******* THE SCRIBE CASTE: Pillars of Gorean Law & Knowledge *******
The Scribe Caste forms the intellectual and legal backbone of any Gorean city. Dedicated to the propagation of knowledge, the maintenance of order through law, and the meticulous keeping of records, Scribes serve from the highest councils to the humblest library duties, ensuring the continuity and structure of Gorean society.
To hold one of the active positions within the Scribe Caste, members must commit to a minimum amount of work per week, separate from general social engagement. Those unable to meet these time requirements may opt for roles like Poet, Writer, or Storyteller, which do not have set hourly obligations.
******* PRAETOR (Minimum 20 hours/week) *******
Summary: A highly ranked male member in good standing, serving as the city's chief legal administrator and advisor to High Scribes, Chief Scribes, and Chief Magistrates.
Specific Duties:
1) Legal Oversight: Heads the council of scribes responsible for hearing all violations of caste codes.
2) Law Distribution: Distributes changes to laws and ensures consistent rulings across the region's cities.
3) Code Advisory: Advises all castes on creating and maintaining consistency in their caste codes.
4) Legal Counsel: Provides advice and assistance to Chief Scribes and Chief Magistrates on legal matters.
5) Legal Precedent: Approves, coordinates, and distributes information on cases that establish new legal ground.
6) Inter-Caste Coordination: Coordinates policing activities of the Warrior Caste with the courtroom duties of Magistrates.
7) Council Advisor: Serves as a non-voting legal advisor to the City Council.
8) Caste Law Custodian: Responsible for maintaining all caste laws.
9) Training & Development: Establishes and maintains training programs for scribes.
10) Knowledge Accumulation: Collaborates with Chief Scribes across the region to gather new information sources and educational methods for citizens.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Commands respect and authority; possesses strong leadership presence; capable of impartiality and strategic thought.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 20 hours of work per week. High availability is required, ensuring consistent presence for legal oversight, council advisory, and coordination across regions.
3) Intellect: Exceptional legal mind; deep understanding of Gorean law and inter-city relations.
4) Temperament: Balanced, decisive, and unbiased in judgment; diplomatic yet firm.
5) Skills: Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational abilities for high-level coordination and policy implementation.
******* THE HIGH SCRIBE (Minimum 20 hours/week) *******
Summary: A high-ranking male member in good standing, serving as the head of the Scribe Caste within the city and its representative on the City Council. Direct superior to the Chief Scribe, Chief Magistrate, and the City Ambassador. This is an elected position.
Specific Duties:
1) Candidate Evaluation: Evaluates the suitability of scribe candidates.
2) Caste Coordination: Coordinates activities of the city's scribes and magistrates.
3) Council Representation: Represents the Scribes Caste on the City Council.
4) Record Maintenance: Maintains the records and minutes of Council meetings.
5) Diplomatic Support: Works with the City Ambassador to carry out negotiations for the city.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Respected, influential, and diplomatic; capable of inspiring and leading the caste; balanced and fair.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 20 hours of work per week. High availability is required, ensuring consistent leadership presence within the city and on the Council.
3) Intellect: Comprehensive knowledge of Scribe Caste functions, city governance, and inter-city dynamics.
4) Temperament: Politically astute, organized, and capable of managing complex administrative duties.
5: Skills: Strong leadership, coordination, representation, and record-keeping abilities.
******* THE HIGH MAGISTRATE (Minimum 20 hours/week) *******
Summary: A senior male judge of the city in good standing, holding the final word on all trial matters (short of an appeal to the Council). Direct superior to Chief Magistrates, city Magistrates, and Litigators. Serves as a non-voting member of the High Council, gaining essential insight into Council discussions and decisions to ensure enforcement. The High Magistrate oversees the entire judicial system, ensuring rulings align with the city's broader directives.
Specific Duties:
1) Judicial Oversight: Directly supervises all city Magistrates and Chief Magistrates, ensuring consistency, fairness, and adherence to legal principles in their rulings.
2) Case Assignment & Review: Assigns complex or high-profile cases to individual Magistrates and reviews their proceedings and judgments for accuracy and adherence to law.
3) Final Appeal Authority: Serves as the first and often final appellate authority for decisions made by individual Magistrates or Chief Magistrates.
