The rest of the students introduced themselves one by one, and each one that stood got a small greeting and nod from the Professor. When the last of the students sat down, the demoness surveyed the classroom, looking mildly pleased.
"I'm rather pleased that most of you have a good grasp on what 'Etiquette' means." She nodded, then turned her back to them, walking around her desk to the blackboard. 'WELCOME, CLASS' as well as the instructions were erased with efficient ease, and the eraser was placed back down in favour of a white piece of chalk. "Etiquette," She started, writing it on the board as she spoke, adding a little (n) beside it. "Is defined as 'The customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group'." She wrote the definition in full on the board, the chalk never once squeaking against it. The definition written, she set the chalk down and turned to face the class, clapping her hands free of the dust.
"As so many of you suggested, it related to a set of guidelines that every social interaction should follow. Some consider it common knowledge or as a set of unwritten rules, while others consider some aspects of it tradition. The rather unique thing about Etiquette is, as you may have gathered from your classmates, is that is it not something that is standard across the whole of Halloween. What one culture considers polite, may actually be horrifically offensive in another. A good example is what Mr. Carlos sadly endured; I am hazarding a guess of course - and young man, please do correct me if I am wrong - in his culture, it may be customary to introduce oneself with riddles, while in others, it is not."
"Mr. Merope's response had a good point - some see etiquette as something creeple expect you to know and use. Mr. Quinn also put it best with his observation of 'behaviour that is proper for where you are at any given time'. However, therein lies the problem; how are we to know how to act, when interacting with a culture not our own, at any given time?" Winter looked out over her classroom, giving a small pause for affect before continuing.
"The easiest way is to learn about them. That is the goal of this class, my dear students. To learn what each of your cultures consider as their guidelines for what is socially acceptable and, of course, to learn how to gracefully handle a rebuke when informed of a potential breech in manners." Her gaze slid back towards Carlos for only a moment, before she went back to work. She drew a stack of papers from her desk, and passed them to the student closest to her.
"And to do that, we will be going on a series of field trips. Being passed out now are permission slips. If you feel that your home town, clan, herd or etc would be willing to host you and your fellow students for a day or two, please have an elder, leader or etc sign them before handing them in. My contact information is on the bottom of the slip, should they have any further questions or hesitations."
"Are there any questions?"
The OOC
Professor Winter is looking to turn Etiquette 101 into a series of field trips - featuring your student's home life! Please consider your student and their background; if you feel like their place of origin would allow a class to stay - relatively safely for 2 IC days, please fill out the form below and post it in this thread! Please RP your student dropping off the form.
[color=orange][size=15][b]FIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIP[/b][/size][/color] [b]Student Name:[/b] [b]Specie/Sub-Specie:[/b] [b]Destination:[/b] (Name and BRIEF description here IE: Purge Clan - Arctic Wasteland far north of Halloween)
[b]Player Name:[/b] [b]Best method of contact:[/b] (AIM, PM, Skype, Smoke signals?) [b]Typically online:[/b] (when are you usually online?) [b]Do you have experience in running small events?:[/b]
(OOCly) what is going to happen: Starting the class after next, I will roll a random form and contact that student's player - you! I will then sit down with you, and together, you and I will create a mini-field trip to your student's home for the rest of the etiquette class! You as a player will help me run it, and will act as an honorary sub-GM for that thread alone. Isn't that exciting?! The goal of these classes is to do a little world building, along with helping you flesh out a little bit about your student's background! All with the added bonus of learning how to run a small thing! So exciting!
PLEASE NOTE:Etiquette is the focus of these trips, and as such you will have to consider what your student's clan considers socially acceptable, and what it doesn't. In the spoiler below I have added a small form of things for you to consider, if you needed a place to start. This form is NOT MANDATORY for the purposes of sign ups, but will be the basis of the field trip later on should you choose to enter and are rolled.
Student Name: Specie: (Demon/Ghost/Monster/Reaper/Undead) Clan: (Sub-specie, feel free to be specific like 'arctic wendigo (purge clan)') Place of Origin:
(BRIEF) History of your Clan:
Social Structure: (King/Queen? Tribal Leader? Is there a chain of command, and if so, what is it?)
