Traits: Courtier, Aristocrat

Talents

• Mask of Power: Once per scene they may create a temporary intrigue or espionage asset (at no cost) that will allow them to initiate an intrigue or espionage conflict. If they fail, the bluff is exposed, and they gain a complication.

Assets: Bodkin, Groundcar, Manor House

The Houses on Arrakis, like those throughout the Imperium, are always vying for power. So, too, are the courtiers. Many, but not all, are nobles. Heirs to Houses Minor and shipping fortunes are the types drawn to this world of intrigue. All have a stake in melange.

One can find courtiers at generous banquets where rumors fly faster than the sumptuous dishes can arrive at the table. As they sip rich wines with heady aromas and attend rowdy sporting competitions held inside out of the burning sun, the courtiers work to claw their way up the social ladder, not caring who they trample beneath their heels in the process.

Example Courtiers

• Ramsay, the heir to one of Arrakis’ most influential Houses, believes their House should have a monopoly on all maintenance of the spice mining equipment on the planet. They have a deep love of listening to music from other planets.
• Jivin’s mother is an incredibly wealthy and ruthless water seller from Carthag. And he wants to join the ranks of nobility – even if it means killing to get there. He has a fascination with other languages.
• Orphe intends to use her Merchant family’s riches to get revenge on the House Minor that killed her father. Her hobby is piloting ornithopters.

Scenario Hook

To impress one of the Houses Minor, a Courtier is looking to arrange a meeting with a representative from CHOAM. Their goal is to receive permission from the economic powerhouse to ship highly regulated and restricted goods onto Arrakis.