Character Creation

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GM

Qralloq

Dec 2, 2023 5:27 pm
Dec 2, 2023 5:27 pm
Character Creation
There are pregens available in the Quickstart, but character creation isn't that involved.

The book allows for two methods, Planned and Freeform. I'm uncertain whether Freeform is appropriate, simply thinking that I'll forget to prompt you to fill in the details. As a compromise, let's use Planned Creation for creating the characters in advance, and then after the first couple of scenes, we can revisit if someone wants to make an adjustment.

Planned Character Creation is outlined on Page 109, as below:
[ +- ] Character Creation Summary
Before you get too far into this though, let's wait for everyone to chime in and discuss how you might work together. Your choices may evolve.
[ +- ] Dune 2d20

GM

Qralloq

Dec 8, 2023 2:45 am
Dec 8, 2023 2:45 am
Character Creation
Some notes on Carthag. The city was built by the Harkonnens with a lot of prefab structures and much forced labor. It's the second largest city on Arrakis with 2 million people.

It is also home to vast wealth, mostly in the Waterfall district. There is a middle class, merchant district, and a slum with enough poverty to shame all slums.

See the thread on Carthag.
Characters. The plan is to have you working for a Minor House. However, there's nothing saying that the party couldn't be, say:
- the house Lord themself
- a bene geserit
- a swordmaster
- a mentat

Or a different route, a series of criminal or merchant types that get contacted by the House.

Discuss.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 8, 2023 11:02 am
Dec 8, 2023 11:02 am
Character Creation
My instant reaction, based only on experience of reading/watching/listening to Dune content, is that I'd like to play a bene geserit - just, yeah, that is a high level of badassery I expect I'd really enjoy. Although maybe it's going to be a bit too wild balancing the duty of service to the sisterhood with those of this House Minor. I need to read how the rulebook talks about that, I think.

Maybe a bene geserit who works for House Harkonen but actually as an agent of the House Minor? But I think that would make it too hard to keep running with the rest of the PCs.

I'll check out the rulebook on bene geserits and get back to you on this.

Otherwise I'd go for a smuggler working with/contacted by the House Minor. I like the idea of a character that has a reason to have some direct contact with the fremen.

And I'm genuienly comfortable taking on any role that the group feels like it needs. I can't imagine NOT enjoying any kind of character I might role-play in the Dune universe.
Last edited December 8, 2023 11:04 am

ForeverDED

Dec 8, 2023 3:54 pm
Dec 8, 2023 3:54 pm
Character Creation
A Bene Geserit that works in House Harkonnen? I was under the impression that HH considered all BGs to be "witches." I haven't read House Harkonnen so I don't know if they're truly as misogynistic as they appear to be in other works. However, being a BG working for a minor house seems fine. If Lady Jessica can balance serving two masters (BG and House Atreides), then I can see that balancing act as a great roleplay opportunity here. Obviously Q has final say on this. :)

I've downloaded the shared rulebook and will get to work.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 8, 2023 4:03 pm
Dec 8, 2023 4:03 pm
Character Creation
The BG are clearly options. Sisters are provided as advisors to many houses. If a BG sister is working below her station, then that's even more interesting. One would wonder why and that's an opportunity for story in itself.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 8, 2023 4:46 pm
Dec 8, 2023 4:46 pm
Character Creation
Aye. I think Shadam, Thufir, and Duncan may all refer to the BG as witches, so that wasn't for me a reason to assume that there aren't any with the Harkonnens. And the Baron is seduced by one to father Jessica, I think?

AND indeed, I'd put her in the House Minor anyway. So, yep, will go and read character creation with a BG in mind :)

ForeverDED

Dec 8, 2023 10:38 pm
Dec 8, 2023 10:38 pm
Character Creation
Ok, read through the quickstart doc that was shared. While useful to explain what's on the pre-gen characters' pages at the back, it isn't a substitute for the chargen rules.

The pre-gen characters are: a mentat, a criminal, a servant, a Bene Gesserit, a swordmaster apprentice, and a spice smuggler (reformed). Are these the archetypes? And are they all that we have to choose from?

I can definitely see a mentat being of use to the minor house (House Helsin, right?). The mentat being necessary to calculate the odds of success of a plan, or the probability of the Harkonnens conducting certain actions, or deducing the time of the next arrival of some valuable commodity or tech.

The criminal element may be necessary to be employed to conduct certain illicit or unscrupulous activities that someone of the House would be forbidden to do, or too scandalous if caught. Same goes for the smuggler. The servant might serve as an undercover go-between for the House in dealing with these two types.

The swordmaster, or an apprentice to one, would be necessary to provide the muscle to achieve certain missions.

I do like the idea of Bene Gesserit being on board, but working for the minor house. Sure, they get called witches by many. Someone of House Atreides calling you a witch may be an insult or sign of distrust. But someone of House Harkonnen calling you a witch might be a prelude to torture.
Last edited December 8, 2023 10:39 pm

GM

Qralloq

Dec 8, 2023 11:52 pm
Dec 8, 2023 11:52 pm
Character Creation
There are lots of options in the corebook to those who have it. If you don't, then the pregens in the quickstart are all you have available.

