Castes of Gor
HIGH CASTES
INITIATES: The Initiates are one of the five High Castes, and are the religious branch of the government; their caste color is white. They take a vow of celibacy and will not drink alcohol or eat meat.
PHYSICIANS: The caste which practices the healing arts; the Physicians are one of the five High Castes which make up the Gorean government; their caste color is green.
BUILDERS: 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 book.
SCRIBES: 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.
WARRIORS: The caste which includes infantry, tharlarion cavalry, and tarnsmen; one of the five High Castes which make up Gorean government, and as such the military branch of the government; their caste color is red.
LOWER CASTES
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.
ARTISANS: 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.
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.
BAKERS: 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. Their caste colors are yellow and brown. ~~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.~~
BUTCHERS: 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.
ENTERTAINERS: 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.
CHARCOAL MAKERS: This caste concerns itself with the production of charcoal for use in Gorean forges and ovens. Their caste colors are Black and Grey.
MERCHANTS: 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.~~
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 Grey.
OILMAKERS: This caste concerns itself with the production of various types of oil, used for purposes of lubrication and as a burnable fuel source.
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.
PERFUMERS: 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 recipes 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.~~
PLAYERS: This caste is made of those who have dedicated their lives to the expansion 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. Their caste colors are Checkered, Red and Yellow.
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.
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.
THIEVES: This caste is comprised of those who make their living by stealing, robbery, picking pockets. 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 sentenced 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. 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.
WINE-MAKERS: 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. 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.
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.
SUB-CASTES
CLOTH MAKERS: A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. Concerned with the professional production of textiles for the garment industry.
DRESS MAKERS: A sub-caste of the caste of Weavers which produces female garments.
DROVERS: A sub-caste of the caste of Animal Handlers. 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.
FISHERMAN: 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.
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.
GUARDSMEN: 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. 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 citizens. 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.
LAMPLIGHTERS: A sub-caste of the caste of Municipal Servants. 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.
LEATHERWORKERS: A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. Concerned with the fabrication of various leather goods from animal hides of all types. 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.~~
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 Sword makers and the caste of Armorors, 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. 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. Their caste color is Steel Gray.
MONEY LENDERS: 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.
MUSICIANS: A sub-caste of the caste of Entertainers. 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.
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. Please see Singers also.
POTMAKERS: Responsible for making pottery of different types, often using kilns to prepare the pottery. Their caste colors are Brown and Green.
ROPEMAKERS: A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. Produces rope, binding fiber, thread and cordage of all types. No Caste colors are given.
SADDLE-MAKERS: A sub-caste of the caste of Artisans. They produce the saddle, harness and tack used to manage all of the various riding and draft beasts of Gor. 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. Their caste color is Tan.
SINGERS: 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. The Colors of this Caste are Aqua and Red.
SLAVERS: The Slavers are of the Merchant Cast though, in virtue of their merchandise and practices, the robes are different. Yet, if one of them were to seek Caste Sanctuary, he would surely seek it from Slavers, and not from common Merchants. Many Slavers think of themselves as an independent caste. Gorean law, however, does not regard them. The average Gorean thinks of them simply Slavers, but, if questioned, would rank the with the Merchants. Their caste colors are Blue and Yellow.
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. Their Caste colors are brown and black.
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. 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.
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.
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.
WEAVERS: This is a Low Caste responsible for the weaving of different items, especially 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.
WOODCARRIERS: 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. 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.
