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| art by sebadorn |
The Reversion
The single most important influence on the current culture of the Haven System occurred just over one thousand years ago when Governor-General Matthias Sev got the agreement of the System Senate, the Chantry, and the most powerful families in the System to put into place a culture conducive to training warriors skilled with melee weapons.
The Reversion made many of the most powerful families — rich merchants, powerful politicians, brilliant scientists, and military leaders — into nobility. Given that these new nobles had no more claim to their title than that it was given to them by the new King, they did not hold themselves so far above the Citizens as their Old Earth counterparts once did.
Over the intervening millennium, the idea of nobility has become more ingrained into society, but there is still a much smaller divide between noble and Citizen than in a typical feudal system. Still, the nobles and knights provide protection and direction to the Citizens, and the Citizens provide loyal service in peacetime and in war.
Greetings and Obeisances
The Reversion has returned some formal obeisances from Old Earth feudal societies, although they are distinctly watered down with the improved position of Citizens in Havenite society. In exchange for defending and sheltering those beneath them, royalty and nobility is to be afforded proper respect. Upon greeting a personage higher on the social ladder than oneself, there are certain courtesies that must be provided.
| Rank | Greeter | Public Courtesies |
|---|---|---|
| King or Queen | Anyone outside the royal family | Kneel and bow head until given permission to rise. |
| King or Queen | Other members of the royal family | A polite bow of the head. |
| Prince or Princess | Lord, Lady, Knight | A polite bow or curtsey. |
| High Lord or High Lady | Lord, Lady, Knight | A polite bow of the head. |
| Lord or Lady | Lord or Lady | A polite nod. |
| Lord or Lady | Knight | A polite bow of the head. |
| Any noble | Citizen | A polite bow or curtsey. |
| Knight | Soldier | Salute with one arm across the chest. |
| Knight | Citizen | A polite bow of the head. |
| Officer | Soldier | Salute with one arm across the chest. |
Terms of Address
Each rank and position in Haven has a very specific method of address. While some may not know the proper term of address for a highborn noble, intentionally using the wrong term of address can be an insult that starts a feud. The proper terms of address for each position are as follows:
| Position | Formal Address | Informal Address |
|---|---|---|
| King or Queen | Your Majesty | King or Queen <first name> |
| Child or Sibling of King or Queen Regnant | Your Highness | Prince or Princess <first name> |
| Cousin of King or Queen Regnant | My Lord, My Lady, Milord, or Milady | Lord or Lady <first name> |
| Head of Paramount House | My Lord, My Lady, Milord, or Milady | High Lord or High Lady <last name> |
| Head of Vassal House | My Lord, My Lady, Milord, or Milady | Lord or Lady <last name> |
| Heir to a House | My Lord, My Lady, Milord, or Milady | Young Lord or Young Lady <last name> |
| Other noble | My Lord, My Lady, Milord, or Milady | Lord or Lady <first name> |
| Any Knight (including nobles) | Sir | Sir <first name> |
| Squire | Young Master or Young Mistress | Squire <first name> |
| Senator | The Honorable Senator from <location> | Senator <last name> |
| Elder of the Chantry | Your Wisdom | Elder <first name> |
| Archpriest | Elder Brother or Elder Sister | Archpriest <first name> |
| Priest | Brother or Sister | Priest <first name> |
| Novice | Son or Daughter | Novice <first name> |
| Citizen | Mr or Ms <last name> | <first name> |
Any Head of House may also be called Lord or Lady <house name>. No other nobles should be addressed this way, as it is a specific term of address for the leader of a given house.
Knights are addressed as "Sir" no matter their gender.
"Informal Address" is used by acquaintances. Friends can — of course — use whatever name or nickname they want in private.
