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| I'm an Ambassador. What do I do?; FAQ | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 4 2012, 11:25 PM (407 Views) | |
| Demoness | Nov 4 2012, 11:25 PM Post #1 |
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Amoratae Dea Augusta
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Our fact books all have a lot of data in them and even so it's still kinda hard to figure out what you need to know when interacting with another nation. I suggest writing a FAQ in this thread about what an ambassador minimally needs to know to function in your country. Since it's a FAQ about your country, I don't think set questions are necessary, but try to cover customs and religion, basic manners, etc. The Dragon's Realm of Demoness FAQ Does Demoness have diplomatic immunity? No. It does not grant or request diplomatic immunity for ambassadors and expects all visitors to observe its civil (but not religious) laws. However, special arrangements can be made by request. Where am I staying? Unless your government requested differently, you and your embassy will be given a set of rooms in the Sacred Palace on the Plateau. This ensures you will receive proper treatment, courtesies, and accommodations. It also ensures protection for your embassy as part of the host-guest relationship and also assures protection of the Palace since most other embassies are also housed in the palace. While your embassy rooms will have locks, keep in mind that locks are a privilege in the Palace. Only the Imperial Family and high ranking staff members are allotted locks. Other residences may not have locks as part of security measures. However, lack of a lock will not prevent you from being prosecuted for burglary, trespassing, etc., if you are found within one of these unlocked residences. Can I bring my firearm with me? Only certain people are allowed firearms within Demoness. As an ambassador, your guard detail will be granted licenses to carry. However, keep this licence with you at all times; failure to produce it when asked risks being brought up on charges of smuggling. It should also be noted that knives, swords, and even crossbows are allowed to be openly carried in Demoness and do not require a license, but they must be peace-tied. How do I greet people? Respect is of the utmost importance. Bowing is part of the customary greeting. As an ambassador, it is likely anyone you meet with will bow first, so you will only have to return it. However, the Empress bows to no one and she may have someone bow on her behalf. Also, never call anyone by their given name unless you have been given explicit permission; given names are considered too informal. What are these suffixes/titles everyone talks about? Again, this is part of respect. As an ambassador, it's safest to keep to the -was suffix or Lord/Lady prefix. You may even be called "Lord/Lady Ambassador" as titles and prefixes can be combined. What languages are spoken? Demonese and Navis are the official languages of Demoness, but as an ambassador you are more likely to hear Navis due to a reluctance to speak Demonese in front of foreigners. However, the preferred language in Demoness is Demonese and you will score points if you choose to converse in Demonese. What about this host-guest relationship? The host-guest relationship is quite important to Demonessians and evolved in a time of constant warfare between the Clans. Becoming a "guest" meant you were protected by the host and therefore meant the host was possibly exposing xemselves to the retribution of your enemies. For brevity's sake, bring a small gift to give to the host and take whatever is offered by xem, even if you don't need/want it. Finish whatever food/drink is offered to you and take no more than you would consume. Part of this ritual is the tea ceremony during which you may be engaged in small talk. If you have business with your host, do not bring it up until at least ten minutes have passed. Why is getting a straight answer so difficult? The Demonessian psyche partially places foreign relations in the host-guest relationship and, as a whole, prefer unity to individualism. Therefore, they may be overly generous and reluctant to express their true feelings. However, do not take this as an invitation to gain concessions. This will ultimately hurt foreign relations. If it appears your host is uncomfortable with agreement or is being too generous, verbally grant a way to save face or suspend the meeting. What do I need to know about religion? You can believe whatever you like in Demoness so long as you don't express the disbelief in the Goddesses' existence. You may hear others deny their existence or, more likely, deny the divinity of the Empress, but remain neutral and try to change the topic as soon as possible. To many Demonessians, observance of religious rituals is enough to satisfy the Goddesses. You may be invited to religious ceremonies during holidays, but you will not be expected to come. More than likely, this is only being polite. However, it is preferred you do not enter the smaller shrines. Environmentalism is a tenet of Morante since it is believed the primary Goddess is literally the land of Demoness. Sacred Rock, where you will spend most of your time, has assimilated the natural surroundings into its architecture and structure. Cities tend to be green - both literally and figuratively, as much is done with green energy. Chitaels are also a common sight. They are considered the messengers of the Goddesses and are allowed wherever they like provided no danger is evident. While not all of them are domesticated, chitaels are generally approachable and friendly. What else do I need to know for my stay in Demoness? -You must remove your shoes when entering a residence and some buildings. When in doubt, ask your host. Never assume wearing your shoes is alright. You will be provided house slippers to wear inside. -Try not to stand out. Being a foreigner, you will already stand out, but try not to call any more attention to yourself than necessary. Demoness is a conformist society that frowns upon individualism and it could hurt foreign relations. -Cleanliness is important. Even if you are not dirty, wash whenever you have or are offered a chance. -Food is eaten either with the thumb and first two fingers of the right hand or with chopsticks. -Sitting on the floor is common in many homes during dinner or even during relaxation. Demonessians will provide cushions or may have low couches for guests, but many do not use cushions themselves. -Demonessians have public bathhouses and most domiciles do not have their own baths. However, most rooms in the Palace have their own showers in addition to "public" baths on each floor, which are divided by sex. These baths are more for soaking and one must bathe before entering them. -There are private transports in Demoness. You may be provided with one as an ambassador, but don't be surprised if you are not. The public transportation system is highly efficient (primarily subways and trains) and most people walk. Edited by Demoness, Nov 5 2012, 06:03 PM.
