The August December Festival Ball

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NOW [OPEN] FOR ARRIVALS
Single-Post Link to Arrival Opening
OOC Thread​

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In consultation with the Augustine Office, the Household Office, and the Peregrine Service, Caesar wishes to invite the Sovereigns of the world to a December Festival Ball at the August Palace.

Our intention is to provide the staff, space, and luxuries necessary for Sovereigns to conduct themselves throughout temporary venues in the Palace, for the purpose of reconciling and building personal relationships for the betterment of international relations.

The following template is provided for attendees to RSVP on behalf of themselves and a retinue. The limitation on party size, including staff and security, is 20. Extensions may be granted should a party be bringing a large number of non-staff guests.

The Augustine Office will be preparing the Palace for two weeks, through the December Calends, but will be expecting the focal point of the celebration on the December Ide (the 25th of December) and the following day. The December Calends begins on the day of the Ide, although attendees may request to arrive on the day prior in order to be reserved accommodation through the night.

Respondent’s Name:
Sovereign of what Nation?:
Name of Guests (& their relation):
Number of Staff:
Special Requests?: (Please include any facilities that are required)

Respondent’s Name: Her Majesty Fendrina Quarrovth, Sedera of the All-House Union of Myroria
Sovereign of what Nation?: Myroria
Name of Guests (& their relation): Her Majesty the Sedera, Her Highness Emasun Quarrovth, The Honorable Llothren Quarrith, Royal Chamberlain
Number of Staff: 4 guards, 3 personal valets
Special Requests?: None.

Respondent’s Name: Babak Shirazi, Chairman of the People's Council for the Defense of the Ilamzati Revolution
Sovereign of what Nation?: the Republic of the Ilamzati Proletariat
Name of Guests (& their relation): Arash Shahsani, Chairwoman of the People's Council for Foreign Relations
Number of Staff: 4 guards
Special Requests?: None.

OOC: formal letterhead to be edited in

Respondent’s Name: Reina Constanza Sierra
Sovereign of what Nation?: The Kingdom of Añola
Name of Guests (& their relation): Príncipe Tomás Sierra (Sibling of the Reina, Heir) , Canciller Marcos Abelló (Royal Chancellor)
Number of Staff: 2 Guards
Special Requests?: None.

Respondent’s Name: Junwon Park
Sovereign of what Nation?: President of The 2nd Republic of Bohseon
Name of Guests (& their relation): Chang Myon (Prime Minister) Paik Nak-Jun (Minister of Diplomatic Relations) Kwak Sang-Hoon (Minister of Defense)
Number of Staff: 1 Bodyguard for each guest
Special Requests?: From personal request from The President, A mini flag of Bohseon with a cupholder on it's pole.

Respondent’s Name: #310093 Minister of foreign affairs
Sovereign of what Nation?: Techislovakia
Name of Guests (& their relation): #000002 (prime-minister)
Number of Staff: 20 SLO agents
Special Requests?: We will only be staying for the ball, no accommodation will be necessary as we plan on arriving and departing within 2 hours either side of the ball. For transport to and from the airport we request an armoured vehicle be allocated.

Kindest regards.
-Techislovakian minister of foreign affairs #310093

The Augustine Office wishes to inform the following nations that diplomatic visas have been granted to the following nations:

Myroria, 11 to be delivered to Her Honourable Majesty Fendrina Quarrovth;
The Rep. of the Illamzat Pro., 6 to be delivered to the Honourable Chairman Babak Shirazi;
Anola, 5 to be delivered to the Honourable Reina Constanza Sierra;
Bohseon, 8 to be delivered to the Honourable President Junwon Park;
Techislovakia, 20 to be delivered to the Honourable Prime Minister.

Please note that only 20 visas have been accorded to Techislovakia, as opposed to the 22 required by the original application. We expect that Techislovakia will choose to send only 18 SLO agents, or will otherwise choose to amend their application with extenuating circumstances. The Techislovakian RSVP regarding accomodation is highly appreciated, and no arrangements will be made for overnight stays. The delegation will, of course, have access to private accomodation for the day and night of the ball itself.

Transportation to and from the ball will be provided by an armoured motorcade, courtesy of the Senatorial Service Tribunal and the Lictorial Service. Landing and disembarkation will take place at the privately-owned Palatine Airfield - for ultralights, private jets, helicopters, and other small craft - or the Alba Longa Central Service Airport, for large aircraft. Both are in direct military control.

Special dispensation may be requested for foot-traffic security, should guests wish to make their own way from an airport of their choice or procuring their own transportation to the Palace.

Respondent’s Name: Queen-Empress Amelia of The Lancerian Empire
Sovereign of what Nation?: The Lancerian Empire
Name of Guests (& their relation): Prime Minister Isaac Oudinot (Prime Minister), Marshal François Havilland (Ambassador to Avalon and an advisor to the Queen-Empress). Minister Henri Roudan (Minister of Foreign Relations).
Number of Staff: 6 (4 personal security, 2 staffers)
Special Requests?: We would like to arrive the evening before, and we would like to stay through both days and leave on the morning of the 27th if possible. In addition, we would like to present a small gift to your majesty, Caesar. We have a small jet so will only need to land at Palatine Airfield.

Respondent’s Name: President Isabel Melo
Sovereign of what Nation?: Tolima
Name of Guests (& their relation): Vice President El Tigre Rey
Number of Staff: 3 Security Agents, 2 Personal Attendants, with background and other relevant information to be passed over to the August security services for vetting
Special Requests?: (Please include any facilities that are required) A suite of rooms including 3 bedrooms and a communal study. Tolima would also like to formally request that only a single official be used to examine El Tigre Rey's passport and identification. It is tradition that a lucha as distinguished as the Vice President maintain his identity at all costs.