Attire and Decoration: What is considered proper casual clothing?: What is considered proper formal clothing?: Is jewelry socially acceptable to wear?: (and if so, are there any restrictions? i.e. only wearing jewelry on high holidays, etc) If not, how come?: Are piercings/tattoos allowed?: Are there any limits to them?: (i.e. are they done for ritual reasons, and if so, what is a situation where you could receive one)
Speaking What is the overall stance on profanity/slang?: Is it socially acceptable to interrupt?: (if so, explain when/why) Are contractions allowed?:
Dining: Does your clan gather for food intake?: If so, where?: What is considered polite during meal times?: What is considered taboo during meal times?: Is there a specific seating arrangement for meal times?: (if so, please describe) Is there a specific set-up for utensils?: (if so, please describe)
Hygiene: What is considered proper: What is considered improper:
Gifts: Is it considered proper to give gifts?: If so, when?: (ie. birthday's special annual events, etc) How to courteously receive a gift:
Other: (this section is for you; if you would like to add specifics that can not be fit in the above).
Is there anything else about your clan that you feel is important in regards to etiquette? If so, please specify below:
Is this mandatory?: No! You don't have to sign up! If you're too nervous at the idea of running something (which I understand, but don't be! I'll be there the whole time to help and guide), or if you feel that your student's home life will not allow it, then you need not enter. That's perfectly okay!
ALSO PLEASE NOTE: Winter's prodding for questions is both IC and OOC! If you have a question your student can pose ICly (i.e. 'do you think (home here) would be safe?'), have them ask it! If you have an OOC question, please feel free to ask in (( ooc brackets )) - don't forget to quote me!
Yayoi
Kaineferu
a-disgruntled-dragon
kuuropii
shyanimegirl
Seiana_Zi
Smerdle
Meegane
Beejoux
Syrie
Rikku Takanashi
Cheekiebirdiee
Marushii
Nio Love
The Semblance of Unity
Seussi
Bloodlust Dante
phantompanther13
poke mattix
SwordOfTheDarkOnes
Sexy Cocaine
prolixity
Amasis
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 9:24 am
Nahm's quiet entrance had not gone unnoticed by the chimera. She turned bright eyes in his direction as he introduced himself and gave his answer to the class, then took his seat. Her gaze lingered until he had taken a seat. Long enough to catch his eye, and she'd purse her lips at him, offer a wink, before directing her attention back to Professor Winter. As the demon woman addressed the class as a whole Merry finally took a seat, rather than remained draped across Ahm's shoulders. She slipped into the desk beside him, folded her hands, and listened intently.
A widening of eyes followed the mention of the permission slips and what they entailed, and she couldn't help a quick little glance to both twins, curious if they would be seeking the elder's permission for this, or if they would forgo it.
She herself had no problem signing her tribe up. They were a welcoming sort, boisterous and bright, and though they received very little in the way of guests, each and every one Merry had ever known had been treated quite well. When the paper was set before her she leaned over to paw at Ahm's robes until she found a pocket with a pen, then set about to fill out the permission slip.
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIP Student Name: Merry Specie/Sub-Specie: Monster, Tropical chimera Destination: Valley tribe: A large, tribal society that takes up residence in the valley between two cliffs in the middle of a humid rain forest.
Player Name: Beejoux Best method of contact: AIM, you have it <3 Typically online: All the time! Timezone is Est, usually online between 7 am and 11:30 pm Do you have experience in running small events?: Kinda, ish?
syrie
prolixity
Beejoux
Crew
Wrathful Demigod
Offline
Beejoux
Crew
Wrathful Demigod
Offline
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 9:57 am
Jory was quiet as Zaire stood up to introduce himself, thought hat wasn't unusual. He was quiet anyways, and had been even more so over the last couple of weeks. The glance down was met with the flicker of an encouraging smile. Even in the midst of whatever personal problems they might had been having, Jory was always encouraging. It was alright that Zaire didn't know what etiquette meant, he'd have a pretty good idea of it by the end of the class.
