Kowtow is the touching of ones head to the ground in an act of worship, reverence, or apology. Kou in Chinese means “knock” or “touch upon” and tou means “head”; Knock your head. The term also refers to one who is obedient and submissive. This practice is not used as much now-a-days, and has often been replaced by a standing bow (see Obama kowtow). But sometimes one can not help but feel the need to kowtow, like for Michael Jackson!
Seriously, I have recently visited a Buddhist Temple that started to offer a service in English, this was my very first exposure to Buddhism. There were several times when we kowtowed. I couldn’t help feeling vulnerable, and anxious. When you are down on the ground like that you can’t see anything or anybody around you. But I guess that is the point, you are supposed to give into the meditation and be like the Buddha. I also found it uncomfortable as I was one of the tallest people there, and I had a to turn on an angle and really ball up to fit on the floor between the benches. I did finally get more comfortable in the bowing posture, but it was definitely something I had to work on.
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About Gail
In Alidor, the elves of Melbrindar Keep expect this behavior from all non elves. This of course is not fun for the players who believe that they will never kowtow to anyone. It does make for fun games when the party goes with it.