Windyridge

Dec 9, 2023 12:40 am
Dec 9, 2023 12:40 am
Character Creation
I'm thinking about either the criminal or the servant. I have a bit of reading to do before I decide.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 9, 2023 8:51 am
Dec 9, 2023 8:51 am
Character Creation
@ForeverDED Bene Gesserit, fremen, mentat, guild agent, and suk doctor are "factions" - they place some constraints on the talents you take (e.g. "Imperial Conditioning" for the Suk Doctor), and add an additional trait to the character (e.g. "Suk Doctor"). But any archetype is accessible to any of the factions.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 9, 2023 8:54 am
Dec 9, 2023 8:54 am
Character Creation
I'm still thinking BG and have my eye on the following archetypes

- envoy (representative of the house in negotiations and diplomacy)
- courtier (advisor)
- protector (bodyguard for a nobel in our party?)
- empath (not full truthsense but good at spotting motives of others).

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 9, 2023 8:56 am
Dec 9, 2023 8:56 am
Character Creation
@Qralloq do you want to do collaborative House-building as in the rules, or will you present us with the details of the house already fixed (which would I expect make things a whole lot quicker).

Both totally work for me - I enjoy world-building, collaborative making-stuff AND look forward to getting stuck in with in-character play.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 9, 2023 9:04 am
Dec 9, 2023 9:04 am
Character Creation
@ForeverDED if you'd like to flex into something not covered by the Quickstart or pregens, and don't have the full rule-book, happy to talk with you through the kind of things you were thinking of playing and collaborating with you to put together a character that works better for you. If so, and if that works also for @Qralloq, just hmu in PMs.

C1NDER

Dec 9, 2023 9:14 am
Dec 9, 2023 9:14 am
Character Creation
If nobody else is calling dibs, I think I would like to play a mentat serving the House Minor, sounds fun to me! I'm reading through the rules to familiarize myself over the weekend.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 9, 2023 1:41 pm
Dec 9, 2023 1:41 pm
Character Creation
The House creation rules are simple enough, and we can use them if you all decide to work directly for the house. With a BG and a mentat that seems the meaning of half the group.

The Roles on page 92 are a good place to look for ideas, but aren't exhaustive. Also, a small house may not have all of those roles covered by individuals.

For @windyridge, a criminal type could easily slide into one of those roles. A Spymaster could still have those criminal dealings. Any of them at all would be a servant.

For @ForeverDED, those are:
Ruler
Consort
Advisor
Chief Physician
Councillor
Envoy
Heir
Marshall
Scholar
Spymaster
Swordmaster
Treasurer
Warmaster

Windyridge

Dec 9, 2023 4:01 pm
Dec 9, 2023 4:01 pm
Character Creation
I've decided to go with the criminal archetype pregen. He has a contact on Arrakis who leads a gang of criminal thugs and a friend within the Arrakeen underworld.

For connections, maybe due to my PC's friends in the underworld in both Arrakis and Carthag, our house would get the jump on any developing threats. He could feed any rumors to both the mentat and the BG. In the case of the BG this would help in their capacity as advisor, protector or envoy (for example knowing ahead of time what the various positions are before any negotiations) and similarly to the mentat, perhaps using the info presented to them by my character to conduct their analytical assessments of potential threats.

As ForeverDED suggested above, my PC could engage in activities that the house would disapprove of and never conduct through normal channels.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 9, 2023 4:14 pm
Dec 9, 2023 4:14 pm
Character Creation
If you do use a pregen from the Quickstart, we can certainly adapt those for this adventure.

I've built a character sheet as well but need to check the automation in it before I share it. That will be later today.

Also, I updated some information in Carthag in the Locations thread.

ForeverDED

Dec 9, 2023 6:39 pm
Dec 9, 2023 6:39 pm
Character Creation
C1NDER says:
If nobody else is calling dibs, I think I would like to play a mentat serving the House Minor, sounds fun to me!
Go for it! :)
BeardHare says:
ForeverDED, if you'd like to flex into something not covered by the Quickstart or pregens, and don't have the full rule-book, happy to talk with you through the kind of things you were thinking of playing and collaborating with you to put together a character that works better for you. If so, and if that works also for Qralloq, just hmu in PMs.
Thanks, BeardHare. I appreciate that. I'm going to compare the list of roles that Qralloq provided and compare it with the pregens and mull it over.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 9, 2023 6:51 pm
Dec 9, 2023 6:51 pm
Character Creation
ForeverDED says:


Thanks, BeardHare. I appreciate that. I'm going to compare the list of roles that Qralloq provided and compare it with the pregens and mull it over.
If you have another idea, there are quite a few sample NPCs to use as a base. Mostly need your idea and we can find a template that gets us close.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 9, 2023 7:50 pm
Dec 9, 2023 7:50 pm
Character Creation
Best for me to wait to pick from BG envoy, courtier, protector, empath until @ForeverDED knows the kinda character they want to play, I think. Although if you'd rather I just go ahead and pick now, just let me know.

ForeverDED

Dec 9, 2023 7:54 pm
Dec 9, 2023 7:54 pm
Character Creation
I'll go with the pregen swordmaster's apprentice.