If his own answer had been just a touch passive aggressive, it had not been entirely deliberate.
When he sat back down, their tails looping together again, an easy hold, and Jory folded his hands on his desk as the larger boil slid closer to lean against his shoulder.
When their professor was done, and the slips had been passed out, Jory pulled a pencil from his pocket and leaned over his own paper to fill it out. There was a long pause as he wondered if he really wanted to do this, if he wanted to bring his classmates home to meet his clan, his parents. He had wanted to bring Zaire home, though that trip was temporarily postponed until things had smoothed out a little more again.
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIP Student Name: Jory Specie/Sub-Specie: Monster, Afanc Destination: Dark Loch, a large inland lake in a cool, rainy bit of Halloween. Their is a town beside the lake.
Player Name: Beejoux Best method of contact: See Merry's slip Typically online: See Merry's slip Do you have experience in running small events?: See Merry's slip
cheekiebirdiee
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 11:14 am
Zaire listened mostly to what the teacher had been saying, though in all honesty his attention had been more on the monster next to him. When slips were passes around Zaire slipped away into a daydream of bringing the others back to the swamp that was his home. An instant wince and the monster pushed back the slip and looked away to keep from meeting the teachers gaze, that wouldn't be a good idea. In fact it was probably the second worst thing he could think of aside from Jory going home with him and getting ate. Or smothered to death in one of his mothers death hugs.
Settled in not offering up his home Zaire turned, sure that Jory would be the same. After all he hadn't even gotten to see it yet. The lazy smile Zaire wore however was turned into an instant pout as Jory leaned over and filled out the slip. A low noise close to a growl sounded and Zaire put an elbow to the desk and head in his palm, staring down his boilfriend. Pouting clearly as his tail only tightened around the other monsters. This wasn't fair ! How could Jory let other people come to his home, a soft pouting snort sounded and Zaire let his arm fall, head following to rest on the desk.
Immediately, Gabby's demeanor changed. While the other students hurried to grab their form and begin to fill out all of the details of their home, Gabby just slunk in his chair and pulled his collar tighter around his head. His home was nothing but an empty cave, and there was no one there to learn from. There would be no filling out that form, for him. He just hoped he would still be invited once the field trips to other students destinations began.
The chair he sat on began to ice as he slowly froze to the seat.
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 4:10 pm
The boost of confidence he gained as Professor Winter mentioned his name quickly sank as the professor brought up visiting their homelands. He fidgeted awkwardly in his seat. Aside from the other sea dragon, he didn't think the rest of the class would be able to visit his home. Even then, there was the issue of getting there...
As the stack of papers came to him, Merope simply grabbed the stack and passed it on in a melancholic fashion.
Meixiang had totally forgotten what was going on in the class except for the mention of visiting homelands. It got the ghoul all excited. Her home was filled with such a great culture and history she would love to show others around.
Grabbing a form she quickly filled it out.
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIP Student Name: Meixiang Specie/Sub-Specie: Undead, Jiang Shi Destination: Mountain Compound; A large walled compound in the mountains that houses many families within this particular clan of Jiang Shi.
Player Name: Yayoi Best method of contact: AIM or PM Typically online: Usually afternoon/evenings Do you have experience in running small events?: Sorta yes.
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 7:29 pm
After sitting down, Camilla was distracted from getting tea from Carlos when Ms. Winter began speaking. Her eyes widen and her tail begins to sway happily as the demoness tells them that they'd be going on Field Trips! And, ontop of that if they filled out one of the forms being passed around they might be going to other creeple's home! "Ooo! Yay! I'd love to take a class to Mouseshire!" she exclaims cheerfully in a whisper to herself! Excitedly she takes one of the forms and begins filling it out only to pause for a moment...
She needed permission right? Hm... For a moment Camilla thought about what she should do before deciding. She'd go ahead and fill out the form then call her parents after class. Yes that's what she'd do! And so with a nod to herself she goes back to filling in the form.
