NationStates Jolt Archive

The Great Hall, Vicegral Palace, Deneb, Associated Systems of Klonor

"So, run over the guest list with me one more time John."

"Well, we've got three Admirals, Kilev, Juni, and Seral, several company heads out from Epsilon Pegasi, a few Planetary Executives from Regulus, the normal amount of Representatives from the Klonor and Peoples Assembly....."

The Grand Duke Solomon Klonor slowly tuned out the soft voice of his aide as his thoughts turned inward.

Every year it's the same bloody thing. Not one single detail changes. I could probably recite the guest list myself. Next he'll mention the Elvish Consul...

"Oh, and the Elvish Consul, of course....."

I knew it! This is supposed to be a vibrant and colossal ceremony, the biggest in the entire Association, and I have to take stim pils just to keep my eyes open. The damn party gets more boring every freaking year. Nothing new happens! It's the same guests who come and talk about the same events and reminiss about the same points in history and I just want to shoot myself.

"We've received the usual requests for Extra-National attendess and have, as usual, politely declined....."

Now there's an idea. Get some new blood into this thing. Maybe have something besides the Great Revolt to talk about. I was there after all, I don't need seventeen different sycophants reminding me about it every twenty minutes.

"Mistress's Keane and and Salm will also be in attendance, I believe the first year they'll both be here....."

Well, at least that's new. But still, two people hardly make a party.....

"John?"

"Yes, sir?"

"I'd like to reconsider the long-standing policy of refusing all Extra-National attendees. After all, Klonor is merely one nation among many out here in the Stars, I think it's time we began socializing with the others in addition to obliterating them. Prepare a broad transmission, foreign dignitaries will be more than welcome."

"Yes, sir. I'll get right on it."

With a small bow the servant turned on his heel and ushered out of the hall, leaving the Duke to his musings.

OOC: Okay, a simple, quiet, non-war RP. Just a party, with the usual party activities. If you feel in the mood to rub elbows with nobility and Heads of State, drop on by.

OOC: Space Party!

A BUMP by any other name...

"I have the honor of presenting to you all, 967 years after his Ascension to the Throne, on the anniversary of the ascension which made Klonor what it is today, the Grand Duke Solomon Klonor!"

The voice boomed from a dozen speakers at once, emanating throughout the room and vibrating the very air.

At the completion of the speech there was a burst of noise, which some might have called 'music' if it had been substantially lower in volume, then a flash of bluish light which radiated outwards from the mammoth doors that were only beginning to open, and the Duke Klonor entered the Great Hall shining with an unearthly light, a glow as if he had been dipped in pearl dust.

His face was beautific, his clothing immaculate, the attendees were in perfect line, and his eyes held nothing but arrogant disdain for all else present. He was, in essence, the very image of a Reigning Monarch.

"So, where's the bar?"

And just like that the image collapsed as he sat down in front of a small mountain of bottles and cans.

OOC: And the party begins! Come on over!

OOC: And I thought everybody here on NS was a wild party animal. Well, so much for that stereotype.

*points and laughs wildly at the K-man as the crickets chirp in the background*

Oracle Luthas smiled as politely as he could after the cacaphony that announced the Grand Duke. He looked around, deciding that now would be a more appropriate time to find a noble of the local government.

Like all Oracles of Orthae Velve, Luthas wore a simple white military uniform and black gloves and boots, the former of which had black trim and red trim. Since he was on a diplomatic mission, he also wore a red sash around his torso.

He quickly located one of the nobles and walked over, nodding hello and reaching out for a handshake. "Greetings. My name is Oracle Ganami Luthas, of the Holy Empire of Orthae Velve."

Placeholder. Will postinate after the lecturination, assuming Klonor still has interest in this thread.

*points and laughs wildly at the K-man as the crickets chirp in the background*

OOC: Hey, there are times when those crickets can be pretty darn entertaining.

IC:

"Greetings Oracle Luthas, I am Consul Amy Keane. Welcome to Deneb."

Extending her own arm to grasp the offered hand, and giving the foreign dignitary a quick once-over, Amy shook with a vigor that might have been judged to be artificial by one who knew her well. Only recently returned to duty after a particularly troubling diplomatic meeting, and still suffering from the emotional trauma, she was not yet perfectly comfortable in public situations.

