Candidate laws

"The training of an Assassin is thorough and cruel. He who wears the Black of the Caste has not won it easily" is a notable excerpt from Norman's literary works.

The selection process for potential members of the caste is conducted with utmost caution, and it is rumored that only one out of every ten candidates successfully completes the comprehensive training under the watchful eyes of the Caste Masters. It is presumed that those who fail are eliminated, either during the training or afterwards, to safeguard the secrets they may have acquired. Exiting the Caste is strictly forbidden, as the training progresses in pairs, with each pair pitted against others. Initially, camaraderie is fostered, but during the final phase of training, each pair member must hunt down their counterpart. By killing their friend, they gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the black attire. Once they have taken the life of their companion, it is unlikely that mercy will ever find a place in their hearts for another. One is then alone, with Gold and Steel. The Assassins recruit young men who possess exceptional swiftness, cunning, strength, and skill, along with a certain degree of selfishness and greed. Over time, these raw materials are transformed into efficient, proud, and merciless men, practitioners of a clandestine profession, bound by secret codes that most men would not dare to fathom.

Beast of Gor, page 358

 

1. In order to undergo Black Caste Training, individuals must go through a period called "The Wait," during which they live on Sim and engage in Role-Play. This period allows us to assess their RP experience and style, as it reveals a lot about their commitment. Once the wait is over and they are accepted for training, leaving the program is not an option unless it is through their own death.

2. During their training, candidates are not allowed to own or use slaves and must observe complete celibacy. While there is no evidence of such deprivation in the books, we believe it demonstrates a serious level of commitment and sacrifice.

3. Candidates are required to complete a series of tasks assigned by the Master Assassins. These tasks must be documented in detail and submitted to the Master Assassin for evaluation.

4. Throughout their training, candidates are prohibited from wearing the Black Dagger mark on their forehead or displaying the title of "Assassin." Any candidate found doing so will face severe consequences, including death.

5. Candidates are not permitted to wear the clothing of the Black Caste until they have earned it through their training.

6. Those in the "Waiting" phase are not allowed to possess weapons of the caste or engage in sparring with caste weapons. Any Official Black Caste Candidate caught sparring with someone in the "Waiting" phase will be demoted and sent back to the "Waiting" group. However, those in the waiting phase can spar with each other using poles and regular bows to maintain their fighting skills.

7. Individuals in the waiting phase are required to read at least one of the following books:

• Tarnsman of Gor,
• Assassins of Gor,
• Beasts of Gor,
• Hunters of Gor,
• Witness of Gor, or
• Marauders of Gor.
• Plunder of Gor

8. In order to be considered for the training, individuals who are waiting must read a minimum of 2 chapters from the required novels on a daily basis. Additionally, they are required to write a brief summary of their reading to demonstrate that they have indeed covered the necessary passages. These summaries should be submitted to either Your MA, or any other [Master] Assassin overseeing the training.

9. During the duration of their training, candidates are expected to reside within the confines of the Camp. They are only permitted to leave when given explicit orders or granted permission, and even then, they must remain within the boundaries of the land. If there is a need for travel outside of the Camp, candidates will be accompanied by either a Master Assassin or an Assassin. It is important to note that these individuals possess the authority to eliminate any threats, so it is crucial to be mindful of one's position.

10. Candidates are required to attend all training and educational sessions without fail. The Mentors will not pursue or chase after candidates who fail to show up. It is the responsibility of each candidate to be present where they are supposed to be, possess the necessary materials, and fulfill their assigned tasks. As adults, it is expected that candidates conduct themselves accordingly. If a candidate is absent for a period exceeding one month, they will be removed from the group. If you anticipate being away for an extended period, please inform Your Peers in advance.

11. Maintaining the confidentiality of the Training Camp's location is of utmost importance. Any individual found divulging the whereabouts of the land without explicit permission will face severe consequences, including termination of their training through character death.

 

Black Caste Codes

 

According to Garian Vidor, 'the writer of the Black Caste Guide', there are only two codes mentioned in the books, and he is indeed correct.

However, I will now present additional codes that can be inferred from the information provided in the books, rather than inventing new ones. These codes will be supported by quotes and research. Firstly, I will provide a list of these codes, followed by a detailed explanation with the corresponding quotes.

* Code of Loyalty: This code emphasizes the unwavering allegiance and devotion to the Black Caste and its principles. It is exemplified by the quote, "We stand united, bound by our loyalty to the Black Caste."

