Re: Orlanthi Prostitution

From: Thom Baguley <t.s.baguley_at_...>
Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 17:21:38 +0000


> From: Graham Robinson <gjr_at_...>
>I find it difficult to believe that prostitution doesn't occur among the
>Heortlings - its far too pervasive in the real world for it not to
>occur. Certainly the permissiveness of our society has done nothing to
>stop the trade.

I think it must be very rare in clan based Heortling culture.

>Having said that, I agree with Trotsky that a small community cannot
>support such people. Especially if they are breaking taboos. They would
>either be confined to the larger, more urban centres, or would travel
>seeking clients. In many cases clients would be those who were either
>unhappily married and willing to take the risk, or who were unable to form
>a relationship otherwise.

I'm sure it occurs in cities, but less than 15% of Orlanthi live in cities. Most Heortlings have never been to a city (IMO).

>As for divine retribution, in the real world prostitutes and their clients
>are more prone to a variety of nasty conditions, some of them
>effecting fertility. This hasn't stopped the trade, and would seem a
>direct parallel of the sort of retribution Ernalda especially might make.

I think the divine retribution applies to adultery. Young, unmarried heortlings will virtually never be involved in prostitution because 1) they have no hard currency, 2) rarely go to cities, 3) aren't under any sexual prohibition. Older, married Heortlings will probably be committing adultery and hence invite agents of reprisal.

Thom

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