C1NDER

Dec 9, 2023 8:00 pm
Dec 9, 2023 8:00 pm
Character Creation
Thoughts so far: Mentat - Advisor/Warmaster - Strategist archetype

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 9, 2023 8:24 pm
Dec 9, 2023 8:24 pm
Character Creation
I'm now planning for BG Sister in an Advisor role taking the Empath archetype.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 9, 2023 8:54 pm
Dec 9, 2023 8:54 pm
Character Creation
So we have:
1) a local Criminal
2) a swordmaster apprentice
3) Mentat - Advisor/Warmaster - Strategist archetype
4) BG Sister Advisor, Empath archetype

Before we get too crunching those out, how do you see each other working as a cohesive unit?

Windyridge

Dec 10, 2023 12:01 am
Dec 10, 2023 12:01 am
Character Creation
What I wrote further up and because of a criminal's stealth and danger sense, he would have the ability to blend into a crowd or move stealthily through a house, gathering information for those with ambitions. His ultimate goal is to run the underworld in Carthag which would have some obvious benefits to the group and his contacts could prove invaluable.

Qralloq

Dec 10, 2023 4:04 am
Dec 10, 2023 4:04 am
Character Creation
[ +- ] Dune 2d20

ForeverDED

Dec 10, 2023 4:58 pm
Dec 10, 2023 4:58 pm
Character Creation
Playing off of what Windyridge and BeardHare wrote...

The ruler has objectives that must be carried out. The Bene Gesserit Advisor has the Mentat come up with a plan that achieves those objectives but within certain parameters. This plan is given to the Swordmaster Apprentice and, assuming he's trusted enough, the Criminal to execute (which I think would be the case if the Criminal has access to the palace). Depending on the plan, the BG Advisor might have to get involved as well. Also, the BG Advisor might be trying to achieve the plans in such a way as to benefit the Bene Gesserit Order as well.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 10, 2023 6:35 pm
Dec 10, 2023 6:35 pm
Character Creation
At the moment my idea for the BG empath advisor is that the BG want both to spy, and have influence over, as many of the House Minor on Arrakis as possible - given the planets immense importance. Thus, this Sister's mission is to become as trusted as possible by the head of this house, so that she can have as much influence over house policy and actions as possible.

As part of that, she might be aiming to become the consort of the house's heir, or even the current ruler?

As an alternative, the BG may be frustrated by the Harkonnens not taking any BG into their service (if we want that as part of our version of Dune) - BG hope this Sister will help them spy on, maybe build relationships with, the Harkonnens.

She is thus interested in being involved in missions and plans that aim to promote the interests of this House Minor, to raise her in esteem and power within the house.

One possible goal is for her to rise to the kind of position that Gaius Helen Mohiam has with the Emperor, but within this House Minor - not a full Truthsayer, but still an excellent judge of motive and intention, and thus very useful still for the ruler of the house.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 10, 2023 6:38 pm
Dec 10, 2023 6:38 pm
Character Creation
For me, that fits in with the schema described by @ForeverDED - the Sister indeed getting involved in initiating and planning the actions of the agents, and especially if they involve social interactions also getting involved in fulfilling the plans. And, yes, working to try and make the actions of the house align with the motives of the BG.

C1NDER

Dec 11, 2023 7:08 am
Dec 11, 2023 7:08 am
Character Creation
I have submitted my nearly-completed character sheet. His highest-ranked drives are Truth followed by Duty. Understand is his highest skill, followed by Battle and Discipline.

The idea of a more battle-oriented mentat has me intrigued, so that's the direction I went.

I see him as being a brilliant strategist and studier of melee combat. Employing his skills as a mentat, he uses predictability to gauge his opponents and deliver his attacks at the right moments.

I have given him the Strategy and Long Blades focuses, as well as the Master-at-Arms talent. To what extent he fills a role within the House Minor, we can work that out. These could be hobbies, while he mainly works as a strategist and mentat for the Ruler, or he could have some more formal role in combat training as well. I don't see him as being the main swordmaster for the House, but maybe a supporting role there.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 11, 2023 7:36 am
Dec 11, 2023 7:36 am
Character Creation
@C1NDER I like that, with you playing a mentat who fights well, it's easy to imagine running teams including all four of us.

I'll wait a day or two to hear any preferences/thoughts on the drives/motives for the Sister - then I'll go ahead and put together a character sheet.
Last edited December 11, 2023 7:38 am

GM

Qralloq

Dec 12, 2023 1:23 am
Dec 12, 2023 1:23 am
Character Creation
How are we doing? If anyone is unsure of what to do for their character backstories, we can do a few short one on one scenes and draw you in.

Rook Shadowhand

Windyridge

Dec 12, 2023 2:38 am
Dec 12, 2023 2:38 am
Character Creation
Rook's highest drives are power, faith, and truth. His focuses are dirty fighting, intimidation, stealth and danger sense. He is decisive and adept at close combat.
Backstory stuff: He has spied for House Heslin on numerous occasions and has made a secret name for himself for being dependably discreet and very capable. He rarely rests, is always plotting and scheming, always on the lookout for opportunities. Not satisfied with being a mere thief or petty criminal, his ambition is to rule the underworld in Carthag one day and when he's not doing someone else's dirty work he seeks out those opportunities.

My character is submitted and complete other than needing an avatar which I am actively seeking.

