Castes

CASTES

CASTE
Caste is primarily governed by birth and children always take on the Caste of their father. Though upward mobility in the Caste system is infrequent it is still possible. In general, few Goreans try to raise their Caste. It would be even rarer for a Gorean to willingly lower his Caste.
The Caste system is intended to provide some structure and stability to Gorean society. "It is apparently one of the socially stabilizing forces on Gor. It tends to reduce the dislocations, disappointments and tragedies inherent in more mobile structures, in which men are taught that they are failures if they do not manage to make large amounts of money or excel in one of a small number of prestigious professions. The system also helps to keep men of energy and high intelligence in a wide variety of occupations, this preventing the drain of such men into a small number of often artificially desiderated occupations, this tending then to leave lesser men, or frustrated men, to practice other hundreds of arts the survival and maintenance of which are important to a superior civilization." (Dancer of Gor, p.186-7)

The welfare of the caste is of the utmost of importance to the individual Gorean. They will subsume their own individual desires and ambitions for the greater good of the Caste. It is clearly that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. This is a concept that is hard to accept for many people from Earth.

Each caste has a color or colors associated with that particular caste. Members of a caste will proudly wear clothing or display banners or flags to show caste alliance. For example, physicians wear green robes to designate their caste alliance, while warriors proudly wear red tunics as a symbol of their caste. Many of the references to Gorean warriors will refer to scarlet or red tunics, making them easily discernable as members of the high caste of warriors.


“Whereas caste membership is commonly connected with the practice of an occupation, such as agriculture, or commerce, or war, there can be, of course, caste members who are not engaged in caste work and individuals who do certain forms of work who are not members of that caste commonly associated with such work. Caste, commonly, though not invariably, is a matter of birth. One may, too, be received into a caste by investment. Normally mating takes place among caste members, but if the mating is of mixed caste, the woman may elect to retain caste, which is commonly done, or be received into the caste of the male companion. Caste membership of the children born of such a union is a function of the caste of the father. Similar considerations, in certain cities, hold of citizenship. Caste is important to Goreans in a way that is difficult for members of a non-caste society to understand. Though there are doubtless difficulties involved with caste structure the caste situation lends an individual identity and pride, allies him with thousands of caste brothers, and provides him with various opportunities and services. Recreation on Gor is often associated with caste, and tournaments and entertainments. Similarly, most public charity on Gor is administered through caste structure. The caste system is not inflexible and there are opportunities for altering caste, but men seldom avail themselves of them; they take great pride in their castes, often comparing others’ castes unfavourably to their own; a Gorean’s caste by the time he reaches adulthood, seems to have become a part of his very blood and being; than the average man of Earth would of altering his citizenship, from, say, American to Russian, or French to Chinese. The caste structure, in spite of its many defects, doubtless contributes to the stability of Gorean society, a society in which the individual has a place, in which his work is respected, and in which he can plan intelligently with respect to the future.”
(Book 11: Slave Girl of Gor, pages 212-213)


CHANGING CASTES
One way to change Caste for a woman is through Free Companionship. Normally, mating remains within the same Caste. But, in a Free Companionship a woman is permitted to take the Caste of the man if she so desires. This can serve to raise her caste, even from a Low Caste to a High Caste. But, a man cannot take on the Caste of his Free Companion. A person's abilities can also serve to raise their Caste though on the same hand, a lack of ability can lead to a demotion in your Caste.

To change one's caste, the High Council of the city must approve the change based upon your qualifications for the new Caste. The new Caste must also be willing to accept you. Proper bribes can make this process easier, even if your qualifications may be lacking.


Caste Codes: Each caste maintains a series of beliefs and rules for its members, which are followed when one is practicing one's profession. These are called the caste's "codes" and deal mainly with matters specific to that particular profession, i.e., a member of the caste of merchants would follow his or her caste codes in regards to maintaining a profitable trade, presenting merchandise in an honest fashion, haggling, etc,. each caste's codes are different Master.


HIGH CASTES
Initiates Serving as the supposed intermediaries of the Priest Kings, these white-robed men make up the religious order of Gor. With shaven heads, refusing to eat meat or beans and not imbibing in alcoholic beverages, Initiates lead all the religious ceremonies, prayers, etc. to the Priest Kings. They are trained in the mysteries of mathematics. They speak among themselves in archaic Gorean that is no longer spoken among other Goreans. Their services are conducted in archaic Gorean, with some portions translated into modern Gorean. Initiates The ‘Flame Death’ where blue flames consume a person said to be conspiring against the Priest Kings or to have been blasphemous is supposedly the wrath of the Priest Kings called down by the Initiates. Initiates are celibate and of high learning. Most of Gor fears these men. Obviously because of celibacy, one is not born into the caste of Initiates, but must raise oneself to it. Initiates buy young male slaves, have them castrated and then these slaves are taught to sing in choirs. Initiates believe that only they will have eternal life and since no woman may become an Initiate, no woman will ever obtain eternal life. (Book 1: Tarnsman of Gor, page 61; Book 2: Priest-Kings of Gor, page 294; Book 3: Outlaw of Gor, pages 40-41; Book 25: Magicians of Gor, pages 26-39) White
Scribes
• Accountants
• Litigators
• Magistrates
• Mapmakers
• Historians
• Writers
• Essayists
• Teachers
• Record Keepers
• Scholars
• Clerks Keepers of the written word of Gor, members of this caste are the scholars and record-keepers. With their thirst for knowledge, Scribes often travel far and wide through Gor. Though they tend to be studious and serious, many of this caste also enjoy a good debate. (Book 1: Tarnsman of Gor, page 37, 38, 44, 61; Book 5: Assassin of Gor, page 208) Blue
Builders
• Architects
• Draftsmen
• Engineers
• Stonemasons
• Inventors Members of this caste are responsible for all the building on Gor, be it roads, bridges, cylinders, houses, walls, etc. Those who invent the wonderous engineering spectacles are members of this caste, as well as those who plan out the various cities, roads, etc. (Book 1: Tarnsman of Gor, page 61) Yellow
Physicians
• Healers
• Medical Researchers
• Apothecaries
• Surgeons
• Health Practitioners
• Dentists Any person who practices the art of healing is a member of this caste. Far superior to their Earthen counterparts, Gorean physicians are responsible for the development of the serum against aging, whereby Goreans age very, very slowly. As on Earth, members of this caste are considered non-combatants during times of war. (Book 1: Tarnsman of Gor, page 61; Book 7: Captive of Gor, page 93) Green
Warriors
• Tarnsmen
• Tharlarion Cavalry
• Infantry The military members of Gor, these men are easily recognizable by their red or scarlet tunics. Well versed in the use of most weapons, warriors also have the strictest caste code of those upon Gor. There is a kinship between warriors difficult to understand by those who do not hold their codes. (Book 1: Tarnsman of Gor, page 61; Book 2: Outlaw of Gor, page 21-22; Book 25: Magicians of Gor, page 129) Red



