-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- (10-03-01) | Dune III House Rastanyev Handbook | Dune III 1.2 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. History 1.1 Summary 1.2 Timeline 2. House Character 2.1 View on Religion 2.2 Politics and Social Strata on Garrashu VI 2.2.1 The Duma and Boyars 2.2.2 The Laborers 2.2.3 The Siridari 2.3 View on Non-Landsraad Factions 2.3.1 Bene Gesserit 2.3.2 The Spacing Guild 2.3.3 Smugglers 2.4 View on Imperial Citizenry 2.4.1 Corrino 2.4.2 Moritani 2.4.3 Ginaz 2.4.4 Bajazet 2.4.5 Harkonnen 2.4.6 Alvstad 2.4.7 Atreides 3. Discussion of Holdings 3.1 Garrashu VI 3.1.1 Ecology and Cosmology 3.1.2 Population centers 3.1.3 Economy 3.2 Petrovsgrad 3.3 Ecaz 4. Faction Members 4.1 The Family Rastanyev 4.2 House Retainers 5. Faction Protocols 5.1 Summary 5.2 IC Protocols 5.2.1 Inferior to Superior 5.2.2 Amongst Equals 5.2.3 Superior to Inferior 5.3 Customs 6. Contact Information -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 1. History --------------------------------------------- 1.1 Summary We are now in the year 10,098-- about 3100 years since the ascension of House Rastanyev to House Major status. Under the leadership of Michel Rastanyev in A.G. 7,002 the house was sponsored into full Landsraad membership and Earldom by now defunct House Major Lador and allies. After inception, His Lordship Michel instated Modern Orthodoxy as the official religion in the Garrashu system, readily adopted by the laboring indigent masses. Following the death of Vladimir II in 8,534, noble cousins began to fight over the heirless Earldom, erupting into civil conflicts that halted production on the CHOAM contracted worlds of the House. Within a year, the Landsraad was forced to intervene. Rastanyev lost all contracts, keeping only mother Garrashu. The period of unrest spanned roughly sixty years, until all feuding branches were consolidated under Viacheslav Rastanyev, the next notable Siridar-Earl, in the year A.G. 8,592. In eighty years, Rastanyev procured its first CHOAM contract since the tragedy. Political provisions were in that time period made for a congress of the Minor Houses to have a united body of council under the Earl, called the "Duma." In A.G. 10,002 Michel IX Rastanyev passed away, leaving the Earldom to his eldest son, Constantine. The ascension of Constatine Michelvich Rastanyev began the modern era of the household, characterized by a series of short- lived rulers. Constantine's younger brother, Isaac, also sired viable progeny. Constantine and wife Mariella produced an heir, Tsarkov Valeri, in 10,056 and daughter Tsaritsa Ivanova in 10,060. After the birth, Tsarina Mariella died of birth-related complications. The next year, Rastanyev took the 6 year contract on the planet Ecaz. After his father fell ill in 10,087 A.G. Valeri Rastanyev assumed the day to day duties of the Earl until Constantine's eventual death two years later, when Valeri himself assumed the title of Siridar Earl. Only a year prior, Rastanyev celebrated the renewal of the Ecaz contract for six more years. In 10,091 Valeri received Vonda de Negra into the household as consort, but produced no heir. He died of mysterious causes within a year, leaving his sister as Regent. Ivanova, 'the Iron Maiden,' facilitated a reign of fiscal lucrativity unparalled. She became rapidly addicted to Semuta, and in her insanity had to be replaced. The Earldom passed to Constantine's illegitimate son, Josef Stalinsky-Rastanyev. Although far from a poor Earl, he earned the rancor of the Duma for thwarting the perceived proper line of succession, which included the son of Isaac Rastanyev, Fyodor. His Grace Josef turned out also to be a short-lived ruler. Within months of the arrival and subsequent na-Earl appointment of his half-brother, Mikhail, he died of a rare poison in late 10,092. The assailant is still unknown. Mikhail took the reigns of goverment as Siridar. During the course of the next five years he married Nerissa Langcamp, a commoner, somewhat pacifying the workers but doing little to appease the Houses Minor. They believed Mikhail to be unstable, his temper being famous. Earlier in 10,097 Tsarina Nerissa bore twin sons to Mikhail, their Lordships Serge and Josef. In the wake of their birth came the announcement that the family would retire from Kaitain to Garrashu for child-rearing. Following shortly thereafter was the appointment and Imperial approval of Fyodor Rastanyev's daughter, Baroness Ekaterina Stalinsky-Rastanyev (wife of the late Baron Igor Stalinsky) as Regent, who is called by the title of dom-Tsara. --------------------------------------------- 1.2 Timeline 6076 Agrotechnology merchant Igor Rastanyev hired by House Lador to set up the exploitation of the fertile Garrashu system, from whence Igor hails. 