How to Behave in Aristasia
A guide to making a very good first impression.
You will have gathered that Aristasian customs and manners are rather different from those that prevail in Western Telluria.This can be a little daunting for newcomers. Please remember, though, that when you visit the Virtual Embassy, or make early posts to the Aristasia Forums, we do not expect you to be an expert in Aristasian etiquette and every allowance will be made for your beginner status.
Nevertheless, there are a few things that you really ought to know, in order to smooth your initial encounters with Aristasians and ensure you make the good first impression we know you will wish to.
Things you must know
You must understand the following rules in order to avoid giving serious offense, and possibly being banned:1. No cussing whatever. It should be unnecessary to say this, but we understand that in parts of Telluria foul language is considered "acceptable". In Aristasia it is completely unacceptable. Even mild cuss-words are forbidden. You may receive one warning if you use a mild swear-word. If you use a strong one you will be instantly blocked.
2. No s*xual references whatever. We do not discuss s*x. Period. If you wish to discuss this subject, the "internet" is full of such places.
3. Call everyone Miss + Surname. Calling a maid by first name alone - unless she is a servant or a very small child - is an insulting overfamiliarity. Using a first name with Miss is allowed only under certain circumstances (or if a new girl has introduced herself as Miss + Firstname, without making her surname known). You will hear some other titles (such as the suffix -chei added to a name). You may use these if you know how and when to do so. But you can never go wrong calling anyone Miss + Surname in your early stages.
Things you should know
In the case of what follows, it will be entirely forgivable if you do not know it and have to be told or reminded. But it is a good idea to know.1. The word "rayati" is used both on greeting and on parting. It means literally "Hail to the Sun (in you)".
2. If you are "given rayati" (that is, if someone says rayati to you) you should "return" it (say it back to her). If you are leaving the room you should give rayati before you go.
3. In Virtualia (or wherever you can be "seen") you should accompany "rayati" with a "reverence" (a small bow or curtsey). You may have a "bow" animation in your inventory. If so, use it upon meeting any Aristasian and parting from her (she will do the same, so you can just follow her).
If you have not such an animation, or cannot use it, it is polite (though not absolutely necessary for a newcomer) to make a small apology for this fact.
Things you may like to know
Girls who wish to explore the subject of Aristasian Etiquette at a greater depth, and to find out more about the terms used on this page, are invited to read these articles.Forms of Address - what Aristasians call other Aristasians.
Rayati - the traditional Aristasian greeting.
Reverence - its accompanying gesture.
Standing Etiquette - another way we show respect.
Return to How to Become Involved in Aristasia
Return to Aristasia Central