jording

Jording is a fictional socio-political concept used in speculative fiction and role-playing games to describe a system of communal governance based on ritualized exchange and collective stewardship. In most depictions, jording arises in response to scarcity, isolation, or crisis, and serves to coordinate resource sharing, decision-making, and social memory through formal commitments among members.

In-world practice centers on an oath or covenant that participants renew at regular gatherings called jordings. A jord is a tangible token—such as a vessel, coin, or carved emblem—that symbolizes the binding promise. Governance typically operates through a rotating council or assembly chosen by staggered terms, with decisions implemented by consensus or delegated authority. A communal fund, the jording fund, pools resources to support members, fund infrastructure, and provide disaster relief.

Variants vary by setting. Some portray jording as egalitarian and transparent, with open deliberation and sunset clauses; others depict ritualized hierarchies where certain offices hold ceremonial privileges. Critics within stories may question inclusivity, the potential for ritual coercion, or the creation of enduring obligations that limit personal freedom.

Origin and usage: The term is widely treated as part of world-building in fictional works and is not a real-world historical practice. The concept is used to explore themes of cooperation, ritual bonding, and the trade-offs of collective governance.