Style Guide for the Modern Gentlefolk

[Baron Alexandreu Davinescu]

For the commentary of the Coletx and especially His Majesty @King Txec , I present a draft of a style guide for Talossan society.  Many of our citizens come from countries that do not have a king, while others come from countries where that's currently a little ambiguous.  These folks are often not familiar with Commonwealth conventions about things such as address and titles.  These conventions are adapted here to reflect Talossan principles and traditions.  Obviously, none of this is ever required... it's intended to just be a guide to good taste, not a law.  There's no lèse-majesté in Talossa!

This is just a first draft, and I'm sure I made mistakes... please feel free to chime in on what you think is appropriate or common practice!


Customs of Address for the Nobility
When referring to His Majesty the King in formal writing, it is appropriate to write of "His Majesty the King" in the first instance, and thereafter refer to His Majesty as "His Majesty."

Example: "I would like to ask leave of His Majesty the King to present further information to the Ziu about His Majesty's plans for expanding our territory."

When conversing with His Majesty, it is appropriate to address him as "Your Majesty" or "Your Grace."  In each form, both words should be capitalized.

Example: "Your Majesty, I think you left your hat on the metro."

When referring to a member of the peerage in formal writing, it is appropriate to write of their title and name in the first instance, such as "the Baron Hooligan," and thereafter write of their title alone, such as "the Baron."  Do not capitalize the article.  If more formality is desired, then "His Lordship" or "Her Ladyship" may be appended before the title and name.  In each form, both words should be capitalized.

Example: "The best person to present information on that topic would be His Lordship the Baron Hooligan, and I would ask the Baron to do that now."

When conversing with a member of the peerage, no special form of address is required.  If more formality is desired, then their title may be used.

When referring to a knight or dame in formal writing, it is appropriate to write of their title and name, such as "Sir Ian."

When conversing with a knight or dame, no special form of address is required.  If more formality is desired, then their title and name may be used.


Customs of Address for Government Ministers
When referring to the Most Honourable Seneschal in formal writing, it is appropriate to write, "the Most Honourable Seneschal" in the first instance, and to write "the Seneschal" thereafter.

Example: "I would like to ask leave of the Most Honourable Seneschal to present further information to the Ziu about the Seneschal's plans for expanding our territory."

When referring to a member of the Cabinet in formal writing, it is appropriate to write, "the Right Honourable," their office, and then their name in the first instance, and thereafter only their office or their name.  If more formality is desired, then append "S:reu" or "D:na" before their office or name.

Example: "The best person to present information on that topic would be the Right Honourable Minister of Immigration Ian Eschemplar, and I would ask the Minister to do that now."

When referring to civil servants in formal writing, including members of the Chancery and Permanent Secretaries, it is appropriate to write "the Honourable," their office, and their name in the first instance, and thereafter only their office or their name.  If more formality is desired, then append "S:reu" or "D:na" before their office or name.

When conversing with a government minister of any office, no special form of address is required.  If more formality is desired, then their office may be used.


Multiple Titles and Honours
Given the frequency with which one may accumulate ranks, titles, and postnominal initials over time in Talossa, it is considered to be in poor taste to employ all of them.  It is more common to only employ the rank or title of highest dignity in the Table of Precedence.  It is also common to use both a noble referent and someone's government office, should they possess both.

Example: "I would like to particularly thank Her Ladyship the Right Honourable Seneschal for her contributions this year."

The only times all honours should be employed are occasions of the greatest formality, such as the granting of an honour or an appointment.


In the Halls of the Ziu
In the legislature, it is inappropriate to use titles of nobility or knighthood, since it tends to unjustly privilege the bearer.  It is good form to omit titles when sponsoring or co-sponsoring a bill, submitting a party list, or when referring to oneself or others in an address to the Ziu.  His Majesty the King is the only exception to this rule, both because the Crown is a formal member of the Ziu and because his sovereignty is inextricable from his person.

Contrariwise, it is always appropriate to use titles of Government rank in the Halls of the Ziu, since it signifies the honour of government service.

[King Txec]

This is a great idea. Nice job Baron.

-REH