All Gorean ships have eyes painted on them by the shipwright. The eyes are either painted on a head that surmounts the prow in a tarn ship or on either side of the bow in a merchant ship. This is the very last action done to a ship before it is launched for its very first journey. The eyes are placed there so that the ship can see its way. Goreans feel that a ship is a living thing and thus requires eyes. This is a superstition that even the High Castes follow. Before a ship leaves port, a ritual is often, if not always performed by the sailors. One will state "Ta-Sardar-Gor" and "Ta-Thassa." That means respectively "To the Priest-Kings of Gor" and "To the Sea." After stating these blessings, a portion of wine, oil and salt will be poured into the sea. Sailors commonly feel that free women on a ship are bad luck. Though there are no laws prohibiting women from taking passage on a ship, it is rarely good for the morale of the sailors. On the other hand, slaves are welcome additions to a ship. Many ships even have a specific Luck Girl, a special mascot thought to bring good fortune. Slaves are commonly available to the crew for their pleasures so they definitely aid morale.