THE CELOSIAN COURT | Imperial Etiquette

[sarahbarah 7105]

 

ISSUED AND AVERRED BY THE OFFICE OF

THE IMPERIAL CHAMBERLAIN

 

 ✠ HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN; 

The Crownlands of the Empire are the jewel of humanity. It is here that etiquette stands as the highest expression of civilization itself; thus, as the heart of the Empire and all of Man, the Crownlands will henceforth set the standard by which all other regions are measured. The customs of the Celosian Court are refined, distinguishing themselves from the practices of lesser courts and distinct subcultures. To conduct oneself properly in the Crownlands is to uphold both one’s personal dignity and the honor the Empire demands. Therefore, by decree of the Empress of Azuras, her court shall uphold the strictest guidelines set forth herein.

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✠ NOBLE ADDRESSMENTS

The proper addressment of nobility establishes the foundation of all courtly conduct. If one is uncertain of another’s titles, it is acceptable to address them as “My Lord” or “My Lady” until otherwise corrected or introduced properly. Courtiers are duly expected to state their full name and titles so that the present company may observe the appropriate level of respect. Gestures of deference must reflect rank; bows and curtsies should deepen and be held at a length in accordance with with the status of the individuals being addressed. 

The following list serves as the proper guidelines by which members of the Imperial nobility and government are to be addressed within the courts of the Crownlands. All courtiers should familiarize themselves with these forms of addressment and make use of them accordingly in proper company.

✠ THE EMPEROR AND EMPRESS

The Emperor and Empress of Azuras are to be referred to in oration as His or Her Imperial Majesty. In direct address, one ought to use “Your Imperial Majesty,” though the shortened “Your Majesty” may be employed in less formal circumstances. 

✠ IMPERIAL PRINCES AND PRINCESSES

Imperial Princes and Princesses are to be addressed as “Your Imperial Highness” and are referred to as “His Imperial Highness,” or “Her Imperial Highness,” though “My Prince” or “My Princess” may be used in casual conversation. Alternatively, informal settings may also permit the use of “Your Highness.” 

✠ MEMBERS OF THE IMPERIAL PRIVY COUNCIL

Members of the Imperial Privy Council are regarded as the Emperor’s most trusted advisors. By virtue of their esteemed station, they are afforded the addressment of “Your Imperial Excellency” and are styled as “His Imperial Excellency” or “Her Imperial Excellency.” 

✠ MEMBERS OF THE IMPERIAL CHANCELLERY 

Those of the Imperial Chancellery are the individuals afforded the privilege of serving in close proximity to the Imperial Archchancellor, affording them the styling of “His Excellency” or “Her Excellency.” They are to be addressed as “Your Excellency” directly. 

✠ ARCHDUKES AND ARCHDUCHESSES

Archdukes and Archduchesses are styled as "His Serene Highness," or "Her Serene Highness," and are afforded the addressment of "Your Serene Highness," though "Your Highness," "My Lord," or "My Lady" may suffice in less formal courtly settings.

✠ PRINCES AND PRINCESSES 

Princes and Princesses of Imperial principalities are granted the styling of “His Highness” or “Her Highness,” and are directly addressed as “Your Highness,” although “My Lord” or “My Lady” are deemed socially acceptable within informal settings. In addition, peers of Princely Houses may choose to style themselves as "His/Her Serene Highness."

✠ DUKES AND DUCHESSES

Rulers of ducal vassals are to be addressed as “Your Grace” and referred to as “His Grace” or “Her Grace” in oration. Additionally, “My Lord” or “My Lady” remain acceptable alternatives following an initial greeting and may be used freely outside of courtly settings. 

✠ MARGRAVES AND MARGRAVINES

In oration, Margraves and Margravines are styled as “The Most Honorable, His Lordship,” or “The Most Honorable, Her Ladyship.” Directly, they are addressed as “Your Lordship” or “Your Ladyship,” and “My Lord” or “My Lady.”

✠ COUNTS AND COUNTESSES

Counts and Countesses are styled as “The Right Honorable, His Lordship” or “The Right Honorable, Her Ladyship.” They are to be addressed directly as “Your Lordship” or “Your Ladyship,” with “My Lord” or “My Lady” serving as an appropriate option of addressment. 

✠ VISCOUNTS AND VISCOUNTESSES

Leaders of viscomital fiefdoms are styled as “The Honorable, His Lordship” or “The Honorable, Her Ladyship.” In direct address, one ought to use “Your Lordship” or “Your Ladyship,” though “My Lord” and “My Lady” are also permissible. 

✠ BARONS AND BARONESSES

Peers bearing baronial status are referred to as “His Lordship” or “Her Ladyship.” When speaking directly, one shall use “Your Lordship” or “Your Ladyship,” with “My Lord” and “My Lady” remaining the standard form of address outside initial greetings.

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✠ COURTLY CONVERSATION

Conversation within the Crownlands is regarded as an art of great discipline. When individuals are not yet acquainted, they must first seek to formally introduce themselves by name and title before engaging in meaningful discourse within a courtly setting. 

