Glory to the Black Caste
- A Subordinates RespectCommand And Rank
It was made clear within the pages of the John Norman books, that The Black Caste Assassins operated in a military fashion. All we have to support this book fact are a handful of passages that describe a strict training regime and clearly stated ranks, these being:
Master Assassin
“I am Pa-Kur,” said the man.
It was he, the Master Assassin of Ar, leader of the assembled horde.
It was he, the Master Assassin of Ar, leader of the assembled horde.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 176
Captain
"The matter of the keys was well done. Not knowing where they were, and all. And this dolt, this garbage, in the lowest corridor, in five chains! So clever!"
"But Captain," said the lieutenant. "Should we not call Gito?"
"For what?" snapped the captain.
"But Captain," said the lieutenant. "Should we not call Gito?"
"For what?" snapped the captain.
"Gito!" called the captain, he who was the leader of the black- tunicked men.
Leuitenant
"You know whom we seek," said the leader of the men in black tunics. There were twenty-three in their party, the leader, a lieutenant, the fellow called 'Gito', and twenty men. Each of the twenty men carried a sword, a dagger, and a crossbow. Some had their bows set.
Chapter 30 - Witness of Gor.
Chapter 30 - Witness of Gor.
The books also mention two more titles or descriptions for a fellow who shared connections with the Black Caste; Candidiate and Confederate.One might argue that the title "Candidate" is not an official rank within the Black Caste. In real world terms the position might be closer but still lower than an "Enlisted Private"
I am going to use Real World comparisons to illustrate clearly the very possible similarities that might have existed within the Black Caste, if it were a military styled force in reality.
Beginning at lowest Ranks first:
Seeker
(Addressed as magot, sleen or any derogative title of disrespect.)
A fellow who is seeking to join the Black Caste Assassins of Gor. It is not taken from book supported passages but is a practical invention to enhance BC Role-play.
Seeker - Real World Comparison
(Addressed as Civilian)
A person who upon leaving school, heads directly to the local Army Recruitment office. Does not Pass Go. Does not collect £200.
BC Candidate
(Addressed as Lad or anything else a Full Black Caste Assassin wishes to call him.)
Lowest rank: a trainee who has been accepted into the Caste to endure the full intencity of BC Training.
Lowest rank: a trainee who has been accepted into the Caste to endure the full intencity of BC Training.
For the purposes of rank recognition. The Black Caste of SL Gor has developed an coloured armband system to identify postion and rank. This could be called an Insignia. It is not taken from book supported passages but is a practical invention to enhance BC Role-play.
BC Candidate - Real World Comparison
PRIVATE (PVT/PV2)
(Addressed as "Private")
Lowest rank: a trainee who’s starting Basic Combat Training (BCT). Primary role is to carry out orders issued to them to the best of his/her ability. (PVT does not have an insignia)
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS (PFC)
(Addressed as "Private")
PV2s are promoted to this level after one year—or earlier by request of supervisor. Individual can begin BCT at this level with experience or prior military training. Carries out orders issued to them to the best of his/her ability.
BC Candidate - Roman Legion Comparison
Tirones - The basic new recruit. A Tirones could take up to 6 months before becoming a full Milites.
BC Assassin
(Addressed as Killer)
Lowest "official" Black Caste Rank.
Has survived the Training of the Black Caste and earned the right to wear the Full Black of his Caste. He can now accept Marks and Hunt.
BC Assasin - Real World Comparison
SPECIALIST (SPC)
(Addressed as "Specialist")
Can manage other enlisted Soldiers of lower rank. Has served a minimum of two years and attended a specific training class to earn this promotion. People enlisting with a four year college degree can enter BCT as a Specialist.
CORPORAL (CPL)
(Addressed as "Corporal")
The base of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks, CPLs serve as team leader of the smallest Army units. Like SGTs, they are responsible for individual training, personal appearance and cleanliness of Soldiers.
SERGEANT (SGT)
(Addressed as "Sergeant")
Typically commands a squad (9 to 10 Soldiers). Considered to have the greatest impact on Soldiers because SGTs oversee them in their daily tasks. In short, SGTs set an example and the standard for Privates to look up to, and live up to.
STAFF SERGEANT (SSG)
(Addressed as "Sergeant")
Also commands a squad (9 to 10 Soldiers). Often has one or more SGTs under their leadership. Responsible for developing, maintaining and utilizing the full range of his Soldiers' potential.
BC Assassin - Roman Legion Comparison
Milites Gregarius - The basic private level foot soldier.
Discens - Milites in training for an immunes position.
Immunes - These were trained specialists, such as surgeons, engineers, surveyors, and architects, as well as craftsmen. They were exempt from camp and hard labor duties due to the nature of their work, and would generally earn slightly more pay than the Milites.
BC Lieutenant
(Addressed as Killer by his subordinates or by his chosen Use name by his equivelant and commanders)
Lowest Book supported Black Caste "Officer" Rank.These fellows would have shown good leadership, combat and training skills.
BC Lieutenant - Real World Comparison
SECOND LIEUTENANT (2LT)
(Addressed as "Lieutenant")
Typically the entry-level rank for most Commissioned Officers. Leads platoon-size elements consisting of the platoon SGT and two or more squads (16 to 44 Soldiers).
FIRST LIEUTENANT (1LT)
(Addressed as "Lieutenant")
A seasoned lieutenant with 18 to 24 months service. Leads more specialized weapons platoons and indirect fire computation centers. As a senior Lieutenant, they are often selected to be the Executive Officer of a company-sized unit (110 to 140 personnel).
BC Lieutenant - Roman Legion Comparison
Optio - One for each Centurion (59), they were appointed by the Centurion from within the ranks to act as his second in command.
Tesserarius: - (Guard Commander) Again there were 59 of these, or one for each Centuria. They acted in similar roles to the Optios.
BC Captain
(Addressed as Killer by his subordinates or by his chosen Use name by his equivelant and commanders)
Second highest book supported Black Caste "Officer" Rank. These fellows would have shown excellent leadership, combat training and knowledge skills.
BC Captain - Real World Comparison
CAPTAIN (CPT)
(Addressed as "Captain")
Commands and controls company-sized units (62 to 190 Soldiers), together with a principal NCO assistant. Instructs skills at service schools and The United States Army combat training centers and is often a Staff Officer at the battalion level.
BC Captain - Roman Legion Comparison
Centurions: Each Legion had 59 or 60 centurions, one to command each centuria of the 10 cohorts. They were the backbone of the professional army and were the career soldiers who ran the day to day life of the soldiers as well as issuing commands in the field. They were generally moved up from the ranks, but in some cases could be direct appointments from the Emperor or other higher ranking officials.
BC Master Assassin
(Addressed as Killer by his subordinates or by his chosen Use name by his equivelant)
Highest book supported Black Caste "Officer" Rank. These fellows would have shown exceptional leadership, combat training and knowledge skills.
BC Master Assassin - Real World Comparison
GENERAL (GEN)
(Addressed as "General")
The senior level of Commissioned Officer typically has over 30 years of experience and service. Commands all operations that fall within their geographical area. The Chief of Staff of the Army is a four-star.
BC Master Assassin - Roman Legion Comparison
Legatus Legionis - The overall Legionary commander. This post was generally appointed by the emperor, was a former Tribune and held command for 3 or 4 years, although could serve for a much longer period. In a province with only one legion, the Legatus was also the provincial governor and in provinces with multiple legions, each legion has a Legatus and the provincial governor has overall command of them all.