Astercalia, the Imperial Tempore

[Eryane 3698]

A S T E R C A L I A

“The Imperial Tempore”

 

In honor of the nobility of the Holy Orenian Empire, thus is Astercalia announced as a year long celebration and showcase of the empire’s peers to be called upon at the behest of the Emperor, Empress, or Princess Imperial. This series of ceremonies and festivities shall be to display the greatness of each individual house upon their own efforts to do so, and simultaneously allowing for the seeking and fulfillment of betrothals and marriages with the ladies’ debutante presentation. Astercalia is a recurring event, defining the very prestige one’s house holds. 

 

Contents |

I | Astercalia

II | Debuting

III | Calendar 

IV | Etiquette 

 

I | ASTERCALIA

 

In the interest of illustrating the esteemed noble houses of the empire, furthermore all that encompasses such of high society, Astercalia is a collection of formal events in recurrence at a minimum of six years to a maximum of eight. Whilst these events are subject to change from each tempore, a selection of events (with some as listed below in The Astercalia Calendar) are marked as tradition to the event itself to occur each time. Namely, the most significant being that of the Ceremony of Nobles and the Presentation of the Debutantes, with one showcasing the accomplishments of individual houses and the other introducing young women of the empire into high society. Such is to be assembled at the behest of HIM The Empress or HIH The Princess Imperial, with consideration to the time frame as stated prior. 

 

II | DEBUTING 

 

Similarly to its predecessor, being that of the Social Season, such an occurrence assembles the young ladies of the empire to debut on regulated schedules. Debutantes must be of nobility and between the ages of sixteen to twenty-four to participate, although women of ages younger or older may partake in the events of Astercalia nevertheless (disregarding that of presenting oneself). Noting that of the tempore’s purpose, debutantes are to don clothing representing their family, be it one’s house colors to traditional garb. Clothing must be in adherence with courtly etiquette and finery. 

 

Amidst the presentation, no debutante must speak unless spoken to by the person whom they are presenting themselves before. Debutantes will approach the dais in collections of their families, although given the size of each family and preference of the debutantes, some families may be split into smaller groupings. It is custom that one presents a curtsy, well-practiced and highly refined, upon arrival before the dais in which they are to halt themselves before. 

 

On the Common Woman; Sponsorship to Debut

Whilst it is seen as a requirement to be of noble birth to debut, exceptions may be made towards those common-born on two accounts; sponsorship or a debuting fee. To achieve sponsorship, one must contact a noble family in request of such, or a member of the imperial family. Each noble house can sponsor a total of two commoners, and each individual imperial family member may sponsor one of their own. However, without sponsorship and a desire to partake, a commoner (with note to the age limitations of debuting) may pay a 50 mina debut fee to participate. 

 

Sponsorship must be submitted with a signature, direct letter, or conversation from the peer in question directly to HIM The Empress or HE The Lady Chamberlain. This must be done at most a day prior to the debutantes’ presentation to the Aster Council, as well as those wishing to simply pay the 50 mina debut fee. 

 

In summarization;

1. Debutantes must be between the ages of sixteen to twenty-four to partake in debuting. 

2. Furthermore, debutantes must be of noble birth with two exceptions for commoners; sponsorship or a debut fee. 

3. Noble houses may sponsor at maximum two women; individual members of the imperial family may sponsor one.

4. The debuting fee for commoners without sponsorship is that of 50 mina. All proceedings will be returned to the Imperial State Army. 

 

III | THE ASTERCALIA CALENDAR 

 

This formal, prestigious occurrence lays groundwork to the very nature and outlook of a noble house; thus, it lacks any informalities that may be seen in events and the like beyond. Etiquette and high respect, moreover one’s mannerisms, play a most vital role in Astercalia, with strictness and relegation on a nobleman or noblewoman’s ability to present themselves proper at its highest. 

 

The following events and ceremonies are considered crucial and required for the occurrence of Astercalia, yet events are not limited to such; 

 

Ceremony of Nobles

Upon the commencement of Astercalia, all nobles are summoned to the imperial throne room by the Emperor and Empress for a private court known as the Ceremony of Nobles; wherein, nobles are asked to bring the full capacity of their household before the imperial crown. Nobles shall present their finest accomplishments of the past years as each noble household presents themselves before the dais in the finest clothing, if not a representation of the family’s traditions and formal attire. 

