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The Harkonnen School opens
The first two inductees into the Harkonnen School of Assassination...more to
come.
Dune III - Saturday, August 26, 2000, 11:45 AM
----------------------------------------------
Courtyard -- Harkonnen School (Kaitain)(#1867RntJ)
The area just past the oppressive gray wall seems just its opposite - a
tranquil garden courtyard complete with a small fountain and pool. The wall
forms three sides of the courtyard, the other side being the main building
itself. Greener than green grass occupies the bulk of the courtyard with two
apple trees placed near the building and equidistant from the School entry.
Cream-colored brick forms an unnecessarily winding pathway from the wall
entrance to the door of the School.
The main building itself is generally plain, the gray blocks which make it up
matching those of the wall. The front of the building displays a large,
circular mosaic depicting a ram's head looking out over the courtyard
displayed in stark shades of blue, black, and gold.
The door itself is a large wooden affair with a half-sculpture of a large and
sturdy man, which is to say that the bronze sculpture depicts the left
profile of the man, as if his right side had melded into the door. His left
hand is extended and one must clasp hands with the sculpture to open the door.
Exits:
Large Wooden Door <F> leads to Entrance Foyer -- Harkonnen School (Kaitain)
Barred Gate <E> leads to Obsidian Circle -- Northeast District (Kaitain)
Uther walks in from Obsidian Circle through the Barred Gate.
Uther has arrived.
Uther
You see a young man who stands about 5'10'' and probably weighs around
170lbs. His black hair is drawn into a short ponytail. His somewhat average
face is clean-shaven and his blue eyes look coolly at you, appraising you. He
appears to be in good physical condition. He wears black pants with black
shoes. His short-sleeved white shirt has the rose and staff emblem of House
Leirtes on the collar. Attached to the collar is a gray lapel pin in the
shape of an open hand with each finger lined up neatly beside the next. On
his finger is a silver ring with a red stone that has the carved symbol of a
sword held by a slim hand and emerging from a small lake. This is the symbol
of the former House Minor Pendragon.
Sylvie walks in from Obsidian Circle through the Barred Gate.
Sylvie has arrived.
Sylvie comes through the gate looking rather bemused.
Sylvie
Long golden blonde hair with an uneven part tumbles to the middle of her back
in loose, bouncy curls. She has a fair complexion and dark brown eyes fringed
with gold-tipped lashes, beneath pale eyebrows. The delicate curve of her
cheek imparts a gentle quality to her face but a mischievous smile lingers at
the corners of her full lips. She is tall and slender, her body well-toned
from years of outdoor activities.
Sylvie is wearing a dark blue gown with three-quarter length sleeves and
embroidered with silver thread. The tight bodice has a scooped neck and a
tailored waistline that emphasizes the curve of her breasts and her narrow
waist. The textured fabric of the skirt flows over her long legs to her feet,
where she wears soft moccasin-like boots. On her wrists are multiple strands
of colorful cloisonné and ceramic beads.
Nestor stands near the entry gate, hands clasped lightly in front of himself
in his signature pose as his two students enter. "Greetings," he says simply
with a slight nod. "From this point on, there can be no true turning back.
Forever will you be changed. Are you prepared to enter?"
Sylvie brings her attention back to the present and nods, "Yes, Master."
Uther nods slowly. "Yes, Master Nestor."
Nestor gestures toward the entry door made up partially of the bronze
sculpture of the Baron Boris Harkonnen. "The sculpture's hand unlatches the
entry door. Notice that it is the left hand you will be clasping - here at
this School we are always dangerous, so no offer of a right hand will be
given, the right hand representing safety from the other. Enter now."
Uther walks towards the door, clasps the hand and enters the school.
Uther clasps hands with the hand of the sculpture, unlatching the door, and
enters.
Uther has left.
Sylvie looks at the hand suspiciously before putting hers in it to open the
door, but since Uther went through first, she decides it's not some kind of
trick.
Sylvie clasps hands with the hand of the sculpture, unlatching the door, and
enters.
Sylvie has left.
Entrance Foyer -- Harkonnen School (Kaitain)
This is a relatively small room, perhaps five meters square, made of the same
oppressive stone as the wall and the building itself. Every sound seems to be
amplified by the room, the acoustics and apparently some materials embedded
in the wall making it so.
At the far side of the room stand two Harkonnen security troopers, one on
either side of the threshold to the School. The sheen of a prudence screen
can be seen in front of the iris-valve doorway at the entrance.
