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(excerpted in part from a rare unabridged copy of "The Chronicles of
Talislanta", by the wizard Tamerlin.)
The Kasmirans observe a great number of ancient traditions, the nature of
which may seem strange and even bizarre to outsiders. When in the company of
these folk, the foreigner would do well to familiarize himself or herself
with certain important rules of etiquette, which may be expressed as follows:
If you are invited into a Kasmiran's home, knock once on the door and wait
patiently for a response. This may take several minutes, as it is likely that
your host will first scrutinize you thoroughly through a combination of
peepholes and spy-tubes. Do not take offense; this is the usual custom among
all Kasmirans. When all locks have been undone, you may enter your host's
home. Again, be patient, as this may take a few moments.
Visitors to a Kasmiran abode are expected to sit on the floor, as the Kasmir
do themselves. A rug or mat will always be provided for this purpose; take
care not to wipe your feet on it when you enter, as this is regarded as a
great insult. Your host will offer one or more cushions for you to lean upon.
Take it with your thanks; such perquisites come free of charge. If a Kasmiran
host offers you more than one cushion it is a sign that he or she regards you
as a "valued customer" - in Kasmiran terms, one with whom the host hopes to
do business.
While visiting with your host never request food or drink unless it is
offered to you. To make such a request is considered poor manners; what if
the Kasmiran has only enough food and drink for himself? Should refreshments
be offered, the polite response is to offer monetary compensation to your
host. The host should take only enough to pay the cost of purchasing,
transporting, storing, cooking, and serving the food; any more than this
would be impolite.
Do not complain about the lack of light inside a Kasmiran abode. For economic
reasons, Kasmirans rarely use more than a single candle or small lantern to
illuminate a room. This may do little to dispel the gloom, for the typical
Kasmiran abode has no windows. However, keep in mind that the lack of windows
is due to the Kasmiran hatred of thieves, and complaints associated with this
subject may reflect poorly upon the visitor.
©1994 SMS
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