ForeverDED

Dec 12, 2023 3:38 am
Dec 12, 2023 3:38 am
Character Creation
I just went with the Marcus Syn pregen and copied his stats into a character sheet. The published background is all House Atreides however, so I've changed it as follows. Let me know if it doesn't work.
Marcus joined House Heslin as a soldier, hoping to find excitement and adventure. But his skill with a blade singled him out for attention from the House Swordmaster, a title Marcus hopes to earn someday. He was taken on as an apprentice and has learned more about the ways of the blade than he ever thought possible. This is his first opportunity to test his skills in the field.
His talents are Bold (Battle), Deliberate Motion, and Make Haste.
His foci are Stealth, Precision, Dueling, and Strategy.
Would it help to make the character public, or should we not know what each other's attributes are?

GM

Qralloq

Dec 12, 2023 3:46 am
Dec 12, 2023 3:46 am
Character Creation
ForeverDED says:

Would it help to make the character public, or should we not know what each other's attributes are?
I don't expect a bunch of intrigue between the party members, but if you want to keep some things a secret and have the sheets public, put it in a note to yourself in the sheet -- only you (and the GM indirectly) will be able to read that.

[note="Qralloq"]Fear is NOT the mind killer.[/note]

C1NDER

Dec 12, 2023 4:11 am
Dec 12, 2023 4:11 am
Character Creation
Hural Osaf, mentat, has served with the House Minor for a long time. Let's put him as being middle-aged. How old is our Ruler? Hural may have even began serving when the father was in charge.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 12, 2023 4:43 am
Dec 12, 2023 4:43 am
Character Creation
There was a question about building the House together. (There is a procedure for that in the book.) If you want, we can do that quickly with polls.

For House Heslin, we should: Multi Public

Generate it together
Have the GM generate it with care and forethought
Have the GM random it up

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 12, 2023 8:25 pm
Dec 12, 2023 8:25 pm
Character Creation
Working on my Character this evening - hope to upload it to a GP Character Sheet tomorrow or the day after.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 13, 2023 12:13 am
Dec 13, 2023 12:13 am
Character Creation
I'll put up the first House options tonight.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 13, 2023 3:10 am
Dec 13, 2023 3:10 am
Character Creation
First poll. I arbitrarily selected Minor House for House Heslin.

NASCENT HOUSE
The House has only just acquired Minor House status. They might have distinguished themselves in battle or at court, or perhaps developed a device or skill that might prove extremely valuable. At this point the House is only a noble family with a small retinue and a little land granted to them by their patron House Major, who controls the planet they reside on. However, as new arrivals to the Imperial stage they have no real enemies and little to lose. With time, they might rise to control their home planet, and perhaps even beyond.

HOUSE MINOR
The House is an established House Minor, one of the most important of the vassal Houses that serve the same House Major. The House has a strong tradition or dedication and service to their patron, but has not established itself far beyond their home planet. Their holdings will cover around a third of their world or might be set upon a moon controlled by their House Major. However, they must constantly jockey for power among the other Minor Houses that also serve their House Major, rivals for its favor.

HOUSE MAJOR
The House is the ruling power of an entire planet. Several Minor Houses serve its interests and it is a serious contender in the politics of the Imperium. The House has several agents and soldiers at its command and is a leading force in at least one area of commerce. Unfortunately, this sort of power does not come without making enemies. Spies and assassins are everywhere and there are many rival Houses, Great and Minor, that covet the power and resources this House possesses.

STARTING DOMAINS
Depending on its type, each House begins with one or more domains:
@ Nascent House: 1 secondary domain
@ House Minor: 1 primary domain and 1 secondary domain
@ House Major: 1 primary domain and 2 secondary domains

What house size? Public

Nascent
Minor
Major

ForeverDED

Dec 13, 2023 4:02 am
Dec 13, 2023 4:02 am
Character Creation
I'm trying to understand the house's status/relationship to other houses and their purpose for being on Arrakis.

So if Heslin is a nascent house, Arrakis is a world they're trying to gain a foothold on for their patron, or are they going to be subservient to the Harkonnens?

If they're a minor house, their patron gave them land on Arrakis to serve as a way of going after the Harkonnens?

Or are both of these things to be determined?

GM

Qralloq

Dec 13, 2023 4:32 am
Dec 13, 2023 4:32 am
Character Creation
We're attempting to decide all of that.

One possibility is that House Heslin is operating in Carthag like a business. The only house that holds a fief on Arrakis is House Harkonnen, and under them vassal houses. But that doesn't mean other factions aren't present, they just don't rule anything.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 13, 2023 8:46 am
Dec 13, 2023 8:46 am
Character Creation
Character submitted - Bene Gesserit Sister Marya Delannoy

C1NDER

Dec 13, 2023 10:08 am
Dec 13, 2023 10:08 am
Character Creation
One of the last/open questions I have on my sheet is an asset - I'm looking at Hural having some kind of connection to water merchants. Perhaps our house is deep into that game and that's our 'in'? We could be exerting those connections to gain more influence on the planet? The Harkonnens may suffer our presence so as not to disrupt water trade.
Last edited December 13, 2023 10:10 am

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 13, 2023 10:11 am
Dec 13, 2023 10:11 am
Character Creation
I like the water merchant angle!

ForeverDED

Dec 13, 2023 4:54 pm
Dec 13, 2023 4:54 pm
Character Creation
Me too.

I think nascent makes more sense to me then. I'll vote accordingly.