Players:
Sylvie Uther
Exits:
Iris Valve leads to Training Hall -- Harkonnen School (Kaitain)
Large Wooden Door <C> leads to Courtyard -- Harkonnen School (Kaitain)
Nestor enters last and immediately nods toward the two security troopers
stationed at the entrance of the School-proper. "These troopers will search
and scan you daily as you enter and others will do the same as you leave.
There are ways to defeat even this security, but such challenges are securely
out of your reach for the moment. The searches will average ten minutes, so I
do not recommend that you attempt to enter with contraband." With that he
extends a hand to each of the students. Held in each of his hands is a pin -
Nestor's symbol. "In addition to identifying you both as my students at this
School, the pin also acts as a dissembler for the penta-shield here at the
entrance. The code on the dissembler will change, so taking it apart to try
to find the code will be most useless."
Uther takes the offered pin and attaches it to his collar. He looks at
Nestor. "Will our training one day teach us how to defeat such security,
Master?"
Sylvie takes the pin, attaching it to her dress.
Nestor nods. "It will," he answers succinctly.
You say, "Submit to the searching and enter."
Uther moves forward and stands silently while the guards do a thorough search
of his person. After finding nothing, the guards motion him to move forward.
Sylvie wasn't expecting this sort of familiarity with her person, especially
by security guards, but she resolutely submits.
Sylvie is frisked and scanned for a full ten minutes by one trooper near the
entrance and then allowed to enter, stepping through the iris valve.
Sylvie has left.
Uther is frisked and scanned for a full ten minutes by one trooper near the
entrance and then allowed to enter, stepping through the iris valve.
Uther has left.
Training Hall -- Harkonnen School (Kaitain)
Probably the largest room in the entire structure, the training hall is also
the most utilitarian - nothing exists here without purpose, and certainly not
for decoration.
The large hall is rectangular in shape, the ceiling overhead high and arched.
It is generally open space, though there are 5 padded columns placed at
generous intervals along both short sides of the room. One half of the floor
lengthwise is polished marble while the other half looks like wood but seems
to have a give to it that makes it easier to walk and fall upon. Glowglobes
light the room, hovering in one place at the normal level for such lights,
casting light well about the hall while shrouding the ceiling high above in
ghostly nuances of light. Amongst the glowglobes silver spheres about the
same size as the globes can be seen floating around - probably some sort of
surveillance devices.
A cone of silence is embedded in the wall near the main entry with a wall
switch next to it for easy activation.
Armed Harkonnen security troopers stand stoically here and there around the
edges of the room, moving when necessary, as students seem to have the right
away except in security incursions.
Players:
Nestor Uther
Sylvie
Exits:
Sliding Door <D> leads to Dorm Room -- Harkonnen School (Kaitain)
Large Transparent Door <PR> leads to Practice room -- Harkonnen School
(Kaitain)
Plasteel door <HM> leads to Headmaster's Office -- Harkonnen School
(Kaitain)
Iris Valve <F> leads to Entrance Foyer -- Harkonnen School (Kaitain)
Nestor is, again, last to enter. He raises his arms as if to encompass the
entire hall. "This is the place where most of your time learning, training,
practicing, and studying will occur. Be familiar with it." He gives a quick
hand-signal and a trooper comes from the side of the hall carrying two rolled
parchments, a stylus for each. "Formalities first. All students will sign
this Word Bond - take your time in reading it and then sign or make your mark
at the bottom."
Uther takes the parchment, unrolls it and begins to read it.
Sylvie reads slowly and carefully, even re-reading parts to make sure she
understands what it says before signing it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The signing of this document by a recognized noble of the Imperium, as stated
in the Great Convention and the essay on Faufreluches, signifies a permanent
Word Bond protecting the following individuals from harm by the undersigned:
whosoever shall bear the title of Siridar of the House Harkonnen (de facto),
said Siridar's legal spouse, and said Siridar's children (whether their
ancestry is traced from an unbound concubine, bound concubine, or the
aforementioned legal spouse).
The signified Word Bond applies to any direct or indirect action by the
undersigned to harm, in any way or fashion, the above-mentioned protectants.
Said restriction applies only to the undersigned. ((OOC: General Imperial
legalese follows))
(Signature)_____________________
(Witness) _____________________
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Uther nods as he reads the parchment and then signs it. He hands it back to
one of the guards and awaits the next development.
Sylvie frowns after reading some part of the document, but signs it and hands
it back.
