1) Roleplay Rules

1.1) This is a roleplay SIM. That means you pretend to be a character appropriate to the time and place.

1.2) When in open chat, stay in character. That means do not discuss cars, computers, television or other modern affairs. These things did not exist in the 18th Century. If you wish to discuss things OOC (out of character), do it in IM, or double bracket what you say ((like this)).

1.3) When someone whispers to someone else, do not reply as if you have heard; this is not realistic. Also when somebody 'thinks...' something, do not react as if you have heard it. You cannot read minds.

1.4) Treat other roleplayers with respect. Evene if they rank below you they deserve respect. We do not want anyone to abuse his position in the roleplay system. This is just a game after all

1.5) Do not insult other people in roleplay (if they have not agreed to this in IM). This was considered bad behaviour and could have serious consequences. It may provoke a roleplay banishment.

1.6) The official court languages are both french and english. But since we are roleplaying as a french court the use of french (even just small talk) is considered an indication of good education and upbringing at the court of Versailles. Though the use of different languages in a sensible combination may impress aswell (english and french)

1.7) The use of any words consisting completely of capital letters (LIKE THIS) are presumed as shouting, do not use them unless you really mean to

2) Character Development
2.1) For some orientation
Probably the most important part of roleplay: Who are you? Where have you come from? Where will you go? Characters are determinded by discussion with the RP Moderators, but the creative part is left to you. You are the painter who has to roll up their sleeves and get to work on their masterpiece! The more roleplay experience and social competence you have the more likely you will receive an important position in the court.
But before you start working on your roleplay biography, there are a few essential things you should know and should ask yourself:
- Which kind of character do you wish to play? Shall I invent my very own one or shall I take a historical one, someone who has actually lived at the historical Versailles? Both decisions require different things: If you have decided to create a fictional character make sure it is historical accurate and correct, as it must fit into the time frame! Allusions to historical events are always helpful in this case. If you wish to play a historical character make sure you have gathered enough information about them, you are supposed to depict the person who has already lived.

2.2) Roleplay Careers

You can also choose between three different careers: Nobility, Service and Military (click the signs next to the welcoming area for more detailed information regarding roleplay careers). Each has its own characteristics and offers a different variety of roleplay settings and duties

2.3) Houses and Seats
To simplify the choice of a title and to make the roleplay experience as appealing and accurate as possible for roleplayers we make use of a "house and seat" system which basically means that you are given a variety of noble families (houses) with a particular number of members (seats) you as newcomer can choose from. Each family is an independant social system, a microcosm, which can interact and take decisions (marriages with and plotting against other families) freely. Each family/house has a leader (usually the oldest one holding the title) on top of its hierarchy. No matter which position on the social ladder you choose, you may loose everything. The higher you start, the deeper you fall. A chart of those families in grace and those in disgrace of the king will be published every 2 weeks. More detailed information can be found here: Madame X' list.jpg

2.4) Application System
In order to join our community as a registered roleplayer we ask you to fill the an application form which consists of a couple of questions that will us everything we need to know to find a suitable role for you (e.g. historical interests): Application Form.jpg
Please send your application form to both MariaAntonia Barenhaut and MarieJosette Laville once you are finished.

3) Court Etiquette
The etiquette at court is essential, as it actually gave the courtiers a sense of purpose at court. As already mentioned their primary objective was to please the king and the royal family. For example, the close friends and confidantes of royalty were most likely to receive high offices. High ranked nobles in grace of the king would more easily gain a good reputation and an excellent social status. We ask you to obey these rules: Etiquette 1.jpg ; Etiquette 2.jpg ; Etiquette 3.jpg

4) Age Play
Since age play offers possibilities to extend our roleplay it is most welcome. In the future we will offer an adoption centre for those looking for a historical family within the community. At the same time we do not welcome its perversions: Child Pornographers and perverts will be be banned without any warning and reported to Linden Lab.

5) Our philosophy
Our most important goal is to provide a roleplay experience which is realistic and accurate, but also appealing to everybody at the same time. After having read the etiquette you must certainly think that historical roleplay must be boring. . . rather cramped. But on the contrary, rules and especially strict ones offer a variety of ways to break or at least to "bypass" them in an interesting and even amusing way. Who would ever have been able to overhear the whispering during a mass or the flirtation at an official dinner! Though this does not mean that the strict hierarchy at court allows any kind of anarchy. You have to take responsibility (in rp) for everyhting you say or do, you need to balance the pros and cons: Whether your roleplay attempt is amusing or whether it will most likely ruin your reputation! You have to juggle with those rules to make them vivid and useable!
Besides it should be your main objective, as a roleplayer, to make your character, NOT YOUR TITLE, stand out from the crowd of courtiers. Your skills, your passion and your creative efforts will be recognised and rewarded!

- The Moderators in question are:
MariaAntonia Barenhaut
MarieJosette Laville
Nonna Hedges
updated by @anne-comtesse-de-noailles: 06 Oct 2016 06:03:42AM