Embedded Files
It is the will of Lord Nadrik that His followers and Knights behave in a courteous and dignified manner. This was one of the first Lessons He gifted us with, read a copy of the scroll here.
|Shiroken Tome - Etiquette|
|Shiroken Tome - Etiquette|
|Index and Overview|
Page Zero.......... |Cover|
Page One........... |Index and Overview|
Page Two........... |Cornerstones of Etiquette|
Page Three......... |Greetings and Farewells|
Page Four.......... |Garments|
Page Five.......... |Tea and Dining|
Page Six........... |Dueling|
Page Seven......... |Courtship|
Page Eight......... |Gender Differences|
Page Nine.......... |Racial Differences|
Page Ten........... |Kingdom Differences|
|Cornerstones of Etiquette|
Etiquette is a code of behavior based on social expectations, and separate
the truly civilized from the barbarous and contemptuous. It is based on
respect, and it is attained through discipline, grace, and practice.
Etiquette does not come easily, but few worthwhile things in life do. And
using the guidelines in this tome will enable others to respect you as you
respect them. Etiquette is a social weapon, and should never be left
sheathed when in the company of others. Particularly strangers.
Etiquette is also found in an individuals stance and mannerisms. Those who
scratch themselves or belch after a hearty meal are consider crass,
undesirable. An individual of good breeding and better manners is aware of
his or her actions at all times, and maintains poise and control. A
suitable means to practice such is to walk bearing a book atop of ones head.
If balance can be maintained regardless of the act being performed, then
grace has been achieved. Ones voice is not to be raised, even when upset or
angry. Maintaining control over your emotions is paramount. Not
suppressing or eliminating, controlling.
It is considered socially unacceptable to lie. By the same token, to speak
a harsh truth openly is considered equally rude. Thus, many true masters of
etiquette are adept at avoiding, redirecting, or buffering the truth before
it departs their mouths.
|Greetings and Farewells|
When meeting someone for the very first time, respect is key. Rise to greet
them if you were sitting, and bow politely. Depending on the rank, age, and
status of the individual, a bow may be required to be lower, though never so
low you lose your balance. When doing so for virtual strangers, it is
advised your eyes remain up in case of unexpected attack, but never
challengingly so. Once the greeter bow is made, the greeted individual is
expected to return it.
Normally, introductions follow. A name is offered before it is asked for,
as a sign of good faith. And usually, when addressing another, rank is
placed before the family name. Using a personal name is a sign of great
closeness, such as good friends or family. Using the rank alone is
considered a mild insult, as it implies the name is not worth remembering,
and the rank is all that the greeter respects.
When meetings come to an end, those parting company typically bow a second
time, usually initiated by the individual whom is leaving first. A blessing
is usually offered for safe travels, at the very least, by both parties. To
offer someone the hope that they return is viewed as the greatest
compliment.
|Garments|
When in public, certain protocols must be followed regarding suitable
apparel. Bare arms and legs are signs of a working class, if not outright
poverty. Likewise bare feet. Proper garments cover all but the head, neck,
and hands. Particularly on a woman. In extreme heat or while performing
labor, it is permissible to roll up the sleeves of a garment to facilitate
easier movement. And, with a male, the possibility of shucking the
uppermost garment to expose their chest, though it is advised for this
reason they wear an undershirt. Weapons are to be either prominently
displayed, within easy sight of any whom you meet, so they cannot
misconstrue your actions as hostile.
To display the respect so inherent in good manners, when meeting another (or
indeed, under any circumstances) clothing should be clean and pressed, with
a minimum (if any) of rips, tears, or marks. It should also be properly
fitted, so it does not come loose at inappropriate junctures. Treat every
day as a formal occasion, and dress accordingly. Jewelry for men should be
limited to a single necklace and ring (two if married). Anything more is
considered gaudy or flashy, flaunting wealth unnecessarily. Women hold no
such restrictions, but even so, there should be limits to the amount of
jewelry they employ at any one time.
|Tea and Dining|
When sharing food or drink with a good friend or business partner, one must
observe a series of simple rules. First and foremost, to permit your
juniors to be seated before yourself. This goes doubly so for women, a man
will not sit while a lady stands, no matter how brief a time. Once they are
seated, you may do the same, usually opposite them, this permits greater
ability to speak directly to one another. Sitting side-by-side is permitted
but it is less proper, unless the individuals are particularly close, or
family, and rarely while it is just the two of them.
