Game: Dune CCG

Thread: Re: PBEM #10 - EOTS

Thrylos — 2008-09-02T21:11:25+00:00

All credit needs to go to Phillip Lerche. He run this PBEM and gave us also this wonderful story!

Thread: Re: PBEM #10 - EOTS

Eggo — 2008-09-01T20:58:34+00:00

You're a true fan of the Dune universe - respect!

Thread: Re: PBEM #10 - EOTS

Harkonnen13 — 2008-09-01T18:21:29+00:00

KULL WAHAD! Very, very cool report. This makes me want to track this game down and get large quantities of the cards.

Thread: PBEM #10 - EOTS

Thrylos — 2008-09-01T13:10:52+00:00

PBEM #10 - EOTS
PBEM Master & Storyteller : Phillip Lerche
PBEM Players : House Irhaln, House A'nuran, House Weotch, House Confederacy, Monkey House, House Emerald Cross

The Story

Dateline: 1st Interval, 10191
As you all know, there is a Landsraad High Coucil seat up for grabs in the coming 'election'. Reverend Mother Serenity (House A'nuran) and Duke Chip (House Confederacy) started out 1 point ahead of the rest of the field. No doubt through Bene Gesserit manipulation of opinion polls, RM Serenity guaranteed that the first convention would be hers, held at Wallach IX. This intial boost to her campaign increased her standing by 3 points. A successful early fundraiser (Plasteel Industries) attracted a lot of attention from A'nuran's sworn foe, House Irhaln (backed by the Guild). Their representative Mentat Suk Initiate Poolman, concerned about the current spice glut (16 spice in the Hoard!), timed a document leak, the so-called Guild Manifesto. This demanded that the other Houses take a stand, and requested that A'nuran limit their CHOAM exchange with a veiled threat of retaliation if an agreement was not met. A'nuran immediately countered with a list of their own demands - basically, a standoff. During the heated negotiations A'nuran hoped to organize a second fundraiser (CHOAM Directorship), only to have planning permission blocked by House Weotch (representing the Harkonnen Fist).
We can report that all deals are off as RM Serenity has just bought a full quota of spice at rock-bottom price, flaunting her favored position in the face of the Guild and Houses Minor! In addition, we have an unconfirmed rumor that she has also bribed the Landsraad, further improving her House's standing.
So, an interesting few days on Wallach IX, with a big leap in the polls for Reverend Mother Serenity of House A'nuran, but it is just the beginning of a long campaign.
From Wallach IX this is Lord Benedict reporting for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: 2nd Interval, 10191
We are here in Cala City, where Duke Chip of House Confederacy is hosting his convention. Currently second in the polls, albeit 5 points behind current favorites House A'nuran, Duke Chip has duplicated Reverend Mother Serenity's spice-buying spree with the result that he is thought to have the largest stockpile of the Houses Minor. There has been much muttering today from economists that this move will cause panic buying on the CHOAM exchange floor.
In preparation for his political campaign Duke Chip has invested in the services of a House Mentat who proved most valuable in securing funds through a Stranglehold on Caladanan Exports. The populace here believes that increased exports may produce a shortage of Paradan melon in Cala City. Duke Chip has assured cityfolk that if this indeed were to be the case, he will go without his favorite fruit himself.
Bolstered by the recent gains here on Caladan, Duke Chip tried to secure a coveted desert constituency. Once again Harkonnen-backed House Weotch stepped forward against the petition, but was outbid by a representative from A'nuran. The Open Bled remains open, at least for now. This blatant opposition has drawn some important political lines. Duke Chip of House Confederacy had this to say in his formal closing speech: "To Monkey House, thank you for your. Thanks also to Houses Emerald Cross and Irhaln. To the Bene Gesserit and Harkonnen, beware who you push, for when pushed too hard, we will STRIKE back!" Fighting words from Confederacy, although we are unlikely to see any action until next year.
From Cala City, Caladan this is Lord Benedict reporting for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: 3rd Interval, 10191.
I am here in the sanctuary of Tupile. Well, sort of. The Guild has promised KNN an exclusive interview with Suk Mentat Initiate Poolman (side note: didn't know the Guild were so desperate for flight attendants that they were resorting to recruitment of pool cleaners) aboard a heighliner orbiting Tupile. At least I think it is Tupile, all the windows are blacked out to provide the right sort of thinking environment for the Initiates. All in all, quite a creepy setup.
While we wait I can recap some important details of the campaign of House Irhaln. A Guild Representative started out the convention with hints of great events on the timeline horizon. Unfortunately I am not gifted with any semblance of prescience, even with quite a large dose of melange (although I did vomit in spectacular fashion), and the Guild Rep would not reveal more than that. Despite vast reserves of spice maintained by their hosts, the Spacing Guild, Irhaln has been forced to generate its own income with an Assembly Chairmanship. A protest by House Confederacy proved a minor stumbling block, but when pressed for comment on the Duke's affront the Guild Rep just blinked. In response to the spice buying frenzy which began on Wallach IX and appears to be spreading to even tranquil Tupile, Irhaln purchased 3 tons of spice, leaving the CROE at an all time high of 3 sol. Sensing the need for more staff, the Guild loaned Irhaln a Guild Navigator who turned out to be a wild prophet! Turbulent times indeed. He gave no hint as to what mysteries the future might hold, but instead attacked Confederacy's House Mentat. The intrigue backfired, and the Navigator was soundly vanquished. The ways of the Guild are mysterious. In an interesting piece of business, Irhaln tried to cash in on Harkonnen Industries. When the Baron was informed of this he ordered his puppet, House Weotch, to put an end to it. So far the Harkonnens have successfully blocked the plans of two Houses – two more enemies created, perhaps? Or just "business as usual"? Finally, in anticipation of serious harm coming to his House, Irhaln deployed a Physician. So far the campaigns have mainly focused on money and spice, but don't forget that the mudslinging usually turns into knife throwing before too long in a Landsraad election.
And here comes the Initiate's entourage. The slick black doors of the Tank slide back, and a strangely mutated form moves forward through orange spice gas. As I try to ask my first question, an Aide waves me quiet. The Initiate speaks: "We have not been here. I did not say this." The doors close, and he is gone. Great, a total waste of time and the Network's money. I am going to have a lot of explaining to do when we get back to Kaitain. But who cares, I get to go home to beautiful Kaitain, far away from this weird dark place of the Guild….[transmission interrupted]….
From an unmarked Heighliner in an unmarked planetary system, this is Lord Benedict reporting for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: 4th Interval, 10191
Welcome to beautiful Corrinth, capital of Kaitain, where His Padishah Majesty Shaddam IV has announced a lavish Imperial Masked Ball will be held tonight to celebrate the candidacy of House Emerald Cross. Notorious for splendor and opulence, not to mention decadence, the event is generating a lot of attention among the nobility.
But first, a look at the recent political maneuverings of Emerald Cross's Supreme Commander of the Imperial Space Marines (think I got it right, damned official titles). Solaris being the root of all displeasures, he initiated negotiations for a new Imperial Suk School. News travels fast here on gossipy Kaitain, and as soon as Baron Harkonnen heard about it he had his bullyboy, Weotch, shut down the petition. This enraged the Supreme Commander, not to mention the Emperor, and he ordered his Levenbreche to dispatch a crack Sardaukar unit with assistance from his Guard Commander to Giedi Prime. Unprepared for this retribution, Weotch's home fief was vanquished – the first victim of sanctioned battle in this election. The favor earned from this and a small bribe to the Landsraad have increased Emerald Cross's popularity in recent days. An unobtrusive purchase of 1 spice had fairly large ramifications on the CHOAM exchange – the price of spice has been pushed to 4, another record high close. Closing out his spending spree, the services of a House Agent ('spy' to you and me) were obtained, no doubt with future intrigues in mind, although without any holdings House income may be an issue.
Of course, most importantly, we all want to know what the Commander will be wearing tonight. When asked he just smiled handsomely. An aide muttered something that sounded like "Buzz Aldrin", but nobody could confirm that, or say what that might mean. You may be wondering at the unusual garb I am currently dressed in – it is a stillsuit I purchased for the imminent Fremen tribal convocation on Arrakis. I think we have time to ask one of the courtiers about tonight's event. "What was that? No, m'lady, this is not the latest from Gucci. No, really it isn't!" Oh, dear, now one of the court lovelies thinks that this reclamation suit is high fashion. I hope someone stops her before this evening, the only thing high about this thing is the appalling smell! Before more people get the wrong idea and end up stinking out the Imperial Palace I had better go back to the studio and change.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Corrinth for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: 5th Interval, 10191
I am here, undercover, in the Forbidden Zone of Arrakis, home to the Fremen. Since large doses of spice have unfortunate effects on my digestive tract, I have opted to wear full-size corneal lenses to give me the Eyes of the Ibad. Not much fun in the dry dusty atmosphere here on Arrakis, but vomiting is a huge waste of water, as it is quite hard to scrape up and get inside the stillsuit. After the Tupile mess KNN has restricted our team's budget, and the price of water is astronomical here.
That's enough hydroecology, let's move on to the main event. It would seem that several Houses consider an investment in a Suk School to be essential at this point. The High Zookeeper (yes, the 'High' refers to the odor) managed to push his petition through with only a minor protest from House Emerald Cross. The Emperor smells profits for Monkey House, and he makes sure the Imperial Treasury gets that all-important extra solari.
Yesterday House Irhaln's Physician was found wandering near the Zone. Easily caught by 2 six year old Fremen children, his story that he was looking for rare plants for medicinal purposes just didn't ring true with the tribe – he had intrigue (1) written all over his face. A healer he may be, but Einstein he ain't, as it doesn't take a genius to see that there is pretty much zero vegetation here. A Fremen Swordmaster issued the dueling challenge, and House Irhaln's physician gasped in shock as he crumpled piteously under the blade of Monkey House.
In an unusual turn of events, the Sisterhood blocked a petition for Kulon Husbandry – a holding that the Fremen thought was their birthright. The rumor that Reverend Mother Serenity spent all night in the dunny after eating a bad Kulon steak is unconfirmed at this time.
The CHOAM exchange has been less tense this interval after Monkey sold 1 spice. The CROE eased back to 3. This sell off of half Monkey's Hoard was needed in order to finance a huge Landsraad bribe – right up at the legal limit. The sudden jump in Monkey House's standing in the opinion polls is bound to cause a reaction from the other Houses, which was thought to be the initial reason for the purchase of a House Physician – to treat the cuts and bruises of the future. However, as it turns out the new doc is one evil oppressor, and has been known to force workers to do lots of overtime distributing campaign bumper stickers, no doubt with the threat of an injection of something rather nasty if they don't. Watch this space.
So, some successes and one disappointment for the High Zookeeper with the big news that he is neck and neck with House A'nuran for favor. I have to get out of this suit, so it's time to sign off and hit the showers. And in case the viewers at home are wondering, yes, you DO have to scrub your ass with sand here.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Arrakis for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Last Interval, 10191
From the décor behind me, you might think that I am still on board a Guild heighliner. Unfortunately you would be right. On arrival in orbit above Giedi Prime all passengers were informed that the Spaceport is closed for repairs. It looks like the Emerald Cross attack has done some lasting damage. This is quite a setback for House Weotch – the convention will be on a much smaller scale (read: cashflow problems), probably on board a Harkonnen frigate, notorious for having less than lavish fittings and fixtures. My sparse cabin here on the Heighliner is positively luxurious by comparison, so I will be staying here for the duration. (And I can always go to my Happy Place if the walls start closing in again.) A shame really, as I had procured a dozen or so young boys as a bribe, ahem gift, for the Baron, in the hope that he would agree to an interview.
Lord Edwards' first move was to employ a Commander of the Guard, who immediately took control of a troop of sleeping Harkonnen fighters and whipped them into shape. Not fancying his chances against a real target, the Guard Commander was put to political use in acquiring a holding for House Weotch. Political wrangling and a less than healthy bank balance resulted in the transaction not being completed on time, so the status of the holding is uncertain. House Confederacy, in a blistering distrans, basically demanded that Weotch reveal the nature of the holding, and even bid against Weotch in the first petition of the interval to pressure Lord Edwards. As soon as it became clear that Weotch would not budge, Confederacy ceased opposition, and the bid for Harkonnen Industries was successful. Baron Harkonnen was extremely pleased with this turn of events, and allowed his chosen son to pay for the petition with favor. Not some of the petition, ALL of it. There were one or two gasps from representatives of the Landsraad, as this move puts Weotch well and truly at the back of the pack in popular opinion with a favor of 5.
This burning of House Favor did, however, conserve solaris which allowed Weotch to initiate a second petition. This was uncontested, and the Harkonnen Fist currently rules in the Minor Erg. Lastly, since the price of spice had dipped a little after the Monkey sale, Weotch snapped up one spice. The Exchange tightened up a notch, closing at 4.
The Baron is rumored to be pleased with Weotch's interval – the complete success on the Assembly floor seems to have done the trick, on top of the earlier resistance against the Guild, Corrino and Atreides Minor Houses. In another rumor, Weotch allegedly managed to convince the Baron that Emerald Cross's attack was unprovoked. Unprovoked or not it still cost Weotch dear.
This interval marks the end of the political campaign for the year, and the Baron has declared a Fete! Well, looks like it is time to make use of my media pass, a Harkonnen Fete is something to experience, even if it is on board a frigate and not at the Baron's Keep – wild music, spice beer, entire suspensor rooms for fun and games, neuro-stims and pleasure enhancers. This job does have some perks after all…
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Giedi Prime orbit for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Landsraad Recess, 10191
Due to the Landsraad Recess, our normal political analysis report will be replaced by 'Headlines and Dead Lines', a look at the past year's political, economic and social news that caused ripples throughout the Empire, hosted by Lord Janus Pauli.
Item: CROE hits all time high due to panic buying initiated by Reverend Mother Serenity of House A'nuran. A sharp slap across the face did nothing to snap her out of it, and her hysteria infected Houses Confederacy and Irhaln before sanity prevailed. (CHOAM Chronicle).
Item: No new spice production - Guild Hoard shrinking! New Imperial school syllabus that de-emphasizes importance of Spice Mining is blamed. Imperial inquest to look into ways of making this vital career more glamorous and appealing to the Houses Minor. (CHOAM Chronicle)
Item: No new Great Houses this year. An open seat on the High Council remains closely contested, with A'nuran and Monkey hot favorites after one year of campaigning. (Landsraad Report)
Item: Massive (but legal) Landsraad bribe by Monkey House. Suspiciously high jump in the opinion polls by Monkey results in call for election reform discussions. (Landsraad Report)
Item: Imperial Chancellor gets promotion and raise. The Imperial Treasury gained a massive 81 solaris this financial period. This gain is attributed to several Houses Minor finacing large election campaigns. Profits from this source are expected to continue for the next 3 years. (CHOAM Chronicle)
Item: Battle Rite closes Giedi Spaceport. Major travel delays during Thanksgiving result in poor retail income for House Weotch. (Giedi PrimeTime)
Item: Imperial Masked Ball sensational pictures! Ancient Terran movies inspire Baron Harkonnen's Jabba the Gut costume. (Kaitain Whispers)
Item: Reverend Mother Serenity laid low by poisoned Kulon steak delicacy. Fremen food hygiene practices at fault. (Chapterhouse Archive)
Item: Harkonnen Frigate Fete gains notoriety for largest mass spice orgy ever to take place in orbit. KNN reporter Benedict Gotham fined for abuse of press pass privileges. (Giedi PrimeTime)
And finally, we go live to the Landsraad for the latest on the Initiative Ranking for campaigning in 10192.
"Thanks, Janus. Since Monkey House's bribe put them neck and neck with A'nuran back in the 5th Interval, we have all been on the edge of our seats to see whether it would indeed be enough to push Monkey from 5th to 1st Ranked. The Judge of the Change has just announced that Monkey will have to be satisfied with 2nd, as once again the Bene Gesserit have used their connections to allow A'nuran to take the 1st Interval. No surprises in the rest of the order: Emerald Cross 3rd, helped by his noble battle victory on Giedi Prime, Confederacy 4th, down 2 from last year in spite of a small bribe, Irhaln 5th and Weotch 6th, lagging far behind the other Houses with a disgraceful 5 favor. This is Lord Benedict reporting from the Landsraad."
Thank you, Benedict. That's all the Headlines and Dead Lines we have time for this year. Tune in next time for our update on the election: Will A'nuran call for a recount? Will they bring in the lawyers? And has RM Serenity's stomach settled down in time for A'nuran's 2nd Convention?
For Kaitain News Network this has been Janus Pauli.