4) Legal Interpretation: Provides definitive interpretations of city laws and caste codes, establishing judicial precedents for all Magistrates to follow.
5) Policy Implementation: Ensures that all legal policies and directives issued by the Council or Praetor are effectively implemented within the judicial system.
6) Litigator Supervision: Oversees the conduct and performance of both City Litigators (prosecutors) and People's Litigators (defense counsel), ensuring proper legal representation.
7) Training & Development: Works with the Praetor and Chief Scribe to establish and oversee advanced training and continuing education programs for all Magistrates and Litigators.
8) Courtroom Management: Manages the overall efficiency and operations of the city's court system.
9) Council Advisor: Provides legal expertise and reports on judicial matters to the High Council, participating in discussions to ensure decisions are legally sound and enforceable.
10) Crisis Response: Acts as a key legal authority in times of crisis, coordinating with the Warrior Caste or other relevant castes on matters requiring immediate judicial action (e.g., martial law, handling of prisoners of war).
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Solemn, authoritative, and impartial; commands respect in the courtroom and council chambers.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 20 hours of work per week. Very high availability is required, ensuring consistent presence for judicial oversight, case review, and Council duties.
3) Intellect: A superior legal mind, capable of nuanced interpretation and establishing sound judicial precedents. Possesses the ability to entertain two conflicting ideas simultaneously.
4) Temperament: Possesses an essential judicial temperament – not prone to partisanship, intemperate statements, reflexive loyalty, or other passions. Exhibits patience, empathy, and an understanding of human weakness.
5) Skills: Exceptional judgment, communication, and management skills for the city's court system; capable of writing short, clear, and authoritative opinions.
6) Attire: Often wears special robes with fillets (ribbons) indicating their office, and may carry batons or wands (potentially with concealed blades).
******* THE CHIEF SCRIBE (Minimum 15 hours/week) *******
Summary: The senior record keeper of the city, managing the public library and all official city documents. Direct superior to scholars, record keepers, teachers, accountants, map makers, and historians.
Specific Duties:
1) Library Oversight: Presides over and maintains the public library.
2) City Records: Maintains all city records, including citizenship lists, free companion agreements, slave ownership papers, and other pertinent legal documents.
3) Library Acquisitions: Evaluates and accumulates new scrolls for the public library.
4) Scribe Coordination: Works with the High Scribe to coordinate the activities of the city's scribes.
5) Citizenry Education: Collaborates with the Praetor to create educational materials for the citizenry and the caste.
6) Financial Oversight: Supervises city accountants and maintains the city treasury.
7) Other specific duties are assigned by the Chief Scribe as needed.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Organized, meticulous, and responsible; a trusted guardian of knowledge and records.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 15 hours of work per week. High availability is required, ensuring consistent presence in the library and for supervising sub-castes.
3) Intellect: Extensive knowledge of city records, library management, and Scribe Caste educational materials.
4) Temperament: Diligent, patient, and detail-oriented.
5) Skills: Strong organizational, supervisory, and communication skills; expertise in archival practices and information management.
******* CHIEF MAGISTRATE (Minimum 15 hours/week) *******
Summary: A senior judge responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city's legal system, overseeing a team of Magistrates and acting as a direct superior. They hear and decide major disputes and ensure the smooth functioning of judicial processes.
Specific Duties:
1) Magistrate Supervision: Directly supervises a contingent of Magistrates, reviewing their cases, providing guidance, and ensuring adherence to established legal precedents and policies set by the High Magistrate.
2) Complex Case Adjudication: Presides over and settles complex or significant disputes over matters of law or property. This includes but is not limited to:
a) Attempts to identify the owners of runaway slaves.
b) Arranges for the auction of slaves whose owners cannot be determined.
c) Settles disputes over slave ownership.
d) Hears cases involving challenges to the enslavement of free women.
e) Hears matters of debt with the power to impose enslavement on an insolvent debtor.
f) Conducts trials of criminals.
3) Case Filing & Reporting: Ensures all case proceedings and judgments are properly filed and reported to the High Magistrate.
4) Courtroom Efficiency: Contributes to the overall efficiency and orderly operation of the city's court system.
