Imperial Court (1/12/1999)

["Christian Gilmore" <cgilmore@research.att.com>]

Log edited with Logedit 2.6.9pl on Wed Jan 13 14:36:27 EST 1999
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Fredhrick - Tuesday, January 12, 1999, 9:24 PM 

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You walk along the Round Passageway. 



Selamlik -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain) 

This enormous hall makes even the large Noukker guards seem small, but 
  a trick of the architecture focuses attention on the Golden Lion 
  Throne sitting on a raised dais at the north end of the room, making 
  it and its occupant seem larger than life. Fluted columns along the 
  walls stretch up to the high, vaulted ceilings, which are colorfully 
  decorated with frescoes of past battlefield victories. Between the 
  columns hang the long, tapered battle standards of the Corrino 
  commanders who fought in the Battle of Corrin (and afterward became 
  Dukes, Counts, and Barons). 

Players: 

Alethia (western-wall) Mintor (western-wall) 

Cesare (eastern-wall) Rastpen (by-arch) 

Demosthenes (western-wall) Steffan (western-wall) 

Filarion (eastern-wall) Valentina (eastern-wall) 

Fredhrick Wilhelm (western-wall) 

Iason Ylena (eastern-wall) 

Iohannes 
Exits: 
Round Passageway <NE> leads to Antechamber -- Imperial Palace 
  (Kaitain) 
Low Archway <NW> leads to Cloisters -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain) 
Vaulted Arch <S> leads to Reception Hall -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain) 

Iohannes stands along the eastern wall. 

Noukkers pour into the Selamlik, each moving quickly and assertively 
  to his assigned post. Moments later, preceded by Caid Raffen, 
  Fredhrick XIX enters, his expression dour. 

Iason stands along the western wall. 

Mintor bows on the Emperor's entrance. 

Cesare bows deeply as the Emperor enters, sweeping low to the floor. 

Iohannes bows as deeply as possible, holding it. 

Raffen takes his place on the dais to the left of the throne. As he 
  reaches the throne, Fredhrick glances sidelong around the room, 
  pausing momentarily upon seeing the faces of a few notables from the 
  Houses Major. 

Rastpen bows low as his Emperor emerges. 

Valentina curtseys to the Empreror upon his entrance. 

In a rustle of silk, Ylena moves forward slightly then drops into the 
  deepest cursy, her head bowed, her eyes not daring to look up at the 
  Presence. 

Steffan bows deeply to arriving Emperor. 

Iason drops into a sharp, deep genuflectino as the Emperor enters. 

Filarion goes into a deep bow, lowering his right knee to the ground. 

Wilhelm bows to the Emperor. 

Alethia drops to a deep curtsy as Fredhrick appears, she maintains her 
  acquesce to the Emperor. 

Using Aglicon, Mintor says, "... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..." 

Appearing quite nonplussed, Demosthenes crosses the floor to join the 
  rest of his party, only moments before the Imperial party enters. He 
  bows low as the Imperial party enters. The Lord of Lords, the 
  Emperor of Emperors, the greatest ruler in recorded history... what 
  could such a great man do, but impress his lessers? 

Alethia hushes Mintor in a quiet restraining gesture. 

Fredhrick takes his seat upon the throne. Once Fredhrick has settled, 
  Raffen bashes the rod he holds in right hand into the dais three 
  times. Shouting, the Caid announces, "Hear ye! The Court of the 
  Sublmie Padishah Emperor Fredhrick XIX is now in session. Let all 
  those with business before the throne be heard!" 

Once the crowd noise has completely subsided, Raffen settles his eyes 
  upon Cesare. "The Court recognizes Siridar-Count Cesare Moritani. 
  Stand forth and be heard," Raffen states. 