DATELINE: First Interval, 10192
Welcome once again to Wallach IX where Reverend Mother Serenity has again turned out to have the highest favor in the Empire. Not wasting any time, RM Serenity pumped her standard fundraisers for solaris. This was a prelude to a second attempt to gain control of an important CHOAM Directorship. Blocked last time by the now highly disfavored House Weotch, it was House Irhaln who thwarted the Sisterhood this time. Irhaln is, as you know, an instrument of the Guild, and as such sworn enemy of the Bene Gesserit.
A'nuran moved on to enlist a Renegade Sister who proved her worth by enticing Duke Leto off the Assembly floor and into Serenity's waiting regal arms….er, legal armies. This act of circumventing the age-old tradition of petitioning was frowned upon by the Landsraad, and has left A'nuran one point behind Monkey in the polls. Having had her way with Leto, Serenity put him to work in the Guild-BG feud. His arbitration skills came in most handy, ousting Irhaln from their extremely profitable Assembly Chairmanship. Irhaln's poor defence of their Charter cost them 2 solaris in a CHOAM fine. Not the Guild's brightest day in the race to the High Council.
The Emperor also made an appearance at the A'nuran convention. He announced that he was outraged by Weotch's abuse of House Advantage during last year's petitions, and, as a punishment, has declared that nobody will be able to bribe the Landsraad for favor this year. The Landsraad Council is dismayed, as this means a considerable loss of income over the next 5 intervals. A rumor that the real reason for His Majesty's fit of pique is the fact that he was not invited to the Harkonnen Frigate Fete is unconfirmed at this time.
On the economic front A'nuran sold spice on the Exchange in order to prevent the video of Leto and Serenity from 'getting into the wrong hands'. (That should pay off my fine incurred in Giedi space – although it was a setup, really it was.)
Happy with the Renegade Sister's work, RM Serenity decided another seductive witch would be an asset to her team. Mission(ary position) accomplished, Renegade Sister number 2 successfully distracted Emerald Cross's Levenbreche to the point where he will be a little late reporting for duty. She's a heart breaker.
Distrans From House Emerald Cross to Serenity Frog:
"Quack, quack, quack!
We are speechless with the recent events.
Our Levenbreche has been hospitalized to recover from the "servises" of your Renegade Sister! Our HMO does not cover such cases! We would like to see you pay the medical bill.
Our House will not retaliate since our troops ... let's say ... they want to stay away from the hospital ...
It is embaracing ... Most of our troops want to attack you just to taste the "revenge" of your twin Renegate Sisters.
Please, keep your sisters away from our people so we can leave all peacefully.
Serenity Now!"
So, A'nuran has made an all-out legal attack against Irhaln, sold some spice and put the Renegade Twins to good use this interval. I wonder if they would be free for the party later…
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Wallach IX for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Second Interval, 10192
Glad the spacefold to Arrakis from Wallach IX is a long one, the Renegade Twins wore me out (pass the Rachag stim)! Enough about me, though, here is the latest election news.
An impressive turn of events here on Arrakis – Monkey House has taken control of the capital! In a flurry of petitioning activity, Monkey swept through his assembly, asserting political control using favor over two typically pro-Fremen groups, the Kulon Husbandry workers and the Trespass Accord regulators. This was followed by an uncontested win in the precinct of Arrakeen (no need for a recount here!).
In other news the Monkey House Physician showed his dark side, administering residual poison to the workers at his former Suk School. With the threat of antidote withdrawal, the School worked twice as hard under the new Policy of Oppression.
Meanwhile in the Forbidden Zone Monkey House put a new program of Imperial business into action. New Imperial law (in a hope to improve flagging viewers of Kaitain Sports Premiere Network) provides spice as reward for Prevailing in Kanly. No boring minor events will qualify, big name bouts only!
Duke Leto made a quick visit to Dune's premier city during this interval (unconfirmed rumor has it that the Emperor may force him to take the Dune Fief), only to find that the Monkey brigade had taken over. The House Swordmaster, offended by the Duke's presence, challenged him to a duel. He defeated the good Duke in style, and earned high Dueling Honors, resulting in a massive leap to first place in the opinion polls for his House. Nothing like a bit of spectacle to please the masses. The duel also earned Monkey a point towards their program.
With the price of spice slightly lower, and double the profits from the Suk School, one spice was purchased from the Guild Hoard, with the CROE tightening back up to 4.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Arrakeen for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Third Interval, 10192
We are back in the studio here at KNN headquarters in Corrinth, home to the Corrino-backed House Emerald Cross. There have been concerns that Emerald Cross's campaign finance manager was in danger of losing his job, however he swiftly proved his worth this interval by securing the profits from the Imperial Revenues. Supporters of Supreme Commander Paul across the Imperium can breathe a sigh of relief.
It would seem that the Emerald Cross-Weotch feud is far from over. Intrigue, normally the forte of Harkonnen-sponsored Houses, proved to be the undoing of Weotch's Guard Commander at the hand of an Emerald Cross Agent.
In an attempt at damage control, a 2nd Levenbreche Officer was deployed, who will be in charge while the 1st Officer remains hospitalized. The House Press Secretary stated in a public announcement that there is no truth to the rumor that the only disease the Officer is suffering from is a broken heart. He is, in fact, seriously injured, but is expected to make a full recovery.
In a move unusual for a military man, the 2nd Officer participated in a lightning-fast Stranglehold maneuver, gaining control over the Dune Fief Carthag. An electoral vote for Emerald Cross! Solaris gained from this political coup provided enough funds to pay for the services of a highly trained Ginaz Swordmaster.
At the close of the interval, Emerald Cross has improved its income base and the level of protection offered to both its Fiefs and Staff. No improvement in the House spice hoard, though, and no sign yet as to how the melange-wealth of Emerald Cross will be improved.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Corrinth for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Fourth Interval, 10192
Duke Chipper's popularity fell slightly in the opinion polls during the last year, so it has been sometime since we reported from his home Fief on Caladan. While the weather remains cold, wet and windy, there have been some changes in the political climate.
A mysterious but Formidable Patron signed on as a silent director on the board of Caladanan Exports. No clues as to the identity, but our newshounds are keeping an eye on any Noble with a taste for Paradan melon…
Gurney Halleck and Duncan Idaho, a tough pair indeed, declared their loyalty to House Confederacy during the interval (for the bargain price of 6 solaris). Duke Chip immediately promoted Gurney to First Field Officer in charge of a House Battalion. Expect much activity from every man's hero in the future, especially seeing as Gurney also has access to a weapons cache of Stunners…
In entertainment news, KSPN has had to temporarily cancel their much-publicized special program series, Prevail In Kanly. The House Confederacy Mentat uncovered a devious deception by Monkey House, who own the programming rights to Kanly. As it turns out, the Swordmaster who vanquished Duke Leto was discovered to have falsified his certificate of training. When confronted by the Mentat, the Swordmaster curled up in a ball, the stress of maintaining the false identity finaly too much for him to cope with. KSPN has demanded an explanation from Monkey House, and hopes to reinstate the popular series soon…
The Duke's House Broker has been busy on the CHOAM Exchange floor. The Confederacy Hoard now stands at 5 tons of spice, half that required by Landsraad Law to secure the election. This momentous purchase had little effect on the market, however, with the CROE remaining steady at 4…
So, down in the polls but riding high on the rich smell of spice, the Confederacy Interval ends.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Caladan for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Fifth Interval, 10192
Well, I can hardly say I am happy to be back in the vicinity of Irhaln's homeworld, but at least the Mentat Suk Initiate is unavailable for interviews. Something about leaves blocking an intake pipe…
In addition a Shuttle service has been installed so that I can report from these placid on-planet surroundings instead of black space, where no one can hear you scream (and believe me, I can scream…)
The new House Mentat was on board my shuttle, as well as the long haul flight from Kaitain. He apparently had to leave in a hurry, after taking a financial reward for leaving his Calling Card instead of vanquishing his target. The so-called 'Pink Panther' robberies have, not surprisingly, now come to an end.
Irhaln seems to have spent quite a lot of solaris flying in Staff from the Capital – an Imperial Suk has also just arrived. Another persona needing to make a quick exit after some nasty business with a scalpel during a routine gynecological examination of one of the Sisterhood's ever-popular Renegade Twins. As soon as the Emperor heard of this, a damsel skilled in the secret ways of the Kama Sutra in distress, his minor bad mood turned into full-blown apoplexy! Don't expect him to cheer up any time soon, an Imperial rage of this level usually has a Protracted Duration.
The House Physician, missing in action in the Forbidden Zone last year, came limping home via Chusuk, the music planet, where he learned to play the Baliset during his recuperation. The weary Mentat, soothed by the lovely (some would say medicinal) tunes, was invigorated enough to set up a nasty chain of events leading to Gurney Halleck being taken out of action. A little chaumurky, enough to effectively immobilize but not kill, was somehow added to a glass of Gurney's favorite Caladanan wine. He is expected to make a full but slow recovery.
The rewards from all the intrigue allowed Irhaln to set up a Weather Control satellite system over Dune. It is expected to be fully operational next year.
An effort to market Schlag hides was blocked by House Confederacy. Annoyed by the action against Gurney, Duke Chip shut down Irhaln's petition, cursing the Initiate for his "devious and deceitful ways". Looks like another enemy of the Guild in the making.
Pleased with the Mentat's performance thus far, the Initiate assigned him to run a future venture, Grant Furlough. The Mentat accepted the honor, then passed along a message cylinder. Apparently something about Mrs Robinson's filter not working, and the House Leader hasn't been seen since.
There you have it, no events revealed, no spice bought, and no retaliation for the removal of Irhaln from the Assembly Director's chair by A'nuran. But at least a few pools will be cleaner.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Tupile for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Last Interval, 10192
I am extremely glad I got to go planet-side back at Tupile because the Giedi Spaceport is still not repaired, which means yet another Interval spent on board this heighliner. Time to explore the pleasure decks, I suppose, need to get myself in shape for the next visit to Wallach IX, nudge nudge wink wink. A lot of travellers experienced the nightmare of delays through the Spaceport over Thanksgiving, and with the 100% increase in traffic expected during the 19 Shopping Days between now and Christmas, everyone is going to have whale-size headaches which isn't good for business.
Due to lost income during the Spaceport renovations, Weotch was forced to dump one ton of spice on the Exchange. Together with the usual Harkonnen Industry powerhouse, the profits provided enough solaris to secure control over the Spacing Industry, and to bribe Rabban into entering the political arena. This last success was no mean feat, since it is almost impossible to distract the Beast when he is engrossed in one of his favorite pastimes, biting the heads off Giedi-rats of the 3-headed variety. Nasty creatures that don't die until all the brains are severed from the body, they can easily lacerate or remove an ear, nose or finger if you aren't careful.
Lastly, on the legal front the Holding that got held up in red tape-land last year was finally deployed. The Dune Fief of the Open Bled is in the hands of the Harkonnens! The companion desert, The Minor Erg, is also under Harkonnen control, so expect much wringing of spice from the sands at the expense of human life in order to finance further the political ambition of Lord Edwards. (Although I would be happy if he would just get the bloody Spaceport opened again).
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Giedi Space for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Landsraad Recess, 10192
Due to the Landsraad Recess, our normal political analysis report will be replaced by 'Headlines and Dead Lines', a look at the past year's political, economic and social news that caused ripples throughout the Empire, hosted by Lord Janus Pauli.
Item: The CROE ends the year as it began, still at 4. Several Houses found it necessary to exchange the all-important melange in order to finance expensive election campaigns, notably A'nuran and Weotch. (CHOAM Street Journal)
Item: No new Great Houses this year. An open seat on the High Council remains closely contested, with Monkey the hot favorite after one year of campaigning. House Richese had their Great House status revoked after a financial management crisis resulted in the loss of several important patents to House Vernius of Ix. (Fiefs of the Rich and Famous)
Item: Renegade Twins to appear in spicy calendar for 10193! A fresh new pose for each new interval, this lovely pair of Bene Gesserit adepts gives new meaning to the word double-jointed. (Kaitain Whispers)
Item: Monkey House pulls out all the stops with new sports program Prevail in Kanly. The first night broadcast of the Duke Leto duel was a huge success, with high ratings throughout the Imperium. (KSPN)
Item: Stop-press: Duke Chipper's Mentat uncovers TV hoax. Programming Director Zookeeper Kent to explain himself before the Landsraad, or face a large fine. (KNN)
Item: Stop-press – spice appears for the first time on Arrakis in 12 intervals! There has been some concern that over-harvesting and poor ecological management was damaging the natural spice cycle on Dune, but the presence of new melange in the Minor Erg and the Open Bled tends to prove otherwise. (Arrakis Correspondent)
Item: Giedi Spaceport still closed to business. Guild and Harkonnen representatives expect Weotch to stick to strict renovation timetable or face pain amplification ordeal. (Giedi PrimeTime)
Item: Officially annoyed by the attack on a perfectly innocent Renegade Sister, rumor has it that the real cause of the Emperor's continues Outrage is the fact that he stubbed his toe on an uneven marble floor. This could help explain why a whole wing of the Palace was recently leveled by lasguns and is to be rebuilt brick by brick. (Kaitain Whispers)
And finally, we go live to the Landsraad for the latest on the Initiative Ranking for campaigning in 10193.
"Thanks, Janus. The continued Imperial bad mood has shut down the bribery this year, so there has been a lot less tampering behind the scenes with the opinion polls. Monkey pulled ahead of A'nuran by stunning the sports world with an honorable dueling win over Duke Leto, so they go first followed by RM Serenity. No surprises in the rest of the order which repeats last year's ranking list: Emerald Cross 3rd, Confederacy 4th, Irhaln 5th, and, lagging 5 points behind the rest of the Houses, Weotch 6th.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from the Landsraad."
Thank you, Benedict. That's all the Headlines and Dead Lines we have time for this year. Tune in next time for our update on the election: Will the new front runner have any surprises for the Landsraad? Will there be a second season of Prevail in Kanly? Will A'nuran, relegated to second place in the polls, be a sore loser? Who will be next in line for the attention of the Renegade Sisters? And finally, will the Emperor ever stop with the tantrums? Join our news team on Dune for the first Interval of 10193.
For Kaitain News Network this has been Janus Pauli.