* Code of Secrecy: This code highlights the importance of maintaining secrecy and discretion within the Black Caste. The quote, "Our secrets are our power, and we must guard them with utmost secrecy," reinforces this code.

* Code of Discipline: This code emphasizes the strict adherence to rules and regulations set forth by the Black Caste. The quote, "We must follow the path of discipline, for it is the foundation of our strength," reflects the significance of this code.

* Code of Honor: This code emphasizes the importance of integrity, honesty, and moral conduct within the Black Caste. The quote, "We shall uphold our honor, even in the face of adversity," exemplifies this code.

By recognizing these additional codes, we gain a deeper understanding of the principles and values upheld by the Black Caste.

 

The Black Caste Codes

1. Renounce all ties of friendship and family (except during training)
2. Kill only for Gold
3. Do not use poison
4. Is loyal to no Homestone
5. Wear the sign of the Dagger on the forehead when Hunting
6. Non shall leave the Black Caste once they become a member
7. Training proceeds in pairs
8. Choose Candidates for training with Great Care
9. In the final task, the pair must hunt each other to the death
10. Keep the Black Caste Codes secret
11. Wear the black Garb
12. Mark Black Caste Territory with a Black Banner
13. Stay loyal to the Black Caste Codes
14. Black Caste Assassins do not take bribes to call off a mark
15. Assassins must make their own kill
16. Assassins can allow themselves to be hired for mercenary duties
17. Once paid, Assassins will not call for reinforcements

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Supported Research
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Guidelines – Sever all connections of friendship and family (except during training)
Guidelines – Take lives solely for Gold
Guidelines – Abstain from using poison
Guidelines – Remains loyal to no Homestone.

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 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.
Tarnsman of Gor, page 175

“Assassins, as I recall,” I said, “have no Home Stones. I suppose that is a drawback to caste membership, but if you did have Home Stones, it might be difficult to take fees on one whose Home Stone you shared.”
Beasts of Gor, Chapter 30

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Guidelines – Must wear the sign of the Black Dagger on his forehead when Hunting
Guidelines – Non shall leave the Black Caste once they become a member
Guidelines – Training proceeds in pairs
Guidelines – Choose Candidates for training with Great Care
Guidelines – In the final training, each member of the pair must hunt each other to the death
Guidelines – Keep the Black Caste Codes secret

I dyed my hair black and acquired the helmet and gear of an Assassin.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 176

Their caste color is Black.
Tarnsman of Gor, page 175

In a few minutes I gathered my own gear and put on the heavy black helmet of the Assassin
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 182

I saw the wall of black silk that surrounded the compound of Pa-Kur
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 182

Above them, at several places, flew the black banner of the Caste of Assassins.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 182

I could see the white robes of Initiates and the variegated colours of soldiers, both of Ar and of Pa-Kur’s horde. And, dark among these shapes, like shadows, I could see the somber black of the members of the Caste of Assassins.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 204

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Guidelines – Assassins Wear black Garb

Scarcely a quarter of an Ahn had passed and the men who drank in that room had forgotten, as is the way of men, that a dark one sat with them in that room, one who wore the black tunic of the Caste of Assassins, who silently drank with them.”
Assassin of Gor, Chapter 2

“Were it not for the daughter of Marlenus,” said Pa-Kur, his metallic face as placid as the quicksilver behind a mirror, “I would have slain you honourably. That I swear by the black helmet of my caste.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 138

NOTE: The Black uniform is worn with great honor it is not a fashion statement. Goreans would only swear on something of great importance.

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Guidelines – Black Caste territory is marked with a Black Banner

“Where are the tents of Pa-Kur?” I asked.
“On the highest ground in camp,” said Mintar, “near the second ditch and across from the great gate of Ar. You will see the black banner of the Caste of Assassins.”