Respondents Name: King Judicael Magnus Axsel I
Sovereign of what nation?: The Kingdom of Nogori
Name of Guests (& their relation): none
Number of Staff: 16 Kings Guardsmen, 4 retainers
Special Requests?Please include any facilities that are required) we wish to have the anthem played once the king arrives at the palace and we request all food given to the king shall be tasted first

To give thanks to Augustine King we wish to give him a sword made of the finest quality Nogorian steel

Respondent’s Name: Crown Princess Katherine Kjellner I
Sovereign of what Nation?: The Constitutional Monarchy of Andrenne
Name of Guests (& their relation): None
Number of Staff: 2 Royal Guards
Special Requests?: The Princess shall be arriving later in the night, due to the family Christmas celebrations at home.

[bgcolor=darkgrey]From the chambers of the Aulitan Council of Elders, on behalf of the Aulitan royal family[/bgcolor]

Respondent’s Name: His Grace, the Prince Alexandre Mero I, the head of House of Debauginois, Crown Ruler of the United Kingdom of Aulita and Prince of the Malana Islands.
Sovereign of what Nation?: Aulita.
Name of Guests (& their relation): None.
Number of Staff: 3 - His royal attendant as well as ten armed Aulitan guards.
Special Requests?: The prince's recent ascension has been the attention of much media scrutiny, and it is requested that no journalists or paparazzi are permitted within the grounds of the airport.

Best wishes and kindest regards,

Lord Failswit
Council of Elders

Respondent’s Name: Reene Annora Simonett
Sovereign of what Nation?: The Kingdom of Baleine
Name of Guests (& their relation): Marcus Charles (King Consort)
Number of Staff: 6 Guards
Special Requests?: None

Yeraennus
Respondent’s Name: Grand Generalissimo of the Stan Yerha Sfan K'ter
Sovereign of what Nation?: the Stan Yerha
Name of Guests (& their relation): Sfan K'ter, Kiara Algen
Number of Staff: 4 security guards
Special Requests?: Kiara be allowed to keep her personal weaponry, acting as the primary bodyguard of Sefan. Wheelchair access is also preferred due to the disability of the Grand Generalissimo.

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Montañi
Respondent’s Name: Ambasador Primeti Gregorio Alvarez di Karrad
Sovereign of what Nation?: Le Uñon Demokratas di Montañen Capadan
Name of Guests (& their relation): Gregorio Alvarez di Karrad
Number of Staff: 2 security guards
Special Requests?: None

Respondent's Name: Queen Azaras Kotsunel
Sovereign of what Nation?: The United Kingdom of Sasten
Name of Guests (& their relation): Riza Kotsunel (wife)
Number of Staff: 4 guards and 2 staffers
Special Requests: The aircraft to be used by the Sastennic party is a particular design of hypersonic passenger aircraft. While it was designed such that it doesn't require special runways or embarkation facilities in excess of that offered at the Alba Longa CS Airport, it does require a supply of cryogenic liquid natural gas as fuel, unlike most other jet aircraft which typically burn kerosene-based jet fuel. This particular aircraft has facilities for cooling the natural gas, and has sufficient fuel capacity to make the round trip (albeit far below its maximum capabilities), however we would be most grateful if the Imperium could provide us with a sufficient supply of this atypical and somewhat difficult to handle fuel at Alba Longa.

The Augustine Office wishes to inform the following nations that diplomatic visas have been granted to the following nations:

The Lancerian Emp., 10 to be delivered to the Honourable Queen-Empress Amelia;
Tolima, 7 to be delivered to the Honourable President Isabel Melo;
Nogori, 20 to be delivered to the Honourable King Axsel I;
Andrenne, 3 to be delivered to the Honourable Crown Princess Kjellner I;
Aulita, 14 to be delivered to the Honourable Prince Mero I;
Baleine, 8 to be delivered to the Honourable Reene Annora Simonett;
the Stan Yerha, 6 to be delivered to the Honourable Grand Generalissimo Sfan K'ter;
Sasten, 8 to be delivered to the Honourable Queen Azaras Kotsunel.

3 pre-check border passes are also accorded to Montani, in line with the 2014 Amended Agreement on Latin Passage, to be delivered to their Excellency Ambasador Primeti Gregorio di Karrad.

Please note that only 20 visas have been accorded to Nogori, as opposed to the 21 required by the original application. We expect that Techislovakia will choose to send only 15 Kings Guardsmen, or will otherwise choose to amend their application with extenuating circumstances. Nogori will be expected to arrange their own taster throughout the evening, to whom one of the 20 visas may be accorded, for which accomodation shall be made during the formal portion of the evening.

The Lancerian Empire's request for accomodation is welcomed, as is their request to land at Palatine Airfield. The necessary arrangements will be made, and the stated days of travel are perfectly acceptable.

Tolima's request for accomodation is welcomed. The arrangements requested are well-within the boundaries of our standard accomodation for Honourable delegations - whilst delegations each have a private study allocated for each guest, we will also at the Toliman request ensure that all delegations have access to a communal study each for their staff, or their guests as they may wish. Delegation security staff will also have access to the Palace's Guest Frontline Security Centre. Furthermore, arrangements will be made to have El Tigre Rey met at the airport by an appropriately trained officer of the Medical Service, who will have the capacity to approve entry under extraordinary circumstances.