Cesare walks away from the side gallery. 
Cesare moves away from the eastern wall. 
Cesare stands before the Lion Throne. 
Cesare walks forward, stopping before the Throne and bowing lowly. "I 
  thank you for the honour of being allowed to speak before this 
  august assemblage, Majesty. I have two related announcements to 
  make, with your permission of course." 

Alethia gracefully rises as the others around her rises, she returns 
  her hand to Mintor's arm. 

You sit upon the Lion Throne. 

Ylena rises silently, pressing back against the outer perimeter of the 
  walls. 

Demosthenes slowly begins to rise once his betters have risen. 

Valentina straightens up, and watches Cesare closely. 

Iason slowly straightens, after the others above him in rank have 
  finished their respects. 

Fredhrick looks over Cesare for a few moments before nodding slightly 
  in ascent. 

Ivanova walks in from Reception Hall through the Vaulted Arch. 
Ivanova has arrived. 

Zhia walks in from Reception Hall through the Vaulted Arch. 
Zhia has arrived. 

Cesare clears his voice and then proceeds, his posture ramrod straight 
  and face unreadable and devoid of emotion. "Firstly, I desire to 
  announce that Valentina Eurelia Marcella Marconna, former Suk Doctor 
  of House Moritani, has been discovered to be the daughter of Octavia 
  Marconna, late Baroness of Nuvo Venizia, and now stands to inherit 
  the titles and lands of her dear departed mother." 

As she enters, Ivanova drops to a low curtsey towards the throne. Her 
  eyes divert downward for a moment and then she quickly motions to 
  Zhia to one sid of the room. 

Ivanova stands along the eastern wall. 

Zhia quickly bows toward the throne following Ivanova. 

Cesare continues, "I ask Your Majesty, as Emperor to whom House 
  Moritani and its vassals have sworn fealty, to confirm her of said 
  title and lands." 

Fredhrick looks to Raffen momentarily then returns his attention to 
  Cesare. "We shall see to an investigation, Count Moritani." His 
  expression remains somewhat dour. 

Zhia stands along the eastern wall. 

Steffan begins to noticably smile at the Emperor's words. 

Cesare nods in submission to the Emperor before proceeding with his 
  second announcement, "Then, Your Imperial Majesty, upon the 
  confirmation of her birthright, there is another matter regarding 
  the Lady Valentina. Her father is none other than my uncle, the High 
  Lord Ermengildo Moritani. This makes her blood, of all my kin, the 
  purest of Moritani stock, and as such I desire to name her my legal 
  heir and successor to my holdings, estates, and titles." 

Mintor eyes widen in surprise. He pales. 

Alethia glances to Mintor, she doesn't appeared to be surprised by the 
  announcement, however her hand tightens almost impercepably on his 
  arm. 

All eyes in the room seem to suddenly focus on Valentina. Some nearby 
  seem to step slightly off to one side, as if to give her space 
  should she need to approach. 

Valentina's cheeks go from pale to reddish, as she can indeed feel 
  eyes upon her... She keeps her eyes on Cesare, listening, waiting. 

Cesare gives a sidelong glance to the Suk/Noble Valentina. 

Fredhrick's eyes widen ever-so-slightly. "Count Moritani, We wish to 
  meet privately with the pertinent members of your household. Speak 
  with Our Minister of State to make arrangements," Fredhrick orders 
  in a very polite tone. 

Cesare bows lowly to the Emperor as he backs away once more into the 
  galleries. 
Cesare steps back from before the Lion Throne. 
Cesare stands along the eastern wall. 

Boris walks in from Reception Hall through the Vaulted Arch. 
Boris has arrived. 

Raffen settles his eyes upon Mintor. "The Court recognizes na-Duke 
  Minotauros Atreides. Stand forth and be heard," Raffen states. 

Mintor walks to the south and passes through the Vaulted Arch. 
Mintor has left. 
Mintor walks in from Reception Hall through the Vaulted Arch. 
Mintor has arrived. 
Mintor bows to the throne and approaches. 

Filarion has reconnected. 

