-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- (09-10-01) | Dune III House Alvstad Handbook | Dune III 2.0 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. History 1.1 Summary 1.2 Timeline 1.3 Recent History 2. House Character 2.1 Summary 2.2 Views on Religion 2.3 Views on Citizenry 2.3.1 Noblemen 2.3.2 Mariners 2.3.3 Commoners 2.4 Views on Governance of Alvstad Fiefs 2.4.1 The Bureau of Husbandry 2.4.2 The Alvstad Polymercantile 2.4.3 The Noble Alvstad Navy 2.5 Views on Governance of the Known Universe 2.5.1 The Imperial House 2.5.2 The Landsraad Congress 2.5.3 CHOAM 2.6 Views on Non-Landsraad Factions 3. Homeworld 3.1 Summary 3.2 Ecology 3.3 Economy 4. Protocols 4.1 House Insignia and Standards 4.2 Internal Protocols 4.3 Official Code of Conduct 4.4 Instructions for Interaction with the Houses Major 4.4.1 House Atreides 4.4.2 House Bajazet 4.4.3 House Ginaz 4.4.4 House Harkonnen 4.4.5 House Moritani 4.4.6 House Rastanyev 5. Faction Members 5.1 Family Members 5.2 Retainers, Staff, and Other Employees. 6. Contact Information -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 1. History --------------------------------------------- 1.1 Summary House Alvstad was not yet extant during either the Battle of Corrin or the ratification of the Great Convention. The Alvstad Mercantile was a family-cartel of bankers and industrialists who was promoted from House Minor status when, at the close of the third millennium, it bailed out the financially hopeless regime of Padishah Emperor Elrood V. In exchange for frigate-loads of hard currency, the Emperor strong-armed the Landsraad into voting House Alvstad into House Major status. Alvstad patriarch Gustav I was made Siridar-Baron of his homeworld, Alvsgaard; the title was later raised to Siridar-Viscount when Eilert III married the Emperor's grand-niece. Over the next seven millennia, House Alvstad established themselves as reliable bankers and sound investors, building up a strong economy and a sizable fortune. The history of House Alvstad is not a bloody chronicle of wars, heroes, and victories, but rather the quiet triumph of ledgers, commodities, and interest rates. --------------------------------------------- 1.2 Timeline After Guild (AG) 2788 Alvstad given House Major status; Gustav I given Barony of Alvsgaard. 6025 Siridar-Baron Eilert III made Siridar-Viscount. 9962 Gottfrid Alvstad born. 9993 Pers born to Lord Cho and Lady Inne Eskilsen. 9998 Nils Alvstad born to Viscount Gottfrid II Alvstad. 10,015 Gottfrid II dies, fiefdom goes to Viscount Nils IV. 10,021 Nils IV marries Lady Sofia Garamond. 10,029 Lady Sofia dies without producing heir. 10,030 Pers Eskilsen becomes Post Captain at Colvicoh. 10,045 Nils IV marries Lady Cecilia Philhellenes. 10,046 Pers Eskilsen marries Lady (hon.) Li T'rrin. 10,054 Jans Alvstad born to Viscount Nils and Lady Cecilia. 10,073 Jans is Pers's student at the Naval Training Academy. 10,076 Caeciliah born to Lord Iohannes Helmsgillar and Lady Saelma Poeg. 10,079 Fall of House Garamond. Nils adopts Lady Justine Garamond. 10,089 Lady Cecilia and Lady (hon.) Li die. 10,092 Nils IV enters coma, fiefdom goes to Viscount Jans II. 10,094 Pers resides on Kaitain for one year as Alvstad Warmaster. 10,096 Jans II assassinated while under arrest on Naval charges of mutiny. Provisional government established, led by Lord Iohannes and Lord High Admiral Pers. 10,097 Fiefdom goes to Viscount Pers I Eskilsen-Alvstad. --------------------------------------------- 1.3 Recent Events In the last hundred years, House Alvstad has remained prosperous and secure despite destabilizing factors in every direction. Many of the House's closest allies have suffered setbacks; most noticeably House Garamond, now dead save one daughter thanks to the rather complete actions of House Thorgod. The Moritani, another formerly close ally, have changed Counts so many times in past years that ties have understandably weakened. The gradual decline of the Viscount Nils IV into senility following the loss of his beloved wife Cecilia, the departure of Justine Garamond from the folds of the House that adopted her, and later the near-death state to which Nils IV fell pray have all rocked the inner circles of the Alvstad nobility and ruling circle. The most recent such incident has been the assassination of Jans II; however, the transition of power was smooth enough to suggest that it was the late Viscount's rule and not his death that was causing problems. With a former Warmaster no blood relation to the Family Alvstad now Imperially-named Siridar-Viscount, many despaired as to what should happen to House Alvstad. Oddly enough for outside observers, however, it would appear that the Viscount and many of Nils's old advisors are intent on preserving the characteristic Alvstad affluency and reserve that were so threatened, but never truly lost. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 2. House Character --------------------------------------------- 2.1 Summary The members of House Alvstad are, as a rule, cold, analytical, and professional. Even Alvst pyons are, with a few exceptions, practical and not subject to wild emotional swings; on Alvsgaard, it is considered uncouth to display one's emotions too openly. Although some have hypothesized that this is a genetic trait of the Alvst race, it is more commonly believed that the planet of Alvsgaard itself is responsible. Alvsgaard is cold, harsh, and depressing, and receives very little sunlight; a certain amount of emotional detachment is necessary for survival. Alvsgaard has some of the highest alcoholism and suicide rates in the Imperium, and many Alvst suffer from seasonal-affective-disorder. The Alvst generally tend to leave their emotions out of their practical lives, and it is considered a serious flaw to let emotion cloud one's reason. The primary concern of the Alvstad is economics, it being the game that they play best. The Alvstad are widely respected as bankers and investors, and are noted for their stable--if sometimes slow--returns. Highly prized are the virtues of moderation and frugality; House Alvstad is reluctant to flaunt its wealth or spend it on unnecessary luxuries. Discretion is considered the better part of valor, and slow growth is preferred to high-risk. House Alvstad is the current holder of a CHOAM Directorship, along with the spice-rich Moritani and the recently victorious soldiering Bajazet. --------------------------------------------- 2.2 Views on Religion Although the Alvstad family rarely speaks of religious matters, many Alvst pyons remain staunchly Orange Catholic. One of the original Fourteen Sages (C.E.T. delegates who never recanted), Gunnar Zeehund, came from Alvsgaard, and he has not been forgotten. In addition, the character of Orange Catholicism, with its appeal to reason and its dismissal of 'enthusiasm', appeals to their Alvst sensibilities. While many in the universe lambasted the C.E.T. for relying too heavily on reason, the Alvst cheered the victory of rationalism over romanticism. Despite the predominance of Orange Catholicism, pre-O.C. superstitions still survive, in diluted form, among the lowest classes of Alvst society. Before the Commission of Ecumenical Translators, Alvsgaard was the home of a widespread folk religion called Padh'Aom (The Way of the Aom). Although it was later blended with Orange Catholicism by Gunnar Zeehund, traces of pure Padh'Aom can still be seen in Alvst culture, notably a belief in Aom (usually translated as Fate, Destiny, or the Mandate of Heaven). The Alvst conception of Aom lies halfway between the ancient Chinese concept of "Ming" and the ancient Greek concept of "Anangke". Tarots, oracles, and various other forms of divination are still widely used, and the Alvst Zodiac has become common feature on restaurant placemats across the Empire. While the upper classes see this simply as superstitious fun, many in the lower classes still take divination seriously. Traces of Padh'Aom can be found in such O.C. scriptures such as "Sageliness consists of knowing the Mandate of God" (Analects 12:9) and "God is a process" (Commentaries IV, 6:17). --------------------------------------------- 2.3 Views on Citizenry At the head of Alvsgaard civilization sits House Alvstad, which owns almost all of the planet's capital and dry land. As the sole employer and the authority behind the Bureau of Husbandry (more on this later), House Alvstad exerts an enormous influence on the life of the ordinary Alvsgaardi (colloquially, Alvst) pyon. Aside from the standard nobleman/commoner split to be seen on most worlds throughout the Known Universe, Alvsgaard boasts a third demi-class of mariners, somewhere in between or beyond the previous two. --------------------------------------------- 2.3.1 Noblemen The noble classes of Alvsgaard all belong to one or more of an archaic system of Families, a bit more twisted than that seen on a macro-scale in the Landsraad. Inheritance is not solely based on primogeniture, but is instead reduced to an all-out battle to grant one Family dominance over others. Aside from the more common ways of doing so (marriage, assassination, etc.), there are odd loyalty permutations to this game that demand vigilance and a strict observance of the codes of conduct by the Families at all times. Most noblemen speak Galach in their homes, mostly stone manors built atop some of the larger archipelagos on Alvsgaard. They owe strict fealty to House Alvstad, and there has never been any challenge to this -- the House's regime is so powerful on Alvsgaard that to go renegade is too great a threat to even consider. In exchange for such loyalties, the Families are permitted to meet as the Senate of Noblemen, acting as a sort of back-up legislative body, dealing with whatever the Viscount deems irrelevant or an unsuitable use of his time. --------------------------------------------- 2.3.2 Mariners The mariners of Alvsgaard constitute the closest organization to a union that the economic-minded Alvstad Polymercantile would ever even consider allowing. To be sure, there are many bankers and economists