The Gentleperson’s Guide to Hesperia
PrinceCon Staff
The Gentleperson’s Guide to Hesperia
by la Comtesse de la Tour
Darling Hesperia is the Jewel of Nations in this diminished age. As the
undisputed giant among the Great Powers, Hesperia need strive for
nothing and is the political--and social--heavyweight of our times. The
nobility exhibit the most exquisite manners. Travelers should note that
protocol has the force of law here, and rude or inelegant behavior will
quickly reward troublesome persons with an extensive tour of his
majesty’s dungeons.
The Grand Court flourishes under the dashing
eye of the utterly delicious Prince Philip, the king’s eldest son and
heir. The gently bred of Hesperia either adore him or struggle to
conceal their jealousy. Those wishing an introduction should try and
make friends with the minor nobility with an eye towards an invite to
one of the Season’s balls, as the guest lists of the high nobility are
rigidly controlled by tradition and even a foreign relative of a Duke or
Duchess can have trouble wrangling an invite. Minor balls and, for the
witty, the weekly Salons hosted by the artist and intellectual sets
provide social mixing and are the first step for strangers hoping to
learn the habits of Hesperia’s court.
Hesperia’s elegance relies
heavily on the treasure ships that frequently arrive from its colonies
in Nova Terra. Warships protect these loads of golds and jewels, and the
lines of them in the main port of Cadiz are indeed intimidating.
Lately, Hesperia’s shipyards are busier than ever--rumor has it that her
admirals suspect the nobles of Nassau of pirating their treasure ships
and mean to do something about it. Certainly, travelers from Nassau
might be wise to keep a low profile and avoid suspicious behavior while
navigating the throngs of sailors and soldiers to be found around the
port.
Visitors to the Isle of Brava should not miss the
beautiful Cathedral of the Nine Ladies, whose graceful combination of
Byrsan and Hesperian styles reflects the heavy influence of Byrsan
architects during their occupation of the region. This fusion style has
many lovely examples--the Museum of Magical Ephemera, the Hotel of the
Five Sparrows, and the Royal Opera among others.
Savvy travelers will avoid openly admiring any Brysan influences. Since the Elf King of Sylvania married the then newly-crowned Queen Isabella many years ago and drove out the invading Brysan army, Hesperians have been eager to bury their memories of their time as a conquered people.
After
the untimely death of Queen Isabella, Hesperia rebuilt under the Elf
King’s regency. His son, King Ferdinand II, took the throne after
reaching his majority and has enjoyed a long and glorious reign. Rumor
has it the King is not so very fond of his father, and his son, the
radiant Prince Philip, has never been allowed to visit his grandfather
in Sylvania.
Visitors to Hesperia must not fill their days
entirely with invitations, for the capital’s restaurants are a pleasure
not to be missed. The Quartier Lascaux is full of intimate cafes with
delightful menus, as a number of young Lascaux chefs arrive each year
hoping to catch the attention of King Ferdinand with their brilliance in
the kitchen. Le Grenouille Rouge in particular is a national treasure.
For the adventurous, The Quartier Shiang has many fine--and
fiery--choices. The Noodle is a favorite with those who travel budget is
uncomfortably slim. Shoppers should take a stroll down the Avenue of
Ruffled Cats and explore the wares on display. The custom work from the
boutiques in the capital has no equal, and many a lady of fashion is to
be seen navigating the narrow alleys in search of the perfect ensemble.
Hesperia at a glance:
Monarch: King Ferdinand II
People: Human (76%), Hobbit (8%), Perrin (6%), Other (10%)
Religions: Holy Trinity of Janda, Mavors, Kjallintar
Symbols: Crossed silver swords on green; Justice with blindfold off and a sword in each hand