Toreador Society is a highly political game, organized along the lines of a salon styled culture. Gatherings are usually parties, private viewing, and gala performances. Central to this game is earning Clan Status by either producing art, dazzling others at social gatherings, or by doing service for the Clan. Please note that gaining Toreador Status through producing art is not necessarily gaining Clan Status for producing it, rather it is an acknowledgement of that art's worth to the Clan.
At times, clan meetings are held only in exceptional circumstances, or when extra-clan politics are being planned. More often, a Toreador Leader will form a small group of confidants with which he will discuss city events, known as Le Salon Ferme [the closed room]. When a larger meeting, spanning many cities is called, this is more often referred to as a Grand Salon.
Most information about Toreador within the Clan is relayed through gossip at social gatherings or through private correspondence. That is why both are so highly valued to the Toreador, as it is their vehicle to discuss political affiliations, express their views and ideas, and find out tidbits of information.
There are five types of Toreador Salons, each more in-depth and having more potential social impact that the one before it. They are, in increasing order of importance: Parties, Cabarets, Exhibitions, Balls, and Grand Salons. Each is discussed in more depth below.
PARTIES
These gatherings are often sporadic, frequent, and small, held in small hotel meeting rooms, rented warehouses, or personal known havens. Dress is casual, and conversation is relaxed. Any Toreador can throw a party, as parties are the lifeline for gaining information and prestige from clanmates, and to meet and discuss various social politics. Because of the relaxed nature and structure of a party, a Toreador may invite anyone he likes to his party. Art displayed here is more often from the host's personal collection.
CABARETS
These are very much like parties, but with a more formal tone. Often, there is a theme associated with a Cabaret, such as "Martini Lounge". Dress is informal but professional and most often pertaining to the Cabaret's theme. The environment may be small, but luxurious.
Any Toreador may throw a Cabaret. If your character throws one, your character should make sure that he invites everyone of higher Clan Status. If he neglects to do so, it can be considered a challenge to the uninvited's Toreador Status. Cabarets have a more formal tone and this difference is what sets Cabarets above an average party. Cabarets can be viewed as a Toreador's desire to gain more status in his clan from those with better Clan Status.
Art displayed here is a combination of the host's personal collection, mixed in with other Toreador artists with whom he is interested in currying favour.
EXHIBITIONS
Exhibitions are semi-formal events, more often used to launch artistic endeavours rather than for social activities. These are most often held in museums, galleries, or large gathering halls. Beginning artists are usually introduced to the scene at an exhibition.
Exhibitions may be held by any Toreador, however, it is looked down on whenever a Toreador holds an Exhibition to show his own art. Exhibitions are usually more costly than parties or Cabarets because it often requires obtaining space, insurance for the artwork, and publicity. Exhibitions are most apt to having mortal guests as well.
BALLS
Toreador Balls are semi-official, formal occasions. These galas are held in larger, pricier hotels, refurbished warehouses, or a larger, fancy house.
A Toreador needs permission from the Primogen or any Toreador with more Toreador Status in the city to hold one. Toreador Balls function not only as a way to gain information and prestige, but also to give other Toreador an opportunity to show their art in a more social atmosphere. Invitations to Toreador Balls are an extremely important matter. Most often, Toreador of equal or higher Clan Prestige than the host are expected to be invited, with exception to especially promising, lower in Clan Statused artists "commissioned" to perform at the Ball.
Artists are often allowed to perform or display art, but a Toreador Ball host is not obligated to allow an artist of lower Toreador Status to perform or display his art at the Ball. More often, a host is petitioned by artists of lower Clan Status for permission to display work. A smart, effective host will invite Toreador of higher Toreador Status to display their work along with the Ball invitation.
The success of a Toreador Ball is not only judged by the standard of art shown there, but also on the creativity and social ingenuity of the host. Often Toreador Balls with a theme are most liked with all sorts of diversions and pleasures offered by the host.
GRAND SALONS
Grand Salons are held only by the creme de la creme of Toreador society. These are very formal occasions to be undertaken very seriously by the host and attendants, alike. These are held in grandiose hotels, huge mansions, or other largely spanning luxurious accommodations.
A Toreador not only needs the support of her city's clanmates to have a Grand Salon, but should also have the permission of the city's primary sect leader. A Toreador should also have at least Clan Status of five to be allowed to host it, as a less prestigious Toreador should expect no one to attend her Salon. Invitations to a Grand Salon is of grave importance, as a Grand Salon is the pinnacle of all Toreador gatherings, and is a strong measure of the host's socio-political savvy and confidence.
Art displayed or performed at a Grand Salon should not only be focused on the host's tastes, but more on the tastes of those important persons confirmed to attend. A Grand Salon with more varied and innovative arts, known as spectacular specimens of their genre, should best be displayed. More often, Toreador artists will have to lobby to get their art performed or displayed there. But the host of a Salon will also be desperate to provide only the best at this gala.
The host should know that any Grand Salon he undertakes may be the talk among the Toreador for decades to come. As such, very close attention to detail on both the artistic and social realms should be highly considered. In general, a Grand Salon can make or break anyone attending, especially the host.
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