Vulgar

On their shard, a Dream Monarch's power is absolute. For example, they can change the weather with a thought. They can also decide what technology and lifeforms can exist and function. Hence, a Dream Monarch can declare something Seemly or Vulgar.

A Dream Monarch's decision may be blunt or nuanced. In the shards of the Conclave, there are usually three levels of Vulgarity: absolute, conditional, or public.

If something is absolutely Vulgar, then it can't exist. For example, a Monarch may decide that metamorphs cannot enter their shard. Metamophs, for example, are absolutely vulgar on rl earth. They do not exist.

If something is conditionally Vulgar, then it can exist within certain unbreakable restrictions. Continuing the example, a Monarch may decide that metamorphs can enter, but prevent them from assuming anything other than human form.

If something is publicly Vulgar, then it can exist. However, the local laws and public opinion deem them so agregious and unacceptable they are outlawed. Continuing the example, a Monarch may decide that metamorphs can change form, but outlaw assuming an inhuman form in public. The Monarch's retainers would then enforce the law, and they might require metamorphs to register with the government.

In the shards of the Conclave, some things are usually considered at least publicly Vulgar, including metamorphs, vampires, and inhuman wildlings. The Dream Monarchs' powers and laws about Vulgarity allowed the Conclave to cause and continue the Severing. Hence, advanced technology is absolutely Vulgar. For example, a portable fusion generator can exist in the Delirium, but it simply can't be brought onto a Conclave shard. The being or vessel carrying the generator will pass smoothly onto the shard, but the generator itself will remain in the untamed Vapor. If unclaimed, it will quickly dissolve. Shapers who routinely travel between shards or cross the folds learn to stow Vulgar belongings in their mental inventories, to avoid losing them.

In addition to enforcing defensive measures like the Severing, Dream Monarchs also often decree some things to be publicly Vulgar to frame the society and culture they want. For example,if the Monarch was offended by French Vanilla ice cream, he could outlaw it and therefore effect the taste buds and waistline of his retainers forever.

On Conclave shards, certain themes of Western 19th Century etiquette are considered Seemly. For example, respectable women are expected to dress modestly. There may not be a decree about the corresponding Vulgarity, like dressing immodestly. So a lapse in something Seemly may only be a social transgression. However, a series of unSeemly behaviors will usually vex the Dream Monarch or their retainers, and lead to corrective action or even deportation.