General Etiquette

Reminder of the Basic rule of RP: Use common sense! You are living in that world as your character. Act like it! Leave the bravado aside, consequences matter.

 

The following are guidelines and general expectations of the IC behavior for the different classes and sexes. While it is not a requirement for characters to follow these guidelines, players should be aware that IC behavior that is not in line with these guidelines can lead to negative consequences from something as 'simple' as negative rumors to various punishments doled out by the character's family/House. The character's House and status may be the very thing that allows them to get away with crossing the line, or under greater watch to catch them at anything seemingly improper. Any IC results that arise from a characters IC behavior is expected to be resolved ICly though RP, though one should keep in mind that once a reputation has been tarnished is can be difficult, if not impossible, to restore. As always, please keep in mind that in character actions get in character consequences!

For Noble Ladies

In general, a young noblewoman is expected to submit to and obey her parent's and sitting Head of House's rule in all things. And once married, to accept and listen to the guidance of her husband. They are set above her by the Guardians, and it is to them she owes her respect and obedience. This includes those whom the deem acceptable company and acquaintances.

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Note: On the matter of husbands, the extent she will listen does depend on the nature of her House and whether it adheres to a more matriarchal or patriarchal bent.

Ladies of noble birth are expected to guard their purity and reputation at all costs. To have any hint of a tarnished reputation or rumor that they are impure before they have been married can bring dishonor not only upon them, but also upon their House. And in turn ruin chances for a good match to be made for them. To that end, a noble lady will not willingly be alone with a male that is not of their family nor approved by their family and will often ensure that their handmaiden, lady-in-waiting or assigned protector are with them at all times to help safeguard their reputation. This is a standard for single noble women and for younger married ladies. Should an impropriety occur with a commoner, it is often seen as far worse and the repercussions can be harsher accordingly.

Some examples for consideration : Going alone with a man on any trip (hunting, shopping, fishing, gambling, etc), being alone with a man in private room or situation, seemingly chasing after a man (socially, romantically, etc), giving a favor without being asked for it, not keeping a proper distance from or acting overly familiar with a man, public displays of affection (kissing, fondling, petting, etc) and so forth are all examples of things that could cause rumors and a tarnished reputation to happen.

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A noble Lady is first and foremost the property of her House, her marriage is theirs to decide. And as a noble, rarely is a marriage going to be arranged based on the concept of love. Noble marriages are arranged based on politics and what the House can gain through the match - a strengthening of an existing alliance, forging a new ally, receiving better trade, etc. The Lady may end up lucky and find love in her marriage, or even have parents who listen to her thoughts when arranging her match but this is not common and should not be expected.

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Note: A woman’s virginity is proof of the ability to have a pure blooded heir. If one loses her virginity outside of her arranged marriage with her betrothed, could be enough a reason to doubt her child as true heir and simply brand it as a bastard. In a world where the line of succession matters, such an event is reason enough for houses to be banished and wars to start.

For Common Women

A common woman, much like a noble woman, in most cases is expected to guard their purity and reputation. Depending on her station and family, she may be held to a similarly strict standard or a more lax version since most commoners will not have the luxury of hand-maidens or guards. Rarely will she be allowed to go about as she pleases, even if a common woman is likely to have a bit more say in the path her life is to take.

A common woman is expected to also expected to submit to her parent's rules and guidance in life. Though often her marriage is arranged more as a matter of practicality then for the purpose of politics. As it is practical to have her married and producing children to aid in having more hands to help around the farm or forge. A marriage arranged because of love does occur more often amongst commoners. Though is is just as frequently done for the matter of practicality, to pay off a debt or seal a wound with another family, and so forth.

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Some examples for consideration: A daughter of a wealthy merchant is likely to be held to a stricter standard especially if the family has hopes of marrying her into a noble House to gain more power and influence. A young common girl who has ended up 'blessed' with child is most likely to simply be married off quietly and quickly, and depending on her parents mood it might be to the first sod who agrees or to the kindly son of a family friend. It is also entirely possible that her parents may cast her out into the streets. A young girl working in a brothel is certainly not expected to be pure but outside her establishment a certain level of discretion and propriety would be expected of her.

For Noble Lords

A noble Lord, like a noble lady, is considered the property of his House. His marriage is theirs to decide for the greater good of the House itself. However, the Lord has given a lot more leeway in his behavior and his purity is rarely, if ever a matter considered during negotiations of the marriage contract.

This is not to say that a Lord is free to go tramping about and having a good old time with whomever he wishes. While they are not expected to be chaste creatures, Lords are expected to be discreet about their dalliances whether it be by sticking to proper brothel establishments or having a discreet mistress on the side. If they flaunt their many partners or become known for not only knocking up young commoners but also leaving them with absolutely no support, no attempt to see them properly married nor seeing the unwanted blessing given over to the Temple, their reputations can suffer and the House may seek to punish or reprimand them.

