴏꜱ (aiyanacae) allowed her fingers to tap against her thigh whilst her eyes never leaving him, after all despite the safety of trade. Still anything could happen after all, and despite her calm exterior and the smile she wore. Her heart beating rapidly within her chest, excitement perhaps?
After that she heard the reasoning to his visit and what he was asking for, she would ponder for a moment allowing her thoughts to align before breaking her own silence with a slight grin toying against her lips, “Oh? ..A slave you say?”..She would pause for a brief moment before continuing, “Many slaves come and go, what assures you that she is still with us and not sold off?” She was trying to pick at where he got his information from, perhaps something she can tell her sisters to be wary off. A village, city or a neighboring band that spilled out information.
[12:08] Jonas Daviau: lowly raises his hands, palms open in a calm, non-threatening gesture, his tone measured. “A boy, as you say… tall, long blond hair. He bears a scar across his face. He is meant to answer for what he has done in the city… to be judged and punished for his misdeeds.” He inclines his head slightly, voice steady. “It is a burden I would take from you… along with a cask of fine black wine… and a plunder worthy of pirates.”
[12:13] ᴀɪʏᴀɴᴀ ᴍᴀᴄ ᴀ’ ʟÌᴏꜱ (aiyanacae) listened quietly in that very moment, only to lift her right hand up to tap lightly at her chin a few times pondering some more over the offer of black wine, and a plunder of worthy pirates?
Aiyana lowers her hand and laughs in that very moment, “You offer black wine, as if it is nothing to you. Yet it is quite costly, only to punish this said boy with blond hair and a scar” She shakes her head and said once more, “Again, I repeat. What makes you think we have him?”..This trade started to seem somewhat fishy to her, was he really offering black wine quite openly. Was it poisoned perhaps?…Still she was not dumb enough to leap forward to such a ridiculous trade.
[12:18] Jonas Daviau: smiles faintly, though his posture remains cautious, hands still open and steady. “Outlaw friends of mine raided this place not long ago… the same ones who struck the city. They told me you had taken him.” His gaze stays calm, watching her reaction. At her words about the black wine, his smile deepens just a touch. “That… is my trade. I deal in good things.” A slight tilt of his head, almost amused. “do you know the Greetuk ? Ask them if she does not enjoy it.”
[12:21] Jonas Daviau: And it is also my job to raid their lair.”
[12:25] ᴀɪʏᴀɴᴀ ᴍᴀᴄ ᴀ’ ʟÌᴏꜱ (aiyanacae) listened once more to when he had spoken, thinking over the offer he had given her but still she was slightly skeptical about it to say the least.
Aiyana then said, “Gretuk? …I have no ties with them, so sadly it doesn’t concern me if they like it or not”..She shrugs, before continuing “Tell you what, do you have a dagger or something better I can wield. Then consider the trade complete. Black wine doesn’t really interest me or my band to say the least”
[12:28] Jonas Daviau: lets out a quiet sigh, keeping his composure, though beads of sweat form on his forehead, hinting at slight irritation. “Allow me to set down my pack.” He kneels, opens it, and pulls out a dagger set with precious stones, the blade catching the light. “Taken from the Head of the Physicians…” he adds with a faint, teasing smirk. “Does that interest you?”
[12:30] ᴀɪʏᴀɴᴀ ᴍᴀᴄ ᴀ’ ʟÌᴏꜱ (aiyanacae) waited for a response now, while her eyes fixated on him. She had hoped, he had what she asked for. Then watched as he pulled out a dagger that did look quite shiny and pretty.
She should ask for something more productive perhaps, but she took a liking to it. Only to nod her head, “Works for me, a moment” She would turn and head away from him, disappearing for a while before returning with the said captive/slave. She would push him forward onto the trading docks and said, “This your slave?”..She smirks.
