Table of Contents:
1. HISTORY
Steeped in tradition, House Bajazet is named for Sultan Bajazet I, of the ancient Terran Ottoman Empire, whom the descendants of this House trace their lineage back to. Proud and stubborn, the Bajazet's began as a House Minor, rewarded for their loyalty to the Corrino's, shortly after the Battle of Corrin. In the early millennia's of House Bajazet, it's rulers remained staunchly loyal to the Imperium, however, during this time, The House collapsed into internal turmoil. For six generations, the heirs and sons of House Bajazet fought against each other, each trying to make their own claim on the House's holdings. At last the Na-Baron Suleiman reigned victorious, and resurrecting an arcane Ottoman tradition, ordered his 7 remaining brothers slaughtered. Since ascending to the Houses Major two Millennia ago, House Bajazet began to slowly and carefully consolidated their holdings within CHOAM and the Landsraad.
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Before Guild (BG)
88 - Battle of Corrin.
87 - The ancient Ottoman family of Bajazet is gifted the Fief of New
Adrianopolis and the Title of Baron (Minor) in reward for their
support at the Battle of Corrin, under the leadership of Mehmud I
(The Beneficent) Bajazet.
After Guild (AG)
77 - Eski Serai (old palace) completed, establishing Adrianopol as capitol.
5098 - Selim X (The Stern) Bajazet and sons of the House of Bajazet begin an
internal struggle for power and holdings that lasts for six generations.
6202 - Suleiman IV (The Butcher) Bajazet ends the internal strife within
House Bajazet by resurrecting the ancient Ottoman practice of
slaughtering his brothers, this becomes known in House history as
'The Great Purge'.
7000 - Yeni Serai (new palace) completed in Constanbul, establishing it as the
summer capitol.
7013 - Mehmud IX (The Beloved) Bajazet, philosopher, builder, poet, and artist,
dies the most beloved leader of the House to date, he ruled for 66
years. As a result a law is passed that the name Mehmud may never
again be used within House Bajazet. The name then transforms into Mahmed.
8013 - House Bajazet is sponsored into Full Landsraad membership, and granted House
Major status. During the reign of Sha'ara'diin I (The Wise) Bajazet.
9107 - Suleiman X (The Mad) Bajazet breaks with 9000 years of House
tradition and marries his Bound Concubine, Firousi, causing internal
scandal. He is deposed and succeeded by his son Akmehd VII (The Cruel) Bajazet.
10,010 - Mahmed X (The Foolish) again sinks House Bajazet into internal
mayhem, beginning another internal war between brothers.
10,030 - Suleiman Bajazet is born to Khareem Bajazet and his Bound Concubine, Cyra.
10,031 - Akmehd VIII (The Unjust) Bajazet seizes control of the House
Janissaries and drives his Father from New Adrianopolis, he is found
assassinated 2 years later.
10,040 - Mahmed XI (The Scourge) Bajazet ascends the Title.
10,049 - Sulemain's twin daughters Amara and Sarina are born.
10,051 - Mahmed begins to over-exploit the natural resources of New Adrianopolis.
10,051 - Sha'ara'diin, only heir male of Suleiman is born on New Adrionapolis.
10,053 - Mahmed is deposed by younger brother, Khareem V (The Bull) Bajazet.
10,056 - Khareem is deposed by eldest son Selim XV (The Iron-fisted) Bajazet
10,060 - Selim fends off a Janissary uprising led by his younger brother Mohammed.
10,070 - Selim fends off a second uprising this time led by his heir Akmehd.
10,078 - Selim, under the advice of his Mentat, suspects his brother
Suleiman's concubine, Zulieka, of treason and has her summarily
executed, The Mentat is later proved the traitor.
10,078 - Suleiman XII (The Cursed) Bajazet, slays Selim in a duel to avenge
Zulieka's honor, then orders the rest of his siblings and their
offspring slain, causing 'The Second Purge'.
10,091 - After 13 years, Suleiman dies of natural causes in his bed.
10,091 - Na-Baron Sha'ara'diin II Bajazet ascends the title of Siridar-Baron
at age 40.
10,093 - Baron Sha'ara'diin II dies, apparently from assassination. The Lord
Bashir, Haroon Kiamal, is appointed Regent. The Baron's sister, Lady
Sarina Bajazet, is given the title of Sultana.
10,094 - Tensions between House Bajazet and House Harkonnen escalate into open
conflict in the Malarca System. House Bajazet is victorious, and
retains it's holdings in the system.
10,095 - Sultana Sarina Bajazet marries Pasha Ruhail Kahn, once again securing
the Bajazet bloodline and stabilizing the throne.
