THE MAKINGS OF AN ENLIGHTENED MAN

[marilka 552]

 

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T H E 

M A K I N G S  

O F

 

A N

E N L I G H T E N E D  M A N

 

A N N O   D O M I N I MDCCLXXI

Penned by the hand of Vespira Antonia Helane, with additions by Madame Rothesay.

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The Modern Orenian, c. 1754

 

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To the subjects of the Holy Orenian Empire,

 

Since the dawn of the First Empire, Orenian men have established themselves as chivalric combatants, stalwart politicians, and the most able defenders of hearth and home humanity has ever seen.

 

Now, in the 18th century, the world we are blessed with is more civilized than ever, thanks to the mighty efforts of generations past; we live in an era where the archaic art of war is on the decline, and more genteel pursuits such as bureaucracy and philosophy is on the up. Due to the current meritocratic regime, we have been ushered into an age of refinement, and with a new era, comes a new man: the enlightened man of the Holy Orenian Empire, and though the etiquette of men is not so complex as that of women, it should be addressed nonetheless. 

 

 

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Orenian Court Uniform, c. 1760s

 

Overview

First and foremost, it is imperative for every prospective male courtier to know that courtly fashion in the palatial residence of Novellen revolves solely around one thing: extravagance. Prior to the founding of our illustrious empire, courtiers of yore were prone to outfiting themselves in ensembles that were primarily made of armor. However, due to the efforts of our esteemed government, we live in a time of relative serenity, and Imperial men’s fashion reflects our aforementioned newfangled way of life.

 

On Court Uniform

In simplest terms, the court uniform consists of three primary pieces: the frock coat, waistcoat, and breeches, which are generally made of textiles in complementing patterns, coming as a set. A proper gentleman’s coat has a full skirt and extends all the way down to his knee, with large cuffs and deep pleats from both sides of the waist down to the hem. Seeing as generally one’s silken breeches do not extend past the knee, stockings or riding boots are advised to conceal the remaining flesh of the calf. Riding boots, however, are not always advised, as they may give attribute to a boorish gait. Additionally, a potential courtier must wear a clean and frilled linen shirt beneath his uniform. Other staples of fashionable dress include the neck stock or cravat and brass-buckled leather shoes. It is highly suggested for men of the court to wear low-heeled leather shoes or boots. Heels should never extend past medium height, lest the perpetrator of the aforementioned fashion folly wishes to be the subject of ridicule. 

 

Given the flourishing economy of Helena, vibrant colors and gorgeous embroidery are staples of Imperial fashion, brilliantly exemplifying the glittering prosperity of the present Imperial regime. Thus, men and women alike are encouraged to incorporate such elements into their dress as a show of pride in their Empire. Furthermore, with regards to the growing importance of fine textiles in the Helenan social circles, it is important that a man’s jabots are made of the finest lace he can afford, and are starched accordingly. Concerning leisurewear, the Rhenyari banyan has become an Imperial loungewear staple, with it’s loose fit and vibrant external fabrics. 

 

On Grooming

One of the most barbaric acts one can commit at court is allowing their hair growth to run amok. Beards are scarcely encouraged, however, if a fellow is unrelenting in his wish to keep his beard, then he must have it cut regularly so that it does not exceed the eighth of the length of a pinky. The Rhenyari style of facial hair has become popularized in recent times, given the rise of both Simon Basrid and Jahan Basrid in the Imperial courts. The trimming consists of both a moustache and a goatee, with all surrounding hair on the cheeks shaved, giving the face a pleasingly masculine contour. 

 

Just as with ladies, men should never style his periwig using lard or flour, seeing as the scent is incredibly offensive to those sharing his company, and may furthermore attract flying vermin. Frequent cleanings of the peruke and also frequent bathing is encouraged, but only ever when clean water is available. Furthermore, it is ill-advised to bathe in warm waters, lest the body become susceptible to illness. Cool water is preferable, strengthening the body and keeping it healthy. Bathing should also be coupled with the use of herbal soaps and unguents, imparting unto the person an agreeable, sweet-smelling fragrance. 