Nestor nods to the guard who switches the documents, handing the one that
Uther signed to Sylvie and the one Sylvie signed to Uther. "Will you both
please verify the contents of the document and that the signature on the
bottom is indeed the individual who signed it. After verifying, sign below
the name to act as a witness to the signature. To break this Word Bond will
then put the honor and integrity of this witness at question as well."
Uther skims over the document and signs his name to the bottom. "I verify
that this signature is legitimate." He hands the document and the pen back to
the guard.
Sylvie reads carefully once again, making sure that every line is the same as
the one she signed before affixing her signature to Uther's Word Bond as a
witness.
Nestor gives another hand-signal and the trooper takes both documents.
"Excellent. Now we may begin. I teach using a method that allows for
questions even if those questions pertain to the veracity of what I will
teach. Save such questions for when I ask for them. Do you understand?"
Sylvie nods, "I understand, Sir."
Uther nods. "Yes, Master."
Nestor nods. "You will address me as Master, Master Nestor, or Headmaster.
You will address each other by your given names, not surnames. From the
moment you walk into this School, you leave behind the trappings of nobility
- no one holds rank over the other amongst the students and this commoner who
stands before you has all authority. I will not allow for inter-House
prejudice to get in the way of proper instruction. Have you any questions?"
Sylvie glances from Nestor to Uther and back, but remains silent.
Uther shakes his head.
You say, "Discipline requires that certain forms be followed. When you
answer, answer with words...gestures are optional," he says sternly. "Do you
answer the person who holds such authority over you with a simple shake of
the head?"
Uther says, "No, Master."
Sylvie says, "No, Sir...I mean, Master Nestor."
Nestor unclasps his hands for the moment, letting them fall comfortably to
his sides. "There will be no favoritism here. Harkonnens will be treated no
better or worse than any other House. Were the Emperor himself a student
here, he would be treated no differently from the rest." He purses his lips
slightly. "That said, let us begin immediately. Uther, define 'assassin'."
Uther looks at Nestor." An assassin is someone who may or may not be highly
trained who is hired to kill a single person or several persons."
Nestor nods slightly. "An apt enough answer." He turns more toward the
Harkonnen concubine. "Sylvie, define 'Master of Assassins'."
Sylvie takes a deep breath and answers slowly, "One who is highly trained in
the art of killing."
You say, "An incomplete answer. Uther, would you care to expand on that
definition?"
Sylvie blushes and looks to Uther.
Uther seems to think a moment before answering. "From what little knowledge I
have, I think a Master of Assassins is trained in more than just killing.
Anyone can pick up a knife or a weapon. A Master of Assassins not only learns
this, but how to foil security and also how to project an aura of lethalness,
Master.
Nestor takes in a breath before speaking. "Again, an incomplete definition. A
Master of Assassins is indeed, as Sylvie defined, 'one who is highly trained
in the art of killing'. A Master of Assassins is also as Uther has described
- an expert in killing and defeating security...this supposed aura that you
speak of is a thing that comes with self-confidence tempered by true skill as
a foundation. There are also a plethora of other skills that generally both
assassin and Master of Assassins share, but that is another lesson. What
truly separates a Master of Assassins from a mere assassin is the fact that
the Master of Assassins operates within the framework of the Great Convention
- using only those devices and poisons allowable. A Master of Assassins
practices an honorable profession by which a House of the Landsraad might
operate a war of few casualties while ensuring the survival of said House.
Are there any questions as to this definition?"
Uther nods. "Yes, Master. Why would a Master of Assassins not use any and all
devices available to him?"
Sylvie listens attentively to Uther's question and awaits Nestor's response,
looking as if she were attending a soiree and listening to talk about the
latest fashions.
Nestor licks his lips. "Due to the wisdom of the Imperium and the Guild, a
set of rules was established by which assassination could still be used as a
viable way of war while at the same time ensuring that innocents were not
harmed in the action - a Master of Assassins only kills their intended
target. A weapon such as an explosive device or a lasgun swept through a
crowd of people creates a great number of casualties who were not mentioned
as viable targets in the terms of the War of Assassins as established by the
two Houses in question along with their Judge of Change. Masters of Assassins
kill, but we are not murderers. In addition, a Master of Assassin performing
acts in accordance with the Great Convention and Guild Peace cannot be held
as a criminal for his or her actions. Do you see the distinction?"
Uther nods. "Yes, Master."
Sylvie smiles, "Yes, Master."