who would sleep better knowing that the sailors were 'disbanded' as it were, but since there is really nothing tangible to disband, their hopes must go unfulfilled. Mariners often keep to themselves, and discourage snoopers through quite violent means if neccessary. Still, they work quite more efficiently than untrained commoners, accomplishing dangerous and difficult tasks. Thus, they are tolerated by both Nobleman and Commoner, although they are usually despised on the same breath. No doubt they are happy with this arrangement. --------------------------------------------- 2.3.3 Commoners Most lower-class Alvst are either fishermen or industrial laborers; most middle-class Alvst work in banking or commerce, usually for the Alvstad Polymercantile or one of it's branches. Most pyons speak the Alvsgaardi native language of viscous monosyllables which, to you or I, would sound like the Chinese improvising Mock Swedish while gargling thick liquids. In public, many speak the Galach-Alvst creole from which most proper names (Alvstad, Alvsgaard, Nils) derive; this has become, to a large extent, the language of business on Alvsgaard. Commoners lead mostly humble lives, although they do tend to be a bit more enlivened than Noblemen; alcoholism is a common pasttime, one of the many reasons that Alvst vodka has become so popular across the Known Universe, propogated by hundreds of Alvst businessmen despite the more conventional distillation process employed by the Rastanyev. --------------------------------------------- 2.4 Views on Governance of Alvstad Fiefs House Alvstad generally avoids the bureaucratic trappings of most governments -- that is to say, they have no positions such as High Minister of such-and-such that must be filled at any given time within their political hierarchy. Positions within the House itself come and go as pleases the Viscount; most bureaucracy takes place in organizations that seem, on first take, removed from the direct rule of the House. Alvstad fiefs are broken up into two distinct categories: hereditary and contractual. The hereditary fiefs consist of the Thanatos Quartus system and some other minor planets in nearby locations. Contractual systems are those won by CHOAM contract or traded for in high-stakes economic games in the Landsraad. The contractual systems are, more often than not, kept isolated, with one governor to oversee their efficiency. They are resources to be cared for in a distant sense, but to be utilized to their greatest capacity for the generation of profits (both short-term and long-term). The hereditary fiefs, of which Alvsgaard is the most prominant, are governed in a much more subtle manner. After all, these planets with their indigenous populations are the very heart of House Alvstad. Aside from the warmly paternalistic rule of the Viscount and the modicum of self-rule allowed for by the Senate of Noblemen, there are three arms through which House Alvstad rule over Alvsgaard: social, economic, and, inevitably, military. --------------------------------------------- 2.4.1 The Bureau of Husbandry Aside from its economic and military hold on the fief, House Alvstad maintains a great deal of social influence through the Bureau of Husbandry (in Alvst, mlo goekk), a massive bureaucracy with which the Alvst populace is held in check. To explain its power, one must first look to the early history of Alvsgaard. In the small, isolated island communities of early Alvsgaard, unchecked inbreeding led to congenital infirmities and genetic weakness. To prevent this, matchmaking authority was given to a single elder (goekk) whose only task was to keep track of breeding records, arrange safe matches, and determine the number of children each match should sire. This is, of course, not unusual; over the many millennia of human history, few young people are given a say in their marital future. As the small communities grew more interconnected, the elders grew from individual matchmakers into regional councils, and, over millennia, into today's enormous BoH. It is not required to acknowledge the authority of the BoH; it is, however, recommended and almost universally accepted. A child born of a non-BoH marriage does not receive the ident papers ("pedigree") that allow him access to decent work; he can obtain only the hardest, coldest, smelliest, and most dangerous jobs. The BoH also manages, by controlling the ways in which property is inherited, to keep each pyon at a fairly equal economic standing as his neighbor and at a low enough level that he cannot challenge Alvstad hegemony. (The complex economic consequences of BoH meddling will not be elaborated here, because of space considerations.) House Alvstad, as well as its lesser nobility, are exempt from BoH regulations. From time to time, however, the mlo goekk still 'heartily encourages' certain proscriptions amongst the upper echelons. --------------------------------------------- 2.4.2 The Alvstad Polymercantile The Alvstad Polymercantile is the gargantuan incarnation of House Alvstad's former tenure as