Monet47/New Event: Praetoral Ball

Hey everyone, after talking with several users I decided on an idea that could demonstrate the more "ordinary" parts of the Draconid Imperium, I put it in quotation marks because I'm not talking about common-citizen-living-in-the-depths-of-Araveene ordinary, this is more to do with the Imperial elite (have to start diving somewhere).

This will be done in the form of a Praetoral Ball. A social event where the creme-de-la-creme of Imperial society gather in one place for the purposes of entertainment and mingling with their peers. It could be a solo fic, but after inviting AKtheKing so he can see Imperial high society I thought "why not invite other people?" So below are some expected questions

What will happen?
Most of these events revolves around dancing, meeting people and lots of political intrigue. Praetors are the Imperium's sector masters, the highest in the governmental chain of command so they are all super-snobby.

As well as dancing, there may be a spectacle or two, the most popular events are arena matches, performance concerts and Udulov racing, these however are a minor part, it's the dancing and politicking that is the main attraction.

Oh and let's not forget the copious amounts of snack food and wine available at these things.

So it's a rave?
Far from it, don't expect to see anything more contemporary than beyond the 18th century on the Draconis' part, the music is all instrumental, the dancing is slow and paced and the dress is your evening best. In essence, expect this

But those parties are so boring!
I never said this would be easy. To ease boredom I will link various musical pieces on YouTube to fit the mood, but the main focus will be the interaction between the posh. Arguments and disagreements can occur in these places and it can become a spectacle, also feel free to indulge yourself in the description porn, which will be mostly costume porn.

Who's coming?
I will throw together a list of Praetors and maybe a few Aedens, but there is also the sebatathii, or more commonly known as "underlords". Sebatathii are aliens who have been granted a noble title for their service to the Imperium as a whole or a specific house. While they are entitled to holdings and access to the political system, their power is minor compared to the Dracnid Nobles. Sebatathii can be of any Imperial species (official or immigrant, so an alien not one of the recognised member species can become one if they work hard) and will be able to come to the ball so long as they attach themselves with a house.

Feel free to create more than one character if you feel ready for it, there is likely to be a lot of talking. For a list of potential houses to visit this/attach your underlord to, peek here.



What would my involvement be?
Mingle with the nobles, take in Imperial high culture, and do not skimp out on outfit descriptions, the revelers will be the poshest-of-the-posh so they'll be wearing lots of silk and gold thread in elaborate designs, feel free to go to town on your characters' outfits because I know I will with mine.

So I suppose another reason for this story is to give writers of all skill levels to have a go at descriptions. Sometimes the feel of a scene can be as engaging as what's happening within it depending on what your interests are.

Guest list
So who's coming? I will list here for convenience.

Attendees

 * Chancellor Vesperon of House Corus
 * Paragessa Alessa of House Ultanos
 * Praetor Taremanon of House Valocanus
 * Patricessa Velinna of House Vex
 * Patricus Merellon of House Vontarion
 * Aeden Eremius of House Tristior
 * Patricus Jarfos of House Lannius
 * Sebatathus Kervon Dakis

Honoured Visitors

 * Supreme Autarch Andorrus of The Divinarium
 * Lady Nelana of the New Tertamian Alliance
 * Warmistress Abal'nyan of The Coalition of Segmentum Crepusculum
 * Lord Kitalatheraz Aknatazán of House Aknatazán
 * Delegate of the Aekite Union
 * Warlord Lunerai of the Delpha Coalition of Planets

Any customs it would help to know about?
Draconis often have military backgrounds, so they like to keep sentimental weapons on their person, so carrying around a weapon at this thing will not raise suspicion unless you start waving it around threateningly. However carrying around a whacking-great big man-portable plasma Gatling Cannon will make people worried about you - sidearms, small or medium-sized blades or weapons that can be mostly concealed are preferable and greatsowrds are a stretch (the Imperium has managed to create rather sophisticated self-assembling swords).

Draconis have a long history with wine, if a Draconis offers you a glass from one of their house's vinyards, might be best for your sake to at least sip it. As well as grapes, Draconis wines can also include ingredients such as honey, ginger, various spices, various other fruits, gold leaf and purified animal blood. Don't worry, its all perfectly safe to drink; these drinks do have to be passed by Imperial Food Laws in order to be consumed by anyone.

Most of all, be polite. Nobles are sophisticated and rather sensitive sorts; lack of regard for custom and impolite behaviour can make them feel offended. They won't cry, but they might hit you if you're acting too uncouth.