Overkneelification
"...first, my own slave is instructed - and I will instruct any others about me not on a leash - that they will stand in the "subwait" position. However, when on grass, or other "softer" surface or indoors will kneel as usual when their attention is owned by a free person. Though - when outdoors, especially on stone streets and the like, she will NOT kneel.
Segue: if, as in the case described above where she is commanded in such an inappropriate place to kneel, her response will be to immediately obey, but then optionally to ask that person "I respectfully beg what name shall I give to my master when he inquires about any possible damage to my knees, master?". Sure, this can been seen as "princessism" - but it is not. It is good and proper role play and you know it. It is hoped it will at least 1) get that person to thinking about the ridiculousness of a girl kneeling on a dirty, hard stone street on bare legs and 2) perhaps get them to inquire why she asks so a civilized, role play discussion can ensue. (I won't get into the whole "slave is always barefoot" BS. My girl wears heavy sandals at all times.)
Though I have read many of the books (I admit, not all of them) - even there and in realistic fashion, a slave does *not* kneel all the time - and there is no mention that a slave does so. Everything I have read only describes a slave kneeling when she is in an appropriate place for kneeling, most often indoors. There are times when it is infeasible and just plain stupid - as in the example of on a crowded stone street.
Now - back to my solution: Rather than kneel, I will have my girl - and others about me - *stand* - in the "subwait" standing position. In fact, I am surprised this position is not used more often as it is actually a beautiful position and highly respectful in nature. So my girl will simply emote "...respectfully stands in waiting". (Girls: throwing the word "respectfully" will help by truckloads in your emotes. Trust me on this.)
I ask all of you have a go at this position as most, if not all collars already have this position included and if not - it is not hard to find. It is simply called "subwait". And when you see it for yourself (picture below), I think you will agree: in a place where you likely wouldn't ever get down on your *bare* knees in real life: it is definitely a suitable and plausible kneeling substitute."
http://www.goreanforums.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=3173
NOTE!!
The above is a writing of one of the many players in Gor and is not a generally accepted opinion by all, nor is it a rule or law of Gor and it does NOT mean that slaves didn't kneel - they did- both inside and outside. You have probably heard that bonds of the north didn't kneel but nothing is further from the truth. Even bonds knelt and no matter what people like to think, they didn't have winter and snow all year around in the north nor was that the only place that had snow. But use your own judgment when it is appropriate to kneel and when not and if a free orders you to kneel- always comply. ALL slaves knelt but not ALWAYS. Feel the atmosphere, the situation, the surface under your feet, the season of year, the mind of the free. A slave wouldn't kneel to an equal slave or one beneath her/him and wouldn't sit kneeling in the street alone either. Slaves had chores to do and would be seen all over the city working and on errands. They would not sit idle on their knees all alone. Consider how long Goreans lived with the serum and picture a slave who has lived on her knees for 50 years. The healingsalve was not cheap and no free with his witt intact would be spending every coin on it to have the knees of a slave treated several times per day. Bruised, scratched and constantly dirty from her knees down. Would YOU have her in YOUR bed? NOT a very pleasing thought, is it?
-Jade Tolwen
