Star Army of Yamatai personnel are expected to maintain the customs of polite behavior in addressing fellow crewmembers, both of subordinate, equal, and superior position. Honorifics are used to denote levels of respect, rank, familiarity, and sometimes gender by using both prefixes and stand-alone words.
In all instances, it is appropriate to refer to a shipmate with the form “[surname]-[rank].” Should the rank consist of two words, it is acceptable to shorten the rank in addressing the individual. For instance, Santô Hei may be shortened merely to “hei” for the purposes of address. Further, the surname may be dropped altogether in favor of merely the rank when context insures that such reference will not confuse listeners as to whom is being referred to. Well acquainted personnel may use the form “[given name]-[rank]” in all but the most formal communications.
In off-duty or close working environments, properly introduced and acquainted personnel may refer to each other with the form “[surname]-san.” However, due diligence must be paid in avoiding fraternization, should the personnel in question be officers and enlisted or of sufficiently great difference in rank. Such cases may result in the superior referring to the subordinate with “san” while the subordinate continues to use the superior's rank. Between especially well acquainted shipmates, reference may be made with the given name instead of the surname, with the expectation that “san” continue to be included. Except where the working environment allows a degree of informality, it is inappropriate to use the form “[given name]-san” while on duty.
In situations similar to where the use of “san” is appropriate, sufficiently superior personnel may refer to subordinates with “kun,” provided the usage is polite. The caveat in such situations is that the appearance of diminution or the undermining of the subordinate's authority must not result from such usage. Various, more informal honorifics are acceptable off duty but are not allowed within the confines of the formalities of duty environments.
Particularly close personnel are free to drop all honorifics in referential speech on their own time. However, even more so than with informal honorifics, such references are strictly unacceptable in any situation which calls for even the slightest military deportment, whether on or off-duty.
In all cases, personnel are expected to be mindful of the context within which they use particular modes of honorific speech. Speaking informally with a colleague of equal rank while on-duty in an Engineering space may be acceptable while such informality would be inappropriate while speaking in front of the Captain on the bridge. Additionally, the desires of the shipmate being referred to must be respected; crew that have not expressed a desire for familiarity should be addressed politely and formally at all times. Guests aboard the ship, whether superior or subordinate, are always to be referred to with the utmost respect.
Ultimately, the goal of the command team is to ensure that intra-crew interactions maintain an air of military respect and courtesy while allowing shipmates to foster the feelings of trust and association necessary to the good order of any Star Army vessel.
Author: Kim Eun-Kyung - Shoi Kohosei Date: 06.07.31 Authorized for entry into YSS Aeon Ship's Log by: Ise Katae - Taii Added to Star Army of Yamatai regulations by order of: Ketsurui Yui - Taisho Date: 06.17.31
Player are encouraged to use the Yamataian terms outlined above to help foster a sense character. However those who wish to use Nepleslian terms may do so, eg, Mr, Miss, Mrs, but only where appropriate.