Table of Contents

0.1 Atreides Crest
1. History
1.1 Elemental facts of Atreides history
1.1.1 On Atreides emblems and heraldry
1.2 Atreides timeline.
1.3 Recent history of House Atreides
2. House Character
2.1 On the common Atreides traits
2.2 On the Atreides view of religion
2.3 On the Atreides opinion of non-Landsraad factions
2.4 On Atreides government
3.0 Faction Members
3.1 On the Atreides Siridar
4.0 Faction protocols
4.1 On addressing the Atreides Siridar
4.2 On addressing other members of the Atreides Family
4.2.1 For Atreides women
4.2.2 For Atreides men
4.2.3 Other titles and honorifics
4.3 On the diplomacy of House Atreides
4.3.1 On the Atreides opinion of Other Houses
5. Contact Information


1. History (top)

1.1 Elemental facts of Atreides history (top)


We Atreides have a long and noble lineage and can trace our lineage back for a thousand generations, legend suggests that it goes all the way back to Terra. Our illustrious history is the guide that we have used to find out way through the darkness of Time. Our ageless traditions, honored over and over again by each succeeding generation, are our anchors and guides, and each Atreides name is a star in a brilliant, wide spanning constellation.

Demetrios Aiolos Atreides was granted the Barony of Tantalos because of his victory in the Battle of Corin and founding the base for what has today become known as House Atreides. We were steadfast in our defense of the Lion Throne; it was during these years that the implication of the advances that the Spacing Guild had passed on to the Known Universe, and the three cornerstones of our society, Guild, Imperium and Landsraad were truly formed.

Other important historical facts of this time period is that Demetrios Atreides charged Abulurd Harkonnen with cowardice during the Battle of Corrin, which saw House Corrino ascend the Lion Throne. Abulurd was banished and only Ivan Harkonnen was able to petition the new Emperor for leniency. This is the source of the 10,000-year grudge that has ever affected both Houses; yet due to peace overtures made by Petr Harkonnen to House Atreides in recent years have hostilities decreased somewhat.

The Empire once again honored our ancestors in 207 when Thomas Erastos Atreides was made Duke of Jaddua for helping to restore Elrood II to the Lion Throne, thus achieving our honored state of House Major. Through skillful negotiations, honor and a wily fortitude we have successfully transversed the millennia to the present day.

 


1.1.1 On Atreides emblems and heraldry (top)


The symbol of House Atreides is a stylized hawk in silver, profiled against a field of pine green. The hawk emblem has its wings outstretched, the head turned and beak slightly opened.

The colors of the Atreides heraldry are, in order: green, silver, black; these colors are used in standards, flags, wearable insignia, seals and official stationary. Only the ducal family may wear the green-and black sash.

1.2 Atreides timeline (top)


Before Guild (BG):

After Guild (AG):

 


1.3 Recent history of House Atreides (top)


It is no secret that our House had been in decline for several generations. Complacency and a privileged relationship with House Corrino had shrunk our sphere of influence to near zero. For the decade of 9990, both measurable signals of House Major status, Landsraad votes and CHOAM shares, were at scandalously low levels. The only thing that remained unchanged was the mostly favorable opinion that the Landsraad Houses held about our House.

It was Duke Medon Atreides XIV (10003-10084) who renewed and revitalized our House. From the age of 17, until a long and painful throat affliction claimed his life at 81, he was tireless in his efforts to salvage what was left of Atreides power, rebuild and grow from there. Under his aegis, the economy of Caladan was restructured; House bureaucracy trimmed; fief contracts husbanded into CHOAM grants; foreign policy reworked, with an emphasis on retooling relations and increasing trade. His relentless efforts garnered a power base from which our House has built upon.

Na-Duke Praxton Atreides was installed as Duke after his father's death; with the aid of a bright and dedicated staff of retainers, he scored a major victory in 10089 when he was elected to the Landsraad High Council. From that position, our House is poised on the verge of renaissance, growth, careful building of our presence and our reputation among the Great Houses of the Landsraad.