Valentina watches Mintor as he approaches and begins to speak. 

Filarion has partially disconnected. 

The na-Duke Atreides is of just above average height, lean and sun 
  darkened but youthful. His hair is sun bleached and worn rather 
  short. There is a short straight vertical scar pale on his right 
  cheek. 



Lord Mintor wears a dress black uniform, cinched with a dark green 
  sash that supports a shield generator. The uniform's lines are 
  simple and well fitted, flowing from high collared tunic down to the 
  supple but highly polished riding boots. The Atreides Hawk marks his 
  left breast. 



His smile is easy, touching his spice-tinted eyes. His movements are 
  fluid and relaxed. 

Mintor says, "Your Illustrious Majesty, I come before you on behalf of 
  my brother and House Atreides to request that you confirm upon the 
  Lady Alethia, bound concubine to my brother, the title of Countess 
  of Somnium by right of sole inheritance." 
Mintor bows deeply at the close of his request. 

Fredhrick looks to Raffen momentarily then returns his attention to 
  Mintor. "As was Our response to Count Moritani, We shall see to an 
  investigation, na-Duke Atreides." 

Mintor says, "House Atreides thanks Your Gracious Majesty." 

Fredhrick nods. 

Boris just looked at you. 

Mintor backs away from thre throne bowing deeply again before 
  returning to the crowd. 
Mintor stands along the western wall. 

Raffen looks to the corpulent Boris. "The Court recognizes the Baron 
  Boris Harkonnen. Stand forth and be heard," Raffen states. 

Mintor eyes the Baron coldly. 

Boris Harkonnen is a great bear of a man, his body a great slab of 
  muscle now turning to fat with age. His head is shaven bald, his 
  full white beard twined in braids that spill down his barrel chest. 
  Crystal blue eyes glint maniacally under bushy white brows.The Baron 
  is clad in a suit of black padded body armor, with well protected 
  shoulders, and a prominent yellow codpiece. A pair of wrap-around 
  goggles protects his eyes. A half-shield generator is at his belt. 

Andrei walks in from Reception Hall through the Vaulted Arch. 
Andrei has arrived. 

Boris limps forward, chuckling to himself as he approaches the throne. 
  He nods briefly in the direction of his minions and relatives, then, 
  upon reaching the throne, bows as best his injuries allow. 

Fredhrick shifts on his throne, seemingly uncomfortable. 

Andrei strides into the Selamik, bowing towards the throne, holding 
  his bow a few moments before he makes his way over towards the 
  eastern-wall. 
Andrei stands along the eastern wall. 

Boris smiles, almost a smirk as he rises. "Your Majesty, we of House 
  Harkonnen are here simply to pay our respects. Unlike some of our 
  cousins--" he looks once at the Moritani cluster, then once at the 
  Atreides gang--"we do not expect Imperial titles to be given out 
  like candies to good children." 

Fredhrick stifles a smile. "Indeed, Baron? A refreshing comment." 

Mintor's lip curls slightly in the direction of the Harkonnen. 

(OOC) Zhia says, "Dont mind that" 

Boris nods. "Aye, your Majesty. I'm sure your Majesty is full aware, 
  if a merchant brings a donkey to market, claiming it a thoroughbred 
  does not make it one." He glances briefly at the Harkonnens, then 
  back to the Emperor. 

Cesare coughs loudly. 

Boris says, "Tis still a donkey, Majesty." 

Mintor's stiifens. His face colors. He takes half a step forward. 

Fredhrick lets out a breath, then says, "Quite an... interesting 
  analogy, Baron. We are impressed." He looks over the Baron before 
  inquiring, "What manner of eyewear do you don today?" 

(OOC) Fredhrick says, "Boris had forgotten to change clothes from the 
  duel the other day. Ignore the question on eyewear, everyone, as if 
  I never asked it." 
(OOC) Iason blinks. "What was that pose all about? I don't remember 
  anything." 