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIP Student Name: Camilla Forester Specie/Sub-Specie: Dormouse Monster/Hazel Dormouse Monster Destination: Mouseshire - Which is a small kingdom in a humongous dense forest of gigantic trees! It's many train switches and a boat ride or a few plane rides away
Player Name: Rikku Takanashi Best method of contact: Gmail/Inbox.com honestly but if thats no go then just PMs here on Gaia! Typically online: Unfortunately... My schedule is completely random... My timezone is EST though Do you have experience in running small events: Uh... Unless a booth at the carnival counts then nope!
Rikku Takanashi
Friendly Guardian
Offline
Amasis
Everyday Blob
Offline
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 10:07 pm
Arrakis thought long and hard about whether or not to get one of those permission forms. It wasn't that his family would object to visitors. They usually loved them. His mother and father were all but natural-born hosts, which he supposed worked well considering how big of a family they'd become over time. But his home wasn't terribly big or exciting. Just a few houses clustered together, really, on the outskirts of a larger settlement they were loosely affiliated with. There would be room for the class--his father would see to that--but it would still probably be uncomfortably small.
Plus, he had to admit... Arrakis was kind of wary of how they would react to this kind of visit. It wouldn't be bad, but... Well, his parents were very enthusiastic. They would automatically assume everyone in the class was his friend and treat them accordingly, which would be alright, but... very embarrassing, to be quite honest. He only knew half their names because of what he'd been able to remember after introductions in the class. He still didn't know anyone. And if there were any attractive ghouls or boils, his parents would ask all of them if he was dating any of them.
That would be even more embarrassing.
With a small internal sigh, he dutifully handed the papers along without taking one for himself. Maybe next time.
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 10:32 pm
What an opportunity for her to get in good graces with her father and the Elders.
That's what she should have thought. Aureole knew that her place high in the mountains would and could house the students but it also mean't being under the thumb of her father and being 'judged' constantly. That did not spell a good time for her.
And she wasn't completely sure everyone would be able to get there or stand the altitude it was at.
Most of the teacher's introduction flew in one ear and out the other for Lou, finishing one crude stick figure and continuing onto another in his little notebook. Wait. Field trip?
The boil glanced back up at the stack of papers in thought. Lou didn't really have a clan, a family, or a group of like-minded individuals he spent a large amount of time with. Sure he had a place of origin, and it might be fun to throw it in for shits and giggles to make the weak squirm but...
Nah. He would just laugh at their heritage. That would be amusing enough.
Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 5:16 pm
Brenley smiled to himself and folded his hands on the table. He had been right on track with the whole "acting appropriately depending on where you were" thing, and proving himself in class was as satisfying as ever. Although he liked to think he was polite enough to make a good impression in any normal situation, there were definitely aspects of his own background that he preferred not to discuss in mixed company. Others were probably the same. He wasn't about to take a form, however. Life back home would soon be strange enough without the addition of a pack of unruly students.
- - -
He tried to commit the instructor's words to memory, but without a notebook or pen, Lyle didn't have much success committing them anywhere. He found himself daydreaming about the auditorium instead, wondering when he would be dismissed so that he could visit it.
- - -
Rojo was quite excited about the possibility of field trips, especially since he had already taken the initiative and invited everyone to his home town. He took at least five forms, filing one out right away.
i'll put this in the office thread too whee
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIP Student Name: Rojo Specie/Sub-Specie: Undead / Calaca Destination: Muerto - a bustling small-to-medium sized town an hour or two outside Halloween Town by train
Player Name: Smerdle Best method of contact: AIM / PM / Smoke signals Typically online: 9am - midnight EST Do you have experience in running small events?: yus
"Tea tea, yes tea." Camellia was nodded in the direction of the tea. "Plenty for friends."
Carlos slowly crawled back on top of his seat. He did nod at the teacher when she guess correctly. It was only polite to riddle. He still hadn't managed to get a proper full greeting yet here.
Maybe he would finally get one if they knew a thing or two about home. Besides he missed his family.
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIP Student Name: Carlos Specie/Sub-Specie: Ghost- Cheshire cat Destination: Yowling meadow
Player Name: Best method of contact: Aim, phantompanther113 is great. also PMs are always looked at and responded too, if a bit slower. Typically online: Some time after 5 on Pacific time. Gone after 10pm but some times pops in after work. Do you have experience in running small events?: A tiny bit in the carnivals running my own booths, otherwise no.
