-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- (02-12-06) | Dune III House Ispartha 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 Commoners 2.4 Views on Governance of Isparthian Fiefs 2.4.1 The Anava 2.4.2 The Isparthian Military 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 Krisatora 3.1 Summary 3.2 Ecology 3.3 Economy 3.4 Tora 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 5. Faction Members 5.1 Family Members 5.2 Retainers, Staff, and Other Employees. 6. Contact Information -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 1. History --------------------------------------------- 1.1 Summary House Ispartha was officially recognized by Emperor Wallach I and granted House Major status in 392 A.G. No one is quite sure what prompted the status change from House Minor of Corrino to House Major. There are of course rumors about the help of the Isparthians in removing Saudir III from power due to their being and Isparthian in Saudir III's harem and one of Saudir III's favorites. The Lady Maria Ispartha was the twin sister of the Isparthian Siridara Lady Giani Ladora Ispartha and was given titles and was given one of Ispartha's agricultural planetoids to run after Saudir III's death. There are also rumors that the Lady Giani Ispartha was a favorite of Wallach I himself as the award of House Major status came only five months after he attended one of their famous bruhahas. Neither the Corrinos or the Isparthians seem to remember the exact details of what happened. Over the next several millenia, House Ispartha stayed pretty much to themselves and other then random trade, stayed isolated on their home world of Krisatora. They are known for fabulous fabrics from their farming techniques, their sinfully decadent deserts, their love of music and entertaining, and their devotion to family. --------------------------------------------- 1.2 Timeline After Guild (AG) 392 Ispartha given House Major status; Giani Ladora Ispartha given Barony of Krisatora 393 Siridar-Baronness Giani Ladora Ispartha made Siridar-Countess 395 Lady Maria Ispartha given title of Viscountess and control of agricultural production on Ispartha 400 Ispartha slips into a state of isolationalism 483 Siridar-Countess Giani Ispartha dies of old age 1,487 The Corrinos shift the Imperial Seat to Kaitain 1,500 Ispartha is awarded an embassy on Kaitain which they staff with Ambassadors 10,085 Guilietta Moira Ispartha is born 10,100 War of Assassins begun with House Dugart a bordering system. Declared that twenty assassins per house will be committed and once the last of these 20 assassins has been killed the war will be over and the house with the living assassins the victors 10,107 Guilietta Moira Ispartha named Siridar-Countess as her mother passes in childbirth of twins 10,109 Siridar-Countess Guilietta marries Count Vesh Rajko House Mentat Master of Assassins and one of the 20 committed to the War of Assassins 10,110 Najda Tsura Ispartha born and to Guilietta and Vesh and named heir 10,111 Count Vesh Rajko kills the last of House Dugart's 20 assassins and is wounded by a poisoned blade in the process. House Ispartha wins the War of Assassins though Count Vesh passes away shortly after victory is declared. 10,113 Year of no spice - Ispartha runs through much of their stashed supply and maintains what Isparthian's call the Minimal Year where even nobels did all they could to conserve spice to only what was needed on order of the Countess 10,114 Rim Lords begin their quest for Soverign status and begin hording food and ores 10,115 Ispartha feels the pinch of the food shortage, especially when Guilietta's closest cousin, Viscount Luca Aziz (descendant of Viscountess Maria), dies due to starvation. Guilietta kicks the Ambassadors out of the embassy on Kaitain and brings the family there. 10,117 Lady Lina Valentina Ispartha, younger sister of Countess Guilietta Maura Ispartha, given to Emperor Tannhauser Olemuan Harkonnen in the gift of a Concubine. --------------------------------------------- 1.3 Recent History In the last hundred years, House Ispartha has spent remained rather isolated, preferring to keep to themselves they have maintained even more of a xenophobic culture then the Alvstad. Due to the economic sanctions by the worlds on the outer rim (Those belonging to the group that call themselves the League of Soveriegn Worlds), House Ispartha has felt the pinch of starvation. With no close allies due to their keeping distant from all other Houses there was not much for the House to do then to open their doors to other worlds. Countess Guilietta pulled the Ambassadorial staff from the Embassy in Kaitain and loaded some of her brothers and sisters into a transport and to Kaitain. Following the traditions set by her ancestors, the Countess Guilietta met in private with the new Emperor and there came relief supplies sent to Krisatora within the month. Even her own house questioned how she was able to pull off such a feat. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 2. House Character --------------------------------------------- 2.1 Summary The members of House Ispartha are, warm, emotional, devoted to their family, superstitious, and heavy into their house traditions. They are somtimes viewed through the eyes of the romanticism as the last "wyld" house. To others this House seems wild and unconventional and best left in isolation lest they lure proper citizens to their unconventional methods. They enjoy their fun, but when it's time to get serious they are quick to unite. The world that they come to is not very industrialized. Krisatora is a lush forested world. The cities on Krisatora are floating cities in order to keep the environment pristine and so that the cities can be moved if needed. The primary concern of the Isparthians is agriculture (mercantile), cooking and family. They are a peaceful community. The closest they come to military strength is their very strong espionage teaching. Spies from Ispartha are the best that can be had for the money beside a face dancer, of course. They are also respected for their music and dance. They hold no CHOAM contracts, but with the family's arrival on Kaitain all of this could change... --------------------------------------------- 2.2 Views on Religion The Ispartha family does not even pretend to hold any sway to the Orange Catholic religion. They worship a Goddess Danae known also as the "Great Mother" or "Mother Protector". The superstitious nature of the Isparthians are often misunderstood as odd idiocyncrisies when they are truly traditions enforced through religion. The worship of Danae is an oral tradition passed on by religious leaders known as drabardi. The drabardi are divided into three different sections. Those who are the communication links to Danae are called the Draba. Those who are the healers are called the Drabarda. The last section are those who communicate with the spirits and they are called the Bardi. The Draba lead ceremonial festivities, chants, songs, and tell the fortunes when the Goddess has a message to give through the reading of herbs or stones. The Drabarda are the Isparthian Suks. They are trained in all forms of medicine but are best known for their abilities with natural healings. The Bardi assist with those who pass from life into death as well as the ceremonies around death. They also communicate with the passed spirits. Bardi cleanse areas of all evil spirits, making them safe to pass. --------------------------------------------- 2.3 Views on Citizenry The Ispartha Family views themselves as the protectors and providers of the people. Citizens of Krisatora and the surrounding planetoids pay deep respect to their Countess and her family but the family does not disdain the peasants of Ispartha as do some other Houses. The Ispartha Keep is the only keep part of the city that is firmly attached to the ground. The gardens are open to citizens at all time of the day and night. Once a year a grand bruhaha is thrown in the keep for all citizens to attend and no work is done for a week. This celebration is held at the end of Harvest Season on Krisatora. There is also a bruhaha thrown in honor of the Siridar's heir coming of age as this day means that the citizens will not go without a leader. --------------------------------------------- 2.3.1 Noblemen The noble classes of Krisatora and its system planets are typically related in some fashion to the ruling family. As of yet the house has been very careful to keep from inbreeding though if they don't begin marrying outside of the House the Nobility may soon run out of options. Inheritance is not solely based on birth order, the eldest inheriting title and then other gifts being doled out to the others in the birth order, such as lands, duty, and position. It is common for a Siridars advisors to be her siblings as they would hold the highest positions. Most noblemen speak Tora in their homes, floating manses above their crop fields if they are in the agricultural district or in the floating cities. The Noble classes (like all citizens) are loyal to House Ispartha and do have better position, title, and property then others. However, you will typically find the noble in charge of the field of linen out in the field with the others. Though they gain the greatest reward, they never leave it to others to do all the work while they sit back. Some think it's because they don't consider themselves truly separate from the common Isparthians. Others, however, feel they do it because they would simply get bored if they did not. --------------------------------------------- 2.3.2 Commoners Most lower-class Isparthians are either farmers, musicians or dancers. Many of them never leave Krisatora. Most of the middle- class work in restaurants or catering businesses or own small farms themselves. In public and in private, all Isparthians speak Tora Theere is no distinguish between the level of income and the language. Commoners lead mostly humble lives, typically they have homes in the floating citites. Some live in community housing where multiple families live under one roof though their dwelling is separated from others by walls. Isparthians are very social people and this is actually a preferred method of living by the commoners There are many dancehalls and music halls. There is always a concert going on or a dance on each street. When night falls on Krisatora the sky lights up as the entertainment business begins. --------------------------------------------- 2.4 Views on Governance of Isparthian Fiefs House Ispartha 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 Countess; most bureaucratic positions are assigned by the incoming Siridar and are typically given to brothers and sisters. The hereditary fiefs consist of the Krisatora system and some other minor planets in nearby locations. Typically Ispartha stays away from CHOAM contracts or the economic games of the Landsraad. The fiefs are governed in a direct manner. The rule is by word of the Count/Countess who uses her Councel of Advisors to assist in law making. This keeps the advisors of the Siridar, thus the Family Ispartha, in control of