This encouraged the rise of the social infighting that is the raison d'être of the Game.ĭuring the Orlesian occupation of Ferelden, King Meghren attempted to bring the Grand Game to Ferelden's nobility. Far from ending the game, however, his actions instead shifted its focus to obtaining tokens of prestige, such as patronages and familial ties. Concerned with the civil instability caused by their often brutal struggle for nobility ranks, Drakon abolished all titles except Emperor, Lord, and Lady. When Emperor Kordillus Drakon I first established the Orlesian Empire, the local nobility possessed an intricate system of titles. She was wife to two of the sons of Maferath and Andraste, and manipulated both to protect her people from Alamarri cultural intrusions. The Game was originated in spirit by Jeshavis, known as the "Mother of Orlais" and gyðja of the Ciriane tribe of Orlais. The quality and rarity of one's makeup-uncommon hues and consistencies are prized-speak volumes of one's status. Makeup can be a strong indicator of social standing. There is both masculine and feminine makeup, although outsiders may have trouble telling the difference. Wearing makeup is another popular tradition for both men and women in Orlais. Family symbols are well known among the Orlesian public, and anyone attempting to wear a mask that doesn't belong to their house runs the risk of a quick death if discovered. Retainers and servants wear a simpler form of a family's mask. These masks are hereditary and identify one's family almost as uniquely as the heraldry on a crest: a family might be associated with a lion crest, and matching lion masks will identify them in public. The Orlesian nobility is prone to wearing very elaborate masks in public. Divine Justinia V was reputed to be one of its best players. Though normally considered above the Game, the templars and priesthood of Orlais frequently participate in it. Īlso surprising is the presence of the Chantry in the Game. Orlais is much less of a meritocracy than it appears, however, and the Game frequently sorts the wheat of Orlesian society from the chaff. However, most peasants desire to ascend as well, and the vain hope of accruing a generous patron or sufficient funds to gain a title in the Council of Heralds makes them surprisingly accepting of the Game's excesses. The lower classes are believed by the nations beyond Orlais to resent the Game that ostensibly keeps them demeaned. Due to this tension the Game is a losing proposition for the uninitiated, and it is said that more blood is spilled in the Game than in any war in Orlais. Indeed, an individual known as a skilled player is granted discreet respect among his or her peers. Paradoxically, however, though direct culpability is undesirable, credit and recognition are demanded. The rule of the Game is simply this: all is accepted as long as the player is not caught, up to and including murder. In order to rise in the decadent Orlesian society and among the bloated upper class, much is permitted. The Game's purpose is one-upmanship of rival aristocrats, often accomplished through elite proxies called bards. Orlesian culture is renowned for its infighting, with every family engaging on some level in what’s known as the Grand Game. Among the Orlesian nobility, status and appearance are set above all things.
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