The Role of the High Council in Gorean cities

 In John Norman's Gor series, the High Council plays a pivotal role in the governance of Gorean cities, though its exact power and function can vary significantly depending on the city's specific form of government. It acts as a primary legislative, advisory, and sometimes executive body, composed predominantly of representatives from the city's High Castes.

Here's a breakdown of its typical roles:

1. Legislative Function (Law-Making):

   • In Cities with an Administrator: When a city is ruled by an Administrator (a civilian statesman), the High Council is typically the primary legislative body. The Administrator does not have absolute power to decree laws and must work closely with the Council to propose and pass new legislation or reforms (e.g., reforms of courts, laws, economic matters).

   • In Cities with an Ubar/Ubara/Tatrix: While an Ubar (military sovereign) has the power to change laws by simple decree, the High Council might still serve to advise the Ubar on new laws or offer input, even if their vote isn't strictly necessary for promulgation. Some Ubars might choose to involve the Council for political legitimacy.

2. Advisory Body:

   • The High Council consistently serves as a key advisory body to the city's supreme ruler (Ubar/Ubara/Tatrix or Administrator). They provide counsel on all matters of city policy, defense, commerce, internal affairs, and external relations.

   • Representatives from various High Castes bring their specialized knowledge (e.g., Scribes for legal matters, Warriors for defense, Merchants for economy, Builders for infrastructure) to inform the ruler's decisions.

3. Representation of High Castes:

   • The Council is almost exclusively composed of elected or appointed members from the five High Castes (Initiates, Scribes, Builders, Physicians, Warriors). Each High Caste typically votes for its own representatives.

   • This ensures that the interests and expertise of the most powerful and specialized segments of Gorean society are represented in governance.

   • Low Castes generally do not possess voting rights for High Council members or rulers.

4. Executive Oversight (Varies):

   • In Administrator-ruled cities, the Council might have a more direct role in overseeing the execution of laws and city projects.

   • In Ubar-ruled cities, while the Ubar has ultimate executive power, the Council might still have some oversight functions or committees.

5. Role in Leadership Transition:

   • The High Council often plays a crucial role in selecting a new leader (Administrator, Regent, Ubar, or Ubara) when a city's leadership is vacant (e.g., after a deposition or military coup).

6. Maintaining Records:

   • The High Scribe is typically responsible for maintaining the records and minutes of Council meetings, ensuring a historical account of governance.

7. Dispersion of Power (Implicit):

   • Even with a powerful Ubar, the existence of a High Council suggests a degree of distributed influence among the High Castes. The Ubar must typically maintain their support to remain in power.

Key Characteristics:

• Male-Dominated: High Councils are predominantly male. The question of whether free women (even of High Caste) can be members or vote is often debated and varies by city.

• Central Location: Council meetings are usually held in prominent public buildings, often within the Central Cylinder.

• Influence of Gold: Despite merchants generally being a Low Caste, their wealth ("Gold has no caste") often gives them "not imponderable influence" over Council decisions, subtly through credit or other means.

In essence, the High Council is the core governing body in Gorean cities, representing the collective wisdom and power of the High Castes to advise, legislate, and sometimes rule, ensuring the city's order and prosperity under its chosen form of leadership.

- Kati Evans