Pride without Prejudice

Rank

Rank is an important characteristic. People of this England let rank guide them in everything - those of higher rank set the fashions, determine the rules of society and influence politicians and businesspeople. There are a very limited number of ways to change rank: you can inherit a title, marry a title or be awarded a title by the Queen. Marriage is a person's best opportunity to change their rank - choose carefully.

It is expected that everyone will know who outranks them and by how much - there will be a series of OC exercises at the start of the evening so that each player will have the chance to understand and practise their place in society.

There are two sets of information on this page. First a guide on how rank should influence your behaviour, and how to determine the relative rank of two characters. 

Practical Etiquette

This is a quick guide to some common Regency style manners. You do not always have to follow them, but deviations from these patterns will be both notable and noted by society.

Polite manners

Bow and Curtsey

These are used to bookend almost every interaction.

If you are unable to stand, graciously incline your head or find some other equivalent action that you are able to do repeatedly throughout the evening. In particular, these should be used:

-  when introduced

-  when entering or leaving a conversation.

-  when someone joins or leaves the table at dinner

- whenever someone else does it.

The depth and length of time you hold your bow will send clear signals about your relative social position. Deeper, longer bows convey more respect.

Ask before leaving a conversation.

Always grant permission to those who ask to withdraw.

Emphasis Precedence.

Remain conscious of those who outrank you. Allow those who out rank you to sit first, eat first, form the first couples in the dance etc.

Do not ask those above your station to join you, in dance, conversation or life.

Evaluating precedence goes as follows: by rank, married before unmarried, older before younger.

There is no association between precedence and gender.

Introduce people when they first meet

When introducing people, introduce the lower ranked person to the higher ranked one. The correct method is: <Highest ranked person> may I present <Lower ranked persons>. You may add some contextual information about who the lower ranked group are if you want.

Do not talk to someone before you have been formally introduced, unless you already know them. It is presumed that at least one member of each family known the Lord of Devonshire, or has a letter of introduction from someone who knows him. 

Fan language

Those well versed in etiquette, a common language with fans has arisen. 

• Talk to me: Touching closed fan to your lips

• No: Rest open fan on left cheek

• Yes: Rest open fan on the right cheek

• We are being watched: Twirl closed fan beside face.

• I love you: Open fan over the heart

• Ask me to dance: Touch closed fan to other's hand

• Leave me alone: Look away, holding an open fan between you and the other person. 
   

It is not rude to fail to understand these gestures, but it suggests a lack of subtlety or naivety. 

Players may wish to add other privately known gestures.

Rude manners

Breaking the rules above

This would be considered rude behaviour, but maybe also be necessary for conveying disdain or disapproval e.g. refusing to allow a child to withdraw from a conversation with someone you think is a suitable suitor sends a clear message to all parties about who desires the match.

The cut direct

To cut someone is to no acknowledged their presence, by not bowing or by greeting everyone else my name and ignoring them. This may be accidental, or it may be a deliberate snub. If deliberate, it is called the cut direct and is considered a shocking and powerful social weapon. To see it done publically would be extremely scandalous, and it would be presumed that some dreadful quarrel or insult had occurred, and sides would be taken immediately as to whether to also cut the person or to deliberately speak to them.

If a character is deliberately and clearly cut by the majority of the player base, they will be asked to leave the ball.

Passing of notes or letters

It is both rude and scandalous to send notes to someone you are not engaged to them, married to them or related to them. It will be presumed that notes are an attempt to entice someone into a private meeting for devious purposes. 

It is often the only way unengaged characters have of communicating privately, and players encouraging a match may wish to conspire to secretly pass messages between couples.