There is a saying on Gor, "Gold has no caste."
It is a saying of which the merchants are fond. Indeed, secretly among themselves, I have heard, they regard themselves as the highest caste on Gor, though they would not say so for fear of rousing the indignation of other castes.There would be something, of course, to be said for such a claim, for the merchants are often indeed in their way, brave, shrewd, skilled men, making long journeys, venturing their goods, risking caravans, negotiating commercial agreements, among themselves developing and enforcing a body of Merchant Law, the only common legal arrangements existing among the Gorean cities.
(Nomads of Gor)
The Merchant Caste, a prominent and influential faction in the captivating world of Gor, holds a crucial role in the intricate tapestry of Gorean society. Comprising individuals who possess a keen acumen for trade and commerce, the Merchants are skilled negotiators, astute economists, and shrewd entrepreneurs. Their primary domain lies in the exchange of goods, ranging from exotic spices to fine fabrics, facilitating thriving markets across Gor.
Bound by a strict code of ethics, the Merchants prioritize fair and equitable transactions, adhering to the principles of honor and integrity in their dealings. They convene at the Sardar, their esteemed gathering place, to establish and enforce the Merchant Law, a comprehensive set of regulations that ensure equitable trade practices and protect both consumers and merchants.
The influence of the Merchant Caste extends beyond the realm of commerce. With their accumulated wealth and connections, they often hold significant sway over political affairs, exerting their influence to navigate the intricate web of Gorean power dynamics. They are masters of diplomacy, skillfully forging alliances and negotiating treaties, which further solidify their status and broaden their reach.
While the Merchants are renowned for their business acumen, they are not without their controversies. Yet, the Merchants remain integral to the fabric of Gor, providing essential goods and services, fostering economic prosperity, and acting as a bridge between distant cultures. Their intricate caste structure, with its own internal hierarchies and rivalries, adds further layers of complexity to their already multifaceted existence.
In the world of Gor, the Merchant Caste stands as a captivating embodiment of the power of commerce, a force that shapes not only the economic landscape but also the social and political dynamics that define this mesmerizing realm.
Code of the Merchant
1. A Merchant must be paid for their goods. Charity is not for a Merchant to give. No Warrior, Administrator, or Ubar can demand a Merchant give anything away without due compensation.
2. A Merchant may not trade in stolen notes. All notes must be verified and cannot be purchased on speculation. Lost notes need to be reported, canceled and new notes issued. (a note can be a contract, a loan, trade rites, proof of ownership, or any written financial agreement.)
3. A Merchant will take pride in their ability to certify accurate weights and measures. Forgery is for thieves. Merchants are obligated to present an item truthfully, and they are obligated to get the best possible price for that item.
4. Merchants are obligated to the business of their trade. (If they find it prudent they should be free to wear masks so that they can conduct business without personal repercussion. Mostly with dealing within loot camps)
5. Let any one who would engage in forgery or counterfeiting be put to a death without honor. Let all their property be seized without mercy. Let any who practices "coin shaving" find the bonds of slavery in their future. (male or female)
6. Merchant Magistrates are selected from the Merchant Caste by a Cities High Council to enforce Merchant Law and Caste codes. They will hear complains, act as arbitrators, and sit in judgment over relevant matters. They are given the resources to enforce the law as necessary.
7. Merchants may travel to Sardar to verify the accuracy of their rods and stones.
8. Merchants may administer free ports and trade compounds, defended by multiple Cities and Men loyal to the Merchants. These secure trade routes, important intersections of waterways and certain ports to ensure the protected flow of bulk trade.