EDIT: Whoops. That makes it a tie.
Last edited December 13, 2023 4:54 pm

Marya Delannoy

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 13, 2023 5:37 pm
Dec 13, 2023 5:37 pm
Character Creation
I'm good with Nascent too - I'll go and change my vote

Rook Shadowhand

Windyridge

Dec 13, 2023 6:16 pm
Dec 13, 2023 6:16 pm
Character Creation
I like the water merchant angle too.

C1NDER

Dec 13, 2023 8:23 pm
Dec 13, 2023 8:23 pm
Character Creation
In agreement, changed to Nascent as well.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 14, 2023 12:36 am
Dec 14, 2023 12:36 am
Character Creation
Okay the next bit has a bunch of options.
[ +- ] Details
A secondary domain is an area that the House is known for but is not their main source of income. However, it is still lucrative. The House is considered a serious contender in this arena of business, but is far from controlling a monopoly. They are vying with several other Houses in their attempts to make it a primary domain and the competition may be exceptionally fierce.

This means that a primary domain is a narrative aid to explain what your House really does, but a secondary domain shows where the House is in conflict and what business direction it is moving in.

House Helsin, secondary domain Multi Public

Artistic
Espionage
Farming
Industrial
Kanly
Military
Political
Religion
Science

ForeverDED

Dec 14, 2023 3:33 am
Dec 14, 2023 3:33 am
Character Creation
My first thought is that Farming might work best with the Water Merchant idea. But I don't recall what people ate in the books or if the food was imported or locally grown. Anyone else?

Hural Osaf

C1NDER

Dec 14, 2023 10:01 am
Dec 14, 2023 10:01 am
Character Creation
probably not much locally grown on Arrakis. The farming would be VERY different there - maybe mushrooms or lichen, only found in certain places? They make specific mention of drinking coffee, so I have to assume coffee beans are a thing - Duke Leto drank some in the first book, though I can't remember if its mentioned before or after he's on Arrakis.

Import/export of crops could certainly be a thing, though, and could definitley give ties to water merchants. Imagine the wealth in growing a tomato on Arrakis, and how much the rich gluttons in House Harkonnen would pay for them to be locally sourced.

Rook Shadowhand

Windyridge

Dec 14, 2023 3:39 pm
Dec 14, 2023 3:39 pm
Character Creation
I saw a reference to root crops but not much else for food being grown there. Most of it seems to be imported. Maybe coffee beans could be grown along with succulents.

Maybe a combination of both. Root crops for trade?

Wiki- For arid climates: Fleshy-leaved succulents, small desert wildflowers, and shrubs and trees with waxy, leathery, fuzzy, or very small leaves all thrive in hot, dry environments. These plants use a variety of methods to conserve water.

I do like the idea of farming and engineering something like a tomato! Then this could tie in with the water merchant idea.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 14, 2023 4:25 pm
Dec 14, 2023 4:25 pm
Character Creation
It is largely unknown how the Fremen survive, but most food on Arrakis is imported and sold in markets, including street food. Various planetary cultures have their own sections where you can buy food from home.

What little native vegetation there is is mostly poisonous to humans.

Rook Shadowhand

Windyridge

Dec 14, 2023 4:51 pm
Dec 14, 2023 4:51 pm
Character Creation
Can we cheat on canon a bit or is that frowned upon and would we even want to? If not, I'd probably pick science, and how to optimize water extraction.

Optimizing evaporation or sequestration of water beneath the sand similar to the sandtrout or storing it within plants and aquifers in the sietches after being captured.

I am not as well-read on all the Dune lore as the rest of you so I could be writing gibberish.

🫢

GM

Qralloq

Dec 14, 2023 7:19 pm
Dec 14, 2023 7:19 pm
Character Creation
Windyridge says:
Can we cheat on canon a bit or is that frowned upon and would we even want to? If not, I'd probably pick science, and how to optimize water extraction.

Optimizing evaporation or sequestration of water beneath the sand similar to the sandtrout or storing it within plants and aquifers in the sietches after being captured.

I am not as well-read on all the Dune lore as the rest of you so I could be writing gibberish.
That sounds entirely reasonable to me. Access to water is a central concern, and there are even water taxes. No doubt there is a strong need for water management and recovery technologies.

ForeverDED

Dec 14, 2023 8:29 pm
Dec 14, 2023 8:29 pm
Character Creation
Yeah, science is a good choice for the obvious fact that water management is of extreme importance. Maybe research into the Fremen stillsuits.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 14, 2023 8:50 pm
Dec 14, 2023 8:50 pm
Character Creation
Oh, I like the research into Fremen stillsuits angle - potential for conflict with the really impressively scary Fremen there...

Windyridge

Dec 14, 2023 9:12 pm
Dec 14, 2023 9:12 pm
Character Creation
I like it!

C1NDER

Dec 15, 2023 3:41 am
Dec 15, 2023 3:41 am
Character Creation
I'm in!

GM

Qralloq

Dec 15, 2023 4:26 am
Dec 15, 2023 4:26 am
Character Creation
So we have Nascent House Helsin, who specializes in Science, particularly water recovery and management.

