& econ & economics --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 10/17/1999 ---- Below is an example of one way to interpret the actions and results of an Economic period. One thing to note is that the focus of the system is not to control RP but rather allow a standard agreement across the game as to what and how the economic system is performing. The exact reasons for results in the econ period is up to interpretation by those within the system. The example we will use is that from the beginning of _DUNE_. The actual commands and MUSH results that are occurring will be deliniated with a < >. Continued 'ICInfo econ2' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & econ2 --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 10/17/1999 ---- <+contract/assign Atreides arrakis> House Atreides has just been awarded the Arrakis contract from the Imperium. <+contract/info Arrakis> The Contact is held for a certain length of time, determined by the Imperium. The number of Human Resources required to run Arrakis is marked under CHOAM SHARES/HR REQ. Atreides notices that the contract only comes with a certain amount of HR Units listed under the HUMAN RESOURCES column. This represents the workers that have decided to stay with the contract. Continued 'ICInfo econ3' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & econ3 --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 10/17/1999 ---- <+hr Arrakis=30 -- by an Atreides authorized CHOAM representative> House Atreides invests as many HRs they have from their Home Fief that they can spare. They pay for the expense to transport them to Arrakis and establish a base to work from. House Atreides goes about talking with other Great Houses and the smugglers to aquire the rest of the Resources they need. One of the Houses that contributes to the contract is Harkonnen as they have planned to place some of their spies on the planet and want they to mingle seemlessly with the rest of the crowd. Continued 'ICInfo econ4' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- &econ 4 --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 10/17/1999 ---- <+choam/end -- Arrakis profit below average> The end of the economic year draws to a close. House Harkonnen has been sabotaging House Atreides. Thus, despite the fact that House Atreides has aquired the necessary HR units for Arrakis, the profits of that contract still perform lower than expected. NOTE: If we had not known that the Harkonnen sabotage was the cause of the low profits, some other examples we might have attributed low profit to are: high loss in equipment, poor management, corruption, mismangement, ecological problems, etc. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & help --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1998 ---- To view a topic, type 'ICInfo '. *Canon *Theme IC Events *Rumors Econ * Denotes a new or updated entry --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Theme --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 11/20/1999 ---- Dune III is set in the Dune universe created by Frank Herbert in the year 10,093, about 100 years prior to the opening of _Dune_. House Corrino is firmly in control of the Imperium. Houses Atreides and Harkonnen are not nearly so pivotal to the plot as they are in the novel. The Fremen have no real contact with the Known Universe. Kaitain, the Imperial Seat, will be the center of role-play, although building and RPing on home planets for Houses Major are encouraged. To view a topic, type 'ICInfo '. CHOAM Faufreluches Great Convention Kaitain Landsraad Prescience Poison Technology Titles Warfare * Denotes a new or updated entry --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & canon ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 11/20/1998 --- The original series of books by Frank Herbert are always right, unless there is nothing stated. In that case, if it seems reasonable and is agreeable to all parties, the DE may be used. Current, the prequel, House Atreides, has not been considered as canon here. It is still being evaluated to see how that information will fit into the environment established here already. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & great convention ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 07/09/1998 --- The universal truce enforced under the balance maintained by the Guild, the Great Houses, and the Imperium. Its chief rule prohibits the use of atomic weapons against human targets. Each rules of the Great Convention begins: "The forms must be obeyed. . . ." See 'GC' for Dune III's version of the Great Convention. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & prescience ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 07/09/1998 --- Prescience, the art of predicting the future. During this timeline, the only people who have any control over prescience are Navigators and Steersmen of the Spacing Guild. No Landsraad or Imperial players on Dune III are prescient. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & technology --------------------------------------------------------------------------- medical, weapon, bio, communications, computer, materials, etc. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Titles ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 07/25/1998 --- Nutshell Summary: 1) House Major Head: Siridar-RANK Name (example: Siridar Duke Leto Atreides). 2) Royal Blood Noble: RANK Name (example: Count Hasimir Fenring). 3) House Minor Head: RANK Name of PLACE (example: Count Glossu Rabban of Lankiveil). Order of Titles: One's title generally implies the closeness to the Imperial blood of House Corrino. This is why the enourmously wealthy Vladimir Harkonnen was a mere Baron, while the poor Leto Atreides was a Duke. Title does not necessarily correlate to number of votes or rank. In descending order of status, titles are (female in parens): Emperor(Empress), Prince(ss), Duke (Duchess), Marquis(e), Count(ess), Viscount(ess), Baron(ess), Earl. (Continued in 'Titles2') --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Titles2 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 07/25/1998 --- Royal Blood Nobles In addition, House Major heads have a "Siridar-" in front of their name. This means they hold a planetary fief, a prerequisite of House Major status. Therefore, a House Major head will always be Siridar-RANK. Note, however, that Siridar- also has the more general meaning that the person is currently running a planet, as in Siridar-Governor Rabban. Thus, Siridar does _not_ always mean House Major status. There are other nobles of equal social rank who do not head up Great Houses. An example of this is Count Hasimir Fenring. These royal-blood nobles are referred to as RANK Name. Generally, these are limited to the Imperial Household, along with a few rootless courtiers. (Continued in 'Titles3') --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Titles3 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 07/25/1998 --- House Minor Nobles: Finally, there are minor house nobles, whose titles sound the same but are in fact lower ranked. These you can tell by the inclusion at the end of their name an 'of Place'. An example of that is Count Rabban of Lankiveil, whom we know was Lord of a sub-district of House Harkonnen. Minor house nobles are RANK Name of PLACE (Note also that there should be no House Minor lords with a moniker higher than Count). See also: 'ICInfo Titles Spouse'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Titles Spouse ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 07/25/1998 --- The general rule for any Landsraad House is that the legal spouse is accorded the honoric 'Lord' or 'Lady'. In rare instances, a Siridar will actually desire to confer his/her title on his/her spouse. The rules for this follow: 1) The spouse must be the first the Siridar has had. 2) The Emperor must approve the addition of the title. If these conditions are met, the spouse assumes the male or female form of the Siridar's title, and becomes a legal heir, although he or she takes only if all actual blood heirs die first. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & warfare ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 07/22/1998 --- Because of the Great Convention, open warfare is severely discouraged as a means of settling differences. It is far too wasteful and destructive of the civilian workforce, shipping, and trade that are the life blood of every planetary economy; and of what use to the victor is a world made unprofitable? Kanly, the ancient art of vendetta, is a form of warfare recognized by the Great Convention. It is held between two Great Houses to settle a personal dispute without injuring innocent bystanders. The War of Assassins, however, is normally called when one House wishes to gain conquest of material nature. It too holds strict standards to protect innocent bystanders from becoming targets. The two, Kanly and War of Assassins, are not exclusive of the other; meaning, at any one time, two Houses can be involved in both forms of conflict. Conflict is not just restricted to just Inter-House conditions. It is well known that within the Imperial times, assassination is a common form of ascension. However, it is made clear in the Great Convention that proven assassination of one family member by another or of any noble by one of inferior rank who is not recognized as an assassin is a violation of the Convention and punishable. See also: GC Kanly, GC War of Assassins, OOCInfo Warfare. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Faufreluches --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1999 ---- The Faufreluches is the prevailing social order of the Imperium in the time frame represented in Dune III. As there is no 'canonical' source that explains just how exactly the Faufreluches work, this document is meant as a general outline of how such a complex feudal order might be structured and its relevance to RP within. It's helpful to simplify the Faufreluches by imagining them as a tiered pyramid, with the Emperor at the very top, then the Siridari and the Imperial nobles a step below, then the House Minor heads and House major notables, then their retainers and courtiers, et cetera, until you reach the masses of countless, nameless poor scattered all over the Known Universe. And, although this structure is very useful for reference and not very far from what is represented in the 'Dune' novels, it is neither totally precise nor completely exhaustive. (Continued in 'Faufreluches2') --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Faufreluches2 --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1999 ---- The Faufreluches are composed of three sociological systems, acting in concert. One, the political theory; two, the caste system; three, the philosophical body of thought. 1 .- Political theory. A basic premise of the Dune universe is that the Padishah Emperor rules by right of arms, that is, he has conquered and submitted those who have not surrendered to him outright. Every citizen of the Imperium lives and dies by the word of the Emperor, and are compelled to obey his command on pain of death; such is the nature of rule by right of arms. The Emperor, for reasons of logistics, chooses not to slay those he submits, but rather to hold them "in liege" to him. "Allegiance" means a vassal serves his lord unconditionally, in return for certain considerations. These might include, for instance, rule over a planetary fief, a sum of money, an appointment of nobility. Of course, the higher the rank of the conquered, the bigger the considerations granted. (Continued in 'Faufreluches3') --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Faufreluches3 --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1999 ---- A vassal may, in turn, be liege to any number of lesser vassals, and they in turn, to another layer of vassals, and so on. This creates a chain-of-command, with the Emperor at the very top, then the Siridari (planetary rulers), then their retainers, governors, functionaries, then their aides and lieutenants, ad infinitum. This structure gives the roughest criteria of 'rank' and the basis of the model posited above, but it is far from complete. In practical terms, a way of placing a person in the Faufreluches might be to ask him, "Who is your liege"? (Continued in 'Faufreluches4') --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Faufreluches4 --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1999 ---- 2 .- The caste system. A caste system works by dividing the population on the basis of any number of criteria, then ordering these groups by importance/quality/value, then segregating the castes so that they are continuous in time. Every House and planet in the Imperium operates on a caste system. On some worlds, it is not so strongly enforced. On others, it may be tyrannical. The Atreides, for instance, may have four castes (nobles, merchants, craftsmen and serfs), with a certain degree of mobility between then (ie, were you a merchant, you could marry a noblewoman and thus be ennobled). The Harkonnens may have only three castes (rulers, freemen, slaves), with almost null movement of individuals between the castes. (Continued in 'Faufreluches5') --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Faufreluches5 --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1999 ---- But while the names and definitions may vary, the concept is universal: the notion that a certain class of people are better than another, who are better than a third, and so forth, who are all lesser than the first. A person in the Dune universe would always be aware of what caste she belonged to, and could determine at a glance the caste of another person of the same culture at a glance. She could also, if educated and observant, place an individual from another culture in their approximate rank by their speech, manners, dress, and appearance. So, another question which places someone in the Faufreluches would be, "What is your caste?" (Continued in 'Faufreluches6') --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Faufreluches6 --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1999 ---- 3 .