However as time passes things do not go at all as planned. In the year 10,096 a lot of thing cumulate into a crescendo that will eventually lead to a change in things. Margot Atreides, the daughter of Cilene Heleneaus-Megaron and duke Medon Atreides makes her appearance on Kaitain, 12 years after the death of the natural father she has never known and totally oblivious as to who or why summoned her.

At the same time rumour starts spreading that Duke Praxton and his old college chum Boris Harkonnen have struck a deal to end Kanly and seal the rift between the two houses with an arranged marriage. Upset officers decide this must not come to pass and stage a swift and decisive coup. Fearing Mintor will push on the policies of his brother the coup leaders decide to declare Margot as the Atreides to swear their fealty to.

This move makes Mintor for a brief period rise up against Margot, especially after rumours are spread Margot is but a Corrino puppet. However through shrewd negotiations both Margot and Mintor reconcile.

After a time of peace in the House, Margot becomes ill. So badly ill that she's kept to her bed. In a surprise move, she names Lysander as her heir, instead of Mintor. This infuriates him to no end, and proves to him exactly how she felt towards him. Upon Lysander's appointment, Mintor was named as Minister of Defense.

After spending quite some time on Caladan, leaving Mintor to handle things on Kaitain, Lysander catches a deathly illness and dies in his sleep, without naming an heir. This leaves confusion in the House, as Liam Atreides arrives on Kaitain, threatening to usurp the Duchy from Mintor.

Once Liam was named Duke, and Mintor was imprisoned for his insolence to His Majesty, there was a brief period of peace and prosperity. A new CHOAM holding, Jaroo, was added to the House's duties, and the House was at peace with most of the members of the Landsraad. Unfortunately the leadership of Liam was cut short when he fell victim to an ornithopter crash on Caladan. Jakob now runs the House temporarily, as a new Siridar is waiting to be named.

2. House Character (top)

2.1 On the common Atreides traits (top)

The members of our House tend to be honest, courteous to all regardless of station, fair, honorable, prudent, loyal, courageous, strong-willed and ruthless in careful measure.

Negative traits most often exhibited by members of House Atreides are soft-heartedness, naiveté, irritability, pride and self-righteousness.

These traits are observed, in varying degrees, in all members of the our family, and in a large majority of their household. Our House has a knack for attracting trustworthy people of similar values, and winning their loyalty. Thus, there is little or no political in-fighting within House Atreides.

2.2 On the Atreides view of religion (top)

We Atreides tend to a humanistic view of religion: if it does not benefit man, it is useless. We are not completely impious, however; we turn to religion as solace in times of hardship and encourage others to do so. Our House in general, like most of the Imperium, reveres the principles of the Butlerian Jihad and is knowledgeable about the Orange Catholic Bible and the teachings of the Zensunni.

2.3 On the Atreides opinion of non-Landsraad factions (top)

We tend to treat the non-Landsraad organizations with fairness, respect, and caution. Relations are never strained, though often not cordial, particularly with the Guild, who are distrusted for their reclusiveness and secrecy.

Bene Gesserit are respected as an organization for their spirit of service, but not much confidence is ever placed on them individually. When they share with us, we will share in return. When they shield their motives we will do the same. Atreides values its bond with the Bene Gesserit sisterhood but will try to adopt a quid pro quo attitude in all their dealings with the women of Wallach IX.

We have had infrequent contact with Ixians, although their ingenuity and the usefulness of their products is honored. Still we remain wary of this ingenuity for it might lead us back to the machineminds if we do not stay vigilant.

Bene Tleilaxu are quietly reviled; we tend to consider Tlielaxu wares filthy and distasteful. their inentions are an affront to life and decency and remind us of the things the machineminds did to bring the human race to the brink of extinction. Atreides will whenever possible avoid concert with these fanatics.