7002 Under the leadership of Michel Rastanyev, house is sponsored into full Landsraad membership and House Major status by House Lador and two other allied houses. Rastanyev is given the title of Earl, and the family fief of Garrashu VI to own. 7124 The Modern Orthodox Church is instated on Garrashu VI as official faith. 8534 Great Unrest begins at Vladimir II's death with no direct heir. 8535 Landsraad intervenes to stabilize the house. Rastanyev loses claims on its CHOAM contracts, keeping only Garrashu. 8592 Viacheslav Rastanyev assumes Earldom, ending the Great Unrest. 8670 First CHOAM contract since unrest period. 10,002 Michel IX Rastanyev dies at age 123, eldest son Constantine III assumes the Earldom. 10,056 na-Earl Valeri Rastanyev is born. 10,060 Tsaritsa Ivanonva Rastanyev is born. 10,061 Tsarina Mariella dies of birth-related complications, remembered as minister of state. 10,083 CHOAM contract for planet Ecaz (6 yrs). 10,087 Constantine Rastanyev falls ill. 10,089 CHOAM contract for Ecaz renewed (6 yrs). 10,090 Constantine Rastanyev dies leaving his heir Valeri to assume the Earldom. 10,091 Valeri Rastanyev dies and Ivanova is named Regent. Ivanova Rastanyev becomes addicted to semuta. Josef Constantovich Stalinsky-Rastanyev is named Earl. Mikhail Stalinsky arrives on Kaitain to be named heir apparent. 10,092 Josef Rastanyev dies, Mikhail ascends to the rank of Siridar-Earl. 10,095 Marriage of Mikhail to Weaponsmistress Nerissa Langkamp, a commoner, which creates a scandal. 10,097 Birth of their Lordships Sergei and Josef Rastanyev to Tsarina Nerissa and Mikhail. They return to rear their children on Garrashu, appointing Baroness Ekaterina Stalinsky as Siridar-Regent, dom-Tsara. 10,098 Tat'iana Anstasovna Rastanyev marries the Emperor and is crowned Empress of the Known Universe, and Malcolm Galen is secured for House Mentat. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 2. House Character --------------------------------------------- 2.1 Religion Stemming from Rastanyev's main interests being profit and power, religion is viewed as a means to an end. When suitable to embrace faith for profit, it is done, and the contrary stance is also true. In the general vain of its policies, House Rastanyev's leadership has long understood that the religion spoken of to the masses is little more than a tool of social control. With that in mind, one must view the embracement of what is best related to the Russian Orthodox faith in its proper context. A remnant of Rastanyev's terran origins, this faith (whose origins are long forgotten by its practioners) is specific to the Garrashu system and viewed by the ruling family as additional hold on the native population of their fief. The 'church' is tightly controlled by House Rastanyev and has very little mind of its own. It easily drives the working class that makes up most of Garrashu's inhabitants into productivity, and more or less minimizes the threat of revolt. The ceremonial language is always proper Russkiy, which all citizens speak, though all can also speak Gallach, although often with a slavic accent of which they are not embarrased. --------------------------------------------- 2.2 Politics and Social Strata on Garrashu VI House Rastanyev ambitions for the last few centuries can best be described in a single clause: careful ambition for economic power. The House has managed to remain neutral (at least in appearances) through most of its 3000 year history as a House Major. This neutrality is not passive, devoid of active pursuits, but carefully cultivated to benefit the House at all times. The leadership has maintained a general policy of aiming for economic profit; Solaris equal buying power, and with buying power comes military advantage, and political leverage, and still more power. So, money isn't really everything, or even the only thing. Money is the means to an end, raising us to where we belong in the grand scheme of things. Whereas Garrashu used to be a backward place where men lived in indentured servitude, since the reign of Viacheslav Rastanyev, there is limited social movement. A noble may be cast down to the position of commoner, stripped of title, or may be (depending on his blood) elevated to the Earldom. A commoner may be modestly titled. However, the general attitude is that there is a place for everyone, and you were probably born into yours. --------------------------------------------- 