Society

"When people think of Albion, they are thinking of Society."

— Lady Jane Starr

Society is the exclusive social stratum composed of the elite members of the Empire of Albion. Membership is neither codified nor published; it is enforced entirely through custom, memory, and social pressure. To be "in Society" is to be invited to salons, soirées, and balls - to see the glittering throng and be seen in turn. Those who are part of Society are expected to be witty and discreet, and behave as though they are the soul of the nation.

The Four Hundred Families

It is well-known among the members of Society that there are only four hundred names that really matter. While the exact count might not be four hundred, the old families of Albion do dominate Society, and those without a connection to one or more of them simply aren't invited in. Different publications over the years have attempted to codify the names that matter, but none have ever been completely accurate, as opinions often differ on those around the edges. In the end, the four hundred families of Albion are defined by who is receiving the invitations to the the season's most exclusive events, who is the subject of whispered admiration and gossip, and above all, who knows how to behave without being told.

The Duchess's Dowry

While breeding counts, it is money that makes the world go round. Those with sufficient liquid capital may buy their way into Society through marriage - typically by marrying their daughters to a gentleman with a respected name and a pressing need for an influx of wealth. This path into the upper crust is known as “The Duchess’s Dowry,” and it remains the most common route by which new blood mingles with the old.

Money alone, however, is not enough. The prospective bride must be trained in the ways of Society and free from any hint of scandal. During the early stages of courtship, she will receive invitations to small-scale gatherings, where she will be quietly and meticulously observed. Society watches to see whether her education has taken - or if she is, as some whisper, too uncouth at any price.

Once the marriage is finalized and children are born, the scrutiny will ease somewhat - but never disappear entirely. The young lady will often use her new position to assist her female relations—particularly her sisters—into a place within Society. Her male relations may also find their way into ballrooms and salons, if they have distinguished themselves sufficiently in industry, the Church, or the military.

Invited, but Not Introduced

There are several classes of people who exist on the margins of Society. They are considered well-mannered, entertaining, and respectable - but not truly part of the Empire’s elite. Churchmen, military officers, and senior members of the government and civil service make up this group, along with foreigners of sufficient wealth and status to merit a polite nod.

While there is some overlap between these professions and those born into Society families, such individuals are more often included because they have become notable or distinguished in some way. A naval commander who has won a glorious victory may find himself invited to a flurry of salons and soirées as a novelty and living triumph. A clever vicar with a reputation for wry humor may find herself a fixture at a lord's country house.

But they must always remember: they are adjuncts to Society, never truly of it. They do not issue invitations of their own. Their presence depends entirely on their ability to amuse and enlighten the Empire’s elite - and should they cease to delight, they will quietly disappear from the guest lists.