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For the last 81 years, the once great House of Bajazet has been embroiled in internal politics and factionalism. For several generations the male line of the House has been systematically deposing one another in a charge for power and prestige. During this time, relations with other Houses have nearly ground to a halt, as one Bajazet after another seized control of the family seat of New Adrianopolis. During this period of entropy, the House's holdings have begun to dwindle from inattention.
In 10,010, Mahmed X replaced his eldest son as heir, with his youngest. Akmehd VIII, appalled at his father's actions, rose against Mahmed, and claimed the Barony, expelling his father from New Adrianopolis. Mahmed was found dead by means of hunter-seeker some two years later on a minor Bajazet Fief world where he had been living in Sanctuary.
It is now suspected that his grandson, Mahmed XI, was responsible, in order to discredit his father. Mahmed in turn wrested the Title from his father and began a heavy handed campaign to increase the House's holdings, and began to deplete the planet's natural resources.
Khareem V, called the Bull for his stubbornness, could see the detrimental effect that the exploitation of New Adrianopolis had, and made his own bid for power, usurping the title in 10,053. Khareem, however, did not have the full support of the House elite guard, and the Janissaries helped Khareem's eldest son and heir, Selim XV ascend the Barony. Selim was a cruel and harsh man, who continued the systematic campaign of planetary exploitation, in fact upping the production of some mining facilities even more then his predecessor Mahmed. Selim survived two uprisings against him, but in the end was undone by his own Mentat.
The Mentat, a spy for another Great House, whose identity still has remained undiscovered, implicated the Bound-Concubine of Selim's youngest brother Suleiman XII. When Selim had her summarily executed, Suleiman could never forgive his brother. A mere six months later it was discovered that the Mentat himself was the mole, and that he had implicated the beloved Lady Zulieka to cover his own tracks. When the truth came out, Suleiman declared Kanly against Selim and slew him in a duel.
Caught in a rage so terrible, Suleiman, like his predecessor of the same name, ordered not only his remaining living siblings killed, but also their offspring, down to the youngest infant. The Second Purge left only the new Baron Suleiman XII, and his three surviving children alive. Although not stripped of his Title outright, Suleiman paid stiff penalties and fines, as well as losing several lesser holdings. House Bajazet is still attempting to recover from these sanctions. Suleiman began to try and reverse the damages done to New Adrianopolis, beginning a careful marshalling of the planet's resources, in order to sustain them for the future of the House.
Suleiman was considered at best, an able leader, but his actions towards his family inspired fear in all those who served him. Recently, Suleiman XII died in his bed of natural causes, ushering in yet another era of House Bajazet. The fairly unknown and hereto-fore untried Na-Baron ascended the Barony a mere six months ago.
Sha'ara'diin, or more commonly Sha'ar to his close family, was named for the great Bajazet leader that brought glory to House Bajazet by advancing the House into full membership in the Landsraad, and establishing it as a House Major. It was hoped that Sha'ara'diin II Bajazet will once again restore this great and storied House into it's former place of prestige, but after only two years, he fell victim to assassination. Lord Bashir Haroon Kiamal, Warmaster, was appointed to Regent.
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With the title of Sultana falling onto Sha'ar's sister, Sarina, need arose for a political marriage to secure the Bajazet Bloodline. During this period of political unrest, tensions flared between House Bajazet and House Harkonnen, prompting military actions in the Malarcan System. After several months of open conflict, both in open space and on the moon of Malarca Secondus, House Bajazet won a decisive battle and retained their holdings. Seeing the weak position that her House was in without a Sultan, Sarina married her long-time friend and confidant, Pasha Ruhail Kahn, securing the Bajazet throne against assassination.
Since this time, many things have come to pass. Having ascended to the throne, the Sultan Ruhail has been at once a capable leader and an aloof symbol of the House's leadership. He has presented himself to be a placid figure ruling alongside Sarina, who herself has become more and more vocal in her wish for a kinder eye turned toward Bajazet women by the House's patriarchal society. She may have succeeded in prevailing upon the Sultan for changes in tradition, but not long after Ruhail returned from a lengthy sojourn to the now-devastated moon of Malarca Secondus, she was found dead. Though assisted by agents from the Imperial Security Bureau, Bajazet Inquisitors were unable to discover the culprit. The guilty party was revealed to be a harem slave who promptly committed suicide after confessing her guilt to the Lady Felizia al-Bahir (bound concubine to Muradin, and mother to his firstborn son).
