Manual of Etiquette: XI - Sponsorship and Patronage
From FiranMUX
It is very often the case in civilised society, in keeping with the first principles of maintaining and enhancing one's reputation, that an individual of higher social station may wish to recognise another individual's good character. The act of sponsoring another individual unfailingly links one's good name to that of the sponsoree, and vice versa. Should either party gain in reputation, the praise is mirrored to the other, and should there be any loss of standing, the fall is reflected likewise. Selection of those individuals to whom one might offer one's sponsorship and patronage, therefore, should be a thoughtful and considered affair, and should reflect one's own interests. In the event that one feels the duty of soldiers, for example, to be a vital part of our Republic, it should be advisable to sponsor a soldier. Should one have a concern for the running of our temples, one might sponsor a priest, to show one's support for their actions.
It is the duty of a sponsor to ensure that the needs of their sponsoree are met, that they should not starve or suffer from neglect, and that they should have access to any tools they require for their vocation. In short, a sponsor should ensure that their sponsoree is able to carry out their duties and work without worry. A sponsor may be called upon to vouch for the good name of their sponsoree, to educate them, to defend them, and to discipline them as necessary, much as one might treat one's own children. It is usual to meet with one's sponsorees on a fairly regular basis, to ensure that their needs are met, to discuss their future and direction, to offer advice, and to assist in guiding and supporting them towards their aims.
In return for the assistance of their sponsor, an individual has a responsibility to ensure the faith, trust and good name of their sponsor is not demolished by any foolish actions. A proportion of one's income should be tithed to one's sponsor in thanks for their continued support, but the simple depositing of money into a bank account should not be the full extent of one's thanks. It is polite to periodically offer a small gift, usually related to one's own vocation. Should one be a farmer, for example, perhaps one might offer one's sponsor a gift of crops or livestock, or should one be a vintner, one might offer a sample of the year's best wine. In addition to this, one's sponsor should always be interested to hear one's news, particularly should it be somewhat removed from the news they should usually hear in their daily circles.
Very many young ladies and gentlemen today demonstrate a sad lack of time and consideration in selecting those to whom they feel worthy of offering their good name, eschewing many fine individuals of good name and honourable character in favour of those they feel should most rapidly enrich their coffers. To seek out only those men and women whose craft should ensure steady and sizeable tithes is terribly poor form, demonstrating to the world as it does one's singular goal of monetary gain and greed. Should one find and approve of an individual's character who does happen to partake in a particularly lucrative craft, that should be all very well, but to deliberately and brazenly advertise one's desire for only a sponsoree who crafts expensive items is to lower oneself in the estimation of society.
Should your sponsoree show themselves to be of dubious character, having deceived you initially into vouching for their good name through pretty words and lies, it is perfectly acceptable, and indeed encouraged, to immediately dissolve any sponsorship agreement and to warn those who might be equally deceived, that they might not be fooled into sponsoring the individual after you have cast them aside. A sponsorship agreement is a contract of good behaviour, and should it not be honoured one is quite within one's rights to terminate any assistance.
