Teacher’s Notes & Preparation
Platform: Second Life (Text/Voice).
Visual Aids:
If you have a board, display a color chart: White, Blue, Yellow, Green, Red.
Optional: Rezz a generic "Caste Pin" object on the desk to show students what they look like.
Props:
Magistrate Robes (Blue/Gold).
A scroll (to reference "The Codes").
Chat Management:
Since this topic often brings up questions about "My character is X caste," remind them firmly that questions are for the end of the lecture.
Class Structure (60 Minutes)
00-05: Roll Call, Review of Week 1, Introduction to "Order."
05-20: Segment 1: The High Castes (The Five Pillars).
20-35: Segment 2: The Low Castes (The Backbone).
35-50: Segment 3: The Mechanics (Colors, Mobility, and Outlaws).
50-60: Q&A and Assignment.
Lecture Script: Week 2 - The Caste System (Hierarchy of Order)
I. Introduction (00-05 Mins)
(Action: Stand at the front of the room, hands clasped behind your back. Wait for the room to settle.)
Magistrate Evans: Tal, students. Last week, we discussed the Home Stone—the soul of the city. Today, we discuss the body. If the Home Stone is the spirit, the Caste System is the skeleton. Without it, society collapses into a shapeless, chaotic blob... much like the societies of Earth.
Magistrate Evans: On Earth, you believe that "all men are created equal." On Gor, we know this is a lie. Men are not equal. Some are strong, some are wise, some are skilled with their hands, and some are fit only to dig the earth. The Caste System is not oppression; it is recognition. It recognizes a man's nature and gives him a purpose suited to his talents.
Magistrate Evans: In Gorean society, order is paramount. You are defined by your caste. It dictates what you wear, who you marry, and how you die. Open your tablets. We begin with the Rulers.
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II. The High Castes (05-20 Mins)
Magistrate Evans: There are many castes, but only five are known as the High Castes. In most Gorean cities, the Administrator or Ubar must be chosen from one of these five. They represent the pillars of civilization. You must memorize their colors.
Magistrate Evans: 1. The Initiates (White) The representatives of the Priest-Kings. They interpret the will of the Sardar. They are often bald, wear white robes, and are forbidden from eating meat or drinking alcohol. They are the spiritual guides—and often the political check—on the city's rulers.
Magistrate Evans: 2. The Scribes (Blue) My own caste. We are the scholars, the lawyers, the accountants, and the historians. We keep the records. We write the laws. We manage the contracts. A city without Scribes forgets its own history. We wear blue.
Magistrate Evans: 3. The Builders (Yellow) The architects and engineers. They built the walls that protect us and the towers that touch the sky. Their science is geometry and physics. They ensure the city stands. They wear yellow.
Magistrate Evans: 4. The Physicians (Green) The healers. Their knowledge of biology is superior to anything on Earth. They have extended the Gorean lifespan far beyond that of Terra. They are non-combatants in war—strictly neutral. To harm a Physician is a crime against sense. They wear green.
Magistrate Evans: 5. The Warriors (Red) The scarlet caste. They are the muscle. They live by the Code of the Sword. They defend the Home Stone with their blood. They are not mere thugs; a true Warrior is a poet of steel. They are the only caste permitted to bear arms within the city walls without special dispensation.
(Action: Pause and look around the room.) Magistrate Evans: White, Blue, Yellow, Green, Red. These five castes govern the world. But they cannot eat prestige. For that, we need the others.
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III. The Low Castes (20-35 Mins)
Magistrate Evans: Do not let the term "Low Caste" fool you. It does not mean "worthless." If the High Castes vanished, the city would be confused. If the Low Castes vanished, the city would starve in a week.
Magistrate Evans: The largest caste is the Peasantry. They are the ox of Gor. They work the fields surrounding the city. They control the food supply. They are known for their deep reverence for the Home Stone—often more devout than the cynicism of the High Castes. They wear brown.
Magistrate Evans: Then, we have the Artisans. This is a broad category containing many sub-castes: The Potters, the Weavers, the Metalworkers, the Singers, the Poets. Each has its own codes, its own apprenticeships, and its own pride.
Magistrate Evans: And we must mention the Merchants. They wear white and gold. They are often richer than Scribes or Warriors, yet they are not considered a "High Caste" in the council chambers. They move goods, manage the banks, and facilitate trade. Never underestimate a Merchant; they can buy an army if they need one.
Magistrate Evans: (Teacher's Note: Raise a finger for emphasis) Respect the Low Castes. If you are a Warrior and you abuse a baker, you will find your bread has sand in it the next day. Castes are symbiotic. We need each other.
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IV. Mechanics: Mobility & Codes (35-50 Mins)
Magistrate Evans: How does one enter a caste? Usually, you are born into it. If your father is a Scribe, you are likely a Scribe. However, Gor recognizes merit.
Magistrate Evans: Raising Caste: A Peasant who shows brilliance in mathematics may be sponsored into the Caste of Builders. A Warrior who shows no aptitude for the sword but a great talent for healing may be adopted into the Physicians. It requires rigorous testing and the approval of the High Council.