In more recent days, the House is in a current state of rebirth and re-organization. The Sultan Ruhail has secluded himself more and more since the death of his wife, and has become something of a hermit, offering little guidance to his house. In his place, Muradin has officially been named na-Baron and heir to House Bajazet. Never the most popular in political circles, he was married, against custom, a woman of House Moritani, Isabella de Gambacorta. Rumors abound that the Moritani woman has softened Muradin, just as Sarina did to his father before him, but he has also shown some newfound diplomacy in arranging minor agreements with other Houses Major. Felizia disappeared with Muradin's firstborn son, some time before the marriage. Shortly after the marriage however Isabella was found dead on her bed poisoned with her violin. Mysterious circumstances the actual criminal is rumored to have been a relegious fanatic but no details were publically released.
Next going against all custom, the Sultan Muradin married his bound concubine, the Bene Gesserit Sister Daphne Montebeau, he also declared his second son to be the heir. Revoking the Lady Felizia's child's claim. A move wholly unpopular in noble ranks due to distrust against the Bene Gesserit, and seconded after an attack by Harkonnen separatists on the Kadin Daphne's life, Muradin abdicated in favor of his son, naming his half-sister Regent he has retired to take up formal duties as a High Priest living a purely relegious lifestyle with his wife. This move to New Adrianpolis has empowered the priesthood and placated both them and the common laborers. The nobles and Bajazet bloodline however cry out to have one of their own take over other than this, since Muradin himself was not born of Sirina, there are many claimants taking both the Regent Zahirah and the Ex-Sultan's time and efforts to settle.
This has left one of the youngest members of the Kaitain embassy in the position of Grand Vizier, in control of all foreign dealings for the Bajazet, from political, to military, to economics. Still in his early twenties still, born as a commoner he served as a child in the palaces. Rising as a diplomat he is known to be trusted advisor to both Zahirah the Regent, and the once-Sultan Muradin. Rumors also follow that he is involved with one of the old Sultan Ruhail's concubine. A woman who through her skills has become a Baroness, daughter of a nobleman and his bound concubine, she was once part of the Bajazets harem, but by dictate of the Sultan Muradin she was given her own Barony of Amasya, and under the Regency she is in control of the Harem upon Kaitain. A prestigious position since quite a few nobles send their daughters there when looking for opportunities out of the house. The youthful embassy is known to hire those from other embassies as needed and has had scandalous rumors of his involvements with several houses, including Harkonnen, Moritani, and even at a time Corrino. Under his oversight the house is in control of Arrakis, and maintains it's military but seems to be a burgeoning economic power having under Muradin kept a strong hold on their CHOAM directorship, first by election then by Arrakis.
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2. House Character
Often called cold, ruthless, heartless, scheming, and anachronistic, House Bajazet is known for being steeped in eccentric traditions, clinging to many titles and conventions of their Ottoman past. To them it is a source of strength and pride. Given at times to self destruction, the Bajazet's are known as fierce fighters, quick to anger, and slow to calm. With their heritage firmly rooted in the absolute power of the Ottoman Empire, they are firm believers to the last in 'The Divine Right of Kings'. Recently torn asunder by internal strife, House Bajazet became a near economic and political non-entity, although, signs are encouraging that the new Baron, Ruhail, will endeavor to put House Bajazet back on the right track.
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Over the millennia, House Bajazet has fallen into the quite widespread view of most Houses Major. Religion is a puppet, a tool, a dog and pony show to delight and calm the masses, a necessity of ruling. Most Pyons of House Bajazet follow either Orange Catholicism, or a modified version of the ancient Terran Islamic faith.
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2.3 Views on Non-Landsraad Factions
House Bajazet tends to take a wary view of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, something in their sheer power and political nuances make our Ottoman suspicions run rampant. The House has long suspected that the Bene Gesserit moves in mysterious ways, and tend to have a guiding and shaping hand in the universe, a fact that is irksome at best to a House that feels that women should not take center stage in the political arena. The sisterhood, however are treated with a begrudging respect by members of the House, as it is better to avoid their attentions, then attract them.
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House Bajazet tends to distance themselves from the Tleilaxu, holding many of their innovations in disregard. Given the ingrained philosophies of Islam, there is a certain level of discomfort felt by the Bajazet's for face dancers, the image is the mirror of the soul, and deep down many feel as if some of the Tleilaxu's activities are downright abhorrent.
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House Bajazet has throughout time, tried to maintain a careful distance from the Ixians, having contact with them only when necessity dictates. Their machines are useful, but we Bajazets remain wary, ever mindful of the Butlerian Jihad
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Held in high regard by the Bajazets, the Guild represents wealth, prosperity, and material gain. We Bajazet's are fiercely aware of how our fortunes are tied together. The Guild is respected, the Guild is needed, for how else can we achieve gain through trading Bajazet goods?