 

On Wigs and the Coiffure

On the other hand, if a courtier is experiencing hair loss, then he must either wear a powdered wig or a hat at all times. It is exceedingly important to note that a man must never be embarrassed if he has to conceal his hair thinning with a wig, seeing as most gentlemen, balding or not, opt to wear wigs anyways. The finest wigs are made of human hair, but for those who cannot afford it, there are alternatives of horse and goat hair. The more popular, intricate styles of the powdered wig include the wrapped queue, the pompadour, the pigeon-wing and the bag wig, accompanied with a horseshoe toupee. Simpler, more practical styles include the club wig, the ribboned wig, and the braided queue. 

 

Many men choose to adorn themselves with additional headwear in the form of hats, most notably the tricorn hat, bicorn hat, or, to achieve a more bucolic aesthetic, a felt round hat with cockade, all of which may be embellished with ribbons or feathers. Regarding the color of the periwig, some men may choose to tint their peruke to correspond with their station. Tradesmen generally adorn brown wigs, gray wigs for lesser authorities, and white wigs for higher authorities. Given, however, the great appreciation for the Empire’s upper echelon, many choose to powder their wigs in tribute, despite social standing. 

 

 

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A Genteel Fellow, c. 1750s

 

Overview

If a gentleman seeks to have a fruitful stay at the imperial court, then it is absolutely essential for him to read up on what is expected of him in terms of behavior. Etiquette is the code of laws which binds society together, as omnipresent as the air we breathe, with a vast influence on the welfare of mankind. A frequent utterance amongst courtiers is: “one day you are in, one day you are out”, and unlike many common sayings, this one actually rings true; Orenian court is infamous for its cut-throat nature, and multiple court favorites have lost their coveted status due to a singular faux-pas. 

 

On the General Comportment  

Behavioral etiquette is one of the cornerstones of good manners; whether in Kingly chambers, Imperial halls or the Gentleman’s Circle. A mark of this courtly prowess is that those who share your company are assured that their presence is a decided pleasure to you. It is imperative that a gentleman always refers to a Lord and Lady of the Realm by his or her proper title and address. When escorting or walking with a lady of equal or higher social status to his own person, a gentleman should alway offer his left arm to the ladies right. A proper offering of the arm to a lady is always defined by the linking of the elbows. They should remain connected at all times until the walk has ended, in which case the gentleman shall wait for the lady to unlink her arm first. The act of carrying a sword or any other kind of weapon in the presence of a lady and Imperial Family member (unless requested distinctly by their own personage) is considered ungenteel and a breach of manners and etiquette. Exempt from this rule are decorated veterans, fencers and soldiers who are on duty. Men are encouraged however to keep a small dagger or knife on their person for their own personal protection. Retaining polite manners and often utilising the phrases of ‘please’ when requesting something and ‘thank you’ when showing gratitude is smiled upon at court and will propel a gentleman a long way in the eyes of his peers and equals alike.

 

On the Attendance of Balls, Dinners and Soirees

An evening party is an event teeming with radiance, charm, and refinement; where the air is heady, and sweet with the mingling perfumes of the ladies of the gallery. To the average gentleman, however, it has long been believed that such celebrations are the frivolous distractions of women. Such archaic ideals are now being challenged, given the rise of the Gentleman’s Circle, more commonly known as the Casino, seeing as both men and women are entitled to attend. The decorum of the Casino is a most important asset which attendees must take care to preserve, considering it is attended by many members of the upper echelon of Orenian society. The purpose of the Circle is not only chiefly socialization, but to provide a haven where the drinks flow freely, interactions between on-goers remain cordial and there is no foul play between gambiling participants. It is the duty of a gentleman always to pay his gambling debts, which are to be rigorously honored. 

