The Highest Priest of Gothicus Dolphinus (Snihplod Cihtog) is known only as "Darkshadow" (Atrum Umbra). It is against basic "Gothic Law" (Lex) and "Dolphin Pod Structure" (Compages) to receive a gift bestowed to influence the recipient's conduct. There are others known to accept gifts, these gifts alter the behavior of the recipient in ways not consistent with the duties of that person. The offence may be divided into two great classes: the one, where a person invested with power is induced by payment to use it unjustly; the other, where power is obtained by purchasing the suffrages of those who can impart it. Likewise, the briber might hold a powerful role and control the transaction; or in other cases, a bribe may be effectively extracted from the person paying it, although this is better known as extortion.
In stark comparison, extortion is encouraged by the tenets of basic "Gothic Law" and "Dolphin Pod Structure". In the Dolphins primary writings, extortion is described as "proactive" as opposed to the events mentioned above which are considered "reactive" in nature. The Pope (papa, "father" or more accurately "daddy", "tutor") is not only painted by "Gothic Law" as "reactive" but also a representative of "vertical" power while the "Dolphin Pod Structure" is completely "lateral" in theory. The Gothic Dolphin's practices are of course very secret and the true tenets of the organization are unknown.