Andrenne's notice of late arrival is appreciated, and security will make the necessary arrangement to facilitate the Princess' speedy integration into the event later in the night.

Aulita's request is noted and will be acceded to. We recommend that, if at all possible, Aulita use the smaller Palatine Airfield to arrive in Imperium. Whilst both Palatine Airfield and Alba Longa Central Service Airport are in military control, and hence can exclude journalists as necessary, arrival at Alba Longa Central Service would require a motorcade through public roads. The trip from the Palatine Airfield is much shorter and entirely within the grounds of the Palace.

The Yerhan request for an armed guest is approved in full. The Palace is fully wheelchair accessible, with the exception of some heritage-protected areas that are not expected to be within the purview of the event. A Medical Service liason will be provided to ensure that the Yerhan security detachment is familiarised with the nature of wheelchair accessibility in the Palace's emergency protocol.

The Sastennic Party request was forwarded in its entirity to Caesar, personally. He has informed us that Imperium has the capacity to produce aviation-ready cryogenic hydrogen and liquid natural gas, with a small quantity of both being available at Alba Longa Central Service Airport. The necessary arrangements have been made to redirect relevant test and training flights scheduled for the days prior to the Sastennic arrival, ensuring that an ample supply and stockpile will be available for the arrival of the Sastennic passenger aircraft.

Respondent’s Name: King Christian III
Sovereign of what Nation?: The Grand Federation of Xentherida
Name of Guests (& their relation): Queen Mia (wife), Princess Sophia (sister)
Number of Staff: 3 members of XRS (Xentheridan Royal Service) guards, and 1 member of Royal staff.
Special Requests?: None.

[spoiler="A meeting between the Prime Minister and the Princess..." (flavor text)]     Prime Minister Madeline Ellison sat down across from Princess Claidie at the Princess's desk with the invitation from Imperium Augustum in hand. Delivering it to the princess, she inquired of her intent to attend or lack thereof. "Your Highness, Imperium Augustum has invited dignitaries from across the land to attend a festive ball. May I inquire whether you int..."
     "Knock it off, Madeline!" the princess interrupted. "We've known each other for years, even before you became Prime Minister. You know there's no need to be so formal with me, so stop it!"
     "Alright then... Claidie," the minister retorted. "Are you going or not?"
     Claidie answered, "Why do I have to go? I have my hands full here, worrying about my people."
     "Well, don't you think establishing good diplo..." Madeline countered before being interrupted again.
     "Ah, ah. No, no, no," Claidie interjected, "That's why I have ministers and the ability to delegate. Reply 'Yes,' and send Mister Bowers. And, why don't you go with him? You're important enough."
     "Because they explicitly invited you! Heads of State and their guests! That means you!" Madeline screams angrily as she pounds the princess's desk. "You're not getting out of this one like you did with the coronation of Arrandal's queen."
     "Or, I could just not go and not send anyone, if that's more acceptable to you," the princess scoffed. "But then again, I suppose I can't afford to skip too many more of these diplomatic opportunities. That and perhaps there's a slim chance Queen Agatha will be there as well and I can personally apologize to her for our absence."
     "Maybe you could send her a letter with an offer for a meeting. After all, her presence is far from guaranteed. Anyways, is that a yes?" the minister queried.
     "Fine, yes," the princess responded. "But, I want you to come with me. As head of the government, it's more important that you play the diplomatic role than me."
     Minister Ellison couldn't help but frown. Though she pressured Claidie into attending an event against her wishes, she felt like a hypocrite as she too would rather be staying home. Echoing the princess's words, she could only think to herself, "That's why we have ministers."[/spoiler]

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On behalf of Her Royal Highness The Princess of Sil Dorsett, the Dorsettian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces the acceptance of the invitation presented by Imperium Augustum to attend His August Majesty's December Festive Ball.

Respondent's Name: Princess Claidie Dorsett
Sovereign of what Nation?: The Principality of Sil Dorsett
Name of Guests (& their relation): Prime Minister Madeline Ellison (Head of Government)
Number of Staff: Four security officers
Special Requests: The Princess and her staff would prefer to remain as inconspicuous as possible until the start of the night's festivities. As such, we would prefer to fly commercially, arriving in plain clothes, and arrive at the palace with no media present. We also ask for arrangements for transportation from the airport to the palace without unwanted attention. And finally, we ask for a dressing room for the party to change.


Yours truly,
William Bowers
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Principality of Sil Dorsett

Respondent’s Name: Keegan Seeds, Minister of Domestic Affairs
Sovereign of what Nation?: Not a "sovereign" per se; part of a premier that together acts as a sovereign branch of Demescia
Name of Guests (& their relation): Nikolas Steward (Minister of Foreign Affairs)
Number of Staff: 0
Special Requests?: Spare the yurts

Respondent’s Name: Emperor Amias I
Sovereign of what Nation?: The Imperial Empire of Yalkan
Name of Guests (& their relation): Amias I Garland
Number of Staff: 1 butler
Special Requests?: None.

The Augustine Office wishes to inform the following nations that diplomatic visas have been granted to the following nations:

Xentherida, 7 to be delivered to the Honourable King Christian III;
Sil Dorsett, 6 to be delivered to the Honourable Princess Claidie Dorsett;
Syrixia, 10 to be delivered to the Honourable Emperor Rajesh III;
Demescia, 3 to be delivered to the Honourable Keegan Seeds;
Yalkan, 2 to be delivered to the Honourable Emperor Amias I.'

Demescia has been accorded 1 visa in excess, in order to bring a staff liaison for the purposes of emergency and security coordination. Your special request will be forwarded to Household staff for consideration.