SCIENCE
While the tenets of the Butlerian Jihad remain in force, it does not mean humanity cannot research and develop new scientific ideas. Many Houses have a research and development department to advance their domains and keep ahead of the competition. This domain often couples well with Industrial domains where a House might take full advantage of what they discover, rather than pass it on to others to make money from.
@Machinery: Laboratory equipment, quarantine areas, entire scientific facilities
@Produce: Chemical compounds, drugs, geneticallyadapted humans and animals
@Expertise: Scientists and researchers
@Workers: Lab assistants and managers
@Understanding: New scientific research (many different possibilities in many areas)
Homeworkld

Where is the homeworld? Public

Arrakis
Other (known in Lore, like one with a Great House)
Other (we make it up)
Banners and Arms

Each noble House has a coat of arms they proudly emblazon on all their holdings to remind everyone of what is theirs. The heraldry of the Imperium is nowhere near as complicated as that of old England but still serves as a clear symbol of each house.

Most Houses have a banner made up of one or two colors and a crest, which might be an animal, object, or even chemical element. The colors might be represented on their banner divided horizontally, vertically, or as a stripe, usually behind the crest.

It is up to the group to decide on the House banner. There are hundreds of possible options, from the hawk of the Atreides to the lamp of House Richese and the double helix of House Vernius.
Those are the last two we need to work out.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 15, 2023 8:57 am
Dec 15, 2023 8:57 am
Character Creation
I went for Arrakis as the house's home planet - given the focus on water, it seems like there's no other place in Known Space where this would be so valuable and relevant, so I'm imagining they were given Nascent House status here maybe under previous pre-Harkonnen rulers of Arrakis for their competence and service.

Crest of two colours - blue (for the water) and ochre (for the sand of Arrakis). Blue background, with several circles of ochre of some different sizes representing bubbles in the water.

Happy with all kinds of alternatives to these - just my initial thoughts on it.
Last edited December 15, 2023 2:16 pm

Windyridge

Dec 15, 2023 2:15 pm
Dec 15, 2023 2:15 pm
Character Creation
Sounds good to me.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 15, 2023 3:15 pm
Dec 15, 2023 3:15 pm
Character Creation
The previous holders of the governorship-fief was HOUSE RICHESE. That would have occurred ... 67 years prior?

10,114 A.G. House Richese loses control of Arrakis and House Harkonnen is granted it as a fief.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 15, 2023 4:42 pm
Dec 15, 2023 4:42 pm
Character Creation
https://i.imgur.com/bwFLUsN.png
Idea for House Helsin Coat of Arms.

(I know very well that graphic design is not one of my strengths!)

(Like, even I don't like this lol but no idea how to improve on it)
Last edited December 15, 2023 4:43 pm

ForeverDED

Dec 15, 2023 6:27 pm
Dec 15, 2023 6:27 pm
Character Creation
I can't imagine the Harkonnens being willing to share control of Arrakis without said nascent house swearing allegiance to them. And that's an approach we can try: Pretending to be loyal to the Harkonnens but secretly trying to get out from under boot.

If nascent house status was granted by Richese and Helsin was allowed to stay because of rules that I am totally unfamiliar with, that could work. I'd imagine that the Harkonnens would be keeping an eye on Helsin to make sure we didn't try to undermine their authority, which is what I'd think we'd be doing anyway. :)

If our homeworld is elsewhere, it's likely that we were able to grow and prosper under the protection of a more benevolent house. Said house may have directed us here as an scientific opportunity (water collection), but underneath that, we're undermining the Harkonnens.

Hural Osaf

C1NDER

Dec 16, 2023 7:45 am
Dec 16, 2023 7:45 am
Character Creation
I like the idea that we became established on Arrakis while the Richese had control of the planet, and have become a holdover.

Perhaps there was some imperial direction to leave House Helsin alone during and after the power transfer, as I'm sure the Emperor would greatly desire the fruits our our scientific endeavors.

I agree with ForeverDED the Harkonnens would keep a close eye on our House anyway, looking for signs of betrayal or an avenue to profit/benefit from our destruction or absorption into their rulership.
Last edited December 16, 2023 7:47 am

Rook Shadowhand

Windyridge

Dec 16, 2023 3:57 pm
Dec 16, 2023 3:57 pm
Character Creation
I like the idea of there being a directive to leave House Helson alone, yet we are being closely watched for opportunities to either help us flourish or destroy us. That constant tension will be fun to play around with and rife with opportunities for nefarious activities.

ForeverDED

Dec 16, 2023 4:01 pm
Dec 16, 2023 4:01 pm
Character Creation
C1NDER says:
Perhaps there was some imperial direction to leave House Helsin alone during and after the power transfer, as I'm sure the Emperor would greatly desire the fruits our our scientific endeavors.
Ahhh yes, the Emperor. Only the wrath of the Sardaukar would get the Harkonnens to toe the line. Best possible reason for the Harkonnen to tolerate Heslin.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 16, 2023 5:05 pm
Dec 16, 2023 5:05 pm
Character Creation
Like the way this is going :)

If it would make things quicker/less work and were good for everyone, maybe we could each take one of the key NPCs in the house and put together a short description of them, so it's not all in the hands of the GM? Totally happy not to do that, just thinking of ways of keeping momentum going and doing more co-creation.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 16, 2023 5:07 pm
Dec 16, 2023 5:07 pm
Character Creation
Alright I think we're close to being ready. I'll write up this stuff in notes so we can find it easier later, and get the game moving.

