Overview

A consistent part of the Pluto's Gambit festival is the nightly masquerade ball. Some examples of masks from previous events can be seen above.

Though it may be difficult to imagine now, the House of Asther did not always hold power in Amaya. Once, the Domain was led by the now much-diminished House of Alaun, with its Dominus Regas, Agarein, serving as its lord. Renown for his hospitality, Agarein sealed his fate when he accepted a visit from Kairon Asther, an old associate and a pseudo-royal from a neighboring domain; after a week-long welcoming celebration in which Agarein and Kairon renewed their companionship... Kairon promptly betrayed it by slaughtering Agarein and seizing the throne, himself.

This historical record would eventually evolve into the legend of the Guest's Uprising - though it is no longer clear how much of the tale is true.

Why did Kairon come to Amaya? Is it true that he was recruited by citizens? Was Agarein truly a brutal tyrant? The answers to these questions have been obscured by time and the tendency of history to favor the victors. But, regardless of its truth or falsity, The Guest's Uprising will likely remain a time of celebration as long as the Asthers remain in power.

Luto's Gambit is the primary means of celebration.

The Holiday & the Festival

Luto's Gambit is the most significant of the Amayan-focused holidays. Celebrated on a decennial basis, it is a week-long festival of feasts, balls, arts and debauchery centered in the Crimson Palace, but spilling out into the remainder of Ruavine, with echoes reverberating throughout the remainder of Amaya, as well. It is also considered a diplomatic event, as significant Families and personalities from all over Empirica Sin are extended invitations. In the past, this was more of a formality -- very few wished to meet with Gorgo Asther without sufficient reason to -- but with the rise of Samael Asther, invitations have become far more desirable, and are much more likely to be accepted.

Celebration inside the Palace includes a full schedule of events, often overlapping so that guests have many options for their entertainment. Each day also features a masquerade ball which begins after the first meal and extends until the last.

Celebrations in the wealthy areas surrounding the palace include street fairs, showcases for art and theater, and various other curiosities.

Celebrations in the remainder of Ruavine, including the most destitute areas, include an extraordinary amount of gourmet quality food distributed in unlimited quantities to anyone who wants it. While food distribution is the only universal benefit that is specifically orchestrated by the Dominus Regas, it is Samael's policy to encourage and fund unofficial celebrations for those willing to organize them as well - thus even the poorest areas often have smaller scale celebrations, as well.

Finally, there are smaller and less extravagant echoes of these celebration in any major city, and some major towns, throughout Amaya. The larger cities often receive partial funding from the Dominus Regas, while smaller towns may start a collection.

Attendance

To attend the primary celebration in the Crimson Palace, one needs either an invitation or an escort that has an invitation. Though the Dominus Regas has full say over who, specifically, gets invited, typical choices include the following:

  • All Aristocratic families from within Ruavine itself.
  • The most prominent aristocratic families from the remainder of Amaya.
  • Highly placed officers of the Crimson Legion.
  • All royal houses from within Incaendium, provided Samael doesn't dislike them.
  • Royal houses from the most prominent territories in Gaean.
  • Any Dei who wish to attend (Deities and deiva alike).
  • The highest ranked commanders of the Celestial Host.
  • Anyone of any class and from any location that Samael finds interesting or admirable in some way. This will typically include heroes, great artists, scholars, etc.

    • Rules

    The only significant rule enforced at Luto's Gambit is one of non-hostility... which may be ironic considering the event that the holiday is intended to mark. Of course, this can be difficult to directly enforce, so guests are typically expected to form a Binding Contract with the host to prevent unsanctioned violence. There may be gladiatorial or other sporting style events that are exceptions to this rule.

     

    Scheduling Example

    Each festival is planned from beginning to end with each holiday, thus every festival is different. What follows is an example of a fairly standard Luto's Gambit day under Samael's watch.

    Time

    Activity

    Time

    Activity

    9am - 10am
    Arrivals

    Guests begin to arrive, the gates to both the city and the palace are opened. The outside portions of the event are set up (merchant corners, galleries, areas for performing arts, etc)

    10am- 11am
    First Meal

    Outside, food is distributed to the general citizenry. Inside the Palace, the larger (public to all guests) dining hall is served.

    10am - 11am
    Private Breakfast

    A smaller, invite only meal is also served with hand-picked guests.

    10am - 1pm
    The Daytime Dance

    Guests are welcome to arrive without masks and wearing appropriately attractive but relatively casual clothing. Live music and refreshments are available.

    1pm - 2pmse
    Second Meal

    Another public meal is served in every applicable location.

    1pm - 3pm
    Second Meal/Curiosities Fair

    Personally invited vendors with "exotic" wares are invited to meet with the most high-powered guests to sell their goods. This can be any kind of rare item, including goods that are typically considered "illegal." Typical items would be problematic brews such as love potions, intimacy "aids" and accessories, personal "companions," stolen items, etc.

    2pm - 6pm

    Afternoon Dance Guests are welcome to arrive without masks and wearing appropriately attractive but relatively casual clothing. Live music and refreshments are available.

    3pm - 6pm

    Arts Showcase This may be a gallery, a play, a dance recital, a concert - this would depend on the day. Art themes are Chosen by Samael, who prefers dark and sensuous subject matter, so one might expect a great deal of erotic artwork, sensual music, plays that focus on tragedy, romance, sex and violence. Many of these are commissioned by him for these event - others may be things he has taken a fancy to and wants to showcase.

    6pm - 8pm
    Evening Meal

    While distribution of food outside the palace grounds is unchanged from the earlier meals, the evening meal does not have a private component. Instead, the Dominus Regas joins the open dining room to address the court and mingle with the more general higher tiers of society.

    8:15pm - 12am
    The Masquerade

    After dinner, guests return to their suites and don elaborate outfits (that they have never been seen in before) and masks before returning to the ball. Some may also use Magic to alter their appearance or their voices. The evening portion of the dance is different in tone - the lights are dimmed, and the music has a dark and sensual tone.

    8:15 - 12am

    Party Games Running concurrently with the Masquerade, anonymous party games take place in side rooms. Many of these games are erotically charged, or at least quite lascivious, but they may also be emotionally intimate or challenging.

    Additional Events

    There are several kinds of events that often appear during a Luto's Gambit festival. The most common, or perhaps the most interesting, are outlined below.

    Labryinth Challenge

    A maze is constructed on the palace grounds. Guests navigate the maze, solving riddles, following clues and avoiding traps, for the promise of various prizes or privileges.

    Crimson Confessions

    A masked party game. People gather to trade secrets and confessions with questions chosen either via games of chance or by fellow players. The more scandalous, disturbing, or delicious a confession, the higher the points accrued, with winners receiving various prizes and privileges.