a House Minor of bankers and economists. Organized somewhat like a miniature CHOAM, it functions flawlessly on Alvsgaard, overseeing every transaction made, every wage payed, every good exchanged. Because House Alvstad is the sole employer on Alvsgaard, the supremacy of the Polymercantile is, simply put, never at risk. The larger corporations on Alvsgaard, such as Vorus Fishworks or Molvaer Industrial, have a good say in the Polymercantile's business, but that is held in complete check by the 'men in grey,' the Polymercantile's operatives that buzz all over everything that House Alvstad touches. With such complete monitoring, no build-up of power can occur on Alvsgaard without the Viscount becoming accutely aware of it. For its part, the Polymercantile plays down this viewpoint as the result of one too many saguavids and an inclination for conspiracy theories. Instead, its public image is that of a microcosm of the CHOAM company that rules over the all-mighty Solari throughout the Known Universe. --------------------------------------------- 2.4.3 The Noble Alvstad Navy More of a political arena than a military one, the Noble Alvstad Navy has always been a governmental organization in the fullest sense of the word. Although it swears allegience to the Viscount Alvstad, it is often unabashed in delivering its viewpoints to the inner councils of House Alvstad. Entry is restricted to the nobility of Alvsgaard almost exclusively; the grunts who make up the little-trained infantry corps are referred by the Bureau of Husbandry. The military operations of the Navy are twofold. Its oldest function is to patrol the oceans of Alvsgaard, protecting transports and archipelagos from the rather nasty local fauna. A secondary measure has always been to check smuggling, but this duty became most developed only when the Navy began extensive space-faring duties as well. At present, the well-armed Noble Alvstad Navy frigates have the best record of eliminating shrinkage on CHOAM contracts throughout the Known Universe. Vessels in the Navy are either denoted as HES (His Excellency's Ship) for seagoing ships, or V/V (Viscount's Vessel) for space worthy frigates. Graduates of the Navy's Training Academy on Alvsgaard can expect tours of duty in both environments. --------------------------------------------- 2.5 Views on Governance of the Known Universe Intellectually, House Alvstad understands that it is nothing more than a cog in the workings of a vast universe. It does not often dwell on this fact, however, as feelings of inadequacy are bad for business. The higher powers-that-be are given their due, but organizations in which the House has notable sway are often disproportionately ranked in importance in the House's affairs. The autocracy that has been the hallmark of all the Lords of Alvsgaard plays a role in this: House Alvstad likes to be on top. An Alvst Emperor is a lofty goal, but one to which the House has aspired from time to time. Until that time, dominance in CHOAM and Landsraad keep it satisfied. --------------------------------------------- 2.5.1 The Imperial House Most of House Alvstad's advancements in prestige or rank have been the direct result of positive interaction with the Padishah Emperors of House Corrino. However, rather than endearing it to the Lion Throne, this realization makes the House ever wary of deals with the Emperor. Delivering rewards for services rendered is the way a master would train a pet; thus, the House stands against Imperial advancement whenever it can safely do so. Dependence on Imperial favors is easily one of the worse fates that could befall House Alvstad. While the Spacing Guild may be more powerful, though, the Corrinos will not hesitate to use their clout against any who stand against them. Thus, politeness and, on occasion, unabashed synchopantic behaviour, are warranted when dealing with the Emperor's House. Especially in dealing with House Corrino, it is best to keep the famed Alvstad fortune where the House's mouth is; gifts work wonders, and are subtle reminders of the first service ever rendered by an Alvstad to a Corrino. --------------------------------------------- 2.5.2 The Landsraad Congress Many external analysts find it odd that a House as totalitarian as Alvstad would support the Landsraad's independence from Imperial hegemony as strongly as it does. While Houses like Harkonnen and Moritani (historically close Alvstad allies) choose to support the Emperor in order to support the principle which keeps them in power, House Alvstad prefers to promote the protective agency which keeps them in power. Thus, Landsraad interests are championed over Imperial ones whenever possible. While House Alvstad is not the most politically influential House in the Congress, its viewpoints and fortune often go very far in recruiting the appropriate friendships needed to press Landsraad matters in the correct direction. --------------------------------------------- 2.5.3 CHOAM The Combine Honette Ober Advancer Mercantiles are the blood of the universe as far as