Magistrate Evans: Lowering Caste: This is a punishment. If a Magistrate finds a Physician guilty of malpractice, he may be stripped of his Green and made a Peasant. He loses his standing. He loses his voice in the council.
Magistrate Evans: And finally... those with No Caste. Outlaws. Panthers. Sleer. Those who have been stripped of all rank, or who have rejected the city. They are outside the protection of the law. A man with no caste can be killed like a wild tharlarion, and the law will not blink. Hold tight to your caste, students. It is your shield.
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V. Conclusion & Assignment (50-60 Mins)
Magistrate Evans: We are out of time. The structure of our world is rigid, but it is strong. It withstands the storms of the Thassa and the wars of the Tarns.
Magistrate Evans: Your Assignment: This week, as you travel the city, I want you to identify three people of different castes by their colors. Do not just look at their clothes. Watch how they walk. Does the Warrior walk differently than the Scribe? Does the Peasant walk differently than the Merchant? Write down your observations.
Magistrate Evans: I will take questions regarding caste colors and hierarchy now. (Wait for hands/chat)
(Action: After Q&A) Magistrate Evans: Next week, we discuss Law and Custom. You will learn how to greet your betters, and what happens when you break the Magistrate's peace. Dismissed. Tal.
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Kati Evans
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Class Title: Introduction to Gor Lesson: Week 2 - The Gorean Caste System Duration: 45 - 60 Minutes Instructor: [Your Name] Location: [Sim Classroom Name]
Pre-Class Checklist (Instructor Notes)
Slide Board: Ensure you have textures loaded for:
Caste Pyramid Diagram (High Castes on top, Low Castes below).
Symbols of the 5 High Castes (White Lightning, Blue Pen, etc.).
Image of common Low Caste professions (Merchant/Blacksmith).
Giver: Load the "Week 2 Summary" notecard.
Prop: Optional: Wear a robe or hold a prop relevant to a specific caste during the lecture.
Phase 1: Arrival & Review (0:00 - 0:10)
(Wait for avatars to sit. Welcome them in local chat.)
/me nods to the gathering class. "Tal, everyone. Good to see you all back for Week 2."
Instructor: "Last week, we discussed the planet itself—the Counter-Earth—and the concept of the Home Stone. Today, we move from the planet to the people. Specifically, how Gorean society organizes itself."
Instructor: "I am sending out the summary for Week 2 now. Please accept the inventory offer."
(Action: Drag and drop Week 2 Notecard to students)
Instructor: "Today is all about Caste. On Earth, we often talk about 'social mobility'—the idea that you can start poor and become rich, or change your career five times. On Gor, life is different. Life is structured. Life is Caste."
Phase 2: The Structure of Society (0:10 - 0:20)
(Action: Change Display Board Texture to [Caste Pyramid Diagram])
/me gestures to the pyramid on the board.
Instructor: "The Caste System is the skeleton of Gorean society. It provides stability. It eliminates the chaos of 'finding yourself.' You know who you are, you know your job, and you know your standing."
Instructor: "Generally, you are born into a caste. If your father is a Warrior, you are likely trained to be a Warrior. However, it is possible to change caste, though it is rare and difficult. It usually requires a 'Caste Change' fee or a specific decree."
Instructor: "The most important distinction is between the High Castes and the Low Castes. Note that 'Low Caste' does not mean 'poor.' A Merchant (Low Caste) might be richer than a Warrior (High Caste), but the Warrior will always have higher social standing."
Phase 3: The High Castes (0:20 - 0:35)
(Action: Change Display Board Texture to [Symbols of the 5 High Castes])
Instructor: "There are five High Castes. These are the pillars of the city. Let's go through them."
/me points to the white symbol.
Instructor: "1. The Initiates (White Caste): These are the religious leaders. They interpret the will of the Priest-Kings. They are vegetarians, they do not drink alcohol, and they are the only ones who can perform the 'Companion Price' ceremony (marriage). They are often feared more than loved."
/me points to the blue symbol.
Instructor: "2. The Scribes (Blue Caste): The intellectuals. They are the lawyers, the historians, the accountants. In a society without computers, the man who records the grain shipments is the most powerful man in the room. They are known for being meticulous."
/me points to the green symbol.
Instructor: "3. The Physicians (Green Caste): The healers. Gorean medicine is surprisingly advanced in biology, despite the lack of electronic tech. A Physician has universal safe passage during war. To harm a Green Caste while they are working is a grave war crime."
/me points to the yellow symbol.
Instructor: "4. The Builders (Yellow Caste): The architects and engineers. They built the cylinders of Ar. They maintain the aqueducts. Without them, the city falls apart physically."
/me points to the red symbol.
Instructor: "5. The Warriors (Red Caste): The military. They are the police and the army. Their code is steel. They are often the most visible caste in Second Life roleplay. A Warrior is expected to be proficient with the sword, the spear, and the bow."
Instructor: "Any questions on the High Castes before we move on?"
(Wait 1-2 minutes for typing)
Phase 4: The Low Castes (0:35 - 0:50)
(Action: Change Display Board Texture to)
Instructor: "Now, let's look at the Low Castes. This is the vast majority of the population."