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The Bajazets have little use for smugglers, they are a group to be tolerated, nothing more. At times they may prove useful, however, they tend to be more trouble then they are worth.
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2.3.6 Views on Imperial Citizenry
Some take the rather usual opinion that the common masses exist to serve, to comfort, to tend us. They are but another resource to be used at will, like any commodity. One must use a strong hand with the rabble, for they will take the greatest advantage of any weakness they are shown. Let them toil, serve, mend, tend, plow, and harvest, we Siridari have better things to do, for without the Siridari, who would guide them?
Others, those who adhere more to the faith of Al'lah, have a more egalitarian view, at least of the value of the citizenry, that they too are capable of reaching enlightenment and union with Al'lah, even if they are born into lower station. Indeed, some of the holiest of men have come from poverty, surely then, Al'lah can put value into all of His people. They are not consulted as equals, nor given any special treatments, but they are seen as every bit as precious as all other life which follows Al'lah's ways.
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The Caste is overall developed into two major groups. The Raya (Producers) and the Askeri (Ones that don't). While one might think the first would be seen as higher, but the Raya encompass all variety of laborers, from merchants, to the smallest farmer, all artisans, and the like. These are those who must produce for their primary living. The Askeri are those who do not these can be diplomats, soldiers, bueracrats, and the clergy. Of course one can rise and fall depending on merit and some senses luck. Those who show skill will often find themselves in higher positions, those who show incompetence can quickly fall out of their positions. Nobles, can be of course those gained by decree, or nobles by land known as Timar. The first group is a title only, usually a way of giving praise to a member of the Askeri and exempts them from taxation. Timarly on the other hand are the hereditary nobles, and minor houses, who provide the House with levies, and needed services or goods.
While the Askeri are considered higher, and receive on the majority better education except for banking and other families. There is no cruelty in it, servants and slaves all have basic rights as set aside by the Quran. All can expect fair justice since justice is dispensed by the priests under the control of the Sultan. Slavery is rampant, but slavery is more a case of indentured servitude. A person is either sold by parents or self for a certain position. Usually near the age of ten. Whoever takes them sees to their needs for a set amounts of years and more importantly pays for their training. From their they must either gain their own contracts or one is worked out by their ‘owner' however unlike other houses these contracts continue until the owner sells to another, or the servant can buy off their debt. While they do not actively have a say in their next owners most will take into consideration a servants desires. And there are of course legal ramifications for overly abusive owners.
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3. A Study of New Adrianopolis
New Adrianopolis is Terran-like planet that supports several different ecosystems and climates. Roughly 15% larger then its ancient cousin, It can be broken down into the following climactic/ecological regions:
49% Water
21% Temperate planes
15% Mountainous
9% Rain forest/tropical
6% Desert
New Adrianopolis also has the distinction of having not one, but two capitol cities: Adrianopol and Constanbul.
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Due to New Adrianopolis' varied climates, her industries and riches are just as vast. Known mostly as an agricultural world, her wealth, surprisingly, is attributable to the trade of the wide variety of luxury goods cultivated on the planet. Some 5% of the planet's temperate region is given over to game preserves that house exotic furred animals of all sorts, making luxury furs one of the planet's leading goods. High in the mountains of New Adrianopolis are rich deposits of several precious gems, gold, platinum and silver. Special farms grow exotic woods of all types for export, as well as medicinal plants from the planet's rain-forests. The cities of New Adrianopolis also produce a wealth of crafts for export, from jewelry, to pottery, to fine fabrics, virtually all trades and crafts are represented in the city's great Bazaars. The pyons of New Adrianopolis live well in comparison to many, there is ample food and substantial housing. There are 22 major cities on the planet, and five Space ports, the brunt of the population, however, live in smaller villages. Also of note, although on a lesser scale, are the magnificent horses bred among the New Adrianopolis aristocracy. Careful breeding over the Millennia has created a magnificent bloodline, that is traced back to the majestic steeds of the ancient Terran deserts.
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New Adrianopolis is almost half ocean, her other half, however, is distributed among five continents. The largest, Persha, has the widest range of climate, from arctic, to subtropical. Constanbul, the summer capitol of New Adrianopolis is located in Persha's temperate planes. Palmyr, the second largest continent, is adjoined to Persha by a small archipelago. Palmyr, is home to a vast mountain range and mining deposits, as well as the majority of the planet's rain forests. Macea and Lebon, are both medium in size, Macea being temperate, and Lebon, tropical. Oasia, the fifth and smallest continent is surrounded by the Southern Ocean. It's cliffs house rich gem deposits and are carefully mined for their bounty. The interior of Oasia is a vast desert, with a small inland sea in the center. The lush garden landscape that circles the inland Sea of Sultans, forms the winter capitol of Adrianopol.
