Hehe, okay. If you want an easy way into the Culture Series, try The Player of Games. They're all by Ian M Banks. If you like that then move onto the meatier Consider Phlebas. I whole heartedly recommend this series to anyone who wants to get the full feel for this RP.

The mood i'm trying to capture is that of excess, oppression and pent up energy. Fast paced Sandship battles coupled with deadly political stand-offs. There'll be blood on both sides.