-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- (01-24-02) | Dune III House Ginaz Handbook | Dune III 3.1 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. History 1.1 Summary 1.2 Timeline 1.3 Recent History 2. House Character 2.1 Summary 2.2 Religion 2.3 Relations with Non-Landsraad Factions 2.3.1 Bene Gesserit 2.3.2 Bene Tleilaxu 2.3.3 Guild 2.3.4 Ix 2.3.5 Smugglers 2.4 The Citizenry 3. The Home World, Marcinko 3.1 Summary 3.2 Ecology 3.3 Economy 4. Faction Members 5. Faction Protocols 5.1 Crest and Colors of House Ginaz 5.1.1 Crest and Colors of Related Houses Minor 5.2 Internal Protocols 5.3 Official Code of Conduct 5.4 Instructions for Interacting with Specific Houses Major 5.4.1 Alvstad 5.4.2 Atreides 5.4.3 Bajazet 5.4.4 Harkonnen 5.4.5 Moritani 5.4.6 Rastanyev 5.4.7 Corrino 6. Contact Information
1. History
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
1.1 Summary
House Ginaz was officially recognized by the Emperor and granted House Major status and a CHOAM Fief contract in 272 A.G., but its history stretches back into the very mists of time. House Ginaz originated on the lost planet Ginaz. Different factions within the house warred against the other until they were brought together by the Butlerian Jihad, and in a stroke of bravery destroyed the cyborg Holtzman, an event that ended the Butlerian Jihad and restored peace and order to the universe. After a goodly amount of political maneuvering, Werner Lear arranged a marriage with a Cousin of the Emperor. This, in combination with the very recent and mysterious disappearance of the former leader of the Ginaz, Anselm Ginaz, gives Werner Lear control of the fledgling House Minor. The Lear family would retain control for more than ten thousand years. This political marriage took place just before the Battle of Corrin, so the Ginaz fought valiantly at the side of House Corrino.
Several hundred years later, House Ginaz was elevated to House Major status and granted a new homeworld to replace the ravaged Planet Ginaz. The permanent CHOAM fief contract for Marcinko was only granted, some say, because the Ginaz were pushing their agenda of democracy over imperial rule. The Corrinos granted this planet to the Ginaz as a bribe, they would argue, although the planet required years and years of hard labor to become profitable and habitable, so it is just as likely that it was given to the Ginaz to give them something else to worry about and focus their efforts on.
House Ginaz thrived once Marcinko was developed, its industries focusing around weaponry and warfare. The legendary Ginaz Academy of Warfare, sometimes known as the Ginaz Sword School, was opened and quickly established itself as the finest training ground for soldiers, officers, and swordsmen in the Known Universe. In the year 4796 A.G., for reasons still debated by historians, kanly was opened with House Moritani. It seems likely that the diametrically opposed political philosophies of the two houses contributed to this conflict, although it is also true that the Ginaz had a small fief established on Grumman, the Moritani homeworld. This fief had been established long before the Moritani were granted control over Grumman, and had been a source of conflict for years before finally boiling over into open warfare.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
1.2 Timeline
Before Guild (BG):
11,105:
The first colonization force arrives on the Planet Ginaz. From the very first government on the new planet, the Ginaz family retains control.
7576:
Holtzman (as a cyborg) launched into cometary orbit around Planet Ginaz' star.
200-108:
Butlerian Jihad, Ginaz troops form the backbone of the Jihad's elite.
108:
Ginaz military units lead a large squad of Jihad forces into battle, destroying Holtzman very close to Planet Ginaz. The planet is summarily devastated by the debris, and becomes barely fit for human life.
89:
Ginaz military leader Werner Lear marries an Imperial Cousin just after Anselm Ginaz, the last Ginaz male of age and previous house leader, disappears mysteriously. Not only does this strengthen House Ginaz politically, it also gives the Lear family clear control over it, which they would retain for more than 10,000 years.
88:
Battle of Corrin. Ginaz forces on the side of House Corrino.
After Guild (AG):
272:
Ginaz is officially granted House Major status, and awarded the planet Marcinko as a permanent CHOAM fief contract and new homeworld, replacing the devastated planet Ginaz.
