Star Trek: First Duty #3 - "At Her Majesty's Discretion" (WIP)

[McCovey Cove]

In line with an old post on this thread, I thought I'd offer some feedback considering traditional IRL practices, as before whether these apply for your purposes is of course up to you.



Unless maybe (it doesn't really happen IRL, but isn't prohibited) she is a Duchess by marriage and holds a lesser title (particularly if judicial rather than noble), then it is unlikely that someone would be both "Her Grace" and "Lady" (her/your ladyship when addressed directly, usually) and if she is, then the titles are the wrong way around it. Typical form would be "Her Grace, The Duchess of Pennington" but "Her Grace Isabella, The Duchess of Pennington" for someone who holds the title of duchess either in her own right or by marriage who has never been within two generations of (the direct) line of succession (in which case, she would be HRH while married or widowed, but not divorced (the same applies to the HG if not).

Apologies for the delay. New Year's was a series of events that required my full attention.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! I truly appreciate the time you took to provide such detailed insight into the proper use of titles—it’s always fascinating to delve into the nuances of noble etiquette.

For this particular instance, my intent was to craft a character introduction that reflects the tone and societal norms of the Sovereign Realm of Greenwood, rather than adhere strictly to historical protocol. The phrase “Her Grace, The Duchess of Pennington, Lady Isabella Pennington” is intended to evoke the grandeur and complexity of her position in the narrative, rather than serve as a formal address or court standard.

That said, your input has given me a lot to consider about how to balance authenticity and creative license, and I’ll certainly keep it in mind as I continue developing the story. Thanks again for helping me refine this world—I’m so glad to have readers who engage so deeply!

 

[Shamrock Holmes]

For this particular instance, my intent was to craft a character introduction that reflects the tone and societal norms of the Sovereign Realm of Greenwood, rather than adhere strictly to historical protocol. The phrase “Her Grace, The Duchess of Pennington, Lady Isabella Pennington” is intended to evoke the grandeur and complexity of her position in the narrative, rather than serve as a formal address or court standard.

Adding "Lady X Pennington" doesn't really do that though as referring to her as "Lady" effectively demotes her.

Now, if you were to replace the "Lady X Pennington" part with a couple of senior grades of awards mentioned in the same post... that could (though not technically promote her per se) increase her profile, particularly if one of them is a "personal award" one.

 

[McCovey Cove]

Adding "Lady X Pennington" doesn't really do that though as referring to her as "Lady" effectively demotes her.

Now, if you were to replace the "Lady X Pennington" part with a couple of senior grades of awards mentioned in the same post... that could (though not technically promote her per se) increase her profile, particularly if one of them is a "personal award" one.

How about "Her Grace, Isabella Pennington, The Duchess of Pennington, Dame Grand Cross of the Most Noble Order of King Edward (GCE), Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the Silver Crescent (KCSC), and Companion of the Order of the Verdant Quill (CVQ)?"

 

[Shamrock Holmes]

Still don't like the inclusion of the Pennington, if only because it's the same name. It would be different* and significantly more correct to IRL if she was "HG Isabella Pennington, the Duchess of (City/Count/Country Name)". Sometimes a "lord" title will be attached to the surname rather than a territory, but this is far from common, particularly above Baron(ess).

Also, using both the full form and initials of the honours looks wrong. I'd use the long form first then just the initials after.

I'm also not quite sure about the order of the honours themselves either, as the most senior honours (which you accurately ascribe to a monarch) are solely medals IRL (George Cross and Victoria Cross), with the majority of the other grades being named for organisations or objects, with the only exception being the relatively junior Royal Victorian Order.

Could the first two be something like the Victorian/Royal Star/Star of Queen Victoria and the Edwardian/Royal Cross/Cross of King Edward?

The others are pretty solid, though as noted before the number of different grades are typically inversely proportional to seniority (the Orders of the Garter and the Thistle only have two grades each, whereas the Order of the British Empire (the most junior that grants a title) has five grades).


* You still wouldn't refer to her using the "Isabella Pennington" part in dialogue, but prose is acceptable, particularly the first time. Her Grace or conceivably "The Duchess" would be typically after that.