DATELINE: First Interval, 10193
From the steps of the Landsraad straight to the steps of the Imperial Residence in Arrakeen for the latest election update: to recap, Monkey House was riding high in the opinion polls 2 points ahead of nearest rival, A'nuran, before starting this year's convention.
The High Zookeeper, with knowledge of the lawsuit pending after the scandal surrounding Prevail In Kanly, boosted his favor with the broadcast of a spectacular duel featuring Duncan Idaho. Ladies swooned and fainted at the sight of the duelist known as the Ladies' Man. In an exciting and close match, both participants were vanquished. Kudos to Monkey for getting this popular program back on the air. KSPN representatives have halted legal proceedings for now, as viewing figures were higher than expected.
In a sanctioned battle rite (which some analysts have interpreted as revenge for being the bearer of the news of the continued Imperial sulk), Monkey sent a Dune Smuggler and a Fremen band armed with Stunners to raid the A'nuran Home turf. Large sections of Wallach IX are still smoldering. Rumors that RM serenity and Duke Leto had to jump naked from a burning window are still unconfirmed. Despite protests from the Sisterhood, the Monkeys have garnered the highest favor in the election of any house so far.
News from the desert: despite a serious attempt to gain support for his candidacy in the Imperial Basin, the propaganda of Emerald Cross (printed on more expensive paper) staved off his bid.
News from the Exchange: Profits from investments allowed Monkey to purchase 2 more spice, giving Monkey the second largest hoard after Confederacy. The CROE stubbornly sticks at 4.
I was scheduled to interview the High Zookeeper, and even dressed up in my lovely stillsuit for the trip out to the Forbidden Zone, but he has apparently gone on a hajr to check on his projects on the far side of Dune. Stood up again! This sort of thing never happens on Wallach IX or Kaitain…
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Arrakeen for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Second Interval, 10193
Welcome back for our analysis of Reverend Mother Serenity's Interval. As you know, Wallach IX has been declared a disaster zone after the Monkey attack. Normally I would be reporting from the safety of my cabin in the Press Class of a Heighliner, but the leak of the following distrans has attracted the attention of my superiors at KNN: "I believe the media has been compromised. All these trips of Lord Benedict ... Who do you think paid for them? Luxurious Guild Liners ... We suspect he is a puppet of the Guild. Trust no one. Not even the Food Network." As a result, my offworld travel privileges have been suspended, and I am stuck here in Arrakeen until the inquest is over. As soon as the source of this evil slander is discovered expect a full investigative (ie vicious) piece of journalism.
A'nuran was forced to dump their entire spice hoard on the Exchange to finance this year's convention. CHOAM was unimpressed, the CROE remained steady at 4.
With the Emperor in an unfavorable mood and Wallach IX out of action, RM Serenity decided it was time to call in one of the big guns. Gaius Helen Mohiam entered the fray, now even more fearsome than ever after completing a Dale Carnegie course in weirding, not to mention being blessed with the Hand of God. No doubt she will keep those Renegades in line.
A new swordmaster, happy to be working for the same firm as the Twins, helped A'nuran give Monkey a small taste of revenge. Dune Smugglers may be good in battle, but dueling just isn't their thing.
Finally after a 3 year struggle, Serenity was awarded a CHOAM Directorship.
When asked how Duke Leto was after his close call with that burning bedroom, all the Sisterhood would say is that he is resting comfortably, and will need several intervals to regain his strength. RM Serenity was unavailable for comment, but it is rumored that she is rather pleased with her dashing young swordmaster…
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Arrakeen for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Third Interval, 10193
I am still under an injunction, and may not leave Arrakis. Apparently "important legal business" KNN has with the Landsraad is taking priority over my inquest. Fortunately Emerald Cross controls Carthag, so I 'thoptered over from Arrakeen to get the latest political scoop. And it gives my team a chance to do some digging of their own into the source of the libelous distrans that got me in this mess in the first place.
The Levenbreches loyal to the Corrino-sponsored House seem to have recovered from their encounters with the Twins. One of them set off on a top secret mission to attack Confederacy's spice stockpile. Confederacy, rumored to have the largest hoard of the House Minor, allegedly lost 1 ton of spice in the raid.
The next competitor that had Commander Paul worried was Monkey House. His other Levenbreche lead an impressive battle rite against the Forbidden Zone. So impressive, in fact, that it will be inducted into the Battle Account Hall of Fame.
Irhaln was the object of two rites by Emerald Cross. Concerned with the Mentat waiting to Grant Furlough, a House Agent was sent to deal with the Mentat. Then a Swordmaster declared a duel against the Imperial Suk. In a swift bit of treachery, the Suk applied lightning fast healing techniques to the House Mentat then played dead just before the duel could begin. The Swordmaster slashed at the empty air a few times, but went home dissatisfied. The Houses Minor, especially Weotch, appeared highly amused at this turn of events. Emerald Cross pushed on with his feud against the Harkonnens, and bested Rabban in a duel.
And finally, another Dune Fief is under Corrino control – the Imperial Basin that Monkey tried to win over earlier this year.
So, Emerald cross has built up his armies, and secured an extra holding, while attempting to hold four other candidates at bay. The control of the Imperial Revenues seems to be paying off. Unfortunately my newshounds didn't come up with any hard evidence to help me in the inquest, and I have just received a summons to appear before the Landsraad! 'Do not pass Caladan (where Confederacy is about to hold its convention), do not collect 200 solaris, go straight to a Landsraad holding cell…'
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Carthag for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Fourth Interval, 10193
The Inquest into an alleged secret contract between the Guild and myself (to report the news giving them a good angle) starts today. I am here at the Landsraad, my hearing is scheduled for this afternoon. And that means I have enough time to report on the Confederacy Convention, recently held on Caladan.
Duke Chip held a short convention this year. No petitions, and only one rite (against House Emerald Cross). The rite was successful, adding a couple more solaris to the Confederacy treasury. The Duke then released a volcanic diatribe, blasting House Emerald Cross. This smacks of a secret relationship between Confederacy and Emerald Cross, but now the honeymoon is obviously over as Confederacy's rite leaves the door open for the Harkonnens to attack Kaitain!
The other big news this interval is the purchase of 3 spice for the Duke's personal hoard. That puts Confederacy well ahead of the pack with 7 in his silos. This has certainly had an impact on the Exchange floor where the CROE is now at an all time high of 5.
The Renegade Twins have just handed me a message cube…how curious. It says "For Benedict's lovely eyes only – Easy Does It". Interesting, assistance from the BG. The message cube just disintegrates in my hand. "Easy does it?" Wonder what that means, and I wonder why the Sisterhood want to help me? Nothing they do is without a motive.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Carthag for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Fifth Interval, 10193
"Easy does it…Easy does it…E-Z does it…E-C does it! E-C - House Emerald Cross! They are behind this evil subplot. I can't believe it, a fellow citizen of Kaitain trying to have me discredited by the Landsraad. Time to send a message cube of my own...
While I wait for the response from my message cube (read blackmail note) I can provide an election update. A seemingly trivial intrigue rite lead by Irhaln's number 2 Mentat against Emerald Cross's Swordmaster set the stage for some major Imperial events.
The Emperor, still dealing with his rage issues, decided that he might feel better if he taxed the crap out of the Houses Minor. What better way than to kick them where it hurts, and charge them a 5 solaris Hoarding Tithe for keeping spice stockpiles. This depleted all House treasuries, save for the highly prepared House Irhaln.
And I am receiving a message from our producer - strange things reportedly happened after the Hoarding Tithe announcement in downtown Corrinth. We go live to Janus Pauli. "Thank you, Benedict. Yes, strange things indeed. A Guild Navigator's tank mysteriously appeared in the central square of Corrinth around 2 hours ago. The Tank panels flew open to reveal a crazed Navigator pressed against the glass. The translator was on automatic, and the entire city heard the words, "The Emperor is not appeased, The Emperor is not appeased," before he collapsed in a heap of orange dust. Skeptics had to hold their tongues as the Prophet turned out to be right, and the Emperor demanded a second Hoarding Tithe!! With treasuries empty, the Houses had to dump favor to keep His Padishah Majesty happy. As soon as they heard this disturbing news House Irhaln dispatched a Physician to tend to the prone figure in the Tank. Equipped with a special breathing filter, he stepped into the tank and actually revived the Navigator! It was quite an amazing thing to see a guildsman being treated. The Umma once again started mumbling, something that sounded like, "Hold on tight…hold on tight". Rumors began to spread that the poor creature's mind had snapped, but sure enough he was almost spot on with another prediction. The Imperial Chamberlain announced that it was time not to 'hold on tight', but for a Holding Tithe! The Houses with extensive investments shuddered as they realized that more favor wold have to be shed. More prophet collapsing followed, then more reviving, then more prophesying before the navigator was finally spent. And one last prophecy meant one last event – a second Holding Tithe. It's been a bad day for the Minor Houses. Back to you, Benedict."
Thanks, Janus. The result of the relentless taxation is that Weotch, A'nuran and Confederacy are in extreme disfavor with the Landsraad. Poor economic management is always frowned upon. Emerald Cross and Monkey have had their big lead in the polls crushed, and Irhaln is now the most favored Minor House!
In other news House Irhaln gave Emerald Cross a gifted Physician via Grant Furlough. EC gains a skilled fish-doctor, but has to pay 2 favor for his services.
On the economic front Irhaln dumped his entire hoard on the Exchange! No big surprise with all the Tithes the Emperor has demanded this Interval. Brokers certainly took notice – the CROE dropped to 4.
One final event to report on…a message from Supreme Commander Paul: "Benedict, apologies for the nasty distrans about you and the Guild being bedfellows. All charges will be dropped. Welcome home. No need for the Landsraad to find out about my double dealing and backstabbing, now, is there?" Hmmm, more like the current state of affairs in the Imperium has got him worried, but who am I to care, I am a free man once again!
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Kaitain for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Last Interval, 10193
Welcome once again to Kaitain. A bureaucratic tangle caused by my sudden release from the Landsraad holding cells means that my off-planet flight privileges have not been reinstated. This whole debacle is, however, saving the station a fortune!
House Weotch, still reeling from the combined wrath of the Guild and the Emperor, put together a semblance of a convention. Funds being the most important thing on everyone's minds right now, The Spacing and Harkonnen Industries were forced to work extra hard to give the Baron's underling some much-needed solaris. Somehow House Irhaln manipulated the space-time continuum to appear in the middle of Weotch's convention so that they could reveal the Name of the Great Mother. Unfortunately, the name of the great mother is usually "Nightmare!" and the announcement of a third Holding Tithe this year proved to be just that. This latest in a long string of extreme measures of taxation left five of the Houses Minor in disfavor with the Landsraad; not a healthy position to be in when the Emperor is also Outraged…
Distrans from Emerald Cross:
"We should consider seriously to run as renegades with the Favor we still have ...
What is this? A plot to cover Lord Benedict's transgressions? All these Events just a ploy from the Guild to cover their dark connections with the news media? Did we tell you about the Twin Renegade Sister Calendar that we found in Benedict's belongings? We will get to the bottom of this story. Now if we can only figure out how to get out of the bottom of the pit where we are ...
I propose to have a Litany Against Fear Day. Let's pray. My mentat just informed me that the next possible thing from the Guild is the sky to drop in our heads ...
Where is the Kwisatz Haderach when you need it? Actually I need my mom. This universe is too scary...
Where is Tupile? I want to attack it!
My mentat was right to advise me to shoot with everything we have against the Guild. But the fraternity of Suk Doctors stop us. All these medical bills for our Levenbreche ... At least now we have our own doctor!
interruption - interruption - interruption
Emerald Cross' Mentat continues:
Our fearless Supreme Commander Paul had a nervous breakdown. We thank the Guild for the Doctor. We will need him.
End of Transimition"
Distrans from Mentat Suk Initiate Poolman of House Irhaln to Emerald Cross:
"We are most sorry to hear of your Supreme Commander's poor health. Believe me that if we could have offered you one of our Imperial Suks in addition to the House Physician, we would have done so."
Distrans from House Emerald Cross' Mentat:
"Our beloved Supreme Commander is recovering slowly. He is in his room and his last order was not to be disturbed by anyone. We have not seen him person-to-person since last night. His personal servant has told us that he only asked for food and the Twin Renegade Sister Calendars that we confiscated from Lord Benedict. Apparently he is planning for the good of our House!
I propose to declare Jihad against House Irhaln.
If we survive the onslaught, let's coordinate our efforts to exterminate Irhaln.
As a gesture of our good will, we drop all charges against Lord Benedict (we will keep his calendars). It is time for healing and re-unification.
May the Emperor has mercy on us."
Later that faithful night another Distrans from House Emerald Cross' Mentat:
"The Supreme Commander got the Twin Renegade Sister Calendars and left for another Universe to forget. Although to loose 19 Favor and 7 solaris in one day is something hard to forget."
Better news is that the work on the Giedi Spaceport has finally been completed. Giedi Prime is once again open for business.
On Dune, news of more spice appearing in the desert has allayed fears that gross mismanagement of Arrakis by the recently removed House Richese had pushed spice production to an all time low.
And Feyd Rautha, the Harkonnen Heir, stepped into the political arena to support House Weotch in its hour of need.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Kaitain for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Landsraad Recess, 10193
Due to the Landsraad Recess, our normal political analysis report will be replaced by 'Headlines and Dead Lines', a look at the past year's political, economic and social news that caused ripples throughout the Empire, hosted by Lord Janus Pauli.
Item: The CROE hit an all time high of 5 earlier this year as Duke Chip bought a large amount of spice, giving Confederacy the largest hoard of the Houses Minor. House Irhaln, at the orders of their Guild masters, then dumped their entire hoard to bring the CROE back down to 4. (CHOAM Street Journal)
Item: No new Great Houses this year, but three Houses Minor were stripped of their status this year:
House A'nuran – found themselves in extreme disfavor once Mother Superior found out that RM Serenity had ditched Leto, an important part of their secret breeding program, for a lowly swordmaster. And RM Mohiam, supposedly assigned to A'nuran to help the election campaign, denounced A'nuran to the Sisterhood for blatant abuse of the sexual prowess of the Renegade Twins.
Monkey House – lost points for being on hajr when all hell was breaking loose in the Forbidden Zone. Despite two good nights for Prevail in Kanly, the program was beset with problems from the start and, along with Normal, Ohio and Sirens has been canceled.
Emerald Cross – bounced by the Landsraad for bringing a frivolous suit against the Guild and Lord Benedict. No amount of solaris, favor and military are ever enough to fend off the Landsraad lawyers. (Fiefs of the Rich and Famous)
Item: Navigator goes berserk in Central Square! Ladies fainted at the hideous site of a crazed navigator prophesying all kinds of doom and gloom. No truth to the rumor that his name used to be Robert Downey, and that he had just taken a bad hit of melange… (Kaitain Whispers)
Item: The Imperial mood lightens! After the Treasury was overflowing from 5 big Tithes, the Emperor began to smile. And when he learned that he would receive the hoards of the three stripped houses (containing a combined 7 tons of spice) for 'safe-keeping in case they regain noble status in the future' he even started to grin. (Kaitain Whispers)
Item: More spice on Arrakis – just as well, really, considering the confiscation of spice from fallen Houses Emerald Cross and Monkey. (Arrakis Correspondent)
Item: Giedi Spaceport opens for Christmas rush! House Weotch has managed to get the repairs done in time for the holidays, but don't expect any big crowds – the low Weotch favor has shoppers nervous. (Giedi PrimeTime)
And finally, we go live to the Landsraad for the latest on the Initiative Ranking for campaigning in 10194.
"Thanks, Janus. The revelation of multiple Tithes put the pressure on some houses to the point that only three have the resources left to stay in the fight. The poor financial management of Weotch and Confederacy put them way down in the opinion polls. Irhaln goes first with 7 favor, Confederacy 2nd with –5, and last is Weotch with –13.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from the Landsraad."
Thank you, Benedict. That's all the Headlines and Dead Lines we have time for this year. Tune in next time for our update on the election: Will there be any more nasty surprises from Irhaln? And, even with the Emperor in a better frame of mind, can Confederacy and Weotch stay in the race? Join our news team on Tupile for the first Interval of 10194.
For Kaitain News Network this has been Janus Pauli.