283:
Marquis Senshisai Lear of House Ginaz establishes a small fief on planet Grumman. Grumman will be granted fief of the Moritani in 477, although the Ginaz choose to maintain this small outpost. Relations between the two houses deteriorate quickly.
337:
Great Convention ratified, Guderian Lear (a proponent of democracy) is in attendance and considers his silence to be one of his greatest failures ever.
4796:
First recorded mention of a state of Kanly between Houses Ginaz and Moritani, when the Moritani raid the Ginaz outpost on Grumman despite a treaty of nonaggression.
9971:
Marquis Morgen Ignatius Lear is born.
9991:
Marquis Akira Lear dies and Morgen ascends to the throne.
10,087:
House Ginaz acquires Basal CHOAM Company Contract.
10,090:
Morgen Lear dies of natural causes. Morgen's brother Saiban becomes Regent and then Marquis.
10,091:
Saiban Lear is killed by the Marcinko Revolutionary Brotherhood; Steffan Lear becomes Marquis.
10,096:
Steffan Lear is killed in a duel with Shane Padron, the Moritani Swordmaster. Srulin Lear is also killed, so the Marquisdom finally returns to the Ginaz family. Jacob Ginaz becomes Marquis, coming to Kaitain at the end of the year after a short political fight.
10,097:
Jacob Anselm Ginaz confirmed as Siridar-Marquis by Emperor Erich Ladislas Corrino, returning the Ginaz family to power for the first time in more than ten thousand years. In one of his first acts, he mounts a massive campaign to destroy the Marcinko Revolutionary Brotherhood, a band of terrorists that the Lear regime never seemed able to defeat. His efforts are quickly rewarded with success.
10,098:
Jacob is granted permission by the Emperor to court Jenaa Alexandra Corrino, the na-Empress and younger sister to the Emperor.
10,099:
Jacob and Jenaa are married in a small and private ceremony. Shortly thereafter, however, the Princess' body is discovered, lifeless, in the Embassy Gardens. The official investigation turns up no obvious suspects.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
1.3 Recent History
Most of the last hundred years have been extremely good to House Ginaz. Morgan Lear ruled the House for just over one whole century, and that stability helped House Ginaz achieve positions of great power, economically, militarily and especially politically. Morgen gained the Basal CHOAM Company contract, and forged many strong political ties. However, a spate of brutal murders of Moritani Siridari and royal family members several years ago left many very suspicious of the involvement of the Ginaz. Although all assassinations seemed strictly within the Forms, this strained relations with Houses aligned with the Moritani or wishing to remain neutral in the conflict.
After Morgen died of old age, and his brother Saiban's short rule ended with his death, Steffan Lear assumed the mantle of leadership. This began a five year reign during which he demolished a good deal of the economic and political ties that Morgen had so painstakingly built up. Openly called incompetent by enemies and (former) friends, as well as by the Emperor himself, Steffan caused House Ginaz to be left bereft of its accustomed political influence (only the dedication of Steffan's wife, Justine Garamond, kept some of the strongest alliances together, although just barely), and its coffers to be drained to the point of near bankruptcy. The lucrative Basal contract was lost at this time, and CHOAM threatened to revoke the Essen contract as well.
In 10,096 the troubles of House Ginaz came to a head. Frustrated by Steffan's cold demeanor and lack of appreciation for all of her work, Justine applied for and was granted an annulment by the Emperor himself, who took her in to House Corrino's protection. Her support being the lynchpin that held together the House's tenuous alliances, Steffan found himself leading a house that was friendless and poor. Against the advice of most of his advisors, Steffan allowed himself to be baited into a duel with the Moritani swordmaster, Shane Padron. In front of most of the powers of the Landsraad and the Imperium, Steffan Lear was slain and the Moritani were granted victory in the kanly. Rather than liquidate House Ginaz entirely, Siridar-Countess Ophelia Moritani chose to present House Ginaz with a list of demands to fulfill upon the close of the kanly. Having little choice, the Ginaz accepted.