Sil Dorsett will find the default accomodation to include sufficient facilities for use as changing rooms. The Lictorial Service and Senatorial Service Tribunal have been informed of the special requirements for transportation, and plainclothes officers will be present at Alba Longa International, the closest civilian airport to the Palace. Due to the nature of air-travel in Imperium, it must be noted that even commercial arrivals are somewhat unusual, but will be facilitated to the best of our ability.

It is our regret to inform Syrixia that current cyber counterwarfare policy does not allow us to permit the entry of a Syrixian mobile robot. We would further suggest that the nature of festivities would not necessarily lend itself to teleconferencing. Regardless, visas have been issued for other members of the delegation.

Respondent's Name: Her Majesty, Queen Leah
Sovereign of what Nation?: The Monarchy of Guslantis
Name of Guests (& their relation): Mrs. Alicia Durand (Burns), Chancellor of Guslantis
Number of Staff: 7
Special Requests?: (Please include any facilities that are required) A secure internet connection for the stay in the Palace. Mrs. Durand would like to set up a connection with Ayuda to keep the Cabinet in the loop.

The Augustine Office wishes to inform Guslantis that 9 visas have been granted, to be delivered to the Honourable Queen Leah.

Furthermore, we wish to make it known to the delegation from Guslantis that a sandboxed, airgapped study will be provided as a base of operations for a staff member to communicate with Ayuda.

From the Office of the Consul of the Tau Regime

Though not strictly the "sovereign" of the Tau Regime, Tier 5 Diplomatic General Xaar was appointed as the Consul of the Regime's colony on this world on recommendation from Vizier of Diplomacy, General Zoron, approved by Grand Vizier Berticus and signed off personally by the Imperator himself. As such, he is to be afforded the same rights and privileges as any other head of state. With this in mind, the Tau Regime humbly requests permission for the Consul and his party to attend the function being hosted by the Imperium Augustum. Please find attached the requested documentation.

Signed

Gallinpi, Vice Consul of the Tau Regime
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1 Attachment:

Respondent's Name: Vice Consul Gallinpi
Sovereign of what Nation?: The Tau Regime
Name of Guests (& their relation): Consul Xaar, Cultural Attache Vexio and Security Chief Zagar
Number of Staff: 8 additional security staff
Special Requests?: (Please include any facilities that are required): None

Respondent’s Name: Scian kul Kroning
Sovereign of what Nation?: The Dragon Clans of Darcania
Name of Guests (& their relation): Lussiel kul Zessik (Spouse)
Kultur kul Luft (Cultural Expert)
Number of Staff: Three personal dragon guards, six human security staff, three human scribes
Special Requests?: (Please include any facilities that are required) Six of our entourage are dragons. Large doors and large beds are the first special facilities we would require. Further specifics may be detailed in private correspondence if necessary.

Respondent's Name: Her Majesty, Princess Luna
Sovereign of what Nation?: The Equestrian Commonwealth
Name of Guests (& their relation): Petty Officer Stormy Skies (Guide/Translator), Commander Shadow Breeze (Personal Guard)
Number of Staff: Two Honor Guards, equipped with decorative swords
Special Requests?: (Please include any facilities that are required): None

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Respondent's Name: His Royal Majesty, King Pierre VI
Sovereign of what Nation?: Kingdom of Esroniet
Name of Guests (& their relation): His Royal Majesty, King Pierre VI; and Her Royal Majesty, Queen Marie Pauline
Number of Staff: 4 Royal Guards and 2 Royal Staff members.
Special Requests?: (Please include any facilities that are required): None

The Augustine Office wishes to inform the following nations that diplomatic visas have been granted to the following nations:

Darcania, 15 to be delivered to the Honourable Scian kul Kroning;
Esroniet, 8 to be delivered to the Honourable King Pierre VI.

We wish to inform Darcania that lodgings will be available to the specifications requested in their Appendices. Given the nature of the delegation, an official of the Divine Service will coordinate your arrival and liaise with household staff to prepare your accomodations. No other assistance is required on your part.

Regarding the Tau Regime, we would like to seek clarification on the nature of Tau sovereignty, and from which individual the Consul derives his mandate.

Regarding the Equestrian Commonwealth, we would like to seek clarification on the Princess' role - we are under the impression that she is a reigning sovereign in her own right. Would this be correct?

From the Office of the Consul of the Tau Regime

Re: Clarification on the nature of Regime sovereignty

As you may or may not be aware, the Tau Regime originates from another world located on the other side of the galaxy. To the untrained eye, this is not immediately apparent as we look almost identical to you, aside from the obvious height differences and the initial difficulties in walking due to this world having less gravity than our capital world. On each world the Regime has a presence, the Regime delegation is headed up by a Consul - normally a high ranking member of the Regime's Diplomatic division. A Consul is charged with one task - to administer the Regime presence on the world upon which he or she is based. The Consul is granted full autonomy by the Viziers to accomplish this and each consular role is personally signed off by the Imperator himself - thus underlying the importance of this role.

On some worlds, the Consul's role is more akin to a planetary governor. This would usually be on "empty" worlds where the Regime has settled a colony, or where the ruling body of a world has decided to submit to Regime authority. On other worlds, the Consul will take on a more ambassadorial role - being a link between the ruling authority of a world and the Regime itself. The uniqueness of this world means that Consul Xaar's role is slightly different. It was therefore decided that the Regime should settle a small colony with Consul Xaar in charge. Once setup, the Regime successfully petitioned the World Assembly to grant the Tau Regime's colony the same rights and privileges that any other nation state. Our interpretation, therefore, is that the colony of the Tau Regime is a fully recognised nation state of this world and that Consul Xaar is the head of state of same.

