Noble Protocol: Why The Rules Were The Rules This is essentially an article on why people treated the nobility the way that they did. There are always exceptions to the social rules, but Actors also need to be aware that in the 16th century, it was not as permissible to speak one's mind, and buck the powers that be. Most of the underclass depended upon the upper class for their survival. Without the powerful and moneyed upper class, there wouldn't be anyone to purchase the items the lower classes supplied. However, during this time in history, the middle class was really starting to make a strong name for itself. Merchants were becoming far more easily able to obtain foreign items that were in great demand, especially jewels and fabrics. Items from far away were highly prized, and the upper classes strove to outdo one another on a regular basis. However, in Scotland, the upper class was not as heavily moneyed as the upper classes were in other countries. Spain was very wealthy, due to their exploitation of the Jews, Protestants and dissident Catholics in their country, as well as the beginnings of their exploitation of the "New World". France was nearly always in financial trouble, but managed to put on quite a show. No other country in Western Europe boasted such an opulent noble court as France, and nearly all upper class revelry, fashion, architecture and trends originated in France, and would for hundreds of years longer. England was beginning to prosper under the guidance of Elizabeth I, and was developing a fierce middle class, as well as a fashionable, literate nobility. Scotland was not so lucky. Money was scarce, and natural exports were few. There were still families that lived in enviable style, of course. Not all the nobility of Scotland suffered, but it was well known that Queen Mary was sadly disappointed at the lack of grandeur and beauty her Scottish castles had to boast. There was also a weaker middle class, and larger peasant class in Scotland than the other countries, but much like England, Scotland's peasantry was treated better than their counterparts on the continent. This time period marked the gradual addition of Scotland to England's empire; Queen Mary's son took the throne of England and Scotland upon Elizabeth's death. The mid to late sixteenth century is the end of an era for Scotland, the English presence in Scotland was deeply felt, and the radical pendulum swing of Scotland from Catholic to Protestant provided a common ground for the two countries. The nobility of our Faire's time were the last true Scottish nobles, and the events leading up to Elizabeth's death, and James VI/I becoming King were incredibly dynamic. Peasants had very little, and somewhat reminiscent of the feudal days, depended on the upper classes. Almsgiving was common, the rich tended to give large amounts of money to the Church, which then distributed it amongst the poor, or used it to support hospitals, or other works of charity. Without such contribution, life would have been bleaker still. Nobles were also known to spend lavish amounts of money on entertainments, which provided employment for many of the lower class. Some castles boasted amazing amounts of cooks, scrubwomen, laundresses, gamekeepers, butchers, and so forth. Since nobles were known to also have plentiful feasts, this kept the workers dealing in meat employed. It was an unfair, but symbiotic relationship. There was an accepted code of conduct for the "regular" people, and quite another for the nobles. Nobles were nearly always granted fair trials (unless they managed to anger their monarch, or a far more powerful noble than themselves), and their word was worth far more than the word of a common labourer. Lower class people who attacked, slandered or threatened a noble could look forward to the weight of the law coming down on them hard, whereas nobles who misbehaved tended to get a light slap on the wrists. Public scorn or vulgarity to a noble could also end with some pretty unpleasant results. However, when nobles fell from grace, public scorn was certainly common. Without the backing of one's good name, or at least the threat of retribution, a noble was a walking target for the repressed envy, hostility and ire of the crowds. Some characters would have an easier time bucking the accepted social codes than others. Obviously, supernatural creatures would have little to no interest or understanding of human social rules, and characters such as Privateers, Mercenaries, Exotics and Criminals would perhaps take a chance on being out of line. Most Privateers, however, depended upon nobles' investments to take their voyages, so it would be rare for them to incur the wrath of a powerful noble. To answer the question "But, if I'm Scottish, why do I have to bow to the English Queen?", allow me to say this.... because they happen to be a Queen. And they happen to usually have large and rather disconcertingly armed guards. And, they might give you gold coins. And, well, since they would likely have been one of the most impressive things you'd ever seen. Never lose sight of the fact that this was an entirely different time. Imagine, if you would, if your favorite celebrity came to the town fair. Or perhaps the President. Everyone would drop what they were doing, and go take a peek. It's much the same with visiting royalty. Without television, radio, or cheaply produced literature, people relied on stories and human interaction for entertainment. Seeing an actual Queen was something to be remembered, and told to your children, and grandchildren, and anyone else who would listen. If you decide that your character would be openly antagonistic to one of the Queens or powerful nobles, that's absolutely acceptable. However, be prepared to deal with the in character repercussions of such a choice. Throwing olives at the Queen, or tripping the Duke of Guise will likely end up with you being in a rather uncomfortable position...namely, the stocks. Nobles wielded power, and nobles supported the lower classes with their money. People also believed far more in the nobility of blood in this era. Nobles considered themselves better, due to the noble blood in their veins. Common workers and peasants were just not as refined, in their eyes. Keep in mind as well that this was an era that still believed completely in the idea of ruling by Divine Right. Kings and Queens believed fully that God was on their side. For instance, the habit of Kings and Queens using the word "We" instead of "I" when referring to themselves? It's due to the fact that what they mean is themselves...and God. However, there are some characters that would be openly hostile to royalty. Protestant extremists in Scotland were violently opposed to Mary of Scotland. Not only was she Catholic, she was female, and tracts were distributed by John Knox, a noted Calvinist preacher, about the fact that women should never, ever be allowed to rule. Talk about a lack of women's rights! Even the Queen wasn't safe. Elizabeth of England, however, had a far more loyal group of advisors. While it is true that many tracts were circulated through England with the same anti-female message, her advisors were quick to quell them, and openly speaking out against the Queen led to the loss of a few hands, and more than a few equally as strict punishments. Elizabeth of Spain was free from these worries. As a Princess of France, she never would have inherited the throne, since women did not have the right to rule as monarch in France. Queen Regent Catherine de Medici did, for all intents and purposes, rule as Queen when her sons were too young to rule themselves, but a Regent position was the closest a woman could get to absolute power in France. When Princess Elizabeth of France was married to King Philip II of Spain, she would never be in a position of power over her new husband's country, and was known only as a figurehead of piety, fashion and sweet, proper female behaviour. Give some thought as to how your character would respond to nobles and royalty. Obviously, some of our Guilds will not have as servile a reaction. The Rom would be interested in getting money from them, and might well play their little game, just for their own purposes. Peasants would likely treat them with quite a bit of respect, as would the middle class. Merchants would wish for their business, guards would be interested in safeguarding them and their belongings, and a smart mercenary tries to keep as many nobles happy as possible.... since open enmity from nobles generally equals a severe lack of jobs. So, think carefully about your potential interactions with the nobility, and refer to our charts in how to address them. The nobles are always willing to play, so don't hesitate in approaching them. If you learn the gossip about the nobles, let the patrons know as well! And always remember, our show is meant to be like a giant puzzle, with each character fitting in with all others. Interact freely, but make sure you have a good hold on how your character would act, and react to the upper classes.