Here is a formal Gorean contract designed for a Free Woman of the Scribes hiring a Warrior (Scarlet Caste).
It is written in the formal, somewhat archaic "High Caste" syntax often used in Gorean roleplay and literature.
CONTRACT OF SWORD AND SHIELD
Recorded within the City of [City Name] On this day, the [Day] of [Month], in the year [Year]
PREAMBLE Be it known to all under the protection of the Home Stone of [City Name], that this document serves as a binding Covenant of Service between the Principal and the Sworn Blade. This agreement adheres strictly to the Merchant Laws and the Codes of the High Castes.
I. THE PARTIES
** The Principal:** The Lady [Name of Scribe], a Free Woman of the Caste of Scribes.
The Sworn Blade: The Warrior [Name of Warrior], of the Caste of Warriors.
II. DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS The Sworn Blade hereby pledges his steel, his honor, and his vigilance to the Principal. His duties shall include, but are not limited to:
Defense of Person: To protect the life, liberty, and physical well-being of the Principal against all threats, be they beast, brigand, or steel.
Escort: To accompany the Principal during travel within the city walls and upon the roads, ensuring her safe passage to and from the Hall of Records, markets, and private residences.
Sanctity of Quarters: To stand guard at the threshold of the Principal’s residence during the hours of sleep (the dark hours), ensuring no unauthorized entry.
Deterrence: To act as a visual deterrent to disrespect or harassment, ensuring the Principal is treated with the dignity befitting her Caste and Station.
III. STIPULATIONS OF HONOR
The Code: The Sworn Blade shall not be required to perform any act that violates the Warrior’s Code or brings shame upon his Caste (e.g., menial labor unbefitting a Warrior).
Obedience: Within the bounds of combat and security, the Sworn Blade shall defer to the intellect and commands of the Principal. However, in moments of immediate, life-threatening combat, the judgment of the Warrior shall remain supreme.
Immunity: The Principal remains a Free Woman. The Sworn Blade acknowledges he has no claim of collar or chain upon her person, nor shall he attempt to secure such.
IV. COMPENSATION In exchange for these services, the Principal agrees to the following remuneration:
Coin: A sum of [Number] Gold Tarsks (or Silver Tarsks) to be paid upon the completion of every Hand (five days).
Found: The Principal shall provide appropriate rations and, if travel is required, accommodations befitting a member of the High Castes.
Repairs: The Principal agrees to cover the cost of blacksmithing for any damage to armor or blade sustained directly in her defense.
V. DURATION AND TERMINATION This contract shall remain in effect for a period of [Number] Moons.
Renewal: The contract may be renewed upon mutual agreement of both parties.
Termination by Principal: May occur immediately if the Sworn Blade is found intoxicated while on duty, cowardly in the face of danger, or disrespectful to the Principal.
Termination by Blade: May occur if payment is withheld or if the Principal demands actions that violate the Warrior’s honor.
VI. SIGNATURE AND SEAL
By my hand and seal, I bind myself to this payment: (Signature/Seal of the Scribe)
[Name], Scribe of [City]
By my steel and my word, I bind myself to this duty: (Signature/Mark of the Warrior)
[Name], Warrior
Notes for Context
The Tarsk: This is the standard high-value coin of Gor (Gold or Silver). Copper Tarsks are usually for low-caste transactions.
The Hand: A Gorean week consists of five days, called a "Hand."
Caste Dynamics: Even though the Warrior is physically dominant, a Scribe is a High Caste intellectual. The contract reflects this balance: she controls the money and the mission; he controls the tactics and the violence.
