Nov 30, 2023 8:56 pm
A beginning is a very delicate time. Know then, that it is the year 10,181. The known universe is ruled by the Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV. In this time, the most precious substance in the Universe is the spice melange. The spice extends life. The spice expands consciousness. The spice is vital to space travel. The Spacing Guild and its navigators, who the spice has mutated over four-thousand years, use the orange spice gas, which gives them the ability to fold space. That is, travel to any part of the Universe without moving.
The spice exists on only one planet in the entire Universe. A desolate, dry planet with vast deserts. Hidden away within the rocks of these deserts are a people known as the Fremen, who have long held a prophecy, that a man would come, a messiah, who would lead them to true freedom. The planet is Arrakis. Also known as Dune.
SPICE EXTENDS LIFE
House Helsin, Carthag, Arrakis
In the dusty streets of Carthag, much trade is done under the watchful eyes of the Harkonnen, and much more away from their agents. It is here that we find Nascent House Heslin, elevated recently for service to the Emperor of the Known Universe, but not yet given control of a moon or planet. Sina Heslin has aspirations to set up her own trading bazaar in Carthag, to rival the Grand Emporium in Arrakeen. Is she simply an entrepreneur with a vision, or is this a guise for a secretive spice smuggling operation?
Few want her to succeed.
Players Sought: This is a game that will use the Dune: Adventures in the Imperium system by Modiphius Entertainment. It uses a version of their 2d20 system. I'm looking for individuals who have seen the movies or mini-series, but it isn't my intention to deep dive into the lore. Politics, yes.
Characters: We'll make these together. There are some options that we should consider in unison. Mainly, you'll be individuals of some prowess on Arrakis. This is set 10 years before House Atreides is granted Arrakis as a fief, supplanting House Harkonnen. All options are on the table, subject to them working with the other player characters. The PCs will be working for House Heslin, or be retainers thereof, or some mix - I'll reject any pitch where the PC's goal is to see House Heslin fail.
Tone and Warnings: It's a setting rife with violence, betrayal, intrigue, seduction, and assassination. That said, we'll maintain a comfortable distance from more controversial material. Intrigue between the PCs won't be a focus, although it is probably inevitable.
Duration: I'm not sure. I find my games work best when I have defined end points. There will be no winning, no throwing a virgin into a sandworm to appease the God. However, a possible end point is the death of Sina Heslin, or the success of her goals - that being said, those may be middle points, too, we'll have to see.
Frequency: I will be available to post daily mostly in the evenings, more often on weekends and holidays. I don't take breaks, don't take weekends off, or vacations. I am looking for players who will be checking in every day or two at least.
Materials: If you don't have the core book you can use the free quickstart which has six pre-gens in it.
Inspiration: This is based largely on the recent movie rather than the 1984 version.
What's next? Post your interest, and something that intrigues you enough to explore this setting/topic. I'll choose from those who have posted or have reached out to me directly. I'll make the choice for players on the evening of Friday, December 8, specifically during the evening that occurs in North America.
This game will be character driven. I want to see this setting come to life on the page, evoked by descriptions and personality. This will not be a combat-focused game, but rather, one where your head for intrigue will guide the story.
My choice will be tempered between at least two people I know are reliable, with one or two spots reserved for those who are less familiar or entirely new to me.