HOSPITALITY AND GUEST RIGHTS
Hospitality
The guest is the lord of the house --Teehran Proverb
Generosity brings honor, while stinginess spawns contempt. As a result, the hospitality of the Tahari is unrivaled. Those of the Tahari make much of welcomeing visitors to their city gates--even strangers. A man must offer food and drink to anyone who appears upon his doorstep. In the absence of her companion, a woman must do the same. In practice, though, if an individual does not feel as great a sense of duty toward a stranger or guest they do not know, they may consider their responsibility discharged by directing the unfamiliar or displeasing person to the nearest inn or cafe (tavern). After all, the "City" has made the guest welcome, even if the man or woman has not and that is what counts.
If a known traveler or guest has been invited into the house or tent of a host, then that host must offer lodging as well as sustenance and/or entertainment. On the first even of a guest's arrival a great feast is laid out, often the host will do so, even if the cost is greater then their means. If the guest remains on the second and third evenings smaller meals ensur. The atmosphere is festive-the traveler or guest is expected to tell stories of their journeys, and the host expected to hire a story teller or to play games to offer entertainment. The host may even feel bound to offer the gift of a talented slave girl depending upon the hosts status. On the third morning, the guest is expected to depart. The guest may choose to leave a gift of some kind, although it is not required.
It has often been said of the Nomads, that they would rather know thirst and hunger, then to be unable to offer hospitality to a stranger at their oasis.
Guest Rights
When a host offers hospitality to a guest, they assume the responsiblity for the well-being of that guest. His honor depends on how well he treats those who place themselves in his care. For this reason, guests can expect safety as well as sustenance and entertainment even if they were once a hosts enemy.
"I lifted the bag, drinking deeply. I replaced the plug and put back the bag, wiping my mouth on my sleeve. . . In sharing their water I had made myself, by custom of the Tahari, their guest." ~Tribesmen of Gor
If a guest has no other business within the city, the host may request assistance with the family business: making deliveries, carrying messages, minding the store front and so forth. This often exposes the guest to a number of different professions.
Occasionally, a wanderer may arrive in town, become intrigued by a particular craft and remain as an artisan, perhaps purchasing an apprenticeship from a "master" of the craft. As long as a guest is working on behalf of a host, the host is responsibel for the guest's actions. In turn, the guest may not shame or endanger the host in any way. The guest may not steal from the host or the host's comrades, nor can they draw a weapon except in the defense of the host.
"The noble Samos has been most kind," said Ibn Saran. "His hospitality has been most generous."
I extended my hand to Ibn Saran and he, bowing twice, brushed twice the palm of his hand against mine.
"I am pleased to make the acquaintance of he who is friend to Samos of Port Kar," said Ibn Saran. "May your water bags never be empty. May you have always water." ~ Tribesmen of Gor