DATELINE: 1st Interval, 10194
Well, recent events of the election have certainly stirred things up in the Imperium. I am here on Tupile to report on this year's convention for House Irhaln. After last year's elimination of three Houses, Mentat Suk Initiate Poolman's strategy is out in the open and it is every man (or fish as the case may be) for himself.
With the CROE still high, and one more event unrevealed, Irhaln's Umma went to work again. Another Hoarding Tithe and more filling of the Imperial coffers. For House Confederacy it meant slipping further into disfavor.
Irhaln's trustworthy Mentat number 2 returned safely from Giedi Prime. That might explain why Feyd Rautha is missing in action. And his uncle the Baron thought he had just been dallying in the slave quarters… Overjoyed with the mentat's handy work, and feeling sorry for Confederacy, Albrecht Nim granted him to Duke Chip! Hopefully the new mentat will help dig Confederacy out of the disfavor problem.
Finally, the Guild flew in another Navigator to aid House Irhaln. Navigators 1 and 2 both practiced their magic and produced spice in the Hoard, pushing the total there up to 8. Irhaln purchased 1 spice, with the net result that the CROE is lower than it has been in several intervals.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Kaitain for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: 2nd Interval, 10194
The mood is somber here on Caladan. Never in recorded history has a House Minor sponsored by the Atreides fallen into such disfavor with the Landsraad. Duke Chip had one goal of this convention, and that was to regain the lost favor. All other plans were set aside.
The gift of a second House Mentat proved a double-edged sword. An exceptional Mentat, but unfortunately one who sucked up vital resources! Duke Chip tried valiantly to have one of his Mentats subdued in a rite against Irhaln, but the fish wasn't biting.
Duncan Idaho dueled a Navigator into submission, gaining 1 precious favor. One down, 13 to go. Confederacy wasn't finished with the Guild, and in an attempt to deprive Irhaln of medical assistance, Duke Chip sent his House Assassin to capture the injured Imperial Suk doctor.
Duke Chip then turned his attention to his mortal enemy, House Weotch. Valiant Gurney took down the Minor Erg for another favor…-11. With no more targets, Confederacy dumped 3 tons of spice on the Exchange which had the brokers scrambling and the CROE crashing down to 2! A final desperate attempt to bribe the Landsraad fell short, and Duke Chip ended his convention with –7 favor. A sad day for the Atreides. Now the only hope for House Confederacy is some sort of charitable assistance from House Weotch. Unfortunately the Harkonnens are not known for their charity…
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Kaitain for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Last Interval, 10194
There has been an air of suspense here on Giedi Prime for the last few intervals. Lord Weotch has been obviously absent from the political scene, and was rumored to be wracking the brains (and bodies) of his advisors trying to find a way to inform the Baron of his failure. So much for rumor and speculation. KNN can bring you the exclusive news that Weotch was not working on a resignation speech, but plans within plans to regain 17 favor!
In a secret pact with doomed House Confederacy, Beast Rabban made his Uncle proud and lead a storming battle against Caladan and a House Battalion. In by far the most famous battle of the election (at least twice as famous as the time Emerald Cross took down the Forbidden Zone), Weotch picked up 12 favor. The Landsraad is also open for business now that the Emperor is smiling, and a commissioner was more than happy to accept the rather large bribe. House Weotch has clawed its way back from disfavor to survive another year of political conniving. As a reward, the Baron has decided that Weotch will be his new Dune Ambassador! It is rumored, however, that this appointment is just an excuse to get Weotch as far away from Giedi Prime as possible – the battle rite against the Harkonnen homeworld and the extreme disfavor have been attracting far too much attention from Imperial investigators.
The down side to all of this for Weotch is the forced sale of spice to finance the move to Dune. As a result the CROE is back to rock bottom for the first time in 3 years.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Kaitain for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: Landsraad Recess, 10194
Due to the Landsraad Recess, our normal political analysis report will be replaced by 'Headlines and Dead Lines', a look at the past year's political, economic and social news that caused ripples throughout the Empire, hosted by Lord Janus Pauli.
Item: The CROE dropped down to a four year low of 1 after Confederacy and Weotch sold off large amounts of spice. Both Houses, treasuries depleted after the big Tithing in 10193, needed to fund rather large payments to unknown targets…(CHOAM Street Journal)
Item: No new Great Houses this year, but one House Minor was stripped of its status:
House Confederacy – kicked off Caladan, home of their Atreides sponsor, for being the first Atreides House Minor ever to have such low favor. This was compounded colluding with the sworn enemies of House Atreides, House Harkonnen. Four more spice for the Emperor to "take care of" should the Confederacy banishment ever be lifted… (Fiefs of the Rich and Famous)
Item: Apparently the gift of a House Mentat who worked under cover to deplete House reserves was the undoing of Confederacy. Guild complicity is suspected…(Kaitain Whispers)
Item: New Spice Ambassador to Dune is Harkonnen oppressor! Spice production has already fallen after a poorly defended desert was attacked by Confederacy, so expect the Weotch Overlords to squeeze Arrakis and the miners… (Arrakis Correspondent)
Item: Landsraad accepts large bribes this year, and awarded an extra ten favor to Weotch for decimating the Confederacy home turf. (Landsraad Times)
And finally, we go live to the Landsraad for the latest on the Initiative Ranking for campaigning in 10194.
"Thanks, Janus. Despite a valiant effort from Confederacy, their efforts were too little too late. Lord Edwards made a stupendous comeback from –16 favor, so we have Irhaln 1st with 7 followed by Weotch.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from the Landsraad.

