Praetor

Based on the Gorean lore provided, a Praetor fits into the High Caste and relates to the High Council in a position of significant, specialized authority and influence.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Caste Membership:

   • A Praetor almost certainly belongs to one of the High Castes, specifically the Scribe Caste (for judicial Praetors managing laws and records) or potentially the Warrior Caste (for Praetors holding military command, like Miles, the general from Argentum). The Scribe Caste is the primary source of legal administrators.

2. Position within the High Caste:

   • Within their respective High Caste, a Praetor holds an extremely high and specialized rank. For a Scribe, a Praetor is effectively a "chief legal administrator," overseeing aspects that may even encompass the Chief Scribe and Chief Magistrates. They are often direct superiors to a range of legal and administrative officials.

   • This makes them a pinnacle of authority within their specialized legal/administrative branch of the Scribe Caste.

3. Relationship with the High Council:

   • Subject to Council Authority: A Praetor's jurisdiction, particularly commercial praetors, is ultimately "subject to the High Council." This means the High Council holds a higher, overarching authority.

   • Direct Interaction/Advisory Role: Given their high rank and specialized legal expertise (especially in broad legal policy, inter-caste coordination, and law distribution), a Praetor would likely advise the High Council directly. They would be privy to Council discussions, present legal interpretations, and report on the status of legal affairs in their domain (ports, markets, general administration).

   • Enforcement of Council Decrees: The Praetor would be crucial for implementing and enforcing legal policies and directives that originate from the High Council.

   • Not Necessarily a Voting Member: While influential, the text states a High Magistrate serves as a non-voting member of the High Council for insights. The role of a Praetor on the High Council might vary by city, but even if not a voting member, their direct advisory capacity makes their influence significant. Their status as a "chief legal administrator" implies a role of providing the legal framework and implementation strategy for the Council's broader decisions.

In essence:

A Praetor is a High Caste member who commands a powerful, specialized domain within the city's legal or commercial administration. They operate with significant autonomy in their area of jurisdiction but are ultimately subordinate to the High Council and the city's supreme ruler (Ubar/Ubara/Tatrix or Administrator), whom they advise and serve in a crucial, executive legal capacity. Their influence stems from their deep legal knowledge and their direct role in maintaining the city's order and economic integrity.