Last steps: I've an idea of how I want this game to unfold, at least the conflicts I want to introduce for each of your PCs. But let me know in a NOTE if there is anything specific you'd like to explore in Dune.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 16, 2023 6:33 pm
Dec 16, 2023 6:33 pm
Character Creation
I'm on a full-on work trip starting tomorrow (Sunday 17) until end of the week (Friday 22). My posting may be a bit slower during that week.

C1NDER

Dec 16, 2023 9:18 pm
Dec 16, 2023 9:18 pm
Character Creation
C1NDER sent a note to Qralloq
Last edited December 16, 2023 9:18 pm

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 16, 2023 9:21 pm
Dec 16, 2023 9:21 pm
Character Creation
BeardHare sent a note to Qralloq

ForeverDED

Dec 16, 2023 9:26 pm
Dec 16, 2023 9:26 pm
Character Creation
Qralloq says:
But let me know in a NOTE if there is anything specific you'd like to explore in Dune.
Nothing that I haven't already expressed in public.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 16, 2023 11:25 pm
Dec 16, 2023 11:25 pm
Character Creation
BeardHare says:
If it would make things quicker/less work and were good for everyone, maybe we could each take one of the key NPCs in the house and put together a short description of them, so it's not all in the hands of the GM? Totally happy not to do that, just thinking of ways of keeping momentum going and doing more co-creation.
I really like this idea, too. Go ahead and provided details for a key retainer that would complement your team, and if you have any ideas on who we should add to the list below, go hard.

These could include:
Sina Heslin, the house leader.
chief water scientist
a NPC connected to your PC (such as ForeverDED's swordmaster)
chief manufacturer/engineer
The Heslin ornithopter person (pilot, maintenance)
anyone else
[ +- ] List of common house roles

C1NDER

Dec 17, 2023 8:39 am
Dec 17, 2023 8:39 am
Character Creation
The house write-up is great!

Here is my NPC:

Chief Water Scientist - Vodir Thafin
A man in his 30's whom took over when his father and mentor, Rutril Thafin, died of old age. Mentat Hural has known him all his life, as he once worked closely with his father, and now with Vodir. He is slender built, incredibly intelligent, and knows more about water than almost anyone in the Imperium. He dreams of growing the first sustainable crops on Arrakis, and in doing so to fulfill his father's dream. He is entirely loyal to his house liege, Sina Heslin, who gives him the latitude and funding to work towards this goal. That said, he disdains Arrakis itself, seeing it as an enemy to be conquered, and resents the Fremen as a representation of futility in his work. He has a wife (Morgan) and two young children, a girl (Vana, 8yo) and a boy (Callum, 11yo).

https://i.imgur.com/8dZDiiv.png

GM

Qralloq

Dec 17, 2023 9:10 pm
Dec 17, 2023 9:10 pm
Character Creation
I've posted a start to the game. I decided to info dump a little and then start us in action. There is room for you to help craft the world and House Heslin, and I'll try and follow the fiction we generate together.

I've also added a Player Handout. Clicking this on any page will reveal a concise rules summary.

https://i.imgur.com/4dim6Oh.jpg

I haven't reviewed the sheets yet, but will be doing that today. I'll let you know if I have any questions or suggestions.

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 17, 2023 10:15 pm
Dec 17, 2023 10:15 pm
Character Creation
Here's an NPC.
Roger Lecoix (pronouns xie/xir) ornithopter pilot and engineer.

Xie has flown 'thopters for House Heslin for decades now. Quiet, competent, dependable, xie somehow manages to stay clear of the political jostling that takes place within the house. Xie is effortlessly charming, casting an imposing physical impression with xir bright white hair and the twinkle that always seems to be within xir eyes.

Sina Heslin, ruler of House Heslin, trained to be a pilot themselves - and while there is still the required and appropriate formal distance between Roger and Sina, it's clear that they both enjoy the opportunities that come up to talk shop about their 'thopters, their maintenance and upgrades.
https://i.imgur.com/NeJxzqY.jpg
Image of Jürgen Prochnow by Martin Kraft from Wikipedia license CC BY-SA 4.0

Rook Shadowhand

Windyridge

Dec 17, 2023 10:41 pm
Dec 17, 2023 10:41 pm
Character Creation
My NPC is a contact of Rook's.

Shadran Korr operates as a smuggler and information broker within the criminal faction. He specializes in transporting valuable contraband, including forbidden technologies, secret information, and, of course, illicit spice shipments. Shadran is known for his ability to navigate the treacherous sands of Arrakis unnoticed and for his keen sense of strategy.

Shadran is a wiry and agile figure, with a deeply tanned complexion from years spent in the harsh desert sun. He wears a combination of traditional Fremen robes and discreet, high-tech gear, allowing him to blend in seamlessly with whatever environment he finds himself in.

https://i.imgur.com/JsTcCp1.png
Last edited December 17, 2023 10:46 pm

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 18, 2023 7:38 pm
Dec 18, 2023 7:38 pm
Character Creation
On a work trip and hotel wifi broken, and GP tough to use on my phone and expensive data abroad :-/ hope they fix it soon. Until then will be hard for me to post. Sorry. Isn't usually as bad as this... :-/

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 20, 2023 4:08 am
Dec 20, 2023 4:08 am
Character Creation
In reference to talking earlier here about whether House Harkonnen might have had a BG in their staff - I was just listening to an audio book of Dune last night and there was a statement by the Baron, in conversation with Feyd, in which we heard that the Baron doesn't work with/employ a BG. Not explicit that he had never done this, but at that point in the story, at least, he didn't.