Smugglers are a duality of our society. While some will trade for the pure and simple reason of profit others are driven to it by the imperfections of the empire. We Atreides feel we must judge every smuggler on his own merits or flaws, not encourage nor discourage and, if possible provide means to leave this existence if it is proven the man in this profession did not break any law beyond the law of smuggling. No formal denouncement or pogrom is ever taken against them.

2.4 On Atreides government (top)

Like all Landsraad Great Houses, we rule as lords over the populace. We will ask for the aid and council of other nobility of a lesser station but will not rely on them to govern our people. What Atreides do, Atreides will take responsibility of. Those minor houses that have cast their lot in with us we treat as allies, never as vassals. We represent them in the Landsraad, but if a minor house feels their path does no longer coincide with that of Atreides we will allow them to dissolve the political bond between both houses.

This stems from the awareness that we are in no way superior to the ruled except in responsibility. Good governance and social justice are paramount values among the House; nothing is more despised than a tyrannical and exploitative ruler. We treat those of lesser station with respect; we cherish our servants and treat them well; because of this we almost always have a loyal and dedicated staff. This relationship with others is key to our House; it has cultivated and brought about talents within our staff that might have otherwise been squandered.

Atreides justice towards the people is exemplary, renowned over the entire Known Universe: it is scrupulously fair, swift and impartial, with the sternest punishments reserved for corrupt bureaucrats and piratical industrialists.3. Discussion of the Home World

3.0 Faction Members

3.1 On the Atreides Siridar (top)

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4.0 Faction protocols (top)

4.1 On addressing the Siridar-Duchess (top)

The protocol used for addressing the Duchess is as follows:
- Most formally (i.e., very rare occasions of highest state), 'Her Grace Margot XVIII, Siridar Duchess Atreides of Caladan.' The proper style is 'Your Grace'.
- Less formally (state occasions), with non-Caladanians present, 'Duchess Margot Atreides'. Address as 'My Lady Duchess.
- Less formally, (state occasions), with only Caladanians present, 'Doukessa Margot Atreides'. Address as 'Clarissima'.
- Familiarly, with non-Caladanians present, 'Duchess Margot'. Addressed as 'Lady', or alternately, 'My Duchess'.
- Familiarly, with only Caladanians present, it is common practice to revert to Aglicon, simply 'Margot'. No special mode of address is required.

4.2 On addressing other members of the Atreides family (top)

4.2.1 For Atreides women (top)

(currently, the Countess Charlotte Darlekan-Atreides and the Lady Sveena Darlekan Atreides)
The protocol used for addressing female family members (in this example, the Lady Charlotte) is as follows:
- Most formally (i.e., very rare occasions of highest state), 'Countess Charlotte Ann Darlekan-Atreides'. The proper style is 'Countess Atreides'.
- Less formally (state occasions) with non-Caladanians present, 'Lady Darlekan-Atreides'. Address as 'My lady'.
- Less formally, (state occasions) with only Caladanians present, 'Kuria Charlotte Atreides' addressed as 'Charlotte'. In the case of Lady Sveena, she is to be addressed as 'Sveena'.
- Familiarly, with non-Caladanians present, 'Lady Charlotte'. Addressed as 'Lady' or alternately, 'My lady'.
- Familiarly, with only Caladanians present, simply 'Charlotte or Lotte'. No special mode of address is required.

4.2.2 For Atreides men (top)

(currently, Lord Darwin Heleneaus, Lord Mintor Atreides, Lord Brad Darlekan-Atreides)
The protocol used for addressing male family members (in this example, na-Earl Heleneaus) is as follows:- Most formally (i.e., very rare occasions of highest state), 'His Lordship Helanus, na-Earl Heleneaus of Heleneaus III.' The mode of address is 'Your Lordship'.
- Less formally (state occasions), with non-Caladanians present, 'Na-Earl Darwin Heleneaus'. Address as 'My lord.'
- Less formally, (state occasions), with only Caladanians present, 'Kurios Darwin Heleneaus'. Address as 'Clarissimus'.
- Familiarly, with non-Caladanians present, 'Lord Darwin'. Addressed as 'Sire'.
- Familiarly, with only Caladanians present, it is common practice to revert to Aglicon, simply 'Darwin'. No special mode of address is required.

