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Bellegrace Moondawn Vice Captain
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 Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 11:57 pm
Description
The throne room is at the very heart of the palace on the lower floor. One could call it the main room because all roads lead to this room. There are several entrances, each are guarded by at least one guard, mostly two. The main entrance is a large wooden door that reaches up to the high ceiling of the main hall. The door itself is made from hard dark wood and has special carvings of the imperial family. When the door is opened, you can see a wide room in front of you, the floor is tiled with white marble and covered with purple and golden rugs here and there. In the centre of the room there is a larger rug with an image of Nitar's first and greatest Empress: K'tianna. Not much further you find a small stage with broad steps that leads to the thrones. The main throne is made from gold and has elegant curls and red pillows for comfort. It's meant for the Empress, on her left hand (for Amirians the prefered hand), there is a smaller though still well-decorated throne for the Empress' husband. On her right hand sits the eldest daughter. The white walls are decorated with paintings and small statues of the imperial family or of people who have played an important role in the history of Nitar. Next to the platform of the Empress are large candle holders and at the ceiling, more to the centre of the room hands a gold with crystal chandelier which shines bright at night.
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 12:03 am
Customary
Audience
When do you need to require an audience?
-When you have just arrived at the castle, it is customary to inform Her Imperial Majesty. Of course you cannot just walk up to her and say 'hi' I'm here. What you ought to do is ask a servant or soldier, mostly the first one you encounter at the palace when you enter through the gates, to announce your presence. He will inform the head of the maids, who will inform the Empress (and the Emperor as well on some occasions). You will then be conducted to the throne room as soon as the Empress is ready to receive you.
-Are you already at the castle and the Empress is aware of your presence, but you have an important request or important information, you ought to ask for an audience as well.
(This all seems formal, but it is as the rules want it. It does not happen like this all the time.)
Note: if you are a close member of the royal family, you do not need an audience.
Festivities
When there are festivities such as balls, dances or other celebrations held at the palace, they mostly happen in the throne room.
What to do when you wish to participate?
Informal occasions
-Only those who have received a personal invitation (with the seal of the Empress) may participate.
-Depending on the occasion you dress yourself in your finest robes. (Weddings require purple, white gold or silver; birthdays need red, purple, bordeaux, green or deep blue; funerals pale blue or soft yellow) all other occasion have no fixed colours.) It is customary for women to wear long dressed and subtle jewels, men wear (puffy) trousers, boots up to their knees (mostly) and a tunic. If you are a soldier or officer, you are allowed to wear your uniform and your necessary decorations.
-You are expected to be on time. So go to the throne room at the requested hour and show your invitation to the lackey at the main entrance.
-Once you are inside go straight to the Empress by using the long dark red rug that leads you to her. You make a deep and gracious bow, state your name and in case of personal celebrations (e.g. Birth of her child) you wish her well.
-After this ritual you are free to wander in the room, see some friends, greet those higher in rank than you and dance.
Formal occasions
On formal occasions (e.g.: audience of an important guest like an Archduke, or a marriage) there are different rules, most of them depend on the occasion though.
-The first three rules of 'informal occasions' are customary here as well. So you don't need to worry about that.
-When you enter the throne room, you wait in line until your name is called by the lackey, then you (and your family if possible) step forward to meet the Empress. You kneel, keep your gaze to the ground, kiss her hand, then look up into her eyes and wish her well. She might consider replying this time and blessing you. Then you moved to the side and do the same when facing the Emperor. The oldest daughter requires but a graceful bow.
-Then you move to the sides of the room and join the crowd. The centre path of the room must not be obstructed. The front row is reserved for the imperial family and for close friends. The following rows are by rank.
-After everyone has been properly announced the ceremony will begin. You are expected to remain quiet and serene. At the end you applaud (except on funerals, then you wish for well for the soul of the deceased) and leave, or stay and talk about the event or whatever you wish.
Note: On formal as well as informal occasion you always inform someone, preferably a lackey, when you leave (and where you go to if possible).
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Bellegrace Moondawn Vice Captain
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