Nestor nods. "Excellent. You will now be issued your uniforms. You will wear
these during whatever time is spent on School grounds. It is a functional
uniform - one that you will find comfortable during the long hours of
instruction in this hall. In addition, as you learn to use various weapons
and some devices, you will be issued them and allowed to carry them at your
belt on your uniform." With that, another guard comes from outside the duo's
peripheral vision and hands each a one piece dark-blue bodysuit, a pair of
shoes that resemble slippers in their construction, and a thick black leather
belt. "We will now move to your dorm - your sleeping quarters - for you to
change..." Without another word he proceeds to a sliding door to one side of
the training hall.
Uther takes his uniform and starts to follow Nestor.
Sylvie follows closely.
The door slides aside as you press the activation button, allowing you to
pass through.
Dorm Room -- Harkonnen School (Kaitain)
It is a mid-sized room with gray walls, floor, and a high ceiling. Very drab
and military-looking, this enhanced by the fact that there are five sets of
triple bunks arranged in a geometrically perfect pattern to one another. Each
bunk then has a storage chest attached to its head, which can be opened from
a position lying in the respective bed which then opens up onto the bed
itself.
Off to one side of the room is a changing area and bathroom/shower facility
with room for three students to use each set at a time in general privacy.
The only decoration is the large depiction of an opened dark-gray hand
painted directly on the wall.
Next to the entrance to the dorm area is a sign posted with steel studs to
the wall.
Players:
Nestor
Exits:
Sliding Door leads to Training Hall -- Harkonnen School (Kaitain)
Sylvie steps into the dorm from the training hall.
Sylvie has arrived.
Uther steps into the dorm from the training hall.
Uther has arrived.
Nestor enters and stands to one side of the door. "Each class will sleep in
general proximity to one another. This means," he says as he points to one of
the sets of bunks, "that you two being the first inductees have your choice.
They are all the same, so it matters little which one you choose."
Sylvie says, "Master Nestor, will I be required to /live/ here?"
Uther moves towards one of the bunks as Sylvie asks here question.
Nestor nods. "Yes. There is no favoritism here - none. Each student will
spend their sleeping hours here at the School in this dorm, instruction will
be spent in the School itself, and any other time that a given student has
can be spent where and with whom they please. Questions?"
Sylvie murmurs something about the Baron being a lot less relaxed in the
future and heads for a nearby lower bunk.
Uther stands near the bunk he has chosen. "No, Master. Those instructions are
quite clear."
You say, "This room, like many others, can be monitored by myself or my cadre
of troopers. This is for security and training purposes. You will find little
privacy here, which is part of the process that must be learned at this
School."
"Get situated...quickly," Nestor orders curtly.
Uther nods and heads to one of the changing areas to change into his uniform.
Sylvie says, "We should change now, yes?" She watches Uther head into the
changing room and murmurs, "I guess so."
Nestor simply responds, "Yes." It's apparent that he could care less if they
actually use the changing rooms to change. He is Harkonnen, after all.
Nothing new here.
Uther comes out of the changing room dressed in his new uniform. He puts his
clothes he was wearing into the storage chest attached to his bunk.
Sylvie disappears into one of the dressing rooms and returns wearing the
uniform.
Long golden blonde hair with an uneven part tumbles to the middle of her back
in loose, bouncy curls. She has a fair complexion and dark brown eyes fringed
with gold-tipped lashes, beneath pale eyebrows. The delicate curve of her
cheek imparts a gentle quality to her face but a mischievous smile lingers at
the corners of her full lips. She is tall and slender, her body well-toned
from years of outdoor activities.
Sylvie is wearing a functional one-piece dark blue bodysuit that fits
snugly in places. Around her narrow waist is a thick black leather belt,
cinched tight. On her feet are a pair of slipper-like shoes, comfortable and
flexible. On the lapel is a pin: a medium-sized, gray lapel pin in the shape
of a profile of an open hand, each finger lined up neatly beside the next.
Nestor nods approvingly as the two step out properly dressed. "Excellent. Now
back into the training hall. You have a lesson ahead of you yet today."
Sylvie lays her gown out on the bunk and heads back to the training hall.
Uther heads out to the training hall as well.
Sylvie steps through the door as it slides aside.
Sylvie has left.
The door slides aside as you press the activation button, allowing you to
pass through.
Training Hall -- Harkonnen School (Kaitain)
Probably the largest room in the entire structure, the training hall is also
the most utilitarian - nothing exists here without purpose, and certainly not
for decoration.