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| Raz | Nov 4 2012, 11:38 PM Post #2 |
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Ruler of The Republic of Vantel
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The only things to know about being in Vantel are: 1) There is no diplomatic immunity, all must follow the laws of the land 2) You'll get a straight answer if you merit it, you won't get a straight answer if it isn't your business. 3) Vantel (in addition to Neolantia) are almost exactly American culturally. |
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| Sovy Kurosei | Nov 5 2012, 01:59 AM Post #3 |
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Xen will be the one, lone country that grants diplomatic immunity. I think that is the most I have said about Xen for almost two years. B) EDIT:
I... I have nothing else to say.
Edited by Sovy Kurosei, Nov 5 2012, 02:01 AM.
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| Shimaza | Nov 5 2012, 02:41 AM Post #4 |
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1. In Shimaza you will not be granted diplomatic immunity. 2. When meeting with the Shogun you will probably also meet Colonel Joseph. While there are military members who technically out rank him, it is proper to give the Colonel more respect because he is the Shogun's top advisor and the steward of the nation. 3. While everyone in Shimaza speaks both Githan and Shuzoku, most people will speak to you in Navis. Though you can impress them by speaking the two for mentioned languages. 4. If a Shimazian offers you a drink and you accept be warned that you now must continue to drink with them until they are done. Because if you stop drinking with them after taking the first drink you will deeply offend them. 5. Warning: if you offend a Shimazian they will punch you. 6. Do not take physical fights personally,Shimazian cultural values strength and this causes some argument to become full on fights. Though after the fight is done the participants will consider the matter settled and buy each other a drink to show that no hard feelings remain. 7. Religion is considered a private matter so try not to bring it up in a conversation unless the conversation is about religion (which probably wont happen.) 8. Shimazians value hard work and will often work their fingers to the bone during their working hours. But they also value relaxing after work so do not be surprised if you are invited to several parties or get togethers every night during your stay. 9. Shimazian are very punctual. Try to also be fifteen minutes early. 10. Dueling is legal in Shimaza, even to the death. All parties must agree to all terms, find a neutral third party to be the observer (or referee) and must do it at one of the designated area. If you are challenged to a duel you may opt out of it by informing them that you are a foreigner. If they still insist inform a representative of government. If you decide to duel you may do it yourself or have someone duel in your place. |
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| Mistlight | Nov 5 2012, 03:04 AM Post #5 |
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1. In Mistlight you will be granted limited diplomatic immunity (or full by arrangement) 2. You can be challenged to a duel (to the death, and with a sabre) if you are a noble, but this hasn't happened for almost 100 years. You can request the palace guard to appoint someone to fight in your place, but if they fall, you will be deported. 3. Religion is not considered important by the majority of the population, discussions about it are likely to be irreverent 4. Mistlight is an absolute monarchy, if the Prince promises something it is done, and overrides any previous arrangements. 5. Almost all doctors are part of the Medical Core, don't be surprised if you go to a doctor or hospital and hear your physician addressed by military rank. |
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| Rahab | Nov 5 2012, 03:08 AM Post #6 |
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Diplomatic Immunity Rahab offers no diplomatic immunity, but visitors and Ambassadors are not required to follow any religious laws. Titles In most cases after the initial meeting full titles may be dispensed with, though generally retaining the Order title (if applicable) of a person is considered polite (eg Deborah Enat or Aaron Yusef). An exception to this rule is that members of the Holy Council should be addressed by their titles at all times. Greetings When meeting the High Priestess a bow is proper procedure. In return she will generally make the mark of blessing (the index and middle finger placed on, or just slightly away from, the forehead). For all others a firm handshake is a suitable greeting. Religion While the religions of non-believers are respected it is considered impolite to mention outside religions in more than a passing way. Temples are open to the public each Sabbath but non-believers are not permitted in the Sinoms (Places of Meeting). As a guest of a Rahabite, you may be invited into a household shrine. If this happens correct procedure is to kneel in front of the shrine and light a candle. This is seen by many as a symbol of offering and accepting hospitality. For Holy Days ambassadors are invited, but not required, to visit the Tamar Temple as it is large enough to accommodate the extra people and this is generally when and where the High Priestess will preside over the ceremony. The Sabbath (Friday Sunset to Saturday Sunset) Do not expect to get much work done on the Sabbath. While not an explicit religious law many Rahabites treat it as a day