The Gorean Caste System is essential to the lifestyle of Gorean's. It defines Man's place in society on Gor, His caste determines His code of honor, His profession and His status within the Gorean system.
The castes themselves are split into five high castes (Initiates, Scribes, Builders, Physicians, and Warriors) then numerous lower castes making up the rest of Gorean society, with a few groups that are of no caste that will be discussed below. These lower castes are split into subclasses as well, for example there is the class of Merchants and Slavers is a caste within the caste of Merchants. The castes themselves are governed by caste codes respective that particular caste, the Caste of Warriors live by a different code then say for example the Caste of Thieves. They define how a member conducts Himself and to break One's codes or go against them, they would lose honor which in itself is extremely important to a Gorean.
Goreans are born into their respective castes, and even though born into the caste assured of certain rights and privileges, as a child they grows they learn their caste, training in it to attain a certain level of skill before they are allowed to actually practice it after completing a suitable apprenticeship. Once certain standards are met then they can be a working, participating part of that caste, if it's never reached they are still within the caste as a member but the lack of ability allows them to only work within the caste. There are ways of raising one's caste as well in Gor, when being born into one caste, although typically that is where they stay for life it isn't necessarily always the case, but also one can have their caste lowered as well.
Women also are born to their caste, if not face stripped and made a slave they remain in their caste although may not practice it except in certain exceptions, you will never see a woman Warrior or MetalWorker but after much training you might see a woman Physician. This is one of the few professions a woman is allowed to practice and even the Physicians do not commonly admit women into the full practice of the Caste of Physicians until they have already bore two children. Professional women tend not to reproduce themselves, concern for the caste is the utmost of importance and by her doing so would tend to produce a diminution in the quality of the caste. Women sometimes will take the caste of their Free Companion as allow by Gorean law or may elect to keep the caste they were born under so in a case as this she might raise her caste by the taking of the Free Companionship.Though one is commonly born into a caste one is often not permitted to practice the caste craft until a suitable apprenticeship has been served. This guarantees that quality of the caste produce, It is possible though it is seldom the case, that members of a caste are not permitted to practice specific caste skills, though they may be permitted to practice subsidiary skills. Caste membership, for Goreans. is generally a simple matter of birth; it is not connected necessarily with the performance of certain skills, more the attainment of a given level of proficiency in such skills. For example, one who is of the Metalworkers might not be permitted to work iron, but might be permitted to do such things as paint iron, and transport and market it. Caste rights, of course, such as the right to caste support in time of need the caste sanctuary, when in flight, which are theirs by birth, remain theirs
(excerpt from Fighting Slave of Gor pg. 209-211 quoted below)There are, on Gor, it might be mentioned, ways of raising and altering caste, but the Goreans seldom avails himself to these. To most Goreans it would be unthinkable to alter caste. He is generally too proud of his caste and it is too much a part of him for him to think in such terms.
(excerpt from Fighting Slave of Gor pg. 209-211 quoted below)Caste, commonly, though not invariably, is a matter of birth. One may, too, be received into a caste by investment
Slave Girl of Gor Page 213"The caste structure…is relatively immobile, but not frozen, and depends on more than birth. For example, if a child in his schooling shows that he can raise caste, he is permitted to do so. But, similarly, if a child does not show the aptitude expected of his caste, whether it be, say, that of physician or warrior, he is lowered in caste."
Tarnsman of Gor Page 42
The welfare of the caste take priority over ambitions. The caste structure in Gor does reduce competitive chaos, social and economic, and prevents the draining of intelligence and ambition into a small number of envied, prestigious, occupations. Each class has it's importance in Gorean society. Goreans tend to be very proud of their castes and spends little time envying one in another caste, this is known as "caste pride". Work within a caste is not mere work, it's a way of life that they consider art, symbolic of them and who they are. The caste structure is almost like a clan kinship, one respective caste will span all of gor giving a kinship to members within it, completely different from the bond of ones homestone where one dedicates himself to one given city. It will also provide "Caste Sanctuary" to a member in trouble or in flight, presumably protecting and defending him from forces that would harm him, or helping support him before the Law.The woman of the Physicians, at the age of fifteen, in many cities, wears two bracelets on her left wrist. when she has one child one bracelet is removed; when she has a second child the second bracelet is removed. she may then, if she desires, enter into the full practice of her craft
Fighting Slave of Gor page 211the woman may elect to retain caste, which is commonly done, or be received into the caste of the male companion
Slave Girl of Gor Page 213The women of a given caste, it should be noted, often do not engage in caste work. For example, a woman in the Metalworkers does not, commonly, work at the forge, nor is a woman of the Builders likely to be found supervising the construction of fortification. To be sure, certain skills tend to be associated traditionally with certain castes, a fact is clearly indicated in caste titles, such as the LeatherWorkers, the Metalworkers, the Singers, and the Peasants. A notable exception to the generalization that women of a given caste normally do not engage in caste work in the caste of Physicians, whose women are commonly trained, as are the boys, in the practice of medicine. Even the physicians, however, normally do not admit their women to the full practice until they have borne two children. The purpose of this is to retain a high level of intelligence in the caste. Professional women, it is well understood, tend not to reproduce themselves, a situation which, over time, would be likely to produce a diminution in the quality of the caste. Concern for the future of the caste is thus evinced with this limitation by the physicians on the rights of their women to participate without delay in the caste craft. The welfare of the caste, typically, takes priority in the Gorean mind over the ambitions of specific individuals.
