Etiquette is an important part of life in the Earth Kingdom, especially among nobles, government officials and those who regularly take part in high society. Knowing how to address someone, how to greet them or how to behave at a formal gathering is expected of anyone who wishes to be taken seriously in these circles.

Some of these customs may seem overly formal, particularly to those who are not used to them. However, ignoring them can easily come across as rude or disrespectful. Using the wrong title, failing to bow to someone of higher rank or speaking out of turn can leave a poor impression and in some situations may even be taken as an insult.

Anyone hoping to become part of higher Earth Kingdom society should therefore take the time to learn proper etiquette. Good manners can open doors, while a simple mistake can just as easily close them. Knowing who deserves a bow, which title to use and when it is better to remain quiet is an important part of navigating noble and official circles.

Forms of Address

If you address a high-ranking person with the wrong honorific, it could be seen as ignorant or even disrespectful, possibly affecting your favor with them.

Royalty

Earth Queen

Her Majesty. When speaking directly, Your Majesty.

Earth King

His Majesty. When speaking directly, Your Majesty.

Earth Monarch

Their Majesty. When speaking directly, Your Majesty.

King Consort / Queen Consort

His / Her Highness. When speaking directly, Your Highness.

Royal Family

His, Her, or Your Highness.

Nobility & Officials

Grand Secretariat and Council of Three

His, Her, or Your Excellency.

Lords and Ladies

Lord or Lady when referring to them. My Lord or My Lady when speaking directly to someone who outranks you.

Certain Other Ranks

Rank followed by name.

General Forms of Address

Men

Mr. followed by the last name.

Married or Widowed Women

Mrs. followed by the first and last name, or sometimes Mrs. followed by the husband's full name.

Unmarried Women

Miss followed by the first and last name.

Women with Unknown or Unspecified Marital Status

Ms. followed by the first and last name. Ms. is pronounced “miz.”

Greetings and Courtesies

Bows and curtsies can be written in roleplay, such as *bows deeply*, or performed through /emote. The /emote wai emote is commonly used for greetings in many contexts.

Men and Boys

A shallow bow is customary for most greetings. A deeper bow is expected when interacting with royalty, nobility, or high-ranking officials.

Women and Girls

A curtsy is performed instead of a bow. A deeper curtsy is expected when greeting more dignified or higher-ranking individuals.

Nobility

Nobility may nod instead of bowing or curtsying when greeting those of equal or lower rank. They are still expected to bow or curtsy when greeting higher nobility or royalty.

Entering a Room

When a superior arrives in the room, those present should stand to greet them.

Court Etiquette

- When petitioning the Earth Monarch, approach the throne but do not ascend the dais. Bow or curtsy before it and wait to be addressed.

- Weapons must be surrendered to guards or peace-bonded at the entrance.

- Do not speak unless given leave to do so by the presiding figure.

- Before leaving, bow or curtsy to the monarch once more.

- Never turn your back on the monarch. Always back away, or bow and step aside before backing away.

- Using bending to disrupt or damage the royal court is considered a great offense.

Dining Etiquette

- The sovereign, or highest-ranking person present, is served first.

- Do not begin eating until the sovereign has begun.

- Wait for the host’s signal before sitting.

- Loud eating, slurping, or speaking with one’s mouth full is considered vulgar in formal settings.

Dress and Presentation

Weddings

Weddings often call for bright greens and golds, including the bridal gown.

Funerals

It is customary to wear white at funerals, as white is associated with mourning. A green sash or ribbon may be added to indicate the mourner’s loyalty to the Earth Kingdom.

Formal Fashion

- Old nobility favor embroidered silks and jade jewelry, while industrialists prefer tailored suits, dresses, and simpler accessories.

- Wearing Earth Kingdom colors at official events is considered patriotic.

- Red should generally be avoided at formal events, as it is seen as provocative in many contexts.

Social Hierarchy and Conduct

- Always yield the right of way to someone of higher rank.

- In conversation, allow higher-ranking persons to speak first. Never interrupt someone of higher rank. Wait for a pause and request permission to speak.

- Publicly contradicting a superior is considered a grave breach of decorum. Disagreements should be expressed privately. When a matter is urgent, ask to speak with your superior privately and address it when alone.

- Flattery is expected to be subtle, as excessive compliments can be seen as insincere.

- When walking with a superior, walk beside them but a few paces behind unless instructed otherwise.

Cultural Etiquette

- Entering temples or sanctuaries with weapons unsheathed is considered a great offense.

- Using bending recklessly in sacred spaces is likewise considered deeply disrespectful.

- The Earth Sages and the Avatar are to be treated with a high level of respect.

- Wearing bright colors during mourning is considered unusual and inappropriate. White should be worn instead.

Prohibited Behaviors

Matters of Rank

- Approaching the throne without permission.

- Failing to bow or curtsy to the sovereign.

- Speaking out of turn or interrupting a noble or the monarch.

- Using the wrong form of address.

Conduct

- Drunken behavior in formal company is considered a lack of self-control.

- Ostentatious displays of wealth may be viewed as bragging or tacky.

- Public quarrels reflect poorly on everyone involved. Disputes should be settled discreetly.