Corpus Tamrielicum - The Imperial Library

[16] ETIQUETTE WITH RULERS
the gossip involved Lord Bemmish and Viscountess Byrd, neither or both could be the ruler
of the territoy. I have found that a more predictable method is to pay some attention to the
names of taverns and shops in a region. By tradition, many of these are called "The Duke's
Fox" or "The Lady's Provisions." This, more often than not, is the name of the ruler. If the
shop's name is "Lady Annisa's Provisions" or "Lord Boxworth's Fox," that is probably the
name of a local titled merchant, not the ruler. A store with a unnamed ruler's title has probably
been around for some time, and does not bother to change its name with the new name of the
ruler.
In speaking with any person, a ruler or not, it is best to know what sort of a person they are
first. Rulers tend to stand on ceremony, and prefer that people addressing them speak politely
and deferentially. There are, of course, acceptions to this, particularly among younger rulers,
or rulers new to their positions. They may prefer a bolder, slangy style. If you are unsure, or
unsure of your ability to adopt the vocubulary of either an aristocrat or a criminal, choose to
speak as plainly and directly as possible. You will seldom charm someone by plain talk, but
you will also not alienate by mangled politesse or dated slang. Alienating a ruler, I need not
tell you, can be the last mistake one can make.
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