Levels of Nobles
While noble society in the Haven System is not as rigidly hierarchical as that of past feudal times, there are still some people who are are simply more important than others. There are definite shadings within each Level based on the achievements of an individual noble, and a noble's status in society could even raise up or drop down a full level if they do something particularly worthy of respect or poorly thought out.
| First Level | Immediate Family of the Regnant |
| Second Level | Extended Family of the Regnant, Immediate Family of the Paramounts |
| Third Level | Extended Family of the Paramounts, Immediate Family of First Tier Vassal Heads of House |
| Fourth Level | Extended Family of First Tier Vassal Heads of House, Immediate Family of Second Tier Vassal HoHs |
| Fifth Level | Extended Family of Second Tier Vassal HoHs, Immediate Family of Third Tier Vassal HoHs |
| Sixth Level | Extended Family of Third Tier Vassal HoHs, Citizen-born Knights |
Members of lower levels should show public respect for those of higher levels, but they need not grovel by any stretch of the imagination. A member of a higher level may request action from one of a lower level, and it is polite for the member of the lower level to act upon that request (of course, an order from the Regnant or Crown Princess should always be obeyed, as should an order from the head of one's House or the head of one's liege House). Someone who repeatedly attempts to order around people of lower levels, or one who refuses to act on the polite requests of people of higher levels will often lose status within society.
Marriage usually doesn't connect any further than two levels apart. The King's cousin, for instance, could marry the extended family of a Paramount or the Immediate family of a First Tier Vassal House Head of House easily enough, but any levels further apart would require exceptional action on the part of the lower level partner to prove themselves worthy of the match. Alternatively, if a member of a higher level has shown themselves unworthy of their station, they could be married distinctly below their level.
Justice
Justice is the domain of the nobility — and through them, the Watch of Landing and men-at-arms. Criminals are brought in by the Watch in Landing, or men-at-arms in other seats, and judged by Magistrates appointed by the Lord or Lady of the area. Unless the Head of House overseeing that area chooses to intervene, that ruling is final. The Head of House may overrule the Magistrate, but rarely does so. The punishment for most crimes is a period of hard labor, but for extreme cases it is death.
Gender + Sexuality
Politically, there is very nearly absolute gender equality in the Haven System. Both men and women can become nobles, knights, members of the Chantry, Heads of House, High Lords, Elders of the Chantry, Generals, Admirals, and any other rank or position available.
Culturally, noblewomen are typically treated with a little more delicateness and courtesy, but there is no stigma attached to a noblewoman who chooses to become a knight, a naval officer, or any other traditionally male role (some individuals may look down on such noblewomen, but society as a whole does not). Neither is there any stigma attached to a man who chooses to remain a socialite and dilettante (unless they are from a martial house, and speaking for society as a whole only).
Homosexual relationships are accepted by both Citizens and nobility alike, although it is expected that all nobles procreate (since the Haven System is under threat from the Hostiles and the bloodlines must be maintained). Given modern medical technology, surrogates or artificial fertilization are always options in such cases — the requisite genetic material is drawn from collections kept by each House.
Given easy access to birth control, female virginity isn't as culturally important as it was in traditional feudal settings. Although some men may find the idea of marrying a virgin attractive, it is no longer a requirement for a noble marriage. Of course, if a noble — either male or female — were to sleep with too many people (of any class), they would acquire a rather low reputation.
Additionally, given the likelihood of political marriages being made at any time, long-term relationships between nobles that are not headed toward betrothal are strictly frowned upon, as they can lead to intense complications should one of the nobles be suddenly betrothed to someone else. Dalliances are allowed, but if the two sides wish to engage in a long-term relationship, they had better take extreme measures to hide it (very difficult in a civilization with modern surveillance equipment) or speak with their parents and attempt to arrange a betrothal.
Betrothals + Marriage
With the Reversion also came the return of more traditional betrothals. While Citizens are still mostly afforded to seek, find, and marry compatible matches through love or necessity, nobles must find ways to continue to create political bonds. What has certainly changed is the sexism attached to the concept of betrothal. There is an even number of women who marry into Houses as there are men. While political arranged marriages are quite typical, love matches are still made between nobles.
There are some proprieties which should be obeyed before any marriage — noble or Citizen. Both arranged marriages and love matches are preceded by a betrothal period of at least a month. For royal matches, a betrothal may stretch for years, but most betrothals are closer to the minimum length. During the betrothal, the future couple is expected to spend time in one another's company so that they can get to know one another. The betrothal time also gives noble families time to plan and finance a proper wedding.
