Laguna Hallik
Adept
Noble Protocol Guide
It is Icenian Law to kneel to a Noble and show respect. A person must remain kneeling until the Noble
acknowledges the gesture and indicates that one may rise. Failure to do so is, at the discretion of the
Noble in question, considered mockery of a Noble title and subject to punitive measures including fines,
imprisonment, and even capital punishment for violation of a Noble Order if the Noble in question
commands one to kneel and that person remains petulant. If the Noble in question leaves the room or
immediate area it is permissible to rise without acknowledgment but one must immediately kneel again
should the noble reappear.
Due to certain racial and cultural elements, the law has recently been amended to allow another
gesture of respect in some very rare cases. Dark Elves of Tarzataranzan show respect with a slight bow
at the shoulders, and clasping of the hands together, one fist into the open palm of the other, held
approximately at the chin level.
Nobles may also, on an individual basis, accept other signs of respect as they see fit but travelers should
be aware that these gestures are not legally admissible and are solely at the pleasure of the Noble in
question.
This is the end of the law on this matter.
Much more can be said on the subject of etiquette in dealing with Nobility, however. I will attempt to
cover a wide variety of examples and suggestions for making yourself, and your Noble, comfortable with
this simple process.
Other than the law, why should I kneel?
Those who have entered the peerage have made a solemn vow to follow the Code of Chivalry. They
have forsaken personal endeavors in order to devote their lives in your defense and your betterment.
More than that, the symbols of office they wear denote that they are a part of a larger peerage of
people, who, throughout history have done the same. Each Noble represents their liege, and their
liege’s liege up to the King and Queen. Additionally, each noble symbolically represents hundreds of
others who have stood on the front line and died defending the land out of Love of the land. You do
not show respect just to the physical form of the person standing before you, but to the entirety of the
peerage of Nobility, past, present, and future.
When should I kneel?
When the Noble can see you in his or her field of vision. Upon seeing the Noble you should immediately
attempt to acquire a position within the Noble’s field of vision and kneel to show your respect.
Move quickly. Frequently a Noble will wait until an entire room has kneeled before making the
acknowledgment. Do not kneel to a Noble’s back, invariably someone will point out to the Noble that
you are there and then that Noble must take additional time to look around behind them, probably
interrupting an important conversation to do so. This can be very frustrating. If you are approaching
the Noble, or enter a room where a Noble is present, you should quickly approach the Noble and then
Kneel. As a rule of thumb, if you are approaching the Noble you should get to within five to ten paces
away. Do not approach with a weapon at the ready. If you are already present when a Noble arrives,
you should kneel where you are.
When may I rise?
The noble will acknowledge your gesture with either a verbal indication that you will rise, a hand gesture
in a generally upward motion, or a nod of their head with eye contact. If you are kneeling to a large
group of nobles, any noble may tell you to rise. Recall that you should try to get to the front of the
group, specifically to the front of the highest ranking Noble. This can present a problem if the nobles are
scattered, though. You should move to the highest ranking noble first and then work your way down.
Are there any situations when I do not need to kneel?
When your life, or the lives of others, would be imperiled to do so you need not kneel. If there is
combat in the general view of the Noble you need not kneel, generally. The Noble will most likely be
focused on the battle, even if they are only watching, and the split second acknowledgement of your
gesture may divert the Noble’s attention at a critical moment possibly causing loss of life elsewhere on
the battlefield. A general rule of thumb is that if the Noble is looking at the combat; do not kneel, as
soon as they turn to look at something else, though, you should.
What about foreign nobles?
Protocol for non-Icenian nobles can be tricky. Remember, these are our allies, and in their lands they
are just as critical to the Kingdom as Icenian nobles to Icenia. Our alliances are strong and respectful
unions. Nobles of a nation allied to Icenia shall be afforded the same courtesy as a Lord, though without
direct legal enforcement, as the Icenian nobility in accordance with the laws of Hospitality. If a foreign
noble feels slighted they will address the issue with an Icenian noble and most likely the Icenian noble
will enforce courtesy via a Noble Order, failing to adhere may result in fines, imprisonment, or capital
punishment. Though it varies from treaty to treaty, typically, foreign powers are not expected to show
deference to anyone who is considered equal or lower rank than themselves if they were in their own
Kingdom (though not in lands that they directly control). In other words, a foreign baron-equivalent
would kneel to a Duke; a knight-equivalent would kneel to a Baron but not a Knight. A Baron would
kneel to a Duke equivalent if not in the Baron’s own lands. Monarchs are never expected to kneel to
anyone.
What about Racial Elders from freeholds within Icenia?
Racial Elders, unless they carry a title from a foreign ally, or an Icenian title, or are in some other way
designated by the crown, have no noble title and are treated as commoners. However, it is highly
recommended to treat these Elders with respect as frequently they are guests of Nobles and have the
power of magistrate over their freeholds. Examples include members of the Amani Council, Vansir
Chieftans, and Biata Council Members.
Who do other Nobles kneel to?