of rest and many businesses are closed. This may not be as noticeable in Tamar or Shiloh but in Sheba and most small towns only those businesses and services deemed essential by the government remain open. As your office or embassy is unlikely to be deemed essential, it should be noted that it is against the Workers' Rights Act to require a follower of the True Way to work on the Sabbath, or any of the Holy Days. You may ask them to work or they may volunteer but it cannot be required and they cannot lose their job for declining to work. This also applies to followers of a recognized religion celebrating a religious holiday (See the Workers' Rights Website for a full list of recognized religions: wrw.rhb) Weapons Firearms are strictly regulated in Rahab. A permit must be obtained to carry one. These permits are generally only granted to foreign security details and this permit must be carried at all times the individual is carrying the firearm. As a general rule, knives, swords, etc are not permitted to be carried. If these items are standard for your culture or religion exceptions can be made, provided a stringent background check is passed. You will be granted a permit which must also be carried when the weapon is on your person. Languages While Kanite is the official language of Rahab most people speak Navis at least conversationally. Members of the Orders of Deborah and Aaron are required to learn either Navis or Esprit, though most choose Navis. There are some small villages where the predominant language is on of the three indigenous languages (Maic, Fonan, or Hite) and it may be hard to find a fluent Kanite speaker in such places. Food The True Way has a very strict rule that all followers must eat meat from animals whose blood has been drained. Most meat sold in Rahab is prepared this way but always ensure that such meat is served at any functions you may host where Rahabites are present. Edited by Rahab, Nov 5 2012, 01:45 PM.
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| Velykyy | Nov 5 2012, 08:02 AM Post #7 |
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Diplomatic Immunity While the Velykyyn government doesn't exactly grant diplomatic immunity, a diplomat will be able to receive a trial for any crime that they commit, as if they were a member of the Socialist Party. Weaponry Citizens within Velykyy are permitted to own sidearms, provided they receive the proper permits from the government. However, in order to receive such permits, they must be a member of the Socialist Party, and so visitors to Velykyy will not be permitted to carry weapons. Exceptions can, and usually will, be made for the guard detail of important foreign visitors, however. Greetings In Velykyy, the proper formal greeting is a handshake. Velykyyns do not bow to anyone, as this imparts a sense of inferiority to the individual bowing. And in Velykyy everyone, from the Premier down to any of the factory workers, are considered fundamentally equal and necessary to the proper functioning of the nation. Religion As a result of Velykyy's long standing policy of state-mandated atheism and iconoclasm, the vast majority of the Velykyyn population is atheist. And those that aren't do not say so. So religion tends not to be a topic brought up much, but when they are, Velykyyns are surprisingly tolerant. At least to your face, because no matter what, they will consider your beliefs in any form of God(s) to be completely wrong. Languages The primary language of Velykyy is Rakhid. But almost all Velykyyns will be able to at least converse in Navis, as it is mandated that it be taught in schools as well. However, speaking in the Rakhid tongue will likely earn you some respect among the Velykyyns. The Cold While yes, Velykyy is indeed freezing cold, it's generally looked down upon by the Velykyyns for a foreigner to complain about it. This is due to the fact that Velykyyns, well, live there all year around. You will never, even if it's freezing and in the middle of a blizzard with over a foot of snow on the ground, hear a Velykyyn complain about it being cold. Police Force Do not worry at the sight of the soldiers armed with rifles patrolling the road, or the military APCs you may occasionally see driving around the roads. Velykyy has no dedicated police force, and so the Red Army is used as a police force as well as a standing army. They are there to protect you, not harm you. Punctuality In Velykyy it is looked down upon at being late for an appointment, as is expected. However, it is also considered bad form to arrive to early as well. In the Velykyyn mindset, there's a reason why that specific time was chosen, and so you should do your best to arrive at that time. While they'll forgive you the first few times, being consistently early is just as bad as constantly arriving late. Titles In Velykyy, when addressing someone formally, it's proper to use their title if they're an important government official, or their rank if they're in the military. Otherwise, the terms Ser and Mis are commonly used, which translate roughly into Mister and Miss. It should also be known that there are no seperate terms for women based on marital status, and that in the Velykyyn military, there are no "officers", the proper term to use is "commander." Wrestling Bears A foreigner in Velykyy will always, at some point, hear two or more Velykyyns talking about wrestling bears. This is a common joke among Velykyyns to do when foreigners are present. Most Velykyyns do not, as a rule, wrestle bears. However, this is not to say there have never been exceptions to said rule. Edited by Velykyy, Nov 5 2012, 04:46 PM.
