Yours,
Tim W Brown
(I sign as 'Some call me Tim...' on the 7thseagm
list)



Etiquette Errors

In 7th Sea, players can expect to spend a lot of time dealing with
upper-crust people in social situations, often in quite formal
situations. A failed skill roll can bring social disaster, cut off the
support of a player's Patron, or even cause a diplomatic uproar. What
happens when a character (player or NPC) fails at en etiquette skill?
For storytelling drama, here is a short list of suggestions as to what
the grievous error might be. Local customs vary greatly by region, and
the fine points of fashionable decorum vary by the whim of the fashion
elite. So, for the sake of quick-thinking GMs everywhere, here are some
ideas to apply when someone blows it. These are all based on points of
etiquette from different societies in the real world...

Too punctual. 
	Everybody knows you should be "fashionably late!"

Not punctual. 
	When Monsieur's invitation says Dinner at Eight O'clock, it means
dinner will begin at eight o'clock. Can't you read?

A woman never invites a man to dinner unless it is as part of an
accepted social group. Thus, a woman may invite the Seven Seas Whist
Club to her home for dinner, but not just dashing Captain Daring by
himself.

Standing too close. 
	Egad, sir, I wish to speak with you, not smell your hair!

Holding eye contact - seen as challenging to some cultures, may even
lead to a duel.

Avoiding eye contact. 
	You can tell he's lying; he never could look me in the eye!

Addressing (or even referring to) a woman by Mrs. instead of Miss (or
vice versa).  
	I demand satisfaction, sir! You have addressed my wife as if I did not
even exist!

Picking up food with your hands. 
	Put down that pickle! What do you think that third fork above your
plate is FOR, anyway?

Counting money on the table, especially during or near mealtimes.

Joining a (folk) dance unless invited.

Not standing or removing your hat during a special anthem. 
	"Did you see that? he just insulted our King!"

Praising too much. 
	You know that the Duke hates sycophants; he respects strength, not
sweet words.

Not praising enough. 
	Have you no respect for His majesty's wisdom?

Smiling too much. 
	Just what do you know, and why do you think I am a joke?

Using the wrong hand to eat or drink. 

Bringing up the wrong topic of conversation at the wrong time and
place.
	His excellency cannot abide the discussion of one's health during
dinner.
	Her Grace NEVER deals with business or politics before breakfast.
	How vulgar to even mention peasants at the Royal Ball.

Holding a knife or fork so that it points at someone.