(excerpt from Fighting Slave of Gor pg. 209-211 quoted below)
There is two classifications of caste within the Gorean system:Caste rights, of course, such as the right to caste support in time of need the caste sanctuary, when in flight, which are theirs by birth, remain theirs
(excerpt from Fighting Slave of Gor pg. 209-211 quoted below)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 unfavorably to their own; a Gorean's caste , by the time he reaches adulthood, seems to have become a apart of his very blood and being; the average Gorean would not more think of altering caste than the average man of Earth would of altering his citizenships, from say American to Russian, or French to Chinese
Slave Girl of Gor Page 213The clan structures are kinship groups. They function, on the whole, given mating
practices, within the caste structure, but they are not identical to it. For example, in a given clan there may be, though often are not, individuals of different castes. Many Gorean think of the clan as a kinship group within a caste. For most practical purposes they are correct. At least it seldom does much harm to regard the matter in this way. Clans, because of practical limitations on mobility, are usually associated, substantially, with given city; the caste, on the other hand, is transmuncipal or intermunicpal. These remarks would not be complete without mentioning Home Stones. Perhaps the most significant difference between the man of Earth and the Gorean is that the Gorean has a Home Stone, and the man of Earth does not. it is difficult to make clear to a non-Gorean the significance of the Home Stone, for the non-Gorean has never had a Home Stone and thus cannot understand its meaning, its reality.
Slave Girl of Gor Page 213-214
"Class Member" is anyone in the caste, may be a Free Woman whom was born into the caste or has taken it by virtue of Companionship, it may be a child whom is untrained or one skilled in the caste, but any way around it they have all the rights of the caste and take much pride in it as well as being very dedicated to it weither it be as a Peasant or Warrior.
"Practicing Member" are those trained within their caste and able to perform the functions of the caste with an acceptable degree of skill, they are entitled to all it's benefits."Caste membership, for Goreans, is generally a simple matter of birth; it is not connected necessarily with the performance of certain skills, nor the attainment of a given level of proficiency in such skills. To be sure, certain skills tend to be associated traditionally with certain castes, a fact which is clearly indicated in caste titles, such as the Leatherworkers, the Metalworkers, the Singers, and the Peasants."
Fighting Slave of Gor, Pg. 209 - 210
The higher castes are where Ubar's or rulers of a given city are elected from."Though one is commonly born into a caste one is often not permitted to practice the caste craft until a suitable apprenticeship has been served. This guarantees the quality of the caste product. It is possible, though it is seldom the case, that members of a caste are not permitted to practice specific caste skills, though they may be permitted to practice subsidiary skills. For example, one who is of the Metalworkers might not be permitted to work iron, but might be permitted to do such things as paint iron, and transport and market it. Caste rights, of course, such as the right to caste support in time of need and caste sanctuary, when in flight, which are theirs by birth, remain theirs."
Fighting Slave of Gor pg. 209
The only ones on Gor without caste being slaves, Outlaws and Priest Kings although this isn't necessarily true, in such a case as one that has lost caste or deprived of caste. As well as certain occupations that are traditionally not associated with a caste such as gardening, domestic services and herding. There are entire cultures in Gor and people of Gor to whom caste are not even known and caste lines tend to be a bit vague in some areas between castes and subcastes. Panther girls are without caste, culture such as Torvaldsland, the Wagon People, the Red Savages, the Alar and the Red Hunters also do not seem to have castes."The High Castes in a given city elect an administrator and council for stated terms. In times of crisis, a war chief, or Ubar, is named, who rules without check and by decree until, in his judgment, the crisis is passed."
"Normally the office is surrendered after the passing of the crisis. It is part of the Warrior’s Code."
Tarnsman of Gor Page 42
Slaves are simply seen as animals so will never hold caste, if once a Free Woman and enslaved she last lost her caste and all the rights and privileges that go with it, no matter what the position was it is gone and never will be returned to her.One of the reason there are so few outlaws on Gor. Doubtless that the outlaw, in adopting his way of life, surrenders caste rights. The slave, too, of course has not caste rights. He is an animal. It is said on Gor that only slaves, outlaws and Priest-Kings, rumored to be the rulers of Gor, reputed to live in the remote Sardar Mountains, are without caste. This saying, however, it might be pointed out, as Goreans recognize, it is not strictly true. For example, some individuals have lost caste, or been deprived of caste; certain occupations are not traditionally associated with caste, such as gardening, domestic services and herding; and indeed, there are entire cultures and peoples of Gor to whom a caste is unknown. Similarly, caste lines tend to sometimes to be vague, and the relation between castes and subcastes. Slavers, for example sometimes think of themselves as being of the merchants, and sometimes as being a separate caste. They do have their own colors, blue and yellow, those of the merchants being white and gold. Too, are the bargemen of the Southern Cartius a caste or not? They think of themselves as such, but many do not see the matter in the same light.