Some examples for consideration: A young Lord who continually disrespects the space and station of noble women in public could find himself confined or sent off to the current war front or patrol. A Lord who thinks to marry for love without the permission of his House may find himself disowned, or soon married to someone of their choosing.

 

General notes on nobility:

There is a misconception about the true nature of nobility. Nobility is not about the flair and pontificating subtle insults. Nobles are rulers and managers of their county/ nation. From an early age they are groomed to lead, negotiate, wage war and do whatever it takes for their county and kingdom to thrive. Nobility is the most educated along with the clergy. Versed in matters of history, magic, warfare, literature and even art. The flair, the fancy clothing and high nosed attitude is just a show of power. In an arena of rival houses, all fighting for either a throne or for a spot in the good side of the king, such glamorous displays of power are to be expected. Every detail being just another argument for the negotiation of power shifts within the kingdom. Nobles are managers/rulers first of all. That is the adamant role of their status.

 

For Common Men

The common man has perhaps the most leeway when it comes to his day to day behaviors. It does vary depending on his family and profession as a dock hand and a wealthy merchants son would not be expected to behave in the same fashion. While a common man's marriage is arranged by his parents, if he is in a trade that has him apprenticed his Master may also have some say if it becomes a matter of Guild politics.

While the common man does not have to act quite as proper in most cases, unlike the noble Lord, there are certain types of behavior he is not as likely to get away with either. Improper behavior with a noble woman may see him tossed in a dungeon or worse, and making his way through the many young women of a given village may see him soon married after some firm guidance from one of the girl's father.

 

 

Greetings and Obeisances

In the feudal system that we know in Highrock, providing the proper courtesies of those of rank is an important part of the social contract. In exchange for defending and protecting those beneath them, royalty and nobility is afforded proper respect. Upon greeting a person that is on a higher social ladder then yourself there are certain courtesies that has to be provided

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Rank                               Greeter                                   Public courtesies

King/queen                                         Anyone but royalty                         Kneel and bow head until given permission to rise.

King/queen                                              Fellow royalty                                                                     Bow from the waist.

Royalty                                                      Duke/duchess                                                                    Bow’s head politely

Royalty                              Count, Countess, Baron, Baroness, Knight                                              Bow from the waist.

Duke/Duchess                                     Count or Countess                                                                  Bow head politely.

Duke/Duchess                                     Baron, Baroness, Knight                                                        Bow from the waist.

Count/countess                                   Baron, Baroness                                                                     Bow head politely.

Count, Countess, Baron, Baroness             Knight                                                                             Bow from the waist.

Any noble                                                   Commoner                                                                        Bow from the waist.

Knight                                                       Man-at-arms                                                                      Bow from the waist.

Knight                                                      Other Commoner                                                                Bow head politely.

 

Terms of address

Each rank and position in Fergana has a very specific method of address. While some may not know the proper term of address for a highborn noble, intentionally using the wrong term of address can be an insult that starts a feud. The proper terms of address for each position are as follows:

 

Position                           Formal address                                  Informal

King/Queen                                                     Your Majesty                                                King or Queen <firstname>

Son/daughter of king/queen                        Your Highness                                           Prince/princess <firstname>

Cousin or sibling of king/queen       My Lord, My Lady, Milord, Milady                              Lord or Lady <firstname>

Duke/duchess                                                Your Grace                                                    Duke/Duchess <lastname> 

Count/Countess                             My Lord, My Lady, Milord, or Milady                    Count or Countess <last name>

Baron/Baroness                            My Lord, My Lady, Milord, or Milady                    Baron or Baroness <last name>

Other Noble                                    My Lord, My Lady, Milord, or Milady                             Lord or Lady <first name>

Any Knight (including nobles)                              sir                                                                              Sir <first name> 

Squire                                             Young Master or Young Mistress                                             Squire <first name>

High Priest or High Priestess                   Your Holiness                         High Priest or High Priestess <first name>

Temple Priest or Temple Priestess     Father/Mother Superior                              Priest or Priestess <first name>

Priest or Priestess                                    Father or Mother                                      Priest or Priestess <first name>

Chosen                                                        Brother/sister                                                 Brother/sister <first name>

Acolyte                                                        Brother/sister                                                 Brother/sister <first name>

Journeyman (crafter)                         Craftsman or Craftswoman                               Mister or Ma'am <last name>

Apprentice                                                      Apprentice                                                                             <first name>

 

 

 

 

Any Head of House may also be called Lord or Lady <house name>. No other nobles should be addressed this way, as it is a specific term of address for the leader of a given house.

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Knights are addressed as "Sir" no matter their gender.

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"Informal Address" is used by acquaintances. Friends can — of course — use whatever name or nickname they want in private.