LOWER CASTES
Animal Handlers Those concerned with the care, handling, training of domestic animals (other than slaves) make up this caste. There are many sub-castes within this larger caste.
Artisians Goreans consider the production of any item made by hand to be a work of art, therefore this caste is very large and encompasses many smaller sub-castes.
Assassins Perhaps one of Gor’s smallest castes, Assassins are those who kill for money. A relatively obscure class, they are both despised and feared by most Goreans. Those chosen for this caste are often small boys taken in as apprentices by Assassins. The training is stringent and the boys are paired, encouraged to be friends with other pairs of trainees. In the final stages of training, pairs are set against other pairs until finally the man must kill his best friend, the other trainee in the pair. The caste codes thus require that all ties of friendship and family be renounced. Assassins claim NO Home Stone. Interestingly, this is one of IRC’s largest castes though it is a caste that occurs only occasionally on Gor. Assassins rarely use poison in the dispatching of their contracts, though they fear poisoning at others’ hands. Once a contract has been taken to kill, the Assassin wears the mark of a dagger placed upon his forehead. Responsible only to their codes, these men have no loyalties to any others. Black
Bakers Those who prepare sa-tarna, the grain of Gor into its many forms. Pastry makers, bread makers, etc. all make up the many sub-castes. (Book 4: Nomads of Gor, page 237) Yellow and Brown
Bargemen Considered a part of Fishermen, this sub-caste operates the barges that carry goods and peoples up the various rivers and waterways of Gor.
Blacksmiths A sub-caste of Metal Workers which is a sub-caste of the Artisans caste, responsible for shoeing Gorean draft and riding animals, as well as repairing wagon wheels for the various drays. Probably responsible for the heavy collars forged for work slaves. (Book 5: Assassin of Gor, page 111)
Bleachers Possibly a sub-caste of Cloth-Workers. (Book 5: Assassin of Gor, page 111)
Brewers This caste produces the grain-based alcoholic beverages.
Butchers Another food service caste, members are responsible for the acquisition and preparation of all edible Gorean meats (sa-tassna).
Carders Concerned with the preparation of woven material, this is a sub-caste of the Weavers which is a sub-caste of the Rug Makers which is part of the Cloth Workers caste. (Book 10: Tribesmen of Gor, page 47)
Carpenters Described as more of a union, with members paying dues and collective bargaining (Book 6: Raiders of Gor, pages 134-135)
Charcoal Makers Members of this caste are responsible for the production of charcoal used in the ovens, furnaces and kilns of Gor. (Book 2: Outlaw of Gor, page 27) Black and Grey
Cloth Workers This caste is concerned with the production of textile materials on Gor and is comprised of innumerable sub-castes. (Book 10: Tribesmen of Gor, page 47)
Clothiers Concerned with the preparation of Gorean clothing, this is a sub-caste of Weavers which is a larger sub-caste of the Rug Makers which is part of the Cloth Workers caste.
Cosmeticians Those who prepare cosmetics (Book 5: Assassin of Gor, page 111)
Drovers Members provide the care and feeding of the many types of draft animals used upon Gor. They also drive the many wagons pulled by these draft animals and used to ship goods from point to point. This is a sub-caste of the Animal Handlers caste.
Dressmakers The production of female garments is the responsibility of this sub-caste which is part of the Clothiers which is a part of the larger sub-caste of Weavers, belonging to the Rug Makers which is part of the Cloth Workers caste.
Dyers Concerned with the tinting and coloring of woven goods, this is a sub-caste of the Weavers which is a part of the larger sub-caste of the Rug Makers which is a part of the Cloth Workers caste. (Book 10: Tribesmen of Gor, page 47)
Entertainers
• Jugglers
• Magicians
• Poets
• Singers
• Musicians Those persons who provide entertainment to the general Gorean populace. There are several sub-castes within this caste.
(Book 12: Beasts of Gor, page 44)
Fishermen Concerned with harvesting the multitude of sea life for human consumption, this is a sub-caste of the Sailors caste.
Goat Keepers A sub-caste of the Animal Handlers caste, these caste members are responsible for the husbandry and herds of animals such as the Gorean hurt. (Book 3: Priest-Kings of Gor, pages 294-295)
Guardsmen The police force of Gor, these caste members are responsible for maintaining Gorean law by patrolling the streets, enforcing local ordinances, arresting those in violation, and in whole ensuring the civil welfare of its citizens. There are no set caste colors, the members wearing whatever uniforms are provided by the city, though generally within that city’s colors. This is a sub-caste of the Municipal Workers caste. Ar – Red and Gold
Cos – Blue
Tyros - Yellow
Lamplighters Similar to the lamplighters of earlier times on Earth, this sub-caste of the Municipal Workers caste are responsible for lighting the numerous tharlarion lamps providing illumination for cities and villages and for extinquishing them at daybreak. Striped Green and Red
Leather workers This sub-caste of the Artisans caste makes the leather products from various hides cured and treated. (Book 7: Captive of Gor, page 234)
Merchants
• Slavers
• Rug Merchants
• Odds Makers
• Sellers of City Notes
• Trinket Peddlers
• Silver Merchants
• Artifact Dealers
• Hawkers
• Fur Traders This very broad caste is comprised of innumerable sub-castes and is responsible for the selling and trading of any merchandise. Too numerous to count, the sub-castes are as varied as the products they sell. Perhaps the most well-known sub-caste is that of Slavers. (Various quotes see Caste Quotes) (Book 4: Nomads of Gor, page 91; Book 8: Hunters of Gor, page 7) White and Gold
Metal Workers
• Blacksmiths
• Locksmiths
• Armorers
• Weapons makers
• Branders Sub-caste of the Artisan caste, this caste produces most of the metal products found on Gor. (Book 2: Outlaw of Gor, page 113; Book 5: Assassin of Gor, page 111) Steel Grey
Moneylenders A sub-caste of the Merchants caste, this caste’s product is money. Members engage in the trade and speculation of money for a profit.
Municipal Workers These caste members provide a public service to the city or village and is comprised of various sub-castes such as Lamplighters and Guardsmen. Grey
Musicians Providing musical instruments and instrumentation, this is a sub-caste of the Entertainers caste and often accompanies the Singers caste. (Book 12: Explorers of Gor, page 44)
Net Makers Sub-caste of the caste of Artisans, this caste is sometimes also considered to be a sub-caste of Fishermen belonging to the caste of Sailors because of its relation to the sea.
Oar-Makers Described as more of a union, with members paying dues and collective bargaining (Book 6: Raiders of Gor, pages 134-135)
Oil Makers Provides the various oils for fuel, illumination and lubrication.
Peasant The lowest caste upon Gor, it is also the most common. Its members provide the agricultural planting, maintenance and harvesting of the large tracts of land set aside for that purpose. The Gorean peasant often refers to himself as ‘The Ox upon which the Home Stone rests’ and is vital to the economy of Gor. This caste has very strict caste codes and has developed an expertise with several ‘peasant’ weapons, including the Gorean long bow and the quarterstaff (similar to feudal English peasant weapons). (Book 1: Tarnsman of Gor, page 43; Book 2: Outlaw of Gor, page 66) Brown
Perfumers Produces the various types of scented oils and perfumes used by Goreans and is a sub-caste of the Artisans caste. Working together with the Oil Makers, the caste of Perfumers produces scented oils. The fragrant incenses are produced in combination with the caste of Charcoal Makers. (Book 9: Marauders of Gor; page 111)
Poets This caste is sometimes also known as the caste of Singers, creating and performing verbal entertainment, accompanied by music. While a sub-caste of the Entertainers caste, Poets and Singers are sometimes considered to be a part of the Artisans caste since Goreans view the creation of verbal pictures as an art form. Poets are protected from enslavement in many parts of Gor. (Book 2: Outlaw of Gor; page 103) Aqua and Red
Players Said in some parts of the books not truly a caste or clan, these are people from various walkways who have shown a high aptitude for the game of Kaissa and who have become obsessed with playing the game. They are respected and the champions of the game are held in high regard. It is a crime in most cities to enslave a Player. (Book 5: Assassin of Gor, page 27; Book 12: Beasts of Gor, page 44; Book 24: Players of Gor) Red and Yellow
Potmakers Produces the various containment vessels used on Gor, this is a sub-caste of the Artisans caste. (Book 2: Outlaw of Gor; page 103; Book 5: Assassin of Gor, page 10) Brown and Green
Pulley-Makers Described as more of a union, with members paying dues and collective bargaining (Book 6: Raiders of Gor, pages 134-135)
Rence Growers Living on floating man-made islands in the various swamps and marshes of Gor, this caste harvests rence which is similar to the Earthen rice. All parts of the rence plant are usable. This caste is slightly higher than the Gorean peasant and has adapted the Gorean long bow as a highly effective weapon. Caste members are extremely territorial, killing those who venture into their waters and highly secretive. (Book 6: Raiders of Gor)
Ropemakers Involved in the production of all types of binding fibers, making ropes, binding cords, threads, etc. This is a sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. (Book 6: Raiders of Gor, pages 134-135)
Rug Makers Members of this caste produce woven rugs. While a sub-caste of the Cloth Workers caste, this caste often considers itself independent and separate from the Cloth Workers. (Book 10: Tribesmen of Gor, page 47)
Saddlemakers This sub-caste of the caste of Artisans produces all the saddles, riding tack, harnesses used on the various draft and riding beasts of Gor. (Book 2: Outlaw of Gor; page 103) Tan
Sail Makers Described as more of a union, with members paying dues and collective bargaining (Book 6: Raiders of Gor, pages 134-135)
Sailors These caste plies the seas and waterways of Gor and is divided into many sub-castes, each with their own speciality.
Shipwrights Described as more of a union, with members paying dues and collective bargaining (Book 6: Raiders of Gor, pages 134-135)
Singers This caste is sometimes also known as the caste of Poets, creating and performing verbal entertainment, accompanied by music. While a sub-caste of the Entertainers caste, Poets and Singers are sometimes considered to be a part of the Artisans caste since Goreans view the creation of verbal pictures as an art form. Singers are protected from enslavement in many parts of Gor. (Book 2: Outlaw of Gor; page 103) Aqua and Red
Slavers One of the more infamous sub-castes of the Merchants caste, this caste concerns itself with the buying and selling of slaves for a profit. (Book 5: Assassin of Gor, page 208; Book 8: Hunters of Gor, page 7) Blue and Yellow
Sleen Trainers This caste trains and provides care and maintenance of the sleens, the domesticated herding and tracking six-legged beast of Gor and is a sub-caste of the Animal Handlers caste. (Book 12: Beasts of Gor, page 78) Brown and Black
Spice Merchants Sub-caste of the Merchants caste, these members buy and sell the various spices used upon Gor.
Tarnkeepers The winged battle bird of Gor, as well as the draft tarns used for drayage, are cared for and trained by this sub-caste of the Animal Handlers caste. (Book 1: Tarnsman of Gor, page 132) Grey and Green
Thieves Only known caste of thieves known on Gor exists in Port Kar. It is an honoured and important caste in Port Kar. The caste of thieves is too powerful in Port Kar, therefore ear notching and mutilation for stealing is not found; however in Port Kar it is permissible to slay a thief if they are caught within an ahn of their crime; after an ahn they go to court and appear before the magistrates. For a man one week to one year of hard labor in the arsenal or the wharves, for a female thief one week to a year in a straw strewn penal brothel is the normal punishment meted. Female thieves punished within the penal brothels are fed the same diet as galley slaves: peas, black bread and onions. (Book 5: Assassin of Gor, page 96; Book 8: Hunters of Gor, page 345) Tiny black three-pronged tattoo on their checkbone
Torturers A clan of the Wagon peoples (as opposed to a caste), members of this group are found only among the Wagon peoples in the far south. Since they are often considered a sub-caste of the Artisans caste, it is assumed that the Wagon peoples consider torture to be an art form. Black and Red
Vart Trainers Only found in the Ubarate of Tyros, members of this sub-caste of the Animal Handlers caste provide care and training of varts, a bat-like creature that is trained as an aggressive weapon in battle.
Vintners Those skilled in the making of wines (Book 5: Assassin of Gor, page 29) White decorated with green leaf patterns
Waste Collectors Collects the various wastes and garbage stored in bins throughout the cities and villages. Together with the Drovers, this waste and garbage is taken to waste pits located outside the city or village limits for disposal. This is a sub-caste of the Municipal Workers caste.
Weavers This sub-caste of the sub-caste of Rugmakers of the Cloth Workers caste produces the various textile products used in the textile industry of Gor. (Book 10: Tribesmen of Gor, page 47)
Winemakers This caste produces the fruit-based alcoholic beverages.
Wood Carriers This sub-caste of the Woodsmen caste harvests and transports trees taken from various city and village forests. (Book 2: Outlaw of Gor, page 27) Brown and Black
Wood Carvers This sub-caste of the Artisans caste produces the various wooden functional and decorative objects used upon Gor. Brown and Black
Woodsmen A broad caste containing many sub-castes concerned with the protecting, husbandry and harvesting of the various forests within a specified tract claimed by a city or village. Experts in all manner of woodworking and forestry, these members preserve and protect the woodlands, as well as being renown forest hunters and trackers. (Book 2: Outlaw of Gor, page 27; Book 7: Captive of Gor, page 238) Brown and Black
(sleeveless, leather back and shoulders)



