What's Going On?

The hour has struck. Take your place among the beautifully dressed and questionably innocent as the evening formally begins. Introductions will be made, glasses raised, and reputations quietly assessed. From this point forward, do try to remember who said what — it may become important later. 

Polite conversation has had quite enough time. The games begin, alliances form, suspicions surface, and everybody suddenly discovers an alarming interest in other people’s business. Participate enthusiastically, accuse recklessly, and trust absolutely no one who looks too comfortable. 

A temporary reprieve from the evening’s intrigue. Refresh yourself, compare theories, inspect the room, and perhaps reconsider that person you were absolutely certain was innocent twenty minutes ago. A few words will also be said before proceedings continue — composure is encouraged, but by now hardly expected. 

Formal proceedings conclude and the evening is released into the wild. Mingle, dance, drink, gossip, interrogate old suspects, acquire new ones, and generally behave as though tomorrow’s explanations are somebody else’s responsibility. From here on, there are no rules worth mentioning. 

Every scandal must eventually meet daylight. The celebrations draw to a close, the final accusations are filed away, and whatever remains of everyone’s dignity may be collected at the door. Depart safely, take your evidence with you, and remember: the official version of events begins tomorrow.