Regardless of the meal, drink (usually tea) comes first. A glass is not to
be touched until it is presented to you, in which case it is accepted with
both hands and a thanks to the pourer. Again, one is not to drink until
both everyone has accepted a cup, and the juniors have gone first. The same
procedure follows for any food served. When drinking, take small sips so
you can maintain conversation, and when eating, take small bites. Permit no
food to escape or be seen once it passes your lips. When finished, place
your utensils down, and push the plate or bowl away to signal you are
finished. It is considered highly improper to belch, at any point during
the meal.
Typically after a meal, deserts or coffee may be offered. There is no
reason to decline beyond personal ones, though it -is- considered most
improper to accept when no one else at the table does. When rising, the
reverse is observed, the seniors stand, particularly in the case of males,
so they may assist their companions to their feet if such is deemed
acceptable.
|Dueling|
Be aware that this chapter refers only to a organized, elegant duel between
two individuals. Not the chaotic and wild bloodshed that takes places in
the field of a clan war or a kingdom battle. A duel can be held to test the
strength of fellow comrades, or as a means of friendly competition between
allies. Rarely, it can also be used to settle differences, though this has
largely fallen out of practice.
When facing an opponent, it is necessary to show respect, not only for his
sake, but your own. To underestimate your opponent can easily lead to your
own embarrassing defeat. Remain humble and courteous, even as swords clash.
And speaking of swords, a duels rules are usually settled on between
opponents but once in place must be observed. If no magic is permitted, no
magic is to be used. To do otherwise is dishonorable. However, by that
same token, there is no call to undermine your own power by accepting a
handicap (such as fighting with a sheathed sword) unless you are acting as
an instructor. Doing so only insults your opponent.
Insults and foul words are the weapons of cowards and weaklings, and no
honorable warrior employs them in a duel.
If defeated, accept defeat gracefully and with dignity. If victorious, be
merciful. Do not press an attack if an enemy falls to the ground. If it is
not life and death (as such duels rarely are) do nothing until they state if
they wish to continue or concede. If they concede, offer them a hand up.
If they refuse it, do not press the issue, although it is somewhat rude to
refuse such aide.
|Courtship|
When a friendship between a gentleman and a lady gives way to something
stronger, it is proper to observe the rules of etiquette to ensure the
relationship proceeds smoothly. First and foremost, permission from the
others parents must be sought out to court them. Usually, such will be
given. Even if it is not, it is permissible to proceed to the next step,
though such is cautioned against until the parents give their blessing for
such a matter.
Next comes a declaration to the other half of the couple, usually in the
form of a letter seeking their permission. If they are approving, a
courtship may formally begin.
A courtship is little more than a number of outings engaged in by the
gentleman and lady, usually to events or locales they find they enjoy in
common. Naturally, if the two find they have little in common, the
courtship tends to come to an end with their parting ways in an amicable
matter, their friendship remaining intact. If, however, they find they
develop stronger feelings for one another, the courtship usually comes to an
end with a proposal of marriage.
It is considered improper to engage in an intimate act while courting.
Anything more affectionate than a kiss on the cheek or hand, or a brief hug
is considered improper for two young people not yet married. Holding hands
or linking arms is considered acceptable, however. Common courtship
outings include picnics, restaurant dining, and strolls through the park or
along the coastline. Gifts are also commonly offered during courtships to
express affection.
|Gender Differences|
Men and women fill different roles in society, and despite their equality,
there are still many differences between them that must be observed by a
proper individual.
As a man, it is proper to treat a woman with the utmost respect. This does
not, of course, mean you treat a woman like a porcelain doll, to be wrapped
up and kept safe, lest it break in an instant. Many warrior women and
sorceress have come and gone throughout the ages who have been easily able
to handle themselves on the battlefield, proving females are anything but
delicate. However, many of them still appreciate being treated as special.
Holding the door open for a woman, or offering them a hand to help them rise
from a seat. It is also considered good manners for a man discard his
outermost layer (if possible) such as a coat or haori to cloak a cold woman's
shoulders, protecting her from the elements.