TYPES OF CASTES
Animal Handler's Caste: The books do not state such a general Caste exists. Specific Castes do exist for certain animals but the books do not support any connection between these separate Castes.
Artisan's Caste: The books do not state such a general Caste exists. An artisan is simply a manually skilled worker. That would apply for many different Castes. The term "artisan" was used in the books, in a general sense, but never in a context that would show it was an actual Caste.
Artist's Caste: The books do not state such a general Caste exists. Art is very important to Goreans. Logically, there might be an Artist's Caste with various sub-castes depending on the medium of the artist such as painting or sculpture. But, it is also true that many artists do not sign or identify their works because they feel that the art itself is important and not the creator. The artist to be pleased and thankful that that the art chose to speak through him. As the artist often chooses to focus attention on the art and not himself, then maybe such men would not choose to form an actual Caste. That might be contrary to their beliefs about the importance of the art and the unimportance of the artist.
Assassin Caste: This is a Low Caste. Please see scroll #26, Assassin Caste, for more details
Baker's Caste: This is a Low Caste which is responsible for making the varied baked goods of Gor, from breads to pastries. Their Caste colors are yellow and brown. The books do not indicate that there are definitely subcastes of this Caste. Potentially, there could be subcastes that specialized in certain types of baked goods, such as Bread-Makers or Pie-Makers.
Bakers use a special "baker's knot." When slaves are sent to purchase baked goods, the baker may tie a bag around the girl's neck to prevent her from stealing anything from the order. As the special knot is tied behind the girl's neck, she cannot see it. Even if she could untie it, she would not know how to properly retie it and thus could not escape detection.
Bargemen Caste: Some of the bargemen of the Cartius River claim to be a Caste and this claim is accepted by some and rejected by others. These bargemen ferry people across the river for a fee. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Bleacher's Caste: This is a Low Caste responsible for bleaching fabrics to make them white. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Bounty Creditor: This position is identified as part of the Merchant Caste though it is unclear if it is a subcaste or simply a type of position. Bounty Creditors wear white and gold, the Caste colors of a Merchant. These individuals purchase a person's debts from other merchants, at a discounted rate, and then attempt to collect the face value of the debts from the debtors. They are a form of debt collector, speculating on their ability to get someone to pay. They are very tenacious in their work.
Bounty Hunter: The books do not state if this is an actual Caste or subcaste. Bounty hunters hunt down men for a fee. As proof of their success, they often save the head of their target. If their targets are very general, they may not be too particular in the identity of the head they obtain. For example, if they receive a bounty for any citizen of a specific city, they might not be too careful in ensuring that all of their heads come from just citizens. The man who pays their bounty fees may have difficulty determining if a head does belong to the specific city and often will pay the bounty hunter despite this dilemma. It is possible that Bounty Hunters are similar to mercenaries, simply hired men who may or may not have a Caste. Some may have once belonged to the Warrior Caste and others may simply have found a talent in man hunting. There are no Caste colors given in the books for these men.
Brewer's Caste: This is a Low Caste that is responsible for the brewing of certain alcoholic beverages such as paga, ale and mead. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste
Builder's Caste: This is one of the High Castes of Gor and third in line of importance. Their caste color is yellow and their symbol is a metal angle square. This caste includes such subcastes as Architects, Draftsmen, Stonemasons and others. In general, they are the builders and inventors of Gor. The Glass of the Builders, a telescope, is one of their inventions. They also created the energy bulb, a special type of light bulb, over a century ago. With help from the Physician's Caste, they also developed the slave goad. In general, only free men are allowed to build on Gor. Only the city of Port Kar was constructed by slaves. The Builder's Caste can also verify the authenticity of gold. Though this is an important Caste, little is told about it in the books.
Butcher's Caste: This is not specifically stated to be a Caste in the books though it seems a logical choice. Such a Caste would be a Low Caste and be responsible for the preparation and cutting of varied meats for the consumption of Goreans. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste
Camp Singers: This is not a Gorean Caste. It is a clan of the Wagon Peoples. All male Wagon People are expected to be skilled in war, hunting and herding. Some also then specialize in an additional duty and these duties are grouped into clans. Please see scroll #37, The Wagon Peoples, for more details.
Caste of Carders: This is a Low Caste. The Carder's are a subcaste of the Weaver's Caste which is a subcaste of the Rug Maker's Caste. The Rug Maker's are a subcaste of the Cloth Maker's Caste. They are responsible for the memorization of rug patterns. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this subcaste.
Charcoal Maker's Caste: This is a Low Caste that provides one of the two common fuels on Gor, the other being wood. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Cloth Worker's Caste: This is a Low Caste that produces and works on cloth and cloth products. The Rug Makers are a subcaste of this Caste. The Weavers are a subcaste of the Rug Makers. The Carders and the Dyers are subcastes of the Weavers. Other subcastes may exist of the Cloth Worker's Caste. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Cosmetician's Caste: This is a Low Caste that produces and sells cosmetics of various types to free women and slaves. Most free women rarely wear cosmetics except for the bold ones though there are certain cities, such as Ar, where free women do commonly use cosmetics. Many cosmeticians treat their free women clients almost like slaves. Cosmetics for slaves are much more common across Gor. For example, there are one hundred and eleven basic shades of slave lipstick and there are even flavored lipsticks. The toenails and fingernails of slaves are rarely painted though it does occur. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Craftsmen: There is a book reference that lists a number of craftsmen in a city but the passage does not specify if each of these craftsmen is a Caste or a subcaste. Now, other passages make it clear that some of these craftsmen are part of a Caste or subcaste. For example, the carders, dyers of cloth, weavers of rugs, potters, and weapon smiths are clearly part of a Caste or subcaste. Thus, it seems likely that the other craftsmen would also be Castes or subcastes. These craftsmen would include carvers, varnishers, table makers, gem cutters, jewelers, tanners, makers of slippers, toolers of leather, and glaziers. If they are Castes or subcastes, we have no idea what their Caste colors would be.
Drover's Caste: The books do not state such a Caste exists. A drover simply transports herd animals back and forth between areas. As this is essentially only herding, then it may not be a Caste at all as herding is not generally considered to be a Caste.
Dyer's Caste: This is a Low Caste responsible for the creation of various colored dyes, especially for the use on cloth and other fabrics. The Dyer's are a subcaste of the Weaver's Caste which is a subcaste of the Rug Maker's Caste. The Rug Maker's are a subcaste of the Cloth Maker's Caste. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this subcaste.
Entertainer's Caste: This is not specifically stated to be a Caste in the books. Some have tried try to gather into this alleged Caste various other Castes and professions that do not belong to any Caste such as the Musicians, Artists, Poets, Sculptors, Singers, Magicians and more. This is not accurate. Musicians, Poets, and Singers have their own separate castes though they are similar in many ways. They are full Castes and not sub-castes. Other entertainers, such as those in carnivals like magicians, mimes, acrobats and such, are usually casteless. They are outcasts and rogues who band together in a traveling group. Such people are denied the any form of honorable burial. They must wander frequently, making a meager living, and trying to stay ahead of their creditors and possibly even the magistrates.
Fishermen Caste: This is a Low Caste. The books do not state that there are any specific subcastes of this Caste. It is possible that there could be subcastes, differentiated by the location of the fishing, the type of fishing and the the type of fish sought. For example, there could be subcastes for Thassa, river and lake fishing. There could be subcastes for shellfish and whaling. But that is all just speculation. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Goat Keeper's Caste: This is a Low Caste that is responsible for the care and breeding of Gorean goats. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Guardsmen Caste: The books do not not state that such a Caste exists. Any guardsmen in a city appear to be of the Warrior Caste. Being a guardsman is a position within the city government and is not an actual Caste.