[12:34] Jonas Daviau: studies the slave with a faint frown, masking the satisfaction beneath his calm expression. The description matches… perfectly. He steps closer, slow and deliberate, eyes scanning every detail before settling on the man’s face. “Is it you… Stormy?” he asks quietly. He tilts his head slightly, voice steady but firm. “Open your mouth.” A brief pause, then, more pointed, “I was told you’re missing a front tooth… lost in a tavern fight in Port of Kar.” His gaze sharpens, watching for the smallest reaction, measuring truth in silence as much as in words.
[12:35] Alena Ramona: Note how that went; it could have gone south pretty fast, she could have accepted the blackwine and maybe traded it later, but that takes time and effort. She chose the thing she needed in that moment – a very very fine dagger. It would probably make other panthers jealous if it was as nice as Jonas said.
[12:39] Jessika Roberts (jessikaroberts) looks at Alena and smiles. “My main question is … why are there so few BtB Panther bands compared to the number of GE bands?”
[12:40] Khi (tamaraward): Comment. Other thing to consider when venturing into the Northern Forests… Sound and Time. Please consider adding these things into your roleplay. Most of you probably sound like bosk stampeding through a tavern on a busy night. If Panther Girls are in the vicinity at all, chances are they have known you were coming from a very long way away. Consider they will have varied experiences, but how often would you see a stalking larl in the forest if you were looking for it? Consider the environment please. Alena’s use of smoke signals for the trade posts are excellent. They can be seen from farther away. It is possible they are near. It is possible they are not. You may need to wait IC to trade for some time though that can, obviously, be short-handed in the lead up to the exchange to get into the story together. Thank you.
[12:41] Alena Ramona: So this is a great question I think deserves some consideration. The truth is, a lot of panther practices in GE bands, at least in the recent past, have been just as btb as many btb panther bands. The difference really comes down to the fact there’s been some myths perpetuated that all panthers are naturally “GE” – I think this is a seriously large misconception based on the fact panthers are empowered women written into the books. That is not what GE means, and I think the differences have led to more panther bands choosing to start in GE so they can do more things. There’s another factor; btb bands tend to deal more with city warriors invading them and the RP surrounding that. It tends to be longer form, and longer term on captures. Sometimes, those panthers get invested in the capture and don’t return. When that happens enough and especially too early in a btb band’s development it can lead to the band collapsing because “no one is around” while everyone is captured. That’s why.
[12:42] Alena Ramona: GE tends to have faster cycles on those situations which leads to them surviving a lot more reliably as a result. There are more rules and limitations involved where as btb panther bands tend to just go with a more realistic flow from the books; and in that case it is hard to justify getting home again.
[12:43] Alena Ramona: This isn’t to say either is right or wrong, just that this contributes to a group surviving and having RP in camp/on sim enough to keep players interested in continuing to play there.
[12:44] Alena Ramona: Oh, and what Khi said is spot on. I also didn’t come up with the smoke signals, that is from Shiva members/founders at it’s founding long before I got left in charge but it is a great idea I try to perpetuate.
[12:45] Jessika Roberts (jessikaroberts) nods at your words. “I encountered a Panther band that had a very strict three-day limit on captures. A captured Panther absolutely HAD to be returned within three days. If the Panther refused to return after three days, even if it was because she was roleplaying out the capture realistically, she was considered to have abandoned the band. I think that rule was a bit harsh, if you ask me.”
[12:45] Aηɢeʟ Kereꜱ Blades (angelkeres.nightwish) shouts: We’ve had so many good questions and comments today. I would like to wrap it up since we are way over time. Thank you everyone so very much for coming and participating, it made it a lot of fun and a lot more personal to all you.
[12:46] Alena Ramona: So remember, that’s a guideline. It feels bad to “release” anyone because it doesn’t feel in tune with the books to do it as a regular practice. that 3 day release could simply be you setting up a situation where they can escape logically, instead. You don’t have to follow things exactly as they are written, just in the spirit of it.
(Sim: Rive de Bois)
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