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With it's diverse ecosystems, New Adrianopol hosts a great variety of flora and fauna, and through the ages, great care has been taken to obtain, propagate, and cultivate as many off world species of flora and fauna as can be sustained, often using it to the economy's benefit, as is the case with rare and luxurious furs. All of the planet's steep craggy mountains contain rich deposits of gems and ores, and are mined judiciously to ensure their extended productivity, although Mahmed the Scourge, did, in more recent times begin a terrible cycle of mass depletion.
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4. Customs and Traditions of the House Bajazet
House Bajazet still clings proudly to many traditions of their Ottoman past, although, many of the more antiquated traditions have been modified and updated to suit the present times. The traditions and customs are wide-ranging, from marriage to the internal use of somewhat archaic titles. House traditions, are not to be flouted or ignored lightly, as Suleiman the Mad found out. One long holding tradition is the addition of an added title attached to the Baron, usually one word, that describes some facet of the ruler's personality, such examples include, the Stern, the Mad, etc.
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Rather eccentric on the subject of marriage, House Bajazet has adapted a modified version of old Ottoman customs. The men of House Bajazet do not marry (However retainers usually do), opting instead to keep a Bound-Concubine, who is the female head of the household. It is not unusual for a Bajazet Baron to keep a number of female slaves as well. Daughters of the House, however, do marry, and are quite often found a suitable match on the basis of current political necessity. Women live in a separate wing of the residences, called after the archaic term, the Seraglio. Unlike their Ottoman predecessors though, noble women of House Bajazet are not restricted from other areas of the house, and are free to travel wherever they please, enjoying the same freedoms as the Noble women of all the other Houses of the Landsraad.
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The court and household of House Bajazet reside in two main palaces during the course of the year. The Eski Serai (old palace) is located along the coast of the Sea of Sultans, and takes up one full quarter of the winter capitol of Adrianopol. The principle residence for eight months of the year, the Serai was built in 77 BG and has remained the true seat of power. In 7,000 AG. Mehmud the Beloved completed the Yeni Serai(new palace), to serve the needs of the Court during the barren,arid, summer months, when Oasia becomes near unbearable. While somewhat smaller, the Yeni Serai is still a sight to behold,hosting the Baron and his retinue during the four months of high summer. The Yeni Serai is located on the outskirts of Constanbul,the now official summer capitol of New Adrianopolis.
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4.4 House Bajazet Colors and Standard
The official colors of House Bajazet are black, red, and white, in that order. The standard of House Bajazet is simplistic compared to some, yet like all things Bajazet, draws it's origins from the ancient Ottoman Empire. The House banner is divided vertically into three equal portions. The outer two thirds are black, flanking a central panel of red. Overlaid over the red, is the ancient Imperial Ottoman symbol called a Tughra. A Tughra is a formal signature, in archaic Arabic, of the ruling leader, and thus the center panel of the standard changes with each successive Baron.
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When those of House Bajazet encounter each other, a common greeting is to touch their right palm to their chest and to bow their head. The depth of the bow indicates the station of each, as the person lower in station should bow deeper as well to their superior. When greeting those not of House Bajazet, the traditional greeting is optional on both parts, and would not be looked upon as a breach of etiquette were it not done. Servants are acknowledged, but it is not necessary to introduce them. Slaves are ignored unless needed. The slaves and servants should bow their heads to their superiors and give ample deference. Failure to do so can result in punishment ranging from a stern warning to public beatings, depending on the afflicted noble and their mood.
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Bajazet art specializes in two areas: Textiles and Calligraphy. Many women throughout the House are gifted weavers, both common and noble alike. The silks of House Bajazet are among the finest weaves in all the Imperium and are sought after both in their natural form, and finished by Bajazet artisans in various clothes, tapestries, and rugs. Bajazet calligraphers are gifted artisans in their own right, and their intricate and ornate writings and designs create a truly wonderful piece of art as well as functionality in formal documents. Most sultans have a court calligrapher that serves as both a scribe and an official emissary, inking documents to other houses and delivering them as well, ensuring their safe and beautiful presentation.
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Many would call the traditional music of House Bajazet atonal at best, but it is a very common thing to hear music echoing from various parts of traditional Bajazet households. Various drums, reed and stringed instruments make up the bulk of the Bajazet musical range, as there are no brass or more loud and brazen sounds. Many men and women of House Bajazet have a peculiar talent for singing as well, and often times a commander will lead his men into battle with a song. For such a usually dark and somber House, music is a clear way to express those passions that lie within.
