There are rare cases when an Exile community is unable to solve a difficult internal situation, and in those cases they will call for a Judge. Although not governed by any established law, a Judge is expected to assess the situation in light of how the particular community operates, pass judgement, and then taken action - usually by meeting out punishment of Exile criminals. Although most Judges are considered both fair and wise, their administration of justice is often swift and brutal. Given that, Judges are often feared even by those communities that call for their help. In the lawless territories of the Exiles, these individuals serve as judge, jury, and executioner.
Judges carry with them large volumes that chronicle the various cases over which they have presided, and they can often be found reading though them during investigations and when passing final judgment.
Organization
Judges are not part of a larger organized group. Becoming a Judge is, more often than not, an ongoing process that includes gaining the trust of local communities over a number of years. Most Judges are nomadic, staying on the move, maintaining their objectivity through limited contact with any one community. A Judge will often travel with a number of Justices, less experienced individuals who are aspiring to become judges themselves. In Exile territories, it is not uncommon to encounter a wandering Judge awaiting the call of their service.
There are a number of judges that, because of their experience and their standing with multiple communities—sometimes even planet-wide—achieve the unofficial title of High Judge. The number of Exile High Judges is relatively small, and all of them are universally respected by Judges and Justices alike. In complex or difficult situations, a Judge might seek the advice of a High Judge, hoping to benefit from the High Judge's deeper experience and wisdom.
Judges usually have relationships with the individuals who are responsible for policing Exile communities—such as Peacekeepers in Exile townships. In most cases, these individuals welcome the help of Judges, but conflicts are not unknown. The best Judges know how to deal with such conflicts—and do so in ways that are the most helpful to the community. That being said, Judges take their responsibilities very seriously, and will not tolerate any interference with their work. This could mean incarcerating troublemakers, or, in the most extreme cases, eliminating them from the equation.
Court of Judgement
The Judges are chosen and trained in the Hall of Judgement on board the Gambler's Ruin, where resides the High Court that hears important cases that local judges are unable to resolve. There, High Judge Kallen Blackwood presides over all such cases, and (as the most seasoned Exile Judge) is considered the de facto leader of the group.