Student Name: Carlos Specie: ghost Clan: Cheshire cat Place of Origin: Yowling Woods- Near Tulgey Wood.
(BRIEF) History of your Clan:
Social Structure: Cheshire cats are loosely formed groups. They have queens and Toms, just like regular cats. Females tend to flock together and raise young in groups. Toms tend to branch off and have wider wandering ranges.
They do have meeting zones where there is neutral grounds to trade and talk and play. otherwise they have territories that the cats tend to stay on. The Territories are usually one family of cats per zone, with females taking up spots and then males overlapping. Disputes are settled in riddle contests and battles of the wits.
Attire and Decoration: What is considered proper casual clothing?: Often Cheshire cats are particular. Some tent to look nice while others will take a gathering of different favorite things. And the same cat can have a miss matched hodge podge one day and then something matching and straight another, it just depends on mood and cat. Usually they have stripes of some kind. Stripes are very popular. Often mismatched stripes, plaid and spots appear all on one outfit. Stripes is very much a prevailing outfit choice. Can't go wrong with stripes.)
What is considered proper formal clothing?: Formal clothing usually involved formal cloths, a Tie and a Top hat for men, Bonnets or other Favorited objects for women. Their cloths can match or not. But usually is suites and dresses of some kind or culture. Other culture's formal attire is completely appropriate at a formal Cheshire cat gathering. It can become a topic of conversation. There is no such thing as a wrong clothing choice. Stripped scarves are a common accessory to any formal outfit, often matching the Cheshire cat's fur color.
during special events it is common for a Cheshire to wear as many special items from their inventory, this items have emotional value and the "wealthy" cats can hardly move while they wear these around.
Is jewelry socially acceptable to wear?: Anything goes.
Are piercings/tattoos allowed?: They are allowed. Earrings are the most common. In natural form Cheshire cats have fur so Tattoos, while allowed, are just generally not done. Are there any limits to them?: Naw
Social interactions:
First meetings usually require either for one cat to tell a riddle that describes either itself or the other person. The other person is to guess which it is and then tell a matching riddle. Then names will be told.
Often if the riddle is describing the other person the cat is asking for a name.
It is very common for conversation to happen before getting to the name portion of introductions. Cats when asking need something to go off off. So often times they will know stranger's origins before their names. Sometimes a Cat will go without knowing someone's name for years, or will make up a name for strangers when they can't figure out certain riddles. Cheshire cats also interact with other members of Tudgely wood and the surrounding areas whom have similar culture styles.
Greeting: They can be a riddle or just a friendly rub depending on comfort. Strangers: Usually strangers are greeted with riddles and battles of wit. cheshire cats also love stories. Family:
Friends: Elders: Listen to them. they will often talk for a long time. Younger: Children are fed and given simple games to teach them.
Speaking What is the overall stance on profanity/slang?:
It is considered rude. and also uncreative.
Is it socially acceptable to interrupt?: most cats will think you are rude, but they often interrupt each other in the chaos of conversation. And will talk over each other. Are contractions allowed?: conversations generally degenerate into pure chaos.
Philosophy is a common favorite topic. and Riddles.
Dining: Does your clan gather for food intake?: Mice and bird minis from the woods are common. Some cats grow gardens for tea. they are considered wealthy and skilled. If so, where?: What is considered polite during meal times?: Conversations about riddles, family, life and philosophy. What is considered taboo during meal times?: No one likes a lazy hunter. Bring a bit of food if you can.
Is there a specific seating arrangement for meal times?: No Is there a specific set-up for utensils?: Supposedly there is a special way to eat and set silverware but no one ever can seem to agree on what and exactly how this works.
Hygiene: What is considered proper: Grooming is important. Cheshire cats do groom. but being ghosts it's less necessary. What is considered improper: Lazy hunters and moochers.