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The basic protein of the Bajazet diet is lamb, and just as there are varying peoples within their fiefdoms, so are there various ways to prepare it. Often accompanied with steamed rice, or vegetables, it can be cooked in stew, or prepared as an elaborate entree. Common spices are garlic, lemon, olive oil, and a liquid known as thoi sauce. Melons are a common dessert item, and Bajazets delight in chocolates and finger pastries, such as the famous baklavah, a light, sweet pastry, with layered flaky dough, and a rich, and unique filling.
There are a few traditional beverages peculiar to House Bajazet or widely associated with them, in large part, due to their restrictions against alcoholic beverages. What is commonly referred to as Turkish Coffee, a bitter, dark version of the more traditional beverage is called Kaffe within House Bajazet and often accompanies breakfast or the common pastries and chocolates. Honey-wine is another common and traditional Bajazet drink, a variation on alcohol that is not prohibited in the Is'laamic faith. Brewed from fresh honey, it has a very light and sweet taste to it, like a liquor. Finally, and perhaps most infamously, is the Bajazet drink known as Firewater. It is a strange mix of various juices and spice, combined in such a way as to provide a feeling similar to alcohol combined with a potent aphrodisiac. The effect it has is often a lowering of inhibitions and morals and as such, the drink is only enjoyed on rare occasions or for very special purposes.
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In a tradition established in the times leading up to the first Great Purge, it became a custom for each heir male heir of House Bajazet to have his own personal bodyguard. The candidate was picked at an early age, based on showing the traits of intelligence, agility, and logic. From a very young age the prospective bodyguard is raised with the heir he is destined to serve. They are schooled together, taught the arts of warfare together, and raised almost as siblings. These bodyguards usually hold unique standing and prestige with the future rulers that they serve. The entire process is meant to ensure the utmost loyalty from the bodyguard for his assigned charge, forging a close bond that is unlikely to be swayed by outside intervention or intrigues.
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5. Bajazet Relegion
Formally known as Is'laam, it can trace its roots back to a mixture of Terran religions, primarily Islam, Buddhism, and Western traditional Christianity. As opposed to Orange Catholicism, they have their own holy text known as the Quran, which is derived from the Terran Koran, complete with references to the divine being known as Al'lah. There is too, as in many monotheistic religions, an opposite to Al'lah, that of Shaitan. He serves as the tempter, the devil, and the darkness all in one and is a real danger to those who are not strong in their faith. The religion is as steeped in tradition as the rest of the culture, and it serves as the primary unifying factor for the commoners of House Bajazet.
The four basic tenets of the religion are Piety, Duty, Honor, Justice. From these we can derive the basis of the Bajazet religious strength. All feel that there is one god, from this god they see their lives and what they must do as sent by him. So duty comes from faith, and from doing one's duty we have one must live with honor in all things not just what we are required to do. And from having honor in all things we have their importance on justice. It is all tied in to the Sultanship, the government is based upon the holy right of the sultan, all duty, comes from the sultan and God, as does justice, and to be godly one most live with honor.
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The Marriage customs of religious ceremonies are many layered, and centered around the newly created unity of the couple, under the watchful blessing of Al'lah. The bride and groom are given a ritualistic series of tattoos, inked in henna, which cover their arms and hands in various shapes, depending on the whims of the couple. The only image that must remain constant is that of a rope with ends that, during the ceremony, will be completed after vows are said, tying the hands together with Al'lah's blessing. Wedding ceremonies are traditionally done in gardens or outdoors, as opposed to in the mosques of the faith. Belief holds that the natural surroundings will create a bond that will be blessed both by the divine and the natural, and thus, the couple will grow together and find enlightenment as a union.
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Borrowing from the Terran traditions of Buddhism, there is a tenet of Is'laamic faith which centers around enlightenment, and finding a personal union with Al'lah which will transcend to a more spiritual union in the afterlife. The traditional path to enlightenment is strict adherence to the laws and rules of Is'laam, combined with the life of an ascetic. However, over the years, the faith of the Bajazet people has come to accept a more personal and individualized path to enlightenment, holding to the belief that the ultimate judge of a truly enlightened soul can only be Al'lah. He has given His people gifts, talents, and challenges unique to each, and to His plan, thus each person can find their own enlightenment. There are still some that claim that only the Quran can offer enlightenment, but those are seen as too traditional and rigid, even for the majority of Bajazet.
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5.4 Rules and Laws of Is'laam There are many laws and codes of the Bajazet religion, even as there are slight variations on them, depending on the planet and even region in the case of New Adrianopolis. There are however, some universal truths that are set down due to clear passages within the Quran. Fermented grapes and grains are forbidden, thus ensuring that wine and grain alcohol are not consumed, nor desired by those who follow the laws of Is'laam. Prayer must be attended to daily, at dawn, mid-day and dusk. Prayer may be attended to anywhere, and the daily ceremonies are brief but necessary.
