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Message: <blockquote data-quote="The_Warlock" data-source="post: 4394067" data-attributes="member: 21215">1) Think about how the PCs are going to be introduced. Is there a mingling period before the King arrives, or must guests transit the ballroom to the King's seat and offer their greetings and loyalty, or does a major domo see that all guests are seated for a feast first, the King then enters greets all guests as a group, and then reserves special attention for afterward?If the King is paranoid or wary of intrigue, the third is more likely, at which point a bardic rendition during dinner of various important guests may be the method, with more satirical productions pointing to those who are out of favor.If the King is looking for allies and loyal citizens in the times ahead, the personal greeting might make more sense, at which point the seneschal may make a grand announcement of each guest as they approach the king, and the king can make any specific thanks or proclaim people (esp the PCs) as heroes, etc etc. As much for recognition as to throw off the established intrigues in the crowd by pointing to a new set of "players".2) One would generally assume the nobility are the primary attendees. However, anyone with a extraordinary wealth, lands, or political pull could be considered: Leaders of Merchant Guilds; Diplomats from other countries or city-states; representatives of various churches - especially those of the King's preferred faith, or those who specifically oppose the enemy theocracy; and depending on how magic is treated, reknowned wizards. 3) See 1 above, depending on how the feast and ball are arranged. It's also possible to make sure the PCs are introduced first by announcement, but have the King call upon those to be honored later in the event. Personally, I'd have it occur early if you want to focus on interactions with NPCs early, later if you want to add some tension as the various entrenched nobles and politicos avoid the PCs while they try to discover WHO the PCs are before engaging them directly in converse. 4) Depends on the tenor of the kingdom - but various types of dancing; story telling, music or riddle competition; chases through a manicured hedge maze; and of course lots of private conversations, intrigue, and the like.5) Having run a couple of similar events, the party will inevitably split up - keep everything moving - only deal with each player for a few minutes before moving on to the next. You'll definitely come back around, but it keep everybody involved.5a) Spiteful gossip mongering, illicit trysts, very specific thefts of family heirlooms, asassinations (discrete & overt), espionage, duels of honor - all these and more.EDIT: Lunch ninja'd - never go to lunch with a post half finished...</blockquote>

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