Welcome to the Royal Court - a Primer
Mar 6, 2013 1:19:59 GMT -5
Post by Grandmaster on Mar 6, 2013 1:19:59 GMT -5
It is the nature of ruling monarchs, regardless of rank, to hold Court as an open forum for socializing, politicking and jockeying for position by those in attendance. Whether it's held to hear petitions, settle grievances or issue proclamations, every King or Queen of Demeria will hold some kind of Court weekly (if not daily) to remain accessible to their nobles and general populace and to openly display their knowledge of jurisprudence, their wisdom as a ruler and their generosity towards those in their care.
At least, in theory. The reality varies from monarch to monarch, Court to Court, kingdom to empire. The explanation of court here is a general one, but there are always cultural variations on the Court theme depending on where your character is; those will be discussed separately. For now, we'll stick to the general idea.
What exactly defines 'Court' in Demeria?
Court in the realm of Demeria is a forum held by a crowned head open to courtiers, invited guests, petitioners, those summoned to appear and staff. Typically held within the castle or palace, courts may also be held outdoors to enjoy the weather or in public squares to allow the commoners an opportunity to interact with their monarch.
Most Courts are convened for the following purposes:
- hearing items of business pertaining to the kingdom or involving members of the Court
- hearing and deciding on petitions laid before the Crown
- reading proclamations, royal decrees and new laws
- welcoming foreign dignitaries and guests
- hearing and resolving disputes and grievances
- bestowing gifts, awards, titles and lands as rewards
Who Attends Court?
Unless otherwise specifically stated, Court is attended by the members of the royal family, various members of the Royal Household (herald, seneschal, chancellor, ladies/gentlemen in waiting, personal guards, reeve, etc), royal advisors, royal guards, invited guests, foreign dignitaries, and various courtiers, all of whom claim noble blood if not title.
Children (under the age of 12) are seldom found in Court unless they are specifically invited or they have business before the Crown. Typically, a child's interests are represented by a parent or guardian, and they are not present.
Commoners may attend Court if they are summoned, if they bear a message involving an emergency situation, or if the Court itself is intended to be an Open Court - that is, open to anyone to attend.
How does Court go?
Traditionally, the members of the Court gather in the appointed place (usually a throne room, a long gallery/hall or large room) several minutes prior to the announced opening of Court. When the monarch is ready to enter, the herald will call for the Court's attention, silencing those present to announce the monarch's entrance. As the monarch enters and proceeds with the members of his/her party to the dais, curtsies and bows are offered out of respect and obedience; no member may rise until after the monarch is three paces away.
If the monarch pauses to speak with someone, the position of bow or curtsy is maintained until given leave to rise, or until the monarch has continued on.
Once the monarch is seated along with his/her guests, the herald will proclaim the opening of court and call forth the first item on the agenda. Courtiers are expected to keep their conversations decorous and low, but silence isn't realistic; many are there, however, to observe, learn and overhear. Whispers, gossip, information - they're all traded amidst the business of court.
After the official business is conducted to its completion, the herald may - at royal discretion - close Court, or else allow it to lapse into a strictly social interaction where others who have no official business with the monarch can approach to greet, speak with, offer a gift to, or seek favor with them. Others simply enjoy interacting with the members of the court.
Note: Courts often can and do incorporate banquets/feasts, entertainment and dancing as part of the whole.
Court is officially closed when the herald announces it and the monarch takes his or her leave. Anyone wishing to depart court prior to the monarch's departure must obtain the monarch's permission.
What do I do if the Monarch approaches while I'm eating/dancing/talking? What do I say?
Any time you're approached by royalty, they're your first priority. You can drop a conversation in mid-sentence, turn away from what you're doing, immediately stop eating/drinking/dancing/whatever, to greet your monarch with a bow, a curtsy, and a lowering of your head. A quiet, "Your Majesty/Highness/Grace," can be murmured to acknowledge the royal presence. Do not rise until instructed to do so!
Once the monarch has completed their interaction with you, a second bow/curtsy and bend of your head should be offered briefly, then you can go back to what you are doing.
Note: If a monarch offers you food, drink, requests a dance, a performance, or basically anything, it is considered bad form to refuse. A modest demurral has its place, but an outright refusal can earn royal ire and appropriate gratitude is expected.
Am I required to attend Court?
No, unless you are specifically invited, summoned, or expected to attend. But remember - if you are a member of the court and nobility, you're there for a reason. It's hard to advance that reason if you don't attend court, even if it's just to catch the royal eye. Stay away too long, and you might earn royal disfavor.
How do I dress for Court?
It's recommended that you look your best for Court. Appearing in a slovenly fashion will cause stares and comments about you personally. Dressing in too daring a fashion will stir speculation about your true nature. Wearing too many jewels... or too much this, too much that... well, you get the idea.
For gentlemen, depending on the realm, a tunic of fine material, hose and either shoes or boots. A dress sword may be worn on a belt, tied with a peace knot. Hats are optional.
For ladies, your best gown with discreet jewelry, soft slippers, and styled hair. Unmarried women wear their hair down; married women wear it up or in a hood/snood/net.