2.2.1 The Duma and the Boyars The Duma is the official congress of Boyars (minor nobles) on Garrashu VI, meeting in Vladstok. With their traditional hunger for power, they are as ruthless and cunning as any repressed upper class. Many quietly despise the Earldom, they realize for the most part that the minimal power they have is inconsequential, and thus their will is bent on climbing up the social ladder that leads to Kaitain. Nobility do not socially associate with commoners, except in very limited or exceptional cases. Power stems from martial or economic strength, but also from bloodline. The closer to a blooded Rastanyev, the better, because such blood is the key to the line of succession. It should here be mentioned, that full-blooded Rastanyevs can currently be counted on the fingers of a single hand, and as such, percentage is important, as is upbringing. Titled men often give their children in marriage to cement political bonds when they are not much beyond the age of ten. Sometimes, noble children are betrothed before they are clean from the womb. Scrabbling for title, contracts, land and those to work it, they may hire seasonal labor, but may not impress fealty upon anyone. Their land is theirs, and those that present themselves to work it may choose to enter into limited contracts of service that may be as short as a single growing season. It is usually better for noble land owner to accept a longer-term pledge of fealty from a worker if it is offered, creating less paperwork, and more stability. --------------------------------------------- 2.2.2 The Laborer Class The workers are the heart of the Garrashu system, the feet the Rastanyev line stands upon. They view it as honor to work for the profit of Rastanyev, because that is what they are cultivated, as surely as the soil is tilled, to do. There is the expectation of hard work, and they are tall, tanned, and strong enough to perform their labors, generally easy to distinguish from the nobles. Laziness is cardinal sin among them, and the majority of the planet may be considered religiously pious, blindly faithful enough to honor archaic customs extending from customs of hospitality, to direction of hostility. Not to be mistreated or abused like slaves, a laborer for the minor nobility contracts him or herself out to a specific lord, not to exceed more than one per year, and may choose to swear fealty to a minor house in order to secure more long-term work on probably better land, for better quality of life. Those left without positions have the limited options of mining for solidite at the eastern polar region, joining a guild in the cities, or joining the military. Some lucky few also find work with the arts, culture being passionately endorsed. Workers are as stringently patriarchal as the Siridari themselves, and the Boyars. While the wives and daughters of the peasantry men work alongside their male analogs, they have, as yet, little in the way of legal authority... but times are changing, and there is always hope, so long as they work hard, and remain virtuous women. Loyal to the Emperor and the Siridar above their employers, their love is a valuable tool, not to be squandered. They enjoy the constant competition between nobles because it produces competitive wages and good living conditions. --------------------------------------------- 2.2.3 The Siridari The often bloody path to the Earldom has left the Rastanyev bloodline remarkably spare, and so Earls and Regents have traditionally had to play hardball in order to keep the minor nobility in check, the commoners working happily and profitably, and themselves alive. The tightrope they walk is universal, for the Siridar must also maintain neutrality in the Landsraad while rendering unto the Lion throne what is rightfully its due: Loyal fealty, with independence. Beginning with Michel Rastanyev in 7024 A.G., the Earls of Rastanyev are spiritual leaders as well as political heads of state, though for them as with many other ruling families, religion is a ruling tool. The lifestyle of the Rastanyev family is far more spare than many of the leaders of great houses. Since achieving political power through economic power has meant everything to Rastanyev, the Siridari in particular have been unfairly labelled as being tighter with money than God with miracles. Organizational skills are vital, efficiency and speed of reaction praiseworthy. Rastanyev is a house that appreciates pragmatism more than charm on many occasions. Women of the ruling family must be bulldozers, disguised as portygul blooms. Even fettered by