5) Litigator Consultation: Consults with Litigators on case strategies and legal interpretations for complex matters.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Possesses a judicial temperament – not prone to partisanship, intemperate statements, reflexive loyalty, or other passions. Exhibits patience, empathy, and an understanding of human weakness. Often wears special robes with fillets (ribbons) indicating their office, and may carry batons or wands (potentially with concealed blades).
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 15 hours of work per week. Regular availability for court proceedings, dispute resolution, and case management is essential.
3) Intellect: Should demonstrate the basic quality of a first-class mind: the ability to entertain two conflicting ideas at the same time. Must understand basic legal concepts such as: Burden of Proof (innocent until proven guilty), Standards of Proof (beyond a reasonable doubt, preponderance of the evidence), Conflict of Interest - Bias - Pre-judgment, Issues of Law vs. Issues of Fact, Hearsay, and Consistency of decisions.
4) Skills: Demonstrates diligence and efficiency in the storing and retrieval of documents; capable of writing short, clear, and authoritative opinions and decisions. Strong organizational and leadership skills for managing a team of Magistrates.
5) Attire: Often wears special robes with fillets (ribbons) indicating their office, and may carry batons or wands (potentially with concealed blades).
******* TEACHER (Minimum 10 hours/week) *******
Summary: Aids in all training and educational programs within and about the city. A Teacher's primary role is to impart knowledge and skills according to the established curriculum of the Scribe Caste, ensuring the next generation is well-versed in the ways of Gor.
Specific Duties:
1) Instruction: Conducts formal lessons in Scribe Hall classrooms, private studies, or other designated learning areas.
2) Curriculum Delivery: Teaches subjects relevant to the Scribe Caste, such as Gorean history, laws, customs, mathematics, reading, writing (including scroll preparation), and calligraphy.
3) Student Assessment: Evaluates student progress through exercises, examinations, and practical demonstrations of skill.
4) Mentorship: Provides guidance and mentorship to apprentices and younger scribes, fostering their development within the caste.
5) Educational Material Development: Works with Chief Scribes and Praetors to develop and update educational materials, scrolls, and teaching methods.
6) Discipline & Conduct: Instills discipline and adherence to the Scribe Caste Code, as well as general Gorean customs and etiquette, in their students.
7) Specialized Training: May provide specialized training in specific Scribe sub-fields (e.g., advanced record-keeping, legal drafting, cartography for Map Makers).
8) Public Education: Contributes to broader citizenry education initiatives coordinated by the Chief Scribe or Praetor, such as lectures or public readings.
9) Record Keeping: Maintains meticulous records of student attendance, progress, and performance, submitting reports to the Chief Scribe or High Scribe as required.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Patient, clear, and inspiring; capable of instilling discipline and passion for learning.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 10 hours of work per week. Consistent availability for instruction and curriculum development.
3) Intellect: Deep knowledge of Scribe Caste subjects and effective pedagogical methods.
4) Temperament: Disciplined, dedicated, and observant of student progress and needs.
5) Skills: Strong instructional, assessment, and mentorship abilities; adept at developing educational materials.
******* CITY AMBASSADOR (Minimum 10 hours/week) *******
Summary: Represents the city in dealings with other regions and cities. Reports to the High Scribe and the City Council. Must possess extensive knowledge of the laws and customs of other cities and regions, a calm demeanor, and strong persuasive abilities. Believes in negotiation as the primary problem-solving method.
Specific Duties:
1) External Affairs: Advises the city council on events in other cities that have a bearing on Telnus.
2) Conflict Mediation: Mediates conflicts between the city and other entities.
3) Citizen Release: Negotiates for the release of citizens held prisoner by others.
4) Consultation: Works in consultation with the Confederation Ambassador.
5) Other specific duties are assigned by the High Scribe as needed.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Calm, stable, and highly persuasive; projects confidence and trustworthiness.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 10 hours of work per week. Significant availability for travel and diplomatic engagements.
3) Intellect: Extensive knowledge of other cities' laws, customs, and political landscapes.
4) Temperament: Patient, persistent, and firmly believes in negotiation as a solution.
5) Skills: Exceptional communication, negotiation, and advisory abilities; adept at cross-cultural understanding.
******* MAGISTRATE (Minimum 10 hours/week) *******
Summary: The core of the city's legal system, acting as a judge who hears and decides minor and major disputes between citizens. Magistrates are the direct judicial authority for the common citizen.