As a woman, ... (the text here is incomplete)
|Racial Differences|
As this tome was originally written for humans, the rules outlined therein
are usually considered for their usage. However, recognizing the social
taboos of other races helps to strengthen good relationships with them. As
a universal gesture, it is considered polite to speak in a race's native
language, if possible. This is considered a good mark in your favor.
Common is an acceptable alternate if such a language has not been learned.
Amongst the dwarves, no greater symbol of pride exists than the beard.
Thus, to pay a comment regarding one is considered good manners. To tug
ones beard is considered impolite in social company.
The elven people find it rude for one to touch their own ears, particularly
to stroke them. Such is an intimate act in their eyes, and best kept
private.
Temperamental in the extreme, yinn have few social niceties they have not
adopted from humans, but universally consider it improper to treat them as
canines. They respect physical strength and power but little else.
Leonines and felar have no qualms about their tails being visible, and
frequently dress in light and revealing garments because of their tropical
origins, feeling no qualms about being viewed in such a fashion.
Bakali have no qualms about their tails being visible, just like felar. To
open ones hood is considered a threatening gesture, as well as an insult.
Kender have few social nicities, but among them to call one a thief is a
grave insult (however true the comment may be).
|Kingdom Differences|
Just as different races find unusual social taboos or niceties, so too do
members of various kingdoms across Algoron. The majority of this book is
written from an Althainian viewpoint, which is largely viewed as the social
center of the world.
In Thalos, a bared midriff is a common sighting, and means nothing more
untoward than it being unusually hot out.
In Abaddon, it is considered an insult to say good morning because of the
demonic nature of its ruling Queens (as well as a majority of its citizens).
Terms such as good night, good evening and the unique good dusk are much
more widely used.
On Shokono, one is expected to never have their head be higher than the
Emperors. Thus, in his company, one is never standing while the Emperor is
sitting, or sitting while he is lying. Many of his servants and courtiers
have specifically trained themselves to walk on their knees because of this.
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Meroveus: Coming Words on Grace and Class
Meroveus: Coming Words on Grace and Class
Fri Oct 14 18:21:01 2011
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Knights, Brothers,
Under the purview of our Lady Shield, Sir Kuromaru and I will be publishing
works on how to conduct oneself with grace and class. The seed, a task for
my former Squire, is planted in the soil of our very virtues, and what
follows stems from that seed.
The words you will read are gleaned from much older, and wiser creatures
than ourselves. We are not the genesis of these concepts, but simply those
who present them to the Keep.
Kantilles willing, these concepts of grace and class will be well
represented in our words.
Meroveus Greyhawk, Knight of the Shield
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Classy Conduct: 1. Be Considerate
Fri Oct 14 18:34:21 2011
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Knights, Brethren,
One of the pillars of conducting oneself with class, is to be considerate.
Train yourself to recoil at the thought of inconveniencing others, offending
them, or in any way being a nuisance. Mind your business among strangers,
and put others at ease in social situations. Be gracious and affable to
everyone, from our Lord Crown, to the Janitor of Althainia. Know the names
of those you see frequently, regardless of station, and finally, treat
everyone the same - with courtesy and respect.
Nobody is born considerate, but habit makes them so.
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On Class - 2. Be Picky
Thu Jan 26 15:34:40 2012
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Pick your words, pick your battles and pick your friends. Or put another
way, think ahead and take great care in all things you say and do. An old
quip rings true: wise men speak because they have something to say; fools
speak because they have to say something. Another wise saying: classy
individuals listen more than they speak.
Apply this wisdom to your choices, your actions, and your friends. Surround
yourself with the positive and the polite. Avoid those who enjoy bickering,
and never argue for the sake of argument. Ignore those who are rude to you
when you can, and respond only in a calm, clear state of mind when you
cannot. Never stoop to their level, and employ polite disdain as a last
resort, to advise them you do not appreciate their actions.
Constructive criticism should be given politely and in private. What may be
well-intended help, can easily be perceived as a hostile attack, when
delivered in front of others. In sum, employ wisdom and calm in your daily
actions, and neither act nor argue on a whim.