Hairdresser's Caste: This is a Low Caste. Many hairdressers treat their free women clients almost like slaves. Upswept hairdos are reserved for free women or high slaves as it is a mark of status. Free women sometimes even buy wigs or falls, though they desire only the hair of other free women. Usually slave hair is worn long and loose, or confined in some simple way as with a ribbon or wooden fillet. They have little need for a hair dresser. Many masters even cut their own girls' hair. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Harness Maker's Caste: This is a part of the Leather Worker's Caste and is likely considered a subcaste. Not only do they create harnesses but they also produce other items that would be associated with harnesses such as saddles, bridles, reins, hobblings, and tethers. They make such harnesses for animals of all types, including slaves. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Healers: This is not a Gorean Caste. It is a clan of the Wagon Peoples responsible for medical skills and knowledge. All male Wagon People are expected to be skilled in war, hunting and herding. Some also then specialize in an additional duty and these duties are grouped into clans. Please see scroll #37, The Wagon Peoples, for more details.
Initiate Caste: This is a High Caste, the highest of all Castes. Please see scroll #17, Initiate Caste, for more details.
Lamplighter's Caste: The books do not state such a Caste or subcaste exists. At night, many men carry their own light source such as a torch or lamp as many city streets are dark and unlit. On those streets where there are tharlarion-oil lamps, the lights are tended by those who reside on that specific street. They are not maintained by city workers. On major city streets, the city may maintain the lamps but there is no indication this work is done by a specific Caste.
Leather Worker's Caste: This is a Low Caste. They work with leather, creating a variety of different products. Leather workers also responsible for the piercing of the ears and noses of slave girls. For ears, they use long needles with no anesthetic. They then fix two tiny steel rods, with threaded ends, through the holes. To each end of the rods, they thread a tiny steel disk to hold the rods in the holes. The rods can then be removed in four days. To pierce a nose, they use a small punch to create the hole. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
There is also a leather worker clan of the Wagon Peoples. All male Wagon People are expected to be skilled in war, hunting and herding. Some also then specialize in an additional duty and these duties are grouped into clans. Please see scroll #37, The Wagon Peoples, for more details.
Magistrates: There are numerous magistrates in the Gorean cities including aediles, archons, praetors, prefects and quaestors. The exact powers and abilities of these different magistrates is not explicitly stated within the books. These magistrate positions are taken from ancient Greek and Roman magistrates. There is also no indication whether Magistrates form their own Caste, are a subcaste of another or are simply positions. The books do state that magistrates are an "office" and that they must wear the robes and fillets of that office. They also carry wands of their office. As an office, that might indicate they are only a position. But, as they are legal officials, it is possible that they might belong to the Scribes Caste. There are merchant magistrates mentioned in the books and they wear white robes trimmed with gold and purple. This would indicate that at least that type of magistrate is part of the Merchant's Caste.
Mercenaries: The books do not state such a Caste of Mercenaries exists. Mercenaries may be either men from the Warrior Caste or men from other Castes who are familiar with the use of weapons. Most mercenaries are loyal only to gold and thus cannot be fully trusted.
Merchant's Caste: This is a Low Caste though many within the Caste consider themselves a High Caste. Their Caste colors are white and yellow (sometimes called gold). Usually, they wear white robes that are trimmed with gold. Many merchants shave their heads and they are seldom trained in the martial arts. It is clear that there are a number of subcastes of the Merchant's. The Slaver's Caste is legally a sub-caste of the Merchant's Caste though they consider themselves a separate caste. The books do not give a list of the other subcastes. In general, merchants sell items that they do not produce. If someone produces the item that they are selling, they would belong to a Caste different from the Merchant's Caste.
One of the only aspects of their Caste Code that is depicted in the books is that they ensure that they are always paid. They do not give away anything for free. Haggling is very important to them and many are quite skillful in it. They have developed and help enforce Merchant Law, the only common set of laws and agreements that existing among the Gorean cities. They also are responsible for arranging and administering the four great Sardar fairs. The Merchant Caste often wield great power through their financial resources. This power may be used to gain political power as well. Influence can be gained through more than simple bribery. The extension or refusal of credit can affect a city's High Council. It can also affect public opinion.
Metal Workers Caste: This is a Low Caste, primarily smiths of various sorts. They include simple blacksmiths up to craftsmen who work in gold and silver making jewelry. These smiths often form specific subcastes such as the Goldsmith and Silversmith. Many Caste members cut their hair short and commonly wear a tunic, leather apron and cap. A popular saying of this caste is "Where would the dwellers of cities be without us?" (Dancer of Gor, p.293) This is a way of saying that the utilities and workings of metal are essential for a high civilization. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Locksmiths also belong to this caste and likely form a subcaste. Most entry doors on Gor have locks, generally hand-crafted and highly ornate. They are usually set in the center of the door and control a long bolt. Most are pin-tumbler locks. There are other types of locks including the disk lock, cylinder locks, padlocks, ring locks and combination locks. Most locks on slave collars are cylinder locks, either pin or disk varieties. There are six pins or disks, one for each letter in the word Kajira. Most locks are metal but there are wooden ones. Combination locks are rare, the most common ones having a set of lettered rings. It is a capital offense for a locksmith to make an unauthorized copy of a key.
Some locks are protected against intruders. Knife locks release a blade, or even several, if tampered with but they are useless against someone who knows what to look for. Poison locks have tiny pins that jut out, usually coated with kanda paste. A pit lock opens a pit beneath the opener. The pit may be filled with dangerous animals, knives or such. Sleeve locks cannot be picked. The sleeve prevents the direct entry of a wire or pick. Within the sleeve is a plug, a rounded, metal cone, which must be unscrewed before the key can be inserted. A wire or pick could not turn the cone.
Milk Vendors: The cities have vendors of bosk milk, a milk man who makes his rounds with a two-wheeled cart and ringing a bell. It is unknown if they are an actual Caste or sub-caste. They may possibly be related to the Peasant's or Merchant's Caste. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Miller Caste: This is likely a Low Caste responsible for operating the mills that grind the grains of Gor. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Moneylender's Caste: This is a Low Caste, a subcaste of the Merchant's Caste. They are responsible for loaning money and credit. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this subcaste.
Municipal Servant's Caste: The books do not state such a general Caste exists. Cities do provide a number of public services such as laundries, kitchens and nurseries but there is no indication that the employees at these places belong to any specific Castes.
Musician's Caste: This is a Low Caste that shares some similarities with the Singer's and Poet's Castes. A Musician is not required to be literate as there is no written music on Gor. Melodies are simply passed on down the generations through teachers and families. Musicians may travel freely across Gor and are welcomed into nearly any city. By tradition and custom, Musicians are commonly not enslaved though this does not have the power of law. "There is a saying to the effect that he who makes music must, like the tarn and the Vosk gull, be free." (Kajira of Gor, p.298) But, Musicians may still be killed, tortured or exiled as that does not violate custom or tradition. There is no indication that the separate musical instruments form their own subcastes but there is a prestige ranking for the different instruments. Czehar musicians have the most prestige, and then come the flute, kalika, drums and miscellaneous instruments. One of the best czehar players on Gor is Lysander of Asperiche. Not everyone who can play a musical instrument belongs to this Caste. Even slaves can learn how to play these instruments. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Peasant's Caste: This is the lowest of all Low Castes. Yet, economically, the base of life is the peasant and they are often known as the "Ox on which the Home Stone Rests." They provide much of the food for the cities, towns and villages of Gor. The people of the cities have a very low opinion of Peasants. A Peasant is seen as "…being little more than an ignoble brute, ignorant and superstitious, venal and vicious, a grubber in the dirt, a plodding animal, an ill-tempered beast, something at best cunning and treacherous;" (Raiders of Gor, p.3) This is not accurate though as Peasants have their own sense of nobility and honor. They have pride in their position, their land and their freedom. A Peasant who is actively engaged in agricultural pursuits is said to be "one who makes fields fruitful." This appellation is sometimes used for Peasants not actively engaged in such as an honor.