Bathing, in this world, is encouraged!
Do I always need to bring a gift?
Of course not. That's entirely at your discretion, unless there is an occasion where a gift is appropriate. Birthdays, weddings, occasional random giftings. Choose your time and your gifts wisely.
At least, in theory. The reality varies from monarch to monarch, Court to Court, kingdom to empire. The explanation of court here is a general one, but there are always cultural variations on the Court theme depending on where your character is; those will be discussed separately. For now, we'll stick to the general idea.
What exactly defines 'Court' in Demeria?
Court in the realm of Demeria is a forum held by a crowned head open to courtiers, invited guests, petitioners, those summoned to appear and staff. Typically held within the castle or palace, courts may also be held outdoors to enjoy the weather or in public squares to allow the commoners an opportunity to interact with their monarch.
Most Courts are convened for the following purposes:
- hearing items of business pertaining to the kingdom or involving members of the Court
- hearing and deciding on petitions laid before the Crown
- reading proclamations, royal decrees and new laws
- welcoming foreign dignitaries and guests
- hearing and resolving disputes and grievances
- bestowing gifts, awards, titles and lands as rewards
Who Attends Court?
Unless otherwise specifically stated, Court is attended by the members of the royal family, various members of the Royal Household (herald, seneschal, chancellor, ladies/gentlemen in waiting, personal guards, reeve, etc), royal advisors, royal guards, invited guests, foreign dignitaries, and various courtiers, all of whom claim noble blood if not title.
Children (under the age of 12) are seldom found in Court unless they are specifically invited or they have business before the Crown. Typically, a child's interests are represented by a parent or guardian, and they are not present.
Commoners may attend Court if they are summoned, if they bear a message involving an emergency situation, or if the Court itself is intended to be an Open Court - that is, open to anyone to attend.
How does Court go?
Traditionally, the members of the Court gather in the appointed place (usually a throne room, a long gallery/hall or large room) several minutes prior to the announced opening of Court. When the monarch is ready to enter, the herald will call for the Court's attention, silencing those present to announce the monarch's entrance. As the monarch enters and proceeds with the members of his/her party to the dais, curtsies and bows are offered out of respect and obedience; no member may rise until after the monarch is three paces away.
If the monarch pauses to speak with someone, the position of bow or curtsy is maintained until given leave to rise, or until the monarch has continued on.
Once the monarch is seated along with his/her guests, the herald will proclaim the opening of court and call forth the first item on the agenda. Courtiers are expected to keep their conversations decorous and low, but silence isn't realistic; many are there, however, to observe, learn and overhear. Whispers, gossip, information - they're all traded amidst the business of court.
After the official business is conducted to its completion, the herald may - at royal discretion - close Court, or else allow it to lapse into a strictly social interaction where others who have no official business with the monarch can approach to greet, speak with, offer a gift to, or seek favor with them. Others simply enjoy interacting with the members of the court.
Note: Courts often can and do incorporate banquets/feasts, entertainment and dancing as part of the whole.
Court is officially closed when the herald announces it and the monarch takes his or her leave. Anyone wishing to depart court prior to the monarch's departure must obtain the monarch's permission.
What do I do if the Monarch approaches while I'm eating/dancing/talking? What do I say?
Any time you're approached by royalty, they're your first priority. You can drop a conversation in mid-sentence, turn away from what you're doing, immediately stop eating/drinking/dancing/whatever, to greet your monarch with a bow, a curtsy, and a lowering of your head. A quiet, "Your Majesty/Highness/Grace," can be murmured to acknowledge the royal presence. Do not rise until instructed to do so!
Once the monarch has completed their interaction with you, a second bow/curtsy and bend of your head should be offered briefly, then you can go back to what you are doing.
Note: If a monarch offers you food, drink, requests a dance, a performance, or basically anything, it is considered bad form to refuse. A modest demurral has its place, but an outright refusal can earn royal ire and appropriate gratitude is expected.
Am I required to attend Court?
No, unless you are specifically invited, summoned, or expected to attend. But remember - if you are a member of the court and nobility, you're there for a reason. It's hard to advance that reason if you don't attend court, even if it's just to catch the royal eye. Stay away too long, and you might earn royal disfavor.
How do I dress for Court?
It's recommended that you look your best for Court. Appearing in a slovenly fashion will cause stares and comments about you personally. Dressing in too daring a fashion will stir speculation about your true nature. Wearing too many jewels... or too much this, too much that... well, you get the idea.
For gentlemen, depending on the realm, a tunic of fine material, hose and either shoes or boots. A dress sword may be worn on a belt, tied with a peace knot. Hats are optional.
For ladies, your best gown with discreet jewelry, soft slippers, and styled hair. Unmarried women wear their hair down; married women wear it up or in a hood/snood/net.
Bathing, in this world, is encouraged!
Do I always need to bring a gift?
Of course not. That's entirely at your discretion, unless there is an occasion where a gift is appropriate. Birthdays, weddings, occasional random giftings. Choose your time and your gifts wisely.