Imperial Culture: How To & Why & What Not To Do

[MonMarty]

"Imperializing" is a term used to describe an Ailor (or non Ailor in some cases) abandoning their cultural roots and subscribing to an Imperial standard and cultural notion that is prevalent among the high court elite. Imperialism as a culture has a lot of controversy around it, largely because it is an artificially enforced culture, not a historically born one. That being said, a lot of matters around Imperialization are often misunderstood, so the first part this guide sets out is what fables exist about Imperialization:

• Contrary to popular belief, Imperialization is not just about a wardrobe change. Imperialization goes deeper, into cultural beliefs, norms as well as traditions.
• Contrary to popular belief, Imperialization does not require someone to abandon their cultural roots or not allow some sort of acknowledgement of heritage pride.
• Contrary to popular belief, Imperialized individuals are not required to become emotionless and strictly adhere to a brutally dogmatic etiquette.
  
• Contrary to popular belief, Imperialized individuals are not required to be colossal racists or religious zealots.
  
• Contrary to popular belief, Imperialized women are not marginalized under a brutally patriarchal oppression system.
• Contrary to popular belief, Imperialized characters are not barred from hosting events that adhere to their old cultures.

There are a couple of easy points to consider when Imperializing:

• Characters should adhere to "Representative Standard Common" when speaking, which means essentially British English. This means that Velheimer who convert should for example, drop their completely illogical and unrealistic cockney accent. Furthermore, no slang or dialect should be used, unless when offering a nod to cultural appreciation, or when in private.
• Characters should adhere to Unionist doctrine and follow the Creeds at every point in time. The Synod should be acknowledged as a serious political player worthy of respect, but does not need to be fanatically supported.
• Characters should adhere to the concepts of Imperial superiority, to believe Imperial culture is the best of all worlds, and that Ailor are naturally superior to other races for being able to unite in such a manner. This does not however mean they need to be aggressively racist or mean to non-Ailor or non-Imperial.
• Characters should afford respect and deference to their parents, as parents are the fore bearers and the bringers of plenty and life to the following generations, a source of strength and knowledge.
• Characters should observe frequent Imperial holidays for community building, such as the Emperor's day, on his birthday, the Princely Mass, The Pilgrimage to Saint Agatha, and so on.
• Characters are expected to be literate.
• Characters are expected to be open minded and appreciative of all cultures around them, but to still hold them in the context of being flawed by causing divisions between Ailors and Unionists. They should appreciate the strengths of other Ailor cultures, but shy away from the flaws that cause strife among men and women.
• Characters are expected to be philanthropic and act as patrons to artists, to enhance the artistic legacy of the Empire, but also to immortalize family members and historical events. Artistic expression is a strong family competition goal, and many families should aim to have a court artist just for them.
• Characters are expected to not be idle, be militarily inclined and support the military, and to engage in personal sports, even the women. It is very important that Imperialized men and women are physically healthy and not lazy.
• Characters who are Imperial are expected to wear culture-neutral clothing, which usually means the Imperial fashion style. Imperial fashion makes use of black fabrics and satin to off balance Royal Family & Noble Family colors. It is not forbidden to use colors that do not belong to the Royal Family, as long as they are properly balanced with enough austere fabrics to avoid being too flashy, but also to apply color to avoid being too boring. Gold is a preferential decorative accessory over silver.
• Characters who are Imperial can still acknowledge their old culture in their roots. For example a Gallovian may still drape a Kiltach like a sash around their waist instead of earing it like a full skirt. An Anglian may still feast with peasants and host peasant feasts while remaining Imperial. A Velheimer may still use wood carving patterns on Imperial art. The point of Imperial is to acknowledge and preserve the cultural richness of Ailor cultures, but to treat them as equal novelties of Human history as a whole, not as superior to another culture.
• Characters are not expected to enforce Imperial culture on their subjects, servants or family, but family and servants is highly recommended. Wives and husbands of Imperialized men or women appear strange in court, and may result in an accusation of a false Imperialization.
• Characters are expected to abandon names that do not belong to Ceardian (Main & Sub), Anglian, Alt or New Regalian, Ithanian, Leutz-Vixe or Dressolini. Names do NOT need to be identical language changes with first vowel or consonant being the same or sounding the same. Entirely different names may be adopted.
• Characters are mostly expected to afford the right respect to their superiors, not necessarily not show any emotion or quirk. The most important aspect of Imperial Etiquette is simply respecting your betters, your elders, your spouses, caring for your children and people, and everything in between is up in the air.

Finally, Imperialization is usually a group effort. If your character is considering Imperializing, ask friends to join them, or family, or lovers, or whatever. Then finally make a public notice announcement on a Regalian Notice Board, and the process becomes official.

 

[Motherland]

Imperials do observe holidays, but they don't get off for them, correct?