We hope that this clears up any confusion that may have arisen.

In addition, we would like to politely remind the Augustine Office of the Imperium Augustum that the correct term for our nation is either the Tau Regime or simply the Regime and not "Tau".

Signed

Gallinpi, Vice Consul of the Tau Regime

The Grim Reaper:

we are under the impression that she is a reigning sovereign in her own right. Would this be correct?

Click to expand...

Yes, that is correct.

The Augustine Office wishes to inform the following nations that visas have been granted to the following nations:

the Tau Regime, 12 to be delivered to the Vice Counsel Gallinpi;
the Equestrian Commonwealth, 5 to be delivered to the Honourable Princess Luna.

Whilst the Augustine Office will continue to take applications to attend from this point onwards, please be advised that our primary concern is now facilitating early arrivals to the Ball.

Upon arrival, delegations will be assigned one (1) guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom for each respondent and each guest in their delegation. Each bedroom is fit with a king-sized bed, and delegations are invited to assign beds as they wish - guests who wish to share beds are welcome to assign their remaining guest bedrooms to staff members or other delegations. Guest bedrooms additionally have a kitchenette & living/dining space, as well as an attached study room with high-speed internet access. For every staff-member, we have made available a staff bedroom, with a single bed and work-desk. Each delegation is assigned a fully equipped communal launderette, staff kitchen, and dining room, as well as a communal bathroom. All delegations will have 24 hour service from the royal kitchens and domestic staff in addition, as well as access to the ample palace toilet facilities available. Finally, each delegation will have a high-speed internet accessible communal conference rooms capable of sending and receiving video calls.

Delegations arriving early are welcome to mingle in the Old Court during their stay in the palace, a fully-catered ballroom which can be configured to the request of our guests. We invite delegations to utilize their bedrooms as drawing rooms as necessary - guest bedrooms are sizable enough to comfortably seat up to a dozen in their living spaces.

We shall open festivities post-haste. Please make any and all requests promptly, and our staff will endeavour to fill all of them.

Respondent’s Name: Bluie, Leader of Konar
Sovereign of what Nation?: Konar
Name of Guests (& their relation): Esmwe, Leader-Consort; Kaythari, Daughter
Number of Staff: 1 butler, 1 nanny, 2 messengers for a total of 4.
Special Requests?: I request that the floors of our room be special heated wooden floors, for we prefer to walk around our home barefoot.

For years now, the Myrorian government had been fortifying the citadel of tradition that would protect its people from foreign invasion, and it was eager to show off its successes on this front. The August December Festival Ball, hosted by a Novrith Pact ally, was an excellent place to do so; therefore, the royal family wasted no time in assembling a party to attend. Her Majesty was particularly concerned with presenting a proud embrace of local culture.

By now, most government ministers had followed Fendrina's lead in adopting the salît for daily wear. The garment, which Myrorians had worn for generations, consisted of a patterned knee-length robe - made of wool and silk in these cold months - with clasps running down the left side of the body to keep it closed. A colorful sash at the waist completed the outfit. On the royal family's plane, even the pilot was instructed to wear the robe.

A band played the Myrorian anthem when the plane landed - a droning folk song filled with dulcimer and fiddle. Her Majesty Fendrina Quarrovth was the first to descend the stairwell onto the tarmac - her robe was a bright cornflower blue, tied at the waist with a dark goldenrod sash made of silk. Around her neck she wore a short stole made of ermine, and on her head sat a small fur hat. Behind her was Her Highness Emasun Quarrovth - her youngest child and only daughter. She wore a dark red robe patterned with brocade, and the sash at her waist was a plain white; she looked like the Myrorian flag, if it were made of curtains. Behind her was the Royal Chamberlain, Fendrina's closest advisor - Llothren Quarrith. He wore a midnight blue robe made of shiny silk and a white sash, which matched the unruly mat of white hair on his head.

The Myrorian staff rushed off to ready the party's bedrooms while the three guests went to the Old Court to talk amongst themselves and wait for other guests.

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Ilamzat, on the other hand, was eager to make allies following the end of its civil war. August economists and political scientists, coming from their long traditions of "pink conservatism", spurred Ilamzati party cadres and philosophers to develop the notion of Socialism in One Nation which, above all else, made it much easier to participate in global politics.

The Ilamzati party, consisting of the country's co-leaders Babak Shirazi and Arash Shahsani, left discussions in their respective People's Councils about the new International Association of Nations. Shirazi chaired the People's Council on the Defense of the Revolution, which primarily occupied itself with the continuing class struggle in Ilamzat. Every councilor except Shirazi opposed membership in the IAN as well as the idea of Socialism in One Nation, both of which they saw as capitulation to bourgeois mindsets. The National Peoples' Congress - Ilamzat's legislature - overruled them, and Babak was stuck trying to sooth their egos for the past two weeks. A trip to Imperium was well deserved.

Shahsani, on the other hand, chaired the People's Council on Foreign Relations. They, by and large, were open to the idea of IAN membership but differed on Ilamzat's candidacy for the Council of Nations, as well as Imperium's request for open comment. The United Workers Party of Ilamzat - Militant Front, as well as the Front for the Establishment of a Proletarian Democracy, supported Varus' bid for representative. When Varus was passed over for the position, the FEPD balked at his blatant electoralism in endorsing his sister for representative, but the UWPI-MF saw it as an opportunity. Perhaps this conference would be a good time to see August feelings on the IAN.