However, with Steffan and his brother Srulin out of the way, the path was cleared for the ascension of Jacob Anselm Ginaz, the former Head Instructor at the Ginaz Academy of Warfare. Much to his surprise, he was elevated to the Marquisdom, and he rapidly set about rebuilding the considerable political ties that Steffan destroyed. Thankfully, a concurrent turnover in Siridari in many of the other important Houses Major made his task easier, as many of those currently in power had not experienced Steffan's reign. He quickly reestablished an old alliance with House Atreides and is currently seeking to reaffirm mutual support with House Bajazet. Rumor has it that he has reached some sort of agreement with Ophelia Moritani as well, and that this agreement may have involved several heated negotiations in her bedchambers. The transition away from the rule of the Lear family has aided in distancing House Ginaz from the past actions of its rulers, helping Jacob's case even more. Now he seeks to retain the Essen CHOAM contract as well as gain a seat on the Landsraad High Council, to announce to the Known Universe that House Ginaz is once again a political force to be reckoned with.
In the two years since he took over, Jacob Ginaz has accomplished much of his goals. House Ginaz was elected to a seat on the Landsraad High Council, and he married the younger sister of the Emperor. The Ginaz Academy of Warfare has grown ever stronger, the Ginaz military more efficient (especially after rooting out the last cells of the MRB), and the political clout of the House is at an all-time high. However, there are still many problems. Jenaa's death raises many questions about enemies striking out at House Ginaz, and seems to be causing some conflict between Jacob and the Emperor himself. House Ginaz' finances are still in a recovery phase, slowed down by the fact that the House only controls the Essen CHOAM contract. So while many aspects of House Ginaz are in great shape, many others have yet to be rebuilt.
2. House Character
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
2.1 Summary
Under the rule of the Lear family, House Ginaz was an extremely pragmatic house, known for its moderation in all things. While the splendor of the palace on Marcinko rivals any of the other palaces of the great houses, House Ginaz is not known to spend lots of money on itself. This reflects the traditional Lear belief in democracy. House Ginaz attempted to embody all of the ideas of romanticism and liberal democracy as best it can, while also respecting its strict martial past.
Under the new rule of the Ginaz family, however, things are a bit different. The Marquis expects militaristic control over his entire House and all of his personnel. Though relaxed and informal in interpersonal relations, Jacob demands compliance with his directives when given. However, he rarely makes up his mind without consulting with those involved first, maintaining some of the 'spirit' of democracy within the House. Every member of the House is entitled to speak to the Marquis and give their opinions; however, it is most certainly not a democracy when push comes to shove.
Most members of House Ginaz are well-trained duelists, their skills honed with extensive training and hard work. Most members of House Ginaz live an austere way of life, even in stately ceremony. The Marquis prefers to wear the uniform of a Ginaz Academy of Warfare graduate, sparsely embellished. Despite the traditional formality of protocol under the Lear family, Jacob's court is more relaxed. Any non-Ginaz are treated with extremely polite formality although a sense of easy-goingness seems to pervade everything.
Intrigue within House Ginaz is practically nonexistent. There is a standing rule that if anyone plots to kill someone within the House and is discovered, the plotter is executed by the same method with which they planned to commit the assassination. Despite this, it is generally well known that the Lear family has made several attempts on the lives of Ginaz family members, succeeding in killing Jacob's nephew Angkor while trying to kill Jacob. This internal strife was not reciprocated and appears to be ended now that the Lear family has all but become extinct.
House Ginaz is mainly a political house, preferring to exert influence there in order to win friends and punish enemies. The Ginaz do, however, maintain a medium-sized but extremely well trained and equipped military that is a match for nearly any House's save the Corrinos. Economics are a weak point currently, as Jacob has neglected that area in favor of focusing on improving the House's political standing. Once political power is secured, restoring some basic level of economic security will become a priority.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
2.2 Religion
The native religion of Marcinko is called Angelus. It is mostly based on the Orange Catholic Bible, although there are several notable departures. There are two distinct branches of Angelus, Kami Angelus and Monastic Angelus. Kami Angelus is centered around places of natural beauty and the spirits of saints (Kami) associated with them. The teachings of each Kami vary, but are generally based on the preservation of nature and the study of the OC Bible. Monastic Angelus is centered around the stricter study of the OC Bible as well as several texts specific to the religion. Some common duties of Monastic Angelus clergy includes mourning the lost Planet Ginaz (through a hymn sung in shifts, so that it never ends) and studying the Purple Talmund, and cataloguing the angels and devils described therein. A very small sect of monks is allowed to study the Silver Talmund, which contains knowledge of the fallen angels; each of these books is regarded to have mystical powers associated with its study.