- Philosophic body of thought. Society is strongly influenced by the opinions of its thinkers. Philosophers help society build its framework of ideas concerning liberty and freedom, good governance, mores and ethics, and the concept of quality/value as it applies to human being, ie, 'a man's worth'. Each society decides which of its people is more valuable to the group as a whole; which skills and professions are more important, which race or sex or age is 'best'. Every culture has a set of attributes it considers as 'ideal' and 'perfect'; the better a person compares against this 'ubermann' patter, then higher he'll be in the Faufreluches. Often, the appearance, rather than the having, of these characteristics would be enough to elevate one person over another, all else being equal. (Continued in 'Faufreluches7') --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Faufreluches7 --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1999 ---- Ideals vary greatly from one end of the Imperium to another, but certain constants remain. Wealth, beauty, power, prestige, prowess, 'connections', and intelligence are almost universally appreciated qualities. The possession of certain valuable abilities, like a general's or a Truthsayer's, are positive. Achievements are also palpable demonstrations of 'worth', as are titles born of skill (ie, 'Mentat'); these also tend to increase standing. As a whole, these considerations help answer the question, "What is your worth?". In conjunction with the previous two, it would pinpoint a person's place in the Faufreluches precisely. Conclusion The Faufreluches are, in essence, a 'pecking order' determined by the three questions, "Who is your liege?", "What is your caste?" and "What is your worth?" See also 'ICInfo Faufreluches-Example', 'ICInfo Faufreluches-Representation', and 'ICInfo Titles'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Faufreluches-Example --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1999 ---- By way of example, lets consider three characters from the novels, Warmaster Gurney Halleck, Doctor Wellington Yueh, and Swordmaster Duncan Idaho, all of House Atreides, and place them correctly in order of the Faufreluches at the beginning of 'Dune'. Posing the first question, "Who is your liege?" gets us nowhere: all three would respond, "Siridar-Duke Leto Atreides of Caladan". The second question, "What is your caste?", is a bit more helpful. We know Gurney spent time in the slave pits, and it seems unlikely one of noble birth would be so confined, instead of ransomed or executed upon capture. So he's probably a commoner. We can assume Duncan and Wellington were of higher birth, as both are soft-spoken, clearly educated men. (Continued in 'Faufreluches-Example2') --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Faufreluches-Example2 --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1999 ---- The third question, "What is your worth?" solves the equation. Both Duncan and Gurney were military men, but Gurney is below Duncan in the Faufreluches due to his birth. Wellington's abilities as an incorruptible Suk Doctor are highly valued, but he is replaceable, whereas Duncan is far more central to the efforts of House Atreides to secure Arrakis. Duncan's achievements as a warrior of the Duke on Grumman, his physical attractiveness and dashing manner would mark him as someone higher in the Faufreluches than old Wellington or ugly Gurney, whose skill with the balliset helps him also, but not much. Therefor, in strict order of the Faufreluches, the three men would thus be stationed: Duncan Idaho above Wellington Yueh above (perhaps only slightly) Gurney Halleck. See also 'ICInfo Faufreluches', 'ICInfo Faufreluches-Representation', and 'ICInfo Titles'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Faufreluches-Representation --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1999 ---- Below is a pyramidal representation of the Faufreluches. 1. Padishah Emperor 2. Emperor's immediate family, Siridari (See note 1, below) 3. Emperor's extended family, Siridar's immediate family, House Minor heads & Emperor's bastard children 4. Emperor's retainers (See note 2, below), Siridar's extended family, House Minor head's immediate family (Continued in 'Faufreluches-Representation2') --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Faufreluches-Representation2 --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1999 ---- 5. Siridar's retainers (See note 3, below) 6. Bourgeoisie -- The non-noble business class. Vaguely middle class. Includes the skilled professions, when not associated with a House. 7. Pyons -- Commoners. Bound to the land (or planet, in this case), workers, peasants, artisans, troubadors, etc. 8. Rabble -- Not citizens of the Imperium. Not counted in census. Beggars, lepers. Also Fremen. (Continued in 'Faufreluches-Representation3') --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Faufreluches-Representation3 --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1999 ---- Notes: 1. A Siridar's wife--provided it's not a morganatic marriage--receives her husband's rank. If she is a bound concubine, she is one rank lower, with his immediate family. 2. Retainers include the Mentat, Suk, Swordmaster, and high government officials like Foreign Minister, etc. Retainers also include the high military ranks, generals, admirals, and the like. Lower military are one step down. For example, a Sardaukar general would be 4, while a Sardaukar, say, cadet would be 5, along with a House Major's general. Retainers do not include laundry maids, butlers, serving boys, &c. 3. Aside from Fremen, we don't foresee any player characters lower than the Bourgeois class with the possible exception of independent characters, such as Django or a troubador. See also 'ICInfo Faufreluches', 'ICInfo Faufreluches-Example', and 'ICInfo Titles'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & CHOAM ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 07/09/1998 --- CHOAM, or the Combine Honnete Ober Advancer Mercantiles, is the all-encompassing economic entity in the Known Universe. No interstellar trade occurs that does not go through CHOAM (with the exception of smuggler trade). Membership is limited to feudal states which control at least one planet (Great Houses of the Landsraad). House Corrino has a controlling, but not majority, share in CHOAM. An Corrino-appointed House Major sits upon the CHOAM Board of Directors, along with two other Houses Major, and ensures that the Corrino interests are being well served. See also 'ICInfo Directorships', 'OOCInfo economy', and '+contract/list'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Directorships ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 07/23/1998 --- CHOAM Directors oversee the operations of CHOAM. Three sit upon the CHOAM Board of Directors. One position is appointed by the Emperor, along with the Arrakis Spice Mining Contract, while the other two are elected positions by the shareholders of CHOAM. The Directors handle the allocation of CHOAM Company Contracts, ensure that the Contracts are being properly managed, and determine each shareholder's annual dividend. See 'ICInfo CHOAM' and 'OOCInfo economy'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Landsraad ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 07/09/1998 --- The Landsraad is the collection of all Great Houses of the Imperium and their subjects. The Landsraad Congress is made up of these Great Houses. To become a Great House, or House Major, and thus a voting member of the Landsraad Congress, a House must control at least one planetary fief, have demonstrated a minimum level of wealth, an understanding of political processes and power as well as a desire to participate in the governance of the empire. The House must be sponsored by a minimum of three Great Houses and receive a majority vote of admittance by the entirety of the Landsraad Congress (which includes controlling votes of House Corrino and the Spacing Guild) in three successive sessions. Houses Major care primarily for economic and political prosperity and stability. While some may profess a friendship for other Houses, few will risk their own stability for another. See also 'ICInfo LHC' and 'ICInfo Votes'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & LHC ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 07/09/1998 --- The LHC, or Landsraad High Council, is the body through which all Landsraad Congress business is filtered. The High Council meets a few weeks before each session of the Landsraad Congress and any other time it deems necessary. The membership of the LHC is limited to three Great Houses. All three seats are elected. Formal declarations of Kanly and War of Assassins are presented to the LHC. The LHC carries a large amount of political prestige. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Votes ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 07/09/1998 --- Each Great House has between 1 and 10 votes in the Landsraad Congress, with it possible to have half votes. The Imperial House, currently House Corrino, and the Spacing Guild each receive 1/4 the number of votes allotted to the entirety of the Houses Major. While the Imperial House and the Guild abstain from voting in most Landsraad Congress issues, the positive vote of both is required for a House to attain the status of Major and join the Congress. (Continued in 'Votes2') --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Votes2 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/17/1999 --- Below are the vote tallies as of 2/17/1999. Note these numbers are based upon the information in '+houses' and 'ICInfo Votes'. House Major Votes ----------------------------- Alvstad 4 Atreides 6 Bajazet 4 Corrino 10 Ginaz 8 Harkonnen 5 Moritani 7 Rastanyev 7 Venhei 6.5 ----------------------------- 57.5 Guild (1/4 * 57.5) 14.5 Imperium (1/4 * 57.5) 14.5 Note that Imperium and Corrino are in practice the same faction, giving the Emperor 24.5 votes. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Kaitain --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1998 ---- Kaitain, the planet, and its capital city, Kaitain City, are governed by the Code of Kaitain, which in turn is enforced by the Sardaukar under the command of the Caid of Kaitain. To view a topic, type 'ICInfo '. Code of Kaitain Kaitain-Law-List Kaitain-Trials * Denotes a new or updated entry --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Code of Kaitain --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1998 ---- When House Corrino first moved the Imperial seat to Kaitain, it established a code of laws governing the conduct of all people on Kaitain. It did so to create a place where all the people of the Universe could come and communicate freely and safely. Since such a wide variety of peoples and types come together on Kaitain, these laws have been established for all to know and abide by. The 'Code of Kaitain' is enforced by the Sardaukar, which, so far as you know, is comprised of troops levied from the Landsraad. See also 'ICInfo Kaitain-Law-List', 'GC', and 'Kaitain-Trials'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Kaitain-Law-List --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1998 ---- The following activities are prohibited and illegal to all, even visiting Sirdari. Some have separate ICInfo sections. To view a crime, type 'ICInfo '. Crime Maximum Punishment Separate Section? Murder death yes Rape exile to Salusa Secundus no Kidnapping exile to Salusa Secundus no Theft incarceration no Battery exile to Salusa Secundus no Lasgun Possession summary execution yes Breach of Peace incarceration yes * Denotes a new or updated entry --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Murder --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1998 ---- Murder is the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought. Malice means: intent to kill, intent to harm, or wanton disregard for the value of human life. A defense to murder is adequate provocation. Killing with provocation is manslaughter, which is not a crime. The provocation defense also absolves one of a battery conviction. An honor duel falls in this category, and is _not_ murder. Note: a killing within the confines of the Dictum Familia is not murder. See "GC Dictum Familia". However, if that killing is done in such a fashion as to constitute a breach of peace, then the killer(s) may still be tried under that offense. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Lasgun Possession --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1998 ---- As a practical matter, very few people will have a lasgun on Kaitain. The Guild won't transport them, and won't even allow the Smugglers to sneak them on planet. Therefore, if you have one, you stole it from the Sardaukar, or made one from scratch. Nevertheless, possession of a lasgun on Kaitain is a crime, subject to summary execution in the interest of public safety. If you are seen with a lasgun, the Sardaukar shoot first and ask questions later. If you are able to survive the arrest, then you are still subject to banishment and/or death. NOTE: Cutterrays are short range (as in, millimeters) lasguns, used quite commonly in the construction and medical industries. However, the medical cutterrays are low-power, and are unmodifiable to handle more power. The construction cutterrays require an AC power source (ie, they need to be plugged in). Neither can easily be modified to project long-range. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Breach of Peace --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1998 ---- Any action which endangers the life of innocent bystanders constitutes a breach of peace, a crime punishable by incarceration. Any breach of peace which results in actual harm to an innocent bystander constitutes battery. Any breach of peace which results in the death of an innocent bystander is murder. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Kaitain-Trials --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/11/1998 ---- Kaitain is subject to the jurisdiction of the Emperor. Anyone arrested for a crime will be tried by an Imperial tribunal, the decision maker of which is an Imperial Judge. There is no right to trial by jury, although the Judges tend to be impartial. If a Siridar or Siridar heir is arrested or accused of a crime, he or she has the right to trial by a jury of peers: 3 people of Siridar blood, chosen at random, from a pool of all houses except those in a state of Kanly with the accused. The Emperor has absolute pardon power for all offenses. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Events & IC Events & Meetings --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 ---- IC happenings around the world. To view a topic, type 'ICInfo '. MEETINGS: Meetings-LC Meetings-LHC Meetings-CHOAM Meetings-CHOAM Directors Meetings-Imperial Court * Denotes a new or updated entry See also 'OOCInfo Etiquette'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Meetings-LC --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/17/1999 ---- 1) The meeting begins with a summary of recent events by the Chair of the LHC. Then an opportunity to plead criminal charges arises. 2) Then, new business is acted upon. Motions are brought to the floor in the following order: 1) LHC motions; 2) motions sponsored by 4 houses (1 motions, 3 sponsor); 3) motions by individual LHC members. There is no other means to bring a matter to the floor. (the one exception is when the Emperor chooses to introduce a motion, which would come before any of the above; however, this rarely occurs). NOTE: support for a motion from option 2 above must be obtained in advance of the Congress meeting. 3) Finally, a single representative for each member of the Landsraad Congress is allowed to address the Great Assembly, in order from most votes to least. This is purely a chance to politic or take public stances on matters. (Continued in Meetings-LC2) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Meetings-LC2 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/17/1999 --- All matters for the agenda of the Landsraad meeting must be submitted before the start of the meeting, to the chair of the Landsraad High Council. Any matters which by law, by majority vote of the LHC, or sponsored by the Emperor, are on the agenda, will be voted upon without amendment. Any matter put on the agenda by a one LHC member or by 4 houses may be subject to a single ammendment vote from the floor. In the event that there are competing desires to ammend, the amendment shall be moved for by the House with the most votes. Votes shall be determined by a majority of those who actually cast a vote. If a tie occurs, the motion fails to carry, although the Imperium sometimes breaks the tie (particularly in elections). There is no quorum requirement. (Continued in Meetings-LC3) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Meetings-LC3 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 09/16/1998 --- The actual flow of the meeting is led by the leader of the Landsraad High Council. He/she is responsible for recognizing speakers, calling for votes, and the like. This is a delegable task. Any deviation from procedure may be challenged without recognition by making a "Point of Procedure." The challenger makes his argument, then the leader of the Congress must respond, and either comply or explain his/her position. If the challenger is not satisfied, then he may record an objection. The Guild will then rule on the propriety of the motion, and if the objection is proper, the leader is subject to expulsion from the LHC. Remember, the IC houses are only a small percentage of the Houses voting. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Meetings-LHC ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 09/02/1998 --- Landsraad High Council open meetings have the following purposes: 1. To allow the Houses to expedite the endorsement of a motion to be brought before the Landsraad Congress. This is extremely important, because Congress regulations stipulate that no motion may be voted in the session in which they are presented -except- when they are recommended by the Landsraad High Council. In order to avoid a long and potentially costly (monetary, politically or military) debate on the Congress floor, Houses interested in "fast-tracking" legislation have this option. In some cases, a House may also bypass through this channel the "three-Houses support" requirement for a motion, although the High Council may deny endorsement solely on the basis of this requirement not being met. 2. To hear testimony from the Judge of Change. Another important function, specifically for Houses involved in Kanly or War of Assassins. The Judge of Change's testimony has enormous weight in determining whether the Forms have been followed by both parties; recall that great penalties are doled out for even slight variations from the Great Convention, and most include default of the conflict in question. Continued in 'ICInfo Meetings-LHC2'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Meetings-LHC2 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 09/02/1998 --- If the JoC presents irregularities, the LHC has the option of initiating a proces verbal -without- Imperial authorization by a two-out-of-three vote. If the violation is severe, the JoC may declare a victor, and the LHC must turn to the Imperium for final resolution of the conflict. Of course, Houses who thusly default may contest the verdict through a petition for dismissal of the JoC (see 3), or a counter-charge of malfeasance or high crime against their opponent House (see 4). 3. To hear charges against (and remove, if necessary) a Judge of Change. Again, important for Houses involved in conflicts. An unfavorable Judge of Change may be removed if enough compelling testimony is brought before the High Council. The charges most likely to proceed are: incompetence, bribery or coercion, conspiracy, and perjury. Continued in 'ICInfo Meetings-LHC3'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Meetings-LHC3 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 09/02/1998 --- 4. To bring charges of malfeasance or high crime against another House. If enough evidence is brought forward, the High Council may initiate the relevant judicial processes. The High Council emits an injunction specifying the type of crime committed (whether malfeasance or high crime), the proper procedure for trial, and the scope of penalties permitted if the accused is found guilty. 5. To convoke election for the Landsraad High Council. When a six-year term comes to an end, the High Council announces the date of election for the vacant seat. Candidates must present their credentials before the LHC and prove their eligibility well in advance of elections. Continued in 'ICInfo Meetings-LHC4'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Meetings-LHC4 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 09/02/1998 --- Landsraad High Council open meetings are governed by the following protocol: 1. There is a Chairman for the Council, who directs the proceedings. The Chair is usually rotated annually, although this is customary and not legally binding. The LHC may choose amongst themselves a Chairman for a particular meeting. The Chairman initiates, oversees, and closes LHC open meetings. 2. Landsraad High Council members are addressed as "Lord Council" and "Your Honor." These titles override the Councilman's usual honorifics, and are only in effect during meetings of the LHC or convened Landsraad. 3. Although in theory any citizen of any member planet of the Landsraad may address the Council, the LHC keeps a very tight agenda. Remarks must be clear, concise and in a business-like manner. Likewise, any persons called to testify before the LHC must do so truthfully, and under oath, even in the case in which that person in compelled to speak against his or her own will. Continued in 'ICInfo Meetings-LHC5'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Meetings-LHC5 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 09/02/1998 --- 4. The person of the Landsraad High Councilman is sacrosanct. Any attack upon a Councilman while in the course of his duties is a severe offense and a clear violation of the Forms, regardless of whether that person is otherwise involved in Kanly or War of Assassins. 5. There is a bailiff officer charged with keeping the peace, and is fully empowered to restrain or eject any unruly or violent attendants, regardless of the station of the offender. His person is likewise sacrosanct. 6. Imperial representatives must sit in a balcony away from the chamber floor. Imperial officials may not take part in the proceedings except as members of House Corrino. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Meetings-CHOAM ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 08/26/1998 --- Information will be coming 9/98. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Meetings-CHOAM Directors ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 08/26/1998 --- Information will be coming 9/98. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Meetings-Imperial Court ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 09/02/1998 --- At times, His Majesty Fredhrick XIX holds an open court for any member House Major or Minor of the Landsraad to present a petition before His Majesty. This event will happen no more frequently than weekly on Tuesdays at 9pm EST, and will be held only when there are petitioners. If you would like to petition, send @mail to Raffen, Caid of Kaitain, and Fredhrick. The proper OOC and IC etiquette must be observed during open court (See 'OOCInfo Etiquette'). Everyone is expected to join a place (see 'OOCInfo Places') and speak/pose to only that place. Petitioners should join the 'Before Arch' place and await recognition. When recognized, the petitioner should join 'Before Throne'. See also 'ICInfo Faufreluches'. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & poison --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 06/14/1998 ---- As this is a consent-based world, poisons and the use of must be agreed upon by both sides. The relevant Role-Play should be performed to explain the deliverance of the poison. Discussion should also occur between the two parties to agree upon the outcome. Many poisons have characteristic reactions that can vary in degree based on the victim's physical conditions. (continued in poison2) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & poison2 --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 07/30/1998 ---- Within the Dune Universe, poisons are a highly preferred means of combat. As such, the sheer number of variations of drugs far out number any that could be listed here. It can safely be assumed that all poisons found in current day society can be found during the Dune time period as well. In general, poisons are divided into four categories based on point of entrance: chaumurky basilia kriminon zenobia Type 'ICInfo ' for more information. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & chaumurky --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 06/14/1998 ---- Administered through food or drinks, this is one of the most common and prolific family of poisons. Most of these poisons can be detected with the use of a poison-snooper. However, many a number of nobility have still fallen victim to this poison. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & basilia --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 06/14/1998 ---- Injected directly into the bloodstream, this poison reacts quickly. The poison is nearly invisible, lending to use on the ends of knives and swords during hand-to-hand combat. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & kriminon --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 06/14/1998 ---- This poison is air-borne and therefore gaseous by nature. Because of the characteristics of gas, its compressibility, a large quantity can be stored in a compact vessel. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & zenobia --------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 06/14/1998 ---- Though administered through food or drink as chaumurky, this family of poisons is particularly cruel. Called the "throat of hell" this rarely used poison was intended to inflict excruciating pain on the victim. It normally is used when the victim is completely at the mercy of the assassin. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & rumors ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 09/08/1999 --- Some of what you hear may be bald-faced falsehood and some may be as true as the Orange Catholic Bible. Remember, loose lips sink ships. To view a set of rumor, type 'ICInfo Rumors -'. Rumors were entered on the following dates (the number in parentheses indicates how many rumors are listed under a given date). 1999/11/09 (26) 1999/10/26 (12) 1999/10/15 (43) 1999/10/03 (40) 1999/08/31 (27) 1999/08/17 (30) 1999/03/27 (32) 1999/02/15 (37) 1999/01/25 (23) 1999/01/18 (21) 1999/01/12 (20) 1998/10/30 (6) 1998/08/26 (7) 1998/10/06 (7) 1998/08/17 (11) 1998/09/21 (9) 1998/08/13 (5) 1998/09/04 (6) To submit a rumor, use the Global BBS #15. See '+bbhelp' for posting help. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-1 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- The Emperor's Clothes "I was speaking to a certain Lady's maid, who had heard from one of the pages at the Imperial Court, who knows the Emperor's Laundry Lady." A hushed tone, "Would you believe they are pink!" "You must be kidding!" "God Truth!" A titter of giggles. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-2' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-2 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- An attempt to restore order..... One washerwoman says to another, while scrubbing the Count's dirty laundry, "I heard they shipped out that bastard cousin of theirs to Grumman, to settle down the locals there....." The other turns and raises an eyebrow, "Really? Which bastard is that?" she asks and the two chuckle into the bubbles. The first then grins, "That slightly odd Diplomat, Donato Moritani.... and thankfully he's taking that huge dog with him." A sigh of relief from both the women is heard. The second then asks, "I wonder if Lord Melchiorre will be far behind?" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-3' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-3 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Oh, the humanity! Between two guards: "Have you heard the noises coming from the Baron's bedchambers of late?" "Oy, how could I have not? I haven't been able to sleep at my post since she arrived!" "She is rather cute, you know. For a ghola." "It sounds like she doesn't at all enjoy the Baron's...attention." "Either that or she enjoys it a whole lot..." "Do you really believe that?" *long pause* "No." "I can't imagine that the Duke would just sit by and let... let /that/ happen to his old love! Wouldn't he try to stop it somehow?" *shrugs* "Maybe he hasn't woken up yet..." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-4' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-4 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Did you hear...? Outside the Embassy District, a pair of household servants mutter amongst themselves. "Did you see what came in tonight?" "No, what?" "It's the Lady Helen Atreides herself! The Lionness has arrived on Kaitain, and just out of Bene Gesserit finishing school as well!" "I'd give an arm and a leg to find out what they teach in such places..." "Shh! That's not important. She is a lovely thing though, takes after her mother, luckily..." "And she's still single, I hear?" "Yea... I suspect that the Red Duke's just holding out for the best bids on her till she gets married off. The Lady doesn't seem to like that though..." "But then again, since when have the Lady Alethia and the Duke agreed on anything lately? I hear some of the most intersting things about her and that Count Moritani... and Lady Tatanya too!" "No! Tell me more..." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-5' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-5 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- The Rose Strange that a House would pick the symbol of a rose to represent itself. I mean afterall the rose is a delicate flower, beautiful and sweet... laced with thorns on each end that pricks those who try to pluck it from its roots. Hmm... perhaps that isn't such a bad description afterall? Still, who in their RIGHT mind would have the audacity to make a mockery of the Imperium as such... let's see, who wouldn't jump at that chance?!?!? Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-6' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-6 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- That Crazy Atreides In the Marketplace, two common people mutter. "Did you hear? The Duke had a fit at the greeting where the Emperor showed up the other night!" "Was that the one where they found that Emperor look-alike strangled?" "Oh, yes! Beastly thing, that.. I hear that the Duke, poor infirm man he is, lost his senses at the event. That's what a friend of a friend who knew a guard by there said." "So what happened?" "Well, from what I hear, that Ambassador of his, the one the Emperor gave that high title to, clubbed his Duke unconscious." "No!" "Yes! At least it put the Duke out of his misery.... poor fellow. Perhaps he's following the Alvstad Siridari's footsteps?" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-7' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-7 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- The Decadence... A different tale was heard from that inveterate gossip, the Lord Flankhaeffer... Resplendent in his brightly coloured noble attire, the haughty lord had this to say: "By Jove, it wasn't that bleddy - be - damned ratcatcher chappie who was responsible, what? 'Zounds man, 'twas that bleddy staff, I've heard those were there and in the know say! 'Twas some bleddy psychotropic happy stick that that grimy little weasel Govindha gave 'im, and he just couldn't get enough of it, the devil! He's been a little odd that way, the Red Duke, since his "education" with the Baron Harkonnen as a youth. The two were, shall we say, dear friends in the Hellenic sense that the bleddy ratcatcher knows so well, if you know what I mean, at the time... The Harkonnen lad gave the young Atreides a taste for the, shall we say exotic, back while they were pupils in that Ginaz school together, and seeing the chap again has reawakened all those old decadent days. I swear it by Cousing Fredd... er, His Sublime Majesty's glorious presence!" The noble raises his eyebrows slightly, then grins like a feline of the Cheshire variety, winking a bit. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-8' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-8 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Exotic fare Hey, d'you hear? That Baron Harkonnen's bought a bevy of those magnificent stallions the Bajazet breed so well. Not to ride 'em. I hear he's planning a barbecue...with plenty of hot sauce! Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-9' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-9 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Girl Oi, let me tell ye, mate! It's all 'bout a girl, this Kristalia. A girl both the Red Duke and that fat Baron both knew in school way back as lads. She was some witch, or so Oi hear, a Benny Jezrit with a plan to enchant 'em bof. Th'way Oi hear it, the Baron had her kilt in some ritual, boi th'light o'a full moon, and the Duke was roit beside him. Stabbed her through 'er black heart wif a kindjal this big! Now these Benny Teelax done brought her back from th'grave...It's black magic, Oi tell ye! No good'll come from it! Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-10' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-10 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Horse Hockey! The old Bajazet stable master cackles "Aye, that old fat Harkonnen yes? We sure did sell him a handful of horses, of course His Roundness cant tell real horseflesh from fake. "Why do you say that?" "Well you see, we trotted out every reject we had been sent to try and breed into the Bajazet line, and that fat Baron fell for it!" "You what?" "Well you don't really think the Sultan would let one of his prized horses fall into the hands of the Cowardly Harkonnen Dogs do you?" "No I suppose the Sultan wouldn't at that!" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-11' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-11 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Weather Conditions Clear As suddenly as it came, without warning, the weather on Kaitain cleared and returned to normal. It is said that a formal statement will be made by the Guild shortly before the Emperor. All reports from the palace indicate the Emperor is furious!... Heads WILL roll for this. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-12' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-12 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Ivanova's Heart Break Have you heard the word? It seems that Lord Melchiorre will have nothing further to do with Lady Ivanova. What's worse... one of her most trusted advisor, as suspected lover, Baron Gabriel, has mysterious been absent in the social scene on Kaitain. It's reported that he's gone back to Ecaz without a word to Ivanova. Some rumors are flooding back that this isn't the first time Ivanova's heart has been broken. Go figure... I wonder what's wrong with the woman that she repulses men so quickly? Well word on the street has it that she's been spending a lot of time in the Bajazet Embassy. Hey, isn't Baron Sha'ara'diin always talking about waiting a concubine to give rise to several heirs? Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-13' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-13 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- At the Imperial Hotel "Does Lady Iovine have a cousine?" "She's an only child, no relation to speak of other than her daughter. Why do you ask?" "It is the oddest thing, the was a Zenovia Iovine checked in to the Imperial Hotel, they didn't stay the night." "Zenovia? That's Lady Iovine's middlename." "Are you wondering what I am?" "Who was the Lady meeting at the Hotel?" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-14' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-14 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Ghola Gifts "He did! The Baron himself gave that Ghola to the Atreides Ambassador as a present to the Red Duke." "He must have tired of her." "Perhaps, you know its whispered that the Ghola is in the image of the Duke's one true love, who was lost to him." "What romantic nonsense." "There is nothing nonsensical about romance!" said in a huff. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-15' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-15 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Pretty Ghola "Why just last night I was arriving at the Imperial Hotel to have dinner with Lady Cassia and I could have sworn I saw that little ghola woman." "At the Hotel?" "Oh yes, she was seen leaving with the Atreides Ambassador." "Mmhmmm, just last night. Oh they had my favorite entre last night...." the voice trails off. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-16' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-16 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Ugly rumours "De poor man! If'n I had to put up with that shrew I'da seek solace in me bottle not with the dirty creatures that them there BT cook up in them vats of theirs." Long pause, "Dat Hawk's gonna find her wings clipped. If'n she was my woman I'd not take one lick of her lip!" "Alllllllllfffffreeeed!" A shrewish high pitched sounds, "Have you fed the stock yet!?!?" "I'm getting to it dear!" Timid reply "Don't make me come out there!" shrewish voice "No dear." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-17' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-17 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Ivanova's lovers A snicker is heard as you discuss the rumors about the Lady Ivanova's lovers, and you turn to find yourself facing an elderly gentleman, with a wicked grin upon his lips. "That's not what I've heard, of the Lady Ivanova's lovers," he snickers, "I've heard that the Lord Melchiorre, and that Baron Gabriel have in fact killed each other in a fit of jealous rage and incredible attraction." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-18' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-18 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Social Graces Two twittering Ladies are overheard in the restaurant of the Imperial Hotel. "I wager he is jealous" "Whom?" "Why Baron Harkonnen, whom else?" "Why do you say that?" "Because that corpulent Siridar sought out any opportunity to slight the dashing young Bajazet Sultan." "Ahhh.. the one the Lady Ivanova has been seeing?" "Aye that very one! That fat man could never hope to outdo that Sultan's wit, charm, and social aplomb, I mean my dear, the Sultan breeds magnificent horses and trains them, all that obese Harkonnen can manage to do with a horse is eat it!" "Oh how disgusting.." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-19' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-19 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Back on the bottle, again... A slight glimmer in his eye, the now familiar Flankhaeffer catches your attention. "By Jove, I've not seen you about for a bleddy long time, what? How is that ravishing woman of yours, by the by? A real goer, what? Fine, hey? Heh! Things've been quiet as a nun in a bordell for the last few days - 'cept for that bleddy fight. What? You've heard? Well, have I got a bit of news for you, what? Yes, that Helmsgillar chappie, the odd little fellow, calls 'imself Iohannes on account of his real being..." Flankhaeffer almost chokes on his own saliva trying to say the Ambassador's name, finally giving up. "Well, after that fight fizzled on account of that ratcatcher fellah's effeminate finagling, he, Helmsgillar, that is, drank like a bleddy fish, what? Drank toasts to the duellists, accosted the bleddy ratcatcher with some sentimental garbage and began talking in that incomprehensible fish gurgling those Alvstie chappies call speech. He capped it off by goggling fishily at those bleddy barons raking each other over the coals before stumbling off into the evening. By Jehanne's ready thighs, the chap was a boozer before, but he had looked like he was getting off it, not getting bleddy worse..." Chuckling, the decadent lord winks and moves away. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-20' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-20 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Rastanyev and Atreides "Did you hear the latest about Rastanyev?" "No... what?" "Well it seems that they are bedding with the Atreides these days." "Really? How do you know that?" "Well I saw the Lady out the other night with one of the Atriedes diplomats tagging along like a forelorn pup." "Oh? Whatever happened to Lord Moritani and the Moritani Household? I thought that was a set deal." "Well... it seems Count Moritani and the Lady were talking last night about it during Court and the Lady seemed none-too-pleased with the answers the Count was giving her about Lord Melchiorre." "Strange how fate turns...." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-21' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-21 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- A Lady without shame "I was coming out of Rusath's. You know the one, in the Saudir I Plaza?" "Oh yes, the best Seamstress in all of Kaitain. She made a lovely pale yellow silk gown for me." "Oh yes! That is so flattering to your figure." A deep breath, "But as I was saying I was coming out of Rusath and there I saw, Na-Viscount Alvstad _kissing_ Lady Iovine's hand!" A hushed whispered. "No!" gasp "That woman has no shame!" "Lady Lermontov, Count Moritani and now Na-Viscount Alvstad." "I wonder is she sealing the favor of these Houses with her favors?" Titters of calous laughter. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-22' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-22 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Lionness Coming Out? Down in a local tavern, two young men talk over drinks, muttering overloud for the volume level of the room. "Eh, what a looker that Lady Helen is, eh? Them heighty Atreides sure is pretty." "Shy she is, too. I always liked shy. Noble-born and as good looking as her mother, but without her mother's shrewish attitude or lavascivious tendencies." "Hey... that IS an advantage. I always did like looking at that Lady Alethia, but that shrew is so strong willed, I'm surprised the Duke hasn't had her removed! And have you heard how she carries on with the Alvstads, Rastanyevs, and Moritani? Men AND women... it's shameful." "Not as shameful as what I hear she does with the animals, she does." "Anyhow, I hear that Helen's coming out party's on soon. All them high-and-mighty types are bound to show." "Betcha that more than one young na-Baron or na-Marquis'll be interested, eh?" "You got that right." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-23' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-23 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- The Earl of Merx's New Harem? "That Earl of Merx certainly seems to be quite the ladies man!" "Funny I had heard.. but anyway, what of the Earl?" "It seems he has been spending *quite* a bit of time with both Lady Inganmort, and the Na-Baroness Bajazet." "Hah! I would say it is highly doubtfull that the Baron would appreciate someone who until recently was of a much lower station." "Who knows, I heard it said that the Baron would marry his sister to whom she pleases, fancy that!" "No wonder that fat old Harkonnen calls that Bajazet crazy!" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-24' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-24 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Concubines and Bodyguards "It seems that the new Truthsayer gets around quite a bit" "Oh? Do tell!" "Yes, I heard that not only has she visited those upstart Bajazets, but also paid a visit to Count Cesare as well." "It is said that the Baron is looking far and wide for a concubine." "With a sickly sister for an heir can you blame the man?" "No, no, not at all, although I doubt any concubine would tolerate the situation." "Situation ?!?Whatever do you mean?" "Why dont you know dear? That bodyguard goes *everywhere* with him." "Eh?" "I even heard the bodyguard sleeps in the Barons room...." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-25' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-25 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- A Rastanyev and a Harkonnen "Hey... whatever happened to that challenge Lady Ivanova made against the na-Baron Harkonnen?" "Don't know... last I heard she backed down." "NO?!? She wouldn't do that would she?" "I don't know... don't know the Lady much.." "Well... what I heard is that the na-Baron is a coward and would never come out to meet the champion..." "A Harkonnen? a coward?" "Well... that's what the Bajazet say. Have you ever seen the na-Baron fight anyway? I sure haven't." "True... true. Maybe that explains why Lady Ivanova is hanging out so much with the Bajazet these days." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-26' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-26 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Baisse on the perfume market "I say," the haughty maitre d' at the Imperial Hotel intones to one of the chamber maids that he's been giving the eye, "have you heard about that SCANDALOUS incident the other day, my dear? That awfully SMELLY business?" She smiles and shakes her head prettily. "Well, this big lout sauntered in here at a private dinner reception, FRAGRANTLY ignoring etiquette, custom and good tone - all at once if you believe it - and tried to push his lowly wares to the na-Duke and the na-Viscount where they were quietly toasting to the Emperor at the Imperial table, in the company of, among others, that lovely little bud that has recently bloomed on the Atreides thorn-bush." The maid gasps incredulously. "And that is not all," the Maitre says, lowering his tone and leaning forward to get a glance down the neckline of her dress. "He displayed two vials of fragrant oil, one containing the musk of some shabby cat and the other a flower extract, and stated they should 'buy or die.'" The maid shakes her head in shock and even leans on him for support. "They threw him out, of course. That was a very rude but clear reference to bedroom practices, if you ask me," he concludes huskily. "Oh," the maid says, "but that reminds me - I haven't made the beds on the third floor yet." The Maitre suddenly sours, thinking of the convention of Grumman butterfly collectors that will be arriving shortly, and hurries her on her way. It isn't until later that he notices his wallet is missing. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-27' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-27 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Healing It is widely rumored among servants at the Palace, that the honorless Sardukar Guard Tennison, is recovering quite well after his duel with the na-Duke Atreides. Some have even seen Tennison being carefully escorted, about the palace, as part of his recovery regime. It is also rumored in the Atreides Embassy that the na-Duke himself is recovering well. Astounding stories of the na-Duke having his fingers re-attached seem to be a favorite topic, and even more amazing is the fact he seems to have regained some mobility in them. All these things, it is said, are because of the healing of the Doctor-Baroness Marconna. A bit odd she would rush to the aid of the one who questioned her reputation and virtue so quickly, do you not think? Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-28' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-28 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- In House Security A set of whispered voices in a bar "Do you know the real reason the Duke Atreides brought his daughter here?" "Real reason? What do you mean?" "Well... look at the facts. It comes to light that the na-Duke defends the honor of Baroness Marconna and then suddenly Lady Helen appears?" "So? I don't get what you mean." "You fool... the Duke is trying to secure House Atreides internally." "Um... aren't they related?" "Has that really ever stopped anyone before? I mean you've heard all the rumors about her mother afterall." "I have... but still... that can't be... right." "I don't know... the evidence is pretty overwhelming in my opinion." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-29' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-29 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Renovations "Have you seen the flury of activity around the old Bene Gesserit ChapterHouse?" "Why yes I have an awful racket they're making." "It seems that the new Imperial Truthsayer has ordered it all. Seems that wish to put on their airs. I hear that they are going to expand their going to reopen their School here too." "Well now that Kaitain has become the hub of activity, I don't see why they didn't do it sooner." "Yes with all of the nobles on or about Kaitain, its a good idea." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-30' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-30 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Moritani and Bene Gesserit?! Have you heard the latest? You better be watching for Geidi Prime to freeze over and for Atreides to fly, because the Moritani are reconciling with the Bene Gesserit! It appears that Count Cesare is making a break with tradition (albeit thousands of years of it) and is going to make peace with the BG. I heard that he's sending the Baroness Valentina off for training! Yes, it will surely put her in place, won't it? The saucy Suk won't be nearly so likely now to run off at the mouth...The Sisterhood would have no reservations about cutting our her tongue. Also, and here's the best part yet, I've heard from a reliable source within the Moritani staff wing that the Count himself is intending to marry a Sister...and make her his Count! Yes, I imagine his relationship with the Lady Ulricke has floundered, especially since she's been sent back to Geidi Prime. One really can't blame the Siridar Cesare for sowing his oats elsewhere if the Harkonnen aren't going to help. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-31' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-31 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Chickenhawk and Milkweed? Did you hear what was seen in the Central District? The Atreides and Bajazet arriving together in an Atreideian limousine for the Landsraad Council! One wonders if there's not something going on between those two....I'd think that the thorny Bajazet would scare off those oh-so-honourable Atreides. In any event, there are rumours floating around now that the na-Duke Mintor, who put up such a show for the Lady Valentina, is on the verge of being engaged to the Lady Sarina! What do you think of that, eh? Just think what their children would be like! I shudder to think of it. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-32' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-32 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Those Unhappy Atreides Heard in a tavern near the spacedocks: "Did you hear?" "About that Hawk's effiminate dove of an ambassador?" "Yes, the Ratcatcher! He was seen REBUFFING that Baron Bajazet he's been seen getting all chummy with lately." A horrified whisper. "No!" "No, but it's true. Worse yet, he turned down that lovely na-Baroness... you know," the second drinker waggles his eyebrows. "part of that harem of his?" "Bedding nobles left and right, isn't he? Wish I could get me something that heighty." "It gets worse. He was seen talking sternly to Lady Ivanova's lackey. I don't know what they said, but I saw him looking like he was the Red Duke himself, ready to cut the poor man's heart out. You never saw eyes that cold." "I wonder... what could get the Red Duke's tamed pussycat of an Ambassador that mad?" "I don't know, but I don't want to be on the receiving end of that bird's bite. I even heard His Majesty's named dropped, so it must be serious." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-33' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-33 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Atreides Insurrection An ancient man loiters near the Landsraad Congress. "Did you see the last congressional meeting?" he asks. "It appeared as if the Duke attempted a virtual coup of the High Council," he says. "Right there he attempted to persuade the Congress to recall House Rastanyev from its rightful seat!" His eyes narrow as he continues, "An amazing amount of power during the Congress sessions the High Councilor wields. He speaks as a 'disinterested' member of the Council, yet he allows seemingly unlimited interruption from the House Atreides table." "I wonder," he begins, "did anyone consider the root of the Atreides gambit? For it is less than one year from now that House Rastanyev's seat comes up for its proper election..." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-34' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-34 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Sonnets For a Sultana "I heard that the Bajazet na-Baroness nearly fainted at her table at last night's Landsraad meeting." "Well it is said that she is sickly." "From what I hear one of the Atreides spent the whole time sending her love poems!" "Love poems? During the Congress meeting?" "Yes indeed." "If the na-Baroness nearly faints from a poem, then I pity her future husband!" "Whom do you suppose wrote them? "Probably that randy Earl of Merx." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-35' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-35 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- The Eyes Have It "Did you hear about that Baron Bajazet's quite questionable behavior at the Congress meeting?" "I have heard so much about that meeting I can scarce tell one story from another!" "Well apparently, The Baron spent quite a bit of time making eyes at that bodyguard of his." "Funny, I had heard his name linked to Lady Ivanova's, not to mention the Atreides Ambassador." "Well there is no accounting for taste, besides, I heard it said that the Atreides Earl had turned the Sultan down." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-36' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-36 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Earl of Merx "I'm telling you... don't listen to all this talk about the Earl of Merx and the Bajazet." "Why?" "Well it's all a hoax. The Duke is sending out his Don Juan Demarco so he can suitor the lady himself." "So what about the Earl?" "The Earl? He has no INTENTIONS of marrying anyone. He's enjoying making all the women swoon. Why... I wouldn't be surprised if I heard his name next trying to be associated with every one of the new Bene Gesserits coming to Kaitain." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/02/15-37' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/02/15-37 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 02/15/1999 --- Dog Fight Two servants in the Imperial Hotel Lounge are busy wiping off tables. Suddenly, one raises his head and says... "Have you seen those Rastanyevs today? I swear they looked ready to bite each other's heads off!" The other one nods and replies "I think that was Count Belgoth and Earl Josef. I have heard Rastanyev servants say that they are like that always." "Why do you suppose?" The man stops wiping the table and says "I am not clear on the details, but the Count and the Earl are the top candidates for the Siridar position. If something happens to Lady Ivanova, one of them will become next Earl Rastanyev!" The other servant hehs and nods "No wonder they do not like each other then. They remind me of the chef's dogs that constantly fight over spoiled meat!" Both men laugh and go back to doing their jobs. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-1 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- A Birthday, and an Affront "It was quite humourous," droned the young Rastanyev courtier. "To see that bride-to-be of the Baron Harkonnen lace into him, like she did?" "Oh, do tell!" "Seems that not only is she unhappy with her living arrangement, but there was something in the gift that the Baron gave the Emperor that so outraged the Lady Tatyana, that she nearly made a scene, right there within earshot of the Emperor himself!" "Well, she had herself dragged right out of there, she did, by that Mentat, Nestor. I'm certain she did *not* have a pleasant night of it." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-2' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-2 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Casanova Rastanyev Shhh, don't tell anyone, but I've heard from some Rastanyev guards that the infamous Count Belgoth has found himself some girl. They say he constantly follows her around like a tail, always fishing for a kiss or a hug. Some servants even saw them in the garden together. But I wonder, what does he really want? Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-3' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-3 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Casanova? Well...rumor has it that she's a rich turnip heiress. Could it be, he's only after her dowry? Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-4' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-4 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Mystery or Hoax? "Have you heard about the great disruption at the Emperor's birthday celebration?" "I have heard of several disturbances, don't put too much weight in heresay." "Well it seems someone barged in, then gave the Emperor a magnificent black stallion." "Oh the mystery horse!" "The Emperor sent guards out combing the streets to find that robed figure, but to no avail, he just 'vanished'" "That has to be a story, people don't just vanish on Kaitain." "Well apparently this one did, My brother is a guard, and he claims they never could find the miscreant." "Must be some sort of barbarian or Face Dancer trick, perhaps it is all just a hoax eh?" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-5' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-5 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Living Statue "I am thinking of quitting my post as Head Gardener at the Venhei Embassy" "What for *this* time?" "No I mean it, I really, really, mean it!" "You've said that the last ten times!" "You. You didn't see what I saw though!" "What did you 'see', this time?" "One of the golden statues, in that Embassy." "Oh good Lord, not this again!" "It was a statue all of gold, and it began.. began to move!" "Have you been sneaking spice?" "No I tell you, I SAW this statue walk, it walked all the way across that Embassy!" "You have *got* to stop sneaking spice." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-6' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-6 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Moritani Notice the lack of House Moritani at this last Imperial event? Strange that the House who has prospered the most from their connections finds themselves missing the night of the Emperor's celebration. Reports come back that the Emperor and the Count meet several days before the party. The Count was seen leaving the Palace muttering the tune, "I'd much rather see my mother die rather than honor that pompous, arrogant fool." Apparently... such things can be arranged. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-7' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-7 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Etiquette of the Venhei In a heavy Italian accent a woman begins to talk to a group gathered at her table, "Do you not find it funny. The great House Venhei sends a Warmaster who must ask for help on etiquette. And who does this Master ask, the most qualified oh all people, the Lady of House Rastanyev and a Reverend Mother." Her voice drips think with sarcasm. "Thank the Lords House Alvstad stepped in or it would have been a disaster for the once proud House Venhei." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-8' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-8 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Lady Iovine has another Admirer "My my... did you see Lady Iovine this evening?" "Oh? Was she hanging about the Count again? Or is it Lady Tatyana?" "Hardly. She seems to have attracted a new admirer. The Siridar of House Yen none-the-less." "What's so special about House Yen?" "Well it seems that the last wife this Siridar had he courted by burying her Household in gifts... and when he bored of her, he had to thrown into a pit of lions for his entertainment." "My my... the crowds this Lady attracts." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-9' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-9 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- A new rising Household? "Did you see? The Emperor went and honored House Ginaz to sit with him through the evening. And after that ridiculous and definitely fraudulous gift." "Yes. And to top it all off, the House representative snubbed the Emperor by NOT joining him on the platform. The manners! No wonder why House Ginaz is still at the bottom of the rung in terms of the Major Houses." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-10' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-10 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- And so they fall Have you noticed lately how many Siridars are claiming to be... ill. Let's see, House Atreides, House Alvstad, House Venhei... and then look at the recent Siridars to have died, Count Moritani, Earl Rastanyev... they are falling like dead weight caught in the breezes of autumn. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-11' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-11 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- The gift "Mommy mommy! I want one?" "What? one what?" "I want one of those talking toys that the High Master brought." "Oh... those foolish things... whatever for?" "I WANT one and I WANT it now!" *stomping of the foot and small arms folding across her chest. "It'll make you mentally ill." "So?" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-12' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-12 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- It smells like a Harkonnen Overheard from one of the corners of the room, "Do you smell that beast?" "Who let that thing in here?" "If you ask me, it smells kinda like a Harkonnen." "It would suit their taste to foul the Royal Court as such." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-13' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-13 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Indisposed? I heard from an Harkonnen Guard that was at the Emperor's Birthday the other night. He claims that he over heard the Venhei Warmaster claiming that the Venhei Diplomatic Corp was indisposed of. Personally I am very curious in what the Venhei Warmaster meant by indisposed? Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-14' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-14 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- A Special Order Between two Tleilaxu gengineers: "Oh, dear." "What is it this time?" "Check out this order." "Hmm?" "It's from that fool Viscount. He says he wants one of those talking horses that glow when you whistle." "He what?" "That's what he says. He says they were all the rage at the ball, from what he heard." "Poor old fool." "So, can you?" "Can I what?" "So can you make one?" "Er... Give me a week and I'll see what I can do." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-15' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-15 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Moritani Tragedy Have you heard the latest about the Moritani? No, but I understand they weren't present at the Emperor's part the other night. Well, it appears that more tragedy has befallen them. Just a few years after his father passed on, Cesare's mother has now given up the gost. The old bat had run Grumman for years with an iron fist, and now he's gone to bury her and find a replacement. Hrmm...It seems a bit convenient to me that she would pick such a time as this to expire. What do you mean? Well, this rather helps the line of succession, doesn't it? She can't possibly contest it, and I understand from a Moritani courtier that she was planning a visit to Kaitain soon...and was none too pleased with the Count's rather unexpected decision. Ah, well, she's worm food now. If Cesare bumped off the very teat he sucked at, then he's got more of a ruthless streak in him than I figured for!!! Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-16' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-16 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Gruesome Murder I just came from a vacation on a resort planet not far away from here, and the whole place is in panic! Three guys were found one morning in the middle of the main square in the Capital city...and they were crucified upside down, on metal crosses that were pained crimson red with their own blood! It was a horrible site. The security there found a small note nailed to one guy's forhead. I believe it said something like "Those who violate our women will be punished! Stay away barbarians!" and it was signed "The Five Devils". Creepy, isn't it? Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-17' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-17 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- That fish Between two Tleilaxu gengineers: "You know that fish?" "Eh? Fish?" "That glowing one. You know, when you whistle?" "Oh. THAT fish. What about it?" "One of mine, you know." "Really? You don't say." "It was a prototype gone awry. I sold it to the Venhei. Paid a mint for it, those fools." "Gone awry? Howso?" "It was suppose to explode when you whistle. But I never got it to do more than glow." "That's too bad." "All's not lost, however. Prolonged exposure to it can cause cancer." "Well, it's nice you managed to salvage something." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-18' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-18 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Construction in the foothills Have you heard the noise comin' from out Foothills District way? Some sort of major construction project on the Rue Albans is goin' down. They've been drillin' and shippin' stone t' the site for a week now; it's a wonder I get any sleep at all! Freaky lookin' place, it is, even in its half-finished state. Looks like a cross between a romanesque cathedral, an orbital launcher, and...er...I dunno, some sort o' sterile habitat. Serves me what it'll be used for. Somethin' just ain't right about that place... Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-19' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-19 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Rebellion! You run across a small group of men, ranging from what look like their late teens until the early thirties. They are discussing with great enthusiasium, a rebellion. The eldest begins the story..... "With the Dowager Countess Moritani now passed, it seems the planet Grumman is rapidly falling into disrepair. There are of course, no rulers left on Grumman, so the people are for the first time in their miserable existence under their ruling House, free to do what they wish," he says gruffly, with a grin in his eye. A young man in a blue tunic nods, "It's true I tell you .. I was there! I've seen the mobs so frustrated with their life attack the actual Moritani Estate on Grumman! All the while their Count, sits here, on Kaitain, twiddling his thumbs." You continue on your way, and wonder, could the Moritani homeland really be in such chaos? And if chaos has found its way there, what does this mean for the other homeworlds? Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-20' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-20 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Moritani Meddling? A haughty man in the bright ensemble of a Kaitain nobleman walks up to you, a sly grin on his face. "By Jehanne's Lacy Knickers what a night, heh? First that devil of a storm, what, and then that dreadful attack upon an image of the Imperial Person! Awful, what? By Jove and Sheuset's good right arm, y'know the worst? That bleddy two faced jackal, the Lord Moritani, left right before the festivities began... I'll bet my auntie's filligreed chamberpot (a family heirloom millenia in age, I'll have you know!) that rascally red haired rambunctious Romeo had a more than a mite to do with that piece of skullduggery, what!?!" Smiling slyly, winking a little, he moves off... Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-21' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-21 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Demos the hero Two museum guards chatting after their last shift. The first chuckles. "Food and drink indeed!" "What?" That Demos character...said he didn't catch the ruffian because of food and drink." The other guard shrugs. "Those Atreides -do- put out a good spread from what I hear..." "Yeah, well what's the man doing running after any ruffian who had a part in any plot as diabolical as this in the first place? -And- with no bodyguards? Spare me!" "Maybe he just likes playing the hero." "Well, he doesn't play the part very well...he didn't catch the ruffian after all. Doing what he did...he's either traitorous or a complete fool!" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-22' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-22 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- Guild and Weather Control Promptly after the sudden loss of control of the Weather System, it is reported that the Guild relinquished the lives of all the controllers involved in that night. In this blitz attack, it is reported that all agents of the Guild involved with the Weather system are gone or reported missing. Yet, even still, the weather continues to fluctuate. Guild representatives have released to the public the following notice: 'Members of Kaitain. The Satellite system is one of the most reliable systems. However, even this is subject to the falacies of intrigue and espionage. It has become apparent to us that the two events, last night and our weather system, are linked. Therefore, we of the Guild will provide the Emperor and all his servants our utmost cooperation in getting this resolved. We expect to have the system back in operations within the week.' Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/25-23' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/25-23 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/25/1999 --- The Mentat laughs Two Harkonnen guards are talking with one another over an ale at a pub nearby the Embassy. "Nestor came back from the Museum...laughing out loud. Something new every day." "Are you serious?" "Yes...all I was able to make out as he was talking to himself were data, accusation, and game. Well, whatever game he's playing it seems he's winning..." The guard shivers. "It scares me when the Master is amused..." --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-1 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Moritani Heir "Is it true what they say? Does the Count wish for a new heir?" "That's what they said in Court the other night... and none other than his Suk... the 'Baroness' herself." "Amazing... I wonder what that means for Lord Melchiorre?" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-2' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-2 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Heads Spinning "Oh my! Lady Ylena, soon as word was out that she was being refered to as a Tit Mouse..." A hushed whisper, "Did she start singing another tune. What a crafty woman. A contridiction in terms timid and Harkonnen." "I know...you always have to be suspect when a Harknonnen is involved. What is that old saying...Beware Harknonnen bearing gifts?" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-3' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-3 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Dangerous Liaisons "I've heard a delicious peice of gossip..." "Do share!!" "Well it seems that there is a dangerous liaison going on between the Moritani Count and the Atreides Concubine." "You must be kidding!" "I swear to you, I heard her myself, she was talking about how romantic the Count was." "And the Count was giving her a gift. I saw it with my own eyes!" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-4' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-4 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Dangerous Liaison II "Do they have no decency!" "What do you mean? Who are you talking about now?" "Remember how I told you there was a romance developing between the Moritani Count and the Atreides Concubine?" "Oh yes!" "Well it seems that they both wisked off to the Moritani Estate early this very morning. The lady returned to the Atreides Embassy in a Moritani Ornithopter" "That doesn't say much." "It still makes you wonder, what the Atreides Concubine is doing spending so much time with a House that the Atreides are offically luke warm to." "Oh please do be sensible if they were having some sort of affair, Lady Alethia would be far more discrete." "Would she? Are you so sure about that?" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-5' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-5 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Liaison of the Mind A liaison between Count Cesare and that....trollop Iovine? Hardly! I understand that the Count has his practised eye set on the Lady Ivanova Rastanyev and no less! He's met with her in the past few days, and from what I understand the two were seen holding hands in the Rastanyev Embassy. It wouldn't be a bad match, eh? Although his cousin Melchiorre would have to bow out gracefully, but then that relationship seems to have ended LONG ago. It seems the Count is turning into quite the Don Juan eh? I for one wouldn't mind him "auditing my contracts" or "tallying my solaris" I tell you! Why should he want that dour concubine when he could have a far more youthful, emminently more available woman? Methinks the...concubine...flatters herself if she thinks he's interested in her. There are rumours abounding that she's more interested in Tatyana Harkonnen than in the Count, if you know what I mean, and Heaven knows she can't be THAT good if she's bound to that cold fish of a Duke! Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-6' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-6 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Dangerous Liaison III "Ah... but who can deny the fact that Lady Iovine is visiting the Moritani Estate these days more so than the Harkonnen." "So you believe then that there is something to the story between her and the Count." "MMM... I'm not saying that now. Don't you find it a bit curious that the level of... visits has increased now that the Baroness has been recognized as the proper heir." "So?" "Well... have you also noticed that the Baroness seems to have lost her... interest in the young Prince Corrino of late?" "Interesting... interesting indeed." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-7' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-7 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- A Falling Out I heard from a kitchen slave that the Lady Iovine spoke to the Count over breakfast at his newly-refurbished estate. I don't know how much truth is in it, but from what /I/ understand, she flat out told him that the na-Duke Mintor would have to stop seeing the Lady Valentina! Now THAT'S presumption for you! What a puffed-up bag of wind to think that she, a mere concubine, little better than a street-walking lady of the night, has the authority to speak for the entire House! And not even her own! House Iovine has fallen into dire straits, no doubt due to the mismanagement of this woman, and now she would thrust the House into which she married off the same precipice! I find it hard to believe that a woman supposedly of great wisdom and intelligence would go so far as to risk angering the single most powerful House save the Corrinos themselves over a harmless love tryst. What gall! What ruthlessness! Wouldn't the Harkonnen love it? I'm sure Tatyana does...and quite often. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-8' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-8 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Didn't you know? "My dear dear simple friend, didn't you know that Lady Tatyana and the Lady Alethia are old family friends?" A chidding tone, "Lady Alethia was in attendances during Tatyana's birth, the late mother of Lady Tatyana and the Countess Iovine were best friends during their time in boarding school." "Some people simply need to pull their minds out of the gutter." "What ever do you mean?" "Oh you know casting such aspersions on the Lady Iovine." "I-I-I, well...I simply don't know what you mean!" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-9' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-9 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Oh, now I've heard everything! Oh, do come ON! Mere "friends" don't have their hands all over each other during the life-or-death battles of their husbands. Nor do they whisper sweet nothings into each other's ears such as the Ladies Iovine and Harkonnen were doing at the fete. Imagine, satisfying such depravity as their spouses dueled for their lives. With those rumours of trechery, I'd not put it past Lady MacIovine to have dabbed it on the blades herself. You know, there is always the possibility that she's not interested in either Tatyana OR Cesare. Maybe she's lost all her drive in entire. Her dressing all in black and prancing around like some sort of holier-than-thou essed virgin causes me to wonder....if she and the Duke had any children, would she claim an Immaculate Conception? Methinks the Cardinal of the Imperial Church would have quite a fit over that! Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-10' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-10 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- The Emperor "Did you see the Emperor?" "No... what's wrong?" "At the last Open court Session he... well... he... looked bewildered at all that was going on. It was like he wasn't really there. He just kept deferring everything to later or his private chambers." "Oh my... you don't think he's ill or anything?" "I couldn't say. But I do know that the Emperor's Personal Suk has hardly been seen these past few weeks." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-11' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-11 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Birthdays I've heard that House Venhei have selected the most hidious birthday gift for the Emperor. talk about bad taste. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-12' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-12 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Ghosts? "Hey you know that old deserted Embassy, the one near the Venhei and Ginaz?" "Oooh, Aye, been abandoned since before I was a babe!" "Well I have been hearing stories about that place lately." "What sort of stories?" Well seems someone visiting one of the other Embassies near there said they saw and heard strange shapes moving around up there, they are saying it's haunted." "Bahh! Haunted, probably just some good for nothings looking for a place to squat, haunted, feh!" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-13' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-13 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Men hide your women Have you heard that the Venhei Warmaster has just returned to Kaitain. The Warmaster's return can only mean that there will be a harsh scrutiny of Venhei staff for the time being. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-14' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-14 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- That Atreides diplomat "Did you hear about the Lady Ivanova's visit to the Atreides embassy the other day?" "Yes, I heard that the Earl Merx was there to offer her comfort and succor from the slings and arrows of misfortune." *chuckle* "Really now? Well, you know what they say about the Atreides... after all. my cousin /swears/ that the story about the Ladies Iovine and Harkonnen are true. Anyway, it seems the Lady Ivanova got wind of the Earl Merx's pederasty, and offered him one of her /personal/ slaves." "No surprise there. The Lady Ivanova is ever one to share." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-15' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-15 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- More on the Moritani front "Well, have you heard the latest?" "Of course. Enlighten me anyway." "It seems that the Earl Merx has been spending a lot of time at the Moritani embassy, doing his best to repair relations." *chuckle* "You know what that means. After all, they went to the same school together. I'm sure two men of /their/ inclinations should get along famously." "Indeed. I wonder who's on top?" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-16' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-16 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Swordmaster's Call Did you hear the Ginaz SwordMaster has been seen at the Harkonnen Embassy rumor has it that he's inquired after the Lady Ulrike...Has the Moritani been dumped? Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-17' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-17 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Weeping Woman "Allright, I am beginning to believe those stories after all" *shudder* "See? What did I tell you?" "Well as I was tending the gardens behind the Venhei Embassy, the oddest thing happened." "Do tell!" "I looked up over at that old derelict Embassy, the one you said was haunted." "Aye, and?" "For the slightest second I saw something, a weeping woman." "Weeping woman"*surprised* "Well she can't have been real, because no thing living could look that pale, and that frail, you must be right, that old place is haunted." "Well, didn't I always tell you, I am -always- right?" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-18' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-18 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Shouting Did you hear the commotion coming out of Rastanyev's Embassy today? It seems that Lady Ivanova was all up in arms when speaking to one of her Lieutenants. Her high shrilled voice could be heard by everyone outside of the gate. I don't know what it was about... but I do know that it seems the former Lieutenant Rommel was not wearing the colors of that position when last I saw him. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-19' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-19 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Rastanyev and the Sisterhood Did you see Lady Rastanyev today? She was cozing up to the Reverend Mother Lakshmi. I'm sure her father and brother are turning in their graves because of her actions. But, that's what you get for sending the Lady to Bene Gesserit Finishing School and then putting her in charge of a household. It spells disaster for the Household if you ask me. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-20' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-20 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Those Atreides again.... "Have you heard the word out of the Atreides Embassy? No, this isn't the one about the Lady Iovine's choice of underwear." *chuckle* "Yes, rumors *have* been somewhat on the banal side recently. No, this is different.... it's about the Duke himself. Noooo, -he- is not having a fling somewhere, unlike others I might mention. Although I always wondered about him and Ylena Harkonnen. Not a bad match for ole' Praxton, were he not completely under the knuckle of his concubine." *sigh* "Poor man. Someone should clue him in on the harpy he sleeps with. Traipsing all over Kaitain while her Duke convalesces.... Anyway, the word is, the blows he took on his knee during his duel with the Baron might have left him crippled. True as the Orange Bible! Six medics of all persuasions, some bigger quacks than the Suks, concur that he'll not regain use of it again. I like the old softie, it'll be hard to see him in crutches all his life." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/18-21' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/18-21 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/18/1999 --- Venhei Fish "Quaint and common is the best way to put the Venhei gift to the Emperor." ""What?" "That glowing fish." Sighs, "You whistle, it glows" "The Emperor whistling" tittering of laughter, "I could just imagine the August Presences whistling for the amuseument of a glowing fish." "Quaint and common as I said, but what do you expect from House Venhei..." --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-1 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Atreides Cozying Up "Ooo... I'm so excited. The Atreides Ambassador is coming again today." "Eh? That'll make it the fifth time this month alone." "I know... oh he is so handsome and SO riteous. It's such a nice change from the normal folks we get to host." "Now now. I wouldn't talk too loudly... least the Slavemaster or the Baron overhears you. You wouldn't want to lose your pretty head over this now would you." "Oh Pooh! It seems even the rest of the household has taken a liking to the Earl. I wouldn't be surprised if the Baron makes some sort of... proposition to the Ambassador. Afterall, it seems like the Moritani/Harkonnen marriage is going nowhere fast." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-2' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-2 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- What a Reception The blond lanky servant in Harkonnen livery is a little drunker than he should be at the bar. "You should have seen the reception the Harkonnens got at the Rastanyev Embassy! I heard it from Count Filarion's driver, who was there. The Baron came on a friendly visit, brought his sister and the Na-Baron. They even brought Lady Ivanova the most lovely bullwhip and a slaveboy to use it on. Were they grateful?" He shakes his head drunkenly. "No! That Count Belgoth got all rude, started insulting the Baron and the Na-Baron....The Lady Ylena was so affronted she almost fainted! Poor lady, they had to rush her home; she's not used to such bad manners. .And then this Belgoth fellow challenged Andrei to a duel on the spot. Maybe they do things that way on Belgoth's little dirt-ball of a planet, but here, well, you know.It was all they could do to keep Andrei off him!...Anyway, I'm sure we haven't heard the end of this, that's for sure. Hey, who's buying the next round?" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-3' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-3 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Rastanyev fortune Have you heard that Count Belgoth's whole fortune is from his estates on the Rastanyev homeworld? According to Count Filarion's driver, he's the largest got the largest plantations in the cluster. Of course, all he plants is turnips. Acres and acres of the bloody things. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-4' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-4 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- The Duke and the Baron Words spreads through the Rumor mills of Kaitain that Baron Harkonnen has greatly wronged Duke Atreides. It seems that not only did the Baron challenge the Duke to a 'First Blood' fight and violate the rules of conduct; he also tried to have the Duke poisoned even before the fight began. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-5' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-5 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Moritani Commotion "Did you hear the commotion last night?" "No? What?" "Count Moritani made a public mockery of his Household?" "Again?" "Oh no! You MUST hear this one!" "Okay... so what happened." "At the Harkonnen party, the Count got into a shouting match with his Suk and then had her arrested by the Harkonnen guards." "What... why would the Count do something like that?" "It seems he isn't pleased with how the Suk acts in public... can't really understand that... I mean she seemed to act like a typical Suk to me." "Who can guess these Moritani anyway..." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-6' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-6 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Another duel? Harsh words were past between Lady Rastanyev and na-Baron Harkonnen during the recent party. It seems that it was all over the fate of a simple House Rastanyev Lieutenant... a Lieutenant that like many of the recent Rastanyev members can't seem to keep in polite Faufreluch form. From this, the Lady has issued a challenge to the na-Baron and will select a champion to face the Harkonnen. Yet another saga and another duel for House Harkonnen. One would think this was allt he Harkonnens did in life. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-7' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-7 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Gift Who says the Na-Baron's not generous? Not my lord of Ginaz, I can tell you. He took a liking to that slave the Harkonnens had in their salon, that Myste. What a dark, exotic beauty! Quite an eye on that old Marquis...his thopter must still have some flap in it, if you know what I mean...Anyway, the Na-Baron Andrei saw him admiring her and made a gift of Myste right there on the spot! Old Morgen looked most grateful, I must say. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-8' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-8 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Poison at the Duel You know what I heard? I heard that the weapons of both the Duke and the Baron were both coated with slow-acting poison. I heard that it's only a matter of time now before both men die. I heard one of the other Houses was behind it. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-9' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-9 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Tatyana and Alethia Did you see the way the Lady Alethia and the Lady Tatyana were so close at the Harkonnen fete? You would think they were old friends, cooing over each other in such a manner. I bet that Alethia's up to something, probably trying to use Tatyana to get at that fat old Baron. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-10' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-10 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Orders The Baron Harkonnen has left standing orders that all Rastanyevs entering the grounds of the Harkonnen Embassy are to be seized, beaten and thrown into oncoming traffic. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-11' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-11 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Wounded According to Count Filarion's driver, who would know, the Baron was just faking his injuries at the duel with the Duke. Through intermediaries, he had a sizeable wager on the outcome and bet more that he would lose than he would win. He took a fall and cleaned up! He plans on taking a long vacation in the pleasure domes on Gamont. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-12' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-12 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Tatyana and Alethia "Didn't you know, Lady Tatyana's late mother was Lady Iovine's best friend while they were at boarding school." "Really??" "Yes, Lady Iovine was in attendance at the Lady Tatyana's birth. She and Helen Atreides know each other _very_ well." "Well that does explain a lot." "I've heard that Lady Iovine will be introducing Lady Tatyana about Kaitain soon...that is if her betrothed lets her off her leash." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-13' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-13 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Offended "Last night at the party I overheard that the Duke's concubine mightily upset the Baron's sister." "How on earth would she do that?" "Apparently the Lady in question took it upon herself to dare to issue order to the Lady Ylena, the Dowager Countess was much put out." "She didn't?" "Aye, she did at that, hah! and a Concubine at that.!" Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-14' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-14 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Tit Mouse "Have you ever seen such a timid creature?" "To whom do you refer?" "Why Lady Ylena, Dowager Countess. She clung to the coat tails of her brother the Baron Harkonnen." "Oh did you see how she fled during the Baron and the Duke's Duel?" The voice titters, "Oh yes! When the Baron scored first blood." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-15' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-15 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- A Lady's Return "Lady Alethia has return to Kaitain." "Really? I had wondered where she had gone." "She had to return to Caladan, her poor father passed some four months or so ago." "Oh how terrible!" "She's holding up well, she was at the Harkonnen Fete, just the other night." "I am so glad she's doing well." "Yes, She's inherited her Father's title, since she is the last Iovine, since Helen is after all Atreides." "Oh really? Wasn't her father an Earl?" "Yes, she's now Lady Alethia is the Countess Iovine." "Countess Ylena was looking down her nose at Lady Alethia for some slight or other." "Interesting how they are the same rank?" Chuckles. Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-16' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-16 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Poverty "Have you heard, Lady Alethia's family..." Hushed whisper, "Completely destitute. It seems her father made bad business investments and was unable to fill a contract." "No, is that why she was gone so long?" "I believe so, she was never close to her Father. She was barly able to hang on to her family's Estate. I heard she had to sell off most of her family jewels and some holdings on other worlds." "Talk about barbarians at the doors." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-17' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-17 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Hell hath no Fury.... "Good Lord, Be happy you werent in the Solar the other eve after the Barons party!" "Why is that?" "Well it seems the Countess of Grimyre flew into a rage so great, slaves down the hall could hear her." "I had heard that she was timid as a church mouse?" "Lady Ylena Harkonnen? Timid?" "That is the word all over Kaitain these days."Well, I can tell you, I have served the woman, and Timid she is not, keep your eye on that Noble born, her Ladyship is not the calm gentle doe she appears to be, She is a Harkonnen through and through!" "Is that so?" "Aye, I have heard murmerings that she has her sights set on the Atreides Duke, I wouldn't like to be in the Lady Alethia's shoes right now." Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-18' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-18 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Moritani Feud I'm sure by now you've heard of the conflict going on within House Moritani. Count Cesare has had quite a time putting a leash on that impudent Suk Doctor of his. I've heard through some reputable sources that Valentina is actually of Moritani blood, and could possibly stand to inherit quite a lot on the death of the Count. Quite convenient situation for her, I'd say. She could likely terminate the life of the young Siridar much easier than anyone else, either within the House or without. They had QUITE a row at the Harkonnen fete the other night, and I understand that there's going to be some sort of Court announcement coming up regarding the Suk, whom the Count has apparently taken to calling "Baroness" for some insane reason. Thank the gods that someone bothered to stir up some juicy information for the rumour mill. It's been dry as the humour of an Atreides lately! Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-19' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-19 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Harkonnen Trechery??? Did you see the Baron Boris's behavior at Court the other evening? It was positively devious! He made light of the Atreidian and Moritani petitions, and quite visibly angered both parties. Is this how the Harkonnen treat their allies and friends? If so, I should hate to see how they treat their enemies! Continued in 'Rumors 1999/01/12-20' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1999/01/12-20 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 01/12/1999 --- Those Harkonnens! "Tsk! The temerity of that Andrei, accusing the Rastanyev of inferior peerage. It's like the pot calling the kettle black." "After all, the Rastanyev might have gotten their decorations for logistical support, but Abulurd ran like a coward at the battle of Corrin! If it wasn't for his wealth, his head would have been separated from his shoulders." "Still, you would think the Lady Rastanyev would obey the forms..." --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1998/10/30-1 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 10/30/1998 --- Another death Another death, this time an unnamed child, was reported in the streets of Kaitain. This death just happened to occur when the Guild was in the process of showing off their newest ship. A bad omen? Good thing the Guild doesn't seem to care about omens and superstitions. Continued in 'Rumors 1998/10/30-2' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1998/10/30-2 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 10/30/1998 --- Rastanyev Dinner Last evening, several members from House Moritani and House Alvstad (including the elusive Count Cesare himself!) were seen entering the Rastanyev Embassy. According to a servant assigned to the dining room, the Lady Ivanova and her uncle, Yheffen, hosted a dinner for the honoured guests. The Alvstad delegation presented the Lady with what they claimed was a black pearl from their Homeworld, but in reality it turned out to be nothing more than a glorified ball of glass! What gall! What gumption! And the Rastanyev invited everyone, wasting a precious evening, to do nothing more than host a dinner! No strings were attatched, no politiking made! What nerve! If the Rastanyev want to host completely innocent dinners with absolutely no political connotation, they should open a restaurant. Continued in 'Rumors 1998/10/30-3' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- & Rumors 1998/10/30-3 ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated: 10/30/1998 --- Fly on the Wall The Palace servants are abuzz with gossip from the last Court. "Did you see the clamour in the Selamlik? Things seemed to be going along fine, his Majesty even seemed a bit bored by it all. Then that Harkonnen Baron got up on his hind legs, and bold as you please, asked his Majesty if the Sardaukar had come to a conclusion about the Ginaz bombing yet! As if that were any of his affair...Hmph, the sheer brass on those degenerates! Well, the Emperor was furious. He demanded to see the Baron at once in privacy. I don't know what they said, but that Baron looked apoplectic when he came out. I bet the Emperor chewed him out royally. The Emperor even had the Sardaukar escort him to his staffcar!" Continued in 'Rumors 1998/10/30-4' -------------------------------------------------------------------------