Romanum Policy On Servi (Slaves)

Romanum is a roleplay of ancient Roman life, and as such, includes the roles of Servus (slave) and Dominus (master). Romanum has a relaxed roleplay policy, which is to say it encourages roleplay, but does not mandate roleplay. We do ask, however, as a minimum, avatars dress in ancient Roman clothing as appropriate for their role when within roleplay areas (which is most of Romanum).

The literal definition is that a Servus is a servant or slave. In ancient Roman days, the population of a conquered land was enslaved and became laborers in fields, gladiators in the Colosseum or for the skilled, servants in homes or businesses (Ref B).

So, as our Servi do not labor in fields or mines but are generally providing a residential ‘service’, it could be logically concluded that they are servants who serve their Domini domestically.

Some may argue that they are slaves and they would not be wrong. However, we are not in Gor and we do not RP hunting down a population to enslave them. As far as Romanum RP works, our Servi may have arrived in the City seeking a new Dominus after theirs was killed, or died accidentally. (See guidelines at Ref C)

Therefore, a Romanum broad definition of a Servus is:

“Servus –A skilled and domesticated individual whose primary purpose is to serve their Dominus either directly or indirectly in a domestic environment”.

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Romanum Servi Kennel

In 2011, Romanum added a Servi Kennel where those desiring to learn how to be a Servus could go and where Domini and Servi could potentially find each other.

This Kennel exists as a service for both Servi and Domini, but it is not a requirement for either Servi or Domini. Servi may choose voluntarily to register with the Kennel and Domini may choose to seek a new Servus at the Kennel if they wish.

Unattached Servi not registered with the Kennel may also make themselves available to Domini and Domini may acquire such unattached Servi directly as agreed to by each of them.

The Kennel may from time to time offer free training for Servi, all Servi in Romanum, whether registered with the Kennel or not. Any Servus currently serving a Dominus should get their Dominus' permission to attend such training.

Because the Kennel provides a service to both Servi and Domini, it is suggested, but not required, that any Dominus that acquire a Servus registered with the Kennel give a donation of their choosing as appreciation for the service provided.

Once again, this is a voluntary donation and the amount given, if given, is entirely up to the Dominus.

Any Servus registered with the Kennel gives the Kennel Dominus rights over that Servus and the Kennel must agree to the acquisition of any registered Servus to a new Dominus. The Servus must also agree to this acquisition.

From time to time, the Kennel may hold a Servi Auction as part of a fund raising event for Romanum where the registered Servus agrees to serve a Dominus with the highest bid for a temporary period of time, usually a few hours or so.

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Romanum Sim Roleplay Guidelines For Servi

Regardless of whether a Servus is unattached, registered with the Kennel, or serving a specific Dominus, these guidelines exist:

- As with ANY role in Romanum, no one can insist a Servus do anything they do not want to do. This is true for ALL Servi in Romanum. It is assumed Servi will want to please their Domini, but any act they do, they do voluntarily.

- Any Servus who is currently attached to and serving a Dominus must receive that Dominus permission to leave his household to either be an unattached Servus or to serve a new Dominus. Exceptions will be made if a Dominus is abusive and trying to force the Servus to do acts the Servus does not want to do. Likewise no Dominus may take another Dominus' Servus without permission of the current Dominus of the Servus desired. The Servus must also agree to be acquired by the new Dominus. These same rules apply to Kennel registered Servi where the Kennel serves as the Dominus of the registered Servi.

- Any disputes between a Servus and Dominus or between a Dominus and Dominus over a Servus can be brought to the Praetor to be resolved. If necessary, any resolution can be appealed to the Emperor who will have the final say. Such disputes can include Servus "ownership" or inappropriate behavior by a Servus or Dominus.

- In addition to any training that may be offered by the Kennel, the Romanum Sim will also provide new Servi who come to Romanum a special welcome package to include these guidelines, people to contact, and a complimentary outfit.

- Those who choose voluntarily to be a Servus in Romanum, whether attached to a Dominus or not, should show common sense respect for free men and Domini. A Servus is not required to kneel in the presence of such men, unless their Dominus says they should. But a Servus should remember they have chosen a submissive role and should act accordingly when with people of a higher role. The Emperor is the highest role in Romanum, and all people show due deference to Caesar.

- Last, but not least, have fun!!

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Ref A:

SL Slave definition: http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Slave

"In Second Life a slave refers to an individual who has accepted a submissive role in a D/s relationship that is centered around roleplaying ownership and devotion to the Master/Mistress."

Ref B:

Ancient Roman Servus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_in_ancient_Rome

Ref C:

Romanum roleplay guidelines: http://www.romanum.net/documents/roleplay_guidelines_and_rules.html