custom, women can often be as politically potent as men, evidenced by the choice of His Majesty the Emperor in a Rastanyev bride. The Earls must hold themselves to an even higher level of moral fiber than other men, to achieve success. The people both expect and deserve more than the average spoiled brat of a nobleman. --------------------------------------------- 2.3 Views on Independent Factions --------------------------------------------- 2.3.1 Bene Gesserit As, unbeknownst to us, Rastanyev has little to offer in the way of BG breeding lines, there has been only limited interest in the Phoenix House from their end. Nobles will occasionally take a BG Concubine, but our general opinion is distrustful at best. The commoners of Garrashu are particularly hostile. This may have resulted from the grudge of Michel Rastanyev against the sisterhood when he became the spiritual figurehead of Modern Orthodoxy. Incidents since have been recorded in scripture, warning the pious to be wary three millennia later of "the witches." Nonetheless, on Kaitain they are to be treated with respect by all house personnel. Nothing less will be tolerated. --------------------------------------------- 2.3.2 Guild As for the Spacing Guild, as far as Rastanyev is concerned, the ties are slightly closer. Viewed as a group that provides a vital service (that of transporting the exports of the different products that the House subsists on), House Rastanyev has always been careful not to take any course that might alienate the Guild. --------------------------------------------- 2.3.3 Smugglers Smugglers have always existed in the universe, in some or the other, no matter how restricted they have been. House Rastanyev, as any group who deals in trading, has a good understanding of that dynamic and hence tolerates the existence of Smugglers, for even if they were not tolerated, wouldn't they still find a way to smuggle? This tolerance is by no means public, but nonetheless present. What the smugglers can get away with without causing too much damage to the House's economics is allowed, succintly. In return, House Rastanyev might now and then, use that leverage to obtain certain things that would be harder to get through 'official' means. --------------------------------------------- 2.4 Views on the Imperial Citizenry --------------------------------------------- 2.4.1 Corrino Given the recent marriage of Lady Tat'iana to His Majesty, Rastanyev enjoys exceptionally strong ties to the Imperial House at present, which has both its up and down sides. We run the risk of seeming too pro-Imperial for our allies in the Landsraad, but at the same time, enjoy the benefits of being in favor. For Corrino alone will we jump through extravagant hoops to prove ourselves worthy. Any member of the Corrino household is to be treated with respect without fault, courtesy, chivalry, and honor, but significant run-ins should be reported to the Mentat, for analysis. Never presume familiarity with the Corrinos, no matter how sure of yourself you are. --------------------------------------------- 2.4.2 Moritani Also a financial powerhouse, Moritani and Rastanyev entertain a wary friendship. They hold Arrakis and the CHOAM directorship attached to it, and while this is the case, the Moritani are to be treated with great amicability and respect as our peers and neighbors from Grumman. Again, since we are rivals in industry, interactions of significance should be mentat-analyzed with swiftness. The more we know about them, the more we know what to make of their character, and how to deal with them in the future. --------------------------------------------- 2.4.3 Ginaz Given the forceable removal of the Lears from power in House Ginaz and on Marcinko, we enjoy friendly relations with this house and its new leadership, not only for what they can politically do for us, but for how they treat us, which has been with honor. We expect nothing less, and Rastanyevs should remember to be polite and courteous. Do not mistake friendship with total alliance, however. There are often times when the Ginaz are far too liberal for our tastes, and the House of the Phoenix will not be 'managed' by anyone. Be warm, but not oblivious to ambition. --------------------------------------------- 2.4.4 Bajazet Traditionally our friends, the Bajazet have been recently distant in their friendship. They are, though, the closest thing to what we can call an official alliance of any sort, having lent our extensive financial support to them during incidents with the Harkonnen on Malarca. They also control a CHOAM Directorship. As