The head of the Is'laamic faith is the Sultan himself, deemed to hold his position by the will of Al'lah. Within the church itself, there is a Caliph who is the clerical head and oversees the entire structure of the church itself, functioning much as an Pope might, while the Sultan himself holds the position of Al'lah's chosen one. Throughout history there have been prophets of Al'lah which have sprung up among the people of His faith. Of the handfuls that have claimed to be His messenger, or his avatar, they have come all from the lower classes. While most have been disproved as crazies, there are two which have defied all attempts to disprove their validity and after their death. They have been honored as saints and true prophets of Al'lah.
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In past times, the Is'laamic faith did not allow for other faiths, as there was only Al'lah. Over time however, as House Bajazet has found a place in the Imperium as a Major House, they have had to take a more lenient stance on those not of the faith. Orange Catholicism bears a resemblance on a few levels to some traditions of Is'laam, and so is seen as a valid offshoot of the true faith. While instruction and communication of the message of Al'lah is still key to the faith, no longer are others seen as inferior. Some see those not of the faith as misguided, or ignorant of the truth, but most are at least accepting.
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There are many varied rituals that play an important part in the day-to-day faith of the Bajazet people. As water is an essential and important commodity, it is seen as a transformable liquid; one which, when blessed properly, becomes the tears of Al'lah shed for the lives of those who died in His service. Meditation also plays a large part in Is'laamic rituals, and there are varied formal practices which involve formal baths, isolation, fasting and vows of silence.
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6. Faction Members
Muradin ibn-Ruhail Khan-Bajazet(Caliph and Ex-Sultan) Daphne Montebeau Khan-Bajazet (Wife to Muradin, Bene Gesserit Sister) Zahirah Vashti Abdul-Samaal (Muradin's Aunt and Regent for Najim) Halil Rayhan ibn-Muradin Khan-Bajazet (First son of Muradin, currently missing) Sultan Najim al Din ibn Muradin Khan-Bajazet (child Sultan, second son of Muradin)
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6.2 The Sultan's Divan -- The Council of State
Grand Vizier Moroko Torin - Chief of Kaitain and all Foreign Affairs
6.3 The Hacegan -- Upper Bracket Bureaucracy
Faris Al-Kheli - Janissary Battle Commander
Rik-Bakur Halgar Zhao Ginaz - Warmaster
Baroness Kaira Al-Ashrad - Seraglio Director
6.4 The Ayan -- Notable Officers in the Bajazet Bureaucracy
Mistress Ruby Averill Braslin - Warmaster's Aide
Lady Vizier Natena Dolmanes - Junior Vizier
Master Taarm Ne'dolo - Mentat
6.5 The Sultan's Household -- Members of the Barionial Retinue
Sibarem Al-Ashari - Master Narsinhas - Efendi Dindar
Brother Sariputra Maitreya - Narsinha
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6.6 Orders within House Bajazet
An order long in service to the Sultan of House Bajazet, they are a group of pious soldiers, dedicated to preserving the honor, integrity and safety of the Sultan and his people. Devout followers of Al'lah, they combine monastic lifestyles and customs with deadly martial prowess and fearless devotion to their duty. Ensured of a place with Al'lah in the afterlife, they have no trepidation in battle and are willing to take on even the most dangerous of assignments if it serves His will. In past years they have fallen out of favor as less devout Sultans have let the order go with less and less funding. In the recent battle on Malarca Secundus, the order suffered a severe blow as a good number of its brothers were among those slaughtered by the Harkonnens.
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While the Narsinha have long been the visible will and protection of the Sultan, the mysterious group known only as the Eyes of the Eagle have been the Sultan's secret eyes and ears. A group so reclusive that only the Sultan himself knows the head of the organization, members are kept unaware of others through the use of contacts and messengers. This group is dedicated to the protection of the Sultan by any means necessary and enjoys a good deal of reward as a result. Once someone becomes a member, all debts are paid off by the Sultan, or forgiven, to ensure no one will have a hold over that person. The member is then sworn to loyalty and to the service of the throne, given his contacts, and sent on his way. Betrayal results in quick and brutal death. The master of the order knows well what his minions are doing, keeping a close eye on them through the various contacts that also make it unable to do too much damage should someone be captured by the enemy or betray the Sultan himself.
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6.6.3 The Order of the Crescent
An honored group within the Bajazet Military, it is reserved for those who have seen combat and have distinguished themselves in it, both alive and dead. It is a personal honor bestowed upon a worthy soldier by the Sultan himself, and as such, the trappings of the order carry a great deal of prestige and power among the Bajazet people. Many past warmasters have been of the order, having proved themselves worthy of leading other men into combat.