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| DurandalXOO | Nov 5 2012, 03:32 PM Post #8 |
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Does Livonia have diplomatic immunity? Yes, unless committing outright espionage. Diplomats are treated with a high amount of respect and honor, and are put up in luxurious (although separate) accomodations. The chances of you actually having a chance to commit a serious crime is rather low, due to the near lockdown most ambassadors are kept in. Can I bring my firearm with me? Generally speaking, no. Police forces and public safety is a very serious concern to Livonia, and as a result, it is generally better off for people if they are not armed. How do I greet people? It depends upon their social classes. Lower-classed people may be greeted ordinarily, however, ambassadors greeting nobility or higher-ranking religious figures are expected to have memorized and know by heart the full, Livoniianoi title for each personage. Not knowing the title is considered an insult. What are these suffixes/titles everyone talks about? Each higher-ranking official or clergy member in Livonia has a title. Oftentimes, it is a long, flowery, and ludicrously complex affair, however, most Livonians will not hold it against you if you butcher the Livoniianoi required to speak the titles, so long as you at least give an honest effort to do so. What languages are spoken? Livoniianoi. Navis is not very well understood by the general populace, and Livoniianoi is the most commonly-spoken tongue. Considering the rarity of those speaking it, and the overall complexity of the language, it is probably for the best for potential ambassadors to already know the language in question. Technology and You, or, Why Does My Toilet Speak Gibberish To Me? Livonian technology is greatly advanced, to the point where even toiletry has automated systems. Some technology will be woefully complex to outside sources, and will take some getting used to. What do I need to know about religion? The religion of Livonia, Monopharistism, is treated dead seriously by the entire populace and the government. Questioning their faith, or otherwise criticizing it, will first elicit a warning, and then potentially chastisement, and potentially being deported. If an honest attempt at understanding Pharistism is made, the populace will be more than happy to explain its tenets, and potential conversion is welcomed with open arms. All churches are open and available for tourism, as the Livonians are quite proud of their millenias-long tradition of architecture. What else do I need to know for my stay in Livonia? Bring a bicycle. Most automobiles are restricted, and the main methods of transport through the capital city are by bicycle routes, mass transportation, or flight. Considering the safety of Livonia, even for foreigners, Ambassadors generally do not have to fear attacks on them during their travels by bicycle. |
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| Intermaris | Nov 5 2012, 04:37 PM Post #9 |
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Diplomatic Immunity: Depends on agreements with respective countries as a general rule if Diplomatic Immunity is guaranteed to Intermarine Diplomatic Personnel than Diplomatic Immunity will be guaranteed in Intermaris. If not than you have only you’re government to blame. Titles: As a rule there is only one title in Intermaris “Pan” and “Pani” (translated as “Sir” and Madam”) and is the equivalent of “Mr” and “Mrs”. Though people holding certain positions will have the associated title added for example; “Panie Prezydencie”(sir President), Panie Profesorze(sir Proffessor), Panie Generale(sir General) and so forth. Note: in the armed forces everyone from corporal up is a “sir”. That said many Intermarines are not overly bothered by titles (except for the uniformed services) and are fairly quick to dispense with the formalities shifting quickly to a surname or, in very informal relations, first name basis. Greetings: The honest handshake is the accepted method of greeting on the first meeting or in the first meeting after a long period of time. Anything else usually requires nothing more than a verbal or even non-verbal acknowledgement. Some men still practice kissing the hand of a woman on the first meeting but a firm handshake on hand contact is usually enough to relate that you are not interested in such a display. Religion: Though the Intermarine constitution guarantees freedom of religion and speech ostensive displays of religion is frowned upon as is discussion in any but close companies. Weapons: Intermarine citizens posses the right to purchase and own fire arms as well as other weapons. Foreign citizens in Intermaris, however, do