This article was submitted by Dame Leonora Joyleaf of the HFS Kingdom of Challain. It was written by her husband Sir Tirus Bearclaw and it appeared as a special edition of the Challain Cryer so that newbies had an idea of how to act when they attended CRW.

With the Combined Realms War Rapidly approaching, along with the chance for honor and glory, it seems only appropriate to brush up on the standards for acceptable courtly behavior. With all of the newbies in our kingdom there is further cause for this lesson. This article will address the ranks of nobility, the basic award system that will be used and how we in Challain will convert them, as well as how to approach the throne if you are called up and how to behave at feast.

Lets begin with the ranks of nobility. Many kingdoms have a couple of different title names but they will be equal to these basic ranks and understanding them will help you know how to address these nobles. The first is the easiest to recognize and that would be a member of the Chivalry (Knights), which would be by their belts. Knights are recognized by, most commonly, a White Belt. Some kingdoms, mostly in the middle realms, wear a Gold Belt and or a Gold Chain around the neck. Members of the Chivalry shall be addressed as 'Sir Name' or for female members of Chivalry 'Dame Name'. The ranks of Nobility are listed below in order from least to greatest:

Lord / Lady
Baron / Baroness
Viscount / Viscountess
Count / Countess
Marquise / Marquette
Duke / Duchess
Grand Duke / Grand Duchess

As noted before some kingdoms have additional ranks added in but most will use these ranks or versions of these ranks so understanding them is important. When addressing a member of Nobility you should address them as 'Count Name', if you are unsure of their rank or title you should address them as 'My Lord' or 'My Lady'. Those that have masterhoods should be addressed as 'Master Name' or 'Mistress Name'.

The following is a list of Awards that are common throughout the combined realms:

Chalice: This is the major award for outstanding achievement is the arts
Lamp: This is the minor award for achievement in the arts
Owl: This is the award for outstanding achievement in the sciences (construction of arms/ armor, brewing, and sometimes cooking)
Lion: This is the award for outstanding service
Rose: This is the award for service
Sword: This is the award for prowess in the fighting arts
Wand: This is the award for prowess as a spell caster
Griffon: This is the award for outstanding chivalry on the battlefield
Quill: this is an award given for producing great quantities of documents such as flyers, and newsletters. Has also been given for quality of writing
Veil: This is an award for Role-playing.
Harp: This award is for outstanding musical performance
Mask: Awarded for outstanding role-playing throughout the reign
Jovious: Awarded for best attitude throughout the reign.
Tower/Keep: Awarded for most personal service to the monarch or regent
Hydra: This award goes to an organization for their efforts throughout the reign

With all of these different awards it's no wonder why many kingdoms, including Challain, have condensed and streamlined their award system.

Feast.

Feasts are a time of revelry, but are also a time of formalities and ceremony. There are still lots of points of etiquette that should still be observed. First you may feel the desire to make a toast, that's fine but hold your toast until the Head Table makes theirs. The right of first toast is reserved for the Head Table. After that you may make your toast but you should keep it short and even if it is not a toast to the royalty you should address your toast to the head table. In other words you should stand and face the head table while you are making your toast.

Most feasts are served, as are the drinks, however you may still need to leave your seat. If this is the case and you must walk in front of the head table you should stop and bow, or curtsy, as pass even if there is no one sitting at the table. This is a way to show respect to the crown. You should also be aware the Head Table is always served first and you should not begin eating until the Crown has taken their first bite.

You've fought hard all day, you marked up many kills and you did it with honor and chivalry. Now comes court and the awards are being handed out� what was that did he just call my name� what do I do? Before you just run up there and grab your award there is certain protocol that should be observed. First thing you need to understand about 'The Presence'. The presence is a space around the throne that you do not enter without permission.

The presence is considered to be an arms length plus sword length distance around the throne. This is to protect the crown as well as a personal space respect. Unless you are a member of Royalty or an acting royal guard you will not enter this space unless you are called into it, 'The crown calls Name into the presence'. Now that you have an invitation what do you do? Well unless you are a royal guard or a member of Chivalry (knighted) you must disarm. Enter the main isle and approach the throne. Stop about 12 - 15 feet away from the throne and remove any visible weapons, set them carefully on the floor, step over them and then approach the 'presence' and kneel and remain their until the crown tells you to rise. When the crown does tell you to rise do so and step to the side so not to block the crowns view of the populace. After he/she is done bragging on you and gives you your award you will again bow and take at least 2 or 3 steps backwards before turning around to retrieve your weapons, Never turn your back on the crown while in the presence, that is a great insult.

Another point of etiquette is how to greet each other, specifically men and women. Men it is ok to kiss the hand of women with exceptions. Women if a man introduces himself to you, you can offer your hand to him. If you are spoken for you should offer your Left hand, typically this would be to show off the ring, but it can also be a signal that you are being wooed and that he should not kiss the hand. If you are unattached you should offer the right hand, now men do not take the offer of the right hand as a sign to pounce. Introduce your self then give a light peck on the hand (please no licking) then give her hand back. Remember the above points of Etiquette and you will bring honor to your self and your kingdom.