The Grand Symphony
The Grand Symphony is a musical militiary, that is powered by Academy-trained musicians that have honed their craft to a fine edge. The Grand Symphony is a remnant of the days when the Idran empire was expanding aggressively, but it remains as a deterrent to any of the colonies that would think of rising up against their Idran overlords.
Tactics
You might think that the percussionists were the only ones necessary for a military and wonder why there isn't just a drumline instead of an entire symphony. You're correct that the percussion instruments do most of the damage with the rending and smashing and actual physical harm, but there's a lot more to the military than the weapons that they use. All the instruments of the symphony can be used in attacks if necessary, but when working cohesively, the symphony is much more than a weapon. The brass are most useful for moving the symphony along. If the symphony was trapped in one place, it would be difficult for them to move to the areas that need to have unrest squashed. The strings are helpful for binding up wounds that are inflicted through whatever means on the members of the Symphony. They can also combine parts of attacks by other instruments to make them more effective. This is a large part of what the strings do during the battle or training exercises, and explains their prominence in the symphony. The woodwinds are a particularly necessary part of the symphony. They aren't needed in large numbers, but their descants and harmonies protect the members of the Grand Symphony from the very effects of the music that is produced by the percussion and strings. Without the woodwind section, the entire Grand Symphony would die on its own sword.Culture
Common Dress code
The Grand Symphony has a strict black tie dress code with men in tuxedos and women in formalwear.
Art & Architecture
The Glass Stage, a large moving platform of clear, musically-reinforced glass was constructed by the musicians of Quring for the first of the Grand Symphonies. This architectural wonder has not been able to be duplicated or remade. This platform or stage allows the Symphony to move as one unit, powered by the melodies and harmonies of the brass section.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The Grand Symphony celebrates its martial heritage with frequent demonstrations and training exercises. These are not seen as cursory or perfunctory in any sense of the word. In fact, each is treated with reverent awe not just because of their storied military tradition but because of the inherent danger in their practices and displays. The
The Military Fair of 1972 was a particularly tragic example of the power of the Grand Symphony and reinforced the need for constant vigilance. They require several supplementary woodwind chamber ensembles to contain the magical effects of the Symphony and protect the audience and surrounding bystanders from any untoward effects.
by Daderot