 

Presentation of the Debutantes 

The decades-old ceremony known as the Presentation of the Debutantes, first drafted and hosted by HIH The Princess Imperial Elizabeth Anne of Oren, is the second occurrence of Astercalia. Women who are presented as lady debutantes must demonstrate imperial mannerisms and class, whilst displaying their household to the fullest extent. This may be done in attire, the colors of a noble peerage, or through the showcasing of heirlooms upon one’s person (reference: Heirlooms in Etiquette portion). Such is a public, ceremonial acceptance into the imperial court whilst allowing a formal demonstration of one’s familial and cultural values. 

 

Amadistus; The Amadean Ball

In accordance with tradition, a formal ball is to succeed the debutante presentation hosted particularly for those involved (in what was once the Social Season), whether it be later in the eve of that saint’s day or the following. Thus is Amadistus formed, opened to public attendance whilst maintaining honor to the lady debutantes and male debuts and upholding the strict requirements of etiquette therein. It may also be referred to as the Amadean Ball in honor of the late HIH Princess Amadea of Pompourelia. All debutantes will be announced upon entrance, as will peers, consorts, and imperial family. Waltzes done in orderly lines and once in a circle shall be conducted at the behest of the host. 

   

Grand Tourney of Furnestock

A showcase of strength, among all else, is deemed fit and necessary amidst the festivities and ceremonies of Astercalia. The finest imperial soldiers, swordsmen, and knights from each family’s household are to join in a variety of matches against one another to inevitably reveal the champion of the eve, who shall be declared as the Champion of Furnestock. Such a title will be held until the following Astercalia, where the title will be contested once again. At the event itself, debutantes will be present in the front to be gifted any roses from participants, or to exchange a handkerchief (or to otherwise symbolize a token of their favoritism, or wish for those participating to have good luck) from the debutantes themselves.

 

IV | ETIQUETTE

The proper etiquette of Astercalia maintains that of regular mannerisms of the imperial court, yet is regulated and watched to the highest extent by the members of the Aster Council. The following must be noted in months preparing for the event; 

 

1. Tiaras and circlets, although otherwise disallowed, are permitted for all debutantes of peers who obtain heirlooms. Debutantes of peers all below a ducal title may only wear these if approved by the Keeper of the Imperial Crown Jewels. Crowns and diadems are strictly prohibited. Brooches and other headpieces are encouraged among ladies whilst styling one’s hair. 

2. The dais must remain unmolested throughout all events, save for those directly invited to join HRM The Empress or HIH The Princess Imperial. 

3. Amidst the debutante, lady debutantes must not speak unless spoken to and must present a curtsy before the imperial entourage and Aster Council. 

4. Proper addressments must be maintained throughout in introductions and conclusions of conversations. Following, male peers and consorts may be addressed as Lord [TITLE], Lady [TITLE], or simply “my lord.” Female peers and consorts may be addressed as Lady [TITLE], or simply “my lady.” 

 

All attendees of Astercalia are recommended to discuss etiquette rules and restrictions with Aster Councilors, and the Mistress of Etiquette.

[valecu 2128]

Johanna thinks about signing up, not with the intention of marrying, but introducing herself to Oren's society.

[PrincessSnowie 539]

Vespira L. Smiled happily seeing news of the coming debute. She then

Pinned an R&R Flyer directly below it~!

 

[!]Flyer[!]

[Franczhiz 4437]

Joseph Clement de Sarkozy begins praying a lot more now as he hopes that his sister Bianca Mariya de Sarkozy would find a good lad during the Astercalia. "GOD! - Please - Someone worthy, thank you. Amen."

[clonky 1976]

Viscountess Amadie reads over the missive, finding some issues with the rules of Astercalia. "No wearing armor? Nonsense. Presenting in pretty silks from foreign lands only shows my influx of mina, but not the willpower and strength my house holds."

 

Amadie sat there with her sisters, having a rather bountiful talk about the influence of women in the coming decades, specifically with her mother's involvement with Rosemoor. 

 

"Do not follow such silly rules, as women are also soldiers, workers, Duchesses in their own right, and armor will not hold you back in your Empire." 

[latte 2238]

Giuseppina Falcone starts to receive PTSD flashbacks, balling up in the comfort of her room. "not again, not again"