The party departed the plane to the band playing Ilamzat's anthem - The Internationale - translated to Mercanti for maximum visibility. For Shirazi and Shahsani, agitprop always came first. They both wore military dress uniforms; dark olive drab with minimal ostentation and shiny black shoes. Babak wore his two service medals and Arash her single medal, and on each of their left arms was the red flag of Ilamzat. They and their staff each readied their own room and then the two dignitaries made their way to the Old Court.

As the Regime transport craft flew towards it's destination, Consul Xaar looked out of the window. He gazed upon the various lands. How they differed from those he was used to back on the homeworld. Granted, it had been some time since the Regime established it's colony here, but this was the first time Xaar had left the confines of the colony to visit another state. Before he was awarded the Consulship, he had been a high ranking diplomat, so these sorts of functions were nothing new. And yet, he couldn't help but feel like a Tier 1 Private again.

"Colonel," he called out to Vexio using her rank. "How are you getting on with memorising the different delegations?"

"Ready to go, sir!" she replied. "I will be able to identify each of the delegations at the festival,"

"Good. We want to make a decent first impression,"

The transport landed safely at it's destination. One of the members of the security detail opened the hatch of the craft to a set of stairs that led to a small welcoming committee with an official waiting at the bottom. The Consul stood at the threshold of the hatchway and looked down. He was in official dress of the Tau Regime, namely a dark tunic beneath a long, flowing sleeveless cloak adorned with regalia and most importantly an insignia which represented his division, rank and tier within the Regime. As Xaar started down the steps to the official waiting below, Vexio appeared at the top of the steps. Her dark blonde hair moved in the breeze and she was adorned in a similar outfit to the Consul, except hers was not as elaborately decorated for she had not attained a high a rank as the Consul. As she started down the steps, she was followed by Security Chief Zagar and his detail all clad in military uniform. Xaar strode up to the waiting official.

"Greetings, Consul Xaar. Welcome to the Imperium Augustum," he said beaming. It still took Xaar a while to get used to the use of the term "Imperium" in this context and not the context he was more familiar with, namely the vast galactic spanning empire of which the Tau Regime was a constituent part.

"I am honoured to be here," he said as Vexio appeared at his side. The official looked over at the rest of the Regime party.

"Sir...I was told that you had been granted twelve visas. I only count eleven people in your party,"

"Many apologies," said Xaar. "Regrettably, Vice Consul Gallinpi has had to remain at home to oversee an internal matter."

"I see," said the official. He gestured towards a number of vehicles waiting to take them to the palace. "If you would like to follow me,"

Xaar and his party followed the official to the waiting motorcade and got inside the vehicles. Once everyone was aboard, they set off for the palace. Upon arrival at the palace, they were met by another official who led them to their rooms. Xaar and Vexio took adjoining rooms and Zagar assigned a two man security detail outside each of their rooms. The remaining guards and Zagar himself set themselves up in another room.

After a small amount of preparation time, Xaar and Vexio emerged from their respective rooms. They were met by Zagar and the rest of the security team.

"Sir, ma'am, the detail posted outside of your rooms will remain there. A third two man detail will remain posted outside our room. The other two guards and myself will accompany you to the Old Court," said Zagar.

"Very good," said Xaar.

The party headed off to the Old Court. Once they were outside, Xaar instructed the security detail to remain visible, but on the perimeter. Zagar nodded in acknowledgement and Xaar and Vexio entered the court. The court was largely empty, save for a group of people at the far end.

"Seems like we got here early," said Vexio.

Xaar wasn't interested in timekeeping. He was more interested in the dignitaries. "Who are they?" he asked Vexio.

Vexio glanced over in the direction of the party who seemingly hadn't noticed their arrival. "I believe it is the dignitaries from the nations of Myoria and Ilamzat," she said.

"Well," said Xaar. "Let's go and introduce ourselves, shall we?"

"Hmph, every other nation gets their own announcement, but we don't? Why, I have half a mind to replant the wall!"

The leader of Konar storms out of his private airplane, accompanied by his consort and wife Esmwe. He was quite ticked off, for it was his nation's first foray into foreign affairs, and it seems like their neighbors weren't quite as friendly as they hoped. Thankfully, Esmwe spoke up in an effort to cool her husband's rage. "Give them a chance, Bluie. After all, they still sent us the travel visas, right? Perhaps they were just preoccupied with preparations. After all, you did give a request already, even though it's your first time."

"Perhaps," replied Bluie, "but still! Other nations get both their requests AND a mention!" Esmwe just smiles at her husband's antics and starts pulling at his hand towards the massive hall.

"Come, dearie. Let's see what this ball is all about."

Sfan, for a man entering a country his entire nation's ideology stood against, was surprisingly calm as the small jet flew over the ocean separating the Stan Yera and the Imperium. Opposite him was Kiara, breaking the norm and smiling, like she was excited. Granted, it was the first nation outside of Cronaal the young woman had been to, and the visit to Cronaal was not the most joyous occasion. Sfan noted this fact as he sipped on his glass of water. He nodded at Kiara, speaking in an almost conspiratorial tone "You're excited? An official state visit to another country, and for a winter festival no less, excites me a mite as well." Kiara replied, "I am, seeing how little in the way of breaks I get back home." Sfan chuckled, it certainly was true. He could only feel sorry for those left at home while the two took their vacation.

The plane landed, and Sfan and Kiara disembarked, Sfan on a wheelchair lift, and Kiara down the stairs. Sfan was dressed in a slate two-piece, over a stark white shirt and deep blue tie adorned with vague patterns. Kiara wore a high collared floor length dress, slit up the right side. The dress itself was deep red, trimmed and detailed in white, patterned like a winter landscape at the bottom hem. There was very little ceremony when they left, no fanfare or anthem as previous nations had taken to.