House Alvstad is concerned. Throughout its history, the House has maintained a close association with the internal affairs of CHOAM, and its reputation and track record of fiscal responbility and able management of contractual fiefs has assured that House Alvstad has been strongly influential in all CHOAM matters. More often than not, this involves holding a Directorship with the company to oversee standard affairs and contracts. --------------------------------------------- 2.6 Views on Non-Landsraad Factions House Alvstad has maintained good relations with the Bene Gesserit, who, for reasons unknown to the House, often request that certain young ladies of breeding be trained as sisters. They often request the use of the Bureau's genealogical library; the purpose for this is also unknown. As of late, the Bene Gesserit have been getting a little too greedy as to whom they request; recently they asked for a daughter of a minor noble. (The young lady did, however, accept.) The Bene Tleilax are distrusted and feared on Alvsgaard, and are seen as polluters and spoilers of the pristine Alvst genetic material. The Spacing Guild is held in very high regard; House Alvstad is dependent on the Guild to provide the transportation and shipping that the Alvstad Mercantile requires. The Ixians are tolerated, inasmuch as they provide necessary technological equipment for mining and refining processes. Smugglers, however, are not tolerated in the least, House Alvstad being intimately connected with the CHOAM Company. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 3. Homeworld --------------------------------------------- 3.1 Summary House Alvstad hails from the planet Alvsgaard (Thanatos Quartus), a cold, watery world slightly larger and more massive than old Terra. The surface is roughly 95% water, with most of the land scattered among rocky archipelagos. Dry land is at a premium and very expensive; conditions are crowded and many of the larger cities have entire quarters (called "buoyant neighborhoods" or, sometimes, "floating slums") that are tied fast to the shoreline and extend up to several miles out from shore. Many Houses Major boast of their homeworlds as paradise planets, full of lush vegetation, long summers, and clear blue oceans. House Alvstad is not one of these. Thanatos Quartus is cold, stormy, and receives comparatively little sunlight. The oceans are dark, murky, and filled with unpleasant creatures with pointy teeth. To some, it is a beautiful planet, and in many ways it is; it has an austere, forbidding beauty about it, like the polar regions of more temperate planets. But it's no Caladan, and no one spends their vacation on Alvsgaard or goes there to retire. Only the planet's notable mineral, fossil, and aquacultural wealth make it desirable for habitation. --------------------------------------------- 3.2 Ecology Although the oceans are bountiful and marine life plentiful, the dry land on Alvsgaard is rocky, barren, and useful mainly for standing on and tying things to. It is ill-suited for agriculture, and most food comes from the sea. The local diet consists mainly of fish, seafood, and a shallow-water grain similar to rice. Offworld contracts provide luxuries such as spices and citrus fruits. The indigenous animals of Alvsgaard, such as the whale shrimp, the dodecapus, and the brine squid, are considered delicacies in certain parts of the empire, but are becoming more and more rare due to over-hunting and the introduction of offworld species like tuna, salmon, and halibut. Overall, however, much of the ecological diversity of Alvsgaard has been preserved despite strong pressures from invasive species. Several planetologists have expressed a strong interest in studying this adynamic equilibrium. --------------------------------------------- 3.3 Economy The land, or rather the sea floor, is rich in fossil fuels and radioactive ores; offshore drilling and seafloor mining provide abundant revenues. Most of the existing dry land is utilized for refineries and mills. Over the last several millennia, focus has shifted from raw materials to more finished goods; for example, exports of crude oil have gone down as exports of other petroleum products have skyrocketed. Food exports have decreased in recent years in an effort to conserve the unique fauna of Alvsgaard. Approximately three centuries ago, it was discovered that the ink of the brine squid was a natural contraceptive; squid ink has since become one of Alvsgaard's most lucrative exports. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 4. Protocols --------------------------------------------- 4.1 House Insignia and Standards The official seal of House Alvstad depicts a circlet of three teal fish facing clockwise, superimposed on a blue background with a wavy stripe of silver across the middle of the shield. Often times, the words "Fortune Passes Everywhere" are emblazoned on a banner across the bottom of the device, quoted from a letter sent by Gustav I to the Emperor Elrood V. For more common use, however, the badge of House Alvstad - a single teal fish across a silver wavy stripe - is employed. This is often found on House uniforms or at the top of less important memos. House colors are, by convention, teal and gray. --------------------------------------------- 4.2 Internal Protocols House Alvstad is amongst one of the more formal Houses of the Landsraad, and this applies as much internally as it does externally. There is a strict hierarchy within the House, with the Viscount and his family at the top, the Noblemen below him ranked in order of family importance and holdings, then the commoners of rank and lastly servants. Deference is expected when dealing with those higher than you, and those below are due the respect warranted by their lineage and record of service. Little familiarity is brooked, save in the most private of settings; type +sheet to see the proper form of address for any player. One will note, however, that Alvstad forms of address tie very intimately with the duties of the person in question; flowery titles for the sake of flowery titles are rejected, and so it is generally thought overbearing to address the Viscount as "Your Excellency," which denotes very little, in the place of "Lord Viscount." As Alvsts are typically quite reserved, indulging in emotions of any sort is considered uncouth. In fact, such behavior is often more tolerated when dealing with the out-freyn, as they are quite often disturbed by the cool Alvstad façade. Protracted internal arguments are simply not tolerated; grievances should be settled with the proper forms, including formal writs of challenge should the involved parties not resolve the conflict. Such challenges occur frequently amongst Noblemen on Alvsgaard, and the same rules are expected to apply. Overall, the Viscount expects each member of his staff to act with dignity at all times. Failure to do so will result in strict disciplining should the offense be mild, and termination of employment should it be more serious. --------------------------------------------- 4.3 Official Code of Conduct Unlike some of the more relaxed Houses, House Alvstad's internal code of conduct is so strict that its external code of conduct is roughly the same. House members are expected to behave with dignity and show respect where it is due. In any group, all Alvsts should do their best to exemplify the qualities that set the House apart: reserve, elegance, and a non-boastful affluence. In diplomatic encounters, ambassadors are encouraged to "be warm" to foreigners, in order to less subtly demonstrate common goals and amiability. It goes without saying, of course, that such behavior should be discarded whenever it is not necessary, as upholding stereotypical Alvstad reserve is just as important as amiability when dealing with foreign Houses. --------------------------------------------- 4.4 Instructions for Interaction with the Houses Major --------------------------------------------- 4.4.1 House Atreides The Atreides view of politics in the Known Universe is remarkably similar to our own, and as such they are viewed as political allies whenever interests coincide. Their popularity within the Landsraad makes them suspect, however; a popular ally is generally the first to feel it no longer benefits from good relations. Particularly of concern is that the present Siridar-Duchess, Margot Atreides, has made herself out to be quite different from the old Siridar-Duke Praxton, whose mores and values were very close to our own. The Duchess seems intent on sowing seeds of discord between House Harkonnen and the rest of the Landsraad; be on guard when dealing with Atreides diplomatic staff, and report any information back that may be useful when dealing with the Baron Harkonnen's House. --------------------------------------------- 4.4.2 House Bajazet Our dealings with House Bajazet have been necessarily limited due to their prolonged conflict with House Harkonnen over the Malarca system. Treat them with respect in private, and keep in mind that they have earned a CHOAM Directorship through their able management of III Delta Kaising. When in the company of both Harkonnens and Bajazet, however, it is often wisest to ignore the latter after a politely formal greeting. --------------------------------------------- 4.4.3 House Ginaz House Ginaz's kanly with House Moritani has necessarily placed them at a distance from House Alvstad; it is with distaste that we must also note the incompetence of their former Siridar-Marquis, Steffan Lear, in dealing with insurgencies on their homeworld of Marcinko. While the new Marquis, Jacob Ginaz, appears much more capable and the kanly with Moritani has concluded, the continual buildup of the Ginaz military makes us wary. Their strong alliance with the popular Atreides also cannot be ignored; it is best to remain neutral with them for the time being. --------------------------------------------- 4.4.4 House Harkonnen The Harkonnens have proven themselves to be our closest allies amongst the Landsraad. Despite slightly differing political views