While Citizens elope relatively frequently, nobles rarely ever do, as doing so would shame their families. Exactly what that shame brings depends on the family and the difference in rank between those who eloped.
Within the noble structure, there are companions who can be of either sex, and there is no stigma regarding same-sex relationships (See Companions for more information). A same-sex marriage between female nobles will be expected impregnate one of the partners with genetic material from the other House (or each partner with genetic material from the other House). A same-sex marriage between male nobles will be expected to find a surrogate to bear a child created with genetic material from each of the Houses involved.
Marriage is always overseen by the Chantry, and for nobles, always celebrated by feasting, dancing, revelry, and sometimes by a tournament. Affluent citizens can also afford to have various forms of revelry and festivities, though they are not quite the regional to-do as noble affairs.
Upon the marriage of two nobles, one will join the House of the other, taking on the name of that house. Usually, the member of the lesser House joins the greater House, but if the member of the lesser House is the head of the House or the heir, the member of the greater House will marry into the lesser. For example: Anna Sauveur marries Jon Khournas. Usually, Jon would join House Sauveur, becoming Jon Sauveur. If, however, Jon is the Young Lord Khournas, Anna would instead join House Khournas, becoming Anna Khournas.
Companions
Since noble marriages are often created to further political bonds, it is not unheard of for a noble to take on a companion that they share an emotional and physical bond with. Companions are always citizens; it is shameful for a noble to take on another noble as a companion, even if they are significantly below them in the feudal structure. In the eyes of the nobility, a companion is a step beneath them, and this is represented in etiquette and protocol.
If a noble is married, they are expected to issue children with their spouse. It is exceptionally rare for a child to be born by a noble and companion as it can threaten the relationship between the married couple and their legitimate children (see Illegitimate Children below for more information). There are some seldom cases where a noble takes on a companion and remains unmarried, though there are cases of a noble taking on a companion before they have been betrothed to another noble. When the betrothal occurs, it is customary for the to-be-spouse to be given first priority.
Please note, since Citizen-born knights are minor nobles, they cannot become a Companion to a fellow noble.
Divorce
If two people are simply incompatible, or if one is unfaithful, they may request a divorce of the Chantry. Both parties must request the divorce, or there must be proof of infidelity. If the Archpriest assigned to the area believes that the divorce is merited, he or she will nullify the marriage. Any children will remain members of the house both parents joined upon their marriage.
Illegitimate Children
Though accidental conception is exceptionally rare due to increased medical technology, there are times where the relationship between a noble and their companion yields a child. These children are considered to be illegitimate and do not earn rank or title unless deemed by the Head of House. In very rare cases, a child of a noble and companion may be legitimized in order to become the Head of House's heir. Illegitimate children are given the surname of their companion parent and are not considered to be a noble member of the house until they are legitimized.
There are various degrees of acceptance or rejection concerning the birth of an illegitimate child. Some children are integrated into the family line as half-brother or -sister to their noble siblings, while others are kept completely separate from the noble side of the family. Whether or not they attend courtly affairs is entirely up to the family, though illegitimate children are always considered to be merely citizens in the eyes of the feudal structure.
Illegitimate children who are not legitimized go on to various roles and professions. Some become Senators, others become craftsmen, some join the Royal Navy, while others might delve into the arts. Since it is often that their noble parent provides them with a stipend, they are provided some affluent comforts.
Should a noble and their companion go separate ways, the illegitimate child always goes with the companion parent unless the child has been legitimized.
Surnames
As mentioned in the Marriage section, nobles take the name of the House they are born into as their surname, and it only changes if they marry into another House. All Citizens have surnames as well, although they are not as unchangeable as those of the nobility, and they come from a variety of sources. So long as it cannot be confused for a noble House's name, pretty much anything goes.