Many Peasants wear clothing that is little more than coarse sacking and go around barefoot. It is not unusual for peasants to keep their livestock in their homes during the cold winter. Most farmhouses for livestock are painted yellow with blue trim, the same colors as the Slaver's Caste. In these buildings though, the yellow predominates and Slavers tend to more equally distribute the colors. Peasants are often quite skilled with the staff and longbow (also known as the Peasant bow). Despite this skill, Peasants are seldom used, except in emergencies, in the armed forces of a city. Peasants are known for being very strict with their slaves. They prefer slaves who are large and more muscular so that they
can work hard. Such slaves possess rope collars rather than metal ones.
The Peasants have their own Caste Codes like any other Caste. The Code exists not to control the lives of the Peasants but to allow their community to operate effectively. One section of their Codes states: "Neither a plow, nor a bosk, nor a girl may one man take from another, saving with the owner's saying of it,.." (Slave Girl of Gor, p.226). The sexual use of another's slave, without their explicit permission, is not considered a violation of this Caste Code principle. Permission to sexually use the slaves of others is implicit in the customs of the Peasants. It is considered a brief use without any intent to injure or dishonor the slave's owner. A "taking" in the context of the Code means an action intended to cause harm to the owner's rights or honor. The intent of the offender is critical to this principle.
Peasants have begin to have some problems due to the growing institution of the "great farm." A great farm is either owned by a wealthy individual or a company. This company may often generate its capital from investors. The intent of the great farm is to organize agricultural pursuits on a grander scale and take away such pursuits from the independent Peasant. These great farms try to purchase farms from the Peasants and sometimes resort to strong arm tactics to convince recalcitrant Peasants to sell. If the Peasants do sell their land, they will seek out new land where they can start again. Their Caste Codes discourage them from moving to a city. In the city, their skills would be largely uselss anyways. They would need to find an alternative occupation to support themselves.
Perfumer's Caste: This is a Low Caste and it is responsible for the production and sale of perfumes for free women and slaves. They are usually clean-shaven and their Caste colors are white and yellow. Slave perfumes, which come in hundreds of varieties, usually have a heavier scent and are more sensual than free women perfumes. Many Perfumers though treat their free women clients almost like slaves. This does not prevent free women from flocking to the more famous Perfumers.
Perfumes come in a few different categories. There are common perfumes, hundreds, that are known to all Perfumers. There are often likely to be the least expensive perfumes. There are then certain perfumes that are unique to a Perfumer's House. These perfumes may be purchased by anyone but they can only be obtained at that particular House. These are sometimes called signature perfumes though that is not fully accurate. True signature perfumes form the third category. These are perfumes unique to a particular customer and not available to anyone else. These perfumes are blended by hand from secret recipes. These receipes are developed through consultation with the client and some experimentation to create exactly the type of perfume desired by the client. A wealthy woman might possess up to fifteen different signature perfumes. These signature perfumes are very expensive.
Physician's Caste: This is a High Caste. Please see scroll #16, Gorean Medicine, for more details.
Player's Caste: This is a Low Caste. Please see scroll #20, Kaissa, for more details.
Poet's Caste: This is a Low Caste that appears very similar to the Singer's Caste. A Singer or Poets is considered "…a craftsman who make strong sayings,…" (Outlaw of Gor, p.103) A Singer or Poet is not required to be literate and some great men in these Castes have been illiterate. Many Goreans have superb memories and receive mnemonic training. Music and poetry is often memorized, never written down, and passed down from teacher to student. Singers and Poets are thought to be happy individuals and their Castes have greater prestige than the Pot Maker's and Saddle Maker's Castes. "A handful of bread for a song" is a traditional invitation extended to Singers and Poets. (Outlaw of Gor, p.104) The saying does not mean that a Singer or Poet will only receive bread or food for his performance. A Ubar may extend this invitation and then reward the Singer or Poet with a silver or gold. Overall, Singers and Poets do not live luxurious lives but they do will never starve or need to beg. Singers and Poets have their place in Gorean society, one that is considered quite important. "He has his role to play in the social structure, celebrating battles and histories, singing of heroes and cities, but also he is expected to sing of living, and of love and joy, not merely of arms and glory; and, too, it is his function to remind the Goreans from time to time of loneliness and death, lest they should forget that they are men." (Outlaw of Gor, p.104) Singers and Poets may travel freely across Gor and are welcomed into nearly any city. By tradition and custom, Singers and Poets are commonly not enslaved though this does not have the power of law. In addition, Singers and Poets may still be killed, tortured or exiled as that does not violate custom or tradition. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
There are two famous poets mentioned in the books. The poet Tesias wrote the Oracles of the Talender. Pentilicus Tallux, a famous poet from Ar, is known for his poems in the delicate trilesiac form and for two sensitive and intimate dramas. Trilesiac seems to be a form of Gorean poetry but there is no description as to its type.
Pot-Maker's Caste: This is a Low Caste responsible for making pottery of different types, often using kilns to prepare the pottery. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Rencer Caste: This is a Low Caste, also known as the Growers of Rence. Please see scroll #31, The Caste of Rencers, for more details.
Rug Maker's Caste: This is a Low Caste that is obviously responsible for the making of rugs. It is a subcaste of the Cloth Worker's Caste though the Rug Makers like to consider themselves a separate Caste. The Weaver Caste is a subcaste of the Rug Maker's Caste. The Castes of the Carders and Dyers are subcastes of the Weaver's Caste. The rugs of Tor are quite famous, similar to the Persian rugs of Earth. It can take over a year for five years, working together, to complete some of these rugs. The Carders memorize rug patterns and some of the Carders are even blind. Patterns can be quite complex and are passed down through the generations. These rugs are made on simple looms and each knot is hand-tied by a free woman, not a slave. The more intricate rugs may have as many as 400 knots within a square hort. These rugs are also dyed many different colors and most of the dyes used are derived from natural plant or animal products. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Saddle Maker's Caste: This is a Low Caste. It is likely a subcaste of the Leather Worker's Caste. They produce the saddlery, harness and tack used to manage all of the various riding and draft beasts of Gor. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste. There is some confusion as the Harness Maker's Caste is said to also produce saddles. Thus, it is possible that the Saddle-Makers are a subcaste of the Harness Maker's.
Sailor's Caste: The books do not indicate that this is definitely a Caste or subcaste. It is logical to assume that this could be a Caste. Such a Caste might include subcastes such as River Sailors and Thassa Sailors.
Salt Hunters: This is not a Gorean Caste. It is a clan of the Wagon Peoples obviously responsible for locating salt. All male Wagon People are expected to be skilled in war, hunting and herding. Some also then specialize in an additional duty and these duties are grouped into clans. Please see scroll #37, The Wagon Peoples, for more details.
Scarers: This is not a Gorean Caste. It is a clan of the Wagon Peoples responsible for creating the important scars that mark the men of the Wagon Peoples. All male People are expected to be skilled in war, hunting and herding. Some also then specialize in an additional duty and these duties are grouped into clans. Please see scroll #37, The Wagon Peoples, for more details.
Scribe's Caste: This is a High Caste of Gor, the second most important Caste. Their Caste color is blue and they are the second most important Caste. There are various divisions and rankings, from simple copiers to savants. There are a number of sub-castes including Lawyers, Scholars, Record Keepers, Teachers, Clerks, Historians, Accountants, Geographers, and Cartographers. Much of the copy work, lower-order clerical work, trivial account keeping is done by slaves. The Scribes help render the Gorean language more uniform. They are accepted as arbiters of such matters and stipulate that certain pronounciations and grammatical formations are preferred over others. This is usually done at the Sardar Fairs when the Caste comes together in great numbers.
Ship Builders: Shipwrights may form their own Caste though it seems logical that they could be a subcaste of the Builder's Caste. Other craftsmen that contribute to the building of a ship, such as sail-makers, rope-makers, pulley-makers, oar-makers, sawyers, and carpenters are all not their own Caste or subcaste. In Port Kar, they basically form guilds and not Castes. This may apply to other port cities as well though that is not a given.
