History & Lore
An annual gala is hosted in one of the three major cities of the Elven Union. The gala is less of a celebration of the culture but more of the families who sit atop the Elven social structure. While the gala is mostly by invitation only, connections with the leadership of the Elven Union can on occasion allow individuals or families the ability to buy their way into the Gala.
Held the third full moon following the bloom of the Vernal Spring Lily, a flower prominent in Elven territories. The Gala is preceded by the Heritage Presentations, an offering presented to the Union and its leadership that highlights the best each family has to offer. The offerings are intended to be for the betterment of the union but can on occasion be grandiose for the sake of grandiosity.
However, the stigma attached to a family for a poor showing at the Heritage Presentation can have severe ramifications, precautions are taken to assure the most prominent families present well. The conclusion of the gala usually sees multiple proposals from families seeking to consolidate power in bloodlines. These pairings are often made years in advance and have been standard practice in Elvish high societies for generations.
Cultural Relevance:
A major controversy related to this gala is the absence of the Drow and Sea Elves of the Drow Elf Compact and the Drowned Isles respectively. Though invitations to the high families in the Drowned Isles are welcomed, few actually make an appearance. The Drow on the other hand is known to pose increased security threats during the time of the Gala. Seeing the Gala as the epitome of the type of dynastic authority that saw their people exiled from the Union.
Observances
The Gala is held at dawn on the second Valaday of Arborrun.
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