ForeverDED

Dec 20, 2023 5:27 pm
Dec 20, 2023 5:27 pm
Character Creation
House Heslin Swordmaster: Hannah Osaka

Hannah Osaka has served in House Heslin for many years. She apprenticed here under House Swordmaster Bashai Umtep and proved herself an apt pupil. Often tasked with guarding Sina while she was younger, long before she became head of the house, the two built up a rapport over the years. During an assassination attempt, her bravery and skill with her blade earned her high praise, not only from Umptep, but with Sina's parents as well. Upon Sina's ascension to leadership of the house, and the death of Umtep, Hannah was promoted to House Swordmaster.
https://www.dedzone.net/games/images/swordswoman6a.jpg
Last edited January 20, 2024 6:21 pm

C1NDER

Dec 21, 2023 9:34 am
Dec 21, 2023 9:34 am
Character Creation
Apologies, getting a post up for this game will be a priority for me tomorrow :)

C1NDER

Dec 31, 2023 7:33 am
Dec 31, 2023 7:33 am
Character Creation
Q - can I swap out one of my talents real quick? I'd like to trade out Mind Palace for "Calculated Prediction"

It wasn't listed as an available talent under the mentat faction entry due to a print error (they list it instead as Foreknowledge)

GM

Qralloq

Dec 31, 2023 7:55 am
Dec 31, 2023 7:55 am
Character Creation
Sounds good to me

C1NDER

Dec 31, 2023 8:06 am
Dec 31, 2023 8:06 am
Character Creation
TY sir!

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 31, 2023 9:47 am
Dec 31, 2023 9:47 am
Character Creation
@C1NDER and I were talking in 1. Plans Within Plans about invoking/choosing traits for our characters, and I wanted to check out the rules around the topic. Here's what I found.

The most relevant core rule content about traits seems to be on p102

"A character has two traits, which are essential descriptions of the character."

"A character’s first trait is normally their title, status, or role in society"

"A character’s first trait should always mention the House to which the character belongs or serves. Examples include ‘Duke of House Atreides’"

"A character’s second trait is more personal, taking the form of the character’s reputation such as ‘Just and Wise’ or ‘Callous and Ruthless’. It is how the character is perceived by others, and thus influences how others approach and regard them, for better or worse."

"Occasionally, a character may have a third trait; this might reflect a secondary affiliation or loyalty, which may pull the character in a different direction or denote another source of connections and status, such as ‘Suk Doctor’, or ‘Mentat Conditioning’, or ‘Bene Gesserit Sister’."

Some ambiguity here for me on the Second Trait. Examples given here are two words "Just and Wise", "Callous and Ruthless". Elsewhere in the book e.g. for example PCs/NPCs have a single word.

If one takes a two-word trait e.g. "Callous and Ruthless" can it only be invoked when one is being both callous AND ruthless? Or could it be invoked if just one of the two were in action?

(I had originally chosen "Calm and Charming" for Marya - but seeing example of single-word traits went for just Charming.)

BeardHareInactive for 1 months

Dec 31, 2023 12:19 pm
Dec 31, 2023 12:19 pm
Character Creation
While writing Marya, I'm leaning into Herbert's thing of often giving quite long detailed descriptions of what's going on with peoples emotions, thoughts, and bodies. That's something I enjoy about the book - the insights and surprises it sometimes gives us into what's happening.

However, if you're finding the length of the posts distracting, like it's slowing things down, just let me know, and I'll aim to keep things tighter.

GM

Qralloq

Dec 31, 2023 5:24 pm
Dec 31, 2023 5:24 pm
Character Creation
Here's the rules for applying traits, and it does imply that the full trait has to be in play. I, however, am not that much of a stickler of a DM so will give you latitude when I can.
https://i.imgur.com/oqV43qD.jpg

As to Marya, I don't find your posts too long. On my side, I've also been trying to minimize giant info dumps, but another one might be forthcoming.

ForeverDED

Mar 30, 2024 5:07 pm
Mar 30, 2024 5:07 pm
Character Creation
Mercenary Artemi Dabrowski

Before Marcus Syn enlisted in House Heslin, he ran with a bunch of street urchins in the downtrodden district of a major city on his homeworld. One of his crew was a kid named Artemi. The two were steadfast friends up through early adulthood. When mandatory military service came calling, they enlisted together and served in the same unit. When their term was over, each had very different ideas about where to go from here. Marcus had heard about House Heslin's recruitment efforts for swordsmen, and he was impressed by its house swordsmaster, Hannah Osaka. Her speech about serving with honor struck a chord deep within him. But Artemi was the exact opposite. Serving with honor was fine and all, but he was more interested in professional military units that had the best gear and paid their soldiers well. The two parted on good terms and vowed to stay in touch. The last Marcus heard from Artemi was that he'd joined an outfit called the Starlight Collective.
https://www.dedzone.net/games/images/artemi1.jpg
OOC:
How's that, Q?

GM

Qralloq

Mar 30, 2024 10:31 pm
Mar 30, 2024 10:31 pm
Character Creation
Love it! Want to run with that?

ForeverDED

Mar 31, 2024 4:31 pm
Mar 31, 2024 4:31 pm
Character Creation
Sure. :)
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