Igelfeld Family/Von Igelfeld family Memoirs/The Wisdom of Moritz/Socialization and Etiquette
"Perhaps socialization and etiquette?" Moritz asked.
"I am not going to court, what importance is etiquette on the battlefield?" I replied, slightly confused.
"My dear cousin, this is perhaps the most important lesson of all. For without proper etiquette and attentiveness to the realms matters, you cannot be anything but a pawn of the king. Not that, that is a bad thing mind you as we all need our pawns. It's just that it isn't for everyone and I see great things in your future." Mortiz becomes distant as he enters his own fantasy world of chess, "I think I have advanced to ... to bishop, no, rook, no bishop, no ... I am definitely a bishop or perhaps a knight." Regaining focus he continued, "Anyway, the point being that during my work here I advanced through proper etiquette and involvement in realms affairs, and of course been caused pain by failing to follow the rules. Remind me to tell you of my duel with Viscount Jax Mithras." A smile slowly spread across his face.
"You have my attention now cousin, please continue."
Flustered as he obviously wanted to be asked about Mithras, he grudgingly continued, "first, there are basic rules that apply everywhere. Respect, always show respect to your fellow nobles, there may come a time when it is necessary to call Sir John a halfwit or say something unpleasant about his mother, but always be sure to do so with as much respect as possible. For example say something like, 'Sir John, honourable Knight of Blank, although it pains me to speak thus, I feel that it is my duty to inform you of the simple fact that you are a worthless nargle, your insights are reminiscent of my favorite nephews. Again it is truly unpleasant for me to say this, but I thought you would like to know that my captain met your mother at the whorehouse last night and said she was not worth the copper piece he paid, you may want to ask her to quit, or pay for lessons as she is truly an embarrassment. I believe my nephew would bid you farewell, but alas, he is not quite two and can barely speak.'"
Shocked I replied, "Have you ever said anything like that?"
He pouted, "No, but I desperately want to."
"I shall never do that, it seams distinctly crude and peasant like."
"No, no, no," Moritz said shaking his head, "There is an elegance to insulting in a noble manner, but we can talk about that latter."
"The most important aspect of showing respect is using proper titles and names. When addressing a noble in charge of a region always refer to them as Lord or Lady and use there full name. Nobles in charge of cities are called Duke or Duchess and deserve extra respect as you want them to like you. Most important, always refer to the members of the realm council by their titles, our king is called Archon, why I don't know but when addressing him I always say 'Your majesty Archon ...' and of course his full name. You may find many people ignoring the last name of nobles and that is largely acceptable, but to show distinction to those you wish to impress it is prudent to use their full name. so we covered respect for the most part, but be sure to show proper respect particularly to those in authority and those favored by them as they have the ability to advance you or hold you back. Continuing that idea, it is also very wise to show loyalty to your realm, King, and Liege, and in that order. Unless you have good reason to do so, such as being on an advisory council or to support someone higher on the list, you should try to support the ideas of those above you, and when voicing your opinion when not in a position of power be sure to first pay respect to those above you and reiterate that your opinion is just that, your opinion. By doing this you can appear respectful, loyal, wise, and as not much of a threat to those above you. For as we all know, the greatest fear of anyone in power is loosing it and if you are loyal, that fear is dissuaded."
"Are you afraid of loosing your position as marshal?" I asked.
"Of course I am!" Mortiz leaned forward and continued more quietly, “For it would be a step backward and I have my eye set on being Archon. The loyalty of others is the most valuable thing you can gather."
"But aren't you loyal to the current Archon? I though you said to be loyal?"
"Cousin, you must pay better attention, I said show loyalty, not be loyal. True loyalty lies only with myself and my family." I smiled sheepishly, unsure what to think of my cousins words. "From time to time you will receive letters and orders from those in authority over you and other knights. Again, in order to be a visible and active member of the realm I highly suggest you respond to each one you receive, particularly the ones directed only to you."
"Finally, you must know that the rules of etiquette are different from Island to Island and even from realm to realm, but some basic rules apply to the different lands; In Atamara, Beluaterra, East Continent, the Colonies and in most realms of Dwilight, it is perfectly acceptable to write a letter addressed to the whole realm upon arrival stating your need of a liege, which we shall discuss shortly. However, some realms do not like that approach and particularly in the Far East, sending such a letter will be met by a cold shoulder. Therefore, in these lands it is advisable to first send a letter about yourself to the whole realm, including your family history and you wish to work only for the glory of the realm. Then you can send individual letters to the different lords and ladies to inquire about a position in there lands."
