Some words on Helen's world
Because I have been meaning to do this for awhile, and it came up in some threads.
Manners
Helen is a very polite girl. However, her definition of polite tends to deviate highly from that of people not from her world.
Basic rules
1. You do not imply you have authority over those you do not
2. To your superiors (or to be formal), show that you have no means of causing harm.
3. In general you have to realize Helen is from a world that is very dangerous, and from a society that is very focused on learning. This influences a lot of the manners.
Superiority
1. Primarily based on age
2. Also on position: a young full-fisted Hand is superior to an old warrior; however, acolytes are subordinate to all but those who provide basic services (cleaning, etc.). There is very little difference in hierarchy between acolytes, though some put on airs.
3. Helen is generally treated as a hybrid between an acolyte and a Hand. She is not offended when treated as an acolyte because technically that is what she is, however many Hands treat her with more respect because she is the Haras-uquara.
Examples
1. Helen can walk very quietly, however in a group setting or when approaching a superior she does not. When approaching other acolytes she usually does. She also tries to be within their line of sight: it is very rude to sneak up on someone. Backstabbing is a fairly common practice outside of the House.
2. Helen will (unless she finally succumbs to the customs of a place) never invite you to sit at her table. If you are her age and have not she might question why you are not sitting, but she will never imply she has the authority over if you stand or sit. She will be mostly unoffended if people invite her to: they are older than her, and from different worlds, so she can excuse some impoliteness.
3. In greeting someone Helen tucks her hands below her elbows, so that she has in theory no access to a weapon. As a magic user she technically does, but her offensive magic really sucks right now.
4. Helen will ask you extensive questions, without preamble. She is naturally intently curious, and has been raised in an environment where her questions were answered precisely by experts in the field or she was directed to the library. Also, to gain and spread knowledge are considered holy acts, and she is a priestess.
5. She is unlikely to say thank you unless she thinks you have given her an outstanding piece of information, and are quite a bit older than her. If she thinks you are about her age, it is almost impossible. It implies she needed your help, and to admit weakness is pretty damning.
More to be added!
Religion
Manners
Helen is a very polite girl. However, her definition of polite tends to deviate highly from that of people not from her world.
Basic rules
1. You do not imply you have authority over those you do not
2. To your superiors (or to be formal), show that you have no means of causing harm.
3. In general you have to realize Helen is from a world that is very dangerous, and from a society that is very focused on learning. This influences a lot of the manners.
Superiority
1. Primarily based on age
2. Also on position: a young full-fisted Hand is superior to an old warrior; however, acolytes are subordinate to all but those who provide basic services (cleaning, etc.). There is very little difference in hierarchy between acolytes, though some put on airs.
3. Helen is generally treated as a hybrid between an acolyte and a Hand. She is not offended when treated as an acolyte because technically that is what she is, however many Hands treat her with more respect because she is the Haras-uquara.
Examples
1. Helen can walk very quietly, however in a group setting or when approaching a superior she does not. When approaching other acolytes she usually does. She also tries to be within their line of sight: it is very rude to sneak up on someone. Backstabbing is a fairly common practice outside of the House.
2. Helen will (unless she finally succumbs to the customs of a place) never invite you to sit at her table. If you are her age and have not she might question why you are not sitting, but she will never imply she has the authority over if you stand or sit. She will be mostly unoffended if people invite her to: they are older than her, and from different worlds, so she can excuse some impoliteness.
3. In greeting someone Helen tucks her hands below her elbows, so that she has in theory no access to a weapon. As a magic user she technically does, but her offensive magic really sucks right now.
4. Helen will ask you extensive questions, without preamble. She is naturally intently curious, and has been raised in an environment where her questions were answered precisely by experts in the field or she was directed to the library. Also, to gain and spread knowledge are considered holy acts, and she is a priestess.
5. She is unlikely to say thank you unless she thinks you have given her an outstanding piece of information, and are quite a bit older than her. If she thinks you are about her age, it is almost impossible. It implies she needed your help, and to admit weakness is pretty damning.
More to be added!
Religion