 

In introductions, a gentleman is scarcely introduced to a lady without first obtaining hers or the hostesses permission. Generally, it is the lady who is introduced to the gentleman, using the format of “Mrs. A, allow me to present to you Mr. B.” Between men, introductions are not so decorous, consisting of simply, “Mr. A, meet Mr. B.” A gentleman walking with a lady lifts his hat to every person, gentleman or lady, to whom the lady bows, as a mark of respect to her, and will remove his cigar from his lips when engaging in conversation with her. 

 

Social status and standing within the Empire is indeed important. A common gentleman asking a lady of the nobility to dance with him is considered rude and unmannerly, however if a noble lady asks a common gentleman to dance it is considered impolite to refuse. Commoners and nobility may dance with other commoners and nobility at their will, however an Imperial Family member should always be the foremost person to invite or initiate a dance with someone within any scenario. Whilst a member of the nobility being invited to dance with an Imperial Prince or Princess is not an uncommon sight, the prospect of a commoner being invited or initiating a dance with an Imperial Family member is unusual and seen as a breach of etiquette and protocol.

 

A church is a place to which, as a general rule, the etiquette of society is not applied; for though you would recognize your friends there, it is seen as incredibly disrespectful to make introductions, give invitations to dinner parties, or enter into long conversations. It is a holy place, and politeness is expected. 

 

On the Imperial Presence

In entering the Imperial presence, gentlemen are expected to bow and scrape. Scraping refers to the drawing back of the right leg as one bow, such that the right foot scrapes the floor or earth. While executing such a bow, the man's right hand is pressed horizontally across the abdomen while the left is held out from the body, often with a flourish. If the man holds a cane, it is always grasped in the hand held out from the body. If a gentleman wishes to speak with the Emperor and he is not busy, wait just outside the presence until you are bidden to approach. One might make themselves more obvious by bowing and scraping. One must never stare. If one must speak to get the emperor's attention (although this isn't usually necessary) one might try ‘Forgive me, your Imperial Majesty, but…’ or ‘Your Imperial Majesty, may I approach?’

 

On the Noble Stylings

The stylings of noblemen have long been misused, and it is our chief desire at this moment to rectify the issue of men carousing about as a Lord, when their claim to the title is scarce to none. Upon the first meeting, introduction, or in formal court proceedings, a peer is to be approached first with his long form address, and then with his short form address for any subsequent interactions. 

• A Duke is to be addressed most formally as “His Grace [forename] [surname], Duke of [Duchy]”, or as “His Grace, The Duke of [Duchy]” on more cursory occasions. He may subsequently be addressed as “Your Grace”, “My lord”, “Lord [Duchy]”, or simply “Sir”. 

  • The children of a Duke may stylize themselves as Lords and Ladies.

• A Marquess is to be addressed most formally as “The Most Honorable [forename] [surname], Marquess of [March]”, or as “The Most Hon. The Marquess of [March]” on more cursory occasions. He may subsequently be addressed as “My lord”, “Lord [March]”, or simply “Sir”. 

  • The children of a Marquess may stylize themselves as Lords and Ladies.

• A Count is to be addressed most formally as “The Right Honorable [forename] [surname], Count of [County]”, or as “The Rt Hon. The Count of [County]” on more cursory occasions. He may subsequently be addressed as “My lord”, “Lord [County]”, or simply “Sir”. 

  • Only the eldest son of a Count may stylize himself as a Lord, and all of his daughters may stylize themselves as Ladies, with the younger sons styling themselves as The Honourable. 

• A Viscount is to be addressed most formally as “The Right Honorable [forename] [surname], Viscount of [Viscounty]”, or as “The Rt Hon. The Viscount [Viscounty]” on more cursory occasions. He may subsequently be addressed as “My lord”, “Lord [Viscounty]”, or simply “Sir”. 

• A Baron is to be addressed most formally as “The Right Honorable [forename] [surname], Baron of [Barony]”, or as “The Rt Hon. The Lord [Barony]” on more cursory occasions. He may subsequently be addressed as “My lord”, “Lord [Barony]”, or simply “Sir”. 