DATELINE: Landsraad Recess, 10195
Now that the election is a knock down drag out one on one fight, I have been stationed here in Corrinth to report the Election from the Landsraad.
As you know, Irhaln has been involved in the covert operation to have several Houses banished from the Imperium through disfavor with the Landsraad. The Guild is believed to be paying vast sums of money to the Landsraad in exchange for the public humiliation so typical in an election like this.
We have secured inter-house distrans that gives new insight into the vicious political battle that lies ahead:
From Mentat Suk Initiate Poolman:
'Typical Harkonnen perfidy: that a traitor inside House Confederacy arranged for only the House Battalion, but not the additional Atreides Battalion, to be operational at the moment of your assault on the homeworld.
And that your scribes and troubadours were waiting in orbit to detail the "valiant" fighting efforts of your barbarous Harkonnen stormtroopers.
But your machinations will, in the end, prove too little against the strength of the Spacing Guild.
We look forward to grinding your pitiful house under the heel of House Irhaln.'
Lord Edwards' reply was no less acrid:
'House Irhaln,
No traitor was planted inside House Confederacy. Lord Chipper has conspired with me. Did you really think all of the Houses Minor would fall without wanting to see an end to your House? If so, it would be in your best interests to consult your mentats and navigators, for you have overlooked a major detail in your plans.'
Irhaln laid out his plan for the year, which largely consisted of having the Navigators on loan from the Guild operate their heighliners and move spice from the enormous Guild Reserves to the Guild Hoard. This deflated the price of spice so that House Irhaln could snap it up at rock-bottom price. Amazing how much harder a navigator can work when Albrecht is playing on his new Baliset…
Weotch responded by continuing his domination over the Dune Fiefs. Carthag is now in Harkonnen hands, and was the object of a Baronial Tithe which Rabban delivered to his Uncle personally. For some slight revenge on Irhaln after a successful intrigue attack against their Guard Commander, the Weotch House Swordmaster laid an Imperial Suk low.
So the year ends with Weotch on 1 favor and 1 spice, with Irhaln ahead on 4 spice and 7 favor.
This is Lord Benedict reporting from Kaitain for Kaitain News Network.

DATELINE: First Interval, 10197
I am here at the Landsraad where an extra special session of the High Council is just beginning. Irhaln has declared they have ten tons of spice in their hoard (most of it transferred from Guild stockpiles) and with one last bribe they now have enough favor to push for the election victory. We are just in time to see the finale to this political struggle.
And now we have live transmission from the Podium…Mentat Suk Initiate Poolman blinks a few times, then nods as only a fish can, signaling to Albrecht Nim. Albrecht stands up and slithers forward to the Speaker's Podium. He speaks into his mechanical translator:
"My Lords and Ladies of the Landsraad, the Initiate of House Irhaln has shown himself to be worthy of a seat on your High Council. He has exposed the treachery and plotting of four other Houses, causing them to fall into disfavor with your austere selves. He has also accumulated sufficient wealth and honor in the face of a mighty adversary, House Weotch. On behalf of the Spacing Guild I ask you to grant his admission"
The Chairman of the Landsraad looks over to the Harkonnen seats. Lord Edwards shakes his head once; he has no response to the actions of Irhaln. The fight back from minus 16 favor has proved too great of a setback for his House.

Initiate Poolman steps forward to take his seat on the High Council.
This is Lord Benedict reporting one last time from the Landsraad for Kaitain News Network. Good night.

Thread: Mentat's Format

Thrylos — 2008-09-01T13:05:54+00:00

Dune CCG
Mentat's Format

Mentat's Format is a special variant of the Dune CCG. All standard rules and errata are in effect. The only differences are:

• The Imperial deck comprises of exactly 11 cards (one of them is Dune). All cards must be different from each other.
• The House deck comprises of exactly 40 cards. All cards must be different from each other.
• No random element in drawing cards. Whenever a player needs to draw cards from his/her Imperial or House deck, he/she chooses and draws the cards that he/she wants.
• No degenerate schemes are allowed. No infinite loops. Any infinite loop will stop before its second cycle starts.
Explanations

The player draws from his/her Imperial or House deck the cards that he/she needs. This allows for exceptional strategies to be developed. Each player has access to their entire decks whenever they have to draw cards (during the closing interval and any other time that they have to draw cards (due to cards, events, etc)).

No deck (Imperial or House) can have duplicates of the same card. Note that there are cards that although have the same name, they are different (example: Paul Atreides from EoS is a different card from Paul Atreides from TaT). The reason for the limited number of cards allowed (10 plus Dune for the Imperial deck and 40 for the House deck) is to restrict players to add a lot of cards in their decks so they can successfully counteract any possible threat to them.

About infinite loops: There are certain combinations (that even a mentat would not have thought) that allow one player to gain infinite solaris, or infinite spice, or infinite favor, or infinite battle rites, or whatever infinite is out there. This will not be allowed. Any loop will end just before its second cycle starts.

Deck Building
The aim is to construct a deck that is fast, efficient, effective, and at the same time versatile enough so it can handle any situation. Your major advantage is that you choose the cards that you draw. Your major disadvantage is that all your cards are unique.
Imperial decks that have uncommon cards tend to perform well in this format. Players with similar Imperial decks are facing strong competition with end result a sluggish progress.
The number of Imperial cards is the bare minimum of 10 so you can put a lot of thought on what cards you will use and try to support/defense throughout the game.
Note that to break ties in Favor during the Initiative phase, the players choose and draw cards. Therefore, sometimes players deplete their House decks from valuable cards to get the highest Initiative rank.

A good way to test your deck is to play against a regular deck that you know it is reasonably good. For the regular deck, draw cards the normal way (randomly). If your Mentat's deck beats easily your regular deck, then you are at the point to compete against other Mentat's decks.

History
Well originally, the Mentat's format was a popular choice in my local playgroup for any game (nothing to do with Dune - it just got the name here)!!!
The problem with maybe all card games is that when you get a starter deck and a couple of boosters, you cannot build a good legal deck and play an enjoyable game with a friend (so you have to trade, buy more boosters, etc).
A very nice solution that lead to very interesting games (and you learn the game very well in the process) is to make out of your starter deck and boosters, a 30 card deck and eliminate the element of luck during drawing.
Try this in any game and you will be surprised with how good games you will end up.

Thread: Dune's Stratagem

Thrylos — 2008-09-01T13:02:54+00:00

PBEM - Dune's Stratagem
Mentat's Format (see Variant's section for details)
PBEM Master : Paul Nomikos
PBEM Players : Chip Collins, Merric Blackman, Josh Bowe, Pauli Vinni

The Story

Four Houses struggle for domination. Their resources are limited but their resourcefulness is without limit. It is a story full of surprises, plans within plans, and ingenious and cunning strategy. The House that will earn Great House Status will receive one of the Great Books of Knowledge from the Emperor himself. The stakes are high.
House Corrino backs up the battle hearted House Confederacy led by Chancellor "CHIP" Corrino (CCC). Their sworn enemies, House Atreides supports the legendary House Tevarian led by Lord Taliesin. The Dune natives are represented by two houses. The tenacious Water Sellers of House Erifan led by Lord Genrouious Erifan, and the resourceful Dune Smugglers of House Asad led by Ambassador Hannibal Tuek.

At the beginning, House Asad outmaneuvered the other Houses in Favor by using Grumman Fiat for a quick start. House Erifan was really displeased from the initial turn of events. Hannibal Tuek, in a typical ambassadorial outburst declared: "The race has began, and I have got the nitro... I just have to hope that the engine is strong enough...". He placed a Smuggler Frigate and a Guild Shuttle strategically around False Wall South. Transportation of reinforcements is not an issue any more for his House. A Stranglehold by his House Agent allowed him to appropriate Carthag. A key Dune city is in the hands of House Asad. A Carthag Privateer enforces Policy of Oppression on Carthag and does his best to milk the city twice. The end result is enough money to buy 3 tons of spice. The price was right and as Tuek said: "Spice is the key.". The other Houses did not like his aggressive start. House Confederacy was granted a Petitioning Tithe over House Asad's petition, and House Erifan increased sufficiently the petitioning bid to deny the deployment of Trafficking Partnership. House Erifan has not forgotten the initial betrayal of House Asad during the Favor Declaration. In spite of this, an overconfident Hannibal Tuek smiled upon the turns of events saying: "That was fun, but let's see the other performers. I am curious about their efforts of hampering all this spice that is still laying in the Guild Hoard. I want to say it anyway, that it's not healthy to own more spice than me after the first round because I will know who is going to suffer under the hot sun of Arrakis. The desert is not a nice place to die...".

House Confederacy with an Early Procurement in its initial petition was able to get the Imperial Suk School Profits. Chancellor Chip knew that a lot of doctors would be in need in the future. The Great Flat was his next appropriation with the help of a Guard Commander's Stranglehold. Chip, a hard worker of the land himself, brought his Spice Harvester along with a Drag-Line Outfit in the Great Flat, and he was able to harvest 2 tons of spice immediately. In spite the warnings of House Asad, he bought from the Guild Hoard one more ton of spice. His House Hoard has 4 tons of spice already. The spice stock pilling has started. Chip also threw a lavish banquette for the Emperor and his favor was increased by one level. At the end, due to the drainage of his economic resources, his petition for Spacing Industries was unsuccessful. To remind the other Houses of his Imperial ties, his message to the other Houses was: "I am a peaceful House, hoping to leave and be left alone. BUT...challenge House Confederacy and you WILL experience the full and unmerciful wrath of my powerful Sarduakar Leaders, Armies (Drop Battalion and more), Mystique, and Firepower. They stand ready to come in next turn if provoked, but, if left alone I hope to be more defensive in nature. The decision is yours!!!" These were words not to be taken lightly.