Singer's Caste: This is a Low Caste that appears very similar to the Poet's Caste. A Singer or Poets is considered "…a craftsman who make strong sayings,…" (Outlaw of Gor, p.103) A Singer or Poet is not required to be literate and some great men in these Castes have been illiterate. Many Goreans have superb memories and receive mnemonic training. Music and poetry is often memorized, never written down, and passed down from teacher to student. Singers and Poets are thought to be happy individuals and their Castes have greater prestige than the Pot Maker's and Saddle Maker's Castes. "A handful of bread for a song" is a traditional invitation extended to Singers and Poets. (Outlaw of Gor, p.104) The saying does not mean that a Singer or Poet will only receive bread or food for his performance. A Ubar may extend this invitation and then reward the Singer or Poet with a silver or gold. Overall, Singers and Poets do not live luxurious lives but they do will never starve or need to beg. Singers and Poets have their place in Gorean society, one that is considered quite important. "He has his role to play in the social structure, celebrating battles and histories, singing of heroes and cities, but also he is expected to sing of living, and of love and joy, not merely of arms and glory; and, too, it is his function to remind the Goreans from time to time of loneliness and death, lest they should forget that they are men." (Outlaw of Gor, p.104) Singers and Poets may travel freely across Gor and are welcomed into nearly any city. By tradition and custom, Singers and Poets are commonly not enslaved though this does not have the power of law. In addition, Singers and Poets may still be killed, tortured or exiled as that does not violate custom or tradition. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Slaver's Caste: This is a Low Caste. Please see scroll #6, Kajirae Basics, for more details.
Sleen Trainer's Caste: This is a Low Caste responsible for the care, breeding and training of sleens, a feline-like animal that can be trained for many various different functions such as herding, tracking and guarding. Their Caste colors are brown and black.
Tarn Keeper's Caste: This is a Low Caste that is responsible for the care, breeding and training of the tarns, the aerial mounts of Gor. Tarn Keepers often crop their hair short and it appears that their Caste color is brown as they wear brown leather. Their leather may be streaked with colors if they support one of the racing tarn factions. They also wear caps and the color of the tassel on that cap may also match the color of their tarn racing faction.
Tavern Owners: These individuals are part of the Merchant's Caste though it is unknown if they form an actual subcaste or not. There are no Caste colors given in the books for these individuals. They may simply wear the colors of the Merchant Caste.
Tharlarion Keeper's Caste: This is a Low Caste that is responsible for the care, breeding and training of the mighty tharlarions, a common mount on Gor especially in those areas that have not yet mastered the tarn. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Thieves' Caste: There are few thieves on Gor and they are punished severely if caught. For a first offense, the penalty is commonly an ear notching. Such a notching would open be quite visible, unless covered by one's hair, and would mark one as a former thief. For a second offense, the penalty is determined by the sex of the thief. If the thief is a man, he will have his right hand severed. If the thief is a woman, she will be enslaved. Thus, only a man has a chance to commit a third offense as a free person. The penalty for that offense is the loss of the left hand and both feet.
But there is a Caste of Thieves in Port Kar, the only one known of its type on Gor. Not only are thieves allowed to exist, but it is even considered an honorable profession. Their skills are held in high repute. The thieves themselves are proud and sons often follow in the footsteps of their father. Even women may belong to this Caste and freely practice its skills. The Caste is very territorial and dole out specific territories to its members. They also will hunt down thieves who choose not to belong to the Caste. Caste members wear a brand on their right cheek, the infamous Thief's Scar. It is a tiny, three-pronged brand burned into the face in back of and below the right eye, over the cheekbone. It does seem strange that a thief who relies on not being caught should advertise their affiliation so openly. Maybe it is considered more of a challenge that way, a method of culling out the weak and foolish.
Ear notching and mutilation are not punishments in Port Kar for thievery. But, there are sanctions, some quite severe, for thieves who are caught. It is legally permitted for someone to kill a thief if you can catch that thief within one Ahn of the theft. It would obviously behoove a thief to make someone else aware of the theft so that third party could attest to the proper tolling of the Ahn. Otherwise, if only the thief knew when the theft occurred, and the victim killed the thief after the Ahn had passed, there would be no one to attest to the fact that the killing was not legal. After an Ahn has passed, then if a Thief is caught he must be turned over to the police of the city arsenal. A trial will be held on the charges. If a male thief is then found guilty, he would be sentended to hard labor in the arsenal or on the wharves, for a time period of one week to one year. If a female thief is then found guilty, she would be sentenced to serve in a penal brothel for a time period of one week to one year.
Torturers: This is not a Gorean Caste. It is a clan of the Wagon Peoples and only they have such a clan. All male Wagon People are expected to be skilled in war, hunting and herding. Some also then specialize in an additional duty and these duties are grouped into clans. Torturers are very well trained in the arts of detaining life and interrogation. They wear hoods when engaged in their work unless their victim has been sentenced to death. Torturers do hire themselves out to non-Wagon People, especially to Ubars and Initiates though anyone could possibly hire one. The Torturers are not Assassins. They only perform their work on prisoners and captives. Please see scroll #37, The Wagon Peoples, for more details.
Urt Hunters: The books do not specifically state that this is a Caste or subcaste. The books only mention urt hunters in Port Kar and this might be because Port Kar is the only known port city that has numerous canals running through it. Urt hunters try to keep the urt population in the canals down. They usually use a pronged urt spear and some type of bait, often a slave girl. The hunters row out into the canals. The slave girl who will be used as bait has a long rope, maybe twenty feet long, around her neck and it is tied to the bow ring. The kajira will jump into the water and splash around to attract urts. It is cheaper to use slave girls than a side of tarsk. Live verr are sometimes used as bait but they are not as effective. Urts usually approach their intended prey with their snout and eyes above water. You can thus detect an approaching urt and that should give the slave girl sufficient time to return to the boat before she is attacked. Not all girls are so lucky though. The hunter will then try to spear the urt. Some men will turn their own girls over to a urt hunter for discipline. A few days of being used as bait for urts will almost assurdely make them much more obedient.
Vart Trainer's Caste: The books do not specificallly state that such a Caste or subcaste exists. It is clear that certain men on Tyros do train varts to be used as weapons. This would be a special skill and thus it seems logical that it could form a Caste.
Vintner's Caste: This is a Low Caste responsible for making wine and wine-based products. Their Caste colors are white and green and they commonly wear a white tunic with a representation in green cloth of leaves about the collar and down the sleeves.
Warrior Caste: This is a High Caste. Please see scroll #12, Warrior Caste, for more details.
Waste Collector's Caste: The books do not state such a Caste or subcaste exists. Male slaves, not free people, are commonly used to bring waste products from the cities to the carnariums outside the city walls.
Weaver's Caste: This is a Low Caste responsible for the weaving of different items, esepcially rugs. The Weaver's is a subcaste of the Rug Maker's Caste which is a subcaste of the Cloth Worker's Caste. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Woodsman's Caste: This is a Low Caste also known as the Carriers of Wood. They provide one of the essential fuels of Gor, the other being charcoal. They commonly wear a short, sleeveless robe with a leather region on the back and shoulders to protect them from their loads of wood. They also commonly wear leggings to protect their legs as they work in brush. They are responsible for chopping down trees and carrying the wood to market. Before they begin to chop down a tree, they will talk to the tree. They will tell the tree what the wood will be used for and then they will ask its forgiveness. It is a lonely Caste and they often do not see other people for long stretches of time. Woodsmen are usually very strong and can carry quite heavy loads of wood, strapped to their back and held in place by two straps held in their hands. A typical load might be six feet high and four feet wide. Such a load would be difficult even for many Warriors to carry. There are no Caste colors given in the books for this Caste.
Year Keepers: This is not a Gorean Caste. It is a clan of the Wagon Peoples responsible for memorizing the names of the Wagon People's years. Some are so skilled that they can recite several thousand consecutive years. All male Wagon People are expected to be skilled in war, hunting and herding. Some also then specialize in an additional duty and these duties are grouped into clans. Please see scroll #37, The Wagon Peoples, for more details.