Fredhrick inquires, "Have you any other pearls of wisdom for Our 
  Court, Baron?" 

Boris shrugs, "We also wanted to thank your Majesty for allowing us to 
  host the Sardaukar, eh? We hope that they enjoyed their stay on 
  Giedi." 

Fredhrick scowls. "Sarcasm aside, Baron, the Sardaukar found their 
  stay most... informative. House Harkonnen has endured its burden 
  under the Great Convention," Fredhrick replies. 

Boris assumes a lazy posture of reverence. "Our burden is the same as 
  the other houses, Majesty, no more or less. And we too found it most 
  informative." 

Raffen takes a short step forward and asks a question as if he already 
  has decided the answer, "Have you anything further for this Court, 
  Baron Harkonnen?" 

At the western wall, Alethia watches the interaction near the throne, 
  her emerald eyes attepting to catch all the nuances. 

Boris knits his brows and turns a gaze on the impertinent Raffen. A 
  beat, then two. "No." he answers the Imperial lackey. 

Rastpen says, "Hear Ye! Hear Ye!" A voice booms from the back of the 
  room." 

Boris backs away from the throne, bowing briefly, and favoring his 
  left side. 
Boris stands along the eastern wall. 

Rastpen moves away from the main vaulted arch. 
Rastpen steps onto the Imperial Dais. 
Rastpen steps foward, a scroll in his hands. His voice booms again as 
  she unscrolls the paper and repeats, "Hear ye Hear ye." 

Iason turns a bit to look over at Rastpen. 

At the western wall, Alethia turns her attention to Rastpen prepared 
  to listen. 

"It is the 44th year of our great and wise Emperor Fredhrick Corrino 
  XIX." Rastpen begins to read. 

Rastpen unscrolls more of the paper, "Under his reign, the Landsraad 
  has prospered and the Universe as been brought to peace. His wisdom 
  unmatched across the Imperium." 

"It is by honor of House Corrino that you all are invited to come and 
  join us in the celebration of the great day of his birth." Rastpen 
  turns to look at some of those about the room, "It shall commence on 
  the 9th hour of the eve. All are expected to bring their... 
  well-wished." 

Rastpen releases one end of the scroll and lets it bound itself back 
  up. He turns to face the throne and cheers, "Long LIVE the EMPEROR!" 

Iason calls out, "Long Live the Emperor!" 

Mintor says, "Long LIVE the EMPEROR!" 

At the western wall, Alethia joins the cheer, "Long Live the Emperor!" 

Ylena cheers heartily, "Long live the Emporer!" 

Boris has partially disconnected. 

Cesare bellows, "God Save the Emperor! Long may he reign!" 

Andrei turns his face away from his conversation long enough to cheer 
  with the others. 

Demosthenes says, "Long live the EMPEROR!" 

Steffan cheers "Long live the Emperor!" 

Valentina joins in the cheer, "Long LIVe the EMPEROR!" 

Iohannes cries in a loud voice: "May His Sublime Majesty live 10,000 
  years!" 

Ivanova smiles and echos, "Long Live the EMPEROR." 

Zhia grins and shouts, "Long live the Emperor!" 

Fredhrick nods to the assemblage. 

Filarion says in a loud voice "Long live the Emperor", his eyes 
  scanning the others that brek into the call. 

Boris murmurs quietly to his house members, "Oh, let's not overdo it, 
  eh?" 

Wilhelm shouts, "Long live the Padishah Emperor!" 

Raffen wraps his rod against the floor three times. "The Court of His 
  Sublime Padishah Emperor Fredhrick XIX is now closed," he states. 
  Fredhrick rises from his throne and returns to the antechamber, 
  followed closely by Raffen. Noukkers fall in behind. 

You descend from the Lion Throne. 



You walk along the Round Passageway. 
---------------------LOG ENDS - STATISTICS----------------