conservative as we are, in many ways, what friends we have had in the suave Bajazet! With the Sultan, and his House, be on your best behavior, and do nothing to damage our relations. If necessary, consult the Reeve or Mentat before and after a visit. --------------------------------------------- 2.4.5 Harkonnen Our lifestyle is at odds with that of the decadent Harkonnen. To our faces, we are their "dear cousines," but always remember that to our backs, they have called us 'Turnip-farmers.' In the past, we have suspected them of attempts to set up members of our house for disgrace from the highest offices. Slights must be born, of course, being mindful that your restraint only colors the difference in character between ours and theirs. It may be helpful to note that both pride and human dignity separates the men from the boys in Rastanyev, not a crowbar, as in Harkonnen. Report ANY interaction with the Ram's crest to the Mentat. --------------------------------------------- 2.4.6 Alvstad Although relations with this potent force from Alvsgaard were characterized as strained during the reign of Mikhail, our diplomatic forces attest that the rough edges of our dealings with Alvstad have been rounded off. As Alvstad holds both a Landsraad High Council seat, like ourselves, and a CHOAM directorship, unique of any House, their political pull is undeniable. When dealing with the briny Alvstad, be genial and courteous as with any peers of the realm. It is highly recommended that you not drink their repulsive crab beverages, although it has been a fad to do so in recent days. --------------------------------------------- 2.4.7 Atreides The Duchy of Atreides is perhaps one of our most uncertain regions of diplomacy. The Duchess and her people are champions of the minority in the Landsraad, and the Landsraad itself opposed to the Emperor, but are often given to flights of fancy when gauging the appropriateness of actions against his Majesty's house. Be extremely cautious not to offend them. While honor and courtesy is requisite in our dealings with all noble houses, do not present them with undue warmth, for you can be sure they will be watching you with eyes full of the most insulting suspicion. Always report your dealings with the Atreides to the office of the Mentat. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 3. Discussion of the Rastanyev Holdings --------------------------------------------- 3.1 Garrashu VI --------------------------------------------- 3.1.1 Garrashun Ecology and Planetology Garrashu VI is the behemoth sixth planet in the Garrashu system. Unique from many other planets in the universe, it spins on an axis in space almost perpendicular to its orbit around the chief sun-like star of the system, giving it a long growing system, but four seasons which are violently distinct from eachother the closer to the equatorial region one goes. Garrashu is estimated to be approximately 300 times the size of ancient Terra, and with a long growing and harvesting season, the soil is as rich as can be found on even the best of planets. Its harvesters have over the millennia mastered the arts of crop rotation and nutrient replenishment to the point that each year, barring some new crop famine, the yield from arable land is maximum. The one weakness of the soil is that it better supports crops that do well in a lower pH, particularly near the coastlines. It is not uncommon for vitamin C to be at such levels in the average Garrashun's diet that strong basic foods (starchy vegetables, bread, milk, and fish) are necessary to combat malnutrition, and so vast quantities of land are utilized for the purpose of growing crops toward this purpose. Lactose intolerancy is non-existent for the most part on Garrashu. Similarly, the food is filling and rich. A little goes a long way. Like ancient Terra, Garrashu too has a single moon, Petrovsgrad, which is in and of itself a worthy and habitable mass. The distance from the surface of the planet to the surface of its satellite is considerable, making the phases of the moon dim at certain periods of the year, and almost always far off, which makes articificial lighting on Garrashu at night imperative. Travel on Garrashu includes the conventional methods, but in places, archaic methods are far more prevailent. It is not unheard of for a vacationer on Garrashu VI to rise in the morning to have a pleasant journey to the coastal region in an ornithopter, cruise the afternoon in the Osla Ocean or Baikal Sea in one of the various methods of sea-travel, and to (for kicks) go riding in the countryside to watch the rustics