  • The children of Viscounts and Barons are not eligible for any Lordly styling, all of whom are to be stylized as The Honorable.

 

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IN NOMINE DEI,

Her Grace, The Duchess of Sunholdt, Vespira Antonia d’Arkent

Majordomo of Novellen

 

 Mlle Renée Antoinette Rothesay

Maîtresse-en-titre, Chancellor of the Imperial Association of Culture

 

[Taketheshot 3834]

Sir Henry nods but he keeps his beard.....

[Lickspittle 695]

“No beards? These imperials have gone insane,” Ionian would remark, stroking his elegant beard and drinking. “It all started with those wigs...”

[1_Language_1 1671]

      Wilheim doesn't bother reading it, as the author was the same woman who wrote ridiculous supremacist propaganda about women and fans! “Someone needs to give this woman some common sense, or take the prideful stick out her arse.” The middle-aged Southeron shows it to his wife Nicole ( @Branchio ) before tossing it into the furnace when she is finished. “I don’t need that crap telling my children to be something they are not. We may be Southeron but all humans bleed the same! We do not need this fake superiority among us. Who cuts the firewood for these men? Surely not themselves, but real men with beards.”

 

     Unfortunately, Wilheim continues on with his at-home lecture to his family in the countryside.

[Fwied 301]

Cole Roger reads this and chuckled a bit “If this is what the imperial women of this age like I suppose I will be a gross man and will never have a lover, though with the way things are I most likely will die alone anyway” he forced a smile as he threw the paper into the C&C trash bin

[Branchio 93]

12 minutes ago, 1_Language_1 said:

      Wilheim doesn't bother reading it, as the author was the same woman who wrote ridiculous supremacist propaganda about women and fans! “Someone needs to give this woman some common sense, or take the prideful stick out her arse.” The middle-aged Southeron shows it to his wife Nicole ( @Branchio ) before tossing it into the furnace when she is finished. “I don’t need that crap telling my children to be something they are not. We may be Southeron but all humans bleed the same! We do not need this fake superiority among us. Who cuts the firewood for these men? Surely not themselves, but real men with beards.”

 

     Unfortunately, Wilheim continues on with his at-home lecture to his family in the countryside.

Nicole glances to her husband as he goes on his rant, stifling a small laugh at the lecture, though listening anyway. 

 

[Paulobig 133]

Alaric DeNurem brushes his beard as he reads the missive, thinking “Perhaps such is the will of some, nei all. Anyhow, I like my beard – ‘Think I’ll keep it”

[TheNunnery 1853]

“An amazing Idea, but seems like a stretch?” The Halcourt said to herself, taking a very silent but long sip from her tea, seeming sightly confused then going on to say after her long sip of tea, having a raised brow. “isn’t ones choice of what they wear? I mean this for hair of a person? Isn’t one’s choice for one to have their hair a certain style?”

[rep2k 3192]

Björnolf Stjörn laughs from the Seven Skies, reading the paper he stole from some peasant in Helena when he visited  “ Oh, the only good thing with being dead – no need to follow these stupid rules ! “ he chuckled, placing his bottle of wine on the ground as he throws the paper on the top of Varoche Hall without a proper reason, throwing it so hard that the paper would burn on its way down.

[wyvernbro 77]

Corporal Stafford peers over the missive in the Bastille’s mess hall, sipping some coffee and brushing his immaculate moustache. “Eh, I never cared for them full beards either. Too much like the dwarves... or worse, those thrice-damned nordlings.” With that he folds up the paper and tucks it away, silently thanking Simon Basrid for bringing moustaches into style.

[Aidoro 464]

Ser Demetrius Ruthern visibly gags at the mentioning of wigs, rubbing his barbaric beard.

[KeatonUnbeaten 1103]

“No beards? Noble pansies must be jealous that their low-born subjects can grow facial hair and they can’t.” Keaton would comment, absolutely bewildered at the self-address of the Orenians as ‘enlightened’.