all fiefs. Those that been assigned to noble title are encouraged to run their given areas based on the laws of the Siridar. Commoners are allowed to come before the Siridar during monthly court sessions and may call into question their ruling noble in which case one or more of the Siridar's Advisors would be sent on an inquisition to determine if the laws are being obeyed or the commoners are being taken advantage of in any way. The nobles are not informed of the arrival before it occurs. --------------------------------------------- 2.4.1 The Anava The Anava, translated into Imperial Common as "The Forgotten" are the espionage specialists of House Ispartha. Their schooling begins inside the Isparthian Keep on the grounds of Krisatora but continues throughout the system. The Anava are trained in one on one combat, poisons, languages, the art of breaking and entering (without actually breaking), pick-pocketting, stealing, lip-reading, and other techniques. The college is run by The Master of the Anava (Master of Assassins), who is also a graduate of the college. Though schooling cannot begin until the child has reached 16 years of age, specialized schools that will teach some basic skills do exist. Going to these schools also increases a person's chance of being admitted to the College of the Anava. It typically takes 12 years to become one of the Anava, 18 years to become one of the Siridar's preferred Anava and 25 years to become a Master of the Anava. The Isparthians tend not to use Mentats. --------------------------------------------- 2.4.2 The Isparthian Military The Isparthian Military is more a group of bodyguards and security members fiercly protective of their charge. They tend to be very "hands-on" in their defense then other houses. Military training occurs on a floating citadel that constantly moves around so the location is only known by military leaders. The Isparthian WarMaster is in charge of determining where and when to move the citadel. The military operations are twofold. The Citadel not only is the training ground of the military, it also patrols the skies of Krisatora, protecting transports and the floating cities as well as the Isparthian Keep. Entrance into the Citadel is allowed at age 16. Typical soldats (slodiers) are turned out in 5 years. Low-level Officers are turned out in 10 years. Second rank officers take an additional 5 years in the field. High ranking officers take an additional 10 years after coming out in the field. WarMasters take 15 of specialized training instead of regular training and another 15 years in the field. --------------------------------------------- 2.5 Views on Governance of the Known Universe The Isparthians tend to view "governance" as their way of running things and everything else as inadequate. They tend to try to put things into their mode of thinking to make sense of it. So the Landsraad is like the Council of Advisors and the Imperial Throne is like the Count/ess. As originally Ispartha was a Minor House of the Corrino they tend to still offer some favoritism towards the Throne. Since the return of the Isparthians to Kaitain it seems like they have been vying for a position of power. In 10117 Lina Valentina Ispartha, one of the younger sisters of Countess Guilietta Ispartha, was offered to the Emperor Tannhauser Olemuan Harkonnen as a Concubine to the Emperor. --------------------------------------------- 2.5.1 The Imperial House House Ispartha would still be a House Minor if it were not for the Imperial House. In their eyes, as long as the Imperial House protects them and helps them in the ways that members of the Isparthian family help and protect their citizens, they will support them. The Isparthians tend to give gifts when favors are given to them and their gifts tend to be better or last longer then the original favor. Thus the question arises, why did the Countess Ispartha give her own sister to the Emperor in 10,117? --------------------------------------------- 2.5.2 The Landsraad Congress House Ispartha prefers to promote the Congress as a protective agency which works like the Council of Advisors on Ispartha. They support the Congress in creating and enforcing the laws that govern the Imperium because it would be most difficult and time consuming for the throne to have all of that responsibility. They are subtle in their preferences though, leaving most Houses to wonder if they support the Landsraad or the Throne more. The true answer, of course, is they support whatever will benefit their House most at the time. --------------------------------------------- 2.5.3 CHOAM House Ispartha typically does not have dealings with CHOAM as they feel it gives away their autonomy to depend on a contract that can be taken away. As they stay on Kaitain though, they learn the true power behind the CHOAM contracts. --------------------------------------------- 2.6 Views on Non-Landsraad Factions House Ispartha has not maintained relations with the Bene Gesserit. They hold a healthy wariness and fear of the Bene Gesserit with the rumors that they can read your mind. As the Isparthians favor their ability to keep things hidden the ability of someone else to take that information, even if the information is not damaging in any way, scares them. The Bene Thaliax are looked upon with mixed feelings. The Isparthians understand the need to do things "their own way" but do not trust that the BT are rumored to twist the natural world to their own sort of disturbed wants and needs. As creatures who go out of their way to protect their own natural world it seems sad and scary that anyone would purposefully destroy what Dana has given to them. Smugglers are people running outside of the norm and trying to find a way of life. They have their purpose and as they are not truly harming anyone the Isparthians have no distaste for them. The main benefit of smugglers is that they teach Houses hwo to better their own security. If smugglers get the better of the House, the House deserved it and now should take the time to make sure it doesn't happen again. Of course if their actions hurt the people, then they must pay the price. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 3. Homeworld --------------------------------------------- 3.1 Summary House Ispartha hails from the planet Krisatora, a lush forested world dotted with fields for farming and large mountain-fed lakes. They have four main oceans and 3 main continents as well as multitudes of islands. The main living is done above the tree line in floating cities. There are also some families living in tree houses or hover-caravans (floating mobile homes). The Isparthian Keep is set on the actual ground as a permanent structure. It is a beautiful planet, but typically off limits to those not invited. The outer planets do not have floating cities as they never had the need to take to the skies. They do practice strict conservationalism just as those on Krisatora do. --------------------------------------------- 3.2 Ecology Due to the environmental attitude of the Isparthians, the land is kept quite fertile and thus continues to put forth generous amounts of agriculture. There tend to be many earthquakes though which is part of what prompted the people to take to the skies. Earth shaking does no damage to a floating city. This move has actually saved much money for the Isparthians as they are no longer spending such money on rebuilding. The areas where the land-based cities used to reside are seen today as ruins that are often a favorite picnic spot for horseback riders wandering about through the forests. Krisatora may be one of the last truly pristine wilderness areas left that is run by a House Major and lived upon. --------------------------------------------- 3.3 Economy The land and oceans are rich in in nutrients. No mining has been done on Krisatora, though mining is done on one of its satalite moons for metal ores to keep up with the House's basic needs though most ore needs are traded for off-world. The agricultural industry provides for textiles that are lusted for by other worlds: silks, linens, and even satins are made by from the fields here. As well as sugar, flour, cacoa, vanilla, fruits and many other ingredients used by the famous chefs of Krisatora in making their decadent deserts. --------------------------------------------- 3.4 Tora Tora is the official language of House Ispartha. They tend to speak phrases and quotes using the language often without thinking. Here is lexicon for phrases that can be used during RP: Yekka buliasa nashti beshes pe done grastende -- With one being you cannot sit on two horses. Mashkar le gajende leski shib si le Romenski zor -- Surrounded by outfreyn, the Isparthian's tongue is his only defense May mishto ley o thud katar i gurmni kai tordjol -- It is easier to milk a cow that stands still. Te na khutshos perdal tsho ushalin -- Try not to jump over your own shadow Lowe k-o vast, bori k-o grast -- Money in hand, Bride on horse Sar laci and'ekh vadra -- Like crabs in a bucket Prohasar man opre pirend - sa muro djiben semas opre chengende -- Bury me standing. I've been on my knees all my life. A-ko isi pomo shinava tumen -- Maybe I can help you. Te aves yertime mander tai te yertil tut o Dana -- I forgive you, and may Dana forgive you as I do. Rode tshia bora le kanensa tai te na le yakensa -- With the ears, and not with the eyes.(often said when looking for a wife) Shuk tski khalpe le royasa -- Beauty cannot be eaten with a spoon Kon del tut o nai shai dela tut wi o vast -- He who willingly gives you a finger will also give you the whole hand Stanki nashti tshi arakenpe manusheb shai -- Mountains do not meet but people do Romale tai shavale akarel tume o -- By your leave, Isparthian men and youths, this is ____ calling you Ashlen Danalese, Romale -- May you remain with Dana O low tai o beng nashti beshen patshasa -- Neither money nor the devil can remain in peace Danalesa avilan- It is Dana who brought you Danalesa araklam tume- It is with Dana that we found you Ka jav te xenav tut!-- I am going to sh*t on you! Te den, xa, te maren, de-nash!-- When you are given food, eat, when you are beaten, run away! Saka peskero charo dikhel -- Everybody sees only his own dish Jek dilo kerel but dile hai but dile keren dilimata -- One madman makes many madmen and many madmen makes madness So keres? -- What are you doing? Chindilan? -- Are you fed up, weary? I phuv kheldias -- The earth danced (earthquake) O manusha khelaven tut -- May the people make you dance Te bisterdon tumare anava! -- May your names be forgotten! Ma-sh-llah!- As the Goddess wills! Ove yilo isi?