The large hall is rectangular in shape, the ceiling overhead high and arched.
It is generally open space, though there are 5 padded columns placed at
generous intervals along both short sides of the room. One half of the floor
lengthwise is polished marble while the other half looks like wood but seems
to have a give to it that makes it easier to walk and fall upon. Glowglobes
light the room, hovering in one place at the normal level for such lights,
casting light well about the hall while shrouding the ceiling high above in
ghostly nuances of light. Amongst the glowglobes silver spheres about the
same size as the globes can be seen floating around - probably some sort of
surveillance devices.
A cone of silence is embedded in the wall near the main entry with a wall
switch next to it for easy activation.
Armed Harkonnen security troopers stand stoically here and there around the
edges of the room, moving when necessary, as students seem to have the right
away except in security incursions.
Players:
Nestor Sylvie
Exits:
Sliding Door <D> leads to Dorm Room -- Harkonnen School (Kaitain)
Large Transparent Door <PR> leads to Practice room -- Harkonnen School
(Kaitain)
Plasteel door <HM> leads to Headmaster's Office -- Harkonnen School
(Kaitain)
Iris Valve <F> leads to Entrance Foyer -- Harkonnen School (Kaitain)
Uther steps into the training hall from the dorm.
Uther has arrived.
Sitting in the exact center of the hall is a medium-sized tray held aloft by
suspensors. It is obvious as Nestor starts off that the tray is his
destination...
Uther follows Nestor, unsure of what exactly they will be doing.
Sylvie walks up to the hovering tray, and halfway around it.
Nestor walks up to the tray which the students can now see holds several
vials as well as several needles with small plastic cases over their tips.
"Poison," he begins ominously, "is the most standard weapon in a Master of
Assassin's arsenal next to the short-blade." He points toward the floor. "You
will soon become used to standing constantly. Standing means that if an
attack arises or you must initiate one, you have one less action to complete
to accomplish that task. For the moment, however, you will kneel before me."
Sylvie sinks down to her knees and looks up at Nestor expectantly.
Uther goes down on his knees and awaits the next instruction.
Nestor takes a needle in each hand, gingerly holding each by the dull end
opposite the plastic case. "In order to use poison on a target, it is
necessary that you are personally aware of the effects, if in diluted form.
Feeling the effects firsthand will allow you to better predict and manipulate
the events surrounding an assassination." He proffers a needle to each
student. "You may remove the plastic cover and prick the surface of the skin
of the back of your hand. I will remove the needle, then, from your flesh."
Sylvie reaches uncertainly for the needle nearest to her and pricks the back
of her hand with a grimace.
Uther takes the offered needle from Nestor and takes a deep breath. He then
takes off the plastic cover and pricks his hand with it.
Uther shakes his arm a little and seems to look a little queasy.
Nestor instructs as the poison begins to take effect. "The poison that you
have injected into yourselves is a form of basilia - poison which requires
injection into the bloodstream to be effective. It is a diluted form down to
exactly one-half potency as measured by your individual weights which I have
obtained." With that, he carefully removes the needles from each student's
hand.
Sylvie slips from her knees to sit firmly on the floor, resting her face in
her hands.
Uther uses his other arm to steady himself, struggling to remain on his knees.
Sylvie covers her eyes, trembling, and whispers, "I don't feel so good."
Uther begins to blink his eyes rapidly and a light sweat breaks out on him.
He slumps to a sitting position, but even that seems to be wavering.
Nestor licks his lips as he watches the effects of the poisons building in
the students. "In a non-diluted form, you would have died in less than two
heartbeats," he explains, "the symptoms you are feeling coming that much more
quickly..."
Uther slumps to the floor and lays there, face down.
Sylvie falls to the side as the room spins and then everything seems to
disappear, and finally even thought is reduced to nothing.
Nestor takes two vials off of the tray, unscrewing their caps to reveal
syringes which he then quickly but precisely injects into the each of the
students' carotid sheathes. "The sensation will quickly return to your
bodies...though you will feel weak and ill for the rest of the evening." He
makes a circular gesture with the index finger of his Ixian hand. "Run ten
laps around the training hall...and /then/ and only then you may rest. My
troopers will be monitoring your performance and will report to me. Begin."
With that, he walks away, leaving the two to slowly recover from their
near-death experience.
Uther shakes his head groggily. He takes a couple deep breaths and sits up.
He rises shakily to his feet and slowly begins to jog around the hall,
stumbling at first.
You walk through the plasteel door into the Headmaster's office.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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