Lord Taliesin smiled looking at the present situation. His eyes had a spark of a mentat's analysis. "Time to see who is friend or foe" he said. House Tevarian with an Early Procurement brought in an Ally of House Atreides : Gurney Halleck. It was an unexpected event. The moment when all the other Houses strangle to establish themselves on Dune through the appropriation of Charters and Fiefs, Lord Taliesin brings the famous Troubadour Warrior in his aide. It is a good thing that no Harkonnens are in play. House Tevarian has strong ties indeed with House Atreides. Lord Taliesin petitions for Caladanan Exports saying: "I trust no-one will interfere with my right to trade? I have not interfered with your petitions; I expect the same courtesy on my behalf. If not, then expect the consequences such an act deserves.". Hannibal Tuek very diplomatically opposed the petition to what he thought appropriate for such a good enterprise as the Caladanan Exports, and he told Taliesin: "You can not be so money pitching fellow, that you bring famous Caladanan Exports for only 2 solaris? Do you have old Scottish blood in your veins??? You are rich fellow and you should live with your reputation! I honor your house with my water if you follow your traditions, but this kind of jelly belly does not grant you the support of the desert people!". Lord Taliesin mumbled something between his teeth and paid the necessary price to get the Caladanan Exports. He turned to his Guard Commander and said: "Now I know who is to pay. You know what to do.". The Guard Commander with an Informal Induction brought in Thufir Hawat himself. House Atreides demonstrated once again its unparalleled devotion to the Houses that supports. Thufir Hawat's arrival brought turmoil in the rankings of the other Houses. The trustworthiest Mentat was here. A true Master of Assassins. Thufir seized the moment of uneasiness and eliminated the House Agent of House Asad. Hannibal Tuek may have committed an error in opposing the petition of House Tevarian; angry he added: "I didn't expect that he was such a bad looser... Well, Thufir Hawat is welcomed to come to visit our siech any day!". Thufir triumphant from his little plot told Tevarian: "My Lord, now the other Houses will think twice to oppose you again. I think it is time to raise the price of spice in the Guild Hoard". Lord Tevarian gave the order for the purchasing of 2 tons of spice. The CROE is at 4 solaris per spice.

Lord Genrouious Erifan saw that his position was fragile but he was confident in the power of the Water Sellers Union. Water is the most precious quantity in Dune. He ordered a Water Peddler, which was Command Expert, to tax severely House Asad for the water that was getting. This was retribution for the initial tactics in Favor from House Asad. He then petitioned for Tsimpo, a strategic city in Dune. Of course, he paid a steep price for Tsimpo since ambassador Tuek was disappointed with the water taxation: "The price of the water is ridiculous at this moment. I rather starve than pay this kind of money for a cup of water... Hey Spacing Guild can you do something? I will gladly offer 2 solaris for you to deliver water to this planet.". Genrouious tried to get the help of the voluptuous Zenzi Bewt. Lord Taliesin, although alarmed of this move, did not oppose this petition as a gesture of good will to Lord Genrouious: "I trust you will notice that I do not oppose your petition when I could easily make it fail. I trust the same courtesy will be returned to me, and you do not use Zenzi's wiles on my Allies, which have no intention of interfering with your plans.". Tuek irritated by the water taxation opposed successfully the petition. It is clear now who is going to be taxed next by House Erifan for water services.

The next year, Lord Genrouious disappointed with the actions of House Asad brought into play a Guard Commander. "Time for some action" he said. Next he built a Glacier Refinery in Northern Polar Sink to increase his profits; he added: "While some may say that Spice rule Arrakis, we all know that without water none of you would survive.". His Water Peddler taxed again heavily House Asad for water and with the aide of a Corrupt Water Official made a lot of solaris but he had to sacrifice some of his favor. His economic successes allowed him to gather a respectable force, consisting of a Guard Commander and a Vanguard Battalion outside Carthag. Old animosities had to be resolved. Lord Genrouious in an act of mercy gave an ultimatum to Carthag: "The cities of Dune belong to the Water Sellers. Submit or we will cut off all water to the city.". Tuek thought that he might save his precious city from the hands of the Water Sellers and tried to defend his city. It was too late, Strategic Positioning of House Erifan's forces and unhappy Carthogans from Tuek's policies of oppression tilted the battle in favor of House Erifan. Lord Genrouious lost his Vanguard Battalion in the battle, but Carthag was in his reach. The Imperium looked favorably on him as a man that knows how to win his battles. He immediately initiated a petition for Carthag, offering an end to his conflict with House Asad: "Realize that as long as you oppose the Water Sellers your fiefs will be cut off. But we at house Erifan are willing to cut down on the water taxing in your area as long as you do not interfere with our endeavors.". Ambassador Tuek really ticked off with Genrouious said to him: " You! You beat down my Carthag and say that I should not interfere you endeavors! Have you been too long time under the hot sun of Arrakis? Listen me you young and arrogant fellow. I have very high connections and you will be the first who has to respond to them. Be scared, be aware... Your name and face will be known!". He immediately implemented a Petitioning Tithe and gambled all his fortune; his message was clear: "Hah! You don't get my Carthag so cheap! Did you think that you could do anything you want without punishment? Beware!". Genrouious paid a hefty price, but Carthag was his! His response to Asad was: "Beware House Asad for no man shall so much as spit in your direction." and he declared to the other Houses: "We at House Erifan Declare House Asad cut off from any source of water for their crimes against Arrakis. No city they control shall have water and no man or house shall provide them with water lest the same punishment befall them". Lord Genrouious realizing that his ground forces were overextended after Carthag's siege, he invited the Emperor to his palace for the celebrations of the liberation of Carthag. His favor raised by one and the pleased Emperor granted him an Armistice Treaty: No House may initiate any battles until the end of the year!
Next, Chancellor Chip made clear the peaceful intentions of his House: "As you can see by my House turn, Chancellor "CHIP" Collins (CCC) is a man of his word! Our House has gone into a defensive mode; we care not to interfere with the House Erifan versus House Asad feud, bloody as it is. We have the greatest of respect for the superb leaders that House Tevarian has in Gurney and Thufir, and would prefer NOT to match our Sarduakar against them. We would like to stay a peaceful House, but...mark my words, my Assassins and Sardaukar stand trained and ready next turn to inflict pain on the House that crosses House Confederacy! Please my friends, do not take this as a threat, but just know that you have been warned upfront and honestly.". With a Policy of Oppression by his Guard Commander, he was able to rip twice the rewards from Salusa Secundus. Then he reinforced his defenses around the Great Flat by founding a Sietch Community and by deploying a Thopter Outpost. The fortifications around the Great Flat are impressive. Lord Genrouious was pleased with the Sietch Community in Great Flat: "We are always glad to see a new city form on Dune and I am sure you will enjoy the arrangements we have made to provide water with only a small fee.". For extra security, Chip deployed a House Agent and a Choam Delegate. Now with secured roads, he was able for the second time to harvest two tons of spice from the fertile Great Flat to his hoard. The results of his hard work were evident: In only two years, he had 6 tons of spice in his hoard! He really needed the extra security, which left him with only a few solaris in his treasury. With this in mind, he petitioned for Botanical Testing Grant, a real bargain since this research project was supported directly from the Emperor. Nobody was happy about this, and Tuek opposed successfully the petitioning. Tuek was really displeased with such research projects that can destroy the divine beauty of Dune: "Are you saying how we should live in here?".

It was early in the morning when Spicy News (the only newspaper in Arrakis) broke out the news. Hot news like the hot weather of Arrakis. Here are the headlines from that faithful day:
• Carthag is in the hands of Genrouious! All the messages between houses Asad and Erifan. All the plots and dirty tricks. We tapped every phone and fax to get you the latest conversations.
• This is the end of water for House Asad? Genrouious suggested to Tuek to spit upwards when he wants to have a shower!
• The Emperor intervenes: Armistice Treaty is in effect. Peace in the Imperium. The Dune Gun Lobby is outraged by this decision: "How the heck Dune will keep its population steady? No sex again? No sex, no war? The Emperor must be out of his mind. Our Way or the HighWay!".
• Confederacy fortifies the Great Flat. Monumental defenses. Someone is preparing for war again? We just announced Peace in the Imperium! Trust no-one to be safe.
• Chancellor Chip floats in a pool of spice. Exclusive spicy photos only in Spicy News. Last time, we had Pamela Spanderson and we got sued by the Union of Regular Women. We hope, this time, to please them although we may loose our male audience.
• Could Arrakis been green again? The Emperor is forming a team of scientists to investigate the possibility! We do not even have cactus in Arrakis and the Emperor spends our tax solaris for another out-of-this universe project. Flood the Emperor's guild-mail with "Spit on You" and "Leave Arrakis Dry" messages.
• Elvis is still alive? He is being spotted riding a Great Worm at the Great Flat! Specialists suggest that it was an optical illusion from Chip's fortifications. We have the photo and you will be the judge!

After the news that Chancellor Chip was having bath with spice, Lord Taliesin knew now that the real contestant in the struggle to earn Great House Status is House Confederacy. He said to his trusted allies: "Corrino again try to surpass Atreides with their imperial connections. Let's see how they react under pressure.". Things moved in a quick pace after this. The ground forces of House Tevarian started endless training maneuvers. Fremen were alarmed with this mobilization and also puzzled. The Emperor had just declared Armistice Treaty. Thufir Hawat went to a secret mission. The next morning, Ambassador Hannibal Tuek visited the Duchy of Arrakis for a few hours. Events were developing across the corners of Dune. Everyone wanted to know what's happening. The dawn of the next day smelled like a morning after a night of rain; and there was no rain in Dune the last 1000 years. Paul Atreides, the son of Duke Leto was in Dune. The Fremen like in a litany gathered around House Tevarian to listen to the words of a leader. What they heard, was the words of a prophet! Gurney Halleck with Prayers of the Righteous elevated his dueling abilities to new heights. House Tevarian, after successful negotiations with house Asad, unleashed their forces against House Confederacy. It was like a Hurricane. Gurney Halleck along with Thufir Hawat eliminated Confederacy's House Agent and Guard Commander in a well coordinated plan. A big banquet was given by Lord Taliesin to celebrate his House's victories. House Tevarian was the most favorable house after these events. Chancellor Chip was angry with the unfortunate for his House turn of events: "House Confederacy is disappointed and angered at the unprovoked attack by House Tevarian on its House Agent and Guard Commander. We thought the word HONOR meant something to the Atreides, but apparently not! It was a cheap, meaningless attack to gain quick favor and solaris and served no purpose. You have lost focus on the prize House Tevarian, for you gained not one spice this turn. I ask House Asad to play their Grumman Fiat and turn the tide of initiative so that House Confederacy can land the first blow next turn on House Tevarian. Regardless of initiative, Atreides blood will be spent next round, count on it!". Lord Taliesin did not care about the protests of House Confederacy after his negotiations with Tuek, but he was alarmed by the prospect of another Grumman Fiat by House Asad. Taliesin was able next to petition successfully for the Pundi Rice Market, although Ambassador Tuek questioned the long term viability of this enterprise: "Do you have rice species that would like to live in Arrakis ?".

Finally, it was Hannibal Tuek's turn to deal with some old unfinished businesses. He used the False Wall South to retrieve an old favorite plot: Grumman Fiat. As he did this, he smiled recalling his successful negotiations with House Tevarian: "Good diplomacy is as powerful as Atomics. House Tevarian should remember that what you leave behind, you find ahead of you!" he said. Lord Taliesin was displeased with the prospect of another Grumman Fiat in the future. Tuek with an Early Procurement, brought Carthag Engineering under his control. Lord Genrouious was alarmed; Carthag lost its illustrious status for him. Tuek's message to Lord Genrouious was clear: " Eat sand you Water Seller scum. Your pitiful plan of controlling all Dune places can never come true.". Tuek petitioned also successfully for Trafficking Partnership, a rather successful smuggler charter. To finance his future plans, he sold all his spice, three tons, to the Guild Hoard. The other houses were puzzled with this move since spice is everything, but Tuek was not worried. He used his smuggler Frigate and Guild Shuttle to bring a Guard Commander and a Renegade Sister in his aide. His secret connections with the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood were obvious now. The Sisterhood with the appearance of Paul Atreides on Dune decided to follow things closely and aid House Asad. The news startled the other Houses. A Renegade Sister alone is enough to disrupt any plans that the other Houses had. But Tuek's connections with the Sisterhood were even deeper. The Renegade Sister with an Informal Induction brought into play the Reverent Mother herself. Gaius Helen Mohiam was in House Asad. Everyone realized that House Asad had complete control now over favor. Helen Mohiam with all her secret memories for all Houses, could control the flow of the order in which the Houses will be conducting their actions. There is an old saying that everyone should remember when dealing with the Sisterhood: "You mess up with the Sisterhood, you mess up with your own mother!".
The third year started with Ambassador Tuek using Grumman Fiat again to start first. Gaius Helen Mohiam appeared in her full glory in front of all Houses. Tuek supplied her with a Genetic Factor and Spice Infusion to increase her prescience. Mohiam became a Truth Sayer. No secrets were secrets any more. She could destroy the reputation of any House. And she did exactly this against House Confederacy. With a single movement of her lips, House Confederacy lost 6 levels of favor. Every House in the Imperium looked at House Confederacy with pity and disgust. Tuek did not have any choice for this action. House Confederacy had a lot of spice and the Sisterhood wanted to prevent any retaliation of House Confederacy against House Tevarian. Paul Atreides should remain unharmed at least for the present. The power of Mohiam left all the other Houses to wonder when she will turn against them. Nobody had any illusions about the destructive power of Mohiam: "Words are sharper than blades!". Tuek with the aid of his Smuggler Frigate and Guild Shuttle, reinforced his defenses with a House Swordmaster and a House Shield Generator ready to be energized the next year. He was prepared to make a fortress his domain and he was uneasy that his House Shield Generator was inactive at present. His Carthag Engineering produced enough favor for him to petition successfully the Sisterhood Covenant. Bene Gesserit's presence was becoming unprecedented in Dune. The Renegade Sister was able to distract and engage Erifan's Water Peddler to fruitless acts. Water taxation was not a problem anymore for House Asad. Tuek overconfident, declared to the other Houses: "Beware! Do not meddle with Spice Girls, because they are sensible and quick to anger!".

