Seen by most Goreans as little more than an annoyance, if they see them at all, the so called she-urt is still a free woman, and granted all the rights and privileges of a free woman. Generally without family or position and choosing to live on the streets they are outside the norm of Gorean society. As such I'm including them in with the proud Panther girls of the Northern Forests and the feared Taluna's of the South.
Although Norman only mentions she-urts in port cities like Port Kar, it is likely they would have have lived in all the major cities. So lets take a closer look at the she-urt, and try to determine who she is and why she lives the way she does.
First off, and this bears repeating - She-urts are Free Woman. As such they are granted the same rights of other Free Woman. This is their only protection since they are often looked down upon by other Free. They do not have a home to call their own, they live by begging, stealing (more on that in a bit) and they generally prostitute themselves for a few coins. Although not specifically mentioned in the books, they are without caste...making them in effect, outlaws.
Stealing is a dangerous occupation, particularly for the she-urt. She will not have the weapons or the skills to attack a Gorean male, so she will either have to team up with a man to do such...or more likely simply try to pick the pouch of an unwary passerby or steal some food where she can. A half eaten loaf of bread from a sleeping sailor or a tunic off a laundry line. A collar or worse awaits the she-urt every time she steals, so stealing smaller things carries a lesser risk.
Being without caste, the she-urt has to relay on the charity of the Free. Goreans do not generally favor begging, and some regard it as an insult that there should be such, an insult to them and their city. When charity is in order, as when a man cannot work or a woman is alone, usually such is arranged through the caste organization, but sometimes through the clan, which is not specifically caste oriented but depends on ties of blood through the fifth degree. If one, of course, finds oneself in effect without caste or clan, [their life] is likely to be miserable and not of great length.
Sometimes however they got lucky and were able to find a sympathetic ear: "Sir," I said, "forgive me for daring to speak to you, but only the kindness of your countenance encourages my audacity."
"Lady?" he inquired.
"I am in desperate straits," I whispered piteously.
"You are a beggar?" he asked.
I put down my head, as though in shame.
"Forgive me, Lady," he said. "These are hard times."
I looked up, my eyes over the veil. "You are understanding," I whispered.
"I was rude," he said. "I am sorry."
"One such as you could not be rude," I said, half weeping. "Clearly, too, you are kind, and noble." He was also large and strong.
"May I be of aid to you?" he asked.
I turned half away from him, as though in confusion and shame. I had been taught to do such things. The men of my master had rehearsed them muchly with me.
"Please," he said.
"I should not have bothered you," I whispered.
"Perhaps you need money," he said. "I am not a rich man but I have a little."
"Better death in the streets, or a collar, than that I should so demean myself, and my station, as to avail myself of your generosity."
"Are you hungry?" he asked."Yes," I said.
"Your robes, though worn and shabby, are well kept," he said.
"I am of humble caste," I said. It made me nervous, of course, to say such things. For a slave to claim caste is a serious matter. Similarly, it would not be wise for her to be caught in the garments of a free woman. That, too, is a terribly serious offense. - Dancer of Gor
Although I am using the above quote out of context, it is only to show that a she-urt could beg and possibly make a living doing so.
More likely she would use her body to make a few coin. Although slaves could be had in the paga dens, or a disgraced free woman in the penal brothels, the she-urt provided yet another avenue for a man to satisfy his urges. It is easy to imagine a girl calling from a dark corner on a crowded side street to the passing male, eager for a encounter.
Gor, as painted by Norman, was a rough and dirty world...more akin to the lawless Rome of 2000 years then the slave centric clean cities as portrayed in Second Life. Slavery, although commonplace would still be beyond most Gorean's means. The she-urt provided a service, one that would be seen as a collarable offense under Gorean law, but again, seems to be ignored by the city officials. A victim less crime.
It should be noted that weapons, if the she-urt carried them at all would have been most likely a rusty dagger or a sling. They traveled in small packs, providing mutual protection and companionship for each other. They are territorial. Each gang, normally between 4 - 7 woman taking a portion of alleys and back streets. She-urts compete for the choice prospects of food and the best paga taverns to pick through trash are desired. There are no power struggles between two separate groups. If one invades the other's territory, then the competitor is simply chased away. She-urts are strays having no special skills. They are simply homeless Free Woman.
Although it's possible that a runaway slave may try to join their ranks, it is unlikely. How for example would a slave remove the collar about her neck without special lock picking skills? Or hide the brand on her leg? Being slave, they are considered property under Gorean law, and if a she-urt would find such a slave they would likely bind her and return her, hoping for a reward.
She-urts will do anything to survive, but still value their freedom. They are not pitied on Gor nor are they loved. Their lives were probably short and brutish, and perhaps slavery would give them food and shelter, but not freedom. Freedom to choose is valued by the woman of Gor, more perhaps then life itself.
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