Sexuality and Gender in the Fifth Age of Voktegård

Like the real world, this varies greatly by culture, religion, nation, and even local region. In their strictest interpretation, the Four Accords should protect any individual from being discriminated against merely because of their sexuality or gender, but the lingering patriarchy of the past several thousand years sometimes interferes with that. For a more precise breakdown, see below:

Old Religion

Druids of the Old Religion do not generally begrudge those who are not heterosexual, though officially their teachings state that transgender people are "mistaken" because nature does not make such mistakes. It is noteworthy, however, that druids believe any reproductively viable creature is capable of making informed decisions about sex. Literally every other culture, including the detestable Mørkgoths, realize this is not sensible.

Cult of Heroes

The Heroes care not for the sexual orientations or gender identities of others. Though all four of them are cis-gendered, Astrid is self-confirmed to be asexual and Eindride is widely assumed to be pansexual (he literally fucked a satyr once). For all their differences, the Heroes had two things in common: protecting Voktegård and respecting people's authenticity.

Some clerics of Astrid take a vow of celibacy in order to devote their life to the service of others. These special dedicants of the Hero are thereafter referred to by the appellation "Son of Astrid" or "Daughter of Astrid", typically used as a title, e.g. "Daughter Kuling is in the Healer's Hall tending to the sick."

Monastic Life

Monks respect the sexual orientations and gender identities of all people, though they themselves keep vows of celibacy.

Mørkgoth Culture

Mørkgoths have a complex social system where gender and sexuality are involved (see: Mørkland Culture main article). That article explains the gender dichotomy, but sexual orientation is not a concept in Mørkgoth culture. Instead, fukslaves are sellable/marriable at 18 (though a Mørkgoth/male is not considered an independent adult until 21). Whether a Mørkgoth prefers fukslaves with penises or with vaginas is sometimes discussed, but only as a matter of negotiation (e.g. if one Mørkgoth is trying to appeal to the lust of another Mørkgoth in a trade by offering a more desirable fukslave). A Mørkgoth may prefer whatever he wants; a slave does not have the luxury of such opinions. Many Mørkgoth Mørklanders that defect to other countries find the newly learned distinctions of "straight, gay, bi/pan" vulgar and barbaric. Most former slaves that defect struggle instead with the realization of traumas they endured all their lives because they now realize that the right to choose what happens to their own bodies was taken from them in Mørkland.

Ponland

It is illegal in Ponland to discriminate based on gender or sexuality, punishable by death.

Dalland

All of Dalland is under the rule of The Great Grove which follows the traditions of the Old Religion (see above), except for New Dør, which is generally under the influence of the Circle of Mar. As such, discriminatory acts may be dealt with by the community in their own way informally, often involving banishment from a particular village. The Great Grove never takes any actions to punish such crimes against trans people.

Gothiland

It is illegal in Gothiland to discriminate based on gender or sexuality, punishable by imprisonment or indentured servitude. Hovedstad in particular is such a pluralistic locale that fantasy-equivalent LGBTQIA people are a relatively commonplace sight worthy of comment only for visitors from more rural settings.

Portland

It is illegal in Portland to discriminate based on gender or sexuality, punishable by imprisonment or indentured servitude.

Mirey Island

It is illegal on Mirey Island to discriminate based on gender or sexuality, punishable by imprisonment or indentured servitude.

The Shining Islands

It is illegal in The Shining Islands to discriminate based on gender or sexuality, punishable by imprisonment or indentured servitude. Compassion is such a major aspect of the culture here that discrimination is virtually unheard of by natives.

Slang

• Bent - Derogatory term for a homosexual person
• Half-bent - Derogatory term for a bisexual/pansexual person
• Bugbear - a larger and often hairier homosexual male who projects an image of rugged masculinity
• Pixie - slim attractive homosexual men with a younger appearance
• Mørk- a derogatory term for a homosexual woman that is very dominant
• Milkmaiden - either a very feminine/attractive homosexual woman or a homosexual woman who prefers buxom women