Dressed in a bright red uniform cut along vaguely martial lines, reminiscient of Naval officer uniforms from Old Earth, the addition of back-length golden hair combined to project a startling image of both beauty and authority.

"I don't believe I've previously met an Oracle of the Holy Empire, is this the first journey to the Association?"

"It is a lovely planet, Consul." He allowed his glance to turn skyward momentarily before giving the Consul a quick appraisal. From what he could tell, Consuls were Klonor's equivolent to an Oracle.

"Actually, this is the first time the Holy Empire has gone beyond its borders on a diplomatic mission. It wasn't until recently we've geared our technology to levels that can go beyond local systems."

"Well then, you've picked an appropriate festival for your first stop; it was the Duke himself, almost immediately after the Ascension that we celebrate today, that led us to the Stars. What better occasion to celebrate your own expansion into space? Perhaps later the Duke will regale you with the story of the settlement of Deneb, it's a rather interesting story (and it would give me a break from hearing it)."

Turning, she gestured towards the rather extensive array of foods and drinks waiting for a hungry dignitary.

"But first, would you care to join me for a light snack? It's never good to mingle on an empty stomach."

"A snack would be enjoyable, as would a story. However, I should warn you for future reference that those that are pious in Orthae Velve, such as Oracles, do not partake of alcohol or similiar substances."

Luthas looked over the table of dishes, slightly frustrated. Oracles are judges of character, not cuisine. "I'm sorry, Consul, but I'm not familiar with any of these dishes. Is there anything that you would suggest?"

For a moment Consul Keane was dumbstruck, simply staring at Luthas with her mouth slightly agape and shock jockying with horror for control of her face.

"You....you don't drink? But....but how? Why? By Jove, man, do you have any idea where you are?"

She quickly glanced over at the Duke, who was already on his third Collostomizer,and shuddered at the thought of how he'd react when he heard the news.

Luthas hadn't expected the Consul to be this suprised, but the warning served its purpose. It was clear that alcohol was either of personal value to the Duke or a major trade item of Klonor, possibly both. "Orthae Velven principals dictate that a clear mind achieves its goals, and that one should not partake of substances that would inhibit it, even temporarily. As an Oracle, I must act as a pillar of the beliefs of my people, even if that means the occasional disagreement over preference of beverage."

"In Klonor it might lead to more than just a disagreement over the quality of beverages; there are those who have left our borders in medical stasis after refusing an offered drink."

Glancing around, she seemed to realize the exclusive presence of foreign dignitaries and government functionaries.

"Still, in these surroundings I doubt we'll be encountering an enraged mob of insulted citizens; just don't broadcast this fact if you're walking in a Klonor back alley. If you truly do wish to abstain from any alcoholic beverages, I'd suggest you focus on the....the...uh....hold on one second, Oracle."

Turning, she gestured to one of the many attendants hovering at the outer edge of the beginning party.

"I think in all likelihood you'll need to request a custom meal; the buffet might not provide you with any opportunities to eat."

Luthas turned his attention to the attendant, who was making his way through the crowd. Personal convenience apparently softens other nations, he thought, although the implied mob beating showed the weakness wasn't consistent.

"I will be fine without food for the moment, Consul. The physical test to become an Oracle is enduring a lack of needs, so I have no trouble handling meer hours without food.

"I digress, however. How is it that the people of Klonor could feel so strongly about something like alcohol? To my knowledge, there aren't any religious rituals or symbolic value, so I have a hard time understanding the zeal. Not that it isn't respected, of course."

"Oh, I'm sure that you would be more than capable of surviving for the duration of this event without sustenance, and that you wouldn't be moaning for something to eat at the end, but I've always felt that just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. Once you've been forced to live off nuts and berries for several months you learn an appreciation for regular meals, even if they aren't quite a necessity. Still, if you'd rather not..."

Raising her arm, she waved away the attendant that had nearly reached them.

"And you're hardly the first visitor to Klonor to be taken off-guard by the nations obsession with alcoholic beverages; most newcomers find it a bit apalling. Regardless, it's something of a national pastime within the Association; alcohol has permeated the entirety of our society for countless centuries, nearing a millenia now, and some of the more fanatical Klonor citizens equate the two as one and the same. They view an abhorance of alcohol as an abhorance of the nation, and many feel it their duty to...instruct the newcomer in Klonor ways. Still, though we of the Associations government aren't exactly sober 26 hours a day..."