There is a wide range of approaches amongst practitioners and functionaries alike of the Angelus religion. There are five distinct factions that range from extremely conservative (wishing to return to the old ways of the Planet Ginaz) to the extremely liberal (wishing to radically rewrite the doctrines of the religion). The Kami branch tends towards liberalism, and the Monastic towards conservatism. A balance has been achieved, however, between all the bickering factions, and they all come together to elect a leader for the whole religion from amongst their ranks. The current leader is from the Kami branch.
There is a more detailed description of the Angelus religion on the faction website, please go there to read more about it.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
2.3 Relations with Non-Landsraad Factions
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
2.3.1 Bene Gesserit
The Bene Gesserit hold a special place in the heart of House Ginaz, because of their religious affiliation. However, this special place is tempered by the knowledge that the Bene Gesserit have another master. House Ginaz treats the Bene Gesserit as much of the world treated the Jesuits during the height of Jesuit power; holy messengers doing great work in the world. It is rumored that the Marquis is considering taking a Bene Gesserit concubine, seeking another trustworthy advisor.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
2.3.2 Bene Tleilaxu
House Ginaz has had little historical interaction with the Bene Tleilaxu, and it does not wish to increase this level of interaction. While the Bene Tleilax machines of warfare might be highly prized within the House, the House has a deep hatred of any technology that smacks of forbidden computer minds. This stems from much of the warfare that resulted from the fighting that occurred on Ginaz due to its proximity to the orbit of Holtzman. Genetic engineering, however, is looked upon with curiosity rather than hatred.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
2.3.3 The Guild
House Ginaz views the Guild as it views the Emperor. Because the Guild is one of the three pillars that holds this society together it is treated with extreme caution. House Ginaz, like any other House, will go out of its way to not endanger its space travel privileges.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
2.3.4 Ix
Again, House Ginaz is traditionally distrustful of the Ixians, because of the Butlerian Jihad and the destruction of Planet Ginaz by Holtzman; therefore the Ginaz would treat the Ixians in much the same way as they would the Tleilaxu, and perhaps with more distrust.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
2.3.5 Smugglers
There is always an element that lives outside the law and House Ginaz has always had great respect for the law. Therefore House Ginaz frowns upon any who live outside the law, although their services may be utilized if it furthers the good of the house. No matter how much business is done, no career criminal will ever be trusted fully. It should be noted, however, that Jacob Ginaz has in the past hired people who had suspected links to smuggling groups and other shady organizations.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
2.4 The Citizenry
The Ginaz traditionally view government as flowing from the people. House Ginaz treats its citizens as a responsibility not to be taken lightly. Toward this end the Marquis maintains a policy that allows any member of the House to petition directly to him and be heard. Jacob Ginaz strives to be fair and consistent, as well as passionate, with his charges.
3. The Home World, Marcinko
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
3.1 Summary
House Ginaz is located on the heavily forested and rather cold planet of Marcinko. The Ginaz originally come from the planet that is their namesake, Ginaz (which had a similar climate). However, because of the massive amounts of fighting that took place on and near Ginaz and the huge amounts of space debris that was generated by the destruction of Holtzman in Ginaz orbit, the Ginaz were moved to their current planet of Marcinko. Generally considered barely habitable before given to House Ginaz, Marcinko has been slowly tamed over the years. While it's still fierce and often unpleasant, it is now livable enough to support a decent-sized population, comprised (by necessity) of tough and hardy folk.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
3.2 Ecology
Marcinko is a heavily forested planet, located extremely far from the center of the galactic cluster. Winter is the dominant season. A variety of white pine tree known as the Marcinko Pine dominates the forests, with other plant life being confined mostly to smaller shrubs and bushes and various foodstuffs that are cultivated in greenhouses. Although the economy of the House is based on heavy industry, many ecological precautions are taken, and the wilderness of Marcinko remains pristine.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
3.3 Economy
The Academy of Warfare is one of the largest employers on Marcinko, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. It occupies a sub-continent (similar to Australia on today's Earth). This sub-continent is basically a large military training area and a large college, where all forms of combat are taught and any academic subject that could conceivably relate to battle is available for study. More than half of the cadets are from other Houses Major or Minor, and their tuition fees more than cover the Academy's expenses and make a pretty penny for House Ginaz. Non-sponsored cadets can have their contracts purchased after graduation from House Ginaz as well.
