The Gorean Caste System
Gorean society is divided into "Castes." Each profession or occupation
comprises its own caste, and each caste is ranked according to its particular place in
Gorean societal interaction. Many of the castes contain within their sphere, several
distinct sub-castes, particular to the precise activity and requirements of the profession
involved. For instance, the caste of slavers is considered to be a sub-caste of the larger
and more comprehensive caste of merchants. Slavers sell merchandise, but they restrict
their dealings to a particular type of merchandise, namely slaves. Castes are hereditary,
meaning that a person is born into the caste of his or her father. Although the caste
structure is rather rigid in its requirements, it is possible for a person to alter his or
her caste, or to "raise" or "lower" his or her caste according to
personal ability and aptitude. All Goreans belong to a particular caste, with the
exception of three types of persons: slaves, Outlaws, and Priest-Kings.
Caste Colors
Many of the major castes of Gor have their own unique "Caste Color." This
color is often used by members of that caste to display outwardly that they are associated
with the caste which that color represents. Such things as banners, flags, and even
buildings will often be of a certain color to show caste alliance. Goreans will often wear
clothing of their caste color which makes it known at a glance that they are members of a
particular caste. A widely recognized symbol for a member of the Gorean warrior caste is a
scarlet tunic, for example, while a scribe would wear robes of his own caste color, blue
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.
Gorean Castes
Gorean castes are divided into two categories, High castes and Low castes. There are
five "High Castes" in place within Gorean society. They are listed below, ranked
according to their prominence in Gorean government:(the caste color is the color of the
name of caste)
Caste of Initiates: (WHITE) 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 recognized 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.
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 Litigates.
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.
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 practitioners are all members of this caste. Universally
recognized as non-combatants during time of war.
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.
Low Castes
Caste of Animal Handlers: A large caste category which contains many specific
sub-castes, all concerned with the use and care of domestic animals in use upon Gor.
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 Assassins: This caste is comprised of those who kill strictly for pay; once
evident throughout Gor, their existence has long been suppressed, though they still appear
occasionally. They refuse to use poison to dispatch their enemies (they consider it the
mark of an amateur) and are required by their caste codes to renounce all ties of
friendship and family. In addition, they claim no Home Stone. Almost universally despised
and feared by other castes. Their caste color is Black.
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 Charcoal Makers: This caste concerns itself with the production of charcoal
for use in Gorean forges and ovens. Caste colors: Black and Grey.
Caste of Clothiers: A sub-caste of the Caste of Weavers, which produces articles of
Gorean clothing.
Caste of Dress Makers: A sub-caste of the caste of Clothiers which produces female
garmenture.
Caste of Drovers: A sub-caste of the caste of Animal Handlers. This caste concerns
itself with the care and feeding of the various draft animals in use upon Gor, as well as
the task of using wagons drawn by such creatures to ship goods from city to city.
Caste of Entertainers: A large caste category which contains many specific sub-castes,
all concerned with providing entertainment to other members of Gorean society.
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.
Caste of Goat-Keepers: A sub-caste of the caste of Animal Handlers, this caste
concerns itself with the care and maintenance of herds of Goats and other animals such as
the woolly Gorean hurt.
Caste of Lamplighters: A sub-caste of the caste of Municipal Servants.This caste
concerns itself with lighting the tharlarion oil lamps used to provide illumination to the
city streets.
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 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 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 various 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 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 Musicians: A sub-caste of the caste of Entertainers. Often working in
conjunction with the caste of Singers, this caste concerns itself with providing and
performing instrumental musical works, as well as accompaniment for those of the caste of
Singers.
Caste of Oil Makers: This caste concerns itself with the production of various types
of oil, used for purposes of lubrication and as a burnable fuel source.
Caste of Peasants: The lowest and most common of the castes of Gor, which is concerned
with the maintenance, planting and harvesting of the vast lands surrounding most cities
which have been divided into plots and set aside for agricultural use. These are the free
farmers of Gor; although a Low caste they refer to themselves as "the Ox on Which the
Home Stone Rests" due to their vital role in the production of raw foodstuffs for
Gorean society. They have rather strict caste codes, and are considered the masters of
several forms of distinctive peasant weaponry, including the quarterstaff and the Great
Bow, or "Peasant Bow." Their caste color is Brown.
Caste of Perfumers: This caste concerns itself with the production of various types of
scented perfumes, used for purposes of esthetic appeal. Often works in conjunction with
the caste of Oil Makers to produce scented oils and such. Also works with the caste of
Charcoal Makers and the caste of Spice Merchants to create incense.
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.
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 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 Rence-Growers: A slightly higher caste than the caste of Peasants, this is
the caste of those who dwell in the various marshes and swamps of Gor, and who harvest
Rence (a Gorean plant similar to Earth rice). They reside on great floating man-made
islands amidst the marshes and are highly territorial and secretive. Known for their
adoption and usage of the "Peasant Bow" in combat.
Caste of Ropemakers: A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. Produces rope, binding
fiber, thread and cordage of all types.
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 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 Singers: A sub-caste of the caste of Entertainers. Often working in
conjunction with the caste of Poets, this caste concerns itself with the performance of
verbal entertainment's set to music. Colors: Aqua and Red.
Caste of Slavers: the sub-caste of the Merchants, one who deals in human merchandise;
their caste colors are Blue and Yellow.
Caste of Sleen Trainers: A sub-caste of the caste of Animal Handlers, this caste
concerns itself with the care, feeding and training of the Gorean Sleen, the six-legged
furred hunting reptile of Gor.
Caste of Tarn Keepers: A sub-caste of the caste of Animal Handlers. This caste
concerns itself with the care, feeding and training of the Gorean tarn, the fierce winged
saddle-bird of Gor. Caste colors: Grey and Green.
Caste of Thieves: This caste is comprised of those who make their living by stealing,
robbery, picking pockets, etc.; the caste of Thieves is exclusive to the city of Port Kar.
They have no recognizable caste colors, but can be identified by a tiny, three-pronged
black tattoo on their cheekbone, which is their caste marking
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 Vart Trainers: This caste, a sub-caste of the caste of Animal Handlers, is
exclusive to the island Ubarate of Tyros. Members of this caste concern themselves with
the care, feeding and training of the Gorean vart, a bat-like creature in use upon Tyros,
often trained and used as a weapon.
Caste of Waste Collectors: A sub-caste of the caste of Municipal Servants. This caste
concerns itself with the management of collecting the assorted garbage and waste
by-products stored in local waste bins and, in conjunction with the caste of Drovers,
seeing that it is properly disposed of in carnariums (waste pits) located beyond the city
limits.
Caste of Weavers: A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. Concerned with the
professional production of textiles for the garment industry.
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 Wood Carriers: A sub-caste of the caste of Woodsmen, this caste concerns
itself with the harvesting and transportation of the trees of the Gorean forests and tree
farms.
Caste of Woodsmen: A large caste category which contains many specific sub-castes, all
concerned with protecting and managing the vast resources of various Gorean forests
claimed by a particular city or village. They are experts in various forms of woodcraft
and are the forest hunters, forest marshals, and forest trackers of Gor. Caste Colors: Brown and Black.
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 Turian guardsmen wear Yellow.
this girl would like to thank Marcus of Ar for the use of this
information. |