4.2.3 Other titles and honorifics (top)

Several Aglicon words have become titles for use in occasions of ceremony and state. These are seldom used in common speech.
For diplomats, 'Presbeutes'
For House Guard officers, 'Archegos'
For Suks, 'Didactoras'

4.3 On the diplomacy of House Atreides (top)

House Atreides has historically dealt openly with the other Landsraad Houses, maintaining an integrity and honor that has allowed it to rise to the influential position it occupies today. Usually honest, frank, and fair in their dealings, the phrase 'we support men, not Houses' has brought much popular support to the House itself.

The Atreides are also known for their wariness of dangerous situations, and are always careful to maintain their neutrality till the entire battlefield is known to them. They will not employ trickery as a standard tactic, but delaying and hedging of promises may be used in order to buy time for a more informed decision to be made.

4.3.1 On the Atreides opinions of Other Houses: (top)

Alvstad: A mercantile House, they have remained neutral throughout most conficts, and as a result have gained a significant amount of wealth. Possessing a sense of morality that emphasizes some personal indulgence moderated by social responsibility, they are paradoxically both worthy of trust but also bear careful watching. They are, however, respectably neutral in most conflicts.

Corrino: The Imperial family, with its 10 votes, poses a problem to the Landsraad, as its great wealth and its political hegemony could jeopardize the delicate balance of power between the Landsraad and the Imperial Throne should they gain more support besides that of House Harkonnen. Historically, they have officially remained above inter-House disputes, but unofficially they may be relied upon to try and increase the balance of power in their favor.

However, after Mintor's folly, and the debt owed to them by Liam for making him Siridar, we seem to find ourselves in the Corrino's pockets. As the House is focusing on survival at the moment, we should do what we can to keep House Corrino happy.

Ginaz: A known friend of our House, they are honorable, skilled fighters who have trained most of the leaders of the Houses of the Landsraad and the Emperor's line. Their power has waned as of late, due to internal struggles and leadership issues. We are still allies, and do what we can to keep them afloat, but we're trying to help ourselves first.

Harkonnen: A long-time enemy of our House, since the Battle of Corrin they have mostly bore a grudge against the Atreides for our role in winning the battle for the Imperium, after the cowardice of the Harkonnen commander present. Recently, Boris Harkonnen has developed a dialogue with our House, and relations have become less strained, at least visibly. With the Baron Boris dead, and Dmitri now in his place, relations have been nothing but enigmatic. Another House we seem to owe a debt to, because of Liam. We stand leery of the House's motives, keeping an eye on their next moves.

Moritani: An enigma, House Moritani is currently seeking better relations with our House while building up support in other quarters. Allied with both Harkonnen and Alvstad (nominally), they have gained great wealth and are attempting to get more of it by gaining political influence within both the High Council and the Imperial Court. It seems that the House has now taken a quite pro-Landsraad stance, upset with the Throne's choice to take their place managing Arrakis. We wish to remain friendly, but beware to not ire House Corrino. Do nothing to cause suspiscion.

Rastanyev: Seeking economic power, their relatively loose moral code could be a liability when it comes to building a relation of trust with their House. They are however, very convincing speakers and are possessed of excellent manipulative abilities, but their primary concern is with the raising of their own House. Mintor had made in-roads with the quiet, unassuming House, marrying the Duchess' sister-in-law. We have close relations to them, primarily because the Lady Alyssa is half Rastanyev, fruit of the marriage of the Lord Mintor and the Lady Yardia. It may be prudent to make a more formal alliance with them.

5. Contact Information (top)

If you have questions about or would like to join House Atreides, please send @mail to Joran or Jakob. Please be sure to read the Recruiting board (+bbread 20) and keep an eye out for postings of various House positions.