The rest of the economy of House Ginaz revolves around heavy industry and precision crafting. This includes, but is not limited to, finely crafted blades of all sorts, projectile weapons, a small lasgun factory complex, ground cars, and acceptable electronics. The planetary economy is currently in poor shape compared to other Houses Major; this is due largely to the pressures of war as well as prior mismanagement.
4. Faction Members
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
For a current list of faction members, please refer to the House Ginaz website:
5. Faction Protocols
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
5.1 Crest and Colors of House Ginaz
The emblem of House Ginaz is a stylized purple and silver dragonfly, seen from above in mid-flight, on a background of black. Purple is considered to be the primary color of the House, followed by black and silver, but most dress uniforms are likely to be mostly black (purple uniforms just look kind of silly). All members of the House are expected to display the crest of the House in some manner on their clothing, whether in formal dress uniform or in eveningwear or casual clothing.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
5.1.1 Crest and Colors of Related Houses Minor
House Ginaz, like every other House Major, has several Houses Minor with which it is officially allied, some more strongly than others. Several of these Houses Minor are represented by characters that are currently IC; their emblems and colors are listed here. Members of a House Minor are still required to display House Ginaz livery, and they may choose to also display the emblem of their House Minor.
For more information about affiliated Houses Minor please see the official House Ginaz website.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
5.2 Internal Protocols
Honor above all, especially in dealing with nobles of the House. Even those of lower rank shall be addressed by their honorific titles during formal occasions and always when in public (ie, when any non-Ginaz are present) unless all present are on familiar terms. A character's proper honorific can always be discovered by checking his or her +sheet and looking under "address".
Most members of the House are allowed access to the Marquis and his family; this is unlike many other Houses. The Marquis often takes time out of his schedule for impromptu meetings and short social visits, and prides himself on his accessibility to most of the members of the House. (In other words, if you want to meet with Jacob, page or @mail him, but suggest a reason for the meeting, as a Siridar cannot often 'hang out' because there are always pressing matters to attend to).
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
5.3 Official Code of Conduct
Again, HONOR is the word of the day. ALWAYS treat nobility with respect, even if your rank is higher, and even if you are insulted! If your honor is besmirched you may challenge the offender, but make sure it is worth it! The Ginaz are practical creatures and do not take offense at the drop of a hat; however, once turned to an enemy a Ginaz will fight hard until the matter is resolved. Make no move until your hand is forced, and then end it as quickly as possible. When you finally strike, pull no punches.
HOWEVER: When you are interacting with anyone outside of House Ginaz, your actions represent the entire House. Conduct yourself with the utmost decorum and taste; if you do something that dishonors the House there will be grave consequences to pay. If you are in doubt about how to conduct yourself, do not hesitate to OOCly ask another House member on the Ginaz channel.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
5.4 Instructions for Interacting with Specific Houses Major
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
5.4.1 House Alvstad
"Frosty relations are better than none at all." So spoke Jacob Ginaz after meeting Pers Eskilsen, leader of House Alvstad, for the first time. House Alvstad has traditionally supported House Moritani in their kanly with the Ginaz. Their considerable financial support helped the Moritani achieve many victories over us, but many Ginaz view their lack of physical involvement in the kanly to be a sign of cowardice. Always be sure to address members of this House properly and most formally, but no need to do them any favors. Now that the kanly is ended, this relationship may improve ... or at least begin to thaw.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
5.4.2 House Atreides
Strong ties have bound the Ginaz and the Atreides for ages untold. Jacob Ginaz and Margot Atreides have formalized this bond with a comprehensive and strong alliance. Any members of the Atreides should be treated as warmly as any Ginaz, and with as much respect as a trusted ally deserves. Atreides can usually be called upon for aid when needed, and you should endeavor to aid them whenever possible. A transgression against an Atreides by a Ginaz will likely be handled the same way that intra-Ginaz conflicts are resolved; quickly and harshly. Cautious observers might note a recent lack of interaction between Houses Ginaz and Atreides.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
5.4.3 House Bajazet
Traditionally allies of the Ginaz; this bond has however weakened slightly as the current leaders of the two Houses seem not to be as close as in previous generations. The Marquis strives to improve this relationship, so treat any Bajazets you may meet with proper respect and warmth; they are friends. Note that they intend to press a proces verbal charge against House Harkonnen -- it appears that choosing sides in this conflict will naturally alienate the other party.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
5.4.4 House Harkonnen
Our relationship with House Harkonnen is difficult to sum up. Traditional allies of the Moritani, the relationship has never been great. However, there are ties between Jacob Ginaz and Baron Harkonnen, and even stronger ones with the Baron's daughter, Ulricke. These bonds were formed largely at the Academy of Warfare, and despite the fact that official relations are still on the cool side, the houses are far from being enemies. This relationship might be strained by our alliance with the Atreides; although the Atreides-Harkonnen conflict is not officially active right now, there is bad blood between the two houses. Always treat Harkonnen folk with respect, and take care not to piss them off (it's not that hard).