about their evening activities. --------------------------------------------- 3.1.2 Garrashun Economy Garrashu is an agrarian community primarily, producing an estimated 30% of coffee and 35-40% of viable citric fruits in the known universe. Also a popular product, Moskovskaya Aquavit (fire-water) is a remarkable vodka that is sought after all over the universe, and at high quality, is extremely expensive to lay hands on, because the Rastanyevs will not sell it to just anyone. It is a point of pride with the guild that produces it, as is the recommendation that the drink is even more potent when served warm. The grain that is fermented to produce Moskokovskaya is produced in the temperate regions, and includes rice and in greater quantity, wheat. Also raised are livestock who are chiefly for subsistence living. All products on Garrashu come to one of the major population centers which are as follows, for export: Vladstok (the official capitol), Wladekstad, Stalinskagrad, Pistritza, and the spiritual capitol at Tsarkoye Island. --------------------------------------------- 3.2 Petrovsgrad The small satellite moon which orbits Garrashu VI, about one sixth the size of the planet. It has both a breathable atmosphere and water in oceanic quantities, as well as terrain and ecology conducive to the support of human life and agriculture. There are limited cities, but at least three minor houses of the Duma on Garrashu hold lands there. Petrovsgrad's largest population center is Olensk, in what can be considered the tropics of that moon, and is closer to a resort town than almost anything found there. Chief exports to Garrashu and other ports of call beyond that, include coffee and a variety of fragrant teas, although enough other things are produced there that the moon could easily be self-sufficient if necessary. Petrovsgrad is the site of several avian and hunting preserves, as well as idyllic rolling landscapes prized and unique to the system in their characteristics. --------------------------------------------- 3.3 Ecaz Ecaz is the famous fourth planet of the Alpha Centauri B system. "The sculptor's paradise," it is the home of the plant fogwood which can be shaped by the power of human thought. Rastanyev's CHOAM contracted pharmaceutical industry on Ecaz is lucrative, as Ecaz is also the point of origin for narcotics like Elacca drug, Semuta, and Sapho, the mentat drug. Ecaz is a jewel in the Universe second only to Arrakis in terms of profits, which explains the the fervor with which we cling to it. Rastanyev will never be willing to give up this holding without fighting tooth and nail for it first-- and by fight, we mean lobbying. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 4. Faction Members --------------------------------------------- 4.1 The Family Rastanyev dom-Tsara Ekaterina Stalinsky-Rastanyev - Regent, and OOC Faction Head. His Lordship Mikhail Rastanyev - Siridar-Earl of Garrashu VI. Tsarina Nerissa Rastanyev - His Lordship's wife and former weaponsmistress. Lordships Sergei and Josef Rastanyev - His Lordships's sons and heirs. Lady Tat'iana Rastanyev - His Lordship's sister, Emperor's wife. Lord Satyavrat Devhapti-Rastanyev - The Earl's Reeve and adopted "cousin", he also serves as head of the Rastanyev Diplomatic Corps. --------------------------------------------- 4.2 House Retainers Master Malcolm Galen - House Mentat Master of Assassins. Lord Sauriel Teslan - Head of House Minor Teslan. Master Cainen Braga - Swordmaster of the household. Master Lian Shoph - Diplomat, refugee of Venhei. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 5. Faction Protocols --------------------------------------------- 5.1 Summary The House follows a strict Faufreluches policy, holding the importance of relations and blood highly. They are careful to know their lineage and are mindful of others'. The highest positions within the Household are given to those who have Rastanyev blood within their veins. For most House members, a simple curtsy or bow will suffice towards another as a sign of greeting. For the military or security, the formal salute is to cross the right arm to the left shoulder and to bow crisply forward. --------------------------------------------- 5.2 IC Protocols For more information than provided, check out the Resource page of our website for a log of a protocol seminar. --------------------------------------------- 5.2.1 Inferior to Superior One of lower station is to greet superiors in rank with a bow or curtsey that grows deeper depending on how great the divide is in rank. Call a titled person initially as