 

Betrothals

 

There are some properties which should be obeyed before any marriage — noble or commoner. Both arranged marriages and love matches are preceded by a betrothal period of at least a month. For royal matches, a betrothal may stretch for years, but most betrothals are closer to the minimum length.

During the betrothal, the future couple is expected to spend time (properly chaperoned) in one another's company so that they can get to know one another. The betrothal time also gives noble families time to plan and finance a proper wedding.

Betrothals should be approved by the head of each noble House, or the head of family for commoners. While commoners occasionally just run off together, nobles rarely ever do, as doing so would shame their families. Exactly what that shame brings depends on the family and the difference in rank between those who eloped. In addition to family approval, those in military service such as members of the Royal Guard or ranking House Guards are often required to seek permission from their commanding officer.

 

Marriage

Marriage depends on the religion or religions followed by those being married, but for nobles, a marriage is always celebrated by feasting, dancing, revelry, and sometimes by a tournament.

Upon the marriage of two nobles, one will join the House of the other and take on the name of their new House. Usually, the member of the lesser House joins the greater House, but if the member of the lesser House is the head of the House or the heir, the member of the greater House will marry into the lesser.

 

Surnames

As mentioned in the Marriage section, nobles take the name of they house they are born into as their surname, and it changes only if they marry into another House. Commoners all have surnames as well, although as they do not change Houses typically the woman will take the man's name when they marry. There are cases though when the man will take the woman's name, typically when the woman has higher standings, or simply by the mutual decision of them both.

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Commoner surnames come from a variety of sources. A commoner's surname can come from their profession (Smith, Tinker, Miller, Cobbler, etc), their place of birth (of Wolveshire, of Flea Alley, of Laketown, of the Docks, etc), or a particular feature or trait (the Red, Bold, the Nose, Bigger, etc). It could also be descended from one of these types (Koronel from Kernel for a corn farmer) or simply a collection of syllables that pleased the character or one of their ancestors. So long as it cannot be confused for a noble House's name, pretty much anything goes.

 

Divorce

If two people are simply incompatible, or if one is unfaithful, they may request a divorce of the High Priest and High Priestess of their kingdom. Both parties must request the divorce, or there must be proof of infidelity. If the High Priest and High Priestess believe that the divorce is merited, they will nullify the marriage. Any children will remain members of the house both parents joined upon their marriage. It should be noted that for Noble/Royal marriages obtaining a divorce can be far more complicated due to the politics often involved in these marriages.

 

 

Bynames

Persons of great renown are sometimes known by a Byname. These are nicknames given to them by their fellows, and while they can be quite complementary (Percival the Pure for a Chosen who has elected to remain chaste), they can also be insulting or teasing (Percival the Pure for a knight who was told he was 'too pure' for a courtesan to sleep with him). Some people relish their bynames, while others do their best to downplay them. Whatever the case, one never gives themself a byname — trying to do so is a good way for others to give them an embarrassing byname.

 

Justice

Justice is the domain of the nobility. Criminals are brought in by Sheriffs and their deputies, and judged by the head of the area's house. In the absence of the Head of House, their Heir or Steward may dispense justice in their name. If the accused is a commoner, they must accept the outcome of the trial. If the accused is a knight or a member of the nobility and the charge would result in their death or banishment.

 

Trial by combat is the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong in both in Fergana. It can be used to resolve an issue of insult between two knights or nobles, it can be used to resolve a situation where a crime hangs on a 'he said, she said' situation, and it can be used when a knight or noble refutes a capital charge against them (banishment, stripping of rank, or death).

Trial by combat can be as simple as two knights meeting on a road and challenging one another over an insult, or it can be as complex as a noble from one Kingdom accusing a noble from the other Kingdom of a capital crime on their word alone — in which case special care must be taken to not harm the fragile peace.

 

Trial by Combat

Trial by combat can be fought to the death, to first blood, to the yielding of one participant, or to the point where an appointed adjudicator declares one side victorious. The insulted or accused (of a crime) party chooses both the end-point of the trial and the weapons used (lances, mounted hand weapons, foot hand weapons, daggers, or unarmed). The other party chooses the armor to be used.

If either the accused or the accuser is not a warrior, they may request a champion. Any knight or noble may offer themselves as a champion, and the person requesting the champion then chooses one of the volunteers to be their champion. The champion and person being championed will share the same fate should the champion lose. If no one volunteers to serve as champion, the person who requested a champion may either fight them self or be assumed guilty. A time limit is usually put on the request for a champion, which is set by a third party (usually the Head of House of the area, or a member of the Royal family if a Head of House is involved). This can be as short as "immediately" or as long as "a week, for word to get to your home territory and a Champion to be fetched."

The decision of a trial by combat is considered final, and may never be challenged again.

A less formal method to resolve a dispute would be for two parties at a tournament to directly challenge one another to any event being held.