Imperial Etiquette
From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki
Title: Imperial Etiquette
Author: Yoshi Shimakaze
Etiquette at Court or in the Imperial Presence The following is applied to all subjects regardless of rank or title.
This guide is meant as a
general outline as to how
one should present
themselves when in the
Royal Presence. Most
are common sense but we
have included some
historical ones as well.
Members are free to make additional notes if they like. The object is to make our role playing as real as possible and thus bring a richness to the game that may otherwise be missing from other aspects of UO.
When court is in session (ie; guild meetings or other guild sponsored events) certain observances should be followed. We have listed a few here but there may be others that members would like to add.
1. All should bow upon the entrance of the Emperor or Empress. It is preferred that everyone be kneeling and then bow by touching their foreheads to the floor when the Emperor or Empress enter. This, however, is difficult due to the nature of the UO system which does not permit kneeling or lying down.
Note: Visiting dignitaries, foreigners and others are not required to kneel. A bow From the waist is proper, however, a head nod is
2. When addressing the Emperor or Empress one must never make eye contact. The Emperor or Empress is considered by their people to be the divine in human form. Generally one would not speak directly to the Emperor or Empress but rather to “The Voice of the Emperor or Empress” a person appointed by them to speak on their behalf or to translate.
3. Men should remove all hats or head coverings when approaching the Throne or the Royals. No weapons, shields or other objects of battle should be in hand when at court unless assigned as Court Guard or Retainer.
All pets must be left outside any Royal building or any building occupied by the Emperor or Empress.
4. When walking with the Emperor or Empress always keep them on your right side. If both Royals are present walk a short distance behind.
5. Never touch the Royal person without their leave. Gifts should be handed to the Emperor or Empress’s Aides or Retainer or Lady in Waiting and never to the Royal person themselves.
6. Petitions for rank, promotion or other Empire business should be made through the proper channels or during special “Audiences” when Court is in session.
7. Never correct, debate or otherwise engage in harsh conversation with any Royal when at Court or in a public setting. One may petition for a private audience should any personal business or grievance be addressed.
8. Never walk or ride in front of the Emperor or Empress unless attached to a Vanguard or Security detachment. If entering a strange building the Royal Herald, Court Guard or Captain of the Guard may enter before the Royals for the purpose of security or to announce the Royal presence.
9. When dinning in the Royal presence one must wait until the Emperor (if both Royals are present) or Empress (if she is presiding alone) has taken the first bite.
10. Neither Royal is permitted to ride or travel alone and must always be accompanied by at least one Retainer, House Guard or Lady in Waiting. It is the responsibility of the Captain of the House Guard, The Captain of Royal Retainers or The Empress’s First Lady to see that this law is enforced. If none of those is present then the task falls to any loyal subject available.
11. When traveling aboard the safety and comfort of the Royal Family is paramount and arrangement should be made for lodging, meals and security of the Royal party when traveling, particularly in strange lands or wild countries.
As mentioned these are only guidelines and are subject to additions or changes as needed. It is suggested that members research this subject on their own and may make additional recommendations at any time.