Further complicating this relationship is the accusation of kidnapping hurled at Jacob by House Harkonnen. Though Boris' toddler son has been returned to him, and it's been shown Jacob was not aware of his participation in the plot, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect future relations.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
5.4.5 House Moritani
Formerly the ancient and sworn enemies of the Ginaz, the Ginaz-Moritani kanly had been in effect for more than five thousand years, and has its roots in an even more ancient conflict. Despite the fact that this kanly is now officially ended, hundreds of generations of hate and war cannot be healed overnight, or even in several generations. Still, there is some open friendship between members of these houses now, and there is rumored to be some sort of romantic connection between the Marquis Ginaz and Contessa Moritani. The Marquis' niece (Delana) is pledged to marry the Moritani Swordmaster (Shane Padron, incidentally the man who killed Steffan Lear) as part of the kanly reparations. All of the Moritani end-of-kanly negotiations have been met. This relationship is starting to become good, but is highly unstable. Act with extreme caution; one misstep could cause five thousand more years of war and bloodshed.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
5.4.6 House Rastanyev
This House has traditionally been allied with the Emperor, in contrast with House Ginaz' strong pro-Landsraad leanings. In fact, Lady Tat'iana Rastanyev is to be married to the Emperor sometime soon. However, there is a budding friendship growing between Ginaz and Rastanyev, led by Jacob Ginaz and Ekaterina Rastanyev-Stalinsky, dom-Tsara of the House. The Rastanyevs are to be honored; even if no alliance ever forms the two houses have a deep respect for one another. Traditionally a strong economic house, this resource would prove a great boon to the economically strapped Ginaz, and we can provide other resources for them as well. A mutually beneficial friendship, not to be trifled with. Their traditions seem more on the formal side than our own, so take care to honor them with the proper forms of address and the like.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
5.4.7 House Corrino
The Corrinos have held the Lion Throne for ten thousand years. The Ginaz have been one of the strongest pro-Landsraad voices for much of that time. It should therefore come as no surprise that there is often some enmity between these two houses, at least politically speaking. However, Lady Justine Garamond has been seen around the Ginaz Embassy frequently of late; she was once the wife of Steffan Lear, former Siridar-Marquis of the Ginaz, but was granted an annulment by the Emperor himself because of his neglect of her. It seems to be high on the new Marquis' list of priorities to attempt to right the wrongs that the Ginaz have dealt to her, and a friendship is growing quickly. In addition, Jacob Ginaz has recently been wed to the na-Empress Jenaa Corrino, who, tragically, was found dead soon afterwards. All those in the employ of the Emperor should always be treated with the utmost respect, but always bear in mind that the Corrinos and the Ginaz rarely see eye-to-eye on matters political and economic.
6. Contact Information
If you have any questions ask any of our faction members online, they would be more than happy to assist you in making the right decision. When it comes time to apply for a role within House Ginaz, there are two main steps. First, you must work up a detailed character profile, containing the character's history (including how they came to their current position as well as how they came to the employ of House Ginaz), a detailed psychological profile (what are his/her aspirations? Major flaws?) and as much other detail as possible. This profile should be sent to House_Ginaz@hotmail.com. I do not want any perfect characters - weaknesses and flaws make for much more interesting RP. Also, please, no more orphans! There are plenty of guides on the MUSH website to help you include appropriate details, and soon there will be profiles of some of the faction members posted online here for your perusal.
If you have any questions, please contact Jacob, either online (via @mail or page) or over email (ginaz@dune3.net).