THE GUIDE TO SERVANTRY HANDBOOK

[La Corte Sol Dorada 260]

 

THE GUIDE TO SERVANTRY HANDBOOK

THE GUIDE TO SERVANTRY IN HYSPIA

 

 

La Corte de Girasol
The 8th of Francisco’s Blessing, 110 D.R.

The Guide to Servantry Handbook is a guide to the rights and expectations of those taking on the field of Servantry, alongside what the Hyspian noble family may hire on and what may be expected.

 

DEFINITIONS

Defined below are terms used within the handbook.

Servant
A servant or worker may be defined as someone of a lower class then who they work for, performing duties outlined in their position and attending to their employer.

 

Honorable Discharge 

In an honorable discharge from the position, they are released from the role whether due to time constraints, family matters or otherwise - and may take on such a role again in the future if they wish it.

 

Dishonorable Discharge 

In an dishonorable discharge from the role, the person has done some form of harm to those they worked for - and this may not take on such a role again in the future, whether under the same family or elsewhere.

 

RIGHTS AND EXPECTATIONS

Much like anyone outside of this field, those working in Servantry have the same rights as anyone else. This section is to add further as to what they may expect from a family they work for within Hyspia, as is their right.

 

They have the right to room and board to be provided.

They have the right to a minimum pay of ten minas weekly for their work, further amounts to be negotiated with their employer.

They have the right to be treated fairly.

 

Expectations of the employee may range, due to what role they may take on, but generally the expectations one might expect are the following:

 

The setting up of an event

The caretaking of children

The upkeep and cleanliness of a household

And food preparation

 

Should expectations not outlined in their role not be met, or the basic rights outlined here, it is subject for termination.

 

ON THE NOBILITY
 

Outlined in this section is what those of the nobility may take on, so as to give a clear guide for future purposes.

 

Handmaidens and Cupbearers

 

The role of handmaiden and cupbearer is the junior role to that of Ladies-in-Waiting and Lords-in-Waiting. Generally these are kept to those of a young age, leaving them room for elevation once older.

In the hiring of these positions, the nobility and the gentry alike may have up to three unless otherwise specified - allowing assistance in their day-to-day ventures.

Those of these roles are to be provided the basic rights outlined above, and any additions may be had through negotiation between employer and employee.

 

The duties of the role generally consist of the care and cleanliness of a household, the preparation and serving of a meal and menial duties as needed.

 

Ladies-in-waiting and Lords-in-Waiting

 

Dama de Honors and Caballero de Honors, or more commonly known as a Ladies-in-waiting and Lords-in-Waiting is an esteemed title, in which a man or woman of a lower status than the person they serve, attends to the person directly and assists them with day-to-day matters.

 

Such an honor may only be bestowed upon the noble and royal class, and furthermore, only to a select few. 

This section will expand on the requirements of having such a figure, whether as a Lady-in-waiting or Lord-in-Waiting and what someone may expect while working as one.

 

Those working in the position may expect the basic rights outlined above, with any additions the family may see fit to grant. Alongside this, the granting of second-hand clothing or jewelry is commonplace to use as one would please and a symbol of the family they work for.

 

They are to be afforded respect for their work, as their actions represent themselves and the family they work for alike.

This role may also have an honorable or dishonorable discharge, as outlined in the definitions above.

 

Due to the esteem of this position, constraints must be put on, which are outlined below:

 

The Sovereign and Sovereign-Consort may have as many as they like attending to them, for they oversee the entirety of the Sovereign nation.

 

The heir to Hyspia may have four attending to them at any given time.

 

From there, in order, the Princess-Royal or Prince equivalent may have three.

 

Princes and Princesses may have two, and the firstborn children of each may have one.

 

Infantas and Infantes may have two, and the firstborn children of each may have one.

 

From hereon is the noble class, for noble families of which boast a meritorial heirship, the matter of a lord or lady-in-waiting is one in which the firstborn child is allotted the privilege until such a time an heir is declared; once such is done, if the firstborn is not the heir - they may no longer hold the lord or lady-in-waiting.

In ranking order;

 

A Duke and Duchess may have two, and their firstborn and heir may have one.

 

A Count and Countess may have one each, with their firstborn and heir being able to have one.

 

A Viscount and Viscountess may have one each, and their heir may only have one.

 

A Baron and Baroness may have one each, and their heir may only have one.

 

Those of a commoner status may not have any, and it is the same for those of the Gentry.

 

House Guard

 

In the role of house guard, each noble family may have five in total. The guard's oath is to Hyspia and the royal family first and foremost, and they are considered part of the Hyspian Military, to be called on in the event of conflict.

 

It is the nobles job to pay their house guard for any work done under their household, and provide them with the basic rights outlined above. Alongside this is providing needed gear, steed and medical assistance should they come to be injured.

 

The role of a house guard generally consists of the duty of protecting the family they serve, defending in a duel should the request be made and guarding during travels.

 

This role may also have an honorable or dishonorable discharge, as outlined in the definitions above.

 

Miscellaneous Roles

 

There are many roles that fit under what is considered Servantry, all of which are considered to have the basic rights outlined above. For anything further, as to duties and expectations, alongside benefit and reward - is to be discussed directly between employee and employer.

 

When a family takes on a new member of their staff, they must submit this to the courts, so this may be outlined under the Hyspia Servantry Directory.

 

 

 

Signed,

 

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Renata Alba del Maravilla,

Princess-Royal of Hyspia, Duchess of La Dorada, Baroness of Clemente, Gran Chamberlan of the Girasol Courts

 

Edited January 24, 2025 by La Corte Sol Dorada

[La Corte Sol Dorada 260]

 

Changelog

 

Handmaidens and Cupbearers; from

In the hiring of these positions, the nobility may have up to three unless otherwise specified - allowing assistance in their day-to-day ventures.

to

In the hiring of these positions, the nobility and the gentry alike may have up to three unless otherwise specified - allowing assistance in their day-to-day ventures.

 

Ladies-in-waiting and Lords-in-waiting; from

Those of a commoner status may not have any, and it is the same for those of the Gentry and Titular class; i.e. honorary nobility.

to

Those of a commoner status may not have any, and it is the same for those of the Gentry.

 

 

Ladies-in-waiting and Lords-in-waiting; from

From hereon is the noble class, the Duke and Duchess may have two, and their firstborn and heir may have one.

to

From hereon is the noble class, for noble families of which boast a meritorial heirship, the matter of a lord or lady-in-waiting is one in which the firstborn child is allotted the privilege until such a time an heir is declared; once such is done, if the firstborn is not the heir - they may no longer hold the lord or lady-in-waiting.

In ranking order;

 

A Duke and Duchess may have two, and their firstborn and heir may have one.

 

[These changes see to the allowance of the gentry to hold three handmaidens or cupbearers, and see to the removal of the mention of the titular class, of which is no longer a class within Hyspia. Alongside this is the clarification of lords and ladies-in-waiting for families that take part in meritorial heirship.]

 

Edited January 24, 2025 by La Corte Sol Dorada