She gestured to the Duke, who was currently engaged in a rather energentic drinking competition with a decorative fern.

"...we realize that it isn't exactly an indication of contempt for a person to remain in a clear mind."

Luthas couldn't believe what he was seeing. Moments before the man had been projected as regal, respectable, and competant. He couldn't help but let his diplomatic image fade into genuine confusion. "I'm sorry, but I find the Duke's behavior utterly beyond belief. The party has barely started. Surely he would at least excercise a degree of restraint in order to remain sociable?"

"To be perfectly honest, the odds are that the Duke was already quite inhebriated before this party even started. The man doesn't waste any time, and he doesn't find it necessary to postpone his recreation when it isn't absolutely vital. But don't worry, he always manages to maintain at least a modicrum of control; I'm sure he could still give you a retelling of Klonor settlement if you want it."

Turning, she gestured towards one of the many food tables and indicated a glass full of a light-blue liquid; the glass rising off the table and settling within her outstretched hand. Smiling, she took a small sip and let her eyes widen.

"Besides, a well-made Collostomizer is hard to resist."

A glimmering white Thunderhawk slowly glides down gently onto a landing pad near the palace and the landing ramp drops slowly to reveal three men the first and most eye catching is Ryan Nova leader of the Imperial Republic of Dratheria who wears his immaculate white Artificer Armor and dangling at his side is his beautifully crafted Force Sword in it's sheath. As he stepped down the ramp with his boots clanging one could see his wings sheathed in the same armor as his body. On his right was Sergeant Halder a man standing 10 feet tall with massive Power Armor on. And on his left was the beautiful for of a woman dressed in tight fitting battle armor at her side a beautiful Katana rested glowing with ancient and arcane power. This woman was more important and most certainly far more dangerous than many of the other people of the Dratherian Republic for she was Queen Kyou Ragu of Ashlianna the capital world of the Empire. And she had just as much power as Emperor Nova himself. As Nova and his companions walked into the great hall awe would most certainly meet them as their immaculatley shining armor gleamed in the light. As they walked forward their presence would command respect and as Ryan neared Consul Keane he bowed and said, "Greetings my name is Ryan Nova of the Imperial Republic of Dratheria. Please do not confuse us with the Chaos Legions of New Terra." Then gesturing to Sergeant Halder and Kyou Ragu in turn he said, "These are my companions Sergeant Halder of the Tank Company of the Seismic Fists and Queen Kyou Ragu of Ashlianna and Grand Master of the Kuruda School."

"Well, I'm sure it is an experience for those who have an interest in such things. However, I would be interested in hearing the Duke's story from the horse's mouth, if that's the figure of speech. I could learn as much from how it is told as from the content of the story." Luthas smiled politely at the Consul, keeping his eyes on the Duke. If he was as drunk as the Consul implied, he would have to be careful about his words, especially if offered a drink.

"Oh, by all means, I'm sure he'd love to tell it to somebody who isn't already intimately familiar with the subject. The Duke, modest though he may be, has never refused an opportunity to regale somebody with his accomplishments."

Then, turning to the new arrivals which had so abruptly appeared and made their presence known, she bowed slightly in responce to their own greeting.

"Greetings Ryan Nova, and welcome to Deneb. I am Amy Keane, Consul of Klonor. May I also introduce Oracle Luthas of Orthae Velve, a fellow visiting dignitary."

Aftering nodding a goodbye to the Consul, Oracle Luthas made his way over to the Duke. He was between rounds in his drinking contest, so it seemed a good time to introduce himself. "Duke Klonor. I am Oracle Ganami Luthas, of the Holy Empire of Orthae Velve. I have heard that there is an interesting story regarding Klonor's establishment on Deneb to be told."

Ryan smiled and bowed to the other dignitary saying, "This is quite a beautiful world you have here it reminds me of my own homeworld before the war. It's not like Ashlianna though I doubt there is another world like it in all of known space. However all minor comments aside how does your nation fair these days?"