and drastically different cultures, Houses Alvstad and Harkonnen remain close friends. Nothing should be done to endanger this, and warm familiarity is warranted when dealing with most of the Baron's staff. As the Harkonnen family has shown itself to be possessed of certain oddities and peculiarities, do not hesitate to bow out of awkward situations -- but always have a good excuse at the ready, and be prepared to pay for your weakness of heart. --------------------------------------------- 4.4.5 House Moritani Houses Alvstad and Moritani have long shared a mutually beneficial alliance, although the recent instability within that House has dulled ties somewhat. The Countess Ophelia, while a wise businesswoman and competent Siridar, is often quick to fall prey to emotional vagrancy; politeness and reserve are warranted in dealing with any member of House Moritani on formal business. Closer ties with this House are highly desirable, and one should not hesitate to speak fondly during personal interaction with the Contessa's staff. --------------------------------------------- 4.4.6 House Rastanyev Relationships with House Rastanyev have been strained over past years, though this may be attributed quite easily to the shady mannerisms of the late Viscount Alvstad and the stubbornness of the Earl Rastanyev. Dealings with the Lady Regent Ekaterina have been quite pleasant, however, and the Rastanyev are seen as distant friends of the House at this time, despite widely different political views. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 5. Faction Members --------------------------------------------- 5.1 Family Members SIRIDAR-VISCOUNT PERS I ESKILSEN-ALVSTAD -- Although the former Warmaster has no blood ties whatsoever to House Alvstad, he was born into a Noble Family (one whose prestige increased significantly after his string of successes in the Noble Alvstad Navy). When the Senate of Noblemen were faced with the decision between the High Admiral and the Lord Ambassador Iohannes Helmsgillar, they chose Pers (most probably because of his ties to the Navy that placed Jans under arrest to begin with). However, the new Viscount has not resorted to the common characteristics of a military coup, perhaps because the Noble Alvstad Navy is so unconventional to begin with. He has continued to work with the Lord Iohannes to restore House Alvstad to its former standards of fortitude, reserve, and quiet elegance. The greatest task now facing the aging man is the choice of how to continue the Alvstad line. ----------------------------------------------------------- 4.2 Retainers, Staff, and Other Employees. IOHANNES HELMSGILLAR -- Heir to two of the most influential Families on Alvsgaard, Helmsgillar by birth and Poeg by marriage, the Lord Iohannes has been an Ambassador in the Alvsgaard service since the days of Nils IV. He has served the House exceptionally well; as Nils slipped into senility and later his coma, Iohannes was quite essential in maintaining Alvstad stability. He took a prolonged sabbatical during the heydey of the rule of Jans II Alvstad, a Viscount not much-loved by the traditionalist noblemen of whom Iohannes was a model representative. After Jans's assassination, however, the Lord Ambassador returned, and has become a critical member of the new Viscount's administrative regime, serving as Ambassador to the Imperial House. CAECILLIAH HELMSGILLAR -- Daughter of the Lord Iohannes, the Lady Caecilliah has had a rather unfortunate life; her mother, Saelma Poeg, only daughter of an extremely powerful sacerdotal family that outdates House Alvstad itself, died as she was born. As such, she has been looked on with something shy of love by her family. She was married at a young age to a nobleman on Alvsgaard, spending her days in the pursuits of Alvsgaardi noblewomen: the fine and performing arts, needlework, and the recreational drug yefeah. Her husband died quite soon, however, and she was once again left in the care of a distant family. Recently, she has been summoned by her father to Kaitain to reside at the Alvstad Estate; her Galach has improved steadily, and with the bond between father and daughter growing as well, it would appear that her darkest days are over. LENA ANDRAGORAS -- The heiress of the Family Andragoras of planet Radek, Lena left her younger brother Lothar as Count of Radek to hone her diplomatic skills in the service of the much larger House Alvstad. She first joined Jans's service when then-Admiral Pers first ventured to Kaitain for a brief one-year tenure. Her skills, born in part from an inherently inquisitive yet secretive nature and in part from brief Bene Gesserit schooling, have served the House in many an incident. She has become an Ambassador without Portfolio recently, in order that her services may be freely applied where needed. RAVN VANVIDD -- While technically a failed mentat, Master Vanvidd has passed the main core of mentat schooling, finding difficulty only in Advanced Mathematics. This meant that his wages were significantly less than a standard