not posses this right and any weapon possession by Diplomatic Personnel is subject to agreements with the Intermarine government though as a rule security personnel is allowed personal defence weapons. Languages: Leszy is the primary language with a minority speaking Aramyk. Navi is, however, taught in schools and most people posses a working knowledge of the language and most tourist sites have information in Navi and several other languages spoken by the majority of foreign guests. Besides, you never know when somebody on the street might happen to know enough of your language to get by. Anything Else: If your arrival warrants full gala and pomp than you may be greeted by an honour company from the Intermarine Armed Forces. It is customary to greet these men with a “Czolem Zolnierze!”(Greetings soldiers!). This is only necessary if it is the first time being met by the honour guard. Note: Don’t feel bad if the companies’ answer (Czolem <you’re short title here>!) makes you start a little, it happens more often than is polite to mention. Though actual discrimination is virtually non-existent in Intermaris people do frown on public displays and are downright disapproving of ostentatious displays. To the Intermarine mind there is a time and place for everything and behaving so is hammered into every Intermarine child. The biggest “no-no’s” are religion, socio-economical leanings, political inclinations, sex and sexuality. If you enjoy an Intermarines hospitality it is rude to not sample a bit of everything. Eating is done with utensils (knife, spoon, fork) or ones hands (though this is reserved for informal occasions). |
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| Drake2 | Nov 5 2012, 05:50 PM Post #10 |
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Slostian Augustus
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Diplomatic Immunity: No, however, any diplomats found committing crimes will be given the same trial by jury anyone in Slostia is guaranteed. On request, the diplomat may be expelled in exchange for their permanent dismissal and/or a trial for their crime in their home country. Titles: In Slostia, it is generally safe to refer to civilians with Mr., Mrs., or Miss (Herr, Frau, or Fräulein) or with Dr. or Professor, should that be appropriate. This includes most government officials, most of whom would rather they were not addressed with their title every time, and would rather be called by [Mr., Mrs., or Miss] [Last Name]. The only exception to this is the Prime Minister, who can be referred to as Mr. Prime Minister. In-uniform military personnel should be referred to with their rank. In-uniform police officers should be referred to as 'Officer [Last Name].' Most Slostians are rather informal out of official settings, so many will ask to be called by their first name out of them. Finally, do not be too worried about getting a title wrong when meeting a person for the first time, most of the time it will be met by a polite correction; if you refer to a Slostian with a noble title such as 'Lord,' expect a light-hearted joke about Slostia having thrown out its Lords a long time ago. Greetings: Shaking hands is generally accepted as the proper way to greet another person. Slostians who know each other well may be seen greeting each other with a light kiss on both cheeks, although it is doubtful that anyone would greet a foreigner in such a way unless they knew them very well. As for verbal greetings, a "Good [Time of Day]," is a general way to greet people that is neither too formal nor informal. For less formal situations, a "Hello" will suffice. For more formal situations, "Greetings" is the best way to greet people, although some (mostly older) Slostians will also use "Hail" to greet others in formal situations Weapons: Embassy security may carry firearms within certain limits (such as caliber and ammunition type restrictions) as long as they are registered with the Slostian Foreign Ministry. Weapons are forbidden in all official Slostian government buildings (with the exception of the guards in them). This includes swords, knives, bows, and other non-firearm weaponry. Religion: Most Slostians are very secular, even if they do profess a religion. It will generally take a concerted effort to be offensive to religiously offend a Slostian. Respectful talks about religion will be welcomed, but any form of proselytizing will be looked at with contempt. Languages: In general, Slostians will talk to each other in Slostian. All of them are taught Espirit and Navis in school, however, so as long as a foreigner can converse in one of these languages, they should be fine. Edited by Drake2, Nov 5 2012, 08:35 PM.
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