Instructor: "The most prominent Low Caste is the Merchant. They wear white and gold tunics. As I said, they run the economy. They organize the caravans and manage the banks. Never underestimate a Merchant; they can starve a city just as easily as a Warrior can siege it."
Instructor: "Then we have the Artisans: The Potters, the Metalworkers (who make the swords for the Warriors), the Singers, the Poets. They are the culture creators."
Instructor: "And finally, the Peasants. They work the fields. They grow the Sa-Tarna (Life Grain). They are the foundation. On Gor, peasants are often fiercely protected by the High Castes, because without food, the city dies."
/me walks closer to the students.
Instructor: "Social Interaction Rule: If you are RPing a Low Caste character, you generally show deference to a High Caste. If a Warrior walks into a tavern, a Peasant gives up their seat. This isn't oppression; to a Gorean, this is just good manners and natural order."
Phase 5: Conclusion & Assignment (0:50 - 1:00)
(Action: Blank the board)
Instructor: "To summarize Week 2: Gorean society is rigid but stable. The Five High Castes (Initiates, Scribes, Physicians, Builders, Warriors) rule and protect, while the Low Castes (Merchants, Artisans, Peasants) sustain and enrich the city."
Instructor: "Next week, we will discuss Law and Custom. We will talk about the Magistrates, the harsh punishments for criminals, and the specific rituals of daily life."
Instructor: "Homework Assignment: Look at your own avatar or character biography. What caste are you? If you haven't picked one, think about which one fits your personality. Next time you are in roleplay, try to use a caste-specific greeting, like 'Tal, Physician' or 'Tal, Warrior.'"
Instructor: "I will stay for a few minutes for any final questions regarding the Castes."
(Allow remaining time for Q&A)
/me bows formally to the class. "Thank you for your attention. Walk well. Dismissed."
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by Kati Evans
Lesson 2: The Gorean Caste System
· Detailed explanation of High Castes (Initiates, Scribes, Physicians, Builders, and Warriors) and Low Castes
· Importance of caste hierarchy and its influence on daily life
Lesson 2: The Caste System of Gor - A Detailed Explanation
· Gain an in-depth understanding of the High Castes (Initiates, Scribes, Physicians, Builders, and Warriors) and Low Castes
· Explore the roles, responsibilities, and characteristics of each caste
· Initiates (White Caste): The highest caste, Initiates serve as religious leaders and interpreters of the Priest-Kings' will. They maintain temples, officiate rituals, and provide spiritual guidance.
· Scribes (Blue Caste): Responsible for education, law, and record-keeping, Scribes are scholars, teachers, and legal experts. Their knowledge and wisdom are highly valued in Gorean society.
· Physicians (Green Caste): Physicians focus on healthcare and medicine, treating illnesses and injuries, researching cures, and promoting well-being.
· Builders (Yellow Caste): Builders are architects, engineers, and craftspeople who design and construct Gorean infrastructure, from buildings and roads to tools and machines.
· Warriors (Red Caste): Protectors and defenders of the community, Warriors maintain peace and order through their martial prowess and strategic expertise.
· Merchants: Although not a High Caste, Merchants play a vital role in Gorean society, facilitating trade, managing commerce, and ensuring the distribution of goods and resources.
· Artisans: This caste encompasses skilled craftspeople, artists, and creatives who produce decorative and functional items that enrich Gorean culture.
· Laborers: Laborers perform manual tasks essential to the functioning of Gorean cities, such as farming, construction, and maintenance.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the caste system of Gor organizes its inhabitants into distinct roles and responsibilities that contribute to the overall functioning and prosperity of the planet. By understanding the unique characteristics and contributions of each caste, we gain valuable insights into the dynamics and complexities of Gorean society.
· Recognize the significance of caste hierarchy in Gorean society
· Understand how the hierarchy impacts daily life and interactions among individuals
The caste hierarchy provides a clear structure for Gorean society, defining each individual's role and place within their community. This system establishes a sense of order and stability, reducing ambiguity and promoting a shared understanding of expectations and responsibilities. The hierarchy also reinforces the importance of discipline and duty, as each person strives to fulfill their caste-specific obligations.
The caste hierarchy shapes interpersonal relationships and dictates appropriate behavior among individuals. Goreans often address one another by their caste, acknowledging their position within society. Members of higher castes generally receive greater respect and deference, while those from lower castes may be expected to demonstrate humility and obedience. Proper etiquette demands that individuals recognize and adhere to the established social order.
While the caste system is generally rigid, some mobility between castes is possible under certain circumstances, such as marriage, outstanding achievements, or a change in profession. However, these instances are relatively rare, and most Goreans maintain a strong connection to their original caste. This unwavering sense of identity further emphasizes the significance of the hierarchy in shaping personal experiences and interactions.
In summary, the caste hierarchy plays a critical role in the daily lives of Goreans, providing social structure and influencing relationships, etiquette, and personal identity. Acknowledging the hierarchy's significance is essential for appreciating the complexities of Gorean society and the challenges faced by its inhabitants.
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