- Is it Okay? May kali i muri may gugli avela -- The darker the berry the sweeter it is Bi kashtesko merel i yag -- Without wood the fire would die Feri ando payi sitsholpe te nayuas -- It was in the water that one learned to swim Si khohaimo may patshivalo sar o tshatshimo -- There are lies more beleivable then the truth Patshiv tumenge Romale -- This song was offered as a gift to worthy men Te khalin tai te shinggerdjon tshe gada, hai tu te trai sastimasa tai voyasa -- May your clothes rip and wear out, but may you live on in good health and fulfillment Droboy tume Romale -- Trad. morning greeting Nais Tuke -- Thank you Te potshinen penge lajav -- Pay for their shame Me piav pani -- I drink water -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 4. Protocols --------------------------------------------- 4.1 House Insignia and Standards The official seal of House Alvstad depicts a black rampant horse on burgundy background surrounded by a gold trim. It is simple and yet speaks of the Wild streak in the house as well as their independance. Their Motto is often seen written on the bottom of standards "O manusha khelaven tut" (May the people make you dance). For more common use, however, the badge of House Ispartha - a black rampant horse - is employed. This is often found on House uniforms or at the top of less important memos. House colors are, by convention, burgundy and gold. --------------------------------------------- 4.2 Internal Protocols House Ispartha is one of the more ceremonial Houses of the Landsraad, and this applies as much internally as it does externally. As there are so many ritualistic behaviors they are listed below: Isparthians fear evil spirits and so to keep their Count/ess protected at all times two female bodyguards are assigned to walk in front of their siridar and and swish their skirts in his/her path. The swishing of a woman's skirts is believed to scare away evil spirits. In order to insure that their Siridar is never overtaken by evil there are also women assigned to walk the grounds of the Kaitain Embassy each day to keep it cleansed of evil so that the Siridar does not always require constant protection. The only places that a Siridar may go without previous cleansing is into the woods or water as the forests and waterways are protected by the Goddess. If a woman touches a man who is not her husband or related to her then no other person will speak to that man until he has bathed. This is a form of protection originally designed to keep a woman safe from attacks and rape. Titles are used for all nobility, however relatives will refer to one another in the familiar title of their relation and the person's first name (Example "Chey Nadja" means Sister Nadja). --------------------------------------------- 4.3 Official Code of Conduct House Ispartha has no Official COde of Conduct. They follow the other protocals listed. --------------------------------------------- 4.4 Instructions for Interaction with the Houses Major As House Ispartha remained in isolation for so long their interactions with other Houses are quiet limited to what they have learned since 10,116. --------------------------------------------- 4.4.1 House Atreides The Atreides seem to be focused mainly on their distaste for the Harkonnens and not much else seems to come into their focus. This focused drive shows that House Atreides does not seem to see the whole picture of what occurs in the Landsraad and thus will not be able to achieve much power for itself. If their distaste was less public or obvious perhaps they would get farther but they show their values on the sleeve of their tunics. Stay polite when dealing with them, learn what you can but commit to nothing. They may be useful when dealing with the Harkonnen's House, but other then that they need more time. --------------------------------------------- 4.4.2 House Bajazet House dealings with Bajazett have been limited due to their prolonged isolationalism in their own embassy. They have a good military, they currently hate the person on the throne so this gives us an edge. House Ispartha does not dislike or like Bajazet as we know very little of them. --------------------------------------------- 4.4.3 House Ginaz House Ginaz is a house of delicate tastes, easily put off by our bold natures. Be careful around them as they train the future swordmasters of our allies and enemies alike. Try to keep the tone down and drink lightly around them. It seems they are always looking for an assassination attempt. They are allies currently with our allies and this makes them someone to at least 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. Our cultures are not entirely different though our methods of getting there are. They have proven to be a great power, their Baron even taking the Imperial Throne. They have proven trustworthy and honest. They know how to play the political game so we should watch them and learn from them. --------------------------------------------- 4.4.5 House Moritani House Moritani seems to have the most in common with us. Though we have no current standing with them, they would be a House we should instigate relations with. They could make excellent allies. Just be wary of their rumored tendancy to allow their emotions to get away with them. Whereas we have control over ourselves and use our emotions to get what we want they have a little more lack of self-control. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 5. Faction Members --------------------------------------------- 5.1 Family Members SIRIDAR-COUNTESS GUILIETTA MAURA ISPARTHA -- LORD RADU LIVIU ISPARTHA -- WarMaster LORD MILOSH ISPARTH -- Financial Advisor to the Countess ----------------------------------------------------------- 5.2 Retainers, Staff, and Other Employees. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 6. Contact Information If you have questions about or would like to join House Ispartha, please send @mail to Guilietta or Radu. You can reach us via email at Ispartha@dune3.net if you so desire. Be sure to +bbread 20 on the MUSH for a listing of current openings.