 

[McCovey Cove]

Could the first two be something like the Victorian/Royal Star/Star of Queen Victoria and the Edwardian/Royal Cross/Cross of King Edward? The others are pretty solid, though as noted before the number of different grades are typically inversely proportional to seniority (the Orders of the Garter and the Thistle only have two grades each, whereas the Order of the British Empire (the most junior that grants a title) has five grades). * You still wouldn't refer to her using the "Isabella Pennington" part in dialogue, but prose is acceptable, particularly the first time. Her Grace or conceivably "The Duchess" would be typically after that.

Well, I never intended for Isabella to be military, so it would have to be the civilian side of things. I came up with a small list of military and non-military honors:

Military

• Greenwood Cross (GC)
  • Awarded for: Extraordinary bravery and gallantry in the face of the enemy.
  • Note: The highest military decoration for valor, equivalent to prestigious medals of honor.
• Emerald Leaf of Valor (ELV)
  • Awarded for: Sustained heroism over a prolonged period, often during times of war.
  • Note: Recognizes ongoing acts of bravery and commitment.
• Order of Victoria’s Shield (OVS)
  • Awarded for: Exemplary leadership in military campaigns or long-standing service to Greenwood’s Royal Navy.
  • Note: Honors exceptional leadership and strategic excellence.
• Golden Compass (GCm)
  • Awarded for: Exceptional navigation skills or strategic planning during critical missions.
  • Note: Celebrates tactical brilliance and innovation.
• Silver Stern (SS)
  • Awarded for: Extraordinary acts of service or exceptional courage by enlisted personnel.
  • Note: Recognizes the bravery and dedication of non-commissioned members.
• Defender’s Ribbon
  • Awarded for: Participation in defending Greenwood territory during significant conflicts.
  • Note: Acknowledges those who have actively protected the realm.

Non-Military/Civilian

• Queen’s Diplomatic Commendation (QDC)
  • Awarded for: Successful mediation of treaties, alliances, or agreements vital to Greenwood’s sovereignty.
  • Note: Honors outstanding diplomatic achievements.
• Greenwood Medal of Service (GMS)
  • Awarded for: Significant contributions to Greenwood’s prosperity, including advancements in science, trade, and diplomacy.
  • Note: Recognizes impactful civilian service.
• Order of the Greenwood Rose (OGR)
  • Awarded for: Cultural, artistic, or humanitarian contributions that strengthen Greenwood’s identity and unity.
  • Note: Celebrates efforts that enrich the nation's cultural fabric.
• Civic Guardian Award (CGA)
  • Awarded for: Acts of heroism in civilian emergencies, such as disaster relief or medical breakthroughs.
  • Note: Recognizes civilian bravery and service in critical situations.
• Crown’s Economic Commendation (CEC)
  • Awarded for: Enhancing Greenwood’s trade, resources, or economic stability.
  • Note: Honors significant contributions to the economy.
• Royal Society of Greenwood Fellowship (RSGF)
  • Awarded for: Exceptional scientists and researchers whose work benefits Greenwood or its allies.
  • Note: Prestigious recognition within the scientific community.
• Fitzwilliam Innovation Prize
  • Awarded for: Groundbreaking discoveries or technological advancements.
  • Note: Encourages innovation and technological progress.
• Scholar’s Laurel (SL)
  • Awarded for: Academic excellence in history, literature, or the sciences.
  • Note: Honors scholarly achievements.

I'm not beholden to any of the above, just doodling on a notepad on these right now.

 

[Shamrock Holmes]

The only ones I might change are these are these:

Order of Victoria’s Shield (OVS)

• Awarded for: Exemplary leadership in military campaigns or long-standing service to Greenwood’s Royal Navy.
• Note: Honors exceptional leadership and strategic excellence.

Order of the Greenwood Rose (OGR)

• Awarded for: Cultural, artistic, or humanitarian contributions that strengthen Greenwood’s identity and unity.
• Note: Celebrates efforts that enrich the nation's cultural fabric.

As the "Order of X" format seems a little odd in the middle of the list, particularly the latter as Order of the Greenwood isn't used elsewhere. Personally, I'd go with Greenwood Rose here, but Order of Greenwood Rose would also work with some of the other awards.

 

[McCovey Cove]

Well, OVS is supposed to be the fictional analog to the Legion of Merit, and the OGR is supposed to be an equivalent to the Companion of Honour.