Search the Community

Etiquette hen court Issued on the 4th, of Dragon’s Flame of the year 11 of AST. SUMMARY/INTRODUCTION The following is a set of guidelines; explanations of the expectations which well cultured citizens of the realm ought to emulate. The court of our Grand Principality is the center of our honor, and is given weight only by the reverence which is shown within its chamber. Therefore to bring honor and grace to the court is to accept these standards upon one’s self; and the rejection of these principles reveals much more than just one’s lack of respect for the Prince and his Peace. Definitions In Court: In the presence of any gathering, or dedicated place of the Prince and Royal Family will be known as ‘The Court’. The prominent examples are the courtroom itself during ceremonies, the capital Palace, and any social gathering at which the Royalty or Nobility is principally involved. Ceremonies: Any organized event of royal/noble significance, lasting from the opening until the closing of the occasion. Hospitality: Active and mutual attention with one’s friends or acquaintances. Includes the exchange of gifts and giving honorable greetings to a friend’s House and kinsmen. Physical Bearings in Court Encouraged Behaviors - Stand with high posture Legs firm and straight when standing, and bent perfectly at the knee when sitting. Men position their legs parallel to each other at the knees, while women cross their legs at the knees. When standing, arms are either held straight at the side or bent directly at the elbow, with the hands either joined in front of the abdomen or behind the spine. - When addressing those around, speak in a whisper It is most appropriate, when speaking to one or a few nearby acquaintances, to carry one’s voice at the lowest tone which one is able to. Primarily, to ensure that conversations do not impede the proceedings of court, and secondly, to emphasize the attention that one must take to fully understand the meaning of one’s speech. - When addressing the court or the Sovereign, speak in a clear, loud voice It is most appropriate, when addressing the attendants of the court, and especially the Royalty of the Realm, that one ensures their message is clearly given to all. It is imperative when in such a position of attention that one upholds the best display of their civility. - (For Nobility) Humbly set the standard Nobility are charged to be the public example of the most distinguished and respectable citizenry. Therefore, they must always be seen carrying themselves in the most honorable forms, and be heard to use the most dedicated and precise language. Such things inspire trust in one’s countrymen and appreciation for virtue in all citizens. To note; it is dishonorable for a noble or group of nobles to compete with each other to out-display each other with increasingly elegant dress, for all should reserve it to the Royalty to adorn themselves in the most distinguished garments and jewels. - (For Royalty) Dedication to Regality Royal persons are expected at all times to acknowledge what they are; the living essence of the Realm. As such, these must comport themselves with only as much honor as they would compel others to render to their crown. To achieve this aim, the royalty is always seen to act, dress, and speak in such ways that inspire reverent awe in their subjects and enforce the interests of the people. - Maintain the order of pets and children Any young children and wards, as well as pets and other dependent entities, are expected to be at the constant attention of their caretaker at all times. Whether this is a parent, relative, or otherwise designated guardian, none of the above listed subjects should be seen out of the control of their overseer. - (For Generals) Comport oneself with Stoic Honor For men of such heavy and hallowed duty, word must be little, and action much. As such, it is not appropriate for the distinguished captains and generals of the realm to be seen consumed by various energetic cares during court, but must at all times be a rock upon which the glory of our realm stands. For this reason Generals are bid to limit conversation for the duration of court and ceremonies, only speaking when called upon to do so, and when called, speaking with the authority and dignity bestowed upon them by the Crown. - (For Soldiers) Display universal respect It is for the sake of every Aeltarosi citizen, merchant, child, and priest which calls this island a common home; that the soldiers of the realm gather for their protection. From these citizens, our fighting force is fed, and to these citizens our soldiers sacrifice their honor and lives. Therefore any man shall be greatly dishonored who takes up a false enmity with a soldier of the realm, and any soldier will call such dishonor upon his own self if he takes up enmity with a subject of his Sovereign. Such is the manifest command of the Prince’s Peace. Discouraged and Dishonorable Behaviors - Consume Food (Drink is Encouraged) Unless a courtly event specifically invokes the gathering and eating of food, courtiers ought not to be seen eating food during ceremonies. As an exception; the offering and consumption of fine, non-overwhelming drink is encouraged between friends and allies; all the better if this is done from elegantly crafted glass vessels. - Attract undue attention during ceremonies To selfishly call the attention of the gathered court to oneself when it is not in due season, is disrespectful to one’s countrymen. The Royalty and courtly staff are especially harmed by such actions of outburst or dramatic display, and it does little honor to one’s House to show a small measure of public decency. Most especially, to be seen and heard running from place to place in constant movement and climbing upon furnishings during court is disruptive and offensive to the Prince’s regality. - Be