The typical Noble structure is, in order of lowest to highest, as follows: Lord/Knight, Baron, Duke, Royal
Family. A Noble in their own lands kneels ONLY to their direct liege, and their liege’s liege, and so on
(including the Royal Family). Example: If the Baron of Blythedale is visited in Blythedale by the Duke
of Falkirk, neither would be expected to Kneel. If the Baron of Blythedale happened to be in Falkirk,
or, in fact, in any land that was not under Blythedale’s control, the Baron would be expected to kneel.
Following this logic, no Noble will kneel to a foreign power (unless on their soil), nor a Racial Elder
(unless of that race). Another Example: If a Baron is on the field, or in a room, and a Knight arrives
– though it is the duty of all commoners to kneel to the Knight when he or she arrives, the Knight will
FIRST do their duty and kneel to the Ranking Noble. What this amounts to is that many people will
kneel when the Knight walks into the room, who will quickly present themselves to the Ranking Noble.
The Ranking Noble then tells the lower ranking Noble to rise, and the lower ranking Noble will then tell
anyone else kneeling to rise.
How often should I kneel?
Typically, whenever you approach a Noble with the intention of addressing them you should kneel at
five to ten paces and wait for acknowledgment. (Excepting battlefield situations). The first time you’ve
seen the Noble each day you should make certain to kneel to them, though this does not exempt you
from future demonstrations of respect, frequently this is sufficient. Especially note that if you’ve spoken
to a Noble early in the morning, and then several hours later the Noble arrives at a location you are in
and a large number of people are kneeling, you should kneel. You should kneel whenever a Noble is
announced by a herald.
What is a herald?
A herald is any person who is approved by a Noble to make an announcement of their edicts, orders, or
arrival. Their job is to remind commoners of proper protocol and etiquette in situations dealing with
Nobles. They are typically hired by one particular Noble, but it is generally acceptable for a herald to
announce any ranking Noble that they see enter a room, or arrive in view. This idea of a Ranking Noble
is critical. It is generally improper to announce a Noble when a higher ranking Noble is in the room.
The reason for this is that it may be distracting to the Ranking Noble. For specific official functions it is
acceptable for a Noble to be announced by a herald even if there are higher ranking nobles in the room.
Examples include at official closed court functions, dances or balls, weddings, trials, or public executions.
Heralds may and frequently do act as messengers for Nobles, and thus, impeding the egress of a Herald
acting on orders from their Noble may result in fines, imprisonment, or even capital punishment at the
discretion of the Noble giving the Order.
I hope that this document has cleared up the general handling of Nobility while in Icenia.
By my hand,
Sir Harrision Ryatt
Baron, Nordenn
It is Icenian Law to kneel to a Noble and show respect. A person must remain kneeling until the Noble
acknowledges the gesture and indicates that one may rise. Failure to do so is, at the discretion of the
Noble in question, considered mockery of a Noble title and subject to punitive measures including fines,
imprisonment, and even capital punishment for violation of a Noble Order if the Noble in question
commands one to kneel and that person remains petulant. If the Noble in question leaves the room or
immediate area it is permissible to rise without acknowledgment but one must immediately kneel again
should the noble reappear.
Due to certain racial and cultural elements, the law has recently been amended to allow another
gesture of respect in some very rare cases. Dark Elves of Tarzataranzan show respect with a slight bow
at the shoulders, and clasping of the hands together, one fist into the open palm of the other, held
approximately at the chin level.
Nobles may also, on an individual basis, accept other signs of respect as they see fit but travelers should
be aware that these gestures are not legally admissible and are solely at the pleasure of the Noble in
question.
This is the end of the law on this matter.
Much more can be said on the subject of etiquette in dealing with Nobility, however. I will attempt to
cover a wide variety of examples and suggestions for making yourself, and your Noble, comfortable with
this simple process.
Other than the law, why should I kneel?
Those who have entered the peerage have made a solemn vow to follow the Code of Chivalry. They
have forsaken personal endeavors in order to devote their lives in your defense and your betterment.
More than that, the symbols of office they wear denote that they are a part of a larger peerage of
people, who, throughout history have done the same. Each Noble represents their liege, and their
liege’s liege up to the King and Queen. Additionally, each noble symbolically represents hundreds of
others who have stood on the front line and died defending the land out of Love of the land. You do
not show respect just to the physical form of the person standing before you, but to the entirety of the
peerage of Nobility, past, present, and future.
When should I kneel?
When the Noble can see you in his or her field of vision. Upon seeing the Noble you should immediately
attempt to acquire a position within the Noble’s field of vision and kneel to show your respect.
Move quickly. Frequently a Noble will wait until an entire room has kneeled before making the
acknowledgment. Do not kneel to a Noble’s back, invariably someone will point out to the Noble that
you are there and then that Noble must take additional time to look around behind them, probably
interrupting an important conversation to do so. This can be very frustrating. If you are approaching
the Noble, or enter a room where a Noble is present, you should quickly approach the Noble and then
Kneel. As a rule of thumb, if you are approaching the Noble you should get to within five to ten paces
away. Do not approach with a weapon at the ready. If you are already present when a Noble arrives,
you should kneel where you are.