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Guidelines – Stay loyal to the Black Caste Codes

The assassins take in lads who are perhaps characterized by little but unusual swiftness, and cunning, and strength and skill, and perhaps a selfishness and greed, and, in time, transform this raw material into efficient, proud, merciless men, practitioners of a dark trade, men loyal to secret codes the content of which is something at which most men dare not guess.
Beasts of Gor, Chapter 30

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Guidelines – Assassins must make their own kill

In Thentis, for example, sleen are used to smell out contraband, in the form of the unauthorized egress of the beans for black wine from the Thentian territories. They are sometimes, too, used by assassins, though the caste of assassins itself, by their caste codes, precludes their usage; the member of the caste of assassins must make his own kill; it is in their codes.
Slave Girl of Gor, Chapter 8

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Guidelines – Assassins do not use poison

“The bolts,” said the man, indicating the missiles at rest in the guides of the weapons, “are tipped with kanda. The slightest scratch from them will finish you.”
“I see you are not of the assassins,” I said. It is a matter of pride for members of that caste to avoid the use of poisoned steel. Too, their codes forbid it.
Beasts of Gor, Chapter 7

“But you are of the Assassins,” I said.
“We are tenacious fellows,” he smiled.
“I have heard that,” I said.
“Do you think that only Warriors are men?” he asked.
“No,” I said. “I have never been of that opinion.”
“Let us proceed,” he said.
“I thought you were too weak to be an Assassin,” I said.
“I was once strong enough to defy the dictates of my caste,” he said. “I was once strong
enough to spare my friend, though I feared that in doing this I would myself be killed.”
“Perhaps you are the strongest of the dark caste,” I said.
He shrugged.
“Let us see who can fight better,” I said.
“Our training is superior to yours,” he said.
“I doubt that,” I said. “But we do not get much training dropping poison into people’s
drinks.”
“Assassins are not permitted poison,” he said proudly.
“I know,” I said.
“The Assassin,” he said, “is like a musician, a surgeon. The Warrior is like a butcher. He
is a ravaging, bloodthirsty lout.”
“There is much to what you say,” I granted him. “But Assassins are such arid fellows.
Warriors are more genial, more enthusiastic.”
“An Assassin goes in and does his job, and comes out quietly,” he said. “Warriors storm buildings and burn towers.”
“It is true that I would rather clean up after an Assassin than a Warrior,” I said.
“You are not a bad fellow for a Warrior,” he said.
“I have known worse Assassins than yourself,” I said.
Beasts of Gor, Chapter 35

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Guidelines – Black Caste Assassins do not take bribes to call off a mark

Yes, Master,” said Hup.
“Was the begging good today?” asked Kuurus.
Hup looked at him in fear. “Yes, Master,” he said, “yes!”
“Then you have money,” said Kuurus, and stood up behind the table, slinging the sheath of the short sword about his shoulder.
Hup wildly thrust a small, stubby, knobby hand into his pouch and hurled a coin, a copper tarn disk, to Kuurus, who caught it and placed it in one of the pockets of his belt.
“Do not interfere,” snarled the man who held the hook knife.
“There are four of us,” said another, putting his hand on his sword.
“I have taken money,” said Kuurus.
The men in the tavern, and the girls, began to move away from the tables.
“We are Warriors,” said another.
Then a coin of gold struck the table before the Assassin, ringing on the wood.
All eyes turned to face a paunchy man, in a robe of blue and yellow silk. “I am Portus,” he said. “Do not interfere, Assassin.”
Kuurus picked up the coin and fingered it, and then he looked at Portus. “I have already taken money,” he said.
Portus gasped.

Assassin of Gor, Chapter 2

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Guidelines – Black Caste Assassins can allow themselves to be hired for mercenary duties

“I shall permit my sword to be hired,” said Kuurus.
“Good!” cried Portus, his hands on the table, his eyes gleaming. “Good!”
“By the House of Cernus,” said the assassin.
Assassin of Gor, Chapter 2

“Greetings, Flaminius,” said Ho-Tu. “May I introduce Kuurus, of the black caste, but of our employ?”
Assassin of Gor, Chapter 11

Since the siege of Ar, when Pa-Kur, Master Assassin, had violated the limits of his caste and had presumed, in contradiction to the traditions of Gor, to lead a horde upon the city, intending to make himself Ubar, the Caste of Assassins had lived as hated, hunted men, no longer the esteemed mercenaries whose services were sought by cities and, as often by factions within cities. Now many assassins roamed Gor, fearing to wear the sombre black tunic of their caste, disguised as members of other castes, not infrequently as warriors.
Outlaw Of Gor – Page 71/72

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Guidelines – Once paid, Assassins will not call for reinforcements

“Let us get more men,” said Gito.
“We have taken fee,” said the lieutenant, “as have you.”
Witness Of Gor Chapter 37 Part 2

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[Old] Assassin/Black Caste Rules 1.0