The Duke, who seemed to be working rather vigorously at remaining within his seat, twisted around and glanced in several random directions before his gaze finally fell upon Oracle Luthas. Apparently realizing that he'd been asked a question, though to far gone to have any hope of possibly correctly interpreting the question, he reached deep within one of his pockets and withdrew a small package that rattled as he moved it. Opening the package and withdrawing a small white pill, he placed the pill under his tongue and briefly closed his eyes as he swallowed. Several seconds later, his eyes popped open once again and his body motion was suddenly much more steady.

"Ah, Oracle Luthas! So good to see you, I'm glad you could make it today, I was a tad worried that the Holy Empire would be to far away for any dignitaries to arrive today. Please, have a seat! Have you eaten? No, of course not, I'll have something brought out. What would you care for?"

Gesturing at both a nearby seat and a nearby attendant, his mind was obviously more clearer than it had been a bare few seconds ago.

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"The Association fares well, none have arisen to question our own survival for years upon years. It is a time or prosperity not equaled since the Golden Age of so many centuries ago. How fare your own people?"

Ryan's face became steady and serious, "Not well unfortunatley we are in an ongoing war with our former brethern. Many of our planets that were once so beautiful are now erradiated wastelands or scarred or worse yet completely destroyed. Our economy and government are steady it is just that we are in an ever ongoing war with Chaos which hopefull will be done with in time we are at current battling back the Legions of Chaos to the galaxy in which New Terra lies and soon we will be rid of their taint in our galaxy. But let us forget such horrible things how large is your territory?"

"I'd be content with water, although I would enjoy Euragene Cakes if there are any available. I did not consider the possibility before, but apparently you are more familiar with Orthae Velve than I had suspected." Luthas took the seat quietly, smiling politely at the Duke. With any luck, he was also familiar the Oracle's abstinence from alcohol.

"In the meantime, I have heard that there is an interesting story behind Deneb and Klonor that you would be the best to ask."

A bit perturbed at the seemingly random tangent the conversation had suddenly taken, Amy nonetheless thought it wasn't that out of the ordinary for a foreign dignitary to be a little curious.

"Well, the Association governs four inhabited stellar systems throughout and beyond the Milky Way Galaxy; though of course we also control many more systems which are home to our mining, military, and scientific outposts. The old Duchy of Klonor is still ruled on Old Earth, but that's really more of a museum than an actual portion of our nation. After all, when compared to entire planets that small patch of land in Africa just seems inconsequential."

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"What kind of host would I be if I proved myself ignorant of the homes of my guests? This is the first year that we've allowed aliens to participate in the Ascension Day celebration, it would be bad form if I ended up calling a Facehuggerian an Elf. Preparation is the key to success in any venture. Anyway, what is it you said you wanted? Ah yes, Euragene Cakes, and I'd suggest leaving the Ale in the kitchen, I doubt he'll be partaking."

The waiter, who had appeared at the Dukes side and was about to disappear just as quickly, froze for a moment and tried to pull the shocked expression of his face. Then he was moving again, maneuvering to the kitchens and leaving the Duke alone.

"And the settlement of Deneb actually isn't that interesting, it's just rather amusing when you look back at everything that has happened since. See, before we expanded off of Old Earth our technology was no more advanced than the rest of the Dark Age nations (That's right about now). Hell, even just getting to the Moon took several days and God-knows-how-many Florens. Well, we became aware of an advanced nation that was apparently planning to leave our Galaxy, they claimed it was for some spiritual quest, and was actually off-loading a lot of its inter-stellar ships. Can you believe that? Anyway, we snatched all that we could afford and then we...continued to rot on Old Earth. We had nowhere to go and, even if we did, merely having a ship isn't enough; you need some kind of method of travel. Well, after a few more years we got in touch with the Mindset, good guys those Mindsettians, and we learned that they had actually begun construction on a massive network of inter-stellar travel pathways. We negotiated for its use and, exploring, found several habitable planets in Deneb and Regulus and Epsilon Pegasi. Of course, once we found these wide open planets we just had to migrate, why share a planet when you can have one all to yourself, and we began to settle as much of our population as we could in the systems that now make up the Association."