seen in deficiency in court To be in ill condition at court makes the public eye and the private consciousness skeptical of one’s integrity and diligence. Actions such as being seen loudly in need of food, vocally thirsting for drink, blowing one’s nose, or belching, are outward signs of inward impurity. - Display Public Affection during ceremonies All attention during courtly events ought to be directed as best as possible to the cares of the court and its proceedings. Display of overly affectionate behavior toward one’s courtship undermines the special dignity of the women of the court, and undermines the gallant self control of the men of the court. As the only exception; married units of man and wife are encouraged to hold hands as a show of the eternal and manifested bond of one soul to another. Resolving mistakes in Etiquette If a noble is seen performing or not performing an act which would bring indignity to themselves or the name of their house, it is the responsibility of the fellow peers to ensure the common accordance to the culture of excellence. To resolve any issues of this sort; first inform the lady of the house (or most prominent daughter) of the details of the improper deed. She will take the knowledge to the peer, who will set the arrangement of his space to hold more firmly to the etiquette of the prince's peace. It is critical that this is only done with the utmost respect as to not cause offense. Misunderstandings arisen from uncareful speech is a thousand measures more harmful than any violation of proper etiquette. (Verbal) Addresses For Royalty ○ For Sovereign Prince - ”Your Highness” - ”Lord Sovereign” - “Prince [Royal Name]” ○ For Princess-Consort - ”Your Highness” - ”Lady Sovereign” - ”Princess [Royal Name]” ○ For Designated Heir - ”Your Excellency” - ”Lord/Lady Excellency” ○ For all other Royal House Members - ”Your Reverence” - ”Lord/Lady Reverence” For Nobility (Comital & Ducal) ○ For Title Holder/Consort - “High Lord/Lady [Title]” - “Your Grace” - “Lord/Lady Grace” ○ For Non-Title House Members - “Lord/Lady [First Name]” - “Lord/Lady [House Name]” For Nobility (Baronial & Viscomital) ○ For Title Holder/Consort - “Honorable Lord/Lady [Title]” - “Lord/Lady [Title]” ○ For Non-Title House Members - “Lord/Lady [First Name]” - “Lord/Lady [House Name]“ (Written) Addresses For Royalty ○ For Sovereign Prince - “To our Sovereign Prince, [Royal Name], Prince of Aeltarys” ○ For Princess-Consort - ”To our Beloved Princess, [Royal Name], Princess of Aeltarys” ○ For Designated Heir - ”To our Excellency, [Royal Name], Heir to Aeltarys” - ”To our Excellent Reverence, [Royal Name], Heir to Aeltarys” ○ For all other Royal House Members - ”To our Reverence, [Royal Name] of House Valraenos” For Nobility (Comital & Ducal) ○ For Title Holder/Consort - “To His/Her Grace, [First Name] of [House Name], [Primary Title]” ○ For Non-Title House Members - “To High Lord, [First Name] [Second Name ], of [House Name]” For Nobility (Baronial & Viscomital) ○ For Title Holder/Consort - “To The Honorable [First Name] of [House Name], [Primary Title]” ○ For Non-Title House Members - “To Lord [First Name] [Second Name] of [House Name]” Feasting Arrangements During feasts, the Family of honor (usually the host, unless otherwise specified) will be seated at the most prominent seat of the table. To the right sits the consort, to the left are placed all of the heirs, with proximity to the center indicating the order of their succession. Such an array should be achieved whenever possible when gathered at courtly events. It is customary, even at the smallest of tables, to leave the first left seat empty if the heir is not available, or if the House has no declared heir. When hosting dignitaries and peers, it is expected of the organizing lord to assign spaces for every titled noble who is most expected to attend. Note *When addressing nobility and royalty of the realm, it shows a respectable level of learning and virtue to properly attribute titles to Houses. Even more important is distinguishing titled nobility from the families of titled nobility. Simply; when addressing a noble of title, use the name of their title, preceded by ‘Lord/Lady’ or ‘High Lord/Lady’. When addressing non-titled nobility, use the name of their House or their First Name, preceded by ‘Lord/Lady’ Essential Principles Common Honor: At all times, one should act, dress, and speak in such ways that displays the honor of their family, and the good learning of one's life. The living sovereign and the immortal realm are both most highly honored when their citizens act with constant grace and balanced measure. Enduring Hospitality: One must always give the most hospitality to the common citizenry which are the lifeblood of all civilization. It is the love of the common people which gives legitimacy to the sovereign crown and the dignity of the nobility. Nothing does a man or woman more honor than to be seen selflessly giving of oneself in service to virtuous deeds. Likewise, nothing brings so much dishonor than to be more loving of wealth and high dignity than the interest of all Aeltarosi. Resources & Their Use (OOC:) Houses of The Realm: [Link] Use this to associate oneself with the names and ranks of the various nobility of the realm. As such things are subject to change from one generation to another. Aeltarys Public Forum: [Link] Use this to be informed of news and discourses of the court Overall Court Summary: [Link] Use this to acquaint yourself and other courtiers with the ongoing description and operations of the Royal Court of Aeltarys. Otherwise known as the Orbar Court. Zālagon Jehikagrī, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Maegor I Valraenos, Grand Prince of the Aeltarosi, Prince of Dragonclaw HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Arabella Valraenos of Pavia, Grand Princess of the Aeltarosi, Princess of Dragonclaw (Authored By) Casstrucio Dandalo

SE COURT HEN ŌRBAR Issued on the 11th, of Bloodwings Flight of 5 AST. INTRODUCTION Se Court Hen Ōrbar, or in common the Court of Smoke is the first Aeltarosi court established upon the expedition of the Aeltarosi to Aevos. With the ceremony of His Royal Highness, Maegor I and Her Royal Highness Arabella I, the newly named Grand Princess has seen it fit to herald the creation of the Court of Smoke, advised by the natural-born Aeltarosi. “May the flames burn as bright as an inferno.” THE DRAGON'S BREATH The highest tier of the courts, commonly referred to as the Dragon’s Breath is kept solely to the royal family of Valraenos. It consists of the Grand Prince and Princess, the Crown Royal once an heir is named and the royal family itself. Their roles are showcased in many ways, in which they may fill any roles of the court. It is the consort, though, of the Grand Prince or Princess that will be seen running the Courts and thus appointing the roles below them. THE INFERNO The second highest tier of the courts, in which is it commonly referred to as the Inferno, as the difficulty of getting into the positions and keeping them in this fast-paced and ever-changing environment is that of akin to an inferno. THE INFERNOS OVERSEER The Infernos Overseer of the Ōrbar Court is second-in-command to the Dragon’s Breath, and the highest-ranking position. They are an individual who speaks directly with the upper tier and assures their expectations and standards are kept to. They are tasked with setting the example, and thus must always be the epitome of their role. Alongside this, they ensure the court is running smoothly with all the essentials it may need. They directly interview and hire those of the second tier, the Inferno, alongside those of the third tier, their Scales Assistants. THE INFERNO OF CEREMONIES The Inferno of Ceremonies of the Ōrbar Court is the second highest-ranking position. They answer directly to the Infernos Overseer and the Dragon’s Breath alike. They are tasked with the introduction of games, traditions and ensuring each event that takes place is more exciting then the last. They must be ever-fluid much like an inferno, and thus must always be the epitome of their role. They directly interview and hire those of the third tier, their Scales Assistants. THE INFERNO OF SERVITUDE The Inferno of Servitude of the Ōrbar Court is the third highest-ranking position. They answer directly to the Infernos Overseer and the Dragon’s Breath alike. They are tasked with ensuring the courts are fully stocked with necessities, they are to keep the cabinets full, upkeep the palace and to assume responsibility for the lower positions running smoothly. They directly interview and hire those of the third tier, their Scales Assistants and those of the fourth tier, the Embers Servants. THE INFERNOS WEAVER The Infernos Weaver of the Ōrbar Court is the fourth highest-ranking position. They answer directly to the Infernos Overseer and the Dragon’s Breath alike. They are tasked with the keeping of court archives, the keeping of important documents and the introduction of new ones. They are to keep the Court relevant, with the finding of various art pieces, bringing forth traditions old and new and keeping a keen eye to our history. The most notable of this, which gives them their name, is that they must be skilled in embroidery. When appointed to their position, they are to embroider the scarf used in Aeltarosi ceremonies, a great honor for any Aeltarosi to have. They directly interview and hire those of the third tier, their Scales Assistants. THE SCALES The third highest tier of the courts, commonly referred to as the Scales, as they bring a much needed balance to the courts. While not as difficult to get into as the Infernos tier, it is a difficult position to uphold nonetheless. THE SCALES ADVISOR The Scales Advisor of the Ōrbar Court answers directly to the Infernos and Dragon’s Breath alike. They do not have specific tasks set, and as advisors can be hired on for any number of reasons, depending on talent and ability. They are called upon when their particular set of skills or talents are needed within the courts. THE SCALES ASSISTANT The Scales Assistant of the Ōrbar Court answers directly to the Infernos and Dragon’s Breath alike, though they may have a primary they answer to. What they assist on depends solely on who they were hired on to assist, i.e. event running with the Infernos of Ceremonies or managerial work to the Grand Princess. THE EMBERS The lowest tier of the courts, commonly referred to as the Embers, in which they can be blown out with the wind or be tended to and be made into fire. The work set out can vary wildly, much like a Princess choosing her apparel for the day. THE EMBERS SERVANT The Embers Servant of the Ōrbar Court answers directly to the upper tiers of the court, though the Infernos and Dragon’s Breath always takes the utmost priority. They are set a variety of tasks, which are not exclusive to the upkeep and cleanliness of the palace, serving during various functions or even the rearranging of a flower pot to another corner of the room. THE EMBERS WARD The Embers Ward of the Ōrbar Court answers directly to the individual they are warded to, though the Infernos and Dragon’s Breath always takes the utmost priority. The tasks they are set are based solely on the discretion of the individual who warded them, though it will primarily be seen to be based around the role in question, i.e. being warded to the Infernos Weaver will see you organizing the palaces books, or embroidering a handkerchief. Zālagon Jehikagrī, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Arabella Valraenos of Pavia, Grand Princess of the Aeltarosi, Princess of Dragonclaw, Lady of Pavia, Lady of Atalais, Lady of Erice, Lady of Austerone