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Once the personal army of the Sultan's. Their guard duties have been taken over by the Narsinhas. Their current incarnation is forming the core of the Bajazet military machine. While in a formal war, the Bajazets can mobilize huge amounts of men in the form of levies, not unlike the Imperial way. All Barons, and Earls and duke's, who maintain lands are required to support and care for a set number of mounted and unmounted forces, (also other groups such as archers, or snipers) are often negotiated. They are to deliver them to the sultan at the call of a war. However, the Janissaries are the standing army, those who make a career of nothing but soldiering.
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The merchants and craftsmen of New Adrianopolis and its fiefdoms have banded together to create a guild system which affords them a great deal more political power than they could have on their own. As powerful as the church has been in Bajazet history, in recent years, the Merchant's Guild has been growing in influence, as the power of the church has waned under Ruhail's guidance. Then under Muradin's guidance with the economy prospering and newly spurred trade, despite the return of church power, the merchants retain their economic power.
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7. Faction Protocols
Within House Bajazet, retainers and courtiers revert, by tradition to more archaic Ottoman terms of address. The Baron is always to be referred to as my Lord Baron, my Baron, or, more commonly, my Sultan. Noble daughters of the house are referred to as my Lady, or my Lady Sultana. All noble male House retainers can be shown respect by adding the traditional respectful ending of Bey; thus it would be my Lord Bey. Additionally they may be addressed as my Lord.
While positions such as Suk (doctor) and Mentat have no archaic counterparts, several do. The Bound Concubine is given the title of Kadin, which in the Ottoman tradition was the title applied to the mother of the first male heir. The House's senior diplomat is addressed as the Grand Vizier, and all junior diplomats as simply Vizier.
The House Warmaster is addressed as Lord-Bashir, which is a traditional title applied to leaders of the Ottoman Janissaries. The House elite guard have taken their name from these ancient and ferocious fighting brigades. The Slave Master is addressed as the Kislar Agha, the traditional title of address of the Sultan's Chief Eunuch in charge of the family slaves. This is a position that has changed over time, and the prerequisite of a eunuch in the position has of course been dispensed with. The Baron's personal bodyguard carries no honorific, and thus is simply called my Lord. The House Treasurer is also addressed by the archaic title of Defter Dar. Priests of the Is'laamic faith are referred to as Imam. Those of the Narsinha Order are referred to as Brother, or Master, depending on the level of familiarity.
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All members of House Bajazet are to act with the utmost decorum, and courtesy. Bajazet traditions are never to be flouted or taken lightly, as they are the defining backbone of who we Bajazet are. Men of the House are expected to act with decency, respect, and courtesy when interacting with the women of the House; in their presence is not the time, nor the place, for rude and crass behavior. The word of the Baron is law unto his own House, and is to be followed without argument, however discussion is always encouraged.
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7.3 The Role and Place of Women Within House Bajazet
Women are seen as treasured jewels and prized beauty in the world that Al'lah has created. The role of noble women is similar to that of most other houses; it is in the case of servants and slaves where older, more traditional values shine through. In servants and slaves, even more so than their male counterparts, women are expected to be seen and not heard. In the Sultan's harem, women are given every luxury they desire, but are paid attention to only at the whim of the Sultan, and then, likely, only once before being returned to a life of pampered imprisonment.
Free and noble women are expected to act with modesty however, for their bodies and minds are not to be given to anyone who merely passes by. Veils are expected to be worn by unmarried women, to ensure that their virtue is pure for their husband. Married women are encouraged to wear a veil as well, to highlight their modesty, but such a thing is not required. Noble women are often consulted on important matters by those close to them, but usually not in public. Where there is a powerful man in House Bajazet, one will usually find an equally savvy woman behind him, and while it is not often that a woman will rise to power on her own, when it does happen, they are afforded equality so long as they understand decency.
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7.4 Interactions with other Houses Major Due to our current phase of rebuilding negotiations and ties with the other Great Houses, all members of House Bajazet are instructed to treat members of other Landsraad factions with the utmost courtesy; they are all potential allies, and they are all potential enemies. The only Houses that have established secure relations at this point are Corrino and Rastanyev, both of which have trade and political support agreements in place. We are recently out of a Kanly with the Moritani and get along at best grudgingly if at all with them as a house, though individual friendships seem to rise on occasions. House Harkonnen similarly we several IC years ago came out of a long bloody war with them, and animosity of recent events keeps tension high.
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All questions and comments should be directed to Moroko(@mail) or Bajazet@dune3.net(e-mail).
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