Post by Joe MacBain on Nov 11, 2006 4:30:46 GMT -5
Castes of Gor:
Gorean society is divided into Castes. Each profession or occupation belongs to a Caste. Caste structure is relatively immobile but not written in stone, and Goreans can change their Caste. Castes are identified by their Caste colors. All Goreans belong to Castes except these groups: slaves, outlaws and priest-kings.
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.
Five High Castes:
At the government building there are five stone chairs.. one for each of the head Master of the caste. There is a wide band of the caste color going from the floor to the ceiling six stories high behind the each Master's chair.
Caste of Initiates
- Caste color is 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
- Caste color is Blue. 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
- Caste color is Yellow. 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
- Caste color is Green. 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
- Caste color is Red. 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.
Lower 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Gray.
Caste of Cloth Workers:
A very large and expansive caste, containing numerous sub-castes. Concerned with the professional production of woven cloth for the use of the Gorean populace.
Caste of Rug Makers:
A sub-caste of the caste of Cloth Workers, with several smaller sub-castes. Concerned with the professional production of woven rugs for the use of the Gorean populace. Members of this caste, however, usually regard themselves to be an independant caste, separate from the Cloth Workers.
Caste of Weavers:
A sub-caste of the caste of Rug Makers. Concerned with the professional production of textiles for the textile industry.
Caste of Carders:
A sub-caste of the caste of Weavers. Concerned with the professional production of woven cloth for the textile industry.
Caste of Dyers:
A sub-caste of the caste of Weavers. Concerned with the professional staining and coloring of cloth for the textile industry.
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 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 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 guardsmen of Tyros wear Yellow.
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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 Entertainers:
A large caste category which contains many specific sub-castes, all concerned with providing entertainment to other members of Gorean society.
Caste of Singers:
Also known as the Caste of Poets. Sometimes 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. This caste concerns itself with the creation and performance of verbal entertainments, often set to music. Colors: Aqua and Red.
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 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 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 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 indentified by a tiny, three-pronged black tattoo on their cheekbone, similar to the footprint of a bird, which is their caste marking.
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.
Gorean society is divided into Castes. Each profession or occupation belongs to a Caste. Caste structure is relatively immobile but not written in stone, and Goreans can change their Caste. Castes are identified by their Caste colors. All Goreans belong to Castes except these groups: slaves, outlaws and priest-kings.
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.
Five High Castes:
At the government building there are five stone chairs.. one for each of the head Master of the caste. There is a wide band of the caste color going from the floor to the ceiling six stories high behind the each Master's chair.
Caste of Initiates
- Caste color is 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
- Caste color is Blue. 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
- Caste color is Yellow. 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
- Caste color is Green. 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
- Caste color is Red. 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.
Lower 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Gray.
Caste of Cloth Workers:
A very large and expansive caste, containing numerous sub-castes. Concerned with the professional production of woven cloth for the use of the Gorean populace.
Caste of Rug Makers:
A sub-caste of the caste of Cloth Workers, with several smaller sub-castes. Concerned with the professional production of woven rugs for the use of the Gorean populace. Members of this caste, however, usually regard themselves to be an independant caste, separate from the Cloth Workers.
Caste of Weavers:
A sub-caste of the caste of Rug Makers. Concerned with the professional production of textiles for the textile industry.
Caste of Carders:
A sub-caste of the caste of Weavers. Concerned with the professional production of woven cloth for the textile industry.
Caste of Dyers:
A sub-caste of the caste of Weavers. Concerned with the professional staining and coloring of cloth for the textile industry.
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 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 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 guardsmen of Tyros wear Yellow.
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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 Entertainers:
A large caste category which contains many specific sub-castes, all concerned with providing entertainment to other members of Gorean society.
Caste of Singers:
Also known as the Caste of Poets. Sometimes 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. This caste concerns itself with the creation and performance of verbal entertainments, often set to music. Colors: Aqua and Red.
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 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 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 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 indentified by a tiny, three-pronged black tattoo on their cheekbone, similar to the footprint of a bird, which is their caste marking.
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.