When may I rise?
The noble will acknowledge your gesture with either a verbal indication that you will rise, a hand gesture
in a generally upward motion, or a nod of their head with eye contact. If you are kneeling to a large
group of nobles, any noble may tell you to rise. Recall that you should try to get to the front of the
group, specifically to the front of the highest ranking Noble. This can present a problem if the nobles are
scattered, though. You should move to the highest ranking noble first and then work your way down.
Are there any situations when I do not need to kneel?
When your life, or the lives of others, would be imperiled to do so you need not kneel. If there is
combat in the general view of the Noble you need not kneel, generally. The Noble will most likely be
focused on the battle, even if they are only watching, and the split second acknowledgement of your
gesture may divert the Noble’s attention at a critical moment possibly causing loss of life elsewhere on
the battlefield. A general rule of thumb is that if the Noble is looking at the combat; do not kneel, as
soon as they turn to look at something else, though, you should.
What about foreign nobles?
Protocol for non-Icenian nobles can be tricky. Remember, these are our allies, and in their lands they
are just as critical to the Kingdom as Icenian nobles to Icenia. Our alliances are strong and respectful
unions. Nobles of a nation allied to Icenia shall be afforded the same courtesy as a Lord, though without
direct legal enforcement, as the Icenian nobility in accordance with the laws of Hospitality. If a foreign
noble feels slighted they will address the issue with an Icenian noble and most likely the Icenian noble
will enforce courtesy via a Noble Order, failing to adhere may result in fines, imprisonment, or capital
punishment. Though it varies from treaty to treaty, typically, foreign powers are not expected to show
deference to anyone who is considered equal or lower rank than themselves if they were in their own
Kingdom (though not in lands that they directly control). In other words, a foreign baron-equivalent
would kneel to a Duke; a knight-equivalent would kneel to a Baron but not a Knight. A Baron would
kneel to a Duke equivalent if not in the Baron’s own lands. Monarchs are never expected to kneel to
anyone.
What about Racial Elders from freeholds within Icenia?
Racial Elders, unless they carry a title from a foreign ally, or an Icenian title, or are in some other way
designated by the crown, have no noble title and are treated as commoners. However, it is highly
recommended to treat these Elders with respect as frequently they are guests of Nobles and have the
power of magistrate over their freeholds. Examples include members of the Amani Council, Vansir
Chieftans, and Biata Council Members.
Who do other Nobles kneel to?
The typical Noble structure is, in order of lowest to highest, as follows: Lord/Knight, Baron, Duke, Royal
Family. A Noble in their own lands kneels ONLY to their direct liege, and their liege’s liege, and so on
(including the Royal Family). Example: If the Baron of Blythedale is visited in Blythedale by the Duke
of Falkirk, neither would be expected to Kneel. If the Baron of Blythedale happened to be in Falkirk,
or, in fact, in any land that was not under Blythedale’s control, the Baron would be expected to kneel.
Following this logic, no Noble will kneel to a foreign power (unless on their soil), nor a Racial Elder
(unless of that race). Another Example: If a Baron is on the field, or in a room, and a Knight arrives
– though it is the duty of all commoners to kneel to the Knight when he or she arrives, the Knight will
FIRST do their duty and kneel to the Ranking Noble. What this amounts to is that many people will
kneel when the Knight walks into the room, who will quickly present themselves to the Ranking Noble.
The Ranking Noble then tells the lower ranking Noble to rise, and the lower ranking Noble will then tell
anyone else kneeling to rise.
How often should I kneel?
Typically, whenever you approach a Noble with the intention of addressing them you should kneel at
five to ten paces and wait for acknowledgment. (Excepting battlefield situations). The first time you’ve
seen the Noble each day you should make certain to kneel to them, though this does not exempt you
from future demonstrations of respect, frequently this is sufficient. Especially note that if you’ve spoken
to a Noble early in the morning, and then several hours later the Noble arrives at a location you are in
and a large number of people are kneeling, you should kneel. You should kneel whenever a Noble is
announced by a herald.
What is a herald?
A herald is any person who is approved by a Noble to make an announcement of their edicts, orders, or
arrival. Their job is to remind commoners of proper protocol and etiquette in situations dealing with
Nobles. They are typically hired by one particular Noble, but it is generally acceptable for a herald to
announce any ranking Noble that they see enter a room, or arrive in view. This idea of a Ranking Noble
is critical. It is generally improper to announce a Noble when a higher ranking Noble is in the room.
The reason for this is that it may be distracting to the Ranking Noble. For specific official functions it is
acceptable for a Noble to be announced by a herald even if there are higher ranking nobles in the room.
Examples include at official closed court functions, dances or balls, weddings, trials, or public executions.
Heralds may and frequently do act as messengers for Nobles, and thus, impeding the egress of a Herald
acting on orders from their Noble may result in fines, imprisonment, or even capital punishment at the
discretion of the Noble giving the Order.
I hope that this document has cleared up the general handling of Nobility while in Icenia.
By my hand,
Sir Harrision Ryatt
Baron, Nordenn