Gifts: Is it considered proper to give gifts?: It's usually proper to bring a small bit of food to a family hosted meal. And small gifts, like tea or for older people wine is considered proper. It's almost a requirement to bring a gift when entering another cat's territory or home. It's very rude to not. If so, when?: (ie. birthday's special annual events, etc) How to courteously receive a gift:
Other:
It's rude to not at least make a guess for a riddle.
Most Cheshire cats are actually considered insane by other races. The more confusing they are the better. Confusion leads to FEAR. this doesn't mean the riddles shouldn't have some sense, it's just that they often speak in complete nonsense. Riddles always have some kind of answer. But nonsense is just that nonsense. But they can speak clearly when they want to. Conciseness almost never happens. They will talk about your hat when they mean above and talk about your shoes when they mean bellow. Understanding one requires some amount of wit, though they will help you out if you seem to struggle. As long as you try.
SwordOfTheDarkOnes
Rikku Takanashi
Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 6:35 pm
The growl pulled Jory's attention up from his paper and over towards his boilfriend, and he met that unhappy stare with a slight narrowing of blue eyes. Soft features hardened, and the afanc folded his permission slip before tucking it and his pen away in his pocket. Zaire could pout all he wanted, but this wasn't Jory's fault, and he refused to feel bad about it.
Or, well, he tried very hard not to feel bad about it and mostly succeeded, but the mahamba wouldn't see that slight twinge of guilt.
cheekiebirdiee
Beejoux
Crew
Wrathful Demigod
Offline
Seiana_ZI
Codebreaking Conversationalist
Online
Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 9:21 pm
Cearney was not the most attentive student, but he did write a few notes as expected, mostly the definition that Professor Winter gave. It would probably be important later.
Wait, they were going to take a field trip? Would it be anything like those different portal field trips? He never wanted to see --
Wait.
This could be the perfect chance to show how his people actually behaved. They would not be like those terrible mockeries from St. Patrick's!
Cearney quite enthusiastically volunteered his people... He'd ask later.
============
As soon as Ms. Winter began to speak, Serafina was putting her pensnake to paper, diligently taking notes on what was said like the good third year student she had learned to be. She knew that different cultures had different standards, and that was part of what made travel interesting, but what she was expecting was to simply learn about what some of those differences may be.
The learning portion ended up being not so simple.
They were to fill out permission slips of sorts to possibly welcome the students to their culture? Oh, that was...
Right.
Serafina fidgeted uncomfortably. After all, comparatively she was still recently dead. The NCIB had sent her to that all-ghouls school as soon as she arrived, and then she transferred to Amityville. That wasn't very interesting. That wasn't a culture. She didn't really have one. Serafina never belonged.
Without a word, Serafina passed the sheets off and attempted not to show the sudden stabbing upset on her face.
============
It was hard to say if Ignatius was truly listening to anyone with the way he kept looking all over the place. There were a few faces he recognized and he nodded at them, and there were others that were familiar to him from the booths which he was happy to finally place proper names to. He wrote a few of those down instead of taking notes.
Interacting with other cultures? Ignatius suddenly glanced up from his notebook again, fiddling with his pensnake. Oh, that would be awesome! Jack, he'd love to go check some other places out!
And they could come check out his own too, maybe! If it was safe. Was it safe to invite a bunch of students to the Sands? Maybe so long as they were not water students. Or maybe there would be some way to deal with that...
He filled out a form either way.
I'll put these in the office too ~
Cearney's Form
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIP Student Name: Cearney O'Cahan Specie/Sub-Specie: Demon / Leprechaun Destination: A lush forest to the East, known for it's riches.
Player Name: Seiana_ZI Best method of contact: AIM, PM, Smoke signals... Typically online: ... A lot... I'm in EST. Do you have experience in running small events?: Yes!
Ignatius' Form
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION SLIP Student Name: (Yildirim) Ignatius Svarog Specie/Sub-Specie: Ghost / Lightning Elemental Destination: The Lightning Elemental Sands to the South.
Player Name: Seiana_ZI Best method of contact: AIM, PM, Smoke signals... Typically online: ... A lot... I'm in EST. Do you have experience in running small events?: Yes!