HIGH CASTES
Initiates (white), Scribes (Blue), Builders (Yellow), Physicians (Green) and Warriors (Red, some may call Scarlet)

.SUBCASTES FOR SCRIBES
Accountants ect. are subcastes of the Scribes.

LOW CASTES
Animal Handlers, Artisians, Assassins (Black), Bakers (Yellow and Brown), Bargemen, Blacksmiths, Bleachers, Brewers, Butchers, Carders, Carpenters,



THE SUB CASTES OF THE ANIMAL HANDLERS INCLUDE:
Tarn Keepers who wear Gray and Green; Sleen Trainers; Vart Trainers; Drovels; and Goat Keepers

THE SUB CASTES OF THE ARTISANS INCLUDE:
Pot Makers who wear Brown and Green; Saddle Makers who wear tan; Metal Workers who wear Steel Gray;

METAL WORKERS WHO WEAR STEEL GRAY;
Most locks on slave collars are cylinder locks, either pin or disk varieties. There are six pins or disks, one for each letter in the word Kajira. It is a capital offense for a locksmith to make an unauthorized copy of a key. Locksmiths ?Subcaste of Metal Workers. Most Gorean doors have locks, many of which are ornate, they are usually set in the center of the door and control a long bolt. Most are pin-tumbler locks, but some are disk locks, cylinder locks, padlocks, ring locks and combination locks.

CASTE OF METAL WORKERS: A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. They are concerned with the production of most metal items fabricated upon Gor. Sub-castes of this caste include the caste of Swordmakers and the caste of Armorers, who produce the varios shields and helmets in use upon Gor. Additionally, there seems to be a wide-spread sub-caste of the caste of Metal Workers which serves in a similar capacity to a blacksmith or farrier, repairing wagon wheels and shoeing Gorean draft and riding beasts. Their caste color is Gray

Caste Codes Caste Codes
Each caste maintains a series of beliefs and rules for its members, which are followed when one is practicing one's profession. These are called the caste's "codes" and deal mainly with matters specific to that particular profession; i.e, a member of the caste of merchants would follow his or her caste codes in regards to maintaining a profitable trade, presenting merchandise in an honest fashion, haggling, etc. Each caste's codes are different.
The codes given below are examples of those of the high caste


Code of the Green Caste
1. To Maintain the health of ones Ubar, and/or House.
2. To Maintain the health of ones Homestone
and its residence first and formost.
3. To keep all things between a patient and physician
private, unless stated otherwise by the patient.
4. To respect the rights of all patients within the boundry
lines of the Physcians Caste Codes and Guidelines.
5. To respect the rights of all other physicians/healers within
the boundry lines of the Physcians Caste Codes and Guidelines.

Warriors Code:

Code: The only honorable reply to a challenge is to accept it promptly. (Warriors do not back down from challenges. They face such matters with bravery.)

Code: One who has shed your blood, or whose blood you have shed, becomes your sword brother, unless you formally repudiate the blood on your weapons. This is part of a bond shared by Warriors that overcomes city barriers. It is a matter of Caste that supercedes allegiances. It is a showing of respect for those who this Caste.

Code: Warriors do not break their sworn word.

Code: The only death fit for a warrior is in battle.

Code: If you want another's slave, you must challenge for her and meet your opponent with the weapon of his choice. This is also known as the claim of sword-right.

Code: He who cannot think is not a man and neither is he who can only think.

Code: Warriors do not kill themselves or aid others in doing so. (Suicide is not an option for a warrior.)


Code: "I had been so much a fool as to be sad. That is not the mood in which to enter battle, even the battle which one knows one cannot win, even the ultimate battle in which one knows is doomed to defeat. Do not be sad. Better to take the field with laughter, with a joke, with a light thought, with a buoyant thought, or to go forward with sterness, or in fury, or with hatred, or defiance, or calculation, but never with self pity, never with sadness. Never such things, never them!" (Vagabonds of Gor, p.446)

Code: When a women kneels, lifts her hands up with wrists crossed, and submits to a warrior, custom demands that he either accepts the submission or slays the captive.

Code: If a warrior accepts a woman as a slave, it is prescribed that, at least for a time at his discretion, she be spared. But if she is in the least bit displeasing, she may be immediately killed.

Code: In times of crisis, a war chief, or Ubar, is named whom rules without check and by decree until he decides the crisis has passed. Sword loyalty is the bond of fidelity to a Ubar. It is not sworn lightly. When an Ubar is thought unfit, the sword loyalty is dishonored and the Ubar may be deposed by his own warriors. Those who don't surrender are usually deserted by their men. When the men don't desert, the Ubar then rules as a tyrant.

Code: Warriors have a common Home Stone. Its name is battle.

Code: The slave is a joy and a convenience to the warrior. Taking slaves is not only permitted, it is encouraged.

Code: If you lift a weapon against a warrior, he is permitted by his codes to kill you. (Do not draw a weapon against a warrior unless you are prepared for battle.)

Code: There is nothing in the codes that explicitly demands resistance to brigands.