The Duke paused for a moment to grab a nearby glass of some mysterious liquid, trusting in the laws of probability to make it highly intoxicating, and downed it in two quick gulps.

"Nothing out of the ordinary in and of itself, but I just find it hilarious that Klonor, which for the past several centuries has been the premier shipbuilding nation in the Milky Way, only got its start into space by picking up another nations trash and using it to ride on somebody elses roadway."

In front of the Duke, accompanied by a small flash of light, the Euragene Cakes appeared and emitted a small beep to attract the attention of their intended recipients.

Luthas listened to the story intently, not showing his sympathy for the Consul's view of the Duke's taletelling. Still, he had managed to learn about the Duke's mannerisms well enough, which was his genuine intention. "Orthae Velve's origins are somewhat ironic as well, although more for cultural reasons than technological."

When the Euragene Cakes appeared, Luthas smiled genuinely as he took up one of the sweetened waffers. He took a small bite before continuing his story. "It was actually a shortage of the grain used to make these, among other food products, that started it. Trelao II used to be a technological paradise until the famine, which lead to a breakdown of social order. From the chaos of anarchy, the order of Orthae Velve rose. The chaos allowed order to come forth, and with it an expansionistic movement that spread us out over three systems. Not nearly as interesting as Klonor's history, of course, but we have yet to go as far."

"Well, I've always said that good things take time. It's taken us close to a millenia to reach where we are today, and we've taken more than a few lumps along the way. Give Orthae a few more years and you'll probably be jogging right alongside Klonor, I've seen countless small nations reach their potential and emerge as leaders within the Galaxy."

Smiling, the Duke picked up a plate of his own and made several complicated hand gestures; soon surrounded by a veritable feast of his own.

"Then again, I've also seen a whole bunch of small nations get steamrolled by larger alien species, but I'm sure that won't happen this time."

"I would hope not. However, I suppose that depends more on the Taledonian policy on smaller nations than the hopeful speculations of politicians at banquets." Luthas took another bite of the Euragene Cake, letting his eyes scan the Duke's selection curiously. He made sure his appearance of interest was strictly curiousity and not desire. He wouldn't want to give any false impressions.

OOC: Uh.....desire? Do your people have some weird customs that I don't know about?

IC:

"True, though you'd be surprised at how often government policy is based on idle conversation during recreational off-hours."

Selecting a small plate of roasted Ruunt, one of the few pleasures he allowed himself in addition to alcohol, he waved away the rest and attacked the succulent meat with a vigor that adequately implied the confections addictive properties.

OOC: Desire to eat.

IC:
Luthas allowed a slightly disturbed facial expression at the Duke's eating habits as he finished off the first of the cakes. He would have to get back to that point. "Given some of the nations in the galaxy, I honestly wouldn't be suprised."

Ryan nodded while his Artificer Armor gleamed with a bright sheen. He then said, "I could see how that would be. I havent ever visited Earth and in this time of war I haven't had the chance. I've heard it was beautiful Mercer, god rest his soul, told me much of Earth and the heroes who were famous on that planet I have always wanted to go. He said it is known as the Cradle of Humankind. Anyhow so what do you know of the warriors of Orthae Velve?"

OOC: Hey, let's see you maintain your table manners when you're eating a meat which is chemically addictive. Be glad he's at least using a fork and knife.

IC:

"True, there are some brutes out there. Still, there's always a few good ones hovering about; it's never all dark. Take the Consuls, Keane and Salm (The Duke could not restrain a small shudder at mentioning the name) always take their duties seriously, for them they make sure they're prepared for whatever they're doing a the moment. A good change, too, to not have a pair of leaders who blindly make national arrangements during a party."

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Amy, even more confused at the second random shift, answered once again.

"To tell you the truth I'm not that familiar with them, I first met an Oracle only a few minutes ago. He's over talking to the Duke at the moment."

Ryan laughed and said, "Ah I see well I didn't know that hrm ok. Is there anything you wish to know of the Dratherian Empire?"

Luthas wasn't just called an Oracle because that was the title of the diplomats of Othrae Velve. He could clearly see the Duke's ill feelings toward the Consul named Salm. He couldn't help but bite. "I'm going to guess that you don't take very kindly to the one named Salm."

(OOC: I hope it's not to late to join, I have read through the whole rp so far.)


