The following should be considered known if you were born into one of the High Castes. The only exception to the process below is the Warrior Caste. Keep in mind that all time frames given will be considered x3, following the SL standard for time passing in Gor (1 RL day = 3 RP days). We will not enforce this on any player. However, that is how the High Council will be viewing time unless circumstances require otherwise.
Process to High Caste Leadership in Selnar
In Selnar, under the authority of the Ubar, Head of Caste leadership is granted by appointment only. Though the Ubar holds final authority, prudence demands a process that reflects merit, caste confidence, and review, especially in the wake of distrust sown by the former administration. The following steps are enacted to ensure that those who seek to lead do so with the support of their caste and the confidence of the council and Ubar.
Apprenticeship in Leadership
Any citizen aspiring to become Head of Caste must first serve as Assistant Head of Caste (AHOC) or an approved RP Leadership position for at least 14 (real-life) days. This position can be appointed by the current AHOC, HOC, High Council, or Ubar. This term must be meaningfully active. It is a time of testing of competence, commitment, and visible caste engagement. Prospective leaders are required to coordinate at least one caste activity and one caste meeting (or inter-caste).
Caste Confidence (Cast Voting)
During a caste meeting, they must secure a majority vote of support from attending caste members, an affirmation that they are seen as worthy by their own. It must be ensured that most of the members of the caste have a way to vote:
Voting is not anonymous. It can be a vote by hand, voice, or if absent, then by sealed scroll.
Any polls or forms must be administered OOCly by an admin or mod (IC does not matter)
If there is a desire to change to a secret ballot, permission from the high council must be received via roleplay.
Petition to the High Council
With caste support secured, the candidate may request an audience before the High Council to be considered. They are expected to present their vision and qualifications openly. The High Council will then deliberate and issue a vote reflecting whether or not they support the candidate's elevation. It would behoove candidates to make themselves known to the other caste and create political clout.
Ubarial Consideration
The Ubar will consider the caste’s vote, the High Council’s vote, and his own judgment in making the final decision. Though votes carry weight, the Ubar is not bound by them for his charge is the preservation of order and strength, not the appeasement of popularity. This deliberation could be immediate or may take time, depending on other candidates or issues surrounding the candidate.
OOC NOTES
There are multiple leadership roles in each Caste, including multiple AHOC positions. You may also propose new leadership positions within the caste. The HOC position is intended to be rotational (see below).
It is out of the cultural norm for females to reach the Head of Caste. Free women should expect a harder time and multiple rejections. You may continue to try as you learn how to achieve your goal. Again, expect greater scrutiny and resistance as tradition and perception weigh heavily.
This process is intended to discourage out-of-character favoritism while embracing the political realities of Gorean life. Leadership is not simply given... and it is not simply earned. It must be won through strength of presence, skillful persuasion, and caste loyalty.
At present, those holding the position of Assistant Head of Caste retain a vote on the High Council. At some point, we may decide that a caste will have an NPC HOC.
The heads of caste role is designed to rotate periodically, keeping the experience fresh and engaging for everyone. Storywise, due to the corruption of Telnus, the Ubar is distrusting of the Heads of Castes (except red) and will periodically want to rotate leadership by either caste vote or appointment.
Each caste will include various positions, such as mentors, coordinators, and event organizers, ensuring responsibilities are shared among members and no one feels overwhelmed. The following will be required of the castes, with possible slight variation when necessary:
Monthly meetings will be held for each caste, allowing members to discuss their roles, challenges, and contributions within the city's framework while furthering roleplay dynamics.
Monthly HOC meetings across castes will be required
Monthly IC public activities are required; these could be simple, small activities, meet-and-greets with the public, or full-on events.
These gatherings are designed to deepen immersion, foster creativity, and enrich the interconnected storylines of Selnar. Those who help to make this happen the most ICly will see themselves rise in the ranks of their caste.
As stated above, voting should be done via roleplay whenever possible. Here are some other voting requirements:
No anonymous voting
Polls/Forms must be OOC administered by an admin
A caste can vote to replace a head of caste, but, but the final say is the Ubars.