the questions of our times: formality and vampires

[rm]

This, thanks to a discussion started by weirdquark. Please do visit the comments where you will learn many things including the many ways formality is structured in different languages (something my questions did not fully take into account, and I apologize for that), werewolf pack dynamics considerations, and whether there are vampires in France.

[Poll #1601631]

Comments

[jarien.livejournal.com]

Very interesting to think about!

I find it best to be polite and formal with anyone I don't know, especially those with the ability to kill me faster than I can blink. My first concern is survival, no question.

That said, I don't think I'd address all manner of supernatural species the same way, and some of it would depend on how well I knew the being in question, and what understanding I have of their cultural/species/personal expectations. And of course, whether I get a second chance at conversation!

I find nothing wrong with being aggressive in a pack setting, if that is the expected behavior to prove that I'm not prey. I wouldn't have a problem being quiet and more passive if appearing to challenge a were-leopard would bring on an attack. I could toss insults at a pixie if they were of a mind to slander my parentage.

Individual case basis.