Kiara remarked, tugging slightly at her collar, "It's far warmer here than in the Stan Yera, or even Cronaal. How do these Southerners stand the heat?"

Sfan chuckled, as he too was unaccustomed to the warmer climates south of his home, "They're just born used to it. I have to say, it's easier on old bones than those damned winters back home, especially since the architects of my office think that glass is an acceptable insulator. I might take up visits to more temperate nations every winter, as state affairs, you know."

He gestured to the two security guards, smiling politely "If you could oversee our luggage being moved to our room, it would be an immense help. Kiara and I will tend to ourselves for now."

Sfan and Kiara waited until the detail had returned to the plane to help with luggage, and turned to find the Old Court.

---

It was a short car ride between the countries, stopping momentarily at the border checkpoint. Gregorio waved his identification and border pass at the guard, and kept the window open as clearances were made. Montañi was a Latinsphere country, closely tied to the Imperium, geographically as well as culturally. If not for the station, Gregorio would not have even realized he had entered the Imperium, though the gradual flattening of the ground from the mountain range that held his home would have given it away. He made small talk with his security detail, pointing to various landmarks in the countryside and explaining various things about the Imperium.

A few hours later, the car pulled up to the curb near the Old Court, and Gregorio and his entourage exited, stretching themselves after the long car ride. The Ambasador Primeti himself was dressed in usual high fashion, with emerald trousers and a matching vest buttoned over a warm white long sleeve, a bow tie of a darker green around his neck. He nodded jovially at the official overseeing his arrival, and strode off to the Old Court, guards in tow. He noted a particularly pale skinned duo coming from the opposite, noting them to be the Yeran delegation, famously anti-imperialist. He wondered why they were attending a ball hosted in the heart of an Imperium briefly, before dismissing it, making note to talk with them later in the evening.

Stepping into the Old Court, he noted a party of individuals dressed with some eccentricity. The Myrorians. Though those robes do look wonderful. Maybe I should visit Myroria someday. He thought, as his eyes passed over the other party in the room, noting the communist regalia and military uniforms adorning them. Illamzat? Cogoria? One of the two. Far too... radical in their beliefs for me. Humph, no one here from a Latin country yet, I'm surprised. Perhaps taking their siesta still.

The Lancerians had arrived the day before and they now entered the vehicle that would bring them to the palace, making small talk amongst themselves on the way. Foreign Relations Minister Henri Roudan was absent, fallen ill and staying in his room until he was feeling better.

Upon arrival, Queen-Empress Amelia was the first to exit. She wore a modest but attractive dress of a deep emerald green, signature of the Empire from which she came. After her stepped Prime Minister Isaac Oudinot and Marshal François Havilland, a close friend of the other two, and a long-time diplomat of the Empire. There was no band playing the anthem or guardsmen bowing low. Amelia was the only one of "royal blood" and she had grown up in a time of war where luxuries of that type were not needed, wanted, or an affordable use of resources. She had seen little use for them once peace finally prevailed .

They made their way into the Old Court and, noting the other delegations along the way, moved to the back left corner of the room. The Queen-Empress allowed the two to face out into the room while she faced them, a subtle move that made the three look natural but from here they could see every other delegation and the entry doors. All this done without a word spoken, out of old habit, Amelia trusting the now-old but ever-sharp men to look past her into the room. They had not survived the Civil War of times past by chance.

After a while, Amelia excused herself in search of a washroom and the two men conversed amongst themselves, comparing the quick mental notes they had made of the people in the room. The countries they hailed from, the elegance or modesty of their dress, the steady confident stride of one who mightve served in a military, the veiled excitement of someone in a world wholly new or the grace of mature royalty more patient than their companion.

Though Oudinot was somewhat younger, the two had known each other for a very long time. When the Civil War began they were young men, but answered the call of Amelia's father the late King Henri, narrowly escaping death when that war was lost, resisting the warlords where they could. When the King came back with McMasterdonian support they had again been there to fight alongside him, this time a little older and with positions of responsibility. By the time the Empire was united and King Henri was assassinated in the dying blows of the war they were both significant leaders and close advisors to Henri, and then Amelia. Through the years of starting a new country from scratch they had worked tirelessly to great success, Oudinot at home and Havilland on the world stage. The time for their contributions was nearing its end and it was no secret that Havilland was close to retirement. The Marshal smiled to himself and spoke quietly to Oudinot "Do you still carry those revolvers?" Oudinot hushed him in response. "Whether I do or not, don't mention it, I would be worried about the guards hearing if I wasnt much more fearful of Amelia's scolding!" Both men chuckled to each other. "I'll take that as a yes" he replied. "I expect no attack here, Francois, the Imperium is a safe place, there will be nothing to bother us here." He patted a section of his coat and felt the revolver specially hidden within its lining. "Just the one. Now, let's meet some of these leaders, hmm?"

The usually primly uniformed, ordered, smooth-sailing streets of Alba Longa were celebrating the Terminal Ides, the ides that went from the 25th through the New Year.

Colours flooded the street, with clothes, dyes, and paints dotting every wall and body across the city. On the streets, hundreds of adults and children alike played sports, music, screened films on the side of white-painted military vans. The ubiquitous uniforms of Imperium were nowhere to be seen, as everyone across the city wore casual and formal wear - although, one could clearly see the occasional hordes of military haircuts and facial hair trimmed for gasmasks.