(excerpt from Fighting Slave of Gor pg. 209-211 quoted below)
Occasionally slaves are taught basic skills associated with castes, such as some with with Scribes coping pages etc but are merely considered slaves to the member of the caste, nothing more.
Though one is commonly born into a caste one
is often not permitted to practice the caste craft until a suitable apprenticeship
has been served. This guarantees that quality of the caste produce, It
is possible though it isseldom the case, that members of a caste are not
permitted to practice specific caste skills, though they may be permitted
to practice subsidiary skills. For example, one who is of the Metalworkers
might not be permitted to work iron, but might be permitted to do such
things as paint iron, and transport and market it. Caste rights, of course,
such as the right to caste support in time of need the caste sanctuary,
when in flight, which are theirs by birth, remain theirs, The women of
a given caste, it should be noted, often do not engage in caste work. Forexample,
a woman in the Metalworkers does not, commonly, work at the forge, nor
is a woman of the Builders likely to be found supervising the construction
of fortification. Caste membership, for Goreans. is generallya simple matter
of birth; it is not connected necessarily with the performance of certain
skills, more the attainment of a given level of proficiency in such skills.
To be sure, certain skills tend to be associated traditionally with certain
castes, a fact is clearly indicated in caste titles, such as the LeatherWorkers,
the Metalworkers, the Singers, and the Peasants. A notable exception to
the generalization that women of a given caste normally do not engage in
caste work in the caste of Physicians, whose women are commonly trained,
as are the boys, in the practice of medicine. Even the physicians, however,
normally do not admit their women to the full practice until they have
borne two children. The purpose of this is to retain a high level of intelligence
in the caste. Professional women, it is well understood, tend not to reproduce
themselves, a situation which, over time, would be likely to produce a
diminution in the quality of the caste. Concern for the future of the caste
is thus evinced with this limitation by the physicians on the rights of
their women to participate without delay in the caste craft. The welfare
of the caste, typically, takes priority in the Gorean mind over the ambitions
of specific individuals. The welfare of a larger number of individuals,
as the Goreans reason, correctly or incorrectly, is more important than
the welfare of a smaller number of individuals. I do not argue this. I
only report it. The woman of the Physicians, at the age of fifteen, in
many cities, wears two bracelets on her left wrist. when she has one child
one bracelet is removed; when she has a second child the second bracelet
is removed. she may then, if she desires, enter into the full practice
of her craft. My thanks, Lady Teela," said Turbus Vemimius,prorietor of
the shop, accepting coins and handing to a robed woman a tiny vial of perfume.
she then left. Turbus Veminius then turned his attention to another customer.
Caste is important to the Gorean in ways that are difficult to make clear
to one whose social structures do not include the relationships of caste.
In almost every city, for example, one knows that there will be caste brothers
on whom one may depend, Charity, too, for example, is almost always associated
with caste rights on Gor. One of the reason there are so few outlaws on
Gor. Doubtless that the outlaw, in adopting his way of life, surrenders
caste rights. The slave, too, of course has no caste rights. He is an animal.
It is said on Gor that only slaves, outlaws and Priest-Kings, rumored to
be the rulers of Gor, reputed to live in the remote Sardar Mountains, are
without caste. This saying, however, it might be pointed out, as Goreans
recognize, it is not strictly true. For example, some individuals have
lost caste, or been deprived of caste; certain occupations are not traditionally
associated with caste, such as gardening, domestic services and herding;
and indeed, there are entire cultures and peoples of Gor to whom a caste
is unknown. Similarly, caste lines tend to sometimes to be vague, and the
relation between castes and subcastes. Slavers, for example sometimes think
of themselves as being of the merchants, and sometimes as being a separate
caste. They do have their own colors, blue and yellow, those of the merchants
being white and gold. Too, are the bargemen of the Southern Cartius a caste
or not? They think of themselves as such, but many do not see the matter
in the same light. There are, on Gor, it might be mentioned, ways of raising
and altering caste, but the Goreans seldom avails himself to these. To
most Goreans it would be unthinkable to alter caste. He is generally too
proud of his caste and it is too much a part of him for him to think in
such terms. It is, too, recognized that all, or most, of the castes perform
necessary, commendable or useful functions. The Leatherworker, accordingly,
does not spend much time envying the Metalworker, or the Metalworker the
Leathermaker, or either the Clothworker, and so on. All need sandals and
wallets, and clothes, and metal tools. Each does, however, tend to think
of his own caste as something special, and, somehow, I suspect, as being
perhaps a little bit preferable to the others. Most Gorean are quite content
with their castes; this is probably a function of caste pride. I have little
doubt but what the caste structure contributes considerably to the stability
of Gorean society. Among other things it reduces competitive chaos, social
and economic, and prevents the draining of intelligence and ambition into
a small number of envied, prestigious, occupations. If one may judge by
the outcome of Kaissa tournaments, amateur tournaments as opposed to those
in which members of the caste of Players participates, there are brilliant
men in most castes.
Fighting Slave of Gor pg.209-211