Code: Poisoned steel is against the codes.

Code: The oath of disownment is an irreversible ceremony. You esssentially disown a family member so that they lose their family and caste. Basically you make the pronouncement with your hand on the hilt of your sword.


Code: 97th Aphorism of the Warrior Codes: "What is invisible but more beautiful than diamonds?" The answer is "Honor." Other answers could include "that which is silent but deafens thunder" and "that which depresses no scale but is weightier than gold."

Code: Even warriors long sometimes for the sight of their own flags, atop friendly walls, for the courtyards of their keeps, for the hearths of their halls.

ASSASSIN'S OATH"
by
Eden Blackthorn

I am a Killer; Fear me...

For with the black dagger, I bring Death.
I am a Killer; Despise me...

For a coin will buy a Life.
I am a Killer; Covet me...

For I carry the secrets to kill a Man.
I am a Killer; Woo me...

For I will not stop until my quarry is Dead.
I am a Killer; Respect me...

For with the black dagger, I bring Justice.

I swear this day, before you all, that I will obey the laws of Gor and uphold the Ideals of the Black Caste. To respect the Guild Elders and to protect the weak. My word is my bond and my bond is my Honor. I will hold Honor above all. For Honor is the Highest Goal and Life, the Highest Cost.

I am a Killer; Honor me...


For with this Oath, I join your ranks.

I am a Killer.


So it is written.

So it is done.
I am a Killer.
(Sep 1997)
(c) 1997 - Eden Blackthorn

High Caste
Caste of Initiates:
First of the High Castes.
The supposed representatives of the Priest-Kings in Gorean society. They are responsible for guiding the spiritual life of Goreans through their rituals and prayers to the Priest-Kings. Some are rumored to have the ability to call down the wrath of the Priest Kings, or the dreaded "Flame Death," upon those who commit blasphemous acts or who conspire against the Priest Kings. They are recognised by their white robes, their shaven heads and faces, and their refusal to eat meat or imbibe alcohol. They are also required by their caste codes to be celibate. They tend to be learned and well-read, although they are feared and often distrusted by those of the lower castes. Their caste color is White.

Caste of Scribes:
Second of the High Castes.
They are the scholars of Gorean society, the writers and the historians. In their keeping is almost all of the accounting, record-keeping, and writing upon Gor. They tend to be serious and studious, with an attention to detail and a passion for knowledge. Sub-classes of this caste include the caste of Mapmakers (explorers), the caste of Magistrates and the caste of Litigators. Their caste color is Blue.

Caste of Builders:
Third of the High Castes.
This caste includes architects, engineers, draftsmen, stonemasons, and many other professions which concern themselves with the creation of the physical and engineering marvels of Gor. Also among the caste of Builders are the inventors and technicians who develop such works. Their caste color is Yellow.



Caste of Physicians:
Fourth of the High Castes.
This is the caste of those who concern themselves with the healing arts. Surgeons, apothecaries, medical researchers and health practicioners are all members of this caste. Universally recognized as non-combatants during time of war. Their caste color is Green.



Caste of Warriors:
Fifth and lowest of the High Castes.
This caste includes infantry, tharlarion cavalry, and tarnsmen. They are known to have one of the strictest sets of caste codes in use on Gor. Members of this caste comprise the military branch of Gorean government. Their caste color is Scarlet.
Lower Caste
Caste of Merchants:
This is a very broad caste, and contains literally hundreds of sub-castes. Those who are of this caste are concerned with the sell and trade of merchandise for a profit. There are almost as many sub-castes of the Merchant caste as there are products to be sold; a few notable ones include the caste of Slavers and the caste of Spice Merchants. The caste colors of the caste of Merchants are White and Gold.



Caste of Slavers:
the sub-caste of the Merchants, one who deals in human merchandise; their caste colors are Blue and Yellow.



Caste of Moneylenders:
An additional sub-caste of the Merchants; these are those who engage in the trade and speculation of money for a profit, and the only product they handle is money. They are the bankers of Gor.



Caste of Bakers:
Another very broad caste, which consists of hundreds of sub-castes. Generally, those who are members of this caste are those who prepare sa-tarna, or vegetarian food, in any of a hundred thousand forms.



Caste of Butchers:
This caste, in conjunction with the caste of Bakers, is responsible for maintaining the majority of the Gorean industries involved with food service. This caste and its many sub-castes concern themselves with the acquisition and preparation of sa-tassna, all forms of edible Gorean meat.



Caste of Winemakers:
This caste concern itself the professional production of most fruit based Gorean alcohol. Caste of Brewers: This caste concerns itself with the production of most grain based Gorean alcohol.



Caste of Sailors:
This caste includes several dozen sub-castes, each with its own specialty. There is a sub-caste of the caste of Sailors known as the caste of Bargemen, those who propel and steer the great river barges upon the freshwater waterways of Gor.



Caste of Fishermen:
A sub-caste of the caste of Sailors, they are concerned with harvesting the vast variety of Gorean aquatic life for human consumption. There are additional sub-castes of this caste, including the Castes of River Fishermen and the caste of Thassa Fishermen. The caste of Net Makers, an artisan caste, is often considered a sub-caste of the caste of Fishermen.



The Caste of Artisans:
This is a very broad caste which includes hundreds of sub-castes. Since any production of hand-made goods, no matter its use, is considered by the typical Gorean to be a work of art, this caste is very broad indeed.



Caste of Pot Makers:
A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. They are involved in the production of containment vessels. Their caste colors are Brown and Green.



Caste of Saddle Makers:
A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. They produce the saddlery, harness and tack used to manage all of the various riding and draft beasts of Gor. Their caste color is Tan.



Caste of Metal Workers:
A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. They are concerned with the production of most metal items fabricated upon Gor. Sub-castes of this caste include the caste of Swordmakers and the caste of Armorers, who produce the varios shields and helmets in use upon Gor. Additionally, there seems to be a wide-spread sub-caste of the caste of Metal Workers which serves in a similar capacity to a blacksmith or farrier, repairing wagon wheels and shoeing Gorean draft and riding beasts. Their caste color is Steel Gray.



Caste of Cloth Workers:
A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. Concerned with the professional production of textiles for the garment industry.



Caste of Weavers:
A sub-caste of the Caste of Artisans, which produces articles of Gorean clothing.



Caste of Dress Makers:
A sub-caste of the caste of Weavers which produces female garmenture.



Caste of Ropemakers:
A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. Produces rope, binding fiber, thread and cordage of all types.



Caste of Leather Workers:
A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. Concerned with the fabrication of various leather goods from animal hides of all types.



Caste of Poets:
Oddly enough, considered to be a sub-caste not of the Entertainers, but of the caste of Artisans. This is probably because Goreans view the creation of a poem to be no different from the fabrication of any other, physical, work of art. Caste colors are Aqua and Red.



Caste of Torturers, clan of Torturers (Wagon Peoples):
Not a common Gorean caste, found only among the Wagon People of the far south. Considered to be a sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. One must therefore suppose that those of the Wagon Peoples consider the application of Torture to be an art form. Their caste colors are Black and Red.



Caste of Players :
This caste is made of of those who have dedicated their lives to the furtherance of the Gorean game of Kaissa. A rare caste, but one which is found and supported in almost any city. A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans, due to the fact that most Goreans consider the playing of Kaissa to be an art form. Members of this caste are granted blanket immunity to prosecution and slavery, and are highly regarded based upon their level of skill. They wear distinctive hooded robes in their caste colors. Caste colors: Checkered, Red and Yellow.



Municipal Servants:
A large caste category which contains many specific sub-castes, all concerned with providing various public services to the inhabitants of a particular city or village. Their caste color is Gray.



Guardsmen:
A sub-caste of the caste of Municipal Servants. This caste is responsible for patrolling the city or village streets, arresting those who violate local ordinances and laws, and insuring the general well-being of the citizenry. They are the Gorean equivalent of a police force. They have no caste colors, and typically wear uniforms provided them by the city or village in which they work, in that settlement's traditional colors. The guardsmen of Ar, for instance, wear Red and Gold, while those of Cos traditionally wear Blue, and Tyrian guardsmen (from Tyros) wear Yellow.