Chancellor Chip was infuriated with the unprovoked attack from House Asad. He said: "Spice is good but here our honor is at stake.", and he harvested 2 tons of spice from the Great Flat and sold three tons of spice to finance his plans. The price of spice is at a 3 year low. Only 2 solaris per ton of spice. But the effort paid off. From Salusa Secundus, a glorious Sardaukar Drop-Battalion was put under the control of Chip's Guard Commander. The attack on False Wall South was fierce, and at the end Chip's army was victorious. The Homeworld of House Asad was in ruins. The Dune Smugglers looking their Homeworld in flames, accused Hannibal Tuek for incompetence. He failed to complete the installation of the House Shield Generator and he failed to revive his Guard Commander. Either of these actions could have saved False Wall South. The reputation of House Confederacy was slowly been restored after this battle. But still the Sisterhood allies of House Asad were unhurt. Ambassador Tuek overconfident for his alliance with the Sisterhood, teased Chancellor Chip saying: "Naughty boy! You should behave yourself if you are going to stand up in the field! The spice girls can come and give some spanking!". Hearing this, Chip deployed a House Mentat and in a suicidal attack, rendered unconscious the House Agent of Asad. Confederacy was clearing the road to Mohiam for the other Houses. Next, Chip petitioned successfully for the Botanical Testing Grant since both House Tevarian and Erifan were pleased with the all-out-war of House Confederacy against House Asad. Chip to enhance his defenses, deployed a House Agent; and to restore his favor beyond Mohiam's destructive power, he increased his favor further by inviting the Imperial Family to the celebrations for his victory on False Wall South. His message during the official dinner stunned the audience by revealing an alliance between his House and House Tevarian: "House Confederacy was deeply crushed and embarrassed by Sister Gaius Helen Mohiam's devastating attack on our favor in the Empire. Unforeseen, unprovoked, and unacceptable to our people. House Tevarian has been forgiven for his small provocation on our House, as Nobles will be Nobles and need to practice their fighting skills with no real harm done. We have sold off Spice in quantities that should make our House less threatening to House Tevarian (as per our agreement/discussion), and hope that both House Tevarian and House Erifan lay waste to these BG sisters who upset the natural order of Homeworlds. In retaliation, House Confederacy has laid waste to House Asad's Homeworld and has taken down his House Agent, leaving the path open for the other Houses to take down the Renegade Sister and Sister Gaius Helen Mohiam, for beware, the 6 favor may be from your House next turn! We came to this game in a peaceful, defensive state of mind, hoping to harvest spice with hard work and sweat, but our mind set now is preparing for all out WAR for those who attack us. The Sarduakar Drop-Battalion was but the tip of the spear thrust into Asad's world. Beware, for you have ALL been warned!!!".

Lord Genrouious, master of the water on Arrakis, deployed a Water Marshal with Peer of Realm. His monopoly on water brought him a wealth of solaris. With his wealth, he was able to employ a Byzantine Corruption, a rather delicate and masterful plan, on Mohiam that crippled her powers. His warning was clear: "Beware House Asad, the Bene Gesserit are corrupt and will give you no favor in the eyes of the empire.". Tuek tried to defend his position: "Are you going to be the next subject of interrogation? Well you should be afraid of someone else, because the battle will end in next turn if nobody do nothing. I am only here to make it sure, that nature selection only allows the greatest to survive to go on and spread its breed!". All the other House were pleased with this action and did not opposed his petition for the great city of Arrakeen. His Guard Commander, next with a Stranglehold, brought Smuggler Bribes under his control, and Genrouious was able to get a ton of spice immediately from this precious Charter. Genrouious finished his turn with the successful petition of Zenzi Bewt, the lavish native lady with a particular taste for noble allies.
House Tevarian was next. Lord Taliesin, looked at Thufir Hawat, and he said: "Our diplomacy with House Confederacy has paid off. Everyone is distracted. We have to seize the moment and be victorious. Grumman Fiat is not a threaten to us any more. We have the distinctive advantage to proceed with our plans now and go first also next year. A double move! What an opportunity!". Thufir replied to him: "The other Houses are blinded with their own little wars and hates. We need only to increase our favor this turn, harvest spice and achieve our goals next year. We can attack all three Houses this year without any fear for retaliation. Victory is in our hands! Lord Taliesin, it is a pleasure and honor to serve under your command.". The plan was simple and it was executed with precision. Gurney Halleck did not have any problem with Confederacy's Guard Commander. Paul Atreides neutralized single-handed Erifan's Zenzi Bewt, a real threat to him personally. Thufir was pleased: "The young master follows the steps of his father and possibly one day will surpass him.". Thufir with a masterful plan full of intrigue, neutralized once and for all Mohiam. His hate for the witches of the Bene Gesserit was evident in the perfectly execution of his plan. His thoughts drifted for a moment to his beloved Duke Leto: "If only he did not truly love Jessica...". The successful attacks on all the other Houses, brought House Tevarian first in favor. Lord Taliesin with an Exchange Violation was able to buy three tons of spice for a total of only three solaris. Next, his Guard Commander with a stranglehold brought under his control the Minor Erg and one ton of spice was gathered there. Lord Taliesin declared Dune his and took control of it. His first action as Governor of Dune was to harvest the spice at Minor Erg. His hoard had seven tons of spice. Everything was going according to his plan.

The next year found House Tevarian to start first as it was expected. Lord Taliesin bought three tons of spice for a total of nine solaris. He had 10 tons of spice in his hoard and 14 favor. Everything was in place for his greatest victory. Paul Atreides, heir of the House Atreides, presented to the Landsraad the petition of House Tevarian to be granted Great House Status. The Landsraad voted in favor of this petition with an overwhelming majority. The Emperor himself in the annual assembly recognized House Tevarian as a Great House. In his speech praised Lord Taliesin for his leadership and cunning strategy. Princess Irulan presented Lord Taliesin with one of the Great Books of Knowledge. These are ancient books from the private Imperial Library, full of antiquity treasures and secrets. The prize book to Lord Taliesin had the tittle of "Children of the Mind" and was written by Orson Scott Card millennia ago in an unknown planet called Earth (what an inappropriate name for a planet). Princess Irulan spend most of the evening with Lord Taliesin, explaining to him how to decipher and read the book.

In later years, the following historical document found in the private library of Princess Irulan describing the turn of events between the four Houses as they were seen by the eyes of Lord Taliesin himself. Although this document has been authenticated, very little is know about how it ended in the hands of Princess Irulan; although there are a lot of speculations ...

Memoirs By Lord Taliesin: The Mentat's Challenge
Princess Irrulan's Private Library

All was silent within the chamber until I heard a footfall behind me.
Tamara, returning from her journey to the Emperor's Court. The rustle
of her silk dress against the floor reminded me of what a strange, and
homelike, place we had found ourselves in.

"We have a problem," she announced. I grimaced, and swiveled on the
chair so that I was facing her. A tiara still gleamed amongst her long
brown hair, and the Serpent Bracelet's eyes glittered upon her wrist.
"The Emperor seems to be raising up another house. House Confederacy,
he calls it."

I considered this; our way of life here was by no means stable. The
intrigues of the court demanded more and more attention, lest our House
fall from grace - with devastating consequence to the people in our
care.

"Send messages to House Atreides," I said, coming to a decision. "I
feel Duke Leto may be amenable to helping us."

"Well, certainly, my friend," said Leto, looking up from a floor-plan
of the Arrakeen fortress to which he would soon be moving. "But don't
you think you moving in first may be dangerous?"

"Unfortunately, yes," I replied. Castle Caladan was all abuzz with
troops preparing for the move to Arrakis. "However, I thought that
Thufir might appreciate working with Tamara."

"You want to take Thufir with you first?"

Thufir harrumphed, clearing his throat. "My Lords, I was planning to
arrive in Arrakeen before you." His aged face half-smiled. "This
doesn't change things much."

Leto didn't like it, but agreed to the suggestion. Thufir and Tamara
left together. Meanwhile, I made my preparation for a visit to the
Landsraad Assembly.

Things were busy on the floor. The Houses Minor Asad, Erifan and the
mistrusted Confederacy were already involved in a huge petition for
directorships and other charters. It seemed that House Asad had bribed
the Proctors of the Assembly to reverse the order of things, so that
those we thought were least favorable in the Emperor's eyes were
allowed first. House Erifan was particularly not amused.

My own bribes were in order, both actual and feigned. I stood out of
the other house's business - and made sure they knew that! Then I hired
the services of Gurney Halleck for the duration of the campaign, though
both he and I knew that it was already pre-arranged between myself and
Duke Leto. Finally, I received a chance to petition for a directorship
of the Caladanian Exports. House Asad seemed intent on stopping me, but
I managed to outbid them. It was time to inform them of their mistake.
I sent a courier with a message to Tamara and Thufir on Arrakis.

Tamara looked around the grand entrance hall. "Is it safe now," she
wondered?

Thufir shook his head. "As much as we can make it; but the Harkonnens
always leave far more traps than we find. I will just have to be
vigilant. However, I think most of them are gone. There can't be that
many left."

"You've set up the Guard patrols?"

"Yes. Your Lord also wants me to chastise House Asad for opposing him
in the Assembly. I believe I know the perfect way."

"Good. Well, there's not much to do until Taliesin gets back."

"Did you have a pleasant trip?" asked Tamara.

"Tolerable. I managed to buy 2 tons of spice for our private Hoard;
Gurney should be arriving soon as well."

"How's he taking leaving Paul behind?"

"Not that well. I've explained to him that the training we're going to
give him will make him better able to protect his charge, but I don't
think he believes me."

"Asad seems to be chastened?"

"I hope so. I feel that its lord is the type to delight in
subterfuge."

"Let's stay quiet then."

"I told you to watch out for House Confederacy."

"So you did," I said. "It seems you were right. They're harvesting
spice like nothing I've seen before."

"Gurney appreciated his training with Benedict?"

"I hope so. I really do. I really appreciate that Benedict was willing
to help me."

"Think he's got an ulterior motive?" Tamara grinned. Of course Benedict
had an ulterior motive.

"Thufir's arranged the Lasgun and Battalion from the Atreides stores?"

"Yes. Unfortunately, I don't think they'll touch the Confederacy
forces. Have a look at their defenses."

I looked over the plans that Tamara displayed for me. I whistled in
awe. "Impressive. He's really fortified that desert. I don't think even
Gurney could get in."

Thufir stormed into the room at this point. "I am afraid, my Lord and
Lady, that the matter is academic. The Emperor has decided that any
House which engages in any combat action is renegade. We'll have to
stay low."

I cursed. "Then we'll have to hurt Confederacy in another way. Gurney
can challenge their Spymaster; after that the way should be clear for
you, Thufir, to distract their Guard Commander."

"Spymaster? A pitiful Agent. Oh, very well."

After Thufir and Tamara left, I fingered the message Duke Leto had sent
me. Paul was coming to join us - for some reason Leto wanted me to
instruct him. I had always thought Leto was smart. He'd just proved it.

"Are House Asad being troublesome again?"

I slammed my fist down on the table and turned to confront Tamara.
"Can't we stop them bribing the Emperor? I don't know, kill their Lord
or something?"

Tamara shook her head, a faint smile on her lips.

"Confederacy are cursing them even more than you are. It seems that
their Ruling Lord got hauled up before the Emperor's Truth Sayer,
Mohiam, and revealed entirely too many hidden plans which were not in
the Emperor's interest. I heard that the Emperor almost disowned
Confederacy entirely. I believe that House Asad and the Emperor are
getting very rich on all the gifts that Confederacy are giving the
Emperor in acts of contrition."

"Really? This might give us an opportunity."

Tamara smiled more openly as she left the room.

Chancellor Chip was most receptive to my advances. He wined and dined us
in his finest chambers upon the Corrino Homeworld. "I feel, Taliesin,
that our differences have been much exacerbated by a lack of
understanding between us."