Upon the initial greeting, men are expected to bow and women to curtsy in accordance with rank and standing relative to Imperial standards of nobility. Those of lower standing must exercise humility in speech, refraining from boasting or drawing undue attention to their accomplishments unless directly prompted, taking care not to outshine their superiors. Conversely, those of higher station are expected to conduct themselves with grace, avoiding condescension and ill-repute in conversation with those of lesser rank. 

Arms should not be crossed in the presence of others, as it conveys arrogance and disregard. Moreover, one must be mindful of when to speak and when silence is required in the presence of high-ranking nobility. Interruptions, excessive gestures, and disruptive behaviors are to be avoided by courtiers, for such is deemed improper and viewed most unfavorably by the Imperial court. 

Furthermore, both married and unmarried individuals are expected to uphold standards of piety and propriety alike, with married persons embodying dignity and restraint, and unmarried individuals avoiding conduct that might invite scandal or diminish their standing in the eyes of their fellow courtiers.

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✠ TABLE MANNERS

Dining within the Crownlands is distinguished by its rigid nature and strict adherence to propriety. Notably, the seat at the head of the table is reserved for the individual of highest rank, and all others are arranged according to status, with proximity to the head reflecting prestige. Should seating be limited, those of lower rank are expected to yield their place to those of higher standing, while in cases of equal rank, precedence is granted to the elder. 

No guest may be seated before the highest-ranking individual has taken their place, and the meal itself begins only once the tablehead has started to eat, concluding when they have set their utensils down. Throughout the meal, proper posture must be maintained, elbows kept off the table, and unnecessary movement or commotion avoided. Should a ruling liege enter the room, all present are expected to rise and offer a greeting in accordance with their status. 

In keeping with Imperial tradition, diners should leave a small portion of food upon their plate, to be gathered and distributed among the poor following the feast. Exceptions to these customs may be granted, but only at the discretion of the present tablehead.

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✠ THE DUTIES OF THE HOST

To host within the Crownlands is to embody the grace and dignity expected of Imperial nobility; thus, a host is expected to personally greet and honor esteemed guests upon their arrival whenever time permits, particularly those of high station, and ensure that each individual is acknowledged and addressed in accordance with their rank and title. 

Careful consideration must be exercised in seating, conversations, and accommodations so that no guest of notable standing is slighted through neglect or poor placement. The host additionally bears the responsibility of maintaining propriety amongst those assembled, intervening discreetly if tensions or disputes should arise in the midst of pleasant or courtly gatherings.

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The customs and expectations set forth herein exist to preserve the dignity and refinement that is expected of all Imperial nobility, especially within the Crownlands. Through proper conduct and disciplined speech, the Celosian Court of the Imperial Crownlands distinguish themselves as the highest example of civilization across humanity and the continent alike.

 

AVE IMPERIUM!

H V M A N I T A S    I N V I C T A

 

PENNED IN THE NAME OF THE EMPRESS,

HER LADYSHIP, Eirene Mareno,  Lady of Myrine and Ward of the Celosian Court

[Sr_Dimentio 584]

"Hah! Courts!" the scoundrel thief, Jack Swiper, cackled while reading the missive "I'm sure they will be making dumb tea parties and talking about how faaaaaancy they are!" he grinned, talking alone, before throwing the missive at some fire... Fire from which an ember came out, starting to burn his pant "Aaah!!!" he yelped, quickly patting the fire off "Phew..." he mumbled " Heh... Tea parties..." he grinned again, just resting near the fireplace.

[kuerbis 3802]

Valentiná sips her tea at a tea party. 

[sarahbarah 7105]

5 hours ago, Sr_Dimentio said:

"Hah! Courts!" the scoundrel thief, Jack Swiper, cackled while reading the missive "I'm sure they will be making dumb tea parties and talking about how faaaaaancy they are!" he grinned, talking alone, before throwing the missive at some fire... Fire from which an ember came out, starting to burn his pant "Aaah!!!" he yelped, quickly patting the fire off "Phew..." he mumbled " Heh... Tea parties..." he grinned again, just resting near the fireplace.

 

Eirene throttles Jack Swiper in a corridor (again).

[Chimeraof1999 1187]

19 hours ago, sarahbarah said:

The Crownlands of the Empire are the jewel of humanity. It is here that etiquette stands as the highest expression of civilization itself; thus, as the heart of the Empire and all of Man, the Crownlands will henceforth set the standard by which all other regions are measured.

Upon his abyssal lens peered over that particular spot began to cause the DARKSTALKER to cackle out loud. A thundering laugh followed by aggressive slaps to his knee sounded out in a very empty Cathedral. The creature pretended he was crying from laughter, wiping away the tears beneath his eye socket with his boney hand.
"Humans of the Empire have lost their understanding, they still think their crumbling Empire will still be here. Oh, it will be so funny to see this royal family end up in the dirt similar to how they treated their neighbors before."

The creature then tossed the paper into REAL fire, not abyssal flame.