Bynames
Persons of great renown are sometimes known by a Byname. These are nicknames given to them by their fellows, and while they can be quite complementary (Percival the Pure for a knight who has elected to remain chaste), they can also be insulting or teasing (Percival the Pure for a knight who was told he was 'too pure' for a courtesan to sleep with him). Some people relish their bynames, while others do their best to downplay them. Whatever the case, one never gives themself a byname — trying to do so is a good way for others to give them an embarrassing byname. Knights of Cindravale almost always have bynames, but they are relatively rare everywhere else in the Haven System.
Mourning
Mourning periods after the death of a family member or spouse are entirely up to the individual. There are no socially-mandated mourning period (although if someone gets married immediately following the death of their spouse, they might be looked at in suspicion for that death).
Guestright
Although it is exceptionally easy to use the Ways to return home after a business trip, doing so is considered rude. When someone visits the home fortress of a noble family on official business, guestright is extended to the visitors, and refusing it is an insult unless the quick visit has already been arranged ahead of time. Refusing guestright suggests that the host is incapable of protecting their visitors, or cannot be trusted to do so. Guestright lasts for the duration of the business plus one night, and it means that the the host is responsible for the safety, security, and entertainment of the guest. Breaking guestright not only brings the ire of the guest's House, but also the Royal House and all of the Paramounts.
Simply visiting a city is not enough to gain the benefits of guestright, the visit must be made to the noble house's fortification (the Royal Towers, the Fortress of Phylon, the Elder Seat, the Orelle Residence in The Ring, the Blackspyre, and similar fortifications for smaller houses), and it must be an official visit, although it can be for social or business reasons. Of course, if something occurs elsewhere that requires a visitor's attention (their home is attacked or a similar unexpected disaster), they may leave before the night is over without giving offense.
Duels
Duels are a part of Havenite culture that rarely comes up. There are only a score or so each year, almost all involving Valen. The most common sort of duel is between two knights who dislike one another. They will come together at a tournament to fight for the cameras and work out their aggression toward one another. They are always fought until one of the knights yields, and never to the death.
Honor duels are even more rare. They occur when someone with a particularly strong attachment to the Reversion believes that they or someone close to them (usually a younger family member) has been wronged, but that no actual crime has been committed. If there is a crime involved, the House's men-at-arms and Magistrates become involved.
Honor duels can be fought to first blood, until one combatant yields, or to the death. Duels to the death require extreme levels of dishonor, things like: "you seduced my just-18 younger sibling, did horrible raunchy things to him/her, got him/her to betray family secrets (financial, political, whatever), and then eloped with him/her in cult-leader style." They are only for the most serious of non-criminal offenses.
Code-wise, 'first blood' is to the first KO, and 'to the Yield' is until one character yields through RP or has been KOed and cannot or does not wish to spend a luck point to unKO.
Neither entertainment duels or honor duels are judicial. They are simply a way for someone to 'reclaim' honor that has been taken from them/their house/their family member by beating the snot out of the person who wronged them. It is a way to gain 'satisfaction,' not justice.
Once a challenge has been issued, each side chooses a Second, who then get in contact with one another to hash out the details of when/where/what weapons. Only 'honorable' weapons are acceptable, which is to say melee weapons. Swords, Daggers, Axes, Maces, Spears, Halberds, Lances, Awakened Powers (if both sides are Awakened), or 'favored weapon' (including Awakened Powers) are all valid choices. Favored weapon means that each participant may choose the honorable weapon of their choice, and they need not be the same weapon. Ranged weapons, unarmed, loofas, rolling pins, and ice picks are not (as examples). The Second of the challenged party may suggest the first choice of weapons from among the list, but agreement from both parties is required. If no agreement can be reached, then 'favored weapon' is the default choice. The Seconds of both parties will also have to determine if the duel will be fought mounted or on foot. If no agreement can be reached, the default is on foot. The Second of the challenged party will then set a location and a time.
All duels must be lodged with the appropriate authorities (of the location where the duel will be fought). No criminal charges (assault, murder, etc) may be leveled against a duelist if it is included in the terms of the duel (if it's to first blood or to the yield, and one person kills the other, murder charges can still be leveled).