Specific Duties:
1) Dispute Resolution: Settles disputes over matters of law or property, including but not limited to:
a) Attempts to identify the owners of runaway slaves.
b) Arranges for the auction of slaves whose owners cannot be determined.
c) Settles disputes over slave ownership.
d) Hears cases involving challenges to the enslavement of free women.
e) Hears matters of debt with the power to impose enslavement on an insolvent debtor.
f) Conducts trials of criminals.
2) Case Filing: Meticulously files proceedings of all heard cases with the Chief Magistrate for record-keeping and review.
3) Legal Guidance: Provides initial clarification and guidance on basic legal questions to citizens.
4) Order Maintenance: Contributes to maintaining civil order by judiciously applying the law in disputes.
5) Other specific duties may be assigned by the Chief Magistrate as needed.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Possesses a judicial temperament – not prone to partisanship, intemperate statements, reflexive loyalty, or other passions. Exhibits patience, empathy, and an understanding of human weakness.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 10 hours of work per week. Must maintain regular availability for court proceedings, dispute resolution, and case management.
3) Intellect: Should demonstrate the basic quality of a first-class mind: the ability to entertain two conflicting ideas at the same time. Must understand basic legal concepts such as: Burden of Proof (innocent until proven guilty), Standards of Proof (beyond a reasonable doubt, preponderance of the evidence), Conflict of Interest - Bias - Pre-judgment, Issues of Law vs. Issues of Fact, Hearsay, and Consistency of decisions.
4) Skills: Demonstrates diligence and efficiency in the storing and retrieval of documents; capable of writing short, clear, and authoritative opinions and decisions.
5) Attire: Often wears special robes with fillets (ribbons) indicating their office, and may carry batons or wands (potentially with concealed blades).
******* PRAETOR SCHOLARS (Minimum 5 hours/week) *******
Summary: Legal experts and historians of the highest order, working closely with the Praetor to research, write, update, and justify Gorean laws.
Specific Duties:
1) Legal Research: Researches and writes opinions on legal issues as requested by the Praetor.
2) Law Examination: Examines laws of other cities for potential enhancements or conflicts with local laws.
3) Other specific duties are assigned by the Praetor as needed.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Meticulous, analytical, and highly disciplined; thrives in rigorous research environments.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 5 hours of work per week. Significant time dedicated to in-depth research, writing, and legal analysis.
3) Intellect: Superior legal and historical knowledge; ability to synthesize complex information and form well-reasoned opinions.
4) Temperament: Patient, persistent, and objective in legal examination.
5) Skills: Exceptional research, analytical, and scholarly writing abilities.
******* SCHOLAR (Minimum 5 hours/week) *******
Summary: Primary researchers of the caste, working with the Chief Scribe to check historical and city records for information. Very studious, dedicated to writing theses and essays for the propagation of knowledge and public benefit.
Specific Duties:
1) Library Contributions: Researches and writes additions to the city library under the guidance of the Chief Scribe.
2) Citizenry Guidance: Available to the citizenry to answer questions and provide guidance.
3) Other specific duties are assigned by the Chief Scribe as needed.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Very studious, curious, and dedicated to intellectual pursuits.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 5 hours of work per week. High availability for extensive research and writing.
3) Intellect: Strong analytical and research capabilities; adept at synthesizing information and crafting well-reasoned theses/essays.
4) Temperament: Patient, meticulous, and objective in research; committed to the propagation of knowledge.
5) Skills: Superior research, writing, and analytical abilities; capable of providing clear guidance to citizens.
******* RECORD KEEPER (Minimum 5 hours/week) *******
Summary: Responsible for filing and maintaining city documents, assisting citizens with document filing, and aiding the Chief Scribe in maintaining the city library. Their primary duty is to staff the library.
Specific Duties:
1) City Records: Updates city records.
2) Citizen Assistance: Aids citizens and visitors in finding documents and information.
3) Document Filing: Helps citizens file documents.
4) Other specific duties are assigned by the Chief Scribe as needed.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Organized, precise, and diligent; customer-service oriented when assisting citizens.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 5 hours of work per week. Consistent availability to staff the library and manage records.
3) Intellect: Thorough understanding of city document organization and retrieval systems.
4) Temperament: Meticulous, patient, and helpful.
5) Skills: Strong organizational, filing, and communication skills; adept at aiding others in information retrieval.