formally as possible. For example, a male servant greeting the Regent for the first time would bow deeply from the waist over her hand (assuming that she offers it), and call her "Your Ladyship." Always call the Emperor by "Your Imperial Majesty," and never look him in the eye or turn your back to him, whatever your rank. The inferior always makes the act of obeisance first, to be acknowledged by the superior. --------------------------------------------- 5.2.2 Equals in Rank People of equal rank within the house may bow/curtsy or deeply nod, and call each other by "Comrade" if both are born citizens. If such is the case, it can be appropriate to speak to eachother in Russkiy if no foreigners are present. Dealing with equals in station that are naturalized, you may call them Master/Mistress , by their occupation/title and name, or if on friendly terms, by their first or full name. For example, the Mentat and Reeve greet each other in a friendly setting, nodding their heads, and possibly shaking hands. They call each other "Master Galen," and, "Lord Reeve Devhapti." --------------------------------------------- 5.2.3 Superior to Inferior When greeting one of lesser rank, remember your duty of courtesy. When bowed/curtsied to, acknowledge it. Take the time to respond appropriately, as they have taken the time to extend their response to your presence. Ladies, for example, who do not offer their hands at initial meetings will not only not have them not bowed over/kissed, but should be conscious that they may be sending the signal of being stand-offish, and everyone knows we Rastanyevs are always friendly (ha ha). Nod regally to one of far lower station, and it is considered genteel if you treat someone of slightly lesser consequence by bowing or curtsying to the same degree of genuflection with which they greeted you. Call them respectfully by their occupational address, Master/Mistress , Lord/Lady , or comrade . For example, the Regent, when greeted by a female servant, should nod, and call the servant Mistress . --------------------------------------------- 5.3 Customs o When welcoming a guest into your home for the first time, generally you make a gift to them of quality. Even the peasants of Garrashu observe this custom, by giving the finest loaf of bread, the warmest blanket, the largest portion of stew. To refuse such hospitality is viewed as a great breach of manners, but should not be commented on, only noted for future reference. In high class society, we give fine trinkets, but the gift is meant to be a symbol of our friendship and hospitality, and the complexity of the gift is equatable to the depth of commitment. At the very very least, when you have someone into the Embassy, whether they be diplomat or prince, offer them the most comfortable chair at hand, and refreshments. o Leave cut boughs of Garrashun fir for a wedding. The custom originated in commoners offering the bride and groom the finest bed they had for what could often be the only night of comfort in a married couples' lives. The poorest of people could manage no more than the sweet-smelling and soft branches of young saplings, but they were gladly given, and often gratefully accepted. o Women are NEVER to wear the male style of dress or leave their hair uncovered in a Cathedral before God. This is a religious custom that natives become irate about if it is not observed. o A red feather is always symbolic of the arts, which has come to us as a custom through the Legend of the Firebird and its variants. The story itself has changed over the millennia, but the symbol has more or less always meant the same thing. That is why the Theatre in Vladstok hangs a red feather over the door. o At a party, it is in poor taste to leave a bottle of spirits empty, and be it a Rastanyev blush wine, cognac, mulled liquor, or even vodka, not a drop is ever wasted. It is customary to toast often, and to drink all of what is in your glass following a toast. "Za vas!" means simply, "to you!" and is by far the most common, if not the most eloquent drinking toast. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 6. Rules --------------------------------------------- See our recruitment object in the Dune III lounge. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 7. Contact Information --------------------------------------------- On the web, http://www.availablelight.net/rastanyev/ or via email, lanaewen@aol.com. Contact Ekaterina on Dune III via page or @mail with any questions or concerns. Our application is available on the web site. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-