THE HARVEST MASQUERADE

[Hom 1987]

 

✚ THE ✚

✚ 143 ARP ✚

“PETRA, FLOWING WATER! AVE! AVE!”

Penned by Asad of the Petra.

 

 

Issued and averred by

 

From the Retinue of Arts & Ceremonies

 

 

PREAMBLE

For many years past, the masquerade has served as one of the Commonwealth’s most popular autumnal traditions. When the weather becomes cool and the wind begins to blow, there are few occasions more awaited than these costume balls. It is believed to have been first adopted out of superstition, for as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, many experience increased fears of what may lurk in the dark. It is for that reason that the people of Petra don masks and grandiose disguises, for it is believed that if one hides their face on occasional nights of the season, it can confuse and disorient ill omens and bad luck, sending them away in the wrong direction. 

 

Over time, superstition has grown into lavish revelry, with masquerades of Vallagne being particularly well-known for how little expense is spared. As the height of popularity for the masquerade overlaps with the height of the harvest season, it is little surprise that one is often used to celebrate the other, and that many of these celebrations double as a well-needed luxury after a productive harvest.

 

 

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THE HARVEST MASQUERADE

The Royal House of Temesch, in upholding tradition, invites all the realm to a grand Harvest Masquerade within the palace of Vallagne. Masks and costumes are highly encouraged for entry, though it is common for the practice to be taken a step further, with the adoption of false names or monikers for the length of the celebration. The itinerary for the evening will be full of activities both sophisticated and jovial, playing a balance between the formalities of court and the lighthearted amusements of the season.

 

[Sunday October 20th, 7pm EST]

 

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ITINERARY

 

➼ THE VINEYARD DANCE: As the evening begins, attendees will be encouraged to pair up and take to the dance floor, participating in an energetic waltz. A small panel of judges from the River Courts will watch the dances, with a unique, locally-produced wine blend as a prize for those with the best choreography. 

 

➼ THE AUTUMN BANQUET: After the conclusion of the dance, a banquet will be presented that highlights the bounty of Petra’s yearly harvest. Roasted chestnuts and spiced mushroom stews, sweet apple desserts and fresh-baked bread, colourful root vegetables flavouring lamb and veal. More wine will be served in accompaniment, as well as fresh grapes from the nearby cliffs.

 

➼ THE PUMPKIN CARVING: One of the results of the Commonwealth’s bountiful harvests are a selection of gourds, which can be used not just for their flavour, but for unique artistic displays. Pumpkins bought from nearby Solland farms will be provided, as all attendees will be encouraged to exercise their artistic skills, and create a pumpkin carving to take home.

 

➼ THE COSTUME CONTEST: Towards the end of the evening, those who attended in costume will be invited to line up before the panel of River Court judges, where the finest costume of the night will be crowned. The winner will receive a unique mask to mark their victory, one which exemplifies the season.

 

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PEER INVITATIONS EXTENDED TO

 

His Grace, AUREL LOUIS VON THEONUS, Duke of Vohenheim

And his noble pedigree.

 

His Excellency, FRIEDRICH HANS VON AUGUSTEN, Margrave of Schwyz

And his noble pedigree.

 

The Right Honourable, ADELYN ISLA REINHOLD, Countess of Anairgrid

And her noble pedigree.

 

The Honourable, KATRIN ERYKA STAFYR, Viscountess of Falkenstein

And her noble pedigree.

 

The Lord, JUN OF ASTOR, Baron of Fir’steinn

And their noble pedigree.

 

The Lady, DAME AMÉLIE AUCLAIR, Baroness of Rhénanie

And her noble pedigree.

 

ADDITIONAL INVITATIONS EXTENDED TO

 

Her Royal Majesty, TAR-CARANETH ARYANTË, Queen of the Númenedain,

And her esteemed citizenry.

 

His Royal Highness, SER ANORHIL ANTONIUS CARANETHION, Crown Prince of Númenost,

And his royal pedigree

 

His Royal Highness, SER ARATHOR ARTHALION, Prince of Númenost, 

And his royal pedigree.

 

Her Royal Highness, MILENA ANASTAYSIA, Lady Palatine of Hanseti-Ruska,

And her royal pedigree.

 

The Right Honourable, EMMA KORTREVICH, Viscountess of Krusev, 

And her noble pedigree.

 

The Honourable, GAVRILA GODUNOV, Baroness of Verksaya

And her noble pedigree.

 

His Royal Highness, AUGUST VALENTIN, Sword of Owyn,

And his royal pedigree.

 

 

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≋▐ TEMESCH OF THE PETRA ▌ ≋

 

≋▐ THEONUS | AUGUSTEN | REINHOLD | STAFYR | ASTOR | AUCLAIR ▌≋

 

 

S I G N E D , 

 

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Asad of the Petra, Prince-Consort of the Petra, Prince of Abrana, Marquis-Consort de Val d’Estenou, Count-Consort of Temesch, Torm Marian, and Moere, Viscount-Consort of Mies, Baron-Consort of Garmont, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, and Hrenthorne

 

HIS EXCELLENCY, Friedrich von Augusten, Margrave of Schwyz, Count of Hohengarten, Lord of Rikardsburg, Patriarch of House von Augusten, Grand Chamberlain of the River Court, Elector of Hohengarten & Deacon of Casica.