Castrates

The Chatcaavan custom, which is common to the throneworld and the titled lords who frequent its court.

There's more about this custom in later PG books, and in Major Pieces when the Attendant and Everdawn talk about it.

Physiological Effects

Castrates are not good fighters; they don't develop the armor or aggression or muscle development that uncastrated males do. They tend toward only the two facial horns, and never grow the additional neck horns or spines.

Cultural Uses

In the Throneworld Court

They use names, not titles.

Castrates keep the palace clean (both the rooms and the laundry) and feed its courtiers, but are not considered Outside. They are kept away from the harems of the females. There are few of them, but what few there are know many secret ways in and out of the palace. They're also in charge of ordering basic supplies (kitchen, linens, etc) so they have access to the message system.

The male children of female servants are given to the Master of the Preparation Room as infants for castration. (Any change in this policy, prior to the Emperor's amendment of it, would have had to be mandated by the palace Overseer).