******* ACCOUNTANT (Minimum 5 hours/week) *******
Summary: A very important sub-caste responsible for managing the city's accounts, collecting rents, fees from slave sales, and other revenue.
Specific Duties:
1) Revenue Collection: Collects market stall and apartment rents.
2) Slave Sale Revenue: Collects the city's share of slave sales.
3) Fee Collection: Collects any other fees due to the city.
4) Treasury Maintenance: Assists the Chief Scribe in maintaining the city treasury.
5) Other specific duties are assigned by the Chief Scribe as needed.
Note: Accountants may be assigned specifically to Slavers or other castes for revenue collection.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Trustworthy, precise, and highly discreet; firm but fair in collecting revenues.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 5 hours of work per week. Consistent availability for managing accounts and collecting fees.
3) Intellect: Strong mathematical and financial acumen; deep understanding of city's economic structures.
4) Temperament: Meticulous, organized, and reliable.
5) Skills: Excellent record-keeping, calculation, and financial management skills; capable of clear reporting.
******* MAP MAKER (Minimum 5 hours/week) *******
Summary: Responsible for giving tours of the city and exploring/reporting on other cities. They travel extensively to record knowledge about journeys and destinations, and possess detailed knowledge of their own city for tours and directions.
Specific Duties:
1) City Tours: Gives tours of the city showing public points of interest only, not military capability.
2) Exploration & Reporting: Explores routes to other cities, changes in travel conditions, and generates reports on their laws, customs, and other relevant information for the city library.
3) Other specific duties are assigned by the Chief Scribe as needed.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Adventurous, observant, and precise; engaging when giving tours.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 5 hours of work per week. Significant availability for exploration and detailed record-keeping.
3) Intellect: Exceptional spatial reasoning and geographical knowledge; keen eye for detail in observing other cities.
4) Temperament: Curious, resilient, and dedicated to accurate documentation.
5) Skills: Strong observational, drafting, and reporting skills; excellent at giving clear directions and engaging tours.
******* HISTORIAN (Minimum 5 hours/week) *******
Summary: Responsible for researching and maintaining the history of the city and of Gor itself. Their primary duty is to document major historical events for storage in the library.
Specific Duties:
1) Raid Records: Creates a record of all raids on the city and all raids performed by the city.
2) Event Records: Creates a record of all festivals and other major events that occur in the city.
3) Early History: Researches information on the founding and early history of the city.
4) Council History: Works with the High Scribe to maintain a history of High Council membership and actions.
5) Other specific duties are assigned by the Chief Scribe as needed.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Inquisitive, meticulous, and objective in historical research.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 5 hours of work per week. Significant availability for in-depth research and documentation of events.
3) Intellect: Deep understanding of historical methodology and Gorean chronology.
4) Temperament: Patient, diligent, and dedicated to preserving accurate historical records.
5) Skills: Exceptional research, analytical, and historical writing abilities.
******* LITIGATOR (Minimum 5 hours/week)*******
Summary: Responsible for acting as prosecutor and defense counsel in criminal proceedings and for advising citizens on matters of law. Litigators (or lawyers) are legal scholars specializing in law, working on cases for their clients. While disputes between two people over property are settled directly by Magistrates, criminal cases require Litigators. City Litigators prosecute cases, and People's Litigators defend the accused. Litigators are not bound to purely one role and also advise those needing legal clarification. In some cases, Magistrates may act as Litigators if needed or if the case is of enough importance.
Specific Duties:
1) Advocacy: Advocates for the city or the defendant in criminal cases.
2) Legal Advice: Advises citizens on the law.
3) Other specific duties are assigned by the Chief Magistrate as needed.
Qualities for Position:
1) Demeanor: Persuasive, articulate, and strategically minded; capable of advocating forcefully yet within legal bounds.
2) Time Commitment: Minimum of 5 hours of work per week. Significant availability for case preparation, court appearances, and client advisement.
3) Intellect: Deep and specialized knowledge of Gorean laws; strong analytical skills for case building.
4) Temperament: Resilient, tenacious, and adaptable to various legal roles (prosecution/defense).
5) Skills: Exceptional advocacy, legal research, and advisory abilities; strong oral and written communication.
Revised by Magistrate Kati Evans
17 July 2025
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