IC:


Advisor Jury Mardukas's plane landed at exactly 8 o clock that evening. She exited the plane and the landing ramp landed for her to walk out onto. She then entered the Great hall, surveying the many nobles around her. Jury was from the Queendom of Tarayshia, representing her queen that could not attend the party.
Jury was a tall woman, at the height of 5 feet 11 inches. She had long flaming red hair, that went down her back to her waist; however for the evening's party her hair was twisted up on top of her head. She wore a black silk gown, cut low in the front exposing a lot of her cleavage. It was how the young woman of 22 years of age liked to dress, to her queen's disliking. The dress clung tightly to her slender frame as she advanced farther into the room, the skirts of her gown swirling around her legs.

OOC: No, not to late, the party's only just started, but I have to wonder how a plane got you to a different planet.

IC:

"Oracle, if you're going to be spending much time in Klonor there's two things you need to know. I'm sure somebody has already informed you of our affinity for alcohol, so you're halfway there, but there's not a soul in Klonor who has anything but loathing for General Abel Salm."

A much more pronounced shudder, apparent to anybody who'd care to glance his way, rippled through the Duke and he grabbed another drink, this one the pale blue of fresh Elarian Ale.

"Don't get me wrong, Consul Salm is nothing like Abel, and of absolutely no relation, but the very name makes me cringe."

Obviously uncomfortable with the discussion, the Duke rose from his seat and offered the Oracle a brief bow.

"Now you'll have to excuse me, I believe I am needed."

Looking very determined, as if truly traveling somewhere specific, the Duke began to wander away from his seat and the Orthae Velve Oracle.

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Glancing over at the Duke, keeping an eye on her sovereign as she always did, Amy couldn't help but notice the minor shiver in a way that only someone familiar with him could do.

"Well, I've always been fascinated with the culture of other nations, and my curiosity..."

She slowly trailed off as the Duke visibly shuddered and rose from his seat.

"...uh, will you excuse me for a moment? I think a situation has arisen that requires my attention."

With a respectful bow, she turned from the Dratherian envoy and approached the Oracle at a pace slightly faster than a calm walk.

(OOC: Sorry for the plane thing, I would've said spaceship but to be honest I don't know a lot about this kind of thing. I can go back and change it from plane to spaceship if you want..maybe I should?)

Oracle Luthas clearly needed to start reading up on cultures ahead of time. He turned toward the approaching Consul Keane, with a mildly worried look on his face. "I fear I may have offended the Duke. I had inquired about his shuddering over Consul Salm, and he explained it was an association of name with Abel Salm. He explained how the man is hated, but departed before I had the chance to ask why."

The young advisor from Tarayshia stood in the room, unknowing what to do.

OOC: Oy, sorry for my long absence, RL can suck up time like you would not believe.

IC:

Oh, bloody hell. Every time we have any kind of gathering somebody has to bring up that bastard. We should put up warning signs or something.

"There is...unpleasant history between the Duke and Salm; a period of our past that would best be left forgotten. It's something that we do not mention when we can avoid it, and I think it would be better if you avoided this topic while you remain in Klonor."

Turning from the Oracle, she picked up the nearest glass at hand and quickly gulped without glancing at its contents. Even for one who hadn't lived through Salm's reign it was an unpleasant memory.

OOC: Tarayshia, just approach somebody and start talking. It's a party, make new friends!

Feeling a bit uncomfortable, Jury began to walk about the hall; admiring all the surroundings.
"Hello," Jury stopped in front of a woman who had just downed some kind of liquid in a glass, "I beg your pardon miss, I am Jury Mardukas from the nation of Tarayshia, advisor to our Queen Lehana. This is a very fine wonderful looking hall."
Jury said as she smiled at the woman;

(OOC: Bump)

(OOC: Bump)

OOC: Sorry Tarayshia, but this is really meant to be more than just a two person RP. I was hoping for at least four or five players, possibly more. With only two people it's just kinda pointless.

(OOC: Ok, what you said makes sense;I was just trying to help that's all. However, I know what you mean;there were a few people in to the rp..but still, I understand was only trying to help.)

OOC: Oh, I understand, and it's not your fault. There just wasn't enough interest.