"I couldn't agree more, my Lord," I said. "And House Asad's bribes of
the Sisterhood are of much concern for both of our Houses."

"Are you proposing an alliance of mutual interest?" he asked.

"Certainly. The Atreides Mentat, Thufir, has a plan for discrediting
Mohiam; however whilst their spymaster remains in operation we think
the chances of pulling it off are slim."

"Ah! this I can understand. Very well, Mohiam has hurt me greatly. I
see no reason that she should be left alone. I will make sure she is
unaware of the blow you are about to make."

"Thank you, my Lord."

"Did he come through?" asked Tamara.

"Yes. Our Master Chip was most amenable to my suggestions. He's also
extremely paranoid. Have you seen the Spice Market recently?"

"Something about some House dumping Spice was that Confederacy?"

"Yes. A foolish move, in my opinion. He mentioned that he thought his
House was generating too much attention. Of course, I encouraged the
thought, but never imagined he would go this far."

"I believe I have a couple of favors in the Guild I can call in. I
think we might be able to pay the bottom price for that Spice he
dumped."

"Excellent. I'll tell Thufir to discredit Mohiam. Paul and Gurney are
also eager to do something - Gurney less than eager about Paul's
involvement, of course. I'll explain to Gurney about what Zenzi Bewt
does, and he should be more than happy to protect Paul by challenging
her and shutting down her business. While he's gone, I think we'll just
remind Confederacy that it's not wise to garner too much spice; even if
he dumps it later. Paul can have some fun with that!"

From an ornithopter, Tamara and Gurney surveyed the Minor Erg. Spice
Mining Operations were in full swing there, with the spice being
harvested for the Tevarian Hoard.

"So, the Assembly was willing to give Lord Taliesin governorship over
this Desert and the Dune harvesters?"

"Certainly - after he bribed them with a large amount of solaris."

"I see. Do you think this desert will be hard to defend?"

"Taliesin doesn't intend to give them the chance to respond. He's off
arranging for another purchase of Spice."

I stood before the Emperor and his nobles. Mohiam was not there,
banished from the Court for her part in the Confederacy scandal.

Shaddam IV leaned forward. "So, Duke Taliesin, you come to our
attention once again."

"Only in a good way, I hope, my liege," I replied, bowing.

"Our friends in the Landsraad Council have been lavish in their praises
of you."

Of course they have, I thought, I've certainly bribed them enough.

"Your Majesty," is what I said.

"Very well. In consideration of the petition made by the Heir of House
Atreides, Paul, we confirm your house as a Great House of the Imperium.
May you make us proud of you."

"Of course, your Majesty. I live only to serve." He would hate me, I
thought, for disrupting his plans for House Confederacy. Still, he's a
weak Emperor. I should be safe for the moment - with the support of
most of the other House Minor. I would be content with that.

The Decks

------------------------------------
Josh Bowe

House Erifan
Lord Genrouious Erifan
Soliris 16
Favor 12
Spice 0

Imperial:
Arrakeen - Capital of Arrakis
The Great Flat
Smuggler Bribes
Styros - Expert Saboteur
Fakhir Zirut
Lingar Bewt
Arrakeen Water Facilities

Northern Polar Sink
Water Sellers Union

House:

House Swordmaster
House Assassin
Landsraad Emissary
Water Riot
Water Rationing
Stranglehold
Political Combine
Hydraulic Initiative Corps
Political Blackmail
Undermine Support
Water Shortage
Water Tribute - Custom of the Fai
Strategic Positioning
Strategy Delegation
Ice Riggers - Glacier Mining Corps
Soaks - Water Seller Union Reps
Heir Designate
Palace Keep - House Fortress
Sietch Community
Vanguard Battalion
Byzantine Corruption
Lost in the Desert
Water Marshal - Conservation Official

Assembly

Carthag - Harkonnen Megalopolis
Tsimpo - Garrison Town
Zenzi Bewt - Niece of Lingar Bewt

House Hand:

Peer of the Realm
Glacier Refinery
Water Peddler - Street Merchant
Expert Command
Guard Commander
Corrupt Water Official
Armistice Treaty
------------------------------------

i Pauli Vinni
iv House Asad lead by Ambassador Hannibal Tuek
Dune Smuglers
20 solaris
10 favor
0 spice

False Wall South
Dune

v Imperial:

Esmar Tuek (JOTC)
Gaius Helen Mohiam (EOTS)

Smuggling Revenues
Carthago
Trafficking Partnership
Imperial Suk School Profits
Carthag Engineering
Siridar Tithes
Sisterhood Covenant
Arrakeen

vi House:

Choam Delegate *1
House Swordmaster *1
House Agent *1
Guard Commander *1
Renegade sister *1
Carthag Privateer *1

Truth Sayer *1
Prescience *1
Genetic Factor *1
Spice Infusion *1
Smuggler Frigate *1
Guild Shuttle *1
House Shield Generator *1

Act of Cowardice *1
Proces Verbal *1
Policy of Oppression *1
Informal Induction *1
Stranglehold *1

Smugling Compact *1
Petitioning Tithe *1
Early Procurement *1
Water Tribute *1
Grumman Fiat *1
Protracted Duration *1
Priority matter *1
Raghag Stimulants *1
Column of smoke *1

Emperors Outrage *1
House turmoil *1
Imperial reprimand *1

viii Starting hand:
Grumman Fiat
Smugler Frigate
Guild Shuttle
House agent
Stranglehold
Carthag Privateer
Policy of Oppression

vii Assebly
Carthago
Gaius Helen Mohiam
Trafficking Partnership
------------------------------------

i. Chip Collins
iv. House Name is House Confederacy
Chancellor Chip Corrino "CCC"
House Profile: Sponsor/Corrino
Homeworld/Salusa Secundus (5), B1, C3, R6
Starting Point:
Starting Solaris 16 (1 point)
Starting Favor 10
Starting Spice 2 (4 points) CROE+2

v. Imperial Deck: (First 3 cards start in Assembly)
1) Imperial Suk School Profits---Charter/Partnership, (3), 2C, 6R
2) Spacing Industries---Charter/Partnership, (3), 3C, 5R
3) The Great Flat---DUNE Fief, Desert, (5), 1C, 4R
4) The Open Bled---DUNE Fief, Desert (3), 1C, 5R
5) Splintered Rock---DUNE Fief, Outpost, (3), 3C, 2B, 4R
6) Imperial Revenues---Charter/Directorship, (4), 4C, 5R
7) Smugglers Bribe---Charter/DUNE Tithe, (3), 1A, 2C, 5R
8) Shadow Partnership---Charter/?, ? C2, R6
9) The Minor Erg---DUNE Fief, Desert, (3), C1, 5R
10) Botanical Testing Grant---Charter/DUNE Contract (0), A2, R4

vi. House Deck (First 7 cards start in my hand)

1) Stranglehold---Venture (1)
2) Early Procurement---Tactic/Petition (0)
3) Guard Commander---Aide/Officer (2), B2, C1, R2
4) Spice Blow---Event/DUNE (X)
5) Petitioning Tithe---Tactic (0)
6) Drag-Line Outfit---Equipment/Transport (3)
7) Spice Harvester---Equipment/Transport (3)
8) Sietch Community---Enhancement/Basion (4)
9) House Mentat---Aide/Mentat (4), I3, C2, R2
10) House Assassin---Aide/Assassin (4), I3, C1, R2
11) Learning of the Wise---Enhancement (3)
12) Assassin Cohort---Personnel/Corps/Cohort (2), I2
13) Sabotage Device---Equipment/Device (1)
14) Thopter Outpost---Enhancement/Bastion (2)
15) Carryall---Equipment/Transport (2)
16) Spotter Flight---Venture/Deployment (2)
17) Battle Captive---Tactic (2)
18) CHOAM Delegate---(2) A2, C1, R2
19) House Agent---(2), A2, C1, R2
20) Diplomatic Settlement---Tactic (0)
21) LevenBreche---Sardaukar Officer (3), B2, C2, R2
22) Sardaukar Mystique---Enhancement/Condition (3)
23) Policy of Oppression---Tactic (0)
24) Vanguard Battlion---Personnel/Troop (3), B2, R1
25) Maduk---? (3), B2, C2, R2
26) Program of Extermination---Event/DUNE, (3)
27) Valor of the Brave---Enhancement/Skill (3)
28) Sardaukar Battalion---Personnel/Troop/Battalion (4), B3, R3
29) Sardaukar Drop Battalion---Personnel/Troop/Battalion (6),B4,R3
30) Arclight Assault---Venture/Battle (1)

Assembly:
Imperial Suk Profits
Spacing Industries
Great Flat

Hand:
Starnglehold
Early Procurement
Guard Commander
Spice Blow
Petitioning Tithe
Drag Line Outfit
Spice Harvester
------------------------------------

Merric Blackman
HOUSE TEVARIAN
Sponsor: House Atreides
Lord Taliesin

HOMEWORLD: Duchy of Arrakis (TaT)

BEGINNING ASSEMBLY:
Gurney Halleck (EotS)
Caladanan Exports
Thufir Hawat (TaT)

BEGINNING HAND:
Guard Commander
Priority Matter
Informal Induction
Personal Shield
Prayers of the Righteous
Early Procurement
Column of Smoke

STARTING POINT:
1 spice
10 favour
17 solaris

DUNE
Gurney Halleck (EotS)
Pundi Rice Market
The Imperial Basin
Paul Atreides (TaT)
Duke Leto Atreides (TaT)
The Minor Erg
Arrakeen
Carthag
Caladanan Exports
Thufir Hawat (TaT)

HOUSE DECK:
Exchange Violation
Stranglehold
House Agent
Guard Commander
House Swordsmaster
CHOAM Delegate
Priority Matter
False Diversion
Security Sweep
Production Setbacks
Rachag Stimulants
Atreides Battalion
Informal Induction
Early Procurement
Prayers of the Righteous
Lasgun Rifle
Assassin Cohort
Personal Shield
Spice Harvester
CHOAM League
Spice Blow
CHOAM Restructuring
Shield Failure
Buyout Agreement
Imperial Intervention
Column of Smoke
Back to the Wall
Poisoned Blade
Sandworm
Compel Surrender
------------------------------------

Image

Stormparkiet — 2008-07-21T15:30:37+00:00

Judge of the Change starters: Spice Miners & Water Sellers

Image

Stormparkiet — 2008-07-21T15:27:30+00:00

Eye of the Storm starters: Harkonnen, Atreides, Bene Gesserit, Corrino.

Image

Stormparkiet — 2008-07-21T15:23:06+00:00

Rules booklets included with Eye of the Storm & Judge of the Change starters.

Image

Stormparkiet — 2008-07-21T15:20:14+00:00

Boosters Judge of the Change chapters 1 & 2

Image

Stormparkiet — 2008-07-21T15:16:50+00:00

A starter display of Eye of the Storm

Thread: Re: User Review

Stormparkiet — 2008-07-05T06:42:56+00:00

I'm a tad late in replying, but I really had to say that everything you wrote on this great game is right on the money.

A shame that this awesome CCG died so soon. I guess the world was just not ready for it yet.

Thread: Re: Help with starting Dune

Kubigaruma — 2008-05-16T17:32:52+00:00

You should check out http://www.geocities.com/sherlockazulu/ if you haven't already.

Getting someone to teach the game is best, but, learning the game from scratch is easier to do with their "Dune Game Basics for the Beginning Player" guide. It's not an easy game, but it is a very rewarding game once everyone knows the rules and gets familiar with the cards.

There are no hard and fast answers about deck construction. You'll find a lot of posted decks on the site above. Generally, your deck will either focus around important people (allies), or not (persona). If it focuses on allies, it's important to keep your Imperial deck at 10. Otherwise, it can be a bit larger, but I would say never more than 15.

The House deck should be streamlined and run efficiently, but not be a "flash in the pan". In my experience this usually means running less than 50 cards in your House deck, but running too close to 30 is a gamble. You will have too many weaknesses that your rivals can exploit.

To answer your question about about copies, you may have four copies of any one card in your House deck. All cards in your Imperial deck must be unique.

Two player can be fun if both players are of equal skill levels. Otherwise, since you only need to focus on one other player at the table, a good player can totally shut down the other. It's no fun being in partial or total subdual every round.

The length of the game will be determined by a couple of factors. How effectively are the decks designed to "win" the game? I put "win" in quotes because new players can get caught up in excessively beating up on other players or building up an economic engine beyond what is necessary to achieve the victory conditions. This recognition is the other factor in game length. The game is a race, you should always keep the victory conditions in mind, and go for the win when it first presents itself. Our games are usually decided within 6-8 turns.