In Sorcery: Contested Realm, the clash of Avatars is only part of what makes the game truly come alive. The true sorcery, ahem, unfolds when players gather together, whether at the table of a local game store or under the banners of a major tournament.
Of course, even with the most veteran Sorcerers, questions can arise, and rules may need to be untangled. When they do, it helps to remember the guiding star at the heart of Sorcery: the Golden Rule - use common sense and be cool.
This Golden Rule covers every corner of the contested realm, but it shines brightest when rules get tricky. For kitchen table games, common sense prevails, but in structured play, this principle is bolstered by a key figure to help ensure the contest continues in the spirit of fairness and fun: the Judge.
Today, we’re excited to share the initial details of the Sorcery Judge Program.
What it Means to Be A Judge
Though judges surely have solid rules knowledge, a Judge is far more than a walking Codex. As a Sorcery Judge, you are an Avatar of patience, knowledge, and impartiality. You serve the Sorcery community through your efforts. You listen before answering, resolve disputes with fairness, and give players confidence that the contested realm is in good hands.
Code of Conduct
The Sorcery Judge program rests upon a foundation of a simple but vital code of conduct for Judges:
- Fairness and respect - It sounds obvious, but it's everything - treat all players with dignity, without exception.
- Impartiality - Decisions must be free from bias, favoritism, or self-interest.
- Listening First - Hear every involved player before rendering judgment, and always remind players they can appeal.
- Promoting Fair Play - Support play that is spirited, respectful, and true to what makes Sorcery fun in the first place!
These are the standards of conduct that make Sorcery events a joy to contest. For further details, see the full Judge Code of Conduct.
Judge Tiers
Judges serve as vital pillars of the community, and the Sorcery Judges Program offers a clear path for those who would take up this mantle, with opportunities to grow over time.
Important Note: Everyone is encouraged to complete the Rules Knowledge test. But to be a judge goes far beyond mere rules knowledge; being a judge requires a desire to serve the Sorcery community.
Judge (Level 1)
Becoming a Judge requires a perfect score on the rules knowledge test, but many other soft skills as well. You should have a desire to serve the Sorcery community in a variety of ways, including organizing events, answering questions on the Discord, or helping onboard new players into the realm. If that appeals to you, feel free to complete the Judge application!
Grandmaster Judge (Level 2)
A Grandmaster Judge will have increased responsibilities and service opportunities, including mentoring other judges and supporting regional events. This role requires you to have served as a Judge for at least 6 months and completed the level 2 rules knowledge test (forthcoming) with a perfect score, among other things. The Grandmaster Judge application will be available in the future.
Arbiter of the Realm (Level 3)
An Arbiter of the Realm has reached the highest level of judging in the Sorcery community. They have demonstrated deep rules knowledge, strong interpersonal skills in stressful situations, and a large record of service to the Sorcery community. This role requires you to have served as a Grandmaster Judge for at least 1 year and completed the level 3 rules knowledge test (forthcoming) with a perfect score, among other things. Arbiter of the Realm applications will be available far in the future.
Note: As of November 2025, two players in the Sorcery community have earned the Arbiter of the Realm role, given their outstanding service to the community over the years; they will assist with the growth of the judge program, among the many ways they contribute.
For further details, see the Judge Program Principles and Overview document.
Beyond the Table
Judges aren’t bound to the realm alone. They’re leaders in the local game stores, voices of reason in digital spaces, mentors to Apprentice Wizards, and exemplars of fair play wherever the realm is contested.
Or as the Grandmaster Wizard is fond of saying: “A true judge is never off duty. The robe and the staff may be set aside, but fairness must always remain!”
Ultimately, the role of a judge is not just making rulings, but to build trust and to celebrate the game we share.
Join the Program
The Judge program exists to give players confidence in well-run events and to honor those willing to take on the mantle of fairness.
If you’re someone others naturally turn to for answers, if you hold the Golden Rule close, and if you wish to help support others in telling unforgettable stories within the realm, then this path may be yours.
The first step on this path is simple: deepen your knowledge of the realm. The Level 1 Knowledge Test is now open to all players, whether you’re looking to become a judge or simply want to sharpen your understanding of how Sorcery works beneath the surface. You can take the test once per day, discuss tricky questions, and post your results in #rules-knowledge-test on the Sorcery Discord channel. Upon earning a perfect score, you’ll earn a special community role, and with daily attempts, it’s well within reach of any dedicated Sorcerer willing to focus, persist, and put in the effort.
Once you’ve aced the rules knowledge test, if you want to further contribute to the community, please feel free to complete a judge application. Step forward, sharpen your knowledge, and help keep the realm contested in the best way possible!
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