The Zophs are a social class/caste group in Karthack, easily translated as "Sorcerers," or perhaps "Magic Users." The Zophs were once the ruling class of Karthack prior to the installation of the Theocracy, but they still hold great political and social influence, and are nominally on top of the caste hierarchy. In practice most of the administrative powers are held by the Gul priests, but the Sorcerer-Princes (Zoph'Els) still rule over the major cities.
The Zophs are forbidden by law to have carnal relationships with anyone not of their caste, and this is apparently quite strictly enforced by the Guls (and by intense social stigmas) which raises all sorts of questions as to the existence of wizard-brothels in Karthack.