Aircraft coming in to land at Alba Longa would bank out of the approved air-route, through the channel in between Pauldron and the opposite coast to Alba Longa, to begin their approach. As they descended upon the airport, they would pass by the Palace by the Sea, the headquarters of Imperium's maritime services and a satellite to the August palace compound that overlooked it from the cliffs.

---

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At the airports, meeting the arriving leaders, were military personnel in dress uniform. Whilst many carried weapons, a significant minority had opted to bring personal sidearms instead of their service-issue guns. None wore rank insignia, although it would be apparent on careful observation that the vast majority were at best enlisted university graduates, with only a small handful of officers at advanced age. Even the formalities of organization and ceremony were dispensed with, the August ides being so sacrosanct as to govern even this careful process of organization. Enlisted regularly elbowed each other, chuckled, oohed and awed the arriving leaders.

That being said, even for someone as experience as Gregorio in Latin custom, it was apparent that something was afoot. Many of the officers were clearly distrustful of each other, even moreso than usual, and alone of all the services, the Medical Service seemed to be entirely isolated. As was customary, they each wore bands that identified them as medical personnel, and interspersed themselves about the airfields, but the officers of many of the other services seemed to actively avoid them. The distrust did not seem to flow down to the enlisted, who treated them at least as comrades, if not with the usual respect accorded to the prestigious organization.

As leaders arrived, their national anthem rang out across the field, played by the Censorial Service from a bandstand. Whilst usually conductorless to play Imperium's own national anthem, they played their guests in with the same non-hierarchical abandon, filling in for lack of practice with a sweetly, smoothly improvisational swing. Where the August anthem would usually be played in immediate succession, they instead struck up a pop song - as is the August custom, the anthem is not played during the Ides.

For those who arrived at the start of the Ides, motorcades had been considered and abandoned. Those landing at Alba Longa Central would be treated to a helicopter flight down to the palace, soaring over the wild street celebrations that now took up much of the inner city. Pilots would point out with glee both landmarks and the occasional VIP participating in the festivities - although, one would not blame their passengers for taking these crazy stories of VIPs as either rumours or innocuous window-dressing. "There, the Urban-Magister is a known darts champion. That pub holds a darts competition every ides, and he always makes the finals against Manlius, from the dockyards. I think it's the Magister's year - he's on a losing streak. And see the Censor-Magister? One of Imperium's first DJs. Up on that hotel roof. That's Aemilius himself, Brother to the String. Throws bags of wine out of his pick-up for people to take and drink. Over there is Spathus' bridge - every year, he goes out to challenge everyone who attempts to pass to a duel, and only allows people to make their way once one has beaten him."

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The main entrance to the Palace compound was decked out in bright, temperate decor, its usually tasteful murals illuminated with colourful moving pictures. Its pool was the same, as colours played in the pool from hidden underwater lamps. Wheelchair ramps (not visible in pictures) allowed safe access for the disabled. A representative of each service, as well as a small handful of important Senate Tribunals, greeted the guests as they entered, available to answer any questions that may be fielded. It was here that delegations were permitted to select someone to accompany them for the evening - the expectation being that they would opt to select one from the Tribunal concerned with their affairs. But the option was always open.

Guests were also offered roomkeys on arrival, as well as an apertif of dry vermouth with an amuse-bouche of August caviar, on a rye cracker garnished with August ((Italian))-style meringue and pannacotta cheese. The atmosphere was jovial, as the service offered them welcomes.

Novrith Pact members, and Montani, were further met upon entrance by the Lictor-Magister, offering them his personal greetings and offering them an audience with Caesar later in the night. To the Guslant delegation, he instead offered them the opportunity to make the acquaintance of the Conclave. To all attendees, the Palace chief of staff apologized personally, but was forced to inform them that Caesar would be organizing some aspects of the festivities momentarily - instead, a number of members of the Conclave would be coming to entertain in the time being, and delegations are of course welcomed to mingle.

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The Old Court was carefully segmented into many smaller spaces and rooms, giving an extremely reasonable amount of privacy to the festival goers. Balconies allowed security teams to dispatch one or more representatives with oversight over the proceedings, and the palace security made radio equipment available and configured to reduce interference. Each delegation, beyond their living arrangement, was also assigned an open-space in the Old Court itself to make their own for the evening, to organize liaisons and to regroup as necessary.

And, of course, there was an intimate space for delegations to mingle.

The Imperial Plane landed safely in Alba Longa Central, and it was now time to perform the foreign visit disembarkment ceremony. First came the Imperial Guards, clad in dark green and gold, with their trumpets and ceremonial swords. Lining up on either side of the plane and rolling out a carpet with a green center and golden rims similar to the color of their uniforms, the pilot signaled the Imperial party that it was time to exit the plane. The Crown Prince was first to go, followed by Prince Salman, Prince Hasan, Princess Puja, and Princess Karishma.

The Guards then raised their swords high and put their trumpets to their mouths, playing the ancient Imperial Fanfare as Emperor Rajesh III exited the plane alongside Empress Jodha, his beloved wife. The Emperor split up the party, having the younger children go in one helicopter and the Emperor, Empress, and Crown Prince go in another, with other helicopters for the Guards and Imperial servants not far behind. Eventually, everyone in the party landed at the marvelous Palace by the Sea. It was marvelous, even for the occupants of the Golden Palace. After all, even the greatest palaces become dull once you live in them your whole life.

The Imperial party walked up to the entrance of the Palace by the Sea, with guards on either side. The servants were talking to whoever they wanted to talk to in the party and all was optimistic and well as the party entered the Old Court.