Positions & Protocol Library

Positions and protocol give a Gorean dynamic its rhythm. They are agreed between partners, practiced with patience and always adapted to the body that performs them.

Positions

Nadu

Kneel with your knees apart, sitting back on your heels. Keep your back straight, shoulders back and chin level. Rest your palms down on your thighs. Your gaze is lowered unless your Master directs otherwise. Nadu is the default position when greeting, waiting or being addressed.

Tower

Stand tall with feet together, shoulders back and arms at your sides or clasped behind your back. Eyes are lowered or forward as instructed. Tower is used for inspection and formal presentation.

Bara

Lie face down with your head turned to one side, wrists crossed behind your back and ankles crossed. Remain still and silent until released. Bara expresses complete stillness and trust.

Obeisance

From nadu, lean forward and place your forehead and palms on the floor. Used when apologizing, giving thanks or offering formal respect.

Submission

From nadu, lower your head and extend your arms forward with wrists crossed, as though offering them. A symbolic offering of yourself, often used in greetings and ceremonies.

Heel

Walk one half-step behind and to the left of your Master, matching their pace. When they stop, you stop; when they kneel or sit, you settle into nadu.

Protocol

Forms of address

Many households use "Master" or "Mistress" in private and a discreet alternative in public. A Kajira may refer to herself by name or as "this girl". Agree on what fits your dynamic.

Permission to speak

Some households ask a Kajira to request permission before speaking in formal settings ("May this girl speak?"). Safewords and genuine concerns are never subject to this rule.

Serving ka-la-na (wine)

1. Approach and kneel in nadu before your Master.
2. Hold the cup in both hands and lower your head.
3. Raise the cup and offer it, waiting until it is taken.
4. Remain kneeling until dismissed.

Greeting

When your Master enters, rise from what you are doing, approach and kneel in nadu or submission, and offer a greeting your household has agreed upon.

Practicing safely

• Use a cushion for kneeling positions and change position if you feel numbness or joint pain.
• Start with short holds of 1–2 minutes and build gradually.
• Adapt any position for injuries, pregnancy or mobility needs; protocol serves the relationship, not the other way around.
• Agree on a safeword or signal that can be used at any time, including during silent positions.

See also: Safety & Consent · Gorean Glossary