mentat, making him an excellent find for House Alvstad. Ravn was eventually employed as an outpost governor, and had the good fortune to survive an extended siege, making his portfolio quite impressive indeed. He has recently come to Kaitain to take charge of Estate and Embassy security as Master of Assassins. ACELIN KESI -- Born into a family well-placed within the bureaucracy of the mysterious Mlo Goekk, Acelin filled her mother's shoes and took up employment in the Bureau of Husbandry. She has always performed her duties as a breeding master with detached professionalism and a drive to accomplish the requisite duties, making her an excellent addition to the Bureau's staff. As a new, more ambitious Chief Goekk has assumed charge of the social organization, Acelin has been posted as Senior Mistress of Mating and Procreation on Kaitain, with special instructions to place pressure on the Viscount and his noblemen. RAGNAR HEGEL -- Ragnar Hegel was born to a small but respected family of nobles on Alvsgaard. Having entered into a notable civilian school at a young age, he was found to be an excellent orator and writer; without much of a pause, he was enticed to join the Alvstad diplomatic corps. After several years of general assignments and a number of published papers which attracted a good deal of interest from House Alvstad and beyond, Ragnar began to study House Harkonnen in great detail, it being one of the few Alvstad allies to not face severe instability or destruction within the past century. After it became clear that his observations were invaluable to the Alvstad diplomatic corps, he was posted as official Ambassador to House Harkonnen. FARAKER ORNSTADT -- As the son of a very prosperous fishing family on Alvsgaard, Faraker had access to a superior education at the hands of personal tutors. Despite his family's inclination towards commerce and economics, Faraker chose to pursue a career in political science and interplanetary diplomacy; this resulted in a bit of a split. Although he is considered somewhat beyond the pale by the Family Ornstadt, he nonetheless bears the privelages of a nobleman, and has made quite a name for himself in the Alvstad diplomatic corps. At present, he serves as a general Liason to the Landsraad Congress. ADZI TWYCROSS KESHAN -- Adzi Keshan is a commoner by birth, born in a floating slum on Alvsgaard, who proved herself through sterling service to House Alvstad. Having received both the Coral and Sapphire Crosses for fortitude in combat, she has been reassigned to the Ambassadorial Guard, one of the more decorated guard services in the Viscount's employ. Her duties now call for a diplomatic bearing and adaptation to a new way of life far from the oceans of Alvsgaard that she was wont to call home. KARIK AVONTE -- The adopted son of a rather simple fishing family on Alvsgaard, Karik has advanced considerably in life. After pulling himself up by the bootstraps throughout Alvst society in the only way possible, ruthless economic self-advancment, he has become the Inestimable Representative of the Hundred Concerns -- the emmisary of non-conglomerate Alvst businessmen to House Alvstad. He runs his own merchant company as well, neccessitating many a trip offworld to rather odd, and sometimes shady, locales. MAIA JERITZA -- A minor noble by birth, Maia Jeritza entered into the service of House Alvstad mostly at the wishes of her parents, who sought to dull the wild streak they saw in the child. In one of the few such stories with happy endings, Maia has served well enough to have become the Viscount's majordomo, a highly trusted advisor. KLAUDE TORDARSSON -- Klaude Tordarson was born into a rich aquacultural family on Alvsgaard; it was thus that his family was able to pay for expensive Suk schooling after his elder siblings had assumed fiscal responsibility for Tordarsson Aquatics. The Doctor's primary service has traditionally been seeing after the comatose Nils IV, though in recent years, the former Viscount's condition has been so complete that the Doctor has taken on many other duties as well. KADE SARENTEGO -- Tragedy recently struck House Sarentego, leaving young Kade in full charge of his family's Estate. The right-hand man of the late Viscount Jans, he remains on Kaitain mostly as a favor towards his family; though he has much to learn about ruling, he has shown promise. He is frequently seen about the Imperial City. GAZDI JORVIK'ARR -- Gazdi Jorvik'arr is one of the few remaining full Padh'Aom sages in the Known Universe. A hermit from quite a young age, the famous recluse has come to Kaitain for private reasons of spiritual journey; he was offered full hospitality by Pers, and is considered to be an honored guest of the Viscount's. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 6. Contact Information If you have questions about or would like to join House Alvstad, please send @mail to Pers or Iohannes. You can reach us via email at house_alvstad@hotmail.com if you so desire. Be sure to +bbread 21 on the MUSH for a listing of current openings.