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On Class - 3. Be Mindful of Others (the Golden Rule)
Sat Jan 28 11:34:02 2012
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Treat others the way you would want to be treated. As a classy individual,
that should be with courtesy, dignity, and respect. If you will be late
for, or be unable to attend a commitment, warn the parties relevant where it
is within your power. Make it a point to remember and comment upon special
occasions, and be liberal (but not patronising) with your praise.
On the contrary, keep negativity to yourself. You will not always have high
views of others, and sometimes it will be necessary to share your opinion;
do so respectfully, to the appropriate audience, in a constructive manner.
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On Class - 4. Be an Alpha
Mon Jan 30 11:35:06 2012
To: Knighthood Kantilles Imm RP
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This does not mean disregard orders, or hold an overly high opinion of
yourself. True Alphas are independent leaders who assist those around them,
knowing it is right to do so. Alphas are confident in their abilities, and
are cognizant of their their weaknesses. Alphas do not boast, nor slink in
shame. Alphas seek assistance when it is needed. Alphas are not ashamed of
who they are, and do not conform to trends or stereotypes to fit in.
The Alpha displays strength by doing what needs to be done, whether seeking
help in times of need, wisdom in times of doubt, picking up the slack of the
burdens others cannot bear. The Alpha does not complain, but does what it
does because it believes it to be right. Being the Alpha does not require
you to bend over backwards for others, nor should you expect others to bend
over backwards for you. This is a short step from being taken advantage of
(or taking advantage of others), which displays poor class, and is beneath
the Alpha.
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On Class - 5. Be Assertive
Wed Feb 1 10:51:07 2012
To: Knighthood Kantilles Imm RP
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This easily fits with being an Alpha, but deserves a mention on its own. To
be assertive is to be the opposite of the passive aggressive. Assertiveness
comes from balance. From confidence, maturity, and thoughtfulness. The
assertive individual is genuine, and true to themselves. Its antithesis,
the passive-aggressive individual, is afraid of being themselves. Afraid of
speaking out for what they believe, or too weak to keep to themselves what
they know they should not say. The passive-aggressive individual runs from
conflict, but vents this by lashing out, like a beast that runs away and
snarls over their shoulder. Passive-aggressive individual, rather than
being true to themselves, will be phony, pretending to be something they are
not, and will foster negative emotions within themselves as a consequence.
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On Class - 6. Be a Seeker of Wisdom and Growth
Thu Feb 2 21:36:24 2012
To: Knighthood Kantilles Imm RP
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Humility is more than just a virtue. Humility is a state of mind which
enables personal growth. The humble individual will seek the wisdom of
those with greater experience - and there is always someone with greater
experience. Recognizing this will allow you to learn from the mistakes and
successes of others as well as your own, and you will accelerate your own
growth. Similarly, be forthcoming with your own wisdom as others seek it,
for when we teach, we not only help others to grow, but we grow ourselves.
This is true in recognizing the need to receive constructive criticism, as
well. The world around us changes constantly, and we must be open to change
in order to succeed. With an arrogant heart, we may not recognize this
change, or we may downplay our own need to adapt. As Knights of Gareth's
Keep, we are uniquely grounded in tradition and morality, but do not let
this impede your own personal growth. Humility will help you remain
flexible, to change with the times as need be, and to help others adapt with
you. Combine this with our foundation of tradition, and find great strength.
Meroveus Greyhawk,
Knight of the Shield Guardians
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Faelinda: Virtuous - To Be or Not To Be, That IS The Question
Faelinda: Virtuous - To Be or Not To Be, That IS The Question
Thu Jan 26 07:05:01 2012
To: Knighthood
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Virtue is not something
That comes from taking an occasional turn
In following each precept;
It is a lifestyle to learn.
The virtuous are happy.
They have no guilty cares
To interfere with their sleep.
No need to buy addicting wares.
The Standards for behavior
In this Keep need to be set high,
No drunkenness in the pews,
Or smoke should fill the sky.
Just like the fell assassin
Or witch and warlock have found out,
Some paths and behaviors,
We can simply do without.
I encourage those of you
Who to drink and smoke are driven,
To repent and return.
A virtuous life to be livin'.
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