The Ettiquette of Bribery

[Qari]

To the honored reader, a guide to the customs of the Ashfolk regarding respect and the giving of gifts:


Gifts and bribes are customary here in the lands of our blessed Sultan, Osman VI.  It is considered a show of respect to offer such a gift, and the value of the gift is a measure of your respect and gratefulness for the time of your host, and the service they provide to you. It is considered highly disrespectful to request one's time, without a gift to offer in return.  These gifts may not be currency, but should have shared value to both parties and thus currency is the most common gift offered as courtesy.

For simple matters, a gift should still be exchanged but it is merely symbolic, and needn't be something of great value.


Many of the wasteland have come with strange views on this subject. They find it immoral somehow that they should offer payment in exchange for favors or service. Allow me to dispel this notion dear readers, by clarifying certain things.

The Ashfolk are a civilized people, who view respect and civility with the utmost importance. In our civil processes, there are guidelines, rules, and commands. It is customary for payment when carrying out a service for someone, and this shall always be weighed against the guideline or rules, along with any potential consequences. A suitable gift may see these guidelines or rules bent in your favor.  However, no bribe is sufficient to disobey a command from our blessed Sultan, or his wise and cherished daughters.  Nor is any bribe sufficient to cross certain moral lines, for any reputable Ashfolk.

Some of the Wasteland have the impression that Ashfolk will do anything so long as they are paid, and this is simply not true.  Ashfolk see gifts as a measure of status. To give, or receive an extravagant gift is a great boon to both parties. It is customary to make such things publicly known. Spending and being generous is seen as more status-worthy than receiving such gifts. One who hoards without being generous in turn, is likely to be of lower status to one with great income but whom showers their underlings with the wealth, leaving little for themselves.


As such, the perception that